Ball Marks

How long does it take to fix a normal ball mark?  Ten seconds?

One of the many metrics used to assess our performance includes a periodic assessment of the golf course features using an objective seven point scale. Unfortunately, most of this season's greens ratings have had deductions due to excessive ballparks.

The maintenance team can provide superb playing conditions day in and day out, but we need your help. Ball marks detract from the quality of the putting surface for every player that plays the course. We counted more than 140 ball marks that were either not fixed or fixed improperly on one Saturday morning in May. (See the photo below.)

Each white tee is stuck into a ball mark on our 15th hole.

Wherever you play, please do your part and follow this simple golfer etiquette protocol. Don't be afraid to use a little peer pressure.  It will make the putting surface healthier and more enjoyable for you!  Here is a link from the USGA how on to repair ball marks: USGA Ball Mark Repair.

Thank you for your help and your support!

Courtesy Cut: To Have or To Have Not?

Intermediate cuts are used mainly for tournament conditions like we had for the 35th Michigan Junior Amateur State Championship. The intermediate cut was set at 2" and mowed 4 times in five days. Rough mowers were set at 3" and mowing was completed the week before the tournament. Rough was not cut at all the week of the event. By not mowing, rough in areas exceeded 8". Rough at that length is entirely too penal for regular play... that's a U.S. Open length!

A recent article by the USGA Green Section entitled "A Waste of Time and Resources" (http://gsr.lib.msu.edu/article/oatis-waste-7-26-13.pdf)  discusses the value of a courtesy cut. This article is timely and insightful.

At Radrick Farms fairways are mowed less than 1/2" and the rough is mowed at 2". By using the USGA's recommendation, IF there were to be a courtesy cut, that cut would be at 1.25" and the rough would be at a minimum of 3.75". Rough of that height (3.75") would considerably slow the pace of play and detract from the enjoyment of the game not to mention the added maintenance costs of maintaining the intermediate cut.

So, the crew will be mowing and blowing clippings in the rough. Rough height is set back at 2".