Looking back on 2011 and before heading into 2012 let’s review some the issues which left many people within our industry perplexed, puzzled and preparing for the worst.
BACTERIAL WILT
For the last two seasons this malady affected many golf courses and their bent grass or Poa greens or at least many superintendents thought this was the issue. Examined and diagnosed every which way this destructive pathogen was blamed for everything from turf decline to occupying Wall Street. I have read volumes of literature from university pathologists and others who feel they are in the know and all have one common denominator: “it was too freakin’ hot and wet!” In Northern New Jersey we received 50+ inches of rain. So what to do? How about forecasting and reviewing your past summer to prepare for next summer and drainage, tree reduction, height-of-cut increases and fans. Considering what you can do for your turf in early July will impact turf in early September. Often, doing nothing at all is the best action.
BENT versus BERMUDA GRASS FOR PUTTING GREENS
Once again, two summers of wicked weather across the southeastern U.S. fueled debate about what cultivar to plant on greens. There are multiple success stories for either selection: witness Ralph Kepple, East Lake and Ken Mangum, Atlanta Athletic Club in the Atlanta area, as well as numerous superintendents who have successfully made the change from bent to bermuda for whatever reason. I have no issue with whatever you choose, as long as you achieve smooth, relatively firm and consistent playing surfaces. And, I am sure most golfers will feel the same. This is no great debate for the ages. When I worked at Pinehurst Resort many years ago Course #2 had bermuda greens. This decision is nothing new, so don’t force a square peg into a round agronomic hole. Do what is best for your golf course and what brings golfers out to play.
THE BELLY PUTTER
Right up there with the debate over bacterial wilt was whether to use or not to use the belly putter. Much hubbub over nothing, in my opinion. Sure golf’s governing bodies want to take away any advantage we may have for further enjoyment of the game. Having a “fixed point” which can anchor your putter to your body is viewed as cheating and gaining a significant advantage. Consider this…I have a 38-inch putter which, when putting left hand low, I affix my right arm to my side for a smoother stroke. So do we ban all 38-inch putters too? This is why the Rules of Golf should bifurcate: one set of guidelines for competition and one set of guidelines for daily enjoyment.
FAILED PARTICIPATION INCENTIVES
The list of participation and grow the game initiatives continues to expand as every golf-related entity has attempted to figure out ways to entice players, increase rounds and/or improve participation in the game. You want to increase the number of players on the golf course? Make it fun and relaxed. Easy to say, but hard to do. Golf is not easy and it takes time to play, everyone knows that. I recently read an article in Golfweek by Sean Martin stating that being creative with green fees, tee times and routings to favor the beginner and those starved for playing time might be a great starting point. These are good ideas but what is not good is trying to educate new golfers to understand what is required on the golf course and getting long-time golfers to lend a hand. Few want to try which means few will participate.
For 2012 perhaps the KISS (keep it simple stupid!) method should be in place for all aspects of our sport.
