CONTACT US
Susan O’Dowd
Executive Secretary
sodowd@mgagolf.org
914-347-4653
Our participating clubs have superintendents who work tirelessly to deliver excellent course conditions every year. Through reading our research and utilizing their experience, many superintendents have found new and innovative ways to enhance their operation. Included below are articles members have shared with our readers for the purpose of offering advice on all topics related to golf course maintenance.
Interested in writing an Update for us? Please visit our Contact page and let us know. We always welcome a new perspective on the industry.
LATEST UPDATES:
COVID-19 Related Links
+ GCSAA RESOURCES
Due to the restrictions in place for COVID-19, it is set to be one of the most unusual seasons ever upon us. Most if not all golf courses are working with much smaller staffs while trying to provide players with the quality of golf they have come to expect. Next time you play, consider these practices that may be in effect at your course or club.
Five things your Superintendent Wished You Knew
+ FULL ARTICLE BY TIMOTHY GARCEAU,
HAWORTH COUNTRY CLUB
Pollinator Promotion
Golf courses receive a lot of attention for their application of chemicals-particularly insecticides and their impact on pollinators. Much of the attention is ill contrived and misconceived and can be easily mitigated by making applications in accordance with best management practices.
+ FULL ARTICLE BY LUKE KNUTSON,
ROCKVILLE LINKS CLUB
The Life of a Golf Course Superintendent: Weather
Superintendents live and die with the weather. Last year's incessant rains, for example, wrought havoc on maintenance schedules, on disease protection and on members' ability to enjoy their course. There were too many rainy days in the metropolitan area to provide the conditions we strive for.
+ FULL ARTICLE BY CHRIS CARSON,
ECHO LAKE CC
New USGA Rules and Golf Course Maintenance
The good news is that these new Rules don't require you to be an expert, but they do require some analysis of the course by a Committee to review the way in which the course is marked. I would strongly recommend getting your professional staff involved in this process. One Rule change is that there are no more "hazards". The new term is "penalty area". Here is the new Rule as written by the USGA:
+ FULL ARTICLE BY MATT CEPLO,
ROCKLAND CC
Frost delays are difficult to predict in both when they will occur and when they will be over. This can lead to frustration for all involved. By communicating and being prepared with info and alternatives, stress can be minimized.
FROST DELAYS What You Need
To Know
Effective and timely communication with staff, club officials, and golfing patrons has never been more critical to a well-run operation and ultimately, golfer satisfaction.
COMMUNICATIONS Superintendent Communication Through Technology
To help make the most informed decisions regarding their trees, it is advised that clubs bring along an individual who is knowledgeable in tree care.
MANAGING TREES Tips for Maintaining
Golf Course Trees
Lightning fast speeds greatly reduce the cupping area on greens while also increasing the degree of difficulty, which has a direct impact on the pace of play.
GREEN SPEEDS Esclating Green Speeds: Is there an end in sight?
Whether your golf course is a high-end private facility or a heavily played daily fee course, all superintendents strive to manage the resources provided to achieve an enjoyable playing experience for every golfer.
COURSE CHALLENGES Dealing With Challenges Every Course Must Face
in order to maintain optimal turf conditions on greens, hand watering during the day is needed to keep these areas well-maintained.
HAND-WATERING Syringing Greens with Midday Water Application
FOLLOW THE MONEY
$1.1M: TOTAL FUNDS RAISED
$750K: UNIVERSITY RESEARCH
$240K: INVESTMENT ASSETS
$50K: PER YEAR IN FUNDRAISING
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