Aeration time and an early spring?

Well, to say the weather has been a little unusual is an understatement.  But how wonderful that this time we’re not talking about 30” of snow, but some great above-average temperatures that have provided a LOT of winter golf opportunities!  With spring aeration time right around the corner (link to aeration schedule below), I thought it would be a good time to talk about what’s going on with the turf during a mild winter like this.

This is the latest 1-month outlook from NOAA.  The trend continues!

Holy traffic, Batman! 

One of the biggest challenges to a busy winter golf season is the amount of traffic we see on the courses.  While the unseasonable temperatures have provided some much needed golf weather after a very wet September and October last year, our golf courses are seeing the toll that traffic takes on the grass when there is no ability for it to grow and heal itself.  This comes most notably in the form of hundreds of ball marks on every green, and very heavy wear on areas at the entry and exit points to cart paths around greens and tees.  Tee boxes themselves are beat up, but most of our courses have purposely left the tee markers place for the winter without moving them, so there we minimize the amount of area that is bare and needs to be seeded in the spring.  Ultimately this allows us to provide improved teeing areas when the spring does arrive and the grass starts growing again.

Root growth bonus!

6 inch roots in February makes a superintendent happy!

Turf all around the golf courses typically sees roughly zero root development in the winter, but this year, again, is a little different!  These temperatures have allowed the soil to warm up a little more ahead of schedule and we are ahead of the game with root growth.  This is great news if you’re a turf junkie, because spring root growth is INCREDIBLY important to the turf’s ability to withstand the incredible summer stress we see in this area.  Our superintendents, just like all you golfers out there itching to hit the links, are hoping for some nice, dry weather so we can be as productive as possible getting the courses cleaned up and back in shape for the spring.  Dry weather in the spring and fall is crucial for root growth because it makes the plants search for water.  If it stays wet, roots have no reason to grow and with short roots, it is a very long, labor-intensive summer for turf management.

Aeration time!

The most important cultural practice that is performed at our facilities is core aeration, and I could literally wear out the keyboard discussing the benefits of this process!  The process of aeration and recovery is very stressful both physically and mentally for our staff, because we take such pride if maintaining great conditions for you!  But this temporary disruption to our playing surfaces is what helps the turf remain healthy throughout the year and is very important!  So what exactly is so great about removing all these plugs of soil from your beautiful golf course?

• Improved root growth
•  Improved gas exchange (oxygen to the root zone and actual air movement underground!)
• Decreased thatch and organic matter that can hold excess water (bad for root development and increases disease pressure and insect problems)
• Incorporation of pure sand in greens to keep these important channels open (tremendous root growth in these holes!) as well as firm the playing surface
• Alleviates compaction caused by foot and vehicle traffic
•  Improved water infiltration
• Improved microbial activity (healthy microbes help the soil environment function better)
• And the list goes on!

Superintendents LOVE this!

So when exactly will our courses be aerating?  Find our aeration schedule HERE.  On the date of aeration, the areas mentioned (front 9/back 9) will be closed for the day.  Course-specific announcements (such as opening aeration day at 1:00 for example) will be made via our Facebook page and Twitter feed.  We have selected aeration dates that work best for the specific needs of the course based on types of grass and environmental conditions, as well as trying to work around major events and outings that are already scheduled.

2012 PGA Merchandise Show Recap

At the beginning of each January, the golf industry begins to prepare for its biggest day of the year - The PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. It's a time that sends those of us in the industry into a frenzy trying to get prepared for this massive event that brings OEM's, both large and small, apparel companies, golf technology companies, training aid developers, and so much more, together under one roof for three days of nothing but golf.

The industry only show, which started in the 1950's, allows companies to show off their newest offerings for the 2012 year. Weeks, months and years of research and development are all unveiled during this crazy, yet exciting, week. The event this year had more than 1,000 vendors and 40,000+ PGA Professionals, buyers and industry leaders in attendance.

This year a handful of our MCG Golf Professionals and Directors attended, covering every square inch of the show. During their time at the show they saw some absolutely incredible booths, and others that left a lot to be desired.

