Montgomery County Golf

Golf Tournament & Outing Planning Guide: Part 2

2012-01-30T20:25:00.011-05:00

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.

Golf Tournament & Outing Planning Guide: Part 1

2012-01-26T12:49:00.007-05:00

Have you ever thought about putting together a golf tournament or outing and just didn't know where to start? Or has your company recently made you the Golf Event Planner for this year's upcoming tournament? If so, you may be asking yourself "now what?" and wonder how to even get started. Not to worry. What seems like a daunting task need not be that difficult. You certainly don't need to be an experienced golfer to run an exceptional golf tournament. All it takes is some advance planning and the foresight to use the planning tools that will be at your disposal.

Below are some basic guidelines on how to approach planning for your event and a task list to guide you through the entire process.

Most golf tournaments and outings can be put together by a relatively small group of individuals with the help of the golf course's own staff. Assuming that your event is of typical size (144 players or less), you should find the following information extremely helpful and will help you treat your group to an unforgettable day of golf hospitality.

An Overview of Your Golf Outing

A typical day long golf outing involves 72-128 players with 18 holes of golf beginning at either 8am or 1pm. Plan for 4 1/2 to 5 hours of actual golf, with most outings having a lunch and/or dinner either before or after the event. Registration usually begins an hour or two before the event.

As the golf event planner, most of your work will be completed well in advance of the outing. Once the big day finally arrives, you'll get plenty of help from the golf course staff, which will be more than happy to take many of the details off your plate, including all matters pertaining to the actual golf competition.

One of the pleasant surprises about hosting an outing is how helpful the professional staff should be in the planning process and on the actual day of the event. Our goal at MCG is to make sure that we develop a good working relationship with you and your outing committee, to the point where on the day of your event, our golf staff will almost seem like part of your own event staff. You will find our golf course staff extremely attentive to your needs and very adaptable to last-minute changes that are typical to golf events.

First Step: Decide on a Date

Probably the most important step in starting your event plan is to choose a date. Are the days of the week flexible when you can have your event? Is it necessary to hold the event on a weekend or are you flexible enough to have it on a Monday or Friday, or even mid-week?

For example, if you are flexible enough to have your event on a Monday, it drastically opens the possibilities on what courses you have access to. While Monday is a business workday, there are many golf outings held on Monday afternoons, with some of them preceded by a business meeting in the morning. For weekend events, you will find that most 18-hole courses prefer to book group outings in the afternoon so they can still welcome the many individual golfers who like to play on weekend mornings. Additionally, the cost of weekend outing will typically tend to be a little bit higher as those are days that are more in demand.

Second Step: Choosing a Golf Course

After deciding a date, or multiple dates that may work, the next step is to decide which golf course is appropriate for your group. Is the course centrally located so that most of your guests can easily commute? Does the course have the type of food and beverage facilities that can provide your group with the type of service that you would want your guests to have?

MCG has nine golf courses scattered throughout Montgomery County, making it very convenient to find at least one that meets your geographical needs. And all of our courses are equipped to handle your food and beverage needs, including a great working relationship with a local catering company.

The number of players for your event will also have an effect on the choice of courses. For example, a golf course will max out at 144 players for an 18-hole event. If you are expecting more players than that, you may want to consider a facility that has 27 holes. Here in Montgomery County, Northwest and Needwood Golf Courses would be perfect options to host your larger events. And if you are looking for a smaller, nine hole event, consider Sligo Creek, located conveniently off the DC beltway in Silver Spring.

Keeping in mind that there will be players with a wide range of golf experience, the actual topography and layout of the course might have an impact on your choice. The best choice for a golf outing is a course that will provide a challenge for the best golfers, yet still allow inexperienced players a chance to navigate their way around the course with the least amount of difficulty.

As you research your golf course options, ask the general manager or golf professional to provide you with some names of other groups who have held event at that particular course. you'll be able to contact someone who has been through the whole process and has the benefit of a great deal of feedback from golfers who played the course.

Visit the Course and Tour the Facilities
Also, when you begin to make phone calls to inquire about golf course availability, make an appointment to come out and see the facilities first-hand. In most cases you'll be able to meet with someone who can book the golf course for you. Once you get there, ask the various staff members about the condition of the course and you'll find plenty of people willing to provide thorough feedback.

Take a golf cart out on the course and notice the condition of the greens. Are they green and lush or do you see large bare or brown spots? Putting surfaces that have large brown patches or worn spots are something that you don't want to have to explain to your guests. Also look at the fairways, areas of rough and the areas surrounding the tee boxes and rough areas that divide one hole from another. Are these areas well maintained and tidy looking?

There are many other routine things you will want to check on with regard to the course. You'll need at least one golf cart for every two golfers, so does the course have enough carts in their fleet to accommodate you? What about golf club rentals for those in your event who might not be bringing their own clubs?

What is Your Budget?

When establishing a budget for a golf event, remember that most courses will charge on a per person basis. This cost per golfer includes the greens fee (cost of actually playing the course) and a cart fee (cost for renting each golf cart). Many courses, although not all, will also charge an administrative fee of some sort that handles the various details of the event, including bag handling, preparing cart signs, scorecards, scoring the event and display of a large scoreboard with all the names of the golfers.

Food and beverage is usually calculated separately, again at a cost per person. Based on the time of day of your event you will have to decide what meal options you will want to include, before, during and after golf.

What kind of prizes will you have and will you have to purchase them or will they be donated. Many golf tournaments, especially those run for a charity, contact various businesses for donations of prizes. Additionally, you can work the particular golf course so that some of your prizes can be gift certificates redeemable at the golf shop on the day of the event.

That concludes Part 1 on how to plan and run a successful golf outing. Part 2 will include information on how to choose a format/contests and how to promote your event.

MCG has nine courses located throughout all of Montgomery County. If you or someone you know interested in hosting an event at one of our nine MCG courses, please email us at: Wrohauer@mcra-md.com.

Winter Work: Course Accessories

2012-01-18T09:19:00.000-05:00

As we continue to take a look at the number of things that keep maintenance crews busy during the winter months, refurbishing course accessories takes a significant portion of our time. This work is typically done when the course is covered in snow, or during frost delays that prevent us from working on other projects outside.

Little Bennett's ball washers disassembled, cleaned, sanded, and repainted


Traffic control stakes are repainted at Hampshire Greens

Amongst the items that are refurbished are ball washers, flag sticks and cups, yardage markers, tee markers, traffic control stakes, water cooler houses, tee caddies, directional signs, benches, bunker rakes, trash cans, and the list goes on!

Broken tee caddies and directional arrows are made and painted

Yardage poles are repainted

Northwest in the process of making new signs and tee markers

So when you think that those maintenance guys couldn't possibly be THAT busy during the winter, rest assured that we are working just as hard as we do during the rest of the year trying to take care of this type of work that can't be readily accomplished during the season when all these accessories are in use and needed on the course!

PGA Tour 2012 Preview

2012-01-10T18:15:00.009-05:00

The 2012 PGA Tour officially kicked off in Maui last week with Steve Stricker winning the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. The 44-year old Wisconsin native shot 23-under on The Plantation Course at Kapalua , three shots clear of runner-up Martin Laird. But even with the first win of the early season going to a seasoned vet, all eyes in 2012 will be on the tour's new breed of young guns and a Tiger with something to prove.

6 Twenty-Somethings To Watch In 2012:

KEEGAN BRADLEY: Bradley played his college golf at St. John's in New York City. His second win in 2011 came in the form of a PGA Championship (was also his first appearance in a major, not bad!). Bradley is quite simply a very steady and consistent player without much flash in his game. He ranks 12th in total driving (combo of distance and accuracy), which means he keeps it in play and doesn't make a whole lot of mistakes.

JASON DAY: The young Aussie is fearless and appears to be built for majors. In 2010 he finished tenth in the PGA Championship, his first career major. In 2011, he tied for second in his first Masters and also finished second in his first attempt at the U.S. Open. And while he is known for his length off tee (averaged 302.6 yards), Day also led the tour in making birdie or better on par 3's.

WEBB SIMPSON: Although Simpson flew under a lot of radar's most of last season, he emerged on everyone's screen after winning the Deutsche Bank during the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and finished second in the FedEx standings. He also won the Wyndham Championship last season and may have won the Zurich Classic had he not had to penalize himself with three holes to play (ball at rest moved). The former Wake Forest star also finished second on tour in scoring average (69.25) and official earnings ($6.35 million).

BILLY HAAS: Haas' father, Jay, was a standout on tour; his brother, Jay, Jr., spent some time on tour; his uncle Bob (Goalby) won a green jacket at the 1968 Masters; and his uncle Jerry is the golf coach at Wake Forest. And Billy, a star at Wake Forest himself, did not win in 2011 until the Tour Championship (which won him the FedEx Cup). But most tend to forget that Haas lost twice in playoffs earlier in the year and won two tour titles in 2010. Here's an interesting stat: Haas ranked third in 2011 in holing putts 5 feet or shorter. And as many of us know, making those knee knockers can keep you in contention.

