Photos from a few weeks ago at Cleveland Heights. Captions label the current routing of the hole as well as the original routing by William Flynn in parenthesis where appropriate. Discovering that the original 11th tee still existed in the form of a forward tee today has enhanced my enjoyment of The Heights. While the... Continue Reading →
Without Undue Delay: Playing Efficient Golf
I am well-known in my golfing circles for playing quickly. Growing up on a local municipal course, often with the need to finish between the end of school and dark, I developed a series of quick play habits that are not often developed by other golfers. I advocate fairly loudly for a movement to decrease... Continue Reading →
Lifetime Memory
Sometime earlier this year Ben Crenshaw made a site visit to Streamsong. I drove up to speak with Rusty Mercer, our superintendent and my boss, about some trivial matter while Ben hit a few chip shots into the ninth green of the Red Course. Ben turned to Rusty with a beaming smile on his face:... Continue Reading →
Development of the NPOR Style Guide: Attacking the Hole
Many of the posts on this site use the phrase, "attack the hole." In context (from this post): "The wise player will drive to the larger portion of the fairway away from the bunkers and attack the hole with a full pitch from a level lie." In general, attacking the hole indicates a shot played... Continue Reading →
Development of the NPOR Style Guide: Introduction
Inspired golf writing occurs when the writer is able to capture the spirit and story of a round of golf. As with many games and sport, golf requires emotional control. Uniquely, golf features a passive antagonist which incites and compels players to certain emotional states throughout the round. A golfer can dissociate himself from an... Continue Reading →
Who put that $%&#@* hole there?
...or how I learned to stop worrying and love the game. Last week's topic of general setup guidelines begs a few questions, especially on definitions for difficulty. Golfers constantly encounter hole locations or course setup nuances that are quickly labeled as "unfair" or "difficult." Seeking a fair examination of one's game is in the nature... Continue Reading →
Golf Course Setup: Aims and Methods
Nothing integrates the golfer to the golf course more than golf course setup. Two levels of setup exist that accomplish this end. The first and most complex level pertains to the mowing practices, bunker maintenance, and overall agronomic presentation of the golf course while the second involves the daily location of the holes on the... Continue Reading →
The Role of the Assistant Superintendent
Perhaps one of the most varied roles in the golf course maintenance business is that of the assistant superintendent. While this position almost categorically implies a management role on a golf maintenance staff, the actual level and areas of management vary greatly depending on the superintendent for whom the assistant works, the level of maintenance... Continue Reading →
Value Statement: My Five Values of Golf Course Agronomy
My Five Values of Golf Course Agronomy: Aesthetic Appeal: Amongst the attributes which make golf a unique game is the idea that the game is played in a variety of visually stimulating settings out-of-doors. As a golf course agronomist, it is my responsibility to ensure that the golf course is presented in the manner best... Continue Reading →