Small changes

Sometimes we make big changes, like the Master Plan renovation. And sometimes the changes are very small. We recently made two small changes: we moved the bench that is near the forward tee on #12; and, we delineated an area that we will not mow with our ride-on mowers.

The old bench location was under the oak
tree in the immediate distance

The forward tee on #12 is down a slope from the cart path. Cart riders leave their cart on the path, then slowly make their way down the hill to the tee. They then must climb back up the hill to their cart after teeing off. It had become a nuisance to many riders, so they were driving their carts down to the tee instead of walking.

The location of the bench and ball washers associated with the red tee on 12 was also placed directly up the slope from the tee. This is a subconscious indicator of where to park your cart when approaching any tee box. So, to counter not only the need to climb up and down the slope, but also golfers taking their cart down to the tee box, we moved the bench and ballwasher backwards along the cart path. The new location allows a much easier walk down to the tee box.

Another subtle adjustment we made this season, which we actually put into practice back in April, is a change to our mowing around the bunkers of #4 green. The bunkers on the left side of 4 green have a very narrow slice of grass separating them. It is also a steep drop down from the level of the green to the level of the bunkers.

This picture shows the relatively easier walk down
to the forward tee box.

We have dedicated mowers that we use to mow green and tee surrounds. These machines handle slopes very well. However, this particular location on #4 was being damaged from our mowers. There was not adequate room for maneuvering and occasionally when the turf was wet, tires would spin and tear the grass, when trying to climb the slope. The section constantly looked bad.

The area between the greenside bunkers
on #4.

So, this year, we have removed the section from the responsibility of the mowers and placed it on our bunker edging program. Now, the area does not receive traffic, turning, or tearing from a mower at all. Instead, we trim this spot during our regular bunker edging routine. Already, the turf is healthier than it has been in the past, and we expect it to remain that way through the season.

There are many other changes that are much more noticeable and impactful. But sometimes the small changes can make a big difference too.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please keep carts on cart paths for the entirety of par 3 holes.

 Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org