DUSTIN JOHNSON: DJ may just be the most intriguing and fun to watch player on tour. Never mind that he ranked third in driving distance (314.2 yards) and fourth in birdie average (4.2 per round) -- has anyone on tour collapsed so much? The Coastal Carolina grad was leading the 2010 U.S. Open by three shots with 18 holes to play, then shot 82. He would have been in a playoff with Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson in the 2010 PGA Championship but was penalized for grounding his club in a bunker on the final hole. He was in the hunt in the final round at last year's British Open before shanking a routine fairway shot OB. But DJ does already have five PGA tour wins on his resume. So while many fans may shake their heads at his catastrophes, he's only a stroke away from domination.

Rookie of the Year - BUD CAULEY: Although he may not exactly fly under the radar, Cauley, 21, turned pro after his junior year at Alabama and became one of only six players in Tour history to earn enough money through sponsor's exemptions and guaranteed starts to bypass Q-School. He made the cut in eight out of nice starts, had two Top-4 finishes in the fall season and earned a smooth $735,000. Watch out for young Mr. Cauley!

Does Tiger Smell Blood?

And of course the main talking point in 2012 is, naturally, how Tiger Woods will perform after his return to the winners circle. Doubts have certainly been expressed about his professed 'return', given that his victory at the the Chevron World Championship was in a field of eighteen players. Obviously all we can do is wait and see, but the nature of that victory was quite impressive and holing two sizeable putts for birdie on the last two holes to win by one shot is something that would be associated with Tiger in his prime. One would have to think that Woods will see multiple wins in 2012. And with the news that Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy have taken up membership on the PGA Tour, potential rivalries with Woods have the golfing public anxious with anticipation.

And The Winner Is....

And now for this blogger's 2012 Major Championship predictions:

The Masters: Adam Scott

The U.S. Open: Lee Westwood

The British Open: Tiger Woods

The PGA Championship: Steve Stricker

Agree? Disagree? Got something to say? Leave a comment below.

Winter Work: Equipment Maintenance

2012-01-06T22:38:00.002-05:00

Superintendents often refer to their mechanics as the unsung heroes of the operation. Each golf course has at least 30 pieces of specialized equipment that are used to maintain our properties, and these technicians ensure not only the machines are safe and functional, but also play a key role in turf health and playability, for example, by assuring that cutting units are sharp and precisely adjusted (within a thousandth of an inch on height of cut) to the specifications of the superintendent.

Pictured above is a fairway mower getting its winter service (cutting units removed for sharpening and to access hydraulic and electrical systems)

Utility carts, mowers, tractors, sprayers, aerators, seeders, and small equipment like blowers and string trimmers are repaired and maintained throughout the season as needed, but the winter offers our equipment managers some much needed time to thoroughly go through each unit and perform more intensive preventive maintenance that keeps these machines running smoothly throughout the year.

Engine replacements or rebuilds are a piece of cake for our talented mechanics

Cutting units for green, tee, and fairway mowers are checked and adjusted after every use during the season, but in the winter, these complex machines get a thorough check-up of the hydraulic system, engine, and electrical components as well.

The "guts" of a greens mower hydraulic system. This machine is 14 years old and running great because of the expertise of our equipment manager.

The cutting units themselves will be ground and prepped to original factory specs and tolerances. Bearings throughout the machines will be inspected and replaced as needed, and hydraulic hoses and fittings will be checked for wear and replaced to help ensure there are no damaging leaks next year that could kill grass.

The underbelly of a greens mower all set, clean, and ready to go!

Even big jobs like splitting a tractor to replace the clutch are performed in-house

This is really the tip of the iceberg, but we are lucky to have such a talented group of mechanics who can quickly perform the full gamut of repairs necessary to the equipment! Next time you see all that equipment on the course, just know that a hard-working technician is an integral part of keeping the course in good shape!

USGA, R&A Announce New Rules For 2012

2011-12-26T14:48:00.004-05:00

In case you missed the news earlier this fall, the USGA and R&A announced the amendments to nine principal rules. This is the first time both the USGA and R&A have worked together to change golf's rules. The rules, which take effect January 1, 2012, have been published in the new Rules of Golf for 2012-2015. In no particular order, here are the three major amendments that have been made:

Ball Moving After Address (Rule 18-2b). A new exception is added which exonerates the player from penalty if their ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that they did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position.

Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions (Rule 13-4). Exception 2 to this Rule is amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 (improving lie, area of intended stance or swing or line of play) is not breached.

Time of Starting (Rule 6-3a). The rule is amended to provide that the penalty for starting late, but within five minutes of the starting time, is reduced from disqualification to loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Previously this penalty reduction could be introduced as a condition of competition.

The most significant change (Rule 18-2b) will see an end to situations like the one witnessed during the final round of this year’s Open Championship when Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was penalised when his ball was moved on the seventh green by the wind after he had addressed it.

Padraig Harrington, three-time Major winner and R&A-Working for Golf Ambassador, said: “I am delighted with the changes, in particular the ball moving after address. Every time the wind blows I am worried that my ball is going to move and I am worried about grounding my putter, distracting me from trying to hole my putt.

“This change will speed up play, there won’t be as many suspensions and players won’t be getting penalised or disqualified unfairly. It is definitely giving us players a little bit of a break.”

If you are interested in learning more about the rule changes, the Golf Channel will be airing a 30-minute special called "New Year, New Rules" on December 31st at 11:30pm EST. The show will then re-air every half hour from 6am - 7:30am EST on January 1st.

The Greatest Round Ever Played?

2011-12-21T18:27:00.005-05:00

As golfers, we all know that it is quite a feat to shoot one's age. So, imagine how spectacular of day the late Kim Jong-Il had back in 1994. It is reported that the North Korean dictator, age 52 at the time, carded an epic 38-under par (34) on the 7,700 yard Pyongyang Golf Course.

According to some reports, Kim's round included a world record 11 holes-in-one and he carded no worse than a birdie on any hole at the country's only golf club! This amazing feat also happened on what was his first ever round of golf. And even though all 17 of his bodyguards were eyewitnesses and swear they saw that go down, for some reason, the folks over at "Guinness" fail to recognize the record. After that round, the media tells us, Kim decided to retire from golf forever, lest he ruin it for us mortals.

The odds of making a hole in one for the average golfer is 12,500 to 1, so can you imagine what the odds are of making 11 hole-in-ones in one round? Well, thanks to the Postmedia News, now we know:

According to the Wall Street Journal, a Palm Springs, California, statistician recently calculated that the odds of a 46-year-old woman, Jacqueline Gagne of Rancho Mirage, California, making 10 holes-in-one in less than four months - a claim apparently verified by the Desert Sun newspaper - at roughly 12 septillion (12 followed by 24 zeros) to 1.

Making 11 aces in the same, first, and one and only, round of golf would be, according to Postmedia News' calculation, 183 gazillion to 1.

It's probably a good thing for Tiger Woods and the rest of the PGA Tour that Kim spent his time ruling his people because clearly he could have ruled the Tour as well.

Time for Training!

2011-12-07T20:43:00.001-05:00

One of the most important parts of the off-season for us is to train our staff for the upcoming season. Today, key staff from every facility are at Rattlewood Golf Course attending an AED/CPR training class. Each one of our facilities is equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator in the event that a golfer or an employee is suffering from cardiac arrest.

In fact, last year one of these life-saving devices was successfully used at Poolesville due to the quick and methodical action taken by superintendent Dan Hofmeister, and there were 8 other lives saved on golf courses in Maryland last year with the use of an AED.

During the 3 hour training session today, every person was certified in proper CPR and AED procedures. MCRA remains committed to having a top notch staff at every facility!

Throughout the winter, general managers and professional staff will undergo intensive training every week on topics such as:

Golf Instruction
Customer Service
Business Management
Merchandising
Staff training
Food & Beverage Management
Operational Efficiencies
and many more!

Our superintendents will also spend a significant amount of time training in-house on topics such as:

Environmental Programs
Safety
Turf Technology
Research
Course conditioning
Irrigation Management
Pest Management
and other topics

They will also attend local and national turfgrass management conferences to stay up to date on the the latest in agronomic research, turf disease and water management, cost savings measures, regulatory and compliance education, as well as a host of other timely topics.

So, in addition to keeping up with dozens of winter projects at every facility, winter time does not constitute "down time" as many people think. We are vigorously preparing for another great season at Montgomery County Golf!

Golf 101: Terminology

2011-12-05T14:05:00.007-05:00

After I was finished giving rules and format announcements to our Frostbite Open participants this weekend, I realized that I was using some terms that not every golfer quite understands. Although some of these terms seem very basic to some of us, I thought I would go through and give a brief definition of twenty-five of the more commonly used golf terms. If there is a term that you don't understand that isn't listed below, please let me know and I will try and give you a good definition and understanding of it.

