[Letters to the editor]

Golfer relations
In response to John Walsh’s editorial in the February issue (“Golfer relations,” page 6), I don’t believe a line of communication exists, or rather, that golfers want it to exist. I’ve been at a semiprivate club for 40 years, 28 years as the superintendent and two months as a fill-in general manager. People need to understand that golfers need to complain. It must be therapeutic or something. The fault of a bad shot, three-putt or total round needs to lie beyond the golfer to justify that their athleticism, touch and abilities are intact, but the conditions of the golf course blocked these God-given gifts from being displayed. A few years ago, a friend of mine – a golf course superintendent at the time – had a habitual complainer upset about spring membership prices, so a deal was made with him. The golfer could pay last season’s membership price if he would refrain from complaining. Within one week, he became upset about a pin placement. When reminded of his deal, he promptly took out his checkbook and asked, “How much do I owe?”
Golf is a humbling sport, and the last thing a golfer wants is to be confronted by me with an answer that makes sense.
Mike Kasner
Golf course superintendent
Wapicada Golf Club
Sauk Rapids, Minn.

In response to John Walsh’s editorial about golfer relations in the February issue: I correspond with the men’s club chairman, and I write a column in our monthly newsletter. This has become an excellent tool to educate our members. I started the member questions section last month. My head pro thought I was crazy, and he’s probably right. However, I would rather answer questions directly than have a rumor or an uninformed opinion circulating.
There’s a perception in the golfing segment that superintendents try to suppress information. I had a golf writer from Sacramento, Calif., say as much in response to a letter I wrote. That might have been the practice in the past, but it’s not our future.
Scott Dickson
Golf course superintendent
Saddle Creek Resort
Copperopolis, Calif.

Paint in white
Terry Buchen has a good idea about using a power drill to turn a paint can when using the Hole-In-White painting tool (“Travels with Terry,” February, page 59). I’ll give it a try. I also used the towel method to prevent rooster tails, but found it a problem during wet periods. And if paint ever gets on the towel, that can cause a problem.
I took a valve cover and cut a center hole large enough for the Hole-In-White tool to fit into from the bottom. This was taped into place. Then all you have to do is place it over a cup, center and spray. No mess or wet rags. I keep a towel with me to cover the bottom as I walk off the green because drips can happen after the paint starts to build up.
Mike Beall
Golf course superintendent
University of Georgia Golf Course
Athens, Ga.

Clarification
Hale Irwin was involved in several planning meetings and on-site visits during the reconstruction of Forest Park Golf Course in St. Louis (“Keeping that old-school feel,” February, page 38). At that time, golf course architect Stan Gentry represented Hale Irwin Golf Design as a design associate. Additionally, the project was marketed by American Golf and Forest Park Forever as a Hale Irwin Golf Design project.

Correction
In Jim McLoughlin’s column, “Respecting golf wins” (February, page 20), the chart should have stated that assessments aren’t a priority when golf traditions are respected, and assessments are a priority when golf is primarily a revenue source. GCN