Every season, at the UMGC, we have a couple of temporary
staff members that show an elevated amount of interest and passion about the
golf course. Some have aspirations of
working in the industry and some just got bit by the UMGC bug. These people are a joy to work with because
of their dedication and positive attitudes.
All of their efforts and excellent work warrants commendation.
These few also thrive on challenges. Greg Wnuk, recent graduate of University of
Michigan, had the opportunity to design and execute his “UMGC senior
thesis.” The project, dubbed “Mini Six”,
is a 1/120th scale model of the green complex of #6 at the
course.
The model is a living, growing and maintained piece of
bentgrass turf that was reclaimed from the #6 green expansion project, which is
the signature hole at the UMGC. It
features a “soil profile window” that has an irrigation head (fully
operational), drain tile and distinct layers of aggregate soils. The topography of the green was surveyed in
the fall and converted to the scale model.
It will be displayed and maintained for viewing.
Plywood box lined with plastic and reinforced with tension
rods to hold the total weight of 175lbs
Live drainage trenched into the clay base to ensure the
proper movement of water in the model
Bunkers are molded to spec with modeling clay to be later
filled with sand
The original sod, harvested 3 months prior, was kept dormant
until planted on top of final grade
View of green from a ½” tall golfer
Upcoming potential projects for inspired young
groundskeepers include pollinator gardens in natural areas, butterfly gardens,
bat houses and, tree cataloguing/gps/tagging.
We look forward to this upcoming season with new and returning employees
that could carry out these inspired projects!
Here are some extra photos of the project.
Here are some extra photos of the project.