1. BACK NINE: The back nine consists of the last nine holes of a golf course.

2. BIRDIE: A birdie occurs when you finish any hole one shot below the par rating for that hole. For example, if you are on par 5 and you only take 4 shots to get your ball in the hole, then you have scored a birdie on that hole.

3. BOGEY: A bogey is the opposite of a birdie. A bogey occurs when you hit the ball into the hole using one more strike than par. So if you are on par 5 and you take 6 shots to get your golf ball in the hole, then you have scored a bogey.

4. CUP: The cup is simply another word the hole in the green which is the ultimate target for the golf ball.

5. DIVOT: A divot is a small piece of turf which is removed by your golf club when you hit a ball. Divots should be repaired (replaced) as a matter of basic golf course etiquette.

6. DRAW: A draw describes a shot which bends to the left (for right handed golfers).

7. FADE: A fade is a shot which sends the ball veering slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers).

8. FAIRWAY: The fairway is the playing area between the tee and the green. This does not include hazards.

9. FLAGSTICK: A flagstick is a movable marker that shows the location of the hole.

10. FRONT NINE: Front nine referes to the first nine holes of a golf course.

11. GREEN: The green area is a closely mowed area on which the hole is situated. It is also referred to as the putting surface.

12. HANDICAP: A handicap is a system of adjustment to the score system so that golfers of different skill levels can compete with one another without the better players dominating the game.

13. HONOR: To be 'given the honor' is to be granted the privilege of playing first within your group. Typically this is achieved by scoring the lowest of the group on the previous hole.

14. HAZARD: A hazard is a bunker, sand trap or water on the golf course that may cause golfers difficulty.

15. IMPEDIMENT: An impediment is loose debris around the ball which is obstructing your shot and which can be moved away from your ball.

16. LATERAL WATER HAZARD: A lateral water hazard is a water hazard or that portion of a water hazard which is situated so that it is impossible, or impracticable, to drop a ball behind the water hazard. All of the ground and water within the margin of a lateral water hazard are considered to be part of the lateral water hazard.

17. MATCH PLAY: Match play is a type of competition in which each hole is a separate game. The winner of a match play game is whoever wins the most holes.

18. NUKED SHOT: A nuked shot is a shot which is hit far harder and longer than you would normally hit the ball with a particular club.

19. OB: OB stands for out-of-bounds. This is the area which is outside of the course and which is often marked with white stakes. The ball should not be played from this area.

20. PAR: One of the most basic golf terms, a par is the number of strokes assigned to each hole. This can range from anywhere between 3 to 6 strokes.

21. ROUGH: According to golf language, the rough refers to the high grassy area close to the fairway and green.

22. STROKE: A stroke is contact, or an attempt at contact, with the golf ball. A stroke is the forward movement of a golf club that aims to hit the golf ball.

23. STROKE PLAY: Stroke play is a competition that is based upon the number of strokes each golfer takes for a given round.

24. THROUGH THE GREEN: Through the green refers to the whole area of the course except for the teeing ground, the putting green of the hole being played and any hazard areas.

25. WATER HAZARD: A water hazard is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not it contains water) and anything of a similar nature on the course.

Obviously there are many more, but hopefully this may help a few of you "Talk the Talk"!

If you are new to the game or know someone who is new to the game, MCG also offers a great instructional program for beginners called "Get Golf Ready". The Get Golf Ready Program is designed to teach you, in five short lessons, everything you'll need to know to step onto a golf course and get out to play with confidence, including terminology. Get Golf Ready is taught by trained PGA and LPGA Professionals who will make sure you have fun each step of the way. For more information, visit our website at www.montgomerycountygolf.com.

Matt Jarvis
General Manager
Poolesville Golf Course

Laytonsville #3 green drainage project

2011-12-01T07:14:00.001-05:00

For any of you who have played Laytonsville after it has rained, you no doubt have experienced how wet and spongy #3 green is. Superintendent Galen Evans and his great team have recently undertaken a major renovation to this green to help solve the drainage problem that existed.

As you can see from the above photo, there is a distinct layer that exists from when the green was constructed nearly 40 years ago. This layer is the primary cause of the lack of water infiltration into the green. You can also see throughout the profile numerous sand channels that are the result of core aeration. In this green, however, continued aeration is just not enough to ameliorate the significant layering problem, and it was time for more drastic measures.

After sod was stripped for the trencher, drain lines were carefully excavated, making sure spoils stayed on plywood to keep the surface of the green clean.

2-inch drain pipe was installed after the proper slope was achieved at the bottom of the trenches....

and the greens mix was added and tamped back into place...

Finally the pieces of sod were placed back in the exact order they were removed. Once the green is completely cleaned off of debris, it was rolled repeatedly to return the surface to its original condition for playability.

Drains were installed every 6 feet, about 18 inches deep across the green and back-filled with a mixture of 60% sand, 20% peat and 20% topsoil. This mixture is a good recipe for allowing water to percolate down to the drain lines, and also having the ability to hold enough water and nutrients to maintain healthy turf.

Jon Lobenstine
Director of Agronomy

Getting ready for the off-season

2011-12-01T07:02:00.001-05:00

While the golf season is winding down, our golf maintenance teams are just as busy as ever! The off-season provides unique opportunities for us to take on projects that can't be completed when we are hard at work keeping up with daily routine mowing and course preparation tasks. But now that turf growth has slowed considerably, there is time to begin much-needed work on rebuilding bunkers, installing drainage, upgrading irrigation system capabilities and performance, doing tree work, and developing a prioritized game plan for other winter work.

We will continue to update this blog with examples of important winter projects that are going on that will ultimately improve your golfing experience at our facilities!

Jon Lobenstine
MCG Director of Agronomy

Fall - the best time to play golf?

2011-09-05T13:36:00.001-04:00

Some people say the spring is the best time to play golf. Others will argue that summer is the best time but I say fall is the best time to play golf.

Spring can't be the best time because the grass is just starting to grow after a long winter. The greens are not consistent because of the different types of grasses and the poa produces those seed heads that make the greens look white. Most of all golfers are just trying to remember how to hold the club and make a swing after a long winter.

Summer can't be the best time because it is 100 degrees and humid. The superintendents have to protect the courses by mowing the grass a little higher and there is always some sign of stress on the course.

Fall has to be the best time because the courses are healing from the late summer aerification. Any weak areas on a course heal quicker because the grass is still growing strong. The nights are cooler and the sun is not so strong so the superintendents can have fun and make the greens super fast again. Playing in the fall is refreshing with the nice temperatures and cool breezes not to mention the great scenery with the trees changing colors.

So even though the calendar says Labor Day, don't put away those clubs or you will be missing out on the best golf of the year.

Watering During My Round

2011-07-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

We often hear comments during the summer, "why are they watering the course while I am playing". MCG takes water conservation very seriously and in order to maintain grass at the low heights we do on our golf courses our Superintendents must manage the amount of water very carefully. In the heat of the summer, the majority of watering is done by hand and not our irrigation systems. This allows us to be very specific about the amount of water that is used and for us to be very specific on where we apply it.

For example, the extreme heat of yesterday, today, and tomorrow requires our teams to be very specific with the amount and placement of water. Bent grass shuts down when soil temperatures reach 98 degrees and yesterday we were seeing ground temperature readings of 108 in certain areas. The staff puts a light syringe on the turf which cools the temperature to about 95. They also have to make sure they are putting just the right amount down so they do not add water to the soil which already has enough moisture. Adding to much water can cause the grass to suffocate and die. When it gets to hot in too many areas (what they refer to as, "the course getting away from us") that is when we have to resort to turning on the sprinklers. The cycle will generally be one or two turns of the head again with the same purpose of just cooling the surface.

So the next time you see a maintenance person pulling up to the green right as you are getting ready to hit the ball from the fairway or a sprinkler head turns on as you are approaching your next shot, remember they are doing their best to keep the course alive and they are trying to be in 3 places at the same time. We work with and train our teams to be as respectful as they can while golfers are playing. I can also tell you they would rather not be lugging big hoses in the extreme heat.

Stay cool, drink plenty of water, and enjoy your round!

How to play out of deep rough

2011-06-17T09:00:00.001-04:00

Everyone will get a first hand look from watching the US Open at Congressional this week at how hard it is to play a shot from very deep rough. If it is difficult for tour players, which makes it even harder for the average golfer.

When you are assessing your shot you must first evaluate how bad the ball is sitting. Think about as 2 different lies, if the blades of grass are lower than the top of the ball you shouldn’t have much trouble getting the ball out. If the blades of grass are higher than the top of the ball (as shown below) we have some issues.

