By Design - Issue 54, 75 Years Special Report

24 ASGCA PUBLICATIONS A SGCA produces a wide variety of publications aimed at helping golf club owners, operators of public facilities, golf course staff and architects to make better, more informed decisions regarding work on a golf course. • These publications can be found at ASGCA.org/resources/publications Value of the Golf Course Talking Points Life Cycle Chart Building A Practical Golf Facility A Step-by-Step Guide To Realizing a Dream By Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan Past President American Society of Golf Course Architects Published by American Society of Golf Course Architects Supported by The Professional GolfersʼAssociation of America United States Golf Association Building a Practical Golf Facility A mericAn S ociety of G olf c ourSe A rchitectS Golf Course Turfgrass Reduction: Environmentally and Strategically Sustainable M any golf clubs are reducing the amount of regularly maintained turfgrass on a golf course. The golf course superintendent and a golf course architect should agree on a plan for keeping the strategic intent of the course intact and ensuring appropriate installation of replacement materials. A survey of members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) revealed 93 percent of respondents are helping their clients reduce the acreage of maintained turfgrass while preserving the course’s strategic intent. Here are some examples: Lowering Maintenance Costs Reducing the amount of turfgrass can bring a reduction in labor, equipment, fertilizer and water costs. Energy budgets can also be reduced as less water use results in lower electrical costs. Using Less Water Reducing regularly maintained turfgrass and replacing it with native grasses or native plants requiring less irrigation can realize signifcant reduction in water usage. Greater Sustainability Replacing turfgrass in out-of-play areas with native grasses or plants can be a good way to improve sustainability. Some out-of- play areas can even be non-irrigated and covered with wood mulch or pine straw from low-cost reclaimed tree materials. • Identify areas where regularly maintained turfgrass might be removed. The areas can be classified on a sliding scale from “definitely remove – no effect on playing area” to “carefully consider removal – could dramatically affect play.” • Identify areas where regularly maintained turfgrass can be “transitioned.” Existing grasses may be able to just grow taller in out-of-play areas, or appropriate varieties may be allowed to go dormant during periods of little or no rain. • Consult your course’s “Master Plan for Improvements” to ensure consistency with the plan’s long-term vision. • Calculate the economic feasibility and impact of a potential conversion on water and labor budgets to determine optimal scope of the project. Check with local water agencies for rebates or incentives for reduced water usage. • Consider whether replacement can be handled in-house or whether a golf course builder should be hired. • The irrigation system will likely be affected by a regularly maintained turf reduction plan. The superintendent and a golf course architect should carefully consider when irrigation system changes need expert oversight. Before After The Planning Process: How a Golf Course Architect Can Help For more information on turfgrass reduction, contact GCSAA or an ASGCA golf course architect through the ASGCA website (www.asgca.org) or by calling 262-786-5960. In the photos above, a golf hole is shown in its “Before” state, and with computer-generated “After” effects of turfgrass reduction. ASGCA members routinely prepare visual examples of how a course can look when turfgrass reduction techniques are employed to help club members picture results. W hile it may seem as simple as eliminating existing turfgrass and replanting with other species, turfgrass reduction must be implemented in very different ways depending on climate and many other factors. The following process is a simplified description of the steps which may be taken by a golf course architect. For more details on the benefits and process of turfgrass reduction, visit www.asgca.org/turfgrassreduction. Golf Course Turfgrass Reduction: Environmentally and Strategically Sustainable T he Cost Factor TIPS & TECHNIQUES for REDUCING Annual MAINTENANCE COSTS DESIGN www.asgca.org • Minimize irrigated turf for less water, pumping, fertilization & mowing • Limit formal sand bunkers, favoring less costly landforms or other natural features • Utilize native landscape plants and materials in non-irrigated areas to reduce water use • Develop bunker sur- rounds in native grass to reduce labor time • Create large tee decks for reduced wear — and less mowing time with larger equipment • Minimize trees in turf areas to reduce mowing obstacles • Develop softer green contours to facilitate triplex mowers instead of hand mowing • Create capture ponds to store rainwater • Specify path materials that reduce capital repair & replacement American Society of Golf Course Architects MAINTENANCE www.gcsaa.org Always consider changes in maintenance programs after a careful analysis of short-term benefit vs. long-term impact. • Communicate the relationship between higher standards & cost • Lessen bunker mainte- nance standards; delay replacement of sand • Decrease mowing frequency • Lessen cart path edging requirements • Lessen top-dressing applications • Increase early morning/ night time maintenance • Minimize fertilizer, pesti- cide& other applications • Reduce over-seeding rates and areas CONSTRUCTION www.gcbaa.org • Utilize products that prevent washout during grow-in • Opt for less pine straw/ mulch during building • Specify effective irriga- tion control to reduce long term water use • Develop wider access points to fairways for reduced cart wear • Build softer slopes at tees, bunkers & greens • Provide a path surface & routing that will encourage use • Invest in drainage that keeps the course open G olf courses