USGA details issues facing golf course conditions
 

A report released this week from the United States Golf Association links El Niño, tree coverage limiting sunlight and aging infrastructure as some factors contributing to worsening golf course conditions in The Villages. The visit from Chris Neff, a consulting agronomist with USGA, comes amid a string of executive golf course closures due to renovation

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Oh Boy!
Under 10 handicaps can go first on this one!

I read the whole report. The first thing that came to mind is that the consultant is telling the party that paid him exactly what his client wanted to hear.

I disagree with Neff.






(I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night)

Is this the same firm that did the Deflategate report?

Really can’t comment on right or wrong diagnosis, grass keeping, shade of trees, and old infrastructure wasn’t in any premed classes.
Since my education was to keep humans well, I have to hope a person who actually studied dirt, would have insight on problems, and offer constructive recommendations.
If intention was just to say what management wanted to hear, my hope is consultant was Free, otherwise why waste time and resources.

Besides I can kill any plant, tree or bush in under 30 days. Weeds however continue to thrive without any encouragement.

You do realize a Agronomist basically studies plants, how they can be grown, modified etc. Basically what a local farmer could’ve done as a courtesy for his/her ‘neighbors’!

How many people here, have ever hired a Consultant and expected to the Consultant to publicly disagree with the official position?

There was no way the consultant was going to say: "You guys are a doing a crappy job of maintaining your golf courses and you all should be fired". Without saying it in words, I think the District has already conceded they haven't done a great job of maintaining the courses and have found themselves behind the curve.

I think we're going to see an entirely new attitude towards maintaining the Executive Courses, over the next year or two. It takes time to stop the current momentum and revamp the process. We are dealing with government and change comes slowly.

As for the report, my opinion is ...

"Trees" are the bane of golf courses. Roots and canopies do more to prevent grass from growing, than El Nino ever thought of.

If you don't properly maintain your greens, your organic layer increases every year and eventually you choke off the grass ... it just won't grow. I have never seen a green in TV get a deep core aeration. It may happen, but I've never seen it. #1 problem with greens.

There's too much traffic on the golf courses. Shocking news.

The "Landscapers" aren't held accountable. More shocking news.

We need a long-term plan, with identifiable goals and performance standards. Yep

We need to convert to newer strains of Bermuda. Already in progress.

We need to review our contracts and improve them. Even Mitch admitted that, at a PWAC meeting.

Traqmatz is a pretty cool product, but at $4/sq. ft., it's fairly costly.

It became abundantly clear that the District got the message, when they came up with the El Nino story and then brought in the USGA. We can all complain that it's too little too late, but at this point, things can only improve.

Now I'm about to put on my Flak Jacket.

In my opinion, we cannot sustain the Executive Golf courses, unless they are operated 100%, "Cart Path Only". You can not like it. You can disagree with it. You can say it's unfair. It's a fact. If you want reasonable conditions year round, get rid of the carts.

The truth is, if you can't walk the few steps it requires to play an Executive Course, without driving on the fairway, you really need to choose another sport. Your days as a golfer are behind you. I understand the MickyLee Pitch & Putt has plenty of Tee Times available.

If I were TV King for a Day, I'd pick out 5-10 Executive Golf courses and make them completely "walking only".

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

Wonder if some of those ‘findings’ were derived from a cursory check of the numerous threads on this forum. Basically an informal poll using this medium as the QB. El Niño seems to be a safe word for many ‘consultants’!

well I read today that we are heading in to a La Niña, so I'm guessing everything we be hunky dory this time next year!

Trees? Where? There aren't any trees on those 4 executive courses that shade the greens, tees or fairways.

Wonder why no criticism directed at landscapers? They are not a privileged class.

The El Nino thing has some modicum of substance. I'm far from an expert on Bermuda grass (or anything, for that matter), but as I understand Bermuda, it needs it's Vitamin D. Apparently if it doesn't get 8-10 house of sunshine a day, the stuff just won't grow.

We did have a pretty good stretch of weather, without much sun and warmth.

I know some people on here like to label things as fictional just because they don't fully understand them, but the El Nino thing isn't just something that the golf people in TV made up out of thin air. It's been widely reported all over Florida this year:

El Nino wallops South Florida - GCMOnline.com

More links here plus a webinar hosted by a University of Florida turf specialist:

Current Challenges | GCSAA

Even 8 years ago it was identified as a cause of poor golf conditions by the USGA:

https://www.usga.org/course-care/reg...f-courses.html

I'm not saying that the only reason was El Nino, that's obvious. But it likely had to do with putting these poorly managed courses over the tipping point at this exact time.

