Season's Greetings A Review of the Year 2020 - what's it all been about? - The Golf Club Secretary
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Briefing and practical advice for golf club administrators
Season’s Greetings
A Review of the Year
2020 – what’s it all been about?
W
ell, if you can’t stand clichés, look away now. But if you’re not averse “The golf swing is like
to the odd cliché or idiom, the typical golf club manager might sum a suitcase into which
up 2020 like this… we are trying to pack
one too many things”
It came like a bolt from the blue. No golf club manager ever had ’dealing with
JOHN UPDIKE
a global pandemic’ on his or her job description!
Everything has been up in the air this year. We’ve had to really think on our feet.
We’re in uncharted territory and it’s been virtually impossible to know which
way the wind is blowing.
It never rains but it pours. It really has been one thing after another, but necessity
is the mother of invention and when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. IN THIS ISSUE
Takeaway catering services? Who would have thought! But if the mountain won’t
come to Muhammad... We’ve always been told that you can’t teach an old dog Page 89
new tricks, but at least we’ve confounded that one this year. Zoom, anyone? Season’s Greetings
A Review of the Year
That said, we’ve heard sorry tales of managers relieved of their positions
immediately COVID struck. Surely you don’t spoil the ship for a ha’porth of tar,
though? Page 91
The GCS – Open Championship
Every cloud has a silver lining, doesn’t it? They say that absence makes the
to visit Dumbarnie Links
heart grow fonder, and on re-opening how surprised we all were by the huge
demand for golf. From dark days to cloud nine almost overnight – a chance to
really make hay while the sun shines. But we’re all too aware that one swallow
Page 92
does not a summer make and big challenges still lie ahead.
NGCAA: Coronavirus issues –
golf club pro contracts plus the
furlough scheme extension
Page 93
Club trophies:
our silent witnesses to the past
Page 94
Noticeboard
Page 96
Grass Clippings:
No ‘Augusta Syndrome’ for once
Most courses in the UK&I have been closed for around 3 months or more in 2020
Vol. 19 No. 12 | December 2020 | 89
In some respects, elements of this have perhaps been a blessing If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad
in disguise, and it’s certainly taught us this – don’t put all your Who would have thought that golf clubs might find themselves
eggs in one basket. We’re going to leave no stone unturned offering a takeaway catering service, for example? But a number
in our quest to come out the other side stronger. But let’s be have done so successfully during both lockdowns. And with no
realistic – we’re definitely not out of the woods yet. customers coming through the doors at times, golf clubs have
had to go to extra lengths on the communication front to keep
There is no doubt much still to contend with so ne’er cast a clout members engaged.
till May be out!
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Okay, a light-hearted (yet semi-serious) opening gambit, but Who said so? Who among us even knew that Zoom, Microsoft
whatever you think of clichés and idioms, every single one of Teams or Google Meet existed before March 2020? Okay, a few,
these rings true this year. Allow us to explain… but for others the whole remote connectivity and communication
issue demanded a rapid learning curve – one of the many tests
21 clichés heading into 2021… that golf club secretaries have passed with flying colours in 2020.
Like a bolt from the blue Don’t spoil the ship for a ha’porth of tar
It would be fair to say that while you can put arrangements in We all know of clubs who dispensed with their manager’s services
place for all kinds of potential eventualities, no golf club manager the moment initial COVID restrictions were announced, and as
could have realistically been expected to have a contingency a result really struggled with everything from communication
plan for a once-in-every-two-lifetimes global pandemic. to tee bookings, staffing matters, furloughing and much more
during the summer. The GCS firmly believes that such short-term
Up in the air – and indeed, short-sighted – cost-saving measures will almost
This is where golf club managers’ plans have been for most certainly cost the clubs concerned money in the long run.
of 2020! What will happen with membership subscriptions?
What are the latest government guidelines? What can we Every cloud has a silver lining
do and what can’t we do? How much time do we have to We’re thinking primarily about golf’s unexpected membership
implement things? boom post-lockdown here but also the opportunity it has
perhaps given some clubs to finally get tee booking systems
Think on your feet passed and approved.
