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[EasyPutter 2,043]

17 hours ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Spent 4 hours yesterday afternoon and 5 hours today removing my old golf green. I thought it would take another day but I got it finished. It was 1-1/2 inch thick turf that was sand filled. I had to cut it into 2 foot by 12 foot sections and drag it off into the woods. Eventually it will get buried. The green was 24' wide by 30' deep. I am impressed with the sub base. I put that in about 15 years ago and it's still in excellent condition. Now that the base is so good the delema is in what to do next. Thinking about going to natural grass. 

 

Water feature with bridge and windmill?  Asking for a friend 

[Tom the Golf Nut 7,761]

7 hours ago, Shapotomous said:

I must have missed it, but what was the reason for taking out the turf, was it worn out in some way?  I am interested to know if this is a project in my future since mine has been in place since 2009.

Since it was a true sand filled green it was attacked by anything that would grow. It's in a low area with a lot of trees around. The trees weren't close but did block airflow. Weeds would come up and I would pull them. A bird would dump onit and the seeds would find its way into the green and grow something. Mold would take hold and I would spray it with mold killer. Note that mold killer didn't work. Last year I even used a power washer held low and used the water jet to cut under any mold growth. That took so long working an inch at a time. It started to look better but over the years the sand compacted and hitting a ball in from 100 yards was like hitting concrete. The ball would bounce off. I finally gave up on it. Note that this was 1-1/2 "thick turf designed to accept 150 yard shots. So it wasn't just a thin putting green.

Since the base was built like a real green with drainage underneath and the cups have underground drainage tubes that lead out from under the green I think I can pull off real grass. I just need to add a sand layer on top of the crusher stone layer. I have 5 mowers so I'll try to modify one or purchase a used reel mower. I probably can get the seed from my country club. So it will be the same grass type as what I normaly play on. It was always meant to be a target green with putting as a bonus. So even if I don't get it perfect for putting its OK.  It's about the target practice for me.  I have 50 yard and 100 yard tee areas. I can actually hit 200 yards to the green but it would be blind hitting due the property contours. The property starts with a gradual climb, then flattens out, then a bit more than gradual decline to a flat area where the green is. From flat to flat is 100 yards and thats a great distance to work on target golf. At 720 sq/ft anything over 100 yards is wishful thinking anyway.

[Tom the Golf Nut 7,761]

9 hours ago, EasyPutter said:

Water feature with bridge and windmill?  Asking for a friend 

The only water feature you'll see will occur after a few beers. To far to walk back to the house! 

[Rickp 28,561]

14 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

The only water feature you'll see will occur after a few beers. To far to walk back to the house! 

Sounds like the Bocce Golf Guys!

[Tom the Golf Nut 7,761]

Monkey wrench.....Neighbor just called. He saw me rip up the green. He wants to know if I'd sell him 1-1/2 acres of my property that's behind his. Yup that's where the green is.  My daughter is in college so that would help a lot.

Plan B. Put a putting green in the backyard which is much closer to the house. Still have 1-1/2 acres in the back yard. Pick an area, dig down a few inches. Take the crusher run material from the other green for the base. Go synthetic that is not sand filled and designed for putting and chipping. 

Plan C. Forget about another green and drive 2 miles to the course or use the simulator and putting mat in the basement.

Plan D. My neighbor is a golfer too. Redo original green with sand and grass. Then use the future now his green as I always let him use mine. Then he can maintain it.

Complications and decisions. 

[Shapotomous 4,818]

@Tom the Golf Nut  My vote is plan D and make it part of the handshake agreement that you can continue to use the green!  You get college tuition money and keep a target green at home all without having to maintain it   win-win-win!!  And you can suggest he should put in a bunker too!!  

Mine is filled with granules not sand but stuff still tries to grow in it in the shadier areas.  Mostly moss but i use a copper solution and it kills it off so I can sweep it away.  Under my granule filled turf is a rubber membrane which allows it to accept wedge shots without bouncing like concrete.  My limit is 65 yards though due to woods and the grade of the property in that direction dropping quickly.