The key to playing the shot is in the setup. The shot requires a steeper swing path than you would probably make for your normal swing. Setup with an open stance(aiming slightly left) and place to ball in the middle of your stance. When making your backswing you want to try to have your backswing consist of more arms taking the club away and less or your traditional shoulder turn. This will make the club swing slightly on a steeper path or more upright and help get the club down on the ball and out of the rough.

Reminder: The club still has to get lower than the ball in order for it to come out.

The difficult part about playing from the rough is that all that grass gets trapped between your club and the ball and wants to grab onto your club. Your club starts to slow down because of all the interference of the grass, and the ball does not get a direct hit like you are used to. If you believe you can still get to the green with the lie you have you will want to take additional club to offset the interference. If you don’t believe you can get to the green you will want to choose a club with a lot of loft to help you get the ball up and out of the long grass as quick as possible. Sometimes it makes more sense to get the ball back out into the short grass and have a slightly longer next shot than to be a hero and try for the green and end up still in the rough.

You will see these tips used at Congressional all week and they will help you when faced with the same situation.

Good Luck

Michael J Kenny, PGA

Needwood Golf Course

Feeling the Pressure . . .?

2011-06-11T11:00:00.003-04:00

. . . Let it go

There are a lot of ways that pressure can creep into your otherwise enjoyable golf experience. Most of these pressures have a detrimental effect on your performance.

Your opponents or playing partners are all safely on the green or in the fairway and you are the last to play.
You need a few extra yards to carry a hazard or reach a green
Your ball is down in some thick rough ( it can be quite healthy this time of year)
You’re down a few strokes in a match or struggling to play up to your own standards.

Most often, these pressures manifest themselves in the way we grip the golf club. Fear and anxiety turn into Tension and Increased Grip Pressure. When we squeeze on the handle of a club,

· we choke off the flow of energy to the club head and the ball ( slower swing speed )

· put the brakes on the natural rotation that the face of the club, needed for a square impact with the ball

· Decrease the effective mass of the club head. The harder you squeeze, the lighter the club head becomes.

Why spend $ 300 dollars on a golf club and then squeeze it until it performs like a $ 3 piece of lumber?

The next time you’re stuck in the rough, or need a few extra yards, or feel added pressure to make a good swing, go ahead and squeeze it as hard as you can. Then release the pressure until most of your fingers are at about half as tight as you could hold them; or “5” on a scale of 1 to 10.

For optimum club head speed, the only squeezing should take place as far away from the club head as possible; in the first 3 fingers of your top or gloved hand, and should decrease from finger to finger as you go down the club. So, on the 1 to 10 scale from the top of the grip, you should feel “9-8-7-5-5” on the top hand, then

“5-5-5-5-5” on the lower hand; freeing up the club head to swing while giving you plenty of control of the club face.

Feeling the Pressure . . .?

. . . Let it go

. . . and dial 987-555-5555
. . . for better performance

Martin Zadravec

Northwest Golf Course
Golf Professional, Instructor

How to Correct your SLICE

2011-06-06T10:02:00.000-04:00

Before we correct a slice, it is important to understand what causes the slice. Players that slice the golf ball are swinging too steep and coming from outside to inside which will leave the club face open at impact and will put a clockwise spin on the golf ball for a right handed player.

A B C

The following picture shows a swing from 5:00 to 11:00 which will leave the club face open at impact and cause the slice.

The following picture shows a swing from 6:30 to 11:30 which will square the club face at impact and allow a straight shot.

The following picture shows a swing from 7:00 to 11:00 which will close the club face at impact and create a hook.

Now that we understand what causes a slice, here are some tips on how to cure it. The first thing you want to check is your grip, the V’s on your thumb and forefinger on both hands should be pointing towards you right shoulder. Next , check your grip pressure, light grip pressure is another way to help you hit it straighter. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being light and 10 being tight) you want to grip it with a 3 or 4. Finally, your forearms should rotate counter clockwise and this will allow you to square the face of the club at impact.

The following is a drill that I use with my students to cure a slice.

1. Take a club shaft and put it into the ground 1 club length behind the ball and one club head length outside the target line. Make the shaft angle the same as the lie angle of your club head.

2. Make practice swings that pass under the shaft

3. Start hitting balls when the club passes under the shaft.

4. Feel the swing working from inside to outside which will allow your club face to square up at impact.

I am confident that with these corrections you will enjoy the game much more.

Gary Kelley, PGA
Head Professional
Sligo Creek Golf Course

DON’T PEEK!

2011-05-27T17:05:00.000-04:00

Keep your head down! You picked up your head! You are sliding in front of it! I’m sure every golfer has heard at least one of these phrases during a round of golf or while taking a lesson from your golf professional.

When something to this effect is stated, what the person is trying to tell you is that in order to hit a solid shot your head MUST be behind the ball at impact.

We see players do this in baseball all the time. A batter will look up to center field during his or her swing, in hopes of hitting a home run. This will, in most cases, result in a strike.

When referring to keeping the head down, picking the head up, or sliding in front of it, we are really talking about keeping the top of your spine behind the ball at impact. This will, in turn, keep your head down through the swing.

A couple tips to help with this problem are to slow down and stop trying to hit the home run or, in our case, the 300 yard marker. If a shot is properly hit, you should see the ball when it is reaching its highest peak. If this happens, you have hit a solid shot.

I encourage you to watch good players and see where their head is positioned during the swing, especially at impact, and shortly after impact. You can clearly see in this photo that he did not peek at impact.

If you are not hitting solid shots, keep the thought “don’t peek” in your mind and you are sure to improve in this area.

Dean Greer, PGA

Head Golf Professional

Laytonsville Golf Course

Bunker Tips - Learn to love the beach!

2011-05-21T07:23:00.003-04:00

If you are like most amateur golfers, your reaction is one of disgust when your ball lands in a green side bunker. Day after day I will look out and see countless golfers hacking away in sand traps, desperately trying to get the ball airborne and out of the trap. Yet on the PGA Tour, most pros will tell you that they would prefer to be in a bunker then the long rough that surrounds most greens. The problem is that most golfers do not know how to set up properly and seldom (if ever) practice bunker shots. Here are some quick tips to help you become a better bunker player and improve your overall score.

1. Use a Sand Wedge! This may sound like common sense, but many golfers will try to use a pitching wedge because they don’t have a sand wedge. If you don’t have one, get one!

2. Open the club face and open your stance, with the club face aligned with the target.

3. Get a good solid stance by digging your feet several inches into the sand and use a shoulder width stance.

4. Place 60% of your weight on the left leg and leave it there throughout the swing.

5. The rules of golf prohibit grounding your club in the bunker (the bunker is a hazard) so address the ball with the club head slightly above the sand, about two inches behind the ball.

6. Play the ball off the left foot, forward of center. Remember, the goal is to hit the sand, not the ball.

7. When playing your shot, hit the sand about 1-2 inches behind the ball. It is imperative to keep your left arm straight throughout the shot and control it by rotating the body, not the arms, through the shot. *** Focus your eyes at the spot 1-2 inches behind the ball. The worst mistake you can make is to hit the ball first, instead of the sand.

Once you understand the basics and practice a little, bunker shots should not be feared – they’re a blast!

Matt Jarvis

General Manager

Poolesville Golf Course

How to take the fear out of those long putts

2011-05-17T11:29:00.000-04:00

Pace of your putts is often over looked. We need to remember sometimes just getting a putt close to the hole is considered a great putt. I like to teach my students a few key little tips when trying to get those long putts closer.

1. Visualizing the putt: Take the time to take a few practice swings looking at the hole. Our mind is a wonderful thing that we use less then 10% of its potential. Taking a few practice strokes looking at the hole will help you get the feel for the pace of the putt.

Downhill putts: Picture an imaginary hole short of the actual hole. A point where you think the ball needs to start dying so it will come to rest close to the hole. Focus on this spot when taking your practice stroke. Try and make the ball roll in the imaginary hole.

Uphill putts: Picture an imaginary hole past the actual hole. Focus on this spot when taking your practice stroke. Try and make the ball role in the imaginary hole.

2. ALL putts are STRAIGHT putts. The slope of the green is what makes the ball move left or right. You must commit to your line and stroke the putt while keeping the head still.

Practice these tips and I will guarantee 2 things.

1. You will have less three putts at the end of the day

2. You will make every 1ft putt that comes your way.

I will leave you with a quote from a great old friend and golf instructor (George Kohutt) “Practice doesn’t make perfect it makes permanent”

Chris Cissel, PGA
General Manager
Rattlewood Golf Course

Maximize your distance

2011-05-06T09:00:00.000-04:00

As an instructor, one of my most frequently asked question is how can I hit it longer? I think most golfers would prefer hitting it longer as opposed to shooting lower scores. Well, it’s not one or two things but a list of things you must do to maximize how far you are capable of hitting the golf ball. Everyone is different when it comes to hitting it long off the tee. Age, strength, build and flexibility are some of the determining factors. Here are my three most important swing tips to help you hit it longer.

