5 Green Complex Construction Progress

As the construction of the 5th green complex continues, we wanted to share an updated time lapse video of the progress to date.  The video below shows the progress of the 5th green complex from the start of the project through today; a span of 12 days.

Beginning of 5 Green Construction

Following a productive week of work, Keith Foster approved Wissahickon's Phase 1 greens surfaces!

Currently, we are laser scanning the approved surfaces.  Following scanning, the work of "coring-out" and constructing the USGA greens can begin.

For a more detailed explanation of the beginning portion of our green process please watch the video below.

Wissahickon Restoration Kicks Off

The Restoration Project on Wissahickon has officially begun!  5 green complex is the first area to get reshaped.  Below is a time lapse video of the progress made in reshaping the green complex on the 1st day.

Time Lapse Video

As we prepare for the Wissahickon Restoration at Philadelphia Cricket Club we are using time lapse cameras to capture the work being done on the course.  These cameras will allow us to capture the changing landscape of the course throughout the duration of the project, and will condense the output into a video to showcase the course transformation. 

Below is a sample video of the time lapse camera at work during our May aerification of Militia Hill.

Militia Hill Patio Complete!

In preparing for the Wissahickon Restoration close period this summer, our staff worked with architect Jim Bogrette to construct a 5,500 sq. ft. patio at Militia Hill.  This will help accommodate the increased member usage at Militia Hill, and the new patio capacity now matches potential function size of events hosted there.  The patio was constructed out of flagstone and is laid in a European style.

Welcome to the new patio at the Militia Hill clubhouse...all finished and ready for the members of the Philadelphia Cricket Club to enjoy.

The base has been created and the patio begins to take shape - existing soil has been moved and some new soil been added to make this happen.

The concrete layer being poured to provide a solid base for the flagstone.

 Time for a quick break - the crew stops for a quick photo as the concrete layer is nearly complete!

 The concrete layer is complete and now the patio is ready for the flagstone to be laid.

 The progress continues through the inclement weather - putting up a tarp allows us to continue to lay flagstone in the rain and snow.

 All hands on deck!  The crew grouting the joints of the flagstone as the patio is almost complete.

The patio is complete and the landscaping is being planted to put the finishing touches on the project.

 The new field bake oven, just like the ones used by the Revolutionary soldiers at Valley Forge - this will provide some tasty, fire-grilled meals to be enjoyed on the new patio.

National Hickory Championship at St. Martins

With Philadelphia hosting the U.S. Open this week for the first time in over 30 years, it is fitting that our St. Martins golf course is hosting the National Hickory Championship.  St. Martins hosted the 1907 and 1910 U.S. Open, and this weekend it is being played in a similar fashion to how the game was played in the early 1900's.  

St. Martin's Golf Course Superintendent, Andrew Goehler and his staff did an outstanding job constructing the, old-fashioned, earthen tees for this weekend's National Hickory Championship.

Constructing the forms for the earthen tee boxes.

 

Vibratory compacting the sand into place.

Finished.

 

 The old tees blend nicely into the landscape.

The players tee the ball up using sand.  Each player grab's a fist-full of sand which they then wet using water from the small metal bucket.  A small, firm mound is created which the ball delicately rests on.

  

 Watching the golfers play in their time-period attire, you really get the sensation of being thrown back in time.  Can you imagine coming down the home-stretch of the 1907 or 19010 US Open with this tee shot as your final hole?