The First Round of GCIP Drone Pictures

I finally made some time and the weather was right to launch the drone and get some GCIP pictures.  

The shot into 12 green is even more intimidating to me without the two trees left and right of the green.  The three spruces removed behind the green really show off how sloped the green is from back to front at ground level.  

The fairway bunker was enlarged to the north which always showed the bunker was there in the past.  Having the maples removed from right side of that bunker and removing four pines on the left side really opens up the drive and a better view from the tee for all.

The new IV tee on 12.

The left maple on 12, one of the best trees on the property.

Hard to see from this view but a slightly sloped grass path was created on the right side of the I, II tee on 12 for easier access to the II tee area.

There was a great deal of discussion regarding a I tee location on 12.  I have been a no from the beginning on the principles of saving that amazing walnut tree behind the tee.

The first green we sodded with the Kalamazoo Country Club grass.  I am not going to miss those three bunkers on the right, such a tough shot when you were in there.

The putting surface on two went from 2,800 square feet to 6,400!

A great view of the new four tee complex.

The II, III and IV tees on four.  It's been discussed that the 14th tee will have four separate teeing areas and will look similar to the new tees on four.

The new tees on three.

The Gem on the Hill, love the water views with the drone.

The 17th green is all Kalamazoo sod.  A lot to look at here.

Such an improvement to 17.

Number two, the new short par 3 and that is the I tee on 18.  The view from the tee with just one majestic oak remaining looks amazing.

Now even a more demanding finishing hole for all players.

Two green and approach expansion.  

 

Rough Sodding - Tees on Four

Installing rough sod where we removed the beginning of 11 fairway to use throughout the project on tees, collars and approaches.

The future IV tee on four.

The location of the new IV tee on 4.  Sod will be installed on Friday.

The old IV tee on four.  Did anyone like this tee location, tough driving hole!

The new III tee on four.

The new II tee on four. 

The view from the back, back tee on four.

With the new IV tee on the left side of 18 fairway, our architect brought the rough out for a cleaner look.  That tee looks like it's been there since 1915.

No plans for me using this tee!

 

Tees, Future Fairway Drainage, and Much More!

The new I tee on 2 is ready and in play.

More sodding right of the cart path on 2 tee finalizing the tee complex.  Rough sod deliveries this Friday and into next week! Keeping the GCIP moving until the end of the season.

The new back, back tee on 4.  Shaped and now being measured with the laser level.

As the spinning laser (not pictured) beeps with the measuring stick, the construction associate will label areas that are high, low or just right then those areas get adjusted then the tee gets sodded.

The future tees on four, this is the I tee location, ahead the II, the III is done and the IV will be in the rough on the left before the fairway.

First pic of the II tee on four looking east.

An early view of the new III tee location on four.

The left side of 12 tee, now with the rough sod installed.

The right slope of 12 I/II tee with a new built in grass walkway for the II tee players so they don't have to walk from the back of the tee.  I had my doubts of the concept but it turned out great!

The new 12 I/II tee shaped, lasered and ready for sod.

Sodding the new IV tee on 12.  It's a great location and I think such a clean look with the overgrown maples removed on the right, the scrubby pines on the left removed as well as the green side and rear trees removed.  Still lots of beautiful trees surrounding this hole.

Finished the sod work on Tuesday evening as the sun sets.

Open for play Wednesday morning for the ladies!

Starting to make plans on some of our infrastructure projects for 2026.  A walk through with the George Lay Company owner Brian and the project foreman Joe.  Sharing ideas on the best construction concepts to move water for a better playing surface. 

We will be installing much needed drainage in the fairways on holes 4,5,6,7.  GPS work is next then creating the designs and budgets.

The new I tee location on 6.  Very little work to do here as I think this area may have been a tee in the past.

Topdressing the 17th green.  I played twice last week and as a player, I was surprised how smooth the new greens putted.

My ground staff after the member pizza appreciation party!  Thank you to all of those who contributed with the construction team pizza party and with the grounds staff event.

 

Only a Few Tee Pictures this Week Plus Two Bonus Pics

This is looking back at the new III and IV tee on 10.  Tough spot to build a tee but I think it fits into the land very well.

Same 10th tee, opposite view.

The new IV tee on #1, looking back.

Not too much dozer work during our tee renovations.  The III tee #1 turned out being a big area of disturbance so all of the corners of the tee would wrap into the land around it.

                                        

                              Plate compacting the subgrade in the new bunkers on                                        17 and adding fresh sand.

                

The new bunkers on 17 are open for business.  The expanded  fairway edge shown will be mowed even further to the left so it can wrap in front of the bunker.

If you didn't know, my office and our grounds maintenance building is next to six green.

Through the airplane window.