1. Back swing- I’m sure you have been taught to have your stance shoulder width apart, that should apply to your irons but not your driver. In order to create club head speed you must have a wide swing plane. Widen your stance so that your feet are just outside your shoulders. When you start your backswing keep the club low to the ground and rotate your left shoulder towards the center of your body while making sure your right knee stays flexed and does not change position. (Opposite shoulder and knee for lefties) To help create the proper shoulder turn it should feel like your back is facing the target at the top of your swing. We want to create tension from our lower body and upper body, so visualize holding the bottom of a spring, twisting the top and letting go.

2. Down swing- As I talked about earlier, there is a list of things you must do to hit it long, but if you asked me to pick the most important here it is. Have you ever heard of lag, do you know what it means? Lag is the retaining of the right wrist position (left wrist for lefties) late into the downswing. Most golfers do the opposite.

Releasing the wrist angle too early in the downswing robs them of power and causes errors like hitting behind the ball, slices, and even thin shots. Your body has a tendency to rise up to compensate for the early wrist release. A good practice drill is to stick a tee in the end of your grip, when you start your downswing maintain your right wrist position until the tee points at the golf ball, this drill will give you the proper feel when you should release the club and help you generate faster club head speed at impact.

3. Follow through- In my opinion, the follow through is one of the most important parts of the golf swing, even though the ball is well on its way to the target by the time the follow through occurs. In order to swing the club faster and finish in the correct position you must uncoil your upper body swinging against a straightened left leg which clears your left hip (right leg and hip for lefties).

The faster your hips clear, the faster your shoulders will uncoil from the powerful position you created in steps one and two. This maintains club head speed through the impact position. After impact, let your hips continue to rotate until your belt buckle faces the target. Your head should have come up and your body should be standing tall, facing the target, with all of your weight on your straightened left leg in a balanced position staring at a 270 to 300 yard drive right down the middle.

I hope these tips help you hit it longer. Good luck and have a great golf season.

Bobby Ashton PGA

Head Golf Professional
Hampshire Greens Golf Club

Posture and Set-up

2011-04-29T09:00:00.004-04:00

An often overlooked and important aspect of the golf swing is Posture and Set-up. For this tip, lets assume that we are speaking about a player with no major physical ailments and it can be for a right or left-handed player.

I spend a lot of time prior to correcting a players' swing by going over proper posture. Golf is a game that puts a lot of torque and pressure on our body. If you are in the wrong position you can only hit poor shots and you can damage your muscles and/or joints. Proper posture is also a major contributor to proper balance and that is why I view it as a very important part of the golf swing!

I have used the following 4 check points which I have learned over the years from many nationally recognized instructors.

1) The tips of your shoulders when tilted over from the waist will line up with the tips of your toes

2) Your stance should be at shoulder-width to support your weight shift and turn. Shoulder width means taking the measurement of your shoulder s and having that distance between the insteps of your feet.

3) Your hip joints, when properly bent over, will align directly over the back of your shoes. This will help you load your hip on your back swing for power.

4) The last vertical alignment check is a little more in depth. The top of your spine aligns vertically with the back of your elbows, then tips of your knees and finally to the balls of your feet. This final alignment check indicates if you are "skeletally stacked"!

If you are not properly stacked or set-up, your golf swing can get off-plane and out of position causing many errant shots in any direction. We talk about many other sports where you need to get in a proper "athletic" position. These 4 points help you accomplish that. We can look at all athletes and use analogies to show you how important this is so please do not ignore these basic fundamentals. Your poor shots could be a result of your poor set-up and posture so call one of our highly trained instructors to get your posture and set-up checked out.

Jeffrey M. Rosenberg, PGA
General Manager/Head Golf Professional
Little Bennett Golf Course

Pre-Shot Routine

2011-04-22T09:11:00.005-04:00

The pre-shot routine is one of the most overlooked aspects of the golf swing. Yes, I did say golf swing. A golf swing is only as good as your target line awareness therefore I consider your pre-shot routine part of your swing. Having been a PGA member for almost 20 years, I find it interesting that golfers tend to practice with out purpose. Most golfers never leave their mat and just wack away at 100 balls, which mean that more than likely the “ball” has been the target and not the flag stick. Listed are some easy tips to help you establish a solid pre-shot routine on and off the course:

 Visualize what you want the shot to look like.

 Always get directly behind the shot and walk into your stance with your hips and feet open to the target line.

 Do some waggles just like Arnold Palmer, he wasn’t just fidgeting with his pants that was his way of getting loose.

 Take in consideration all the outside variables such as weather conditions and type of stance you have these factors will effect the outcome of the shot.

 When practicing make sure you walk off the mat or behind the shot every other ball. If you don’t get behind it just make sure you are thinking target before your next shot.

 Clear your mind of all negative thoughts. Do not hit a golf shot unless you are committed and ready to execute the shot. This sounds easy, however, its one of the hardest things to do.

 Practice your routine at home and on the range. The more you ingrain your routine the faster and easier it will become.

I hope some of the listed “tips” will help you achieve better shots and better scores immediately. If you need personal help with the above information please see any of our MCG golf professionals for some advice or for a lesson.

Jon LeSage, PGA
Head Professional
Falls Road Golf Course

Swing Tip - Chipping

2011-04-15T08:39:00.001-04:00

The most common problem with chipping that I see is that people do not hit the ball on the way down. Sweeping, brushing or even hitting the ball on the upswing are common faults.

A good drill to help you correct this is to place 4 balls down on the ground touching each other perpendicular to the edge of the putting green. Put the ball you are going to chip 1 grip length closer to the green and practice chipping balls onto the green from that location.

The key to the drill is to keep the handle of the club ahead of the ball and to strike the ball on the way down. Remember you should not hit the 4 balls on the back or forward swing!!

Start close to the green with an 8 iron and in no time you will understand the basics to a successful chipping motion.

Mike Kenny, PGA
Head Professional
Needwood Golf Course

Putting Tip

2011-04-08T15:40:00.000-04:00

Generally the most overlooked aspect of the game is putting. All players constantly want to improve their ball striking but yet they wonder why at the end of the season their handicap has yet to improve. Below are two tips that will help shave some strokes on the putting green.

Tip #1
Most putters usually get in trouble because they are eager to see if they have made the putt and tend to pull their head up to early. A good method for keeping the head still during the putt is to pick a spot back center of the ball and then focus on listening to the ball go into the hole. So after you have contacted the ball your head remains still and the eyes should be focusing on the spot on the green where the ball was.

Tip #2
Allow the shoulders to make the putting stroke. The putting stroke should mirror a pendulum on a clock. Allow the hands and arms to be an extension of the shoulders and then the shoulders rock back and forth in a smooth motion. The shoulders should move in a smooth and timely motion in order to keep rhythm in the putting stroke.

These two tips should allow you to begin making more putts.

Justin Keith, PGA
Teaching Professional
Falls Road Golf Course

Teaching Tip - Proper Impact Position

2011-04-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

A very high percentage of golf students that I consult with for the first time do not know what proper impact position looks like. The unfortunate part about this is that many of these same folks have been playing without this critical information for many years. When I see a student with this type of problem, the very first thing we do is discuss good vs. poor impact position, and why it is so important.

Left Photo:
The player in this photo shows good position of the hands at the moment of impact. The grip of the club is leaning forward toward the target. The left wrist is flat and the right wrist maintains a bend. This bent right wrist will allow the club to strike the ball first and the ground second. It is also very important to turn the body towards the target and shift weight to the outside of the left ankle at the beginning of the downswing -- the correct wrist position would be difficult to maintain if both of these things did not take place, as well.

Right Photo:
The player in this photo shows poor impact position. We can clearly see how the player's left wrist is bent and the right is straight -- the complete opposite of the left photo. The club has bottomed out too early, which means that the head of the club hit the ground before it hit the ball. The reason most players bottom out early is because they are not properly turning and shifting their weight to their left foot. In most cases, they are swinging too hard from the top. In this photo, the player has hit so far behind the ball that his shot would likely not have gone very far.

In order to compensate from a club grounding behind the ball, most players will straighten up and hinge their wrists on the downswing, actions which will create a "sweep" or "scoop" reaction at the point of impact. Because of this, many players will label themselves as "sweepers" of the golf ball, when in fact their problem is poor impact position. Poor impact position allows for a very small margin for error, most especially from tighter lies and fairways.

The percentage of ALL players that have poor impact position is extremely high - I would venture to say that 9 out of 10 players I see at the range are making the same mistake!

Glenn C. Phillips, PGA

Teaching Professional
Falls Road G.C. & Learning Center

MCG’s turf tips for a great home lawn this year!

2011-03-25T09:00:00.010-04:00

A common question for many of our superintendents from golfers is “How can I make my home lawn look more like the golf course?” Here are a few tips that will help you in your quest to achieve that perfect lawn!