everywhere are seeking new ways to reduce operating expenses. In addition to measures by maintenance staff, there are areas to reduce costs that involve design and con- struction. The key is to lower operating expenses in a targeted way, preserving the positive asset and — at the same time — keeping golfers happy. Like all businesses, golf course owners and managers must balance short-term expenses with longer-term expectations.While changes are often easy to justify in the short-term, the long-term effect of change must be fully understood. Proposed changes need to be discussed with players so they appreciate the relationship between cost and maintenance standards. The ideas on this page are just ideas that will not apply to all facilities. Golf course decision- makers are encouraged to explore these and other concepts with the members of the ASGCA, GCBAA and GCSAA — golf course architects, builders and superintendents who can help you understand trade-offs and set priorities. For more information visit: www.asgca.org © 2010 ASGCA | Image by Rowland Hilder c.1935 GCBAA The Cost Factor: Tips & Techniques for Reducing Annual Maintenance Costs TECHNOLOGY Innovations for efficient irrigation are being implemented on golf courses. Soil, plant, and weather sensors mean less water is used thanks to these advancements. NATURALIZATION Golf courses are becoming more natural as fewer acres of high-maintenance turfgrass are planted and out-of-play areas are converted to non-irrigated natural habitat. WATER RECYCLING Golf courses are using recycled water for irrigation. As of 2005, more than 12% of U.S. courses have adopted the practice. BIO-FILTERING The turfgrass and open spaces of golf courses are efficient at filtering pollutants in water that runs off our highways, rooftops, and developed areas. The information presented has been reviewed by the following organizations together with the American Society of Golf Course Architects: American Society of Golf Course Architects ©2009 ASGCA. PHOTOGRAPH BY KEVIN MURRAY OF LÜBKER GOLF RESORT Golf &Water HOW the GAME is WORKING for the ENVIRONMENT  S g N A PRODUCTIVE USE OF WATER In 2007, the U.S. golf economy was estimated at $76 billion. Golf returns a direct benefit to local economies, making it an important industry that is larger than the motion picture business. WETLANDS Naturalized areas on golf courses often include wetlands and other non-turf areas, accounting for a significant acreage of open space land. R TURFGRASS SCIENCE Research funded by golf has yielded new grasses that require less water and are more drought-tolerant. Parks, sports fields and lawns benefit from this research. DROUGHT READY Golf course architects are planning ahead for flexibility in water use. Capturing stormwater and planting drought tolerant turfgrasses are preparing golf for the future.  FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ASGCA AT 262-786-5960 or www.asgca.org WATER HARVESTING Many golf courses collect stormwater for irrigation use. New technology can enhance the recharging of ground water reserves. Ultimately, less water from other sources is needed and ground water resources are replenished. Less than 15% of U.S. golf courses use municipal water for irrigation. ASGCA-WATER-1:NEW-ASGCA WATER 10/22/09 5:33 PM Page 1 Golf & Water – How the Game is Working for the Environment HAVING A SYSTEM MAKES IT WORK Having tee options for golfers of varying skill level is nothing new. What is new is using a system that measures how far a player drives to determine just how many multiple tees a course needs. With that, you can help a player decide which tees to use. HOW TO GET Golfers to Play the RightTees 1 For more information contact ASGCA at 262-786-5960 or visit www.asgca.org The information presented has been reviewed by the following organizations and sponsors together with the American Society of Golf Course Architects: GOLFERS ARE NOT ALL EQUAL Simply put, golfers have a variety of swing speeds and this translates to how far they are able to hit a golf ball. Distance off the tee sets in motion how a golf hole is played – and what type of approach shot any given player will have. 2 THE MULTI-TEE SYSTEM EXPLAINED By setting up the range with defined targets – colored flags, poles or banners at distances that corrolate to tee sets out on the course – you are laying the ground- work for a successful multi-tee program. For courses without a range, driving distance can be gauged by players at the first hole. 3 GOLF NEEDS TO BE MORE INCLUSIVE Multiple tees will attract more players. Juniors, can play along with seniors . . .men, women, beginners and physically challenged golfers can all feel welcome and in sync with the course as it was meant to be played. 4 KEY BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING OR EXPANDING A MULTI-TEE SYSTEM • Allows groups with diverse skills to compete with one another • Improves pace-of-play – leads to better course flow • Disperses wear and tear of tees (with more tees among players) • Creates better scores & better player success – retains golfers! • Makes golf more fun with gender-neutral tees that fit ability THINK BUSINESS AND R.O.I. Creating new tees does not always involve costly construction and course interruption.With careful planning and integration to an overall long-range plan, new tees can often be realized by simply mowing out fairway areas.The im- portant part is looking at player types and what is best for each individual golf course. The goal is to retain players and attract new players to the game. 5 TAKING THE NEXT STEP Enlisting a golf course architect to conduct an audit of your current tees is the way to begin. It all starts with data. Then, along with your professional staff and superintendent you can weigh the benefits. 