Secretaries this year have faced situations that they’ve never
faced before and have had to make quick decisions that they’d Absence makes the heart grow fonder
never envisaged having to make. Never a truer word – when golfers couldn’t play, it made them
realise all the more why they love the game. This proved especially
Uncharted territory true of nomad golfers who suddenly found themselves with
’Unprecedented’ has undoubtedly been the most over-used nowhere to play in May as clubs re-opened for members only
word in 2020, but it’s true. We are all treading new ground – a real opportunity to drive home the benefits of membership
and working our way through it as best we can, often with the
goalposts seemingly moving from day to day. Cloud nine
From the deepest of depths to the highest of highs in a couple
Know which way the wind is blowing of months. Many golf clubs went from scratching their heads as
Therein lies one of the problems. The rules, regulations and to what on earth to do, to finding themselves on cloud nine as
guidance seem to have changed on a daily, or at least weekly, new members appeared out of nowhere, almost as if golf’s well-
basis at times. Trying to plan and implement new procedures at a documented membership decline had been a fabricated myth.
moment’s notice has been a big part of the challenge throughout
the year, with golf going from a safe and encouraged activity Make hay while the sun shines
after the first lockdown in England, for example, to an outlawed The sun really did shine for many both literally and figuratively
risk for the second one! during the summer when our golf courses were busier or
more fully booked than ever. Thanks to closed offices, reduced
It never rains but it pours expenditure and the furlough scheme, a vast number of golfers
In some ways both literally and figuratively! What more can seemed to suddenly have both time and money on their hands.
2020 do to make the job difficult – wet winter/early spring; Okay, much of the revenue brought in by new members, visitors
global pandemic; lockdown one; very dry summer in some and guests was filling the black hole left by lockdown one, but
parts; very wet autumn in many parts; lockdown two… some clubs have used the unexpected extra funds to make
capital investments they were struggling to otherwise make.
Necessity is the mother of invention
Sometimes having no real alternative can prove to be the best One swallow does not a summer make
thing. Golf clubs have been very adept at devising ways to cope Yes, there have been pluses, but no secretary is naïve enough
with this year’s many challenges. to believe that challenges don’t lie ahead to more than rival any
new opportunities that have arisen. There are obviously long-
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade term considerations, but in the short term, what happens if we
Many clubs have really thought outside the box and found get a spell of decent weather in December and January and all
new ways to make things happen. Golf clubs everywhere have those new members want to play lots of golf? Capacity issues
worked hard to make the best of a bad situation. will need careful management at some clubs.
90 | December 2020 | Vol. 19 No. 12
local membership fee structure based on overseas visitors
paying big money to play the course, and suddenly those
overseas visitors aren’t there…!
Leave no stone unturned
Clubs are perhaps now more ready than ever to do whatever
is required in the quest to survive and secure their long-term
future, whether that’s strengthening what they already have as
much as possible or finding new ways to diversify and secure
alternative revenue streams.
Not out of the woods yet
Although some good has come out of all this for some clubs,
we don’t think anyone is imagining or pretending that it’s
all over yet. None of us knows what will happen next, what
the forthcoming winter will be like, what the financial and
employment landscapes will look like in 2021.
Social distancing in the clubhouse has presented a real challenge
this year Ne’er cast a clout till May be out
The GCS – and you too, no doubt – will almost certainly be
A blessing in disguise heeding this one. You, by not getting ahead of yourselves and
Not just because of the unexpected membership surge, but believing that the figurative cold of the pandemic will definitely
also perhaps for our greenkeepers. In a difficult year, the period be done and dusted by next spring. We, at The CGS Newsletter,
of prolonged rest brought about by lockdown two was at least by hoping that our planned GCS Open Championship Finals
good for our golf courses, especially given the volume of play will indeed be able to take place at Saunton in Devon in May
they experienced this summer. to bring a positive end to a disrupted and testing campaign.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket In the meantime, we trust that everyone will enjoy as good a
Some clubs in certain parts of the country have realised the Christmas as possible as we all pray that New Year’s Day 2021
vulnerability of this strategy. If you build a business model and will be the start of something very different!