Mow it high! Mow your lawn as tall as you can tolerate. I set my mower at home to the highest possible setting, about 3.5 inches. The benefits of doing this will be realized all year.

Tall grass grows deep roots, much like the trees in your yard. Big trees must have an extensive root system to support themselves with vital nutrients and water from the soil. Your grass behaves in the same manner. A deep root system will help your grass withstand the extreme summer heat that is all too common in this area. When things get dry, having deep roots will allow your home lawn to access the moisture 6, 8, or 10 inches below! Roots also tend to die back in the summer, so if you start the spring with 8 inch roots, and they slough off to 3-4 inches in the summer, you will still in better shape than your neighbor who mowed his yard like a fairway this spring!
Tall grass helps shade out weeds. Weeds need sunlight to grow, too. When they begin to emerge in a tall canopy, your grass has a better chance of out-competing them.

Get a soil test! If you are going to have the best lawn in the neighborhood, you need to ascertain exactly what the soil needs to grow good grass!

Here’s a great resource for finding a lab where you can send a sample:. Page 4 has a list of recommended soil testing labs.
It is important NOT to over-fertilize! The last thing you need is an overly lush lawn that is a perfect site for development of turf diseases! A soil test will help you determine the nutrients that are deficient in your soil.
Do not just put any random fertilizer on your yard, just because the bag says it will give you the perfect lawn. Knowing what the soil needs will allow you to keep the right balance!
Remember that if you apply fertilizer, do not apply to impervious surfaces. If you get some on your sidewalk or driveway, sweep it or blow it back onto the grass to prevent nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake Bay!
Apply fertilizer in the fall, not in the spring or summer, unless you are correcting soil deficiencies. If you do fertilize in the spring for this reason, avoid high nitrogen fertilizer sources and do not apply phosphorous at all unless your soil test shows an unusual deficiency of this element.

Don’t over-water! If you have an irrigation system at your house, only use it after you see your grass wilting. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen irrigation running on a home lawn in the rain. Sure, it’s easy to “set it and forget it,” but it is irresponsible use of water, a waste of money, and it’s bad for the grass! If the soil stays wet, the grass has no reason to grow roots. With shorter roots, you’ll have to water more to keep it alive, so turn that irrigation system off this spring unless it is extremely dry! Furthermore, grass that stays wet will invite more disease and end up costing you more money to re-establish what dies.

If you do water, do so in the early morning or late afternoon. Watering in the middle of the day is wasteful since much of it will evaporate, and night watering encourages extended periods of leaf wetness and promotes disease.

Aeration! Grass roots need oxygen! What better way to get vital oxygen into the soil than to aerate your lawn. If you rent a walk-behind aerator, run over your lawn 2-3 times to get tighter spacing on holes.
Pick the right seed! For most home lawns, tall fescue is the seed of choice that will better tolerate drought and some shade. Fine fescues (hard and sheep fescues are best) are great for shady areas, but don’t tolerate traffic well. Kentucky bluegrass is a very nice turf, but is more prone to disease and thatch development. Perennial ryegrass is quick to establish, but also prone to summer diseases. Oftentimes the best bet is a blend of about 10% ryegrass and 90% tall fescue, so you get quick establishment of ryegrass to stabilize the soil and help hold moisture for the tall fescue to germinate, and you get the added benefits of tall fescue’s resilience to drought, heat, and disease. Fall is the best time for seeding, usually between mid-August and mid-September.

Ultra Water Conservative? Then pick a zoysia or bermudagrass for your lawn. These grasses are dormant from November through early May, so if you can tolerate having a brown yard during the cooler months, these two grasses need virtually no water at all!

Control weeds! Control grassy weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass by applying a pre-emergent in the spring. It’s best to apply before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees. However, if your yard is extremely thin and you need to do some renovations, the pre-emergent herbicide will also keep your grass from germinating. The fall is the best time for a home lawn renovation. Most pre-emergents will also prevent broadleaf weeds from germinating; however some weeds like clover and dandelion come up in the spring, and can be pulled by hand for small infestations, or spot-treated with a hand sprayer. Make sure to follow label instructions precisely! If you are using a granular post-emergent herbicide, it should be applied in a heavy dew or right after a rain for the best effect.

Here are some other resources you will find helpful:

How to Choose the Lawn Care Service that’s best for you… and the Chesapeake Bay

University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center links to hundreds of documents to help manage your lawn and garden responsibly.

Jon Lobenstine
MCG’s Director of Agronomy

2011 Instructional Programs

2011-03-18T13:18:00.002-04:00

Montgomery County Golf is excited to announce our golf instructional programs for the 2011 season.

Beginner and Introductory Programs
These are group classes which provide participants a chance to get out on the course during every class they attend. Both programs are available for just $99.00.

• Get Golf Ready is the first program and covers all aspects of golf in a 5 week program.

• Keep Golf Going is the second program which provides more specific instruction in the core areas of golf. This program is conducted in a 4 week program.

Both programs offer an affordable way to learn to play or to improve the skills you already have. For more information on these programs please click on the following link

http://www.montgomerycountygolf.com/pdf/MCG_2011_CampsandClinic.pdf

These programs are available at Falls Road, Northwest, Needwood, and Hampshire Greens.

Juniors
We are excited to offer 2 junior programs that will provide the opportunity for youngsters to make golf a part of their life from April through October.

• Junior One Hour Mini Camps – This program will be offered weekly and will alternate by day of the week and course. Each session will be from 4:30PM - 5:30PM and will cover a different aspect of golf. The class will include exciting games, contest and a fun learning environment. The class is only $10.00 per week and juniors can come to any or all of the classes.

• Junior Summer Programs – Our summer program has been revised to include two new exciting and affordable options.

The ½ Day Camp is $99 and runs 9AM -11:30AM Monday through Friday. This camp covers all topics from putting to teeing off and has a 3-hole tournament on the last day.
The Full Day Camp is $249 and includes everything in the ½ day plus the juniors get the opportunity to play each day after lunch. The on course time will be from 12:30- 4:00 all 5 days of class.

It’s a great opportunity to have juniors sign up for the ½ day class early in the summer and brush up on their skills and then sign up for the Full day later in the season to spend a week playing golf. Please see our website for a detail schedule. http://www.montgomerycountygolf.com/

Ladies
We are happy to offer programs specific to ladies at many of our facilities. Please contact a course near you for specific information regarding these great programs. Additionally we are offering a new Get Golf Ready for Women. The program is the same as described above and there is a new glass starting at Needwood in May.

Private Lessons
We are committed to making golf more affordable and that starts with our instructional program. Our pricing is now consistent throughout the MCG system and includes the following rates.

• Head Professional and Head Instructors are $80.00 for 45 minutes.

• Assistant Professionals are $65.00 for 45 minutes. Assistant Professionals now offer a new Junior Rate for all individuals 17 and under of $25.00 for a 30 minute lesson.

Stop by one of our golf shops for more information on our new programs or visit our website at

http://www.montgomerycountygolf.com/

Mike Kenny, PGA

Director of Instruction

Montgomery County Golf

New Golf Equipment

2011-01-27T13:49:00.000-05:00

The PGA Show opened in Orlando Florida with close to 1000 vendors showing off their latest equipment. The show gives an opportunity for golf professionals across the Country to gather with the vendors, see new equipment, and discuss the upcoming season. There is also many educational opportunities for Professionals as well as industry discussions and announcements. The following are links provided by the PGA of America to show some of the new equipment being introduced by category.

Drivers - 2011 - Drivers

Irons - 2011 - Irons

Putters - 2011 - Putters

Shoes - 2011 - Shoes

PGA Merchandise Show

2011-01-25T21:50:00.000-05:00

This week is the PGA Merchandising in Orlando, FL. Each year PGA Professionals and golf manufacturers gather to review new equipment for the upcoming year. Are you considering purchasing any golf equipment this year? If so, what item are you considering?

American PGA Tour

2011-01-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

Tiger Woods is now the 3rd ranked player in the World. Martin Kaymer won this weekend and moved over Woods to number 2 in the World. Is this a sign of what is happening to golf in America? We used to dominate but now only 4 of the top 10 players in the world are American.

One change for 2011

2011-01-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

If you had the chance to change one thing about your favorite MCG course what would it be? Please let us know. During the winter we do a lot of work planning for the upcoming season so we would love to hear from you now.

PGA Tour Predictions

2011-01-03T10:28:00.000-05:00

The PGA Tour begins its new season this week and there are many predictions as to what will happen - Tiger will return to dominance, Phil will play well again and finally become #1, or the young guns will take over the top spotlight. Let us know your predictions and respond to our poll.

2011 - A New Year

2011-01-02T11:52:00.000-05:00

This week marks the return of the "official" PGA Tour season and the middle of the winter for us here in Montgomery County, MD. 2010 was a tough year for golf in MD beginning with back to back blizzards that closed our courses for most of January, February, and March, to the record setting number of 90+ degree days of heat in the summer, and an economy that continued to lag. So here is to the New Year and looking forward to a great year of golf!