These are the bullets from the USGA 2016 El Niño report. Not passing judgment....just asking the active TV golfers if you believe any of the below was followed this past winter?

2016

How can you protect your golf course?

Ultimately, we need drier weather and more sunlight. A few tips to consider for improving turf health and playability at your facility include:

1. Monitor soil moisture and reduce overhead irrigation – Many facilities have not applied irrigation since before Christmas 2015, yet root zones remain saturated due to the increased rainfall. Keep track of your soil moisture and reduce irrigation as much as possible at this time. Spend the extra money and purchase a dependable soil moisture meter that measures volumetric water content.

2. Increase mowing heights on greens – Do not stress your greens by mowing low. Sacrifice a little bit of playability for turf health and be more tolerant of slightly slower conditions. Turfgrass leaves are like miniature solar panels. Therefore, providing greater leaf area by increasing mowing heights will allow turf to create more energy through photosynthesis, promoting turf health and deeper roots.

3. Vent greens regularly with solid-tine aeration – Venting with small, “pencil” tines – e.g., 0.25-inch diameter solid tines – is recommended on a monthly basis during normal winter months. Some facilities are venting greens as frequently as every two weeks. Venting improves rooting by relieving soil compaction and increasing soil oxygen.

4. Use plant protectants – Fungicides are being applied at many facilities to reduce disease and improve turf growth. Leaf spot and Pythium diseases have been among the most common pathogens on golf courses over the past few weeks.

5. Manage golfer traffic – Ropes and stakes often are used to reduce cart traffic stress and are particularly helpful during the winter. Also, more courses than normal have adopted “cart path only” policies during the past month because of saturated soil conditions.

6. Implement a fairway topdressing program – “Mud balls” are a common problem when fairway soils remain saturated and are caused, in part, by an undiluted surface layer of organic matter. This thick, spongy layer causes more plugged lies and increases the occurrence of mud – i.e., organic matter – on balls. While fairway topdressing is costly, it certainly improves playability – especially surface firmness – and helps reduce the occurrence of “mud balls” in fairways with excessive organic matter.

Source: Todd Lowe (tlowe@usga.org) and Steve Kammerer (skammerer@usga.org)

I thought the idea of Executive par 3 holes was to hit the green. Why do they have fairways. Par four holes can be traditional. That would save lots of money. Pitch and putt courses should not exist. Another savings. Agree with your excellent comments.

The removal of the trees was what I felt was a lousy excuse. Most great golf courses have beautiful trees throughout. I urge any management who might read this thread to reconsider that aspect. We know the grass will not be lush in those areas but at least we aren’t playing in a desert devoid of trees and a bit of shade.

I agree with you on this. Very well said

Totally agree!

Consultant
 

A consultant is someone who borrows your watch to tell you the time.

Flak jacket well deserved for that snarky comment in a senior community. BTW, the pitch and putts require a lot of walking. Perhaps the villages should rebrand itself as a senior community, as long as you're not "to" senior.

Some good points but you still need a flack jacket. Most of the complaints/problems are on the greens. NO carts allowed on the greens. Have not done a survey but bet that 90% of the golf carts stay on the asphalt and/or concrete cart paths.

Though you might have suggested that the courses should not allow riding mowers on the greens. That will work but will cause a huge ruckus when labor costs sky rocket

Funny thing about el Nino. It seems to be pretty selective, ravaging some courses while leaving other courses, often only a mile or so away, in excellent condition.

Every quality golf course in the world, has a "tree removal/trimming plan" in place. Trees are removed, canopies are managed.

Other than "specimen trees" (such as on the 9th hole of Talley Ho or the famous "Hinkle Tree at Inverness, during the '79 US Open), trees generally have no place within the playing area and many cases, "cart paths" can't be tree-lined, because root growth undermines the cart paths (this is a different in some areas, depending on whether the tree root growth is vertical or horizontal).

Most every Donald Ross course in the USA, has had major "tree removal" initiatives, over the last 25 or so years. The courses don't play the same as they did when Ross designed them.

I'm reminded of the old Sam Snead story, when he played with a young pro.

Sam said, "whey I was younger, I used to drive the ball right over that big ol' Oak tree and cut the dogleg". When the young pro tried it, he made a double bogey. Sam laughed and said, "of course, when I was younger, that tree was a lot shorter".