Another favorite of those who attended was the Demo Day, which was held on Wednesday, January 26th and served as a kick-off for the main show. The event attracted more than 5,000 PGA Professionals, media and retailers, all there to get their hands on the clubs that will be hitting the shelves over the next few weeks. With more than 200 hitting bays on the circular range and short game areas of the 42-acre practice facility of Orange County National Golf Course, it was a chance for nearly 100 manufacturers to show the world what's hot.

Although you most likely weren't able to get inside the doors of the Orlando Convention Center yourself, here is a link from Golfweek that gives you a great recap of the show: http://golfweek.com/news/2012/jan/24/complete-coverage-2012-pga-merchandise-show/.

If you see something you like - clubs, apparel, hats, etc. - please give us your feedback. Let us know if you have a favorite vendor, style of clothing, type of club, or anything else related to golf merchandise. We value your thoughts and suggestions and we're always looking to improve our MCG pro shops.

Winter work: Get Educated!

Today our MCG superintendents and assistant superintendents are attending one of many important educational seminars to help enable us to continue our commitment to using the latest research, ideas, and practices that make our operations more efficient, environmentally sustainable, and provide the best conditions we can for our customers.

Today's seminar was organized by our own Teddy Blauvelt (Hampshire Greens superintendent) and Steve Evans (Hampshire Greens asst superintendent). Teddy serves the local Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents as the Education Director, and Steve serves on the Education Committee.
There are 160 people in attendance today to hear presentations from a number of locally, nationally, and internationally recognized university researchers, industry professionals, and environmental organizations.
Topics today consist of greens aeration and topdressing research, environmental and economic sustainability from Audubon International, summer disease preparedness, managing greens under stress, using turf knowledge to improve care of ornamental plants and woodlands, and a presentation about the International Golf course Equipment Managers Association.
Sent from my Droid Charge on Verizon 4GLTE

New for 2012

Each year we review our operations and make changes to improve our service to you.  Over the past few years, we have heard many comments on the lack of ability with our current point of sale system.  Many of you have experienced the slow processing of our current system or have heard our staff reference the dreaded red X, which is when the system just freezes and then shuts down.  We have worked diligently with our current system to correct these challenges but have not been successful.  Therefore, beginning Monday, we will be transitioning to our new point of sale system.

We planned this transition for February because of the normal cold temperatures and relatively slow days.  However, considering the recent weather patterns, we are busier than expected.  The following is a summary of some of the key items regarding this transition.

Schedule

• Current system will shut down as of close of business on Sunday February 5, 2012 - Go Giants:)
• New System will turn on Thursday February 9, 2012
• Monday - Wednesday - The golf courses will be open according to normal winter schedules.  We will be operating the old fashioned way with paper and pens.  Please note we will be accepting credit cards during this time.
• Online tee times are shut off and will become available on again on Friday February 10, 2012

Questions

• What do I do with my new player pass, frequent player pass, weekday or full membership cards?  Once the new system is up and running please present your current card at the counter and they will convert it to a new card. 
• I have a gift card which I have not used?  Please present the gift card at the counter and you will be issued a new card with the correct balance.
• How do I make an online reservation?  You will need to register as an online user the first time you use the new system.  In the future, you will be able to simply enter you user name and password when booking a tee time.  

Transition

• We realize there are always challenges when making a transition this large and we are asking for your patience while we get the system fully up and running.  Please give us your feedback and input on how we can make the system better and please remember that our goal is to make your experience better.  

 Thank you for your continued support of the MCG golf courses.

Golf Tournament & Outing Planning Guide: Part 2

In Part 1 of "Tournament & Outing Planning" we covered two of the most important topics of planning an outing: deciding on a date and choosing a golf course. In Part 2 we will now cover choosing a format/contest and also how to promote your event.

Factors to Consider in Choosing a Format

One of the major factors in determining the playing format is the number of players you plan on having participate. Once that is determined you can choose the type of format that makes the most sense for the size of your outing.

Typically a golf tournament brings out a wide variety of players, some of them avid golfers and others who rarely, if ever, pick up a club. This will affect your choice of formats in that you should try and pick a format that will allow players of all abilities to enjoy the round. Even though you will match players of varying abilities on teams, the social nature of golf is one that soon after the event begins, golfers always find they have something in common.