Loyalty Program 2010 - Part 6

2010-03-13T22:35:00.005-05:00

The 2010 Loyalty Program is now in effect. Based on all of the feedback we have modified the 2009 program to include points and rewards for 9-hole rounds. Therefore, the points rewarded for an 18-hole round and the points required for an 18-hole reward has doubled. The full details of the program are below.

2010 MCG Loyalty Program – MCG is proud to announce its annual loyalty program for 2010. The program is based on the same program as the 2009 program with a modification to offer points and rewards for 9-hole rounds. The program is free and available to all golfers.

Loyalty members – will receive 1 point for 9-hole green fee rounds and 2 points for 18-hole green fee rounds
Loyalty members will receive a loyalty card which will identify them at each facility.

Terms and Conditions

- Loyalty Card and points are valid for the calendar year only.
- Loyalty Card must be presented at the time of the sale in order to earn points.
- Unused Loyalty points expire as of December 31, 2010

Simple Point System
- 1 (one) point will be awarded for each 9 hole green fee purchased.
- 2 (two) points will be awarded for each 18 hole green fee purchased
- League, Twilight, Member For a Day, Tournament and MCG Player Development program rounds will not earn points.

Rewards – Points can be used in any combination.
Points may be used for Greens Fees and Cart fee at any MCG facility.

6 points –Golf Cart (any course) OR 9 Hole Round at ANY course Monday – Friday OR 9-Hole Round at Needwood Executive, Northwest Inner Nine Saturday - Sunday OR 9 Hole round at Sligo Creek Saturday - Sunday after 12pm.

10 points –Monday – Thursday Green Fee at all MCG Course. Mandatory cart fees will be charged at Hampshire Green and Little Bennett.

16 Points – Friday, Saturday, Sunday Greens Fee at Needwood, Northwest, Poolesville, Laytonsville, and Rattlewood

20 Points –Friday, Saturday, Sunday Greens Fee at Little Bennett, Hampshire Greens, and Falls Road

- MCRA reserves the right to modify point system at any time without prior notice
- MCRA reserves the right to modify or cancel point awards at its sole discretion

Loyalty Program 2010 - Part 5

2010-01-16T14:40:00.011-05:00

Thank you for all of the feedback and suggestions that you have provided. Based on the information received we have modified the 2010 program. Please review the following information and again share your thoughts and comments. I again encourage everyone to remain professional in your posts. We realize that any change to a program is difficult and that is why we are trying to establish a program for the long term.

We are changing the program to the MCG Rewards Program -several of you have correctly commented that this program does not produce loyalty and we agree. According to a recent poll only 4% of our respondents say a loyalty program impacts their decision on where to play golf. However, in the same poll respondents indicated price and course conditions most impacted their decision to play a course. Therefore, our main focus will continue to be providing the best course conditions at the lowest price. This program will simply enable you to earn rewards based on the dollars you spend.

Silver and Gold Options - these options have been removed and the program remains free.

Changes to the reward requirements - We have modified the reward requirements to be closer to the current program but based on the new point per dollar system. Our system continues to be one of the most aggressive rewards program in the area.

Rewards are for Green Fees and a $10 cart fee will apply when there is a mandatory cart policy in place. (For example at Hampshire Greens).

2009 Reward Points - We have extended the deadline for rewards use to February 28, 2010 for anyone who has points left over from last year.

Rewards Points - You will be able to begin earning points on the new system as of March 2010.

Point Expiration - New points will not expire unless a card is not used for a period of 6-months.

Reward levels - MCRA reserves the right to modify the reward levels.

Point Reward Program

120 pts: Free cart fee
150 pts: 9-Hole Green Fee at Sligo Creek Golf Course, Needwood Executive Nine,
or Northwest Inside-9
200 pts: 18-Hole Senior Weekday, Twilight Green Fee, 18-hole weekday Green Fee at
Poolesville GC
300 pts: 18-Hole Weekday Green Fee at any MCG Course
400 pts: 18-hole Friday Green Fee Friday at Any Golf Course
500 pts: 18 hole Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday Green Fee at Poolesville,
Laytonsville, or Rattlewood Golf Courses
550 pts: 18-hole Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday Green Fee at Needwood or
Northwest
600 pts: 18 hole Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday Green Fee at
Hampshire Greens, Falls Road, or Little Bennett Golf Courses
1,000 pts: - $100 Gift Card OR Members Package (Includes an 18-hole Green Fee anytime at any MCG course, Free cart fee, Free range balls for the day, Free dozen Titleist Balls, Free lunch, Free glove, and Free hat)
1,500 pts: - $150 Gift Card OR Weekday Foursome Green and Cart Fee
at any MCG golf course
2,000 pts: - $200 Gift Card OR Weekend Foursome Green and Cart Fee at
any MCG golf course
2,500 pts: - $250 Gift Card
3,000 pts: - $300 MCG Gift Card OR
Players Package (1 pair DryJoys Shoes, 1 Titleist Stand Golf Bag, Dozen ProV1)
5,000 pts: - $500 MCG Gift Card OR a set of Titleist AP2 Irons or Cobra S2 Irons (set of 8 irons in steel or graphite)

Loyalty Program 2010 - Part 4

2010-01-06T12:47:00.014-05:00

Happy New Year!

This is the 4th part of our discussion on new loyalty system for 2010 and beyond. As per your requests we have developed a draft of the new point system for your review. Please consider the following items as you review the new system:

The basic loyalty program is still free and available to all who wish to participate.

Points will now be earned for every dollar spent except for lessons. This includes food and beverage, merchandise, and the driving range.

Loyalty Member Program 2010 - DRAFT

Entry Level – Free
Standard tee time policy, 1 point for every $1 spent, Eclub list

Silver Level – Annual fee at the introductory price of $125
Standard tee time policy, 1 point for every $1 spent, 450 points at signing, Eclub list, Invitation to Loyalty Events, $5 off green fee for each play (certain restrictions will apply)

Gold Level – Annual fee at the introductory price of $199
Standard tee time policy, 1 point for every $1 spent, 700 points at signing, Eclub list, Invitation to Loyalty Events, $10 off green fee for each play (certain restrictions will apply), Employee Pricing on all golf shop merchandise (cost plus 10%)

Proposed Point Reward Program

250 pts: 9-hole weekday round at any golf course
300 pts: 18-hole senior weekday round at any golf course
350 pts: 18 hole weekday round at PV, RW, LV; 9-hole weekend round at any course
400 pts: 18-hole weekday round at ND, NW
450 pts: 18 hole weekday round at HG, LB, FR
500 pts: 18-hole round Friday Any Golf Course
600 pts: 18 hole round Saturday, Sunday, Holiday at PV, LV, RW
650 pts: 18-hole round Saturday, Sunday, Holiday at ND, NW
700 pts: 18 hole round Saturday, Sunday, Holiday at LB, HG, FR
1,000 pts: - $100 Gift Card OR Member Package (Includes an 18-hole round of golf anytime at any course, free range balls for the day, free dozen Titleist Balls, free lunch, free glove, and free hat)
1.500 pts: - $150 Gift Card OR Weekday Foursome any golf course
2,000 pts: - $200 Gift Card OR Weekend Foursome any golf course
2,500 pts: - $250 Gift Card
3,000 pts: - $300 Gift Card OR Players Package (1 pair DryJoys Shoes, 1 Titleist Stand Golf Bag, 1 Dozen ProV1)
5,000 pts: - $500 Gift Card OR a set of Titleist AP2 Irons or Cobra S2 Irons (set of 8 irons in steel or graphite)

Seniors Part 1

2009-12-09T20:22:00.006-05:00

There have been many comments from our senior golfers regarding our senior rates. We understand that these are tough times and it is our commitment to offer everyone a great golf experience at the best possible price. Therefore, in 2006 we adopted a supply and demand style pricing which allows us to offer greater accessibility to all of the golfers in our system. In 2009, we discounted and stabilized the pricing for all of our senior golfers. The price for senior golf varied in 2008 with an average rate of $34.95 green fee plus a $5 cart fee for a total rate of $39.95. We introduced a standard senior rate in 2009 of $29.95 including a cart. Several of you have suggested that a discount be given if you do not ride but as you can see, the discount has already been applied and we are just adding further value to the green fee. Senior rounds are very important to the success of our system as seniors are generally more available during weekday and normal work times.

Considering all of these factors, we would like your feedback and input as to what we can do, besides changing the price or age requirements, to make your experience better. Would packaging lunch with the green and cart fee help you to enjoy the day? Or would more social tournaments such as an interclub series between all of the MCG courses create a better experience? Would you like more structured events at the facility you play regularly? These are some of the questions we have been asking internally as we try to develop a program that will improve you experience at MCG course. We look forward to hearing your ideas.

