A second loop

Stormy weather threatened the day of my first Masters visit in 2022. We weren’t sure how many hours we would be able to spend on course. Every moment was savored, particularly after we were evacuated due to wind and rain and permitted to re-enter an hour later. We saw some of our favorite players, watched the Par 3 Contest and walked almost all 18 holes. I was taking in whatever I could.

It was a humbling experience to share in those moments and be at a place wildly heralded by the golf elite. It’s not just the media, club members and patrons who find the event special – players dream about it. The Masters is an opportunity for making golf history, shifting career trajectories and narratives, and spending a precious week making memories with family and friends. 

During the past year, the professional golf landscape has changed dramatically. Some players joined a different tour. The PGA Tour schedule touts elevated events. Rollback headlines are emotive. Inflation is affecting all aspects of life. Hole No. 13 was lengthened, and those changes have been documented and rehashed relentlessly. Not surprisingly, Masters merchandise offerings are ever clever.

The weather for our 2023 visit was much better – sunny, radiant and in the 80s. Yes, please! On television or in person, the colors and textures on this course are beautiful and arresting. Soft, round flowers and skinny pine straw all seem perfectly placed even if they’re not.

If my experience last year was more of a lark in perception, this year I was struck by something that had nothing to do with hole names, ice cream sandwiches or the swing mechanics of Adam Scott. Without agenda or intention, at Augusta National Golf Club, I couldn’t help but admire the conversations.

We walked the Par 3 course well before the first ball was struck. We stopped to shake hands and speak with some industry executives on the way. The renovation was impressive. The routing was sound, the views across DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike’s Pond were magnificent. Editor-in-chief Guy Cipriano predicted a number of hole-in-ones. He was right. The renovations were beautifully planned and executed. We conversed with some long-time superintendents and touched on SEC football. I had followed along with the renovation online, but still marveled over the changes and conditions of work performed in just a year.

As the crowds descended to claim their seats for the afternoon, we headed back to the main course. Stopping for some concessions, we ran into a group of several superintendents hydrating and enjoying a casual chat. Asking if they had seen the Par 3 course yet, they laughed and replied that it was too far away. (Um, what?) We passed that same group a few hours later and the cup stacks were larger, and they were still there talking, laughing, enjoying. It made me smile.

As we hiked the course, we frequently stopped to visit with architects, maintenance crew members and volunteers. Superintendents and directors from all over the country had traveled to ANGC, leaving their own courses, to be at a different one. To talk to their colleagues and friends. To spend time volunteering. To see what’s what. That I recognized several volunteers, and knowing the industry positions they hold and years of experience they possess, was eye-opening. Where does that happen?

It actually happens a lot. A lot of you volunteer with and for each other, at events large and small, formally and casually. We showed some superintendents who traveled to Augusta for part of the week a few photos we took, and they answered questions about a mowing practice we witnessed and a pin-placement device that we hadn’t seen in our travels. Everyone was friendly, patient, kind. Interested.

The biggest difference between my experience last year and this year was that I felt like I was among a large gathering of friends. I appreciated the entirety of my first Masters experience, and don’t get me wrong, it was amazing. Still, what made this year even better was being included in industry conversations. Thank you. I can hardly wait for next year.

Amongst the things that were different, there are things that remain the same. Cipriano is widely recognized and often approached. Managing editor Matt LaWell takes fabulous photos and easily interacts with marshals and patrons. They both think about work, sandwiches and snacks with equal zeal (well, not quite). New this year was passing travel time by them facing off in music trivia. Don’t challenge them in ’90s-pop or singer-song writer identification from the ’60s and ’70s. Their hit rate was shocking. Impressive, but shocking. I’m still not sure how I feel about that.

Whatever emotions exist about various golf leagues, bifurcation or awkward on-air commentary, it’s hard not to appreciate this game, this sport, for all that it is. It’s easy to respect hard work, a drive for excellence, and the unrivalled service of a truly fantastic event. An event that couldn’t happen – that simply would not happen – without the scientists and maintenance team members grinding for course and industry progress every day. You are to thank for much that changes and much that stays the same. I’m glad that every April, there is an extraordinary event where you gather and enjoy each other’s company.

It’s the Masters.