We at The GCS are extremely pleased that we have been able to maintain publication of this newsletter, without a hiccup, during both
lockdowns, and very much appreciate the support from clubs who have paid their subscriptions to enable us to achieve this.
The GCS – Open Championship to visit Dumbarnie Links
F
ollowing such a difficult year, we are delighted to be able
The 25th GCS – Open Championship
to announce a fantastic start to The GCS – 25th Open
will visit Dumbarnie Links in March 2021
Championship.
Once again, The GCS – Open will be travelling to a much
talked-about and scenic new Scottish course. Dumbarnie Links,
on the south coast of Fife between Elie and Lundin, opened to
widespread acclaim in May 2020. The spectacular layout was
designed by former Walker and Ryder Cup player, Clive Clark.
This new addition to the schedule will see our quarter-of-a-
century 25th milestone campaign tee off in Scotland before
the extended 24th Open has been completed (another COVID
first!). Our Dumbarnie Links qualifier will take place on Monday,
March 29th, 2021 with a limited field of 36.
The entry fee per event for the 25th championship will be £60 to
include lunch (pre-round at Dumbarnie as afternoon tee-times).
As soon as you have made your BACS payment of the £60 entry
fee, you will receive an email of confirmation of your entry.
PLEASE ENTER ONLINE AT: https://tgcs-thegolfclubsecretaryregistration.golfgenius.com/
Vol. 19 No. 12 | December 2020 | 91
Coronavirus issues:
golf club pro contracts plus
the furlough scheme extension
Alistair Smith, Chief Executive of the NGCAA, discusses the impact of coronavirus shutdowns on the legal requirements regarding
pros’ contracts before running through the implications of the extended furlough scheme.
D
uring the shutdown period for golf clubs as a result of Given the length of the enforced shutdown, it may mean that the
the coronavirus, many clubs are seeking advice as to termination of the pro’s contract is unpalatable and unrealistic.
how to approach existing contracts with their golf club
professional. We are suggesting that clubs sit down and enter a negotia-
tion with their pro about the possibility of taking reduced or
Some clubs will have the pro as a direct employee, in which no income during the shutdown period. If the parties are
case they may wish to follow the advice we have for furloughing able to reach agreement, then that should resolve matters
staff (summarised at the end of this article) and potentially claim for the time being. It may leave the door open for the pro to be
80% of their wages (subject to the cap) from the government. able to claim money back from the government as mentioned
above.
It is worth noting that for the purposes of the furlough scheme, the
ability for employers to claim money back from the government It should also be mentioned that if the pro has his or her own
relates to anybody who is paid through PAYE, which means that employees, he or she may be able to furlough them and claim
it is a slightly wider-than-normal definition of ‘employee’ than we money back for their wages. Similarly, if the pro is trading as a
might see for other employment rights. limited company to provide services to the club and is in fact
an employee of that company, they may also be able to furlough
Working on the basis of the pro being self-employed, if the pro themselves and claim money back that way.
loses money as a result of the shutdown from coronavirus, then
he or she may be able to claim money back directly from the Possible termination of contract
government for lost income. That sits separately to the contractual It is also sensible to point out that if a club were considering the
relationship between the club and the pro – the claiming of lost termination of a pro’s contract, there is always the possibility that
income would be something that the pro resolves personally. the pro may be seen as an employee. This would be different
to the definition mentioned above for furlough purposes and
Check your contract or agreement relates to the test applied by employment tribunals to determine
In terms of how things work between the club and the pro, somebody’s status and, most importantly, usually to determine
it would be governed by the terms of the contract. Some whether they are able to claim unfair dismissal.
contracts have a ‘force majeure’ clause in them, which would
allow the parties to walk away from the contract or to potentially If the pro has more than two years of continuous service and
suspend it for a period of time. Those clauses are fairly rare in is an employee, they may be able to successfully claim unfair
pro agreements, but they do exist, so managers should check dismissal if matters are not handled correctly. To defend a claim,
the wording of their contracts before making any decisions. a club would first of all have to have a genuine redundancy
situation, which is very likely to be the case with the shutdown.
