Maintenance Down the Middle

Several weeks ago I posted an article on Twitter from the USGA  http://www.usga.org/news/2012/November/Looking-Forward-at-the-Water-Summit/.  The focus of the article was a new trend in golf, led by 
Pinehurst No. 2, focusing on maintenance down the middle with a reduced emphasis on rough/out of the way areas.  The immediate impact has been reduced inputs including fertilizer and water, as well as improved playing conditions.  Sounds like a pretty good combination!

 At Wichita Country Club, we are no different.  We are constantly looking for ways to reduce our inputs in order to create a more sustainable golf course.  Unfortunately, as I look at the off season project list, a good portion of our focus is in the out of the way areas.  Cutting down/planting trees, irrigation additions, bunkers, and improving native areas all seem to creep up the list in the off season.  The challenge is how do we stay focused on our primary objectives (greens, tees, and fairways) without letting the other areas distract from our members and guest experience.

As we desire to improve our sustainability, reducing our water usage has to be at the top of our list, considering our current source of water.  Unfortunately, the changes in management style also lead to increased Bermuda competition in the rough, more browned out/thin areas in the rough, and a generally less aesthetically appealing golf course.  However, it is not all bad news.  This past year we saw the ball bouncing and rolling down the fairways, greens were firmer with less ball mark damage, green speeds were more consistent throughout the year, and tees held up to the wear and tear better.

What stands out in the two comparisons is the positives were focused down the middle, while the negatives impact the out of the way areas.  Maintenance down the middle must continue to drive our decisions moving forward.