Hole-by-Hole Pictorial 10/25

I know some of these golf holes look like they are ready to be played. Looks can be deceiving! Much of these areas look good from eye level but when you get on top of them it is obvious that a great deal more growth, filling and maturation is necessary prior to allowing play. The turf must be allowed to establish a "mat" of organic material. This mat gives the turf resilience and helps it withstand wear and tear. Open too early and we could be dealing with the repercussions for years. Realistic and tempered expectations are key as we move into 2014.

Enjoy the photos!

1st Hole

2nd Hole

3rd Hole

3rd Hole

4th Hole

5th Hole

6th Hole

7th Hole

7th Hole

8th Hole

9th Hole

9th Hole

View from 10 tee across 11 green towards the golf shop.

View from 10 tee towards the main parking lot.

10th Hole

10th Hole

11th Hole

Back tee on the 12th hole showing walking path.

12th hole from the mid tee.

12th Hole

12th Hole

13th Hole

13th Hole - upper tee

14th Hole

14th Hole

14th Hole

15th Hole

16th Hole - back tee

16th Hole - mid tee

17th Hole

18th Hole

Simba Blood, Natural Resources Technician with the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District, instructs students from Farnsworth Aerospace Magnet School on proper planting technique of prairie plant plugs. Additional Watershed staff and Master Gardeners were on hand to assist the students. I was able to share with the students some of the programs and practices we employ here at Keller GC to minimize our impact on the environment and our local ecosystem. The students left with a fuller understanding of how golf courses can compliment and assist Mother Nature in so many ways.

Students plant plugs in a new naturalized area below the 12th tee complex.

Fifth grade students from the LNFI French Immersion School in St. Paul plant plugs on the hillside between the 12th and 18th holes.

The completed exterior of the golf shop.

Tee Sign Auction

The old bronze Keller tee signs will be auctioned off on eBay beginning November 10, 2013. Please click the following link for additional information on the auction:  Keller Tee Sign Auction

The direct link to the Ebay site is: http://www.ebay.com/sch/ramseyctyparks/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from

10/7 Update

I haven't had much time for picture-taking so this will be an abbreviated post. The grow-in is going well though we are a bit behind. Holes 13, 18, 12 and the Driving Range were seeded late, up to two weeks outside the optimum seeding window for our location, and our progress going forward will, of course, be very weather dependent. Duininck continues to work on their punchlist, tweaking and repairing a variety of issues that ultimately occur during golf course construction.If all goes as planned they should be off site by the end of October. Keller grounds staff continue to mow, water, fertilize and deal with falling leaves. Pray for a warm October.

McGough workers install the new 60' flag pole between the 11th green and the clubhouse.

The driving range netting went up in approximately 10 days. Here workers drill 10 foot deep holes for the support poles.

Poles installed along the first hole prior to being cemented in place.

A view from the first tee after seeding.

The second hole on September 13

The same hole seven days later.

A tee view of of the 18th hole following seeding and mulching.

The 13th hole.

The alternate approach from the upper tee on the 13th hole.

From behind the 12th green prior to sodding and seeding.

A view from the bottom of the hill into the 12th green.

The 12th green after seeding and sodding.

Landscaping installation on the east side of the clubhouse.

The sun sets on the 18th green.

The first hole on September 29. Note the stuck-on irrigation head - a common problem with new irrigation systems.

The golf shop and the new practice green.