Divot Mix

"Searching for a lost ball is not a pleasant vocation, but since golf was first played a lost ball has always been a part of the game. So reconcile yourself to tradition." -- C.B. Macdonald

R&A creates turfgrass climate map

The R&A Golf Course Committee has launched a worldwide climate map to provide guidance on grass species selection.

The interactive map shows the parts of the world where warm or cool season grasses are most appropriate and defines the Transition Zone where neither warm nor cool season species grow to their optimum potential.

The grasses used to establish a course often dictate its future sustainability and through time, with the correct management practices, grass composition can be influenced towards a mix of the more sustainable species. The map, which is linked to text describing the turfgrass species in detail, will help course developers, architects, turf managers and facility managers make an informed choice of the most sustainable grasses for their situation.

It has been developed in conjunction with Maplecroft, specialists in interactive mapping of complex environmental, social, economic and political issues.

Robert Webb, chairman of the R&A golf course committee, said, "We have made many improvements and enhancements to our best practice Web site since it was launched nearly three years ago, but this feature is particularly noteworthy. Everyone concerned with the development and management of the golf course will now be able to access information that will help in meeting our target of making courses more sustainable."

Audubon International celebrates 20 years

In 2007, Audubon International has reached a milestone--20 years of helping people help the environment worldwide. Through its award-winning education and certification programs, Audubon International has helped more than 5,800 businesses, golf courses, schools, communities, and new developments improve environmental performance and manage natural resources responsibly on more than a million acres of land.

As the huge environmental challenges of the 21st century loom large--the need to address global warming, safeguard drinking water, and conserve our natural assets for future generations--Audubon International is poised to help.

"Increasingly, people are seeking to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. Yet they often lack the information, resources, or incentives to take action," says Kevin Fletcher, Ph.D., director of programs and administration. "That's where Audubon International comes in. From individual action to community-wide initiatives, Audubon International has helped people help the environment for the past 20 years, and we will continue to foster more sustainable communities for present and future generations."

Audubon International is best known for building bridges to those often perceived as "anti-environment" in order to drive environmental change. In 1991 it partnered with the golf industry to improve golf's environmental game. In 1993, it began working with developers to improve environmental siting, design, and management of new facilities.

"When we first began working with golf courses, and then again with developers, we were questioned by some of our environmental colleagues who were concerned about us working cooperatively with people who were seen as polluters and pillagers of the environment," recalls President and CEO Ronald Dodson. "Most organizations had chosen the stick over the carrot, but our approach has since become a model for change. Very simply: it works."

Today Audubon International is assisting more than 2,110 golf courses in 24 countries to protect and showcase the nature of the game. One hundred forty-five development projects in the U.S. and in eight countries, covering more than 69,000 acres of land, are receiving technical assistance to build in concert with the environment.

The organization also works with more traditional audiences, such as schools and homeowners, who want to sustain local wildlife and conserve resources. In recent years Audubon International has also begun to offer strategic planning assistance and a framework for education and action to municipalities and larger resort communities. The goal is to foster a healthy environment, quality of life for citizens, and economic vitality.

PGATour.com launches 2007 Live@ series

The PGA Tour and Turner Sports New Media has announced that PGATour.com, the exclusive online destination for Live@ and real-time scoring, will roll out an enhanced three-channel broadband player for the feature, giving fans broadband video access to par-3 holes from some of the most scenic golf courses and tournaments.

The coverage begins Feb. 8-11 with approximately 35 hours of live, broadcast-quality coverage of the famous par-3 seventh hole at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, from Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

The Live@ series is scheduled to cover at least 10 events, including The Players Championship, the PGA Championship, and all four events in the first-ever PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedEx Cup.

Viewers will be able to select from three distinct video streams from CNN's Pipeline technology, each showcasing a different aspect of tournament coverage.  The first video stream (Pipe 1) brings visitors up close to every shot by every player at the tournament's signature par-3 hole. 

The second stream (Pipe 2), Inside the Ropes, provides front-row seats to tournament press conferences as well as course flyovers, tournament highlights, player profiles and pre-recorded content.  TNT announcers Billy Kratzert and Jim Huber, as well as PGATour.com contributor Brian Katrek will guide viewers through the action on Pipe 1 & 2. 

The final video stream (Pipe 3) will spotlight the PGA Learning Center and provide exclusive tips from PGA of America teaching professionals and many of the sport's top names.