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Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
References for Green Committee Members
« on: November 19, 2009, 10:59:46 AM »
In an effort to become more educated about turf and political issues associated with serving on a green committee, I have compiled a reference list.  Most of these articles are from the USGA web site.  I am adding others from Google searches and materials found on this site.  

I thought others might have interest in this list.  I would also welcome any suggested additions.


 Aeration/Cultivation
•   Aeration and topdressing for the 21 st century. O'Brien, Pat; Hartwiger, Chris. 2003. USGA Green Section Record. March/April. 41(2): p. 1-7. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2003/030301.pdf
•   Sometimes More is Less. Oatis, David A. 2002. USGA Green Section Record. May/June. 40(3): p. 10-11. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2002/020510.pdf
•   Why aerate greens? USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .


Ballmarks
•   Repairing ballmarks. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .


Budgets and Labor
•   Budgets
•   Setting standards: creating effective written maintenance standards is easier than you think. Lowe, Todd. 2005. USGA Green Section Record. September/October. 43(5): p. 1-6. http://www.usga.org/turf/green_section_record/2005/sep_oct/setting.html
•   The economy and golf course maintenance. Brame, Bob. 2004. USGA Green Section Record. March/April. 42(2): p. 1-5. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2004/040301.pdf


•   labor issues
•   Winter staff levels. Turf twister, 2004. Sept/Oct. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2004/0409BC.pdf
•   Required maintenance verses available labor - are you adequately staffed? Moore, Martin. 1988. USGA Green Section Record. January/February. 26(1): p. 12-14. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/1980s/1988/880112.pdf
•   Etiquette toward maintenance personnel. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .


Bunkers
•   Sand Selection
•   How to select the best sand for your bunkers. Moore, Jim. 1998. USGA Green Section Record. January/February. 36(1): p. 9-12. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/1990s/1998/980109.pdf
•   Sand selection and your game. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/cm/contentm/modules/display_dynamic.ahtml
•   Help your bunkers make the grade. Hartwiger, Chris. 1998. USGA Green Section Record. November/December. 36(6): p. 1-4. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/1990s/1998/981101.pdf
•   Why bunkers are not consistent. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .
•   Bunker etiquette. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .


Rake placement
•   Where should we put the bunker rakes? Nelson, Matt. 2005. USGA Green Section Record. January/February. 43(1): p. 32-33. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2005/050132.pdf
•   Should bunker rakes be placed inside or outside of the bunker? USGA Web site FAQs. http://www.usga.org/questions/faqs/turf_grass_maint.html
•   Raking bunkers. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/cm/contentm/modules/display_dynamic.ahtml

Communication

Northland's wonderful blog http://northlandgrounds.blogspot.com/
My golf maintenance blog:  http://ergcm.blogspot.com
Another local maintenance blog: http://sgccturf.blogspot.com/
GCM (official GCSAA publication) blog: http://gcm.typepad.com/
And another: http://web.mac.com/bbergner/Site/Welcome.html

Construction/Renovation Issues (bunkers, greens, tees)
•   Building the USGA Green- Tips for Success. USGA Green Section Staff. 2002. http://www.usga.org/turf/course_construction/green_articles/tips_for_success.pdf
•   USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction. USGA Green Section Staff. 2004. http://www.usga.org/turf/course_construction/green_articles/putting_green_guidelines.html
•   Determining the Need for Reconstruction - Do the Greens Need to be Rebuilt? Moore, James F. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/construction/greens/need_for_reconstruction.html
•   A Troubleshooting Checklist for New USGA Greens. Moore, James F. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/construction/greens/troubleshooting.html
•   Planting a Bermudagrass Green - http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html
•   So, you want to renovate your golf course. Oatis, David A. 1997. USGA Green Section Record. September/October. 35(5): p. 1-5. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/1990s/1997/970901.pdf
•   http://golfclubatlas.com/in-my-opinion/ross-society-ross-restoration-guidelines
•   http://golfclubatlas.com/in-my-opinion/an-anatomy-of-a-restoration



Divot Repair
•   Divot repair etiquette. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .
•   Fixing divots. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/cm/contentm/modules/display_dynamic.ahtml


Environment
•   Is your course certified? Dotti, Paul. 2002. USGA Green Section Record. January/February. 40(1): p. 17-20. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2002/020117.pdf
•   Turfgrass and golf course benefits - a scientific assessment. Beard, James B.; Green, Robert L. 1993. USGA Green Section Record. May/June. 31(3): p. 26-30. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/1990s/1993/930526.pdf
•   Environmentally sensitive areas. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .
•   http://www.usga.org/course_care/articles/management/general/When-In-Doubt---Spec-It-Out/
•   http://www.mgcsa.org/Phosphorus%20eckholm.html
•   