6 F O U N D A T I O N Royal Little Family How to Get Golfers to Play the Right Tees Pace of Play CHECKLIST & TIPS for working with your COURSE ARCHITECT A. Initial Steps to Sizing Up the Issues of Pace of Play What type of course do you operate? What type of golfers (Hcps.) do you cater to? Cart/Walking policies What are your current round times? Are round times consistent — or varied? What is your idea of an ideal round time? Where are the bottle- necks on your course? B. Understanding Site Constraints How set-in-stone is your routing and course footprint? Is there any room for change and adjustment? Quantify the grade and site constraints Quantity soil types, vegetation and firmness C.The Design Intent of the Course History and legacy Identify the essential design characteristics How does the design dictate set-up? How does the design dictate maintenance? Does the design limit flexibility (tees, lengths)? What changes to the design intent would be possible and beneficial? What type of golfers (Hcps.) do you cater to? American Society of Golf Course Architects D. Routing & Sequence Does the current routing pose any routing obstacles? Where are the issues? Does the par order and lengths of holes work for (or against) good pace? Are there solutions that may not involve physical change? (Easy fixes) What are some ideas that may be “thinking out of the box”? E. Course Set-up, Length & Flexibility Is tee flexibility ample? Is there a tee use policy and a way to enforce it? Are there solutions to set-up where wait times can be reduced or eliminated? Have you implemented Tee It Forward tools? F. Course Conditions Greens speeds Rough heights Tall grasses, and their proximity to frequent play Fairway widths Hazard difficulty Forced carries Tree overgrowth (blind areas, visibility) Hole locations Firmness, roll, lies G. Follow-up Master planning relative to Pace of Play solutions Turf area evaluation Tee addition planning Produced in cooperation with the United States Golf Association www.usga.org/paceofplay P ace of Play has become a household term in golf.What was once regarded as “something only the group ahead could solve” is now being tackled by all of golf ’s major organizations. The members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) are uniquely qualified to assist course owners and operators in improving pace of play at their facilities. Getting players to move faster — and smoother — involves five basic ingredients: (1) Course design —The key variable that sets it all in motion. (2) How the course is being managed (e.g., the starting time interval, sequencing at the first tee, assisting players, etc.) (3) Course set-up (e.g., tee flexibility, hole lengths, hole placement, etc.) (4) Maintenance and Turf Conditions (green speeds, rough heights, tall grasses, visibility, etc.) (5) Player abilities, and the varying types of players on a course at any given time. The goal is to create an even flow of golfers as they play the game, minimizing wait times and creating a more enjoyable experience. Your Golf Course Architect also has the goal of preserving the spirit of the game — to make sure that your course offers the fun and chal- lenging aspects that lure people to play time and time again. For more information visit: www.asgca.org © 2014 ASGCA Pace of Play T he Cost Factor TIPS & TECHNIQUES for REDUCING Annual MAINTENANCE COSTS DESIGN www.asgca.org • Mi nimize irrigated tur f for less water, pumping, fertilization & mowing • Limit formal sand bunkers, favoring less costly landforms or other natural features • Utilize native landscape plants and materials in non-irrigated areas to reduce water use • Develop bunker sur- rounds in native grass to reduce labor time • Create large tee decks for reduced wear — and less mowing time with larger equipment • Minimize trees in turf areas to reduce mowing obstacles • Develop softer green contours to facilitate triplex mowers instead of hand mowing • Create capture ponds to store rainwater • Specify path materials that reduce capital repair & replacement American Society of Golf Course Architects MAINTENANCE www.gcsaa.org Alwa ys consider changes in maintenance programs after a careful analysis of short-term benefit vs. long-term impact. • Communicate the relationship between higher standards & cost • Lessen bunker mainte- nance standards; delay replacement of sand • Decrease mowing frequency • Lessen cart path edging requirements • Lessen top-dressing applications • Increase early morning/ night time maintenance • Minimize fertilizer, pesti- cide& other applications • Reduce over-seeding rates and areas C ONSTRUCTION www.gcbaa.org • Ut ilize products that prevent washout during grow-in • Opt for less pine straw/ mulch during building • Specify effective irriga- tion control to reduce long term water use • Develop wider access points to fairways for reduced cart wear • Build softer slopes at tees, bunkers & greens • Provide a path surface & routing that will encourage use • Invest in drainage that keeps the course open G olf courses everywhere are seeking new ways to reduce operating expenses. In addition to measures by maintenance staff, there are areas to reduce costs that involve design and con- struction. The key is to lower operating expenses in a targeted way, preserving the positive asset and — at the same time — keeping golfers happy. Like all businesses, golf course owners and managers must balance short-term expenses with longer-term expectations.While changes are often easy to justify in the short-term, the long-term effect of change must be fully understood. Proposed changes need to be discussed with players so they appreciate the relationship between cost and maintenance standards. The ideas on this page are just ideas that will not apply to all facilities. Golf course decision- makers are encouraged to explore these and other concepts with the members of the ASGCA, GCBAA and GCSAA — golf course architects, builders and superintendents who can help you understand trade-offs and set priorities. For more information visit: www.asgca.org © 2010 ASGCA | Image by Rowland Hilder c.1935 GCBAA G LF & WA TER CASE STUDIES IN WATER STEWARDSHIP AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS V O L U M E I I