The budget article in the February issue was exceptional. I have re-read it several times. I love the full-page photo of superintendent Tommy Witt. The issue was just terrific. Keep up the good work
Bob Williams, past president of GCSAA, and (retired) superintendent of Bob-O-Link, Chicago, Ill.
Integrity and character count
I just finished reading "How are you doing, and how do you know?" the cover story in the February 2004 issue. WONDERFUL! Every Super should read it ... twice, and take heed to the career hampering pitfalls of many of my fellow peers. When it comes down to it, integrity and character are the key words.
David J. Soltvedt, superintendent, The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Troon Golf, Castle Rock, Colo.
Shipping sand for bunkers
Enjoyed the article on bunker quality in the February issue. Quality bunker sand is not available in my part of the country and I am interested in information on having it shipped by rail or truck. Having it trucked in would cost a fortune, so I am looking for alternatives. Any advice ?
Wade Vecchio, CGCS, Thunder Canyon Country Club, Reno, Nev.
Kevin Ross, CGCS, responds: Planning is the key. Last year we had 250 tons shipped by rail from Pro-Angle in Plainsville, Ohio, (phone 800-536-3232, Ext. 3103) to Denver. Our distributor hauled it directly from the boxcar to an asphalt parking lot we had prepared. We had prepared bunkers on three holes and moved all the sand in two days. This sand is expensive, but it is awesome material (Jack Nicklaus loves it). This year we plan to complete five additional holes. I suggest looking for the closest supplier of the sand you want, make arrangements to handle it a minimum number of times and negotiate the best price you can.
Solving bunker woes
Thank you for your excellent article, "Bunker Quality Factors," in the February issue of Golf Course News. I am a member at a club that experiences virtually every one of the problems described. I would like your advice about green side bunkers with very steep faces. Gully-washing rains wash out on these faces and when raked smooth shots hit on the fly almost always bury in the soft re-raked sand. How can we avoid these buried lies in these bunker faces? Our club is financially challenged, so bunker redesign or replacement of the sand are not options.
George McEvoy, Wichita, Kansas
Kevin Ross, CGCS, responds: Let me suggest a few possible solutions to discuss with your superintendent: Identify where and how the water is entering the bunkers with the worst washout problems/highest playability for golf shots. If the problem is surface water, then try to divert it with small swales or berms. Cut the sod off from these areas, increase or decrease the grade to divert the water, then re-sod. But make sure these reconstructed areas NEVER allow surface water to back up on to the green surface. How the bunker is edged or cut also may make a difference. With good sand, I recommend a vertical edge on the bunker of some 8 to 12 inches instead of a sloped edge. Some bunkers simply require more intense work.
The new Golf Course News
You’ve raised the bar on the value of the publication with meaningful content for the superintendent. It’s a reality that the industry is challenged right now and the superintendent needs to communicate his/her value and even change their role. Your content is new, fresh and thought provoking. I wish you the best.
Mike Thurow, president, Spectrum Industries, Plainfield, Ill.
I want to say GREAT JOB! The new format is super!
Tony Rzadzki, CGCS, The Bull at Pinehurst Farms, Sheboygan Falls, Wisc.
What an improvement. It’s long overdue. I now read the complete magazine.
GARY ERXLEBEN, superintendent, Camarillo Springs Golf Club, North Hollywood, Calif.
The new look is very appealing, flowed very well and was a joy to read. My superior even asked if I had read one of the articles, something he has never done before with any industry publication.
Jason Gerlach, superintendent, Golf Club of the Everglades, Naples, Fla.
I love the magazine, but it’s too large and doesn’t fit in a briefcase well.
Bob Grossi, marketing director,
Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design, Columbus, Ohio
Editor’s note: Golf Course News remains a tabloid publication. This larger format helps distinguish the magazine and lets us showcase beautiful courses with large photos. GCN
Explore the April 2004 Issue
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