| Maintenance News
March 11th, 2011
As mentioned in the previous winter update, a shade study was conducted on the 6th and
13th greens using the pinpoint technology of ArborCom Technologies Inc..
With this technology we were able to target 277 trees that could possibly cast shade on
either of these greens at different times of the year. In order to gain our additional sunlight
requirements and provide these two greens with optimum conditions, it was recommended
that we selectively remove 70 of the 277 trees that were identified in the study.
Rush Creek reviewed ArborCom's detailed study findings and decided that to provide the
best playing conditions we were going to take their full recommendation. The study
highlighted 20 trees from around the 6th green and 50 trees around the 13th green.
We look forward to seeing the dividends from the work that was put into this shade study.
-Superintendent Dale Hiebert
 
-Tree left of 6 fairway. -From behind #13 green.
 
-Before picture of #13 green. -After tree removal.
Winter Update January 5th 2011
Winter came early this year with 10" of early snow cover on November 13th and
continuing on through December. During November we conducted a tree shading
study on the 6th and 13th greens with the help of ArborCom Technologies Inc.
The objective of the study was to gain additional sunlight for these two greens.
ArborCom's software is able to pinpoint every tree that may cast shade on these
greeens and can then select individual trees and show you how much shade that
tree is casting for any day of the year and anytime of day. The software will allow us
to only remove the trees that are causing the most problems thus saving the highest
possible amount of trees. Specific light requirements of 4-5 hours of morning light and
9-10 hours of all day light are needed for our A1/A4 bentgrass greens and the study
was designed to gain these light requirements.
Here is a look at the 6th Green on September 21st at 3:10pm. The top picture is the
existing conditions. Take note of the shading that is beginning in the middle of the green
which continues to increase as the sun goes down. The bottom picture shows the removal
of specific trees that was able to give us the light requirement we need.
-ArborCom beginning work on 6 Green.
Superintendent Dale Hiebert
Testimonials
"The new greens at Rush Creek are now the best in the state. Though fast, they putt true. Last spring, when other courses had severe winter kill, Rush Creek had minimal. A day or two after they were aerated and sanded this year - they were still better than a lot of other greens in the area. They also seem to heal very well after play, as I never see any sustained damage from ball marks." -- Jim Burkstrand
"We play many different courses in Minnesota during the year and Rush Creek is always the yardstick, especially comparing the greens. I have not played at any other course where I think the greens are better." -- Scott Leonard
"Rush Creek's greens are now among the best in the Twin Cities, especially for a public course. Not only are they fast, they roll true and are great at holding approach shots." -- Bill Adams
"The decision to upgrade the greens was obviously a good one. The added quickness hasn't diminished the true roll and make the course all the more enjoyable." -- Bob Miller
"The new greens' putting surfaces have far exceeded most expectations and put a great deal of enthusiasm in thinking about playing again at Rush Creek Golf Club."
-- Greg Bakeberg
"The greens are better than they have ever been. They were fast and rolled perfectly! It has been fun to see the changes at the course over the last couple of years and as a result the course is in the best shape ever." -- David Devins
"I thought the greens were great before. Now they are even better! I like 'em fast!"
-- Randy Zejdlik
"The greens at Rush were worth the wait. They're fast and they're true! Oh, did I say I really liked 'em? You 'betcha!" -- John Nicolay
"#18 is one of the greatest finishing holes and I believe the changes in the
past several season to change holes #13-15 are wonderful, not to mention,
new greens and the movement Dale has made to help the ecology of
the course by taking portions of the course out of the watering zones
by adding ornamental grasses." -- Phil Griffin
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