The 2015 Grainy Awards
The Fourth Annual It’s that time of year again, when I gleefully recount the season just ended by bestowing the Grainy Awards. They are the Oscars of the outdoors, the Grammies of the greens, and my heartfelt attempt to recognize the up and downs of golf. Humanitarian Award: Dr. Patricia J. Vittum The well-deserved recipient […]
You Know You Are a Superintendent When…
Another long, hot, humid season is thankfully behind us, another reminder of just how hard it is to be a golf course superintendent. It takes a special breed to do this job and do it well. But special is also a little bit crazy, right? So taking a page from Jeff Foxworthy , some examples […]
The True Firm and Fast
The True Firm and Fast Published July 11, 2010 True, firm, and fast course conditions are to be expected at The Open Championship and nowhere should this be more evident than at The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, this week. By definition, links is “sandy, level to undulating land built up along a coastline, […]
Hot Tips For Hot Times
Published July 26, 2010 Across the country, heat and humidity are wreaking havoc with golf courses and giving superintendents panic attacks as they try to keep turf alive. I’m sure many supers are sitting in their offices at day’s end wondering if there are any jobs open at the local McDonald’s.Here are some suggestions for […]
What Do Women Want?
Published July 06, 2010 This week, the best women golfers in the world head to Oakmont Country Club for the U.S. Women’s Open and a course set at a challenging 6,613 yards (par 71). Besides providing some exciting action, this event provides superintendents, committee members, and everyone else involved with golf maintenance, set-up, or management a […]
My Cups Runneth Over
September is my favorite time of year. Temperatures are cooling down, which in any year-but especially this one-means golf courses will be less stressed by heat and we can start preparing for next season.But I also love fall because I’m almost as crazy about hockey as I am about golf. The pre-season has already begun […]
Pick Up The Pace
The previous installments of “Golf Course Confidential” dealt with agronomy, which is the heart of my business. However, I occasionally will use this space to discuss other issues in the game. Feel free to send your reactions to these articles as well as ideas you might have for future columns. I currently serve on the […]
Making The Most of Early-Season Conditions
Published April 15, 2010 As I explained last week, it’s likely that your favorite golf course isn’t in very good shape after a winter of unusually severe rain, wind, and snow. But if the club is open and you’re willing to put up with shaggy lies, slow greens, and soggy bunkers for a few more […]