We have also taken counsel’s opinion in relation to potential
frustration of the contract and that does not appear to be an We would advise clubs to follow a procedure which mirrors
option to allow clubs to get out of paying the pro, at least that of an employment redundancy process when handling
based upon the predicted 11-12 weeks of shutdown in 2020. matters with the pro if terminating the contract. It would not be
sensible to use any terminology that indicates an employment
The shutdown is not likely to be a ‘gross misconduct’ event, relationship, in case that is seen as an admission of liability
which means that if the club wants to terminate the contract, in relation to status, but we would suggest following the
it would have to do so in accordance with the required notice procedure for consultation.
under the contract. It is fairly commonplace for pro agreements
to have a notice period of three months or 90 days, but if If any club is considering termination of the pro’s agreement,
there is nothing specific, contracts such as these should be then we would suggest reviewing the redundancy section and
terminated upon reasonable notice, which would be likely to template documents on the NGCAA website and contacting
be three months in any event. the association for further advice.
Golf clubs should also take care because some pro agreements
have a further provision contained within them to provide Furlough scheme continues
for a ‘settlement payment’ to be made to the professional in
circumstances where the contract is terminated for reasons to March 2021
other than gross misconduct. Typically, it will be a fee of 10% On October 31st 2020, as we all know, Boris Johnson
of the previous year’s gross turnover, in addition to the notice announced further lockdown restrictions for England.
requirements mentioned above.
92 | December 2020 | Vol. 19 No. 12
At the same time as introducing the lockdown restrictions, l Employers will now be asked to pay just National Insurance
Mr Johnson announced the continuation of the Coronavirus and pension contributions for their staff, although the level
Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), commonly referred to as the of employer contribution will be reviewed by the govern-
furlough scheme. The Job Support Scheme and the Job ment in January 2021.
Retention Bonus, previously reported upon, will now be l Neither the employer nor the employee needs to have
delayed until the CJRS closes. previously used the CJRS, and the scheme is available in
respect of employees who were on the employer’s PAYE
On November 5th, 2020 the Chancellor announced the payroll by 23:59 on October 30th, 2020.
further extension of the CJRS through until March 2021. l The previously reported Job Support Scheme will not be
introduced until after the CJRS ends, which is due to be
The continuation of the CJRS will apply to the whole of March 2021.
the UK, apparently regardless of the potentially differing l Employers must still agree any changes to pay/working
restrictions imposed by the devolved governments. time with their employees for the CJRS, so many employers
will now have to hold swift conversations with employees
At the present time we can advise the following on the in order to agree furlough terms, perhaps cancelling the
continuation of the CJRS: Job Support Scheme agreements reached in advance of
today. Again, those agreements for furlough terms under
l Employers will be able to recover up to 80% of wages (up the CJRS must be evidenced in writing.
to a cap of £2,500) for hours not worked by employees.
l The flexibility options within the existing CJRS will continue, As soon as further information is available from government,
to allow employees to work where they can. we will update accordingly.
For advice on employment law, particularly in relation to coronavirus-related issues, and any other legal matter affecting your golf club,
please contact alistair@ngcaa.co.uk or telephone (01886) 812943.
Club trophies: our silent was well-established in his summer residence at Skibo Castle.
witnesses to the past
The Carnegies’ daughter, Margaret, was born in October 1897,
which provided the catalyst for acquiring their home in Scotland.
Colin Palmer of C.M. Palmer Sporting Antiques Advisors stresses The trophy is made out of silver on a wooden base. It has the
the wisdom of using your golf club’s history and heritage to their Scottish Lion Rampant flag and the American flag crossed at the
maximum advantage, particularly when it comes to trophies that top, and also depicts scenes of local interest, including: Dornoch
may date back many, many years or decades. Castle, Skibo Castle, King Charles I, who presented Dornoch with
S
the Royal Charter in 1625, and the Scottish Lion and American
tretching from Thurso in the north to Mullion in the south, Eagle. The shield was made by James Weir & Co. of Glasgow.
the walls of golf clubs are adorned with competition boards
displaying winners’ names both past and present. Most A change of name
every club golfer wants to attach their name to one or more My own club, Stockport Golf Club,
of these boards. But what do we know about the history of the has an unusual club crest which
competitions that we play for and their associated trophies? adorns several of its prize trophies.
