MacKenzie

I take pictures almost everyday on the golf course but rarely post them.  I couldn't help myself with this one of MacKenzie.

Well Update

After nearly seven months of drilling and over a year of work, the test hole for the well on #12 is complete and at a depth of 1340'.  The well was tested last week for potential output and water quality, with results indicating the potential to produce 100-200 gal/min from water sources above 800’.  Below 800’ the test results indicate only limited amounts of brackish water.    Such tests do not actually test the water; surrounding rock formations are tested and from that data potential output and water quality is calculated. Actual output and water quality cannot be quantified until we develop and utilize the well.  

Possible Production

• 100 gal/minute pumping 24hrs/day will produce 144k gallons
• 200gal/minute pumping 24hrs/day will produce 288k gallons
• We use an average of 300k gallons of water per day on the golf course, May-September

The information we have encourages us to complete the well to a depth of 800’, filling the hole below with concrete in order to prevent the brackish water from contaminating the usable water above 800’.  As stated throughout this entire process the well is not an absolute and may go dry or not recharge itself at any given time.   

We will not be able to utilize the well water or any other alternative source without a storage tank and a pump station. In order for us to develop such onsite infrastructure the Shareholders will need to approve the necessary funds. A detailed presentation of our options and a Shareholder vote are planned to take place within the next 90 days.

We appreciate your understanding during this process and look forward to completing the entire water project as soon as possible.  

Cart Traffic

Every year during spring and fall aeration we remove all stakes, ropes and cart signs from the golf course.  The improved visual impact on the golf course during this period is dramatic from all vantage points.  We always try to limit the use of these tools but as the season goes on and compaction increases we tend to expand their use.  

The stakes, ropes and cart signs take up a significant amount of labor and resources.  We not only move them to divert traffic but we also move them everytime we mow these areas.  The rope is replaced several times a year and the cart signs are removed 3-4 times a year and pressure washed.

During a recent green committee meeting several ideas were proposed from experiences on other golf courses.  After discussing the ideas with Pasatiempo staff, board and committee members we decided to change how we direct traffic throughout the property.

Starting today you will see a 3' tall wood stake at the beginning and end of each hole.  Please take a moment to read the new cart policy below.  

• Drive on the cart path as far as possible past the first stake   
• Exit the cart path using the 90 degree rule and proceed to your ball
• When off the cart path utilize the fairway as your primary driving area and avoid driving through the rough when possible
• Exit before the last stake back to the cart path
• Never drive through native areas or on designated walking paths

The stakes will only be successful with your participation.  Ken and his staff will do a great job getting the word out to members and guest in the pro shop and on the first tee.    We are treating this as a trial period and welcome input from the membership.  Please contact myself, Ken or Scott with any questions. 

 

 

Aeration

Spring aeration is finally here.  The crew stepped up and put in a full 13 hour day yesterday.  We were able to finish all the greens and the front nine fairways.  We had no mechanical issues yesterday which is unusual for an aeration.  This can be directly attributed to the investment the club has made in new equipment and the great job our service manager Mario does everyday.  We understand this week is an inconvenience to the membership.  We appreciate your understanding during this important and necessary process.

Spring Aeration

Spring aeration is around the corner and it looks like the weather will cooperate.  We will be closed April 13th-16th.  The driving range, putting green and chipping green will reopen on Wednesday, April 15th.

• Greens will be aerated with 5/8" hollow tines, verti-cut, top-dressed and fertilized 
• Fairways, tees and approaches will aerated, seeded, top-dressed and fertilized
• Weak areas in the rough will be aerated, seeded, top-dressed and fertilized

We received over an inch of much needed rain today.  This brings our winter total, since September of 2014, to 23.5".

Tee Yardage Markers and Signs

We started installing the new metal yardage tee markers this week.  The new markers are simple and maintenance free.  We prefabricated a concrete base which will help stabilize the markers and prevent any accidental trips into someones bag or front yard.  All the markers should be installed by the end of next week.  We are also in the process of installing new road crossing signs.  This was done at the request of the HOA.

Well Update

The well project has been slow going the past two weeks.  After changing the drill rig from a traditional drill to an air hammer, Maggiora Brothers were able to break through the granite and drill several hundred additional feet.  After breaking through the granite the well drillers decided to not case the well below the granite, thinking the material below the granite would be hard.  The material below the granite turned out to be very soft and the well collapsed.  The drill bit and several cones broke off and are stuck in the bottom of the well.  The well drillers tried to retrieve their equipment for over a week, with no success, as the well continued to collapse every time they went down.  Over the past several days they were able to case the rest of the well and are now attempting to retrieve the cones and drill bit.

We are currently at 800' and the well is producing 20-40 gal/minute.  This is far from the 200 gal/minute we are hoping for.  The data shows the majority of water to be at the 1200'-1300' depth.  We want to reiterate this is a test drill and there is the possibility we will not find any water.  As frustrating as this is it's completely out of our control.  Maggiora Brothers wants to complete this well as soon as possible so they can move on to their next job.  We will send out an update as soon as we find out any additional information.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.