| Abstract/Contents: | Addresses the issue of golfer expectations of perfection, suggesting that "it is about as unrealistic to expect perfect conditions on the golf course as it is to expect a perfect 18-hole score in golf." Discusses "the key elements that can help improve your golf course as well as those that make perfection a very lofty goal." Emphasizes the importance of architecture, suggesting that "classic courses by the likes of Banks, Emmet, Flynn, Macdonald, Raynor, Ross, and Tillinghast are 'perfect' because they were meant to be imperfect. They were natural before natural was in style, shaped largely by the hands of Mother Nature." Discusses the influence of weather, stating that "slight but sudden changes in precipitation, temperature, humidity, and wind can swiftly turn otherwise healthy turf into wilted, diseased, or dead turf. Extreme weather...almost always produces deleterious effects on turfgrass, regardless of the species, experience of the superintendent, or chemical budget." Emphasizes the importance of the growing environment, recommending the removal of "trees that impede sunlight, air movement, and/or uptake of water and nutrients by turfgrass roots." Addresses the problem of poor soil, suggesting that "the first step is to develop and adhere to an aggressive cultivation program that includes aeration, topdressing, and vertical mowing." Suggests that "money can't buy love or the perfect golf course, but, if spent wisely, it can help produce a better golf course." States that "more than half of most golf course maintenance operating budgets is comprised of labor (salary and benefits)." Details a process designed to help in "determin[ing] which areas of the golf course are most important and the level of maintenance each requires...Although these exercises may indicate the need to hire more employees, more than likely they will help your golf course get the most out of the existing staff, given the current economic challenges and budget cutbacks." Discusses issues regarding equipment. Addresses the problem of "golfers fail[ing] to repair ball marks and divots, rake bunkers, and follow cart traffic policies," recommending "scheduling times when the management team is present on the golf course to demonstrate proper etiquette to golfers." Concludes that "although you cannot fool with Mother Nature, you can help ensure the best possible turf and playing conditions...by improving growing environments, performing essential cultivation, and providing the resources and infrastructure necessary to meet reasonable golfer expectations." |
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