It is taken from a 13th-century crest
During the 1890s through to the commencement of WW1, of a felon’s head with a halter round
the game of golf boomed, and with it, newly formed clubs his neck, which originates from the
were busy acquiring trophies for their inaugural competitions. Davenport family of Cheshire. The
The majority of the trophies were formed in solid silver, and office of the grand serjeant of the
were often heavy, ornate and not inexpensive. Donors would Forest of Macclesfield was granted
come forward and attach their name to trophies. Typically, to Vivian Davenport, the head of
these would be local businessmen, the family. It is said that the crest The same golf club…
philanthropists, aristocracy or nobility, signifies the absolute powers of life
often with a connection to the club. and death that the grand serjeant
held within the forest, and his duty
The Carnegie Shield to search out and hang the robbers
One such philanthropist was America- lurking within its boundaries. From
based, Andrew Carnegie, the great around 1400, the Davenport family
19th-century industrialist, who, in 1901 became Lords of the manor at
presented the Carnegie Shield to Bramhall Hall in Cheshire, where
Royal Dornoch’s Royal Dornoch Golf Club. By this time, they would remain in situ until the
Carnegie Shield Carnegie, vice president of the club, 19th century. but two different names
Vol. 19 No. 12 | December 2020 | 93
What stories can be
told by researching the
history of your club’s
awards? Every trophy has
a meaning and a source,
which would have led
to much thought and
consideration by the initial
donor, looking to provide
a prize befitting the club.
Much can be learned from
the detail attached to the
Silver golf trophy styles (left to right): Art Nouveau; Arts & Crafts; and Art Deco designs trophy. The likes of crests,
emblems and figures can
Stockport Golf Club was founded in 1905 as Davenport Golf offer an insight into the donor’s thought processes during the
Club and played at Woodsmoor, Stockport. In 1908, its name design process. The certainty is that the more investigative the
was changed from Davenport to Stockport, before the club research that is undertaken, the more interesting are the stories
relocated to Torkington, Stockport the following year. So, here that will be revealed about your golf club’s history. With this in
we have the unusual situation of having two items from the mind, a resident historian should be a prerequisite for each and
same golf club, but with different club names. every golf club.
A new trophy every five years The golf club historian
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire has been the Duke of Devonshire’s This club archivist will be in a position to oversee all matters
residence and the home of the Cavendish family since 1549. In of your club’s history, including researching and documenting
1889, the 7th Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, donated information concerning the trophies and memorabilia.
a cup to Buxton & High Peak Golf Club for annual competition,
which is still held today. A tradition ensued that there would be A significant part of the remit should be to update and expand
a play-off between the previous winners every five years. The on the history section of the club’s website. Online competition
winner of the play-off would keep the cup and the current Duke registrations give the opportunity to add interesting detail
would replace it. about the history of the trophy being played for on a page
attached to the sign-in process.
Ten years later in 1899, the 8th Duke of Devonshire, Spencer
Cavendish, was the president of the club, having inherited his Other responsibilities would be to source additional club-related
father’s title in 1891. He donated The Duke of Devonshire’s Vase memorabilia and deal with memorabilia-related enquiries from
trophy to the club, to follow on the tradition. The 8th Duke was all interested parties. All of this newly found information will help
a highly respected politician who was leader of the Liberal greatly when writing any forthcoming club history book for the
Party from 1875-1880. club centenary or any other noteworthy anniversary.
