Divot Mix

"The next time you see a good player stalking backward and forwards on the green, do not be led away by the idea that he is especially painstaking, but rather pity him for a nervous individual who is putting off the evil moment as long as he possibly can." -- Ted Ray

June is proclaimed "Play Golf Michigan Month"

Michigan’s Gov. Jennifer Granholm has proclaimed June "Play Golf Michigan Month."

The governor's proclamation says, "I encourage citizens and visitors to celebrate with any one of the many activities taking place at our beautiful golf courses from spring until snow fall."

It also cites the fact that Michigan’s golf industry has a $3.1 billion annual impact on the state’s economy and that its 500,000 avid golfers and travelers to Michigan have almost 900 golf courses to enjoy. Michigan ranks No. 1 in the nation in public golf courses.

A request for the declaration was submitted to the governor by "Play Golf Michigan," a cooperative marketing and awareness program created by Kate Moore, executive director of the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association; Kevin Helm, executive director of the Michigan PGA; and David Graham, executive director of the Golf Association of Michigan.

"Play Golf Michigan" promised to support the declaration with numerous special programs for juniors, women, seniors, military and golfers in general.

For more information log on to www.PlayGolfMichigan.org.

Carolinas GCSA hosts "Kids on Greens Day"

Members of the Carolinas GCSA introduced more than 100 schoolchildren to golf and the business of growing the game at the second annual "Kids on Greens Day" in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The superintendents led students through field trips covering everything from cutting cups to putting balls during the event, which is part of South Carolina Golf Week recognizing golf’s $2.3-billion economic benefit to the state.

"It was great for the kids and for us," says Randy Allen, CGCS, director of golf course operations for the Burroughs and Chapin Co. Several superintendents from the company assisted Allen in a four-hour outing at Myrtlewood Golf Club. Allen’s group hosted fourth- and fifth-graders from Myrtle Beach Intermediate School. "For many of the kids this was their first hands-on experience with the game. Who knows in years to come whether they will become golfers, or superintendents, but they certainly had a wonderful time," he says.

At Charwood Country Club, West Columbia, superintendent Chris Taylor, hosted eighth-graders from Pine Ridge High School. "In these days where kids spend so much time with virtual experiences on the internet, and with entertainment like television and Ipods and so-on, they love the chance to really touch and feel something as real as a golf course," Taylor says. "I think it’s important for the next generation to understand what goes into maintaining a golf course. And it’s important for them to know that golf is an ally in the community as well as an important part of the economy."

Craig Taylor, no relation to Chris, made a similar point after hosting fifth-graders from Rice Creek Elementary School at The University Club in Columbia. "These kids are interested in sports, certainly, but they are interested in the environment too," he says. "They thought it was really cool that our irrigation system was computerized and remote-controlled. They loved how precise we could be with where we put the water."

Taylor also thrilled students when he had a crew member bulldoze a green as part of a major renovation at the 27-hole facility. At each venue, students witnessed equipment in action, walked part of the course, and received instruction on the driving range and putting green. After lunch, the Carolinas GCSA also presented each student with an education kit as part of a goody-bag to take away from their course visits.

The Carolinas GCSA plans a similar event in North Carolina later this year and hopes to spread the initiative across the region in the coming years. "Our members are committed to their profession, but they are also committed to the success of the industry," said Chuck Borman, Carolinas GCSA executive director. “We need to grow the game and grow awareness that golf is a cleaner, greener, more sustainable industry than most. I think Kids on Greens Day will become a major event in Carolinas golf over the next few years.”

Because Green Matters photography contest announced

Project Evergreen is preparing its 2007 Because Green Matters Calendar and it's giving amateur photographers the chance to get their work published in the calendar.

Project EverGreen's mission is to promote the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of green spaces, so submissions will be judged on how they exemplify these characteristics. There is no entry fee or payment necessary to win.

Winning photos will be published in the 2007 Because Green Matters Calendar and also made available as a series of screen savers. Amateur photographers are welcome to participate. The deadline for the contest is Aug. 31, 2006. Click here for an entry form.