Cummings Cove Gets High-tech Golf Carts
At Cummings Cove, a new fleet of golf carts equipped with “Visage” has put the “go” in golf with a combination of cellular, wireless and global positioning technology. Cummings Cove is one of only a few clubs open to public play in Western North Carolina to provide this advanced equipment in its battery-powered golf carts.
Proper Ball Mark Repair
The Cummings Cove Greens Committee is composed of dedicated golfers who help keep the course in its excellent condition. One of their projects has been advising players on proper ball mark repair in accordance with USGA recommendations.
Proper Ball Mark Repair – There has been much discussion about different tool designs for ball mark repair. Studies by the USGA and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America show the real issue is not the tool, but the proper use of any tool. The repair technique recommended by the USGA involves three simple steps that can be applied to almost any tool:
- Shorten the repair tool length: Limit insertion depth to no more than ½ to ¾ inch. This can be done by using your forefinger as a base and your thumb for control, or by using a tool with shortened prongs.
- Push from the back: Begin by pressing from the back side of the ball mark, where the turf has lifted most due to impact. Often, this step alone can be sufficient.
- Push from the sides: Apply light pressure on the sides to close the mark further. Never rip or twist the turf inward—this can cause more damage.
If nothing else, please remember this: gently push your ball marks back toward the center and do not lift or twist harshly.
Green
Do You Know The Proper Use Of The Word “Green” In Golf?
A good deal of confusion surrounds the use of the word green in proper golf terminology. Should one use “green fee” or “greens fee?” Is it “greenkeeper” or a “greenskeeper?” Exactly what area does the word “green” pertain to on a golf course? And is it the “USGA Green Section” or the “USGA Greens Section?”
Green is a noun and has two proper golf meanings. The first meaning is chiefly of Scottish origin. It simply defines all territory of a golf course, or all areas outside the confines of the clubhouse. Thus, it can be used in relation to all outdoor areas of a golf course. The second meaning, most readily known to modern audiences, means the area of short grass surrounding a hole. This area is generally mown and rolled to the smoothest possible texture. In keeping with the first meaning, a greenkeeper is someone whose responsibilities entail maintaining all areas of the golf course outside the clubhouse. The term was changed to golf course superintendent in the United States several decades ago.
In most cases of using the word green in golf terminology, the use should be singular. Green fee, greenkeeper, green committee, and USGA Green Section are all correct uses.One final word on this subject. Green, in proper golf terminology, does NOT refer to any particular color found on a golf course. It only applies to areas or regions of a golf course.
Use this information to impress your less knowledgeable golfing friends!
Courtesy of The USGA Green Section Record
All About Divots
Q: There seems to be confusion among the membership about how much divot mix should be used to fill fairway divots. Is there a proper amount? (Missouri)
A: The proper amount of divot mix (usually sand or a mixture comprised primarily of sand) is surprisingly small because it should be only the amount needed to replace the soil that was removed. Filling divot level higher than the existing playing surface, i.e. turfgrass canopy, is overfilling. Not only is this a waste of divot mix, but the extra sand will slow turfgrass recovery because seedlings and/or lateral regenerative growth of surrounding vegetation will be scalped by mowers. This leads to the second problem when divots are overfilled because sand particles dull and damage mower blades.
Source: “Fore The Golfer”
