Our new “Yes…But How?” column will go beyond “textbook” treatment of management topics to provide practical insights for how to effectively apply proven tools and techniques.
Behind the Big Digs (meriware)
Reflecting their elevated professional status, superintendents are now getting in on the ground floor to provide brains, and leadership, for golf course construction and renovation projects. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor SUMMING IT UP Superintendents now routinely take the lead in course renovation projects—but their higher profiles bring a need for expanded expertise. No two construction projects…
In Good Company
From history-making golf scores to valued relationships with its golf course equipment manufacturer, Colonial Country Club enjoys strong associations with industry players. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor Colonial Country Club, in Cordova, Tenn., has made a name for itself in the headlines on more than one occasion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the club…
In Good Company
Colonial Country Club, in Cordova, Tenn., has made a name for itself in the headlines on more than one occasion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the club was founded in December 1913 by a small group of business leaders in nearby Memphis—and when its first 18-hole golf course was dedicated a year later, the…
A Special Oregon Trail
Legendary golfers and prestigious events are integral to the history of Portland Golf Club, which is gearing up for its 100th anniversary—and a course-and-grounds team, led by a superintendent who is well-schooled in tradition, is properly preserving the past while preparing for new chapters to come. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor The list of legendary…
Unspoken Truths
Superintendents have to watch where and how they use the “C” and “F” words—but at the same time be more forceful in dispelling myths and misconceptions about chemical and fertilizer applications. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor Satisfying golfers’ expectations about course conditions, while at the same time following environmentally sensitive maintenance practices, has become a…
Award-Winning Priorities
Since its inception, the University of Michigan’s Radrick Farms Golf Course has made environmental stewardship its priority—and the golf course has the accolades to prove it. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor Super in the Spotlight: Dan Mausolf Position: Superintendent Club: Radrick Farms Golf Course Website: www.radrick.umich.edu No. of Holes: 18 Designer: Pete Dye Type: Semi-Private…
Taking It to Extremes
Golf course superintendents are going on the attack in their ongoing battles with the increasingly capricious—and catastrophic—whims displayed by Mother Nature. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor During last summer’s extended drought, surface temperatures of dormant bluegrass in non-irrigated rough areas registered 126º when taken with an infrared thermometer at Rolling Meadows GC in Fond du…
Well-Rounded Program
Rounds 4 Research, an initiative to raise funds for turfgrass study, has gone national, thanks to the efforts of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association and its President, Doug Lowe, Director of Golf and Grounds Maintenance at Greensboro (N.C.) Country Club. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor Super in the Spotlight: Doug Lowe Position: Director of…
Brand of Excellence
A cattle ranch-turned-golf course is breeding a name for itself in Tennessee. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor Spring Creek Ranch in Colliersville, Tenn., just east of Memphis, has an agenda, and General Manager Robb Meyer doesn’t mind admitting it. “We want to spoil our members and guests,” he says. Meyer’s desire to provide the best…
Novelty to Necessity
From social media to moisture sensors, technology is changing the way golf course superintendents take care of business. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor Golf course superintendents are constantly looking for an edge to sharpen their skills, in areas ranging from enhancing course conditions to improving communication with members. The many forms of technology at their…
Locally Grown
At Rocky Bayou CC, Superintendent Wayne Phillips and his staff have succeeded in turning an unused plot of land between two golf course holes into a thriving fruit and vegetable garden. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor Most golf course superintendents are charged with using their resources wisely and efficiently— but the grounds crew at Rocky…
Playing Catch Up
As the economy improves and capital-spending pursestrings are loosened, course and grounds departments are getting the go-ahead to pursue needed equipment investments that had been put on hold in recent years. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor As the economy slowly returns to solid footing, golf course properties that have had to delay or forego capital…
Tournament-Tested, Every Day
The Deutsche Bank Championship spotlights how TPC Boston provides top-notch conditions for all players at all levels through all seasons, with the help of reliable mowing equipment. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor The most important golfers in the world play at the TPC Boston every week. And for a week beginning in late August every…
Along for the Ride
Changing from walk mowers to riding units on the greens now lets the course maintenance staff at Lake Hickory CC do more with less. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor Golf Course Superintendent Jeff Clemmons doesn’t mind helping his crew with maintenance tasks. He just prefers to do it by choice, instead of necessity. Too often,…