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Could You Relate to This?

22 posts
  1. Stephen Okula
    Stephen Okula avatar
    3 posts
    5/30/2012 12:05 PM
    My greens are fairly brimming with good health. Penncross/Poa mix, they are mowed at .125", dense and free of disease, insects, or weeds. They roll as smoothly as glass, true as you like, and stimping 10'-10'6".

    The members want to bring in a consultant to figure out what I'm doing wrong because the greens are so slow.



  2. Peter Bowman
    Peter Bowman avatar
    11 posts
    5/30/2012 12:05 PM
    "Consultant" is code for update your resume.



  3. Christopher Boldreghini
    Christopher Boldreghini avatar
    0 posts
    5/30/2012 1:05 PM
    Sometimes 10-10.5 isn't fast enough for some clubs. I am not sure what you can/or are doing but here are some thoughts. Primo, roll more often, mow when greens are dry, brush before mow, double mow, grooming. These are just suggestions and you may already be implementing these practices. Any way good luck and do what you can to make the membership happy. JMO.

    Charlie Boldreghini



  4. Larry Allan
    Larry Allan avatar
    0 posts
    5/30/2012 1:05 PM
    Stephen Okula, CGCS said: My greens are fairly brimming with good health. Penncross/Poa mix, they are mowed at .125", dense and free of disease, insects, or weeds. They roll as smoothly as glass, true as you like, and stimping 10'-10'6".

    The members want to bring in a consultant to figure out what I'm doing wrong because the greens are so slow.

    It is reassuring to know that it is a world wide phenomenon



  5. Jason Baker
    Jason Baker avatar
    12 posts
    5/30/2012 2:05 PM
    I can relate. And I know you are not really looking for advice just venting but I will give some anyway.

    Suggest they call the USGA for a visit. They will get a thorough, impartial, professional report that will not throw you under the bus.



  6. Stephen Okula
    Stephen Okula avatar
    3 posts
    5/30/2012 3:05 PM
    We're verticutting and light sand topdressing every two weeks - grooming, brushing and rolling daily. I have an ace mechanic who keeps the reels razor sharp, and I tried mowing again in the afternoon that produced zero effect. Nitrogen so far this year is under a pound per thousand, and less than two ounces in the past six weeks, and I put down lots and LOTS of primo.

    The USGA is kind of far away. I'll probaby get someone from the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) out of the UK.

    As far as I know, no one within a hundred miles of here has faster greens, so I don't know how they figure ours are slow, and not just a tad slow, mind you, but unplayably so.

    And yes, I'm only venting, thanks.



  7. Wallace Jeffrey V
    Wallace Jeffrey V avatar
    5/30/2012 4:05 PM
    Stephen Okula, CGCS said: My greens are fairly brimming with good health. Penncross/Poa mix, they are mowed at .125", dense and free of disease, insects, or weeds. They roll as smoothly as glass, true as you like, and stimping 10'-10'6".

    The members want to bring in a consultant to figure out what I'm doing wrong because the greens are so slow.


    I have a friend in France that does consulting. He's incredibly annoying, and on the high side of middle-aged, but very knowledgeable. Would you like me to send you his name and number?



  8. Andy Jorgensen
    Andy Jorgensen avatar
    1 posts
    5/30/2012 5:05 PM
    I'm not sure if the USGA would make the trip, but I brought them in a few years back and it was the best move I've ever made. Brought a lot of reassurance to the powers that be that I was doing the right thing. Our visits are also very valuable, and have helped us tremendously in the overall health of the courses. The trips have paid for themselves in the ideas and saving generated from the visits. If you have any power to hire your own consultant, do it. If not....well.....



  9. Keith Pegg
    Keith Pegg avatar
    0 posts
    5/30/2012 5:05 PM
    Stephen Okula, CGCS said: My greens are fairly brimming with good health. Penncross/Poa mix, they are mowed at .125", dense and free of disease, insects, or weeds. They roll as smoothly as glass, true as you like, and stimping 10'-10'6".

    The members want to bring in a consultant to figure out what I'm doing wrong because the greens are so slow.


    Steve,
    Ask yourself a question, do the members (regular golfers like you). Does the rest of the management team respect you, with an extra nod from the Golf professional.
    If you answer to yourself honestly that should give you the time a job could last.
    95% of all golfers (regulars) on its own 7 to 20 years okay 5% Per year = 20 Years.
    90% 5 to 10 years. Etc.
    97% to 100% does not exist, but if truly you believe 100% more problems are happening here.
    Yes : No Management team helps shore up or knock it down some 20%
    Yes: No Staff works for you they will make or break you at any time. 30%
    Yes: No Golf professional (most influential person on a course) 50%
    Yes; then that 20 plus could happen:
    If No; then look at plus or minus 7 years mark:
    Other questions are, any I doing a good job or just coming to work.
    How many times have I been married 1 , 2, 3+ then if more than 2 why yours or hers problem.
    Was this job a great fit, or just a job with no intent on staying forever.
    A lot more factors I am sure could come into play each with a lesser effect in most cases.

    Good Luck to who ever this was about.
    Keith
    Japan



  10. Kevin Girt
    Kevin Girt avatar
    0 posts
    5/30/2012 6:05 PM
    We didn't have these problems till the invent of the stimpmeter and then someone had the wonderful idea of mentioning it and the courses green speed and ALL PGA tournaments. Come on folks, we don't all have the same grass, root-zone, air-flow, water percolation rates, not to mention the crew it takes to appease the members. If the greens are a 10 and 1 thru 18 are consistent and the grass does in fact look healthy, and they're not happy, then I agree with an earlier post. Review your resume. But I for one say thank you for all you have done. If this work was easy than anyone could do it.



