Letters to the editor

Stay put
Although I usually enjoy Jim McLoughlin’s points and articles, I’m not buying the relocation thing (“GCSAA taken hostage,” November 2005, page 22). Here are my top 10 reasons why the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America should stay in Lawrence, Kan.:
10. The last time I spoke to anyone at the GCSAA, they all seemed to be highly qualified and career-minded employees. We shouldn’t forget there are many good people at the GCSAA.
9. I don’t want my professional organization to be a tourist attraction. I want my association working on behalf of its members, which they do, not waiting for a party to happen.
8. Lawrence, Kan., offers a reasonable cost of living for its association and staff. Have you tried to buy a house in Far Hills, N.J., the U.S. Golf Association’s home?
7. I thought there were great golf courses in Lawrence, Kan. There are.
6. I thought moving was cheap. So why do we ask for moving expenses when relocating to a different golf course? (Just wait for an increase in dues or GIS registration.)
5. Lawrence, Kan., is accessible by plane, it’s only a 40-minute ride from Kansas City.
4. Contrary to popular belief, computers, voice-mail, cell phones, e-mail, and yes, the Internet, do work in Lawrence, Kan.
3. Can someone give me a solid reason why it needs to move?
2. The relocation committee, consisting of superintendents, tabled the subject for a few more years down the road. I wonder if they talked to other GCSAA members?
1. If we’ve been talking about moving since the 1970s, why hasn’t it happened yet? Here’s an idea: Maybe the membership doesn’t want to move.
Keep up the good work GCSAA (and Lawrence, Kan.). You’re doing a fine job.
Jeffrey L. Berg
Golf course superintendent
Goose Creek Golf Club
Leesburg, Va.

Off base
If John Walsh, while riding in his golf cart, is offended because a golf course maintenance worker didn’t run up to him and ask if he liked the way the course was being maintained, he has serious problems (“Hospitality check,” October 2005, page 6).

I’ve been playing golf all over the world on many great courses since before he was born, and I’ve never felt slighted because a greenkeeper or maintenance man didn’t ask me if I was having a great day or liked the course. These guys go to work when most are still in bed, and by the time many have their second cup of coffee, these guys are having a well-deserved lunch. So he needs to back off.

It’s he who should go up to the golf course superintendent or workers on the course and thank them for the outstanding job they’re doing so that he might enjoy the game. When I play, no matter where, I always make it a point to approach the superintendent or golf course maintenance crew and thank them. They really appreciate it, and it makes their day. Next time, he should try to make their day instead of suggesting they try and make his.
Ken Zitz
Golf course designer
Ken W. Zitz & Associates
Waialua, Hawaii

Appreciation
I read Pat Jones’ brief article “A billion thanks ... sort of” (www.golfcourse news.com, click on Digital Coffee Shop under the news drop-down menu), and appreciate that he always stands up for golf course superintendents.

I’m not too involved anymore on the superintendent end, and though I believe the PGA Tour tries to give superintendents credit, it could put the spotlight more often on what these individuals and their profession accomplish.
Steve Plummer, CGCS
General manager
Tustin (Calif.) Ranch Golf Club

Corrections
• David Herman, CGCS, at Heritage Highlands Golf and Country Club in Tucson, Ariz., has been a superintendent for 10 years. His tenure was reported incorrectly in the October issue (“Smart savings,” page 28).
• On-Course Golf was misidentified in a news item in the October issue. GCN