Loyalty Program 2010 - Part 3

2009-11-22T21:29:00.010-05:00

Thank you for your continued input on our proposed new MCG Loyalty Program; your input is continuing to help us develop the program. The following is the latest information based on the feedback and input to date.

Awards - we are working on developing a sample level of awards with required points for your review. The goal is to keep the awards for golf and carts as easily achievable as they are today.
Seniors - We are very appreciative of the loyalty of the play of our senior golfers. We are now working on different ideas for senior programs.
Expiration of Points - It is currently our plan not to expire points for the new program unless the account is not active for a period of time. The current points expired because we realized this was a transition program year and the two point systems would be dramatically different.
Poll - To date, 63% of the respondents are in favor of us changing the MCG Loyalty Program for 2010. However, 56% say that price is the main reason that they play a course and 35% state that course conditions are their main reason they play a course. Our priority remains focused on providing the best course conditions at the best price to all of our players.

Thank you for your continued input and feedback.

Loyalty Program 2010 - Part 2

2009-11-16T11:40:00.004-05:00

Thank you to those who have begun to comment about the proposed changes to MCG’s Loyalty Program. Some interesting points have been made and to clarify this is a concept and not a final program. Based on the comments so far we have posted another poll and we hope you vote. We are trying to improve the program but several of you have raised the issue of whether we need to change the program at all.The following is in response to several of the questions that were raised in the postings:

What are the new point requirements: The new points system is not fully developed because it has to be based on an entirely new scale since you will now earn points for every dollar spent at MCG golf facilities including the golf merchandise and food and beverage. We believe this will be better than our current program because we will be able to offer different packages and choices. For example, the lowest awards may be the choice of a free golf cart, free range balls, or a sleeve of golf balls. The high end of the awards may include a choice of a free month of green fees, a new set of Titleist irons, or a weekend golf get away. Again these are not final but we hope it will give you a better idea of the flexibility and benefits we are trying to build into the program. We welcome the feedback and any suggestions you may have in the awards area.

Do not see the value in paying for the Silver or Gold level - The Silver level costs $125 and includes a free handicap, free green fee, and $5 off every plus other benefits. The green fee value depending on when it is used can range in value but if you assume a weekday in-season rate of $30 and assume a handicap fee of $25, that leaves a net cost of $70 divided by the $5 discount leaves 14 rounds to play for the membership to pay for itself. The break even number changes according to when you use your free round of golf. Also the math for the Gold membership is about the same and the savings after that is $10 per round. It is also important to reiterate that the 14 rounds can be played at any of the MCG facilities.

The program finally rewards nine-hole rounds - This is correct and something we have been trying to work on. However, would the nine-hole golfers be happy if we find a way to reward loyalty under the current program if the consensus is not to change the program?

Thank you for your continued feedback and input that is helping to decide and shape a Loyalty Program that works best for you.

Loyalty Program 2010

2009-10-29T23:38:00.011-04:00

We have been developing a revised Loyalty Program that is much simpler to use and will provide greater value to our guests. It is important to us to have your input before we finalize our program. The following is a summary of the key points of our proposed new program and we are asking that you provide your feedback so we may create a final program that will be rolled out next spring.

The current Loyalty Program offers rewards based on rounds played and awards free golf carts and green fees. The proposed new program will be an expansion of our current program using the current loyalty cards. We are proposing a system which will issue a point for every dollar spent at the MCG facilities. This includes green and cart fees, merchandise, driving range, and food and beverage. The only items not included will be lessons, camps, or clinics. The points accumulated can be used to redeem awards such as free green and cart fees and other items to be determined.

Additionally, there will be three levels of loyalty in the new program:

Standard Level - FREE
1. standard tee time policy
2. standard one (1) point per dollar spent
3. Eclub list

Silver Level – Annual Fee $125
1. Standard tee time policy
2. Standard one (1) point per dollar spent
3. Eclub list
4. Annual handicap
5. Invitation to all Loyalty Club events
6. $5 off green fee for each play
7. One (1) free green fee

Gold Level - Annual Fee $199
1. All Silver Level benefits
2. $10 off green fees each play
3. Employee Pricing - cost plus 10% on all pro shop purchases

Developing a program that is beneficial to you is our ultimate goal and we look forward to your input in helping us create a better Loyalty Program. Please let us know if you like the proposed new program; if not why and what modifications you would suggest, and please provide any additional suggestions you have to make our proposed Loyalty Program better.

Golfer Input

2009-10-16T12:24:00.002-04:00

Your input is very important to us. This summer we introduced two new formats to receive feedback directly from you. Although this is the time of year when golf tends to slow down it is also the time of year that we become very busy planning for next year. Over the next coming weeks we will be utilizing this blog and our facebook to solicit your feedback and input on our new programs. It is our goal to improve your experience each year and your input on our new programs will make us more successful.

The first step is to provide us feedback on this past season. Each year we conduct a survey for our facilities. This fall we are doing surveys for Falls Road, Northwest, Hampshire Greens, and Rattlewood. If you have played one of these courses then please follow the below link to the survey. The first 300 people to complete the survey will receive a free weekday green fee to that facility.

Falls Road Golf Course
Golfer Survey Link:
http://www.ngfgsp.com/cgi/start.asp?SC=fallsroadgc2

Hampshire Greens Golf Course
Golfer Survey Link:
http://www.ngfgsp.com/cgi/start.asp?SC=hampshiregreensgc2

Northwest Golf Course
Golfer Survey Link:
http://www.ngfgsp.com/cgi/start.asp?SC=northwestpark2

Rattlewood Golf Course
Golfer Survey Link:
http://www.ngfgsp.com/cgi/start.asp?SC=rattlewoodgc2

Aerification

2009-07-28T16:27:00.000-04:00

July has been an active month with all of the nice weather. We are still working on our pace of play plan and we are waiting to hear if we will be part of a national study that is starting.

However, we are now planning our fall aerification schedule and would like your feedback. Do you feel that aerification negatively impacts course conditions? Would you prefer to see a full aerification schedule in advance?

2009-07-03T22:30:00.001-04:00

Hopefully everyone is set for a great 4th of July weekend. Last minute tickets for the AT&T National are available at any of our golf shops. Also, we are celebrating the 4th of July with $29.95 golf including cart at Falls Road, Hampshire Greens, and Little Bennett and $19.95 golf including cart at all of the other courses beginning at 12PM Saturday. Family golf is available at 3PM on Saturday.

Pace of Play Part 2

2009-06-26T22:09:00.003-04:00

There has been some great feedback on pace of play and as stated earlier we are working on developing a system wide program based on your input. The feedback received contained some consistent messages for example, better trained marshals and signage but it also contained varying opinions for solutions. In order to clarify some information we thought it would be easier to put some questions to a simple vote. We still have more work to do and we appreciate your continued input as we work to develop our pace of play policy.

Golf Course Design

2009-06-26T21:55:00.002-04:00

One of our survey questions was - what most impacts the price a course can charge? 162 (54%) responded Design of the Course. Please help us understand what design of the course means to you? Is it the age of the course? Does the clubhouse matter?

Pace of Play - Winner Announcement

2009-06-22T22:29:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all who participated in our pace of play discussion. We will be continuing our discussion as we work to develop a new program. I am happy to announce that the WINNER OF OUR FREE FOURSOME is Les - Facebook discussion post #16 posted on 6/13/09. Les, please contact Wayne Rohauer at 301-762-9080 to claim your foursome. Look for new discussions beginning this week.

Pace of Play

2009-06-11T14:00:00.002-04:00

The number one challenge facing the industry is the time it takes to play golf. I believe there are several items that impact the time it takes us to golf. For example, the number of holes, pace of play, pre-round warm up, time to make the turn from the 9th to 10th hole, travel to and from the course, and if you have a meal after or before the round. Depending on what you do and when you start your clock will have a great impact on the time it takes to play.

The first discussion topic for time, is pace of play. This is the number one complaint that we receive. Our goal is to develop a new standard pace of play program for the MCG system and we are looking for your help in developing this program. We will continue to direct the discussion through several sub-topics and questions so please try to address only the specific discussion topic being asked.

What is your expectation for pace of play (defined as the time you hit your first shot on #1 to the last putt on #18)? Do you believe this expectation should change according to time of day (for example, should it be 3 hours and 30 minutes at 7AM and 5 hours at 3PM)?

Welcome - Favorite Course

2009-05-29T21:38:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Montgomery County Golf Blog. In addition to our recently created Facebook account,http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montgomery-County-Golf/199474540323, this blog will serve as a new format to communicate with you our customer. We will be introducing different blog topics, which will be the same as the discussions on facebook, and we hope that you share your comments. Please remember to be respectful of the other users and if you see a post that you think is inappropriate we simply ask that you notify us.

To start the discussion - what is your favorite local course and why?