“What do you guys do all winter?”

This is a common question that many golf course superintendents receive.  While winter does tend to be a bit more relaxing, the truth is, the off-season is equally as important as the golfing season.  Here at Illini CC, the winter of 2014/15 has provided a constant “flurry” of activity.  Crew members Jason Herbert, John Millslagle, and Mark Hammitt meticulously cleaned, inventoried, and organized all of our machines, tools, and course accessories.  The equipment was then passed onto Jack Rodems, Illini CC’s equipment technician, who thoroughly inspected, repaired, and serviced each item.  Jack has dedicated a tremendous amount of his time making sure that all of our equipment is in top running condition, and that all of our mowers will deliver the finest cut possible.  Jack also led the crew in repainting and organizing the service bay of the maintenance shop.

Bedknife Grinding

Detailing Equipment

 Equipment Inspection

Sawdust was flying as the maintenance crew undertook one of the larger projects this winter…the making of new tee markers.  Each year, the tee markers are removed from the course, inventoried, and repainted.  This year, however, the decision was made to update the design.  While the original theme of the capital-letter-I was retained, the new tee markers have a more intricate design and paint scheme.  Several prototypes were eliminated before reaching our final product.  We’re very pleased with the way they turned out, and believe they will exude an extra touch of class on the course.  It’s all about the details!!

New Tee Markers

Throop and Son Tree Service, Inc. assisted us with the removal of two large oak trees between holes #10 and #11.  The decision to remove a tree is always a difficult one, and great care is placed in determining the best possible option.  The health of the tree, health of the turf, golf playability, personal safety, and environmental impact are all taken into consideration. Ultimately, these two old giants were respectfully removed due to a loss in structural integrity.

(VIDEO) Oak Tree removal #10

Also on the course, the installation of a new bridge has begun below the tees on #18.  The steel and concrete work was performed by County Contractors, while all carpentry work will be performed by our crew in-house.  Work on the bridge will resume as soon as weather permits, and will be completed in time for the beginning of the season.

New Bridge on #18

In the office, Superintendent Kyle Sherwood and Assistant Superintendent Curtis Keller have been busy making strategic plans for the 2015 season.  They have been plugging away creating pesticide programs, updating policies and procedures, managing the budget, and general administrative work.  Kyle and Curtis recently traveled to Texas to attend the Golf Course Superintendents Association Educational Conference and Golf Industry Show.  This annual event gives Superintendents from around the globe an opportunity to meet, attend educational seminars, view new technology, and discuss turfgrass and personnel management.

Golf Industry Show in San Antonio

Finally, the maintenance staff has been diligent all winter about keeping the parking lot and sidewalks clear of snow and ice.  With our first snowfall occurring in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving, this winter has delivered approximately 26” of snow to Springfield.  The crew has selflessly sprung into action each time to ensure the safety of our members and their guests.

Snow Removal

As you can see, even in the “off season”, the Illini CC’s maintenance crew is still hard at work doing everything they can to provide top-quality golf course conditions and a great experience for our members.  It won’t be long now before spring clean-up will begin on the course.  In the meantime, I think I’ll grab another cup of coffee.

Prepared by, Curtis Keller