Divot Mix

What I think is most remarkable here is the quality of the turf. Pure, crisp seaside turf that invites the nipped iron. That leaves behind only the slightest sliver of a divot to mark the spot. Glorious, glorious. -- Peter Alliss on Machrihanish

Oregon superintendents reward high school golfers

In addition to the medal recognizing their accomplishments, top finishers at Oregon's State Athletic Association golf state championships will receive another special award for their efforts.

The Oregon GCSA will present custom golf flags to members of state championship teams as well as the top 10 individual placers. They will be awarded during a ceremony following each of the seven championships.

Two championships will be held at Stone Creek Golf Club in Oregon City where David Phipps, president of the OGCSA, is the GCSAA Class A Superintendent.

"As golf course superintendents, we are committed to enhancing the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf," Phipps said. "Last year as I presented a souvenir flag to the top finishers, it was clear we were creating memories that will last a lifetime."

This is the second year the OGCSA has awarded the flags, which are also used during the competition.

"We appreciate the OGCSA's commitment to high school golf by providing these flags," said Peter Weber, OSAA public relations director. "This definitely adds to the overall experience for our student athletes."

LPGA golfer gives to Kansas tornado victims

LPGA professional Mi Hyun Kim was the improbable winner of last weeks SemGroup Championship on a long, wet golf course. What she did after that might have been even more improbable.

She donated $100,000--nearly half of the $210,000 she received for the win--to help the victims of the tornado that destroyed Greensburg, Kan. Kim's only possible connection to the people of Greensburg is that she played in the U.S. Women's Open at Prairie Dunes in Hutchinson, about 80 miles away.

According to a story in Golf World, she said "I never expected to win. I thought a long hitter would win. Last week was a surprise for me because I am not a long hitter. God gave it to me as a special present. He used me to help those people."

For more visit http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=2864018.

GCM heads to The Players

Scott Hollister, GCM magazine editor, is at The Players all week, reporting on the golf course maintenance story of the year, so far.

For behind-the-scenes updates from the maintenance facility and player reactions to the complete renovation of the TPC Sawgrass, visit http://gcm.typepad.com.

EWGA announces "Women Friendly" designation

The Executive Women's Golf Association has announced a program to earn an official designation as a "women-friendly" facility, open to all golf facilities participating in the EWGA Golf Club Network. To merit the special designation, a facility must meet certain criteria rated on playability of the course and customer experience.

The network is designed to increase rounds and revenue while encouraging more women to play golf. Facilities pay a nominal annual fee and offer special rates for play, practice or instruction as a benefit to EWGA members. In return, the facilities are listed in the EWGA print and online directories, reaching the association's nearly 20,000 members whenever they are seeking places to play.

To earn the official "women friendly" designation, additional criteria must be met and golf courses are required to complete an application verifying how they meet the qualifications. Some of the factors include having at least two sets of tees rated for women, distance markers inside of 100 yards, clean restrooms available at least every 6 holes and providing equal services to men and women. For more visit http://www.ewga.com/ and click on the Golf Club Network.

"At the golf course, women don't want to feel they are being treated differently, they just want to be taken seriously," said EWGA CEO Pam Swensen. "This recognition program is a way for us to distinguish golf courses and management companies who understand the value of providing 'women friendly' facilities. A satisfied woman customer means more business--it's the power of the purse."