The
little things we can all do to help the golf course!
With July
behind us and the dog days of summer ahead of us, here are a few things that
everyone can do to help the golf course.
Repair
your “ball marks” on the green:
These unsightly blemishes are absolutely preventable
and if every golfer just repaired their own ball mark, the greens would appear
to be smoother and healthier.
Replace
you divot on tees and fairways:
I understand that it is easier to reach over to your
golf cart and grab some divot sand to use, but in reality a well replaced divot
has a 10 time better chance for complete recovery than sand with seed mixed in.
Keeping
your cart on the path at the green and tee area:
I would mention that it is extra helpful to keep all
four tires on the path. Just by carts constantly running over the edges of the
path will cause compaction and loss of turf.
Not
making extremely sharp turns on the fairways:
This is the most preventable turf damage. The newer
golf carts have a very tight turning radius, add that to a golfer checking a
sprinkler head for yardage and we have turf damage. The fairways are cut at
.390” and it does not take too much to bruise the turf, this type of damage
will stick around a while.
Watch
where you spray sunscreen and insect repellent:
The same ingredient that helps the product come out
of the can and dry quickly on your skin will be the ingredient that kills the
turf. When applying these products, please do so while standing on a cart path.
And
finally………..be careful where you place your drinks:
There is nothing better than walking down a fairway
on a warm sunny day with a cool beverage in your hand. The only problem is that
you must put it down to hit your next shot or line up your next putt. I have
seen many examples of spilled drinks on the golf course this year, and believe
me it is long lasting. Damage has occurred on the 3rd and 8th
greens and the 8th fairway, so please be mindful when enjoying that cold
beverage.
