2023 HGCC in the know...

What a winter it has been so far. Unusual high temperatures and extremely low temperatures with wind chills that we have not seen in many years. However, we are accustomed to weather in Indiana....

The maintenance team and I are in full swing of normal winter maintenance, projects and are taking advantage of extra time out on the course. We have been able to spend extra time on our green expansions, a few tee surface upgrades, range tee short term upgrade and tackle a few unexpected obstacles.

The new sod that has been installed is growing in very well and is on schedule to be ready on opening day.

Out on the range: I am encouraged to the progress we have made to give a better teeing surface for this upcoming season in regards to better irrigation control and coverage; along with re-sodding 4000sq ft on the front range tee. The final touches will be made late winter/early spring on the back tee so we hit the season in stride before we kickoff our much anticipated Practice Facility redesign.

During the artic wind chill and cold snap we encountered and unexpected break in our overflow pipe in the pond on hole 18. The pond froze quickly to a depth of 4”-6” and with the drastic temperature swings this ice shifted and cracked the discharge pipe around 5’-6’ down thus creating a quick draining of the pond. I am very happy to report that we were able to move a few fish that got stuck in the lower level pond on hole 1 to the deeper portion of the pond and mobilize contractors along with my staff to get this problem fixed rather quickly. With the unexpected lower level of the pond we took advantage of this incidence to start our pond management program I am implementing this season. The pond banks were cleaned of debris, inlet pipes were cleaned of silt and a we started our initial aquatic application.. Later in the spring it is my plan to add/stock additional fish to help keep the ponds clean along with monthly pond applications.

Later this month we will be starting a new yearly infrastructure upgrade to our drainage system on the golf course. We will be addressing 3 approach, 14 approach and the beginning of 14 fairway.

This will not only help playability but also allow carts to access these areas quicker after rain events. I look forward to warmer temperatures and the return to the golfing season but in the mean time we will continue to make Highland better everyday on the course and in the planning of exciting upgrades to our driving range, new short game area, and maintenance facility!

Chris Coddington

HGCC Golf and Grounds

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