| Golfers -- Do You Hate Aerated Greens? Do You Think The Superintendent Intentionally Punches Holes In the Greens Every Time They Get Really Good ? |
| A Green Section Video - Why Aerating Greens Is Vital
By Jim Moore, agronomist, USGA Green Section |
 Although it may be hard for some golfers to believe, superintendents don't like to aerate greens any more than players like to putt on them. It is a hard job that not only aggravates the golfer, but also dulls mowers, wears out the staff, and costs plenty for topdressing sand to fill the holes. So why do superintendents insist on performing this maintenance task? It's simple - aerating promotes healthier turf and helps ensure the greens drain properly.
This short video will help golfers better understand why this temporarily disruptive process is so important.
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| Maintenance Facilities - Best Management Practices |
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Recording of webcast on Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
Webcast delivered by Tim Hiers, CGCS, director of agronomics
The Old Collier Golf Club, Naples, Florida |
 Mr. Hiers delivered an excellent presentation that should be viewed by all course officials, committee members, superintendents, and anyone else interested in the environmental impact of a golf course maintenance facility.
The design and daily operation of a sustainable maintenance facility is integral to today's golf maintenance operations. If a golf course is serious about implementing best management practices, along with environmental stewardship and good business procedures, a properly designed maintenance facility will be the foundation to achieve those goals. This webcast illustrates one way to achieve some of those goals. Length: approximately one hour.
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| Winter Injury Across the Country - Survey Results |
| Green Section Surveys
By the Green Section staff |
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This past winter brought conditions that damaged turf in many parts of the country. While southern courses struggled with the loss of bermudagrass, many courses in northern regions suffered severe injury to Poa annua.
More than 400 respondents completed these surveys. To see the results, click the links below.
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| The Economic Challenge Continues |
| An Update from the North Central Region
By R.A. (Bob) Brame, director, North Central Region |
North Central Region |
Recent conversations and Turf Advisory Service visits point to the economy as the biggest concern for most golf course maintenance operations. Maintenance budgets continue to be curtailed in light of declining play, and more than a few courses are quite literally facing a "do or die" year. Cutbacks in spending alone will not solve the problem; it will take more play and, with private clubs, a larger membership base. Reducing the maintenance budget will eat into an operation's deficit, but it also will lessen the appearance and playability of the course. A strong argument could be made that diluting the final product has many benefits, but ultimately it is the golfers' acceptance that is necessary. While the specifics at every facility need to be considered, there is a general need to carefully analyze what golfers are paying relative to what they are receiving. Some of the stronger courses in this current economy are those with lower budgets, focusing on course maintenance efficiency and offering low to moderate fees.
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