Members of RCC,
I have had several conversations about the areas of high
rough with James Williams Jr., David Gardner, and Steve Swenke (our current
Golf Committee Chairman). After much discussion and considerable feedback from
members; we have decided to cut down the high rough located on several holes.
We will be gradually transitioning these areas back to normal mowing height
over the next few weeks.
These areas were never meant to punish golfers or to take
the fun out of the game. The goal of this experiment was to evaluate areas for
future conversion to native grasses as part of an overall resource conservation
plan. Implementation of such a plan would provide increased definition on the
course and allow for the reduction of maintenance inputs such as water,
fertilizer, pesticides, labor, and fuel. These resources could then be
conserved when needed, or reallocated to higher priority areas of the course
such as fairways, approaches, and primary roughs. Over the next several months
we will be re-evaluating the location of these type areas using a combination
of plans from our golf course architect, the introduction of GPS tracking, and
feedback from members. For more information on the use of GPS and how it can
potentially affect our maintenance operations check out the following link: http://gsr.lib.msu.edu/article/anon-unique-8-9-13.pdf.
In order for RCC and the game of golf to remain to
sustainable in the future we must to continue to focus on the concept of
resource conservation. By taking this approach we can perform our maintenance
operations with greater efficiency, become better environmental stewards, and
prepare RCC for the future. The biggest challenge is to accomplish this task in
such a way that preserves the beauty of our club while ensuring that the course
is enjoyable for our golfers (of all ages and skill levels). We will continue
to use all available tools and work with our greens committee, members, golf
course architect, and RCC staff to accomplish this goal.
Thank you for your continued support of our golf
maintenance operations and we look forward to seeing you on the course.
Golf Course Superintendent
Ridgewood CC
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