Green Committee
•   The ten most common Green Committee mistakes. Oatis, David A. 2003. USGA Green Section Record. September/October. 41(5): p. 1-6. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2003/030901.pdf
•   The Green Committee chairperson: are you up to the challenge? Moore, Jim. 1994. USGA Green Section Record. September/October. 32(5): p. 8-11. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/1990s/1994/940908.pdf

•   http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2003/030901.pdf
•   http://turf.lib.msu.edu/1950s/1950/500629.pdf
•   http://turf.lib.msu.edu/1920s/1926/2612254.pdf
•   http://www.rcga.org/innerpage.aspx?x=O8nv51joCPol1lpEKNlfH%2BS%2B6I8xK6RIbqtmPyI6b9YvablWk3Y8R7bSPfHCSS1x
•   


Greens Management
•   Helping your greens make the grade. Moore, J.F. 1998. USGA Green Section Record. March/April. 36(2): p. 1-7. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/1990s/1998/980301.pdf
•   Making a great putting green surface. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .
•   TV golf versus daily play. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .


Green Speed
•   Use of the Stimpmeter. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html
•   Green Speed. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/cm/contentm/modules/display_dynamic.ahtml


Hole Locations
•   Requirements for a hole location on a putting green. USGA Web site. http://www.usga.org/RulesFAQ/rules_answer.asp?FAQidx=143&Rule=16
•   What is the USGA recommendation regarding hole locations? USGA Web site FAQs. http://www.usga.org/questions/faqs/turf_grass_maint.html
•   Selecting hole locations. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html
•   Changing a hole location. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .


Hiring a Golf Course Superintendent
•   Selecting a professional superintendent. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/career/employer_resources/prof_super/default.asp
•   The best and the brightest available. Vermulen, Paul. 2006. USGA Green Section Record. July-August 44 (4): 1-8. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2006/060701.pdf
•   Hiring a professional staff. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/career/employer_resources/prof_staff/default.asp
Huntington Valley Maintenance Story
   http://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview/lincoln-roden-december-2001
   http://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview/feature-interview-with-scott-anderson-part-i-august-2005/feature-interview-with-scott-anderson-part-ii-september-2005
   http://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview/feature-interview-with-scott-anderson-part-i-august-2005
   http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1939803,00.html
   
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHi0L0O5Tcs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax8BfvIzpms

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdLFKAp1o6k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c1KbUf3Yts


Information Resources
•   Audubon International: www.audubonintl.org
•   Education video clips. USGA Web site. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html
•   Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America: www.gcsaa.org
•   Turfgrass Information File - Search all USGA materials is available free-of-charge. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/
•   USGA Green Section Section: www.usga.org/turf


Irrigation
•   Does your irrigation system make the grade? Huck, Mike. 2000. USGA Green Section Record. September/October. 38(5): p. 1-5. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2000/000901.pdf
•   Using effluent water on the golf course. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/cm/contentm/modules/display_dynamic.ahtml
•   Water conservation. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/cm/contentm/modules/display_dynamic.ahtml
•   Watering for healthy turf. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .

Labor Issues - See Budgets & Labor


Lightning
•   Lightning safety. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/cm/contentm/modules/display_dynamic.ahtml


Overseeding
•   Pros and cons of fairway overseeding. Foy, John H. 1998. USGA Green Section Record. September/October. 36(5): p. 10-12. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/1990s/1998/980910.pdf


Pesticides (insect, weed, & disease control)
•   Facts about golf course pesticides. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/resources/facts/facts.asp
•   Golf course pesticide FAQs. GCSAA. http://www.gcsaa.org/cm/contentm/modules/display_dynamic.ahtml


Practice Areas (driving range, nurseries)
•   Building a new driving range tee? Supersize it! Oatis, David A. 2005. USGA Green Section Record. July/August. 43(4): p. 12-15. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2005/050712.pdf
•   The long and short of practice areas. Bevard, Darin S. 2001. USGA Green Section Record. January/February. 39(1): p. 1-5. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2001/010101.pdf
•   Nursery Rhymes. Bevard, Darin S. 2001. USGA Green Section Record. May/June. 39(3): p. 22. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2001/010522.pdf

Renovation - see Construction/Renovation Issues
Roughs
•   Roughing It. James T. Snow. 1998 USGA Green Section Record. Nov/Dec. 26(6): p. 1-4.
http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/1980s/1988/881101.pdf   
Terminology - see Glossary of Golf Turfgrass Terms


Traffic Control
•   Traffic, how much can you bare? Vavrek, Bob. 2002. USGA Green Section Record. July/August. 40(4): p. 1-6. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2002/020701.pdf
•   Common sense cart paths. Oatis, David A. 1994. USGA Green Section Record. January/February. 32(1): p. 1-5. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/1990s/1994/940101.pdf
•   Golf cart etiquette. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .


