Divot Mix

"The golf architect, therefore, should look upon himself as an artist; and the colors of his palette are the various types of hazards which he employs to lend interest and bring out the features to holes which he either invents or interprets from the ground." -- Max Behr

Slow Play – Myth or Reality?

In a recent nationwide survey, the National Golf Foundation asked adult golfers how long it takes on average to play an 18-hole round of golf. Respondents included both public and private golfers. The most common answer was 4 hours. Significantly, 90 percent indicated they play in 4 ½ hours or less.

Regardless of how long it takes to play a round of golf, more than three-quarters (78 percent) said their pace is about right; 20 percent said it’s slow and 2 percent fast. So, the vast majority of golfers are content with their pace of play. But, NGF says, don’t fire your marshals.

Of the 20 percent of golfers who said their pace was too slow…

• 20 percent said it bothers them and they play less as a result.
• 56 percent said it bothers them but it doesn’t cause them to play any less.
• 24 percent said it doesn’t really bother them.

The first group is worrisome, but only represents about 1 million players or 4 percent of all adult golfers. Six in 10 of these players are occasional golfers (1-7 annual rounds) – so they have a minimal impact on rounds volume.

Regional Differences - Pace of Play

Percentage of golfers indicating how long it takes to play a round

The fact that three in four golfers feel their pace is "about right," doesn’t necessarily eliminate the need for slow play solutions according to NGF. In fact, efforts to combat slow play may be why the problem isn't perceived to be that bad.

EPA has new Go Green! newsletter

America is shifting to a "green culture" in which many people are embracing the fact that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility.  As a step in that direction, the EPA is offering a new monthly email newsletter, Go Green! 

The newsletter will provide "what you can do" information on activities and events that everyone can use to make a difference just about anywhere--in homes, workplaces, schools and communities.

The newsletter will include information on such issues as how to calculate individual energy use, upcoming environmental activities and observances and recent news reports from EPA.

To subscribe to Go Green! by e-mail, click here.

For general information about Go Green! visit http://www.epa.gov/newsroom/gogreen.

Pursell Cup raises $100,000 for JDRF

The 2007 Pursell Cup Charity Golf Challenge raised a record-breaking $100,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation during two days of golf, food and fun at FarmLinks Golf Club in Sylacauga, Ala.

The event brought in more than 64 golfers and 87 total contributors, and has raised more than $450,000 in the last eight events. Nearly 13 years ago, David Pursell hosted the first Pursell Cup Charity Golf Challenge at Shoal Creek in Birmingham, Ala.

For the Pursell family, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation represents more than just a charitable organization.  It is an organization that strives every day to improve the lives of those who face the same challenges that David and three of his six children face. 
"We wanted to create something that would not only be enjoyable for participants but would also contribute to a worthwhile cause," David said.  "We are thrilled to be able to contribute to this research, and we’re hopeful that we can one day help JDRF find a cure."

This year’s event culminated with the presentation of a $95,000 check to the JDRF.  (An additional $5,000 was given on the spot by a generous participant who wanted to see the total reach an even $100,000.)  Karin Scott, executive director of the Alabama chapter of JDRF that raises over $2 million per year for diabetes research, was on hand to receive the check. 

Purdue study says green speed more than just mowing height

With all the emphasis these days on putting green speed, scientists at Purdue University have examined all the ways golf course superintendents can ease golfers' frustrations with high scores, long rounds and putting green speed, depending on how the turf is managed.

Turfgrass researchers and golf course management experts have ways of influencing how difficult a green is to play, said Cale Bigelow, a Purdue University agronomist and turf expert. The type of grass and management programs can determine whether the velvety looking greens are fast or slow. On fast greens, a slight tap of the putter sends the ball many feet, while a ball struck the same way on a slow green will travel only inches.

To meet specific needs of both professional golfers and weekend duffers on the United States' 16,000 courses, turf scientists have developed and bred new species and varieties of grasses, he said. The various grasses, such as bermudagrass, fescue, bentgrass and Kentucky bluegrass, fill niches on golf courses since different conditions are required depending on the level of play and whether the turf is in the rough, on the fairway or on the green. Climate and soil conditions also play a role in the type of grass used.

They evaluated various turf management techniques and bentgrass varieties to learn ways golf course managers achieve optimum results to create the desired playing conditions. The Journal of Natural Resources Life Science Education is publishing a paper by Bigelow and turfgrass graduate student Kristina Walker about their research. The study explains important golf course management considerations and is a template to teach an important topic in turf management – putting green maintenance.

"I wanted to show that there are other ways besides lowering the mower height to achieve some of the functional characteristics course managers strive for," Bigelow said. "A lot of emphasis is put on maintaining golf greens not only for aesthetic appearance but also for functional quality, such as surface firmness and smoothness. It's a lot more complex than just cutting and watering the grass." For more on the study, click here.