After returning from an extended trip to Pinehurst, for Richard Mandells's second presentation of this significant gathering, I felt some discussion and sharing on what transpired would be of interest to the tree house denizens. As was the case last year, Team Mandell did a superb job, across the board, in both the quality and organization of the event.
The presenting speakers were insightful, frank, and didn't flinch when the tough question was asked. In fact, refreshingly, they often welcomed expanded comments on a topic or point that added to the information shared. A quick poll of several attendees that were present for both events felt this second Symposium was slightly stronger than what was a very solid initial presentation. As it should be...Bravo Rich and Team Mandell! Many thanks and deep appreciation to all who made the time to find your way to Pinehurst to participate.
In particular, two presenters deserving special mention really pushed the edge, in positive ways, on innovative and expansive thinking in finding affordable solutions to challenges.
The first, sharp Pasatiempo superintendent Paul Chojnacky, gave several practical examples of applying unconventional methods to maintain rugged barranca and difficult ground areas, using goats, and significantly reducing water use, by introducing tough, compatible grass species he knew from his Wyoming upbringing could handle the minimal water requirements and pest concerns he was seeking for his project.
While the goats' escapades have been documented on this site, Paul noted that they only nibble down to the lower part of the plant crown, where sheep often eat or tear out the root systems. This distinction is key, because on steep, easily eroding ground, goats are the clear call for this type of work. Paul also mentioned that the hoof action of the goats often actually compacted the ground to a more stable state as they move about, another plus when slope or ground stability is a concern.
For the turf transition, on perimeters of play and other areas, Paul did extensive research on what varieties would work best, and auguments his initial plantings with subsequent seeding and a mulch cover to maximize germination, limit invasives, and hold additional moisture for use by the new grass.
Tom Mead, who has worked with numerous pioneers in the game, including John Ashworth and our own Tom Doak, then gave a comprehensive, enlightening and thoroughly progressive overview on multiple, sustainable options that facilities can utilize to make a difference in efficient operations. He has lived it, brings diverse experience as a superintendent, architect and environmentally savvy soul, and asks us in the industry to make the effort to try things, starting wisely on a small scale, and refine them until we can expand their effectiveness.
The others presenters, including Ran, who gave a lively, visual powerpoint romp 'round Huntercombe GC, all raised important topics to share and reflect on with regard to assisting make the game more natural, resource efficient and affordable. Rich intends to schedule the event again around the same time next year and I'm sure he'll chime in with the detals. He plans to offer a WHITE PAPER which will contain much of the subject matter covered this year, and a video component is also part of the mix if my memory serves me right.
At this point I will say that the GCA tree-house turnout for this event was disappointing. There seems to be no shortage of numbers from this site's membership for the get togethers and access events. Many on this site are quick to count themselves as purists, those that have a deep passion for the game, yadda, yadda , yadda.
THERE IS NOT A MORE IMPORTANT ISSUE IN THE GAME THAN HAVING THOSE THAT CLAIM TO LOVE IT STEP UP, SHARE TIME AND INSIGHTS, AND FIND BETTER WAYS TO PRESENT THE GAME IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE, AFFORDABLE WAY WHEREVER POSSIBLE!
I respect the fact many, especially those working the dirt and turf for a living, can't cut away easily during this time of year. The overseas crowd gets a pass, though I'll note we had three Scots who made the effort, including a proud caddie from Kingsbarns! We all lead busy lives, BUT COME ON. Ran, who presented, and Chris Buie, and ardent supporter, are local. We didn't have even five GCA members travel beyond that to make it...PATHETIC! I'm sorry, but I gotta call group fraud on this one. We are SSSSOOOOOOOO much better than that pitiful effort.
Pinehurst is a special place. The foliage and weather during this event is generally epic. Southern Pines, our host course, is THE MODEL for affordable golf in a tremendous presentation. There is a warmth and energy about this area that is hard to describe. A "rightness" about the golf and the region in general is the best description I can offer. Additional golf options abound. In short, THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TO MAKE THE EFFORT IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
If we who claim to revere golf can't even bother to show up for an event of this importance and presentation quality, when the game is on the ropes, as it most certainly is just now, what does that say about us and our sport? Let's try to give back a little more to this beguiling endeavor we claim to cherish, rather than just pounce on the easy opportunity to extract and gain from it. We, and golf, will be far better for it by adopting that course.
Rich and TEAM MANDELL...a heartfelt salute to an outstanding Symposium! You can count me in again next year.
Cheers,
Kris
