In-house Bunker Renovation

MissionAfter years of conservative budget management, funds became available for membership enhancement projects. This revitalized the Long Range Planning Committee and gave them resources to explore many possibilities for improvements in all departments of the Club. An exhaustive list was formed and through a series of voting by the Board of Directors and the committee it was narrowed down based on what would provide the greatest value with the resources available for each department.

ProblemOver time, the bunkers on the golf course were deemed to have deteriorated to a level inconsistent with member expectations. It was determined that a complete renovation was needed and was to be done within a conservative budget set forth by the Long Range Planning Committee and the Board of Directors.

SolutionAfter several bids and months of research, it was decided that the best and most economical option would be to perform the work in-house. The Turfgrass Director commissioned a golf course architect, purchased the necessary heavy equipment and hired an independent shaper with extensive experience in golf course construction and renovation. The Turfgrass Management Team was augmented to schedule both regular grounds maintenance and bunker construction. While in the field, several other areas of improvement were identified and were performed on a hole-by-hole basis.

Benefits of our in-house bunker renovation-Total price of project ($360,000) included monthly payments for a bulldozer and mini excavator with the intent to sell the bulldozer to recoup approximately $50,000 at the conclusion of the project.-Purchased-to-sell heavy machinery as opposed to renting thus, saving money.-Average cost per bunker was significantly less than contractor pricing.-Each bunker is unique in placement, design and shape.-Flexibility allowed for other problems areas to be addressed: -8 new tees, 300 yards of aged asphalt cart path removed, 98 trees removed, supplemental irrigation installed for more precise water application, augmented fairway and approach edges to enhance playability, drainage issues, 17 acres of maintained turf replaced with low input fescue areas.-In-house labor sees the final result of their labor and provides sense of ownership and pride in their work.

Final ProductOur final product was a unique bunker design, constructed with state of the art techniques that will drain well and be protected from sub-surface contamination by use of a liner. As we have shown, we have provided the membership with a world class product with the highest return on investment possible. By marshalling this project in-house we have saved the membership money, added architectural intrigue, and brought the oldest golf course in Minnesota into the 21st century.

Town & Country Club17. Golf Course Maintenance

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