Mine does have a water feature and a bridge and a lighthouse instead of a windmill and a gazebo....but those first two were negotiated so I could have the putting green, the last two were add ons!  

[Tom the Golf Nut 7,761]

55 minutes ago, Shapotomous said:

@Tom the Golf Nut  My vote is plan D and make it part of the handshake agreement that you can continue to use the green!  You get college tuition money and keep a target green at home all without having to maintain it   win-win-win!!  And you can suggest he should put in a bunker too!!  

Mine is filled with granules not sand but stuff still tries to grow in it in the shadier areas.  Mostly moss but i use a copper solution and it kills it off so I can sweep it away.  Under my granule filled turf is a rubber membrane which allows it to accept wedge shots without bouncing like concrete.  My limit is 65 yards though due to woods and the grade of the property in that direction dropping quickly.

Mine does have a water feature and a bridge and a lighthouse instead of a windmill and a gazebo....but those first two were negotiated so I could have the putting green, the last two were add ons!  

Option D is how I am leaning as well. I did have a sand trap in the front left side of the green but filed it in after three years. Every blessed animal in the forest used it as a litter box. Fox, cats, coyote, raccoons. You name it. Even deer left me some marbles to clean out. It was a daily endeavor. Finially gave up as it would stink even after being raked and cleaned. Figured it wasn't healthy. 

I used to leave a few balls down in the cups. A neighbor on the other side of the woods complained that I was hitting balls into her horse pasture. I assured her I didn't. Then I watched the green one morning. The protected American Black Vultures would circle like buzzards come down, take a ball thinking they were eggs. They would fly off then drop them in her field. Problem solved, no more balls left on the green. It was kind of funny. For a couple weeks I kept thinking " I know I left balls down here" thought I was going crazy.

[Kenny B 32,428]

I vote B and D.  

[EasyPutter 2,043]

13 hours ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Monkey wrench.....Neighbor just called. He saw me rip up the green. He wants to know if I'd sell him 1-1/2 acres of my property that's behind his. Yup that's where the green is.  My daughter is in college so that would help a lot.

Plan B. Put a putting green in the backyard which is much closer to the house. Still have 1-1/2 acres in the back yard. Pick an area, dig down a few inches. Take the crusher run material from the other green for the base. Go synthetic that is not sand filled and designed for putting and chipping. 

Plan C. Forget about another green and drive 2 miles to the course or use the simulator and putting mat in the basement.

Plan D. My neighbor is a golfer too. Redo original green with sand and grass. Then use the future now his green as I always let him use mine. Then he can maintain it.

Complications and decisions. 

Option E - convert the entire yard into Bentgrass for an epic putting green leaving enough Kentucky Blue for chipping and pitching... then collect a nominal amount, could be beer, from those who just have to try it.

Walked by this property between offsite parking for work and the office while at my previous job that was entirely Bentgrass and maintained well for at least the 4 years I passed by.  Last drove by it just a few weeks ago and it still is just as lush.  So minimum of 10 year old lawn.

[Getoffmylawn 5,225]

Starting to stress the pending move a bit.

Being an active duty officer it’s unheard of to stay in one place for 6 years, so I have no complaints and knew eventually I’d have to move on, but taking down Christmas lights yesterday it dawned on me it was the last time I was going to do it at our Nebraska house, and it’s becoming hard not to think that way about a lot of things.  My kids are 8, 6, and 4…this place is all they’ve really known, and I’m really hoping I can get them to embrace the adventure of a move rather than lament leaving.

Still no idea where to.  Hoping for Langley AFB in Virginia or San Antonio, although I’m hearing back to the Pentagon is a possibility.  (Please Lord, no!)  In 21 years, I’ve never correctly predicted where I’m going next, so why I bother to guess is beyond me.

