Divot Mix

USGA updates green construction recommendations

After nearly a year of work by more than 100 scientists, agronomists and industry experts, there's a new version of the USGA's publication Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction .

The existing recommendations had been in effect for more than 40 years and "USGA greens" have a history of success throughout the United States and many other countries. According to the Green Section, many of the greens constructed to the original recommendations, which were released in 1960, are still in use today. 

However, increasing demands on modern putting greens, have prompted updates that incorporate the latest research information from around the world, much of which is sponsored by the USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research program.

The USGA Green Section says its guidelines represent a time-tested, agronomically sound method of building putting greens, which are offered to the game of golf and turfgrass industry at no charge.

Among the changes in the guidelines is a paragraph added to " Step 2. Drainage" regarding the use of flat pipe. In addition, changes in gravel size recommendations for greens where an intermediate layer is not used will make the materials easier to obtain and reduce costs.

One other significant change in the recommendations now permits certain porous inorganic amendments in the root zone in place of or in conjunction with peat.

For the complete 2004 recommendations visit the USGA Web site . For more information, contact Jim Moore, director of construction education, jmoore@usga.org or (254) 776-0765.

Bobby Jones movie stars "Jesus"

In the minds of at least a few golfers, Bobby Jones is certainly a saint, and may be regarded even more highly than that.

So, it shouldn't come as any surprise that the same actor who gained fame as Jesus in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ," will soon be appearing in theaters as Jones.

The film, "Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius" stars Jim Caviezel, as golf's most revered figure, close on the heels of his highly regarded performance as the Messiah.

"I read the script and saw how the other characters saw him, and what he said and how he lived. That's what attracted me," said Caviezel, whose film credits include "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "Frequency." "(Coming off playing Jesus) I couldn't think of a finer man to play."

The movie covers more than Jones' golf, though. It's described as, "the story of a man who, despite his flaws, strove to be the best he could be. A man who despite his extraordinary talent on the course, knew there was something more important to life than winning golf tournaments."

"My first reaction when I heard about the project was both elation and fear. Elation because it's really an amazing opportunity to dramatize a man's life that was as rich in character and complex as Bobby Jones," said director Rowdy Herrington. "Fearful in that I knew that this is a story that's likely to be told only once, and it had to be done well."

Cast members include Clare Forlani ("Meet Joe Black," "The Rock") as Jones' wife, Mary; Jeremy Northam ("Enigma," "Gosford Park") as Walter Hagen; and Malcom McDowell ("A Clockwork Orange," "Star Trek: Generations") as O.B. Keeler.

In conjunction with The Masters Tournament next week in Augusta, Ga., there will be private screenings set for professional golfers and the media. The film is scheduled to open nationally April 30.

Missouri Club to relive Olympic golf event

Glen Echo Country Club, site of the 1904 Olympic Golf Matches - the last time golf was an Olympic sport - announced plans for a three-day Olympic Centennial Celebration in September 2004. Ken Mallin, chairman of the Olympic Committee for the club, announced that the event would be held Sept. 23-25, 2004.

Glen Echo will send invitations to clubs which were in existence in 1904, and which would have been invited to the 1904 Matches, to send a two-person team to commemorate this historic event.  Entries from 28 clubs will be accepted on a first-come basis.  They will be joined by 28 teams comprised of Glen Echo members to complete the field.

Glen Echo was just three years old when it was selected to host the Olympic golf event, held in conjunction with the 1904 Worlds Fair and the 1904 Olympics.  Players representing 21 states and Canada competed in the event, which was won by George Lyon of the Lambton Club of Toronto.  In the final match, Lyon defeated H. Chandler Egan, a member of the Exmoor Club in Chicago, 3 and 2. 

Trophies awarded at the 1904 Olympics

Frank Reedy, president of Glen Echo, said the club is proud of its long association with Olympic Golf.  Reedy added that an International Olympic Committee staff member recently informed the club that the Glen Echo course is the oldest Olympic venue in the world in continuous daily use.

Designed by Jim Foulis, winner of the 1896 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, Glen Echo opened its course May 25, 1901.  It is the oldest private 18-hole course west of the Mississippi.  

Superintendent Dan Hasekamp said his course is still a great blend of the old character of the golf course, with only a few holes that have been modified. "When you come on the grounds you see that not much has changed except the grass quality," Hasekamp said. "It's a good blend of the old and new, with very small greens, and a design that is unique in the area. "

For additional information on the event visit http://www.gecc.org/centennial.asp or contact Nash Haxel, head golf professional, (314) 382-5780.

USGA to open Babe Didrikson Zaharias exhibit

The USGA Museum is planning to unveil a new exhibit -- "Let Me Play Again - Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Cancer, and the 1954 U.S. Women's Open" beginning May 22, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her comeback from cancer to win the U.S. Women's Open.

The exhibit will be on display through March 31, 2005, and includes an overview of Zaharias' multifaceted athletic career focused specifically on her golf achievements and her victory in the 1954 Open.

”We're very grateful to have had the enthusiastic cooperation of Babe's family and the Babe Zaharias Foundation, and have secured exceptional artifacts, photos, and film footage that chronicle her life and times,” said Rand Jerris, director of the USGA Museum and Archives.

She is recognized as the greatest female athlete of the first half of the 20th century and was named Woman Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press six different times. She's the only athlete, male or female, so honored.

Zaharias mastered tennis, played organized baseball and softball, and was an expert diver and bowler. She was a three-time All-America basketball player. She held or shared the world record in four track and field events, and held the American record in four events.  She also won two gold medals and one silver in the 1932 Olympics. 

But Zaharias most extraordinary accomplishments were in golf. She won every major professional championship at least once and captured 13 consecutive amateur tournaments. In addition, she was the first American to capture the Ladies British Open Amateur and the first to win both that title and the U.S. Women's Amateur.

Perhaps her victory in the 1954 Women's Open is the most extraordinary achievement as she had been diagnosed with colon cancer, and had undergone a radical surgery only 14 months prior to the championship.

The United States Golf Association Museum is located at 77 Liberty Corner Road in Far Hills, N.J. Contact (908) 234-2300.