Golf
“Augusta has been something of a
Augusta National
levels of cricketers and rugby players are a lot higher and any pitch imperfections are soon forgotten when the beer flows. One difference between preparing
cricket wickets and producing putting surfaces is that groundsmen spend the summer compacting pitches by constant rolling to generate controlled bounce but, the moment the season ends, vigorous aeration to break up the compaction is required to let air into the soil so that the cycle can start again in the spring.
No doubt sophisticated machinery has made that task simpler, too. In January’s Greenkeeper International Magazine, David Golding, GTC’s Education Director, makes the good point that campaigning “for new
distraction to those who believe you can grow azaleas, dogwood and magnolia on a links”
equipment, materials and staff isn’t easy at the best of times, but all of these skills can be gained through training, and a well presented case can engage an employer, especially when they see projected benefits from the proposals”. This brings me back, conveniently, to communication and the fact that the former generations of head greenkeeper wouldn’t recognise the role of his successor, and the current reliance on computers, paper work, spread sheets, smart phones, never mind the armoury of shiny machinery. Greenkeeping used to be an escape to the golf course where nobody could bother them, but now anybody can be called up in an instant. As far as I know, guidelines on mobile phones are not included in any
education package, but let me end with a relevant tale that may strike a chord and is a lesson in itself. It concerned the golfer, who related;
“My boss phoned me today”. He said, “Is everything OK at the office?” I said, “Yes, it’s all under control. It’s been a busy day. I haven’t stopped for a minute”.
“Can you do me a favour?” he asked. I said, “Of course, anything, what is
it?”
He said, “Hurry up and take your shot, I’m right behind you on the 8th tee”.
For further information on the Greenkeepers Training Committee visit
www.the-gtc.co.uk
Tel: 0845 026 0064
www.jsmd.co.uk
Outstanding Top Dressing and Grooming Brush
All theseOpenChampionship Clubs choose to relief grind
with aHunter precision grinder: St Andrews • Carnoustie
Turnberry • Troon •Muirfield
Royal Liverpool • Royal St Georges Royal Lytham St Annes
Completely fills aeration holes in 2-3 passes Use up to 25% less sand
Use to groom greens to remove grain Increase putting speed Promotes healthier denser turf
Tel: +44 (0)1462 683031
www.huntergrinders.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012 PC 45
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148