Anyway, sorry to vent that all here, just on my mind more and more as the summer approaches.  Won’t know anything to a certainty until March….

[EasyPutter 2,043]

7 hours ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Starting to stress the pending move a bit.

Being an active duty officer it’s unheard of to stay in one place for 6 years, so I have no complaints and knew eventually I’d have to move on, but taking down Christmas lights yesterday it dawned on me it was the last time I was going to do it at our Nebraska house, and it’s becoming hard not to think that way about a lot of things.  My kids are 8, 6, and 4…this place is all they’ve really known, and I’m really hoping I can get them to embrace the adventure of a move rather than lament leaving.

Still no idea where to.  Hoping for Langley AFB in Virginia or San Antonio, although I’m hearing back to the Pentagon is a possibility.  (Please Lord, no!)  In 21 years, I’ve never correctly predicted where I’m going next, so why I bother to guess is beyond me.

Anyway, sorry to vent that all here, just on my mind more and more as the summer approaches.  Won’t know anything to a certainty until March….

My career was all Guard and Reserves so kids never moved but they also didn't know any other military kids and were isolated that way when I deployed.  I have lots of friends who were/are Active so no worries venting to this Spy and with many others sporting Veteran badges I am sure you're in good company.  Moving can affect kids positively by keeping the focus on adventure and traditional things like your Christmas lights will bridge the gap.  As my daughter says brightly when a change happens, ADVENTURE!!! 

[cnosil 24,387]

10 hours ago, Getoffmylawn said:

 Hoping for Langley AFB in Virginia

You could become a MGS tester if you end of there!

[Getoffmylawn 5,225]

10 minutes ago, cnosil said:

You could become a MGS tester if you end of there!

That’s exactly why I said “hoping for”!  

[sirchunksalot 15,630]

There's no better feeling than the power going out right before you turn the coffee pot on. 

[Tom the Golf Nut 7,761]

31 minutes ago, sirchunksalot said:

There's no better feeling than the power going out right before you turn the coffee pot on. 

Wouldn't bother me. I don't drink coffee. 

[Tom the Golf Nut 7,761]

Well after 2 solid days of rain the rain just stopped, the sun just poked its head out and its 55 degrees. Got to run, the course is calling. 

[sirchunksalot 15,630]

1 minute ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Well after 2 solid days of rain the rain just stopped, the sun just poked its head out and its 55 degrees. Got to run, the course is calling. 

You saying that reminds me of the scene in Forrest Gump when it's nothing but solid rain and then just stops. I'm waiting on that moment here, as it's coming down.

Go out and get that ace today and have fun!

[Tom the Golf Nut 7,761]

1 hour ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Well after 2 solid days of rain the rain just stopped, the sun just poked its head out and its 55 degrees. Got to run, the course is calling. 

Cruel joke. Got dressed for golf walked out the door and saw a very dark cloud heading my way. Went back in the house and checked the radar. Yup more rain coming. 30 minutes later pouring rain again. I hope tomorrow will be decent. 

[stuka44 403]

1 hour ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Cruel joke. Got dressed for golf walked out the door and saw a very dark cloud heading my way. Went back in the house and checked the radar. Yup more rain coming. 30 minutes later pouring rain again. I hope tomorrow will be decent. 

Not a weather problem but a crowd problem for me.  I get it this is technically a holiday, and I should be glad that golf is popular so courses won't close, but c'mon its 43 degrees in northeast Ohio, in 2019 and prior you could just show up at any time you wanted, pretty much after mid October, and courses would be ghost towns.

I'm really glad but wow the courses were more crowded today than they were sometimes in the middle of summer at 1 PM.  All three courses were packed!

 

[Kenny B 32,428]

4 hours ago, sirchunksalot said:

There's no better feeling than the power going out right before you turn the coffee pot on. 

You have a BBQ, right?