You may also want to take into account the time of year and weather conditions. For example, if your event is in the summer in warm weather, you may want to try and schedule a morning event. You will also want to choose a format that allows players to finish in a reasonable amount of time. Remember, it is probably going to take 4 1/2 to 5 hours to complete a typical golf outing.

Event Formats and Contests

There are a variety of formats and contests that will work for corporate and charity events, but perhaps the key factor in choosing a format is the abilities of the golfers who are participating. Since there are typically a large number of players playing at the same time, team formats usually work best. Having players on teams also tends to even things out since there is typically a wide variety of skills among the players.

Competition Formats

The Scramble - This is by far the most popular format for a group golf event because it allows for a good pace of play despite the large number of players. It also gives everyone, even the less experienced, a chance at winning. A four-person scramble is one in which there are four players on a team. Each team member hits a tee shot at each hole, but the second and succeeding shots are played from where the best shot of the four lands. Play continues until the ball is holed out.

Best Ball - Each player hit their own ball in a Best Ball format, but only the lowest score from among the group is recorded as the official score for the competition. The lowest score for each hole is recorded as the official score for that hole. The Best Ball allows for each player to play a full round of golf, but still allows for less experienced golfers to contribute to and be part of a winning team.

Stableford - A Stableford awards points for shots made depending on a player's handicap. A point value is assigned for a birdie, par, eagle, bogey, double bogey or triple bogey based on the following formula. Instead of the player winning with the fewest strokes, in this case the winner would be the player with the most points.

Callaway - The Callaway, though a bit more complicated than other scoring systems, is used for one-time events when most of the players do not have a handicap. The Callaway system utilizes a special scoring table to determine each player's net score, based on how players do on their worst scoring holes of the day.

This is just a brief sample of possible formats and scoring systems. If you are unsure of what system to use or how to score an event, our MCG golf professionals will be more than happy to not only explain and recommend a format, but also take care of all of your scoring needs. This includes setting up the event and figuring out handicaps and teams.

Contest Formats

Putting Contests - The most common added competitive activity at golf outings, putting contests are very popular because anyone has the basic skill to putt a ball toward a hole. Usually held on the practice putting green, putting competitions offer dozens of variations on a theme, with the object being to putt the ball in the hole in the least number of attempts.

Most putting contests collect a nominal fee from each participant, depending on the group. These entry fees can range from as little as $1 to $50, with the prize going to the winner or a smaller prize to the winner with the majority of money going to charity.

Closest to the Pin - This popular contest involves a tee shot off a par 3 that comes closest to the pin. Often this contest is played on a par 3 where the green is visible from the tee box or on the course's signature par 3 hole.

Longest Drive - Award a prize for the person who hits the longest drive on a predetermined hole during the competition. Normally, this contest takes place on one of the course's longest and straightest par 4 or par 5 holes.

Again, our MCG golf professionals can help walk you through this process and will take care of setting everything up on the day of the event. We understand that you have a lot to do on the day of the event and we want to help you out as much as possible.

Promoting Your Event

A key component of planning for a golf outing is informing your potential golfers about the event. Since golf outings are typically all-day events, it is extremely important to provide your guests with as much notice as possible. If there is a huge demand for spots in your tournament, you may have to start the process even further in advance.

For your first announcement, a simple news item or press release listing the name and date of the event, location, starting time and list of the day's activities is appropriate. Distribution can be via email, fax, through your company or charity newsletter or even via snail mail. Plan to announce your tournament six months in advance if possible so that your guests can reserve the date on their calendar.

Plan to follow up three to four months in advance with a second announcement. That announcement should include a registration form or some type of reply form. One month in advance, plan to follow up with another news item about the event, as well as send out a confirmation letter to those who have already signed up.

Although being in charge of a golf tournament or outing may appear to be a daunting task, hopefully some of these ideas and tips help show that it is not nearly as hard as you think. It is important to know that the golf course and golf course staff are there for you and should help assist you in as many ways as possible. Our MCG golf professionals have many years of tournament operation experience and look forward to working with and helping tournament planners in any way possible.

Again, if you are interested in hosting an event at Hampshire Greens, Little Bennett, Laytonsville, Northwest, Needwood, Falls Road, Rattlewood, Poolesville, or Sligo Creek, please contact us at: Wrohauer@mcra-md.com.