Trees
•   Ten timely tips to avoid tree troubles. Vermeulen, Paul. 1990. USGA Green Section Record. September/October. 28(5): p. 15-17. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/1990s/1990/900915.pdf .
•   Trees on the golf course. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .
•   http://state.il.us/court/Opinions/AppellateCourt/2009/2ndDistrict/November/2080995.pdf
•   http://golfclubatlas.com/in-my-opinion/below-the-trees-by-dunlop-white-iii
•   http://golfclubatlas.com/in-my-opinion/selling-a-tree-program-at-your-club-by-gary-sherman
•   


Wildlife
•   Wildlife and habitat management information and case studies. GCSAA. http://www.eifg.org/portal/portal/portal.aspx?menu_type=category&identifier=9

Winter Topics


winter injury
•   Politics, religion, and winter play on greens. Snow, James T. 1987. USGA Green Section Record. November/December. 25(6): p. 1-4. http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/1980s/1987/871101.pdf .
•   Frost issues. USGA Web site animations. http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/educational_video_clips.html .
« Last Edit: March 22, 2010, 12:42:42 PM by Jason Topp »

Mark Pritchett

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2009, 11:04:40 AM »
Jason,

Thanks for posting, now I have a lot of reading to do!

Mark

Joe Hancock

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2009, 11:07:29 AM »
Jason,

You're a nerd, through and through! But what a helpful nerd you are....this is a great resource, and thanks for sharing your hard work.

Joe
" What the hell is the point of architecture and excellence in design if a "clever" set up trumps it all?" Peter Pallotta, June 21, 2016

"People aren't picking a side of the fairway off a tee because of a randomly internally contoured green ."  jeffwarne, February 24, 2017

Rory Connaughton

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2009, 11:24:04 AM »
Very helpful. Thanks Jason

Kalen Braley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2009, 11:31:22 AM »
If any thread needed to be stickied, this would be one.  What a post Jason and what appears to be an awesome resource!

Jerry Kluger

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2009, 11:35:00 AM »
Thanks - superintendent and green chairman have been forwarded a copy. Cheers, Jerry

Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #6 on: November 19, 2009, 12:05:16 PM »
Jason,

You're a nerd, through and through! . . .
Joe

Correct!

Mark Chaplin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #7 on: November 19, 2009, 12:11:32 PM »
An excellent reference Jason, however is not a little knowledge dangerous in the hands of the amateur? I prefer our professional team of greenkeeper/agronomist/architect advise using their expertise rather than second guess or "advise" back.
Cave Nil Vino

Joe Hancock

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #8 on: November 19, 2009, 12:15:30 PM »
An excellent reference Jason, however is not a little knowledge dangerous in the hands of the amateur? I prefer our professional team of greenkeeper/agronomist/architect advise using their expertise rather than second guess or "advise" back.

Mark,

I understand what you are thinking here, however I think the managing board of people at any golf facility is more capable of good decisions if the use their intellect rather than being a trusting, ignorant board.

Obviously the professional staff should be in control, unless they prove themselves incapable.

Joe
" What the hell is the point of architecture and excellence in design if a "clever" set up trumps it all?" Peter Pallotta, June 21, 2016

"People aren't picking a side of the fairway off a tee because of a randomly internally contoured green ."  jeffwarne, February 24, 2017

jonathan_becker

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #9 on: November 19, 2009, 12:18:02 PM »
Jason,

Well done.   :)  Lots of stuff here to keep me busy for a while.

Thanks,

Jonathan

Kevin_Reilly

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #10 on: November 19, 2009, 12:24:29 PM »
Thanks Jason...

Can you check to see if the ball mark repair link works...it didn't for me.
"GOLF COURSES SHOULD BE ENJOYED RATHER THAN RATED" - Tom Watson

Mac Plumart

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #11 on: November 19, 2009, 02:33:11 PM »
Jason...