No, it's not "snarky", it's common sense.

Do we allow Softball players to use scooters, when they're too old to run the bases?

Do we allow Pickleball players to use powered rackets?

Do we lower the Basketball rims to 6', 'cause old folks can't jump?

At some point, age catches up with everyone and we physically can't do what we'd like to do.

It's inevitable and the price we pay, to remain on the right side of the grass (no pun intended).

& The Villages is doing just fine. There are plenty of options nearby, when you're "too" senior and need assistance.

Not that familiar with Bonita Pass and Redfish Run, but show me a tree on Pelican or Bacall that would cause a problem like those stated in the report. Pelican MAYBE on holes 7 & 8, but does Bacall even have a tree on it? I think the POA Bulletin made a good point about The Villages now building homes first and Golf Courses, Rec Centers, etc. AFTER homes are inhabited as opposed to when the amenities were built first THEN the houses were built. All those golfers South of 44 have to come up North to play golf and that puts higher than normal traffic on the courses between 44 and 466.

Follow the Money!!! Chris Neff's consulting fees were paid by The Villages.

Executive Leadership employed by The Villages who are responsible for Golf Course Management are Replaced! Mitch Leininger, who is The Villages executive responsible for Golf Course Maintenance should be FIRED for the failure of his organization to maintain golf courses. His failure is costing Village residents many millions of dollars, so his replacement(s) must (1) Make necessary Organizational Changes, (2) Establish Priorities and (3) Direct & Empower those responsible for maintaining Golf Courses in good, playable condition. Some Executive Golf Courses are in great shape, which demonstrates that with the right leadership, golf course conditions can be properly maintained within the current budget. Also, it's nice to see that nobody is buying the lies about the weather causing golf course deterioration.

Follow the Money!!! Consulting fees were paid by The Villages. Many courses are in good condition, which means that courses in poor condition suffered from mismanagement and neglect . . . Executive Leadership employed by The Villages who are responsible for Golf Course Management are Replaced! Mitch Leininger, who is The Villages executive responsible for Golf Course Maintenance should be FIRED for the failure of his organization to maintain golf courses. His failure is costing Village residents many millions of dollars, so his replacement(s) must (1) Make necessary Organizational Changes, (2) Establish Priorities and (3) Direct & Empower those responsible for maintaining Golf Courses in good, playable condition. Some Executive Golf Courses are in great shape, which demonstrates that with the right leadership, golf course conditions can be properly maintained within the current budget. Also, it's nice to see that nobody is buying the lies about the weather causing golf course deterioration.

I understand that the greens are a huge problem. I've always been reliably informed, that many of the Executive Courses don't have USGA Spec greens, but are old fashioned, "push up" greens. Push up greens can work well for 50 years under some conditions, but not so much in the Executive golf environment of The Villages (it's tough enough to maintain USGA greens, here). When the courses with "push up" greens are renovated, I suspect most will get USGA type greens, which will work much better.

As for "riding mowers" on the greens ...

Hand mowing is obviously labor/cost intensive. That said, modern green mowers have a smaller impact on greens, than walking. Off the top of my head, I don't know the psi, but they're very light on their feet.

Info
 

Most excellent info. Thanks for sharing.

It scarcely needs to be pointed out that those supposedly incapable folks playing golf pay the same amenity fees as everyone else.

I would add also that golf is unique in that it can be played by folks with disabilities at all stages of life, including those related to aging. Adaptive golfers dot org. states the following:

"Adaptive Golfers empowers individuals with cognitive, physical, sensory, health and age-related challenges, to use the game of golf as a tool to improve the quality of their lives, mind, body and soul.

We provide pathways to Adaptive Therapy - Leisure Game - Adaptive Sports, even a World Ranking for Golfers with disabilities. Golf is for all DIFFERENT (not dis) ABILITIES. Come on let’s #MakeGOLFyourthing. "

I have seen groups of blind golfers out on the execs, as well as paraplegics, and various other folks with various disabilities. To see them enjoying the game is an uplifting experience. I would encourage those interested in finding out more, to Google "adaptive aids for golfers". the aids and assistive devices out there for golfers is nothing short of overwhelming.

There are always exceptions, but for myself the overall attitude of inclusiveness that overwhelmingly seems to be the mindset of Villagers is one of the primary things that attracted me to TV in the first place. "There, but for the grace of God, go I" and all that. I hope I never reach the point in my life where I see those folks more heavily impacted by advancing age than I am, as impediments.