The story doesn’t end there. The 8th Duke’s nephew, Victor Your golf club’s heritage should not be underestimated. Finding
Cavendish, inherited the title upon his uncle’s death in 1908. ways of marketing your club to espouse the highest possible
The 9th Duke went on to become Governor General of Canada levels of interest is, of course, of high importance. Displaying
in 1916. During his highly successful tenure in Canada, he had and advertising a significant depth of knowledge concerning
clearly inherited his predecessors’ passion for the game of all aspects of club history will attract positive attention from
golf, further demonstrated by his donation of the Devonshire visitors and prospective members alike.
Cup – the annual golf competition of the Canadian Seniors
Golf Association. In 1933, the Duke decided that the five-year Be proud of your club’s history. Trophies should be available
replacement tradition had become an expense he could do for all to see and to appreciate. Don’t hide them away in dusty
without, and so it ended. cupboards, in areas of the clubhouse where very few souls
ever venture, or several feet above eye level. In all cases, it is
The tradition would have produced a total of nine trophies important to have the correct level of insurance, along with
between 1889 and 1929. One wonders where the remaining security measures such as alarms, CCTV and pull-down shutters.
eight might be hiding away? This is particularly important when high levels of accessibility to
trophy cabinets exist.
The trophies themselves
Aside from the stories which can be told through the donors So, when your latest board competition winner comes forward,
of these trophies, it is also interesting to consider their physical make sure that he or she has an appreciation of what they have
make-up, including differing stylisation attached to them achieved in terms of history. Display the trophy throughout the
through the decades. Silver cups are prevalent in the world of day of the competition on the registration desk, the 1st tee or
vintage golf trophies and carry wide-ranging design features. in the pro shop. Bring it to life to be admired and cherished.
For advice on your golf clubhouse memorabilia insurance needs and general advice on your collection, including aspects of
research, please contact C. M. Palmer Sporting Antiques Advisors www.sportingvaluations.co.uk. You can email Colin Palmer at
sportingvaluations@outlook.com or call him on 07919 337002.
94 | December 2020 | Vol. 19 No. 12
A busy November for Golf Genius Software
Suzann Pettersen is the first
Following the arrival of WHS, Golf pro to become a Sustainable
Genius has confirmed that its Golf Champion
software is fully integrated into the
platforms of all the Home Unions
meaning that its users can now
import golfers’ Handicap Indexes,
post competition and general play
scores, and import Course Details
and Club Master Rosters from
the WHS Database. Golf Genius
customers can now book online
appointments with the support
team to find out more about how it The new Golf
all works. Genius Club App
The company has also just launched its Golf Genius Club
App bringing together all its best app technology from Suzann Pettersen becomes
around the world. The app will allow members to: GEO Sustainable Golf Champion
l View event information/sign-up The Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) is committed
l View tee sheets to helping every golf club and new development to be a
l Enter tournament round scores responsible, resource-efficient business and a showcase for
sustainability.
l Register general play scores
l View live leader boards A new collaboration with the non-profit GEO Foundation has
l View their event history and much more seen Norway’s Suzann Pettersen become the first professional
golfer to be a GEO Sustainable Golf Champion.
The Golf Genius Club App is WHS-compliant, and as well
Pettersen will play a role in helping the mission of accelerating
as keeping members connected can also help them better
sustainability in and through golf around the world. “For my
understand various aspects of WHS including the Course
part, I’ll be taking this role seriously,” the two-time Major
Handicap calculation.
champion said. “I’m so passionate about a sustainable future,
and to see golf as a leader. We have already kitted our house
SMS reports strong Q3 and YTD figures for 2020 out with geothermal energy, have invested in hybrid and
electric cars, and with GEO I’ll be carrying out any essential
The number of rounds played in Great Britain between
future travel as climate-neutral, using a dedicated golf offset
July and September this year was the highest since Sports
program they have set up. I just hope I can make a difference.”
Marketing Surveys began digitally documenting its ‘rounds
played’ data in 2005.
