News:

Welcome to the Golf Club Atlas Discussion Group!

Each user is approved by the Golf Club Atlas editorial staff. For any new inquiries, please contact us.


TEPaul

GMGC's Ideal Maintenance Meld
« on: May 11, 2005, 07:11:02 PM »
I didn't think it would come around this fast (actually it's been developing for around three years), but I guess it just shows how things can and do happen if you just hang in there and keep chipping away.

My golf course, Gulph Mills G.C., King of Prussia, Pa, has basically just nailed its "Ideal Maintenance Meld" (IMM). They didn't just nail it they are on track to keep it nailed (obviously other than during seasonality and natural rain). I think they're also on track to bring the IMM back into play as quickly as the course can naturally get itself out of wet conditions.

It's another world in play for us---most all our members totally notice the difference and a huge slice of them actually act like "where has this golf course been all these decades?"

It's different maintenance practices thoroughly analyzed and then put into practice over time. Obviously some time in remediation is necessary as grass is a living thing. It's maintenance practices that are a considerable alteration from the way we've always done things before.

The ground game's back again all over the golf course---the greens play into another fascinating dimension they never really have before. The "lights are back up" on the architecture and all it's nuances are starting to strut their stuff.

Maintenance is really into it---they're so proud of it---the membership seems to be getting into it bigtime---it's just great to see. (We do however, have a few little adustments left to do to get it just right for us).

What a relief to finally nail it---and to know this is what they want to maintain!

Some of this old architecture is not just getting architecturally restored---some of those that have it are beginning to really understand again how it needs to be maintained to be everything it can be.

RJ_Daley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:GMGC's Ideal Maintenance Meld
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2005, 07:47:01 PM »
Tom, can you describe a few of the changes to the maintenance regime from before?  I'd be most interested to know how you are mowing your surrounds of the greens and the fairway bunkers.  

It is very early in the spring growing season of course.  When the grass really takes off in growth and need for fertility and water, is the plan to keep it lean and mean?  Has the super taken to a different schedule of cultural practices like verticuting and aerating, solid or core tines?  More light top dressings more frequently?  What about sand textures?

You didn't just think you could come on here and gloat over the obviously inspired leadership you are providing without getting into the details, did you? ;) ;D 8)
No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Jimmy Muratt

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:GMGC's Ideal Maintenance Meld
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2005, 10:30:18 PM »
Tom,

It's great to hear that your membership is appreciating the new firm and fast conditions of the course and realizing how enjoyable those characteristics can make a golf course.

Can you give a couple examples of specific holes that now play quite differently than before?  How has your strategy changed in playing the hole?  

What exactly has the club done to facilitate such conditions on the course?  From a maintenance perspective, what are some of the new practices they are using to ensure the firm and fast conditions continue?

Mark_Guiniven

Re:GMGC's Ideal Maintenance Meld
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2005, 02:32:04 AM »
Good for you Tom. I would enjoy reading a USGA Greens Section-style account of what your club has done. Have you written anything like that?