Amazing stuff!!!

Truly a unique value-added feature that only the knowledge base on this site could post.

Thanks!!!!!

Mac
Sportsman/Adventure loving golfer.

Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #12 on: November 19, 2009, 03:24:07 PM »
Thanks Jason...

Can you check to see if the ball mark repair link works...it didn't for me.

I cannot make it work either.

Greg Chambers

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #13 on: November 19, 2009, 03:25:42 PM »
none of the gcsaa links work
"It's good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling.”

Mark Chaplin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #14 on: November 19, 2009, 03:36:32 PM »
Joe - Most people wouldn't dream of questioning a structural engineer on their calculations for a property or one's surgeon on how they conduct their surgery - all can be read up on. Yet when it comes to grass and greens we think we can be experts with little or no knowledge.

I've heard of clubs where the captain can make one change a year to the course. Imagine what a mess that can make in 20 years.

This is a good thread I'm just commenting on limited knowledge v expertise.
Cave Nil Vino

Rich Goodale

Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #15 on: November 19, 2009, 04:01:13 PM »
Mark

There is a big difference between in how one interacts with a contract employee (i.e. structural engineer, heart surgeon) and a full-time employee (i.e. greenkeeper).  In the latter case, any Board/Committee which gives the emplyee full reign is abrogating their responsibilities to the membership/ownership.

I have seen more golf courses f***ed up by greenkeepers and agronomists than by Committees.  And, No, I am not going to give examples--you'll just have to trust me!

Rich

Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #16 on: November 19, 2009, 04:53:58 PM »
An excellent reference Jason, however is not a little knowledge dangerous in the hands of the amateur? I prefer our professional team of greenkeeper/agronomist/architect advise using their expertise rather than second guess or "advise" back.

I agree with the concern that a little knowledge can be dangerous if used in the wrong way.  I also think it can be very useful if used in the correct way.  Many of the materials I posted give advice on how a Green Chairman with no specialized knowledge should work with a professional staff that does.

My brief review of the materials helps demonstrate how little a non-professional knows rather than the other way around.  There are many helpful suggestions on what a Green Chairman should do and what should be left entirely in the hands of the Superintendant.





 

Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #17 on: November 19, 2009, 04:55:19 PM »
none of the gcsaa links work

I'll figure out what is wrong when I have the chance.

Ed Oden

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #18 on: November 19, 2009, 10:03:08 PM »
Thanks Jason!

Joel_Stewart

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #19 on: November 19, 2009, 10:59:07 PM »
Yes its excellent but how many people on your green committee will read and study it?

When I was on the green committee, it was the 80-20 rule.  80% of the people couldn't care less and came to meetings to have a drink with their buddies and be away from their wives.   They rubber stamped everyting.   The other 20% did all the work.

What should be on the list is "The Art of Negotiation and "How to influence your friends and enemies".   I would probably put some type of accounting class 101 so hopefully you can understand the supers budget.

RSLivingston_III

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #20 on: November 19, 2009, 11:38:55 PM »
Thanks Jason. Great resource material.
Now if you can just get the committee members to read any of it...
"You need to start with the hickories as I truly believe it is hard to get inside the mind of the great architects from days gone by if one doesn't have any sense of how the equipment played way back when!"  
       Our Fearless Leader

Tyler Kearns

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #21 on: November 20, 2009, 12:09:06 AM »
Jason,

Thanks for the links. I am taking over the chairmanship of our Greens Committee in 2010, you've given me a great reading list for the winter.

TK

Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #22 on: November 20, 2009, 09:01:27 AM »
Yes its excellent but how many people on your green committee will read and study it?

When I was on the green committee, it was the 80-20 rule.  80% of the people couldn't care less and came to meetings to have a drink with their buddies and be away from their wives.   They rubber stamped everyting.   The other 20% did all the work.

What should be on the list is "The Art of Negotiation and "How to influence your friends and enemies".   I would probably put some type of accounting class 101 so hopefully you can understand the supers budget.

I agree that political skill is the most critical aspect of the role.  Often, a knowledge advantage can help in that arena. 

Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #23 on: March 22, 2010, 12:43:35 PM »
I have updated the links in the initial post.  It appears the USGA has updated theirs.

Garland Bayley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: References for Green Committee Members
« Reply #24 on: March 22, 2010, 03:01:44 PM »
Can't seem to use any of the USGA links still.
"I enjoy a course where the challenges are contained WITHIN it, and recovery is part of the game  not a course where the challenge is to stay ON it." Jeff Warne