The average number of rounds played across the country in EIGCA members support measures to
quarter three was up 59% compared to 2019 with all three reduce driving distances
months showing at least a 50% increase. Following a recent survey of its members, the European
These latest figures mean that despite the initial seven-week Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) has reported 95%
lockdown between March and May, and various restrictions agreement that “action needs to be taken to reduce hitting
on resumption (e.g. two-balls only, wider tee-time intervals), distances.”
the overall year-to-date ‘rounds played’ figures are actually “The vast majority of respondents (75%) believed that increas-
7% up on 2019. ing ball flight length and advances in equipment technology
are diminishing the skill of the game, which is leading to a
simplification of golf course strategy,” said Christoph Städler,
EIGCA president.
Other key findings:
l 88% felt a 10-15% reduction in driving distance about right
l 34% felt reductions should apply only to tour pros
l 76% thought hitting distances were negatively impacting
golf course design
In summary, Städler commented: “Golf course architects are
clearly concerned about a number of factors influenced by
hitting distances, including safety, negative impacts on the
environment, land grab and threats to the integrity of historic
courses. By the clever use of design, skilled golf course architects
are able to achieve a certain balance between the challenge for
the best players and fun and playability for weaker and shorter
How 2020’s ‘rounds played’ graph differs markedly from recent players. With ever increasing hitting distances, this becomes
years (courtesy of Sports Marketing Surveys) increasingly difficult.”
Vol. 19 No. 12 | December 2020 | 95
Thankfully preferred lies
mean most golfers won’t
suffer the unpredictable
mud ball this winter
GRASS CLIPPINGS
No ‘Augusta Syndrome’ for once
Paul Woodham, General Manager of Agronomy at the STRI, wraps up the year with a nod to the dreaded mud ball
and looks ahead to the wise forward planning of your golf course operations and a hopefully better 2021…
T
he Oxford English Dictionary recently released 16 Words February Golf Club Secretary newsletter soap box musings.
of an Unprecedented Year, with the theme strongly That is why we have winter rules and placing, and why traffic
influenced by the pandemic. I will try to avoid the most needs to be managed with routes taken well away from the
obvious phrases, but I would like to add ‘mud ball’ as a new one sensitive areas of green and bunker surrounds. Please remember
uttered by commentators zooming in on balls sitting on the that the greenkeeper is not deliberately setting out to send the
softer-than-usual Augusta fairways, with references to hidden golfer around a maze of ropes, but that they are there for a
mud in the odd expletive or two from the lips of competitors reason. G.U.R does not mean ‘Go Under Ropes!’
watching their golf balls swing away faster than a Ben Stokes
delivery. Believe it or not, I am looking back on 2020 as a good year for
the golf course. Fine-grass species thrived in the early-season
The staging of a November Masters is perhaps a reality check, warmth and rest during Lockdown 1.0. The usual challenge of
highlighting how even one of the most resourced courses in managing player expectations during a period of differential
the world is still susceptible to seasonal changes that abate growth was averted but the reality of climate change early-
the growth potential of selected grass species and diminish season drought again put the pressure on. Lockdown 2.0 was
presentation once wear is applied. Never did we expect to see a welcome break from an agronomic perspective, with many
the small 13th tee adjacent to Rae’s Creek start to thin out in the courses taking advantage to overseed areas of wear. It is great
same way that the extended medal tee tucked into a wooded to see clubs reacting positively and undertaking renovation
corner of your course does. That’s the reality of shade and wear and aeration work.
and what can be expected of a cool-season grass in a UK winter
climate, although in the case of Augusta in November, it was We hope next year will be back to some sort of normality with
the warm-season grasses that were clinging on to the last warm a continued resurgence in golf, but with that come both wear
days of autumn before the overseeded cool-season grasses and tight schedules for maintenance operations. You will need
take over. to plan these carefully and commit to new ways of finding how
best to support the course. It will be wise to start early, ahead
Mud Balls will be a common occurrence as and when golf of a probable dry spring.
restarts, if it hasn’t already done so in your part of the country
(nearly said the ‘L’ word), and we go full circle back to managing Please contact me via paul.woodham@strigroup.com with any
issues with worm casts and good drainage. Please refer to my queries relating to this month’s Grass Clippings.
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Interview with golf course
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architect Mike Clayton
96 | December 2020 | Vol. 19 No. 12
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