Interesting. Just an observation and question regarding item 6. Last winter I played lots of golf and don’t remember getting many mud balls? It seemed like the fairways were so bone dry that a low draw off the T would run another 75 yards after hitting the fairway. If moisture below the surface is indeed an issue, wouldn’t it make sense to return to over seeding the turf like they used to? That way there will be grass growing during the winter months, rather than being dormant, and the roots will absorb the excess moisture. I’m no expert, but that seems to make sense?

Not bras
 

Had never heard of there being two types of greens. Understanding Your Course’s Greens | by CDGA | Medium

I agree, to an extent.

That said, not every sport nor sport venue, is appropriate for adaptation to everyone's needs. The theory of "inclusiveness" is fine, until it's carried to the extremes.

Wheelchair racers shouldn't be racing in marathons, along side the folks who are actually "running".

Golfers who are riding all over a small, confined golf course in vehicles, should perhaps be playing on a "field" (course), built to accommodate such use, not one built for folks who are more mobile.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

I will leave the specifics of our problems to the experts, and I have no reason to disbelieve what they are currently saying. However, I will say again (already stated in previous threads) that the biggest problem on the Villages golf courses both championship and exec’ is the high level of play. Before moving to the villages, I retired to the Myrtle Beach area for 16 years at the time when they had over 100 golf courses. It was a hard and fast rule that no golf course allowed over 45,000 rounds in any given year to be played on it . Golf courses need time to recover. They cannot be played 365 days a year from morning till night and expect to be in good shape. It is just not possible. And unfortunately, the fact that the Villages continues to grow while reducing the rate at which new golf courses are built, our problems will only be exacerbated rather than improved in the future.

"Push Up Greens" were the order of the day, until the USGA Greens Section came up with their new design, I believe in the late 60's.

They are still used today, in modern golf course construction. One the most exclusive and expensive country clubs in the USA, is The Boston Club, outside of Boston. If I'm not mistaken Gil Hanse (one of the best golf course architects around) used Push Up Greens there, when he built it about 10-12 years ago. (Interesting aside to that, the founder and owner of the course was killed, when he was "helping" build the course and a compactor/roller he was operating, flipped.)

As I understand them, Push Up Greens work best in extremely sandy soils (like certain parts of Florida).

The Pines course at The International in Bolton, MA sits on over 75'-100' of sand in most places. That course had old-fashioned Push Up Greens and were some of the best greens in the USA (including the largest green in the US, at about 25,000 sq. ft on Hole #5). The greens were sensational. They have another course built in the 90's by Fazio. The soils there are different and USGA Greens were used.

The Pines course is currently under-going a complete redesign at the hands of Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw. It will likely make GD's Top 100, after a few years of growing in.

Good points.

One thing that could be done, but as far as I know isn't, is to limit the number of rounds per player to one per day, and add maybe two minutes to the length of time between tee times. I know of people (snowbirds as well as year-round people) who think nothing of playing two or even three rounds per day, and especially during the winter months that is not only adding to heavier traffic but also limits tee times.

I also lived in MB for a bit....back when there were over 125 courses on the Grand Strand. People in TV love to say how immune they are to natural disasters (ie; hurricanes etc). SC and Myrtle Beach have historically always been in the path of many. The difference, those courses have been maintained and sustained each and every blow. It’s like playing on carpet there. I’ve brought up the MB comparison before on previous threads on this topic. Interesting their courses also share the El Niño weather patterns. Go figure!

Here's what people don't get.

If you want to move your greens from 9 on the Stimpmeter to 10 on the Stimpmeter, it's easy ... figure about another $5000-$10,000 per green in maintenance cost.

If you want your TV Course to look like The Dunes in Myrtle Beach, add $450,000 - $500,000 in maintenance cost ... maybe more.

Want TV courses to be as well conditioned as Augusta National? No problem. Add $3,000,000 per course to the budget.

The same things are true, as it relates to the number of rounds played. You can maintain a course for $30/round or you can maintain one for $100/round. Whichever # you choose, is then driven by the number of rounds played.

Maintenance costs are directly attributable to the number of rounds played (not that there aren't other factors, but all things being equal, the # of rounds drives maintenance costs).

Maybe they should just admit that this is as good as it gets.....then all the comparisons/complaints will end. You know how well bond and fee talk goes on this forum. I think for the most part these are nice, serviceable tracks in TV. Under your premise and price point, rounds played etc, they should be able to stay that way consistently.....without capital expenditure type upgrades.