Lee Carr is a Northeast Ohio-based writer, certified turfgrass professional and senior Golf Course Industry contributor.

Tartan Talks 82

Gary Browning has encountered an adult grizzly bear and mountain lion cubs on project sites. He was once described as an “alpine architect” by a newspaper reporter. His side hustle includes flying airplanes.

In short, he’s a fascinating podcast guest.

The Calgary-based Browning joined the Tartan Talks podcast to describe work, life and play as a golf course architect in perhaps Canada’s most scenic province. Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, home of the Canadian Rockies, where a renowned collection of golf courses delight tourists toting their clubs on vacation.

“Tourism is a big deal for us here in Calgary,” he says. “Tourists flock here to see the mountains and to experience that mountain look and life. There’s nothing like it.”

Browning has worked on some of Alberta’s more celebrated courses. He designed Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club in Canmore and guided the massive renovation and reimagining of the 36 holes at Kananaskis Country Golf Course following a horrific flood in 2013. The podcast begins with Browning describing the emotions and tactics associated with his work at Kananaskis.

“I put five years of my life into it, which is kind of typical,” Browning says. “Stewart Creek took seven years; Kananaskis took five years. Most people don’t hold a job for seven years. That’s my life. One job at a time, one after another. That’s what I do.”

The episode can be found on the Superintendent Radio Network page of popular podcast distribution platforms.

Why volunteer?

Matt Gourlay regularly gives his time to help courses and superintendents hosting big events. He explains why the experience is well worth the commitment.

I’ve experienced the opportunity to host 10 professional golf tournaments. I also have volunteered at another dozen or so tournaments throughout my career.

There are several compelling reasons why volunteers are beneficial for our tournaments and why volunteering at professional golf tournaments is a rewarding personal experience. Professional golf tournaments attract thousands of fans, and organizing such events requires a lot of support from volunteers who donate their time and skills to ensure the smooth operation of the tournament.

Volunteering at a professional golf tournament offers a unique opportunity to meet new people and network with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Golf tournaments attract people from all walks of life. Volunteers receive a chance to interact with golf enthusiasts, event organizers, professional golfers and sponsors.

This networking opportunity can be beneficial for students and young professionals who are seeking to build their professional network, gain new contacts and learn about career opportunities in the golf industry. Volunteering means learning new skills and gaining valuable work experience in areas such as customer service, event management, communication and problem-solving.

There’s also a higher purpose in volunteering. Many golf tournaments are organized to raise funds for charities and non-profit organizations supporting causes ranging from health care to education. Volunteers contribute to the success of the tournament, which ultimately benefits the community. Approximately 143,000 charity events are held annually in the United States, with 12 million participants at nearly 13,000 golf facilities, raising close to $4 billion in total, according to the American Golf Industry Coalition.

Professional golf tournaments attract the best golfers from around the world who compete for significant prizes and titles. Volunteers receive a chance to watch these top players in action and observe their golfing techniques and strategies. This can be a unique and exciting experience for golf enthusiasts who may not have regular access to elite players. I witnessed a fellow volunteer at a PGA Tour event apologizing/talking to Tony Finau for three straight days on the putting green.

Many roles assigned to volunteers require physical activity, including walking or standing for extended periods, carrying equipment or directing traffic. These activities are beneficial to one’s health by promoting physical fitness, reducing stress, and improving mood and mental well-being.

Professional golf tournaments are held in different locations around the world. Volunteering might provide the chance to travel to different cities and countries. This can be an exciting way to explore new cultures, meet new people and broaden one’s horizons. I once traveled to the Bahamas to assist a Korn Ferry Tour event. Not a bad place to spend a week in January!

You will be working with other volunteers who share your passion for the golf industry, and you will have the chance to make new friends and create lasting memories. Plus, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork among volunteers can be incredibly rewarding.

Volunteering at a professional golf tournament can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for individuals passionate about the golf industry. The experience provides opportunities for networking, skill-building, giving back to the community, witnessing top golfers in action, promoting physical fitness, traveling and having fun.

Consider it a great way to make a positive impact on society while gaining personal and professional benefits. As you can probably tell, I highly recommend volunteering at a professional golf tournament.

Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, AGS, is the director of golf course operations at Colbert Hills in Manhattan, Kansas.

Industry buzz

Toro is now a turf partner at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando and Latrobe Country Club in Latrobe, Pennsylvania — both with longtime ties to Arnold Palmer — providing maintenance and support for both courses, as well as for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. … The GCSAA approved more than $170,000 in grants for research projects at the University of Arkansas (comparing wetting agent application strategies for efficacy and longevity in sand-based putting greens), Oregon State University (measuring the influence of nitrogen on growing degree-day models for PGR reapplication interval on annual bluegrass greens), Penn State University (examining the effects of moisture management on ABW movement oviposition, larval survival, and turfgrass damage,), and the University of Wisconsin (supression of dollar spot through adjustment of leaf surface pH). … Par West Turf donated $15,000 to the GCSAA to support the Disaster Relief Fund, designed to help GCSAA members who deal with tragedy caused by natural disasters. … PBI-Gordon hired Brent Flander as national account manager and promoted Conrad Pannkuk to sales representative for Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. … DLF promoted Brian Jaasko to senior vice president of wholesale and production for the company’s North American business unit. … Forty-year industry veteran Dennis Wagner is the new national golf specification manager for Hunter Industries. … Annie Holder Caden joined Heritage Professional Products in a sales and marketing hybrid role. … The application process for the 15th annual Syngenta Business Institute is open through August 21. … Syngenta’s Manuscript herbicide label is now enhanced to provide post-emergent weed control on cool-season grasses, and includes expanded state registrations in the Northern and Midwest United States. The company also launched its warm-season Recognition herbicide. (To learn more about Recognition, check out Thorough Preparation starting on p. 53.) … Rightline LLC announced ADDIT Herbicide, the first post-patent alternative of the active ingredient carfentrazone and the first of four new turf herbicides the company plans to introduce this year. … Rain Bird introduced its 952 Series Rotors, which are designed to combine full-circle and part-circle capability. … Nufarm launched Tourney EZ Fungicide and Anuew EZ Plant Growth Regulator. Tourney EZ is a broad-spectrum DMI designed to last up to 28 days to prevent dollar spot, and more than a dozen other turf and ornamental diseases. Anuew EZ is novel liquid formulation of Anuew. … Fecon LLC, a manufacturer of heavy-duty site preparation attachments and forestry accessories, debuted its FMX28 Bull Hog compact excavator mulcher attachment. … AMGUARD Environmental Technologies and NewLeaf Symbiotics entered into a North American supply agreement.

Course news

Michael and Chris Keiser launched a new Dream Golf project called Rodeo Dunes. Set on more than 2,000 acres of sand with views of Colorado’s Front Range, Rodeo Dunes is 50 miles from downtown Denver and 42 miles from Denver International Airport. Two routings are complete, one by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and one marking the solo design debut of the duo’s longtime associate Jim Craig. The property will support up to six courses. … Tom Fazio is building again at Reynolds Lake Oconee near Atlanta, adding nine holes to join his existing Bluff nine on The National. … Tom Doak recently wrapped up renovation and regrassing work at Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand. The renovation included strategic tree clearing, new putting and chipping greens, and range expansion. … Landscapes Unlimited and Rees Jones, Inc. finished enhancement projects at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington, outside Seattle, including shaping and strategically moving select bunkers to enhance play. The course will host the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. … Golf course architect Ian Andrew will lead the renovation at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, with work on the parkland-style North course and practice facilities scheduled to start in August. The project will include green sites renovation, as well as strategically relocated bunkers and tee boxes. … Heritage Golf Group acquired Inverness Country Club and Riverchase Country Club, both in the Birmingham, Alabama, market, bringing its portfolio to 30 clubs and courses, all added since its 2020 launch. … Troon is now managing Telili Golf Club in Sonora, California, on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Owned by the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, the course is a 1990 Robert Muir Graves design. … The 131-year-old Downers Grove Golf Club was renamed Belmont Golf Club, a reference to its history going back to C.B. Macdonald. … The golf course and clubhouse at Portland (Oregon) Golf Club were added to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. The course and clubhouse opened in 1915 and 1928, respectively, and hosted both the 1946 PGA Championship and the 1947 Ryder Cup.