  11. Sandy Clark
    Sandy Clark avatar
    0 posts
    5/30/2012 6:05 PM
    Hopefully, a good consultant will let them know they are nuts and the greens are absolutely perfect because of your expert care!



  12. Robert Crockett
    Robert Crockett avatar
    4 posts
    5/30/2012 7:05 PM
    Stephen Okula, CGCS said: We're verticutting and light sand topdressing every two weeks - grooming, brushing and rolling daily. I have an ace mechanic who keeps the reels razor sharp, and I tried mowing again in the afternoon that produced zero effect. Nitrogen so far this year is under a pound per thousand, and less than two ounces in the past six weeks, and I put down lots and LOTS of primo.

    The USGA is kind of far away. I'll probably get someone from the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) out of the UK.

    As far as I know, no one within a hundred miles of here has faster greens, so I don't know how they figure ours are slow, and not just a tad slow, mind you, but unplayably so.

    And yes, I'm only venting, thanks.

    I mow with a toro tri plex were low budget...tx panhandle plains....were @ .120 and I've gone .114...Just bought the 3400-D Tri-Flex with the groomers. We don't have a roller, wouldn't have a person to run it. My Total Chemical and Botanical annual budget is 20k. I don't get around much because I'm usually working a lot this time of year. I see my greens every day...But the feedback I get is that we have the best looking and putting greens within a 75 mile radius. I have Penncross on the front and Seaside on the back 9. I'm just Class "A" and at a municipal not a CC. I came from a CC as a 1st assisstant, so I do know the high standards. Maybe just try them a little lower. I don't use a stimp meter and never will if I don't have to.
    I do use the accugage though, no prism. Then I do check them with my eyes and I do ask the players. If their Happy then I'm Happy. But I will raise and lower when I need too.

    Good Luck Steve !



  13. Robert Crockett
    Robert Crockett avatar
    4 posts
    5/30/2012 7:05 PM
    Jeffrey Wallace, CGCS said:
    Stephen Okula, CGCS said: My greens are fairly brimming with good health. Penncross/Poa mix, they are mowed at .125", dense and free of disease, insects, or weeds. They roll as smoothly as glass, true as you like, and stimping 10'-10'6".

    The members want to bring in a consultant to figure out what I'm doing wrong because the greens are so slow.


    I have a friend in France that does consulting. He's incredibly annoying, and on the high side of middle-aged, but very knowledgeable. Would you like me to send you his name and number?

    You have a twin in France Mr. Wallace?



  14. Jason Baker
    Jason Baker avatar
    12 posts
    5/31/2012 6:05 AM
    forgot that you were international. Good luck. Obviously your practices are strong and correct, hopefully the STRI will give the same type of response the USGA would, accurate and unbiased. Again, Good luck.



  15. McCallum David K
    McCallum David K avatar
    5/31/2012 9:05 AM
    Steve and it all started with those damn scalped collars...........just funning with you buddy.



  16. Stephen Okula
    Stephen Okula avatar
    3 posts
    5/31/2012 10:05 AM
    Jeffrey Wallace, CGCS said:
    Stephen Okula, CGCS said: My greens are fairly brimming with good health. Penncross/Poa mix, they are mowed at .125", dense and free of disease, insects, or weeds. They roll as smoothly as glass, true as you like, and stimping 10'-10'6".

    The members want to bring in a consultant to figure out what I'm doing wrong because the greens are so slow.


    I have a friend in France that does consulting. He's incredibly annoying, and on the high side of middle-aged, but very knowledgeable. Would you like me to send you his name and number?


    I think I know who you're talking about and you're right, that guy is annoying as all get out. I wouldn't have a jerk like that on the property if I could help it.



  17. Stephen Okula
    Stephen Okula avatar
    3 posts
    5/31/2012 10:05 AM
    Thanks to everyone who responded. This issue is more about aggravation than doom. I've been at the club for eleven years, and I am on solid ground, not worried about losing my job. One of the benefits of working in France is the labor laws provide job protection, akin to having tenure. It would be a long, expensive process for the club to move me out over an issue like green speeds.



  18. Sean Hoolehan
    Sean Hoolehan avatar
    0 posts
    5/31/2012 11:05 AM
    Steve,

    Many of the new bents have no trouble with heights lower than .125. You might consider inter seeding a new variety. I agree with Larry, this is a international phenomena. I'm afraid that to your members 10-10.6 is normal and normal does not feel fast. You are a victim of your own success.

    On the other hand one of the things that happens when clubs/employers hire consultants is sometimes they point out the great job the superintendent is doing. We tend to hear more of the horror stories but often a consultant can be the best thing that happens to you.



  19. Larry Allan
    Larry Allan avatar
    0 posts
    5/31/2012 6:05 PM
    Stephen Okula, CGCS said: My greens are fairly brimming with good health. Penncross/Poa mix, they are mowed at .125", dense and free of disease, insects, or weeds. They roll as smoothly as glass, true as you like, and stimping 10'-10'6".

    The members want to bring in a consultant to figure out what I'm doing wrong because the greens are so slow.

    Steve, it's the nature of those damned French. Anyone thanked you lately for bailing them out of WW11, the big one?



  20. James Schmid
    James Schmid avatar
    1 posts
    5/31/2012 7:05 PM
    Larry Allan said:
    Stephen Okula, CGCS said: My greens are fairly brimming with good health. Penncross/Poa mix, they are mowed at .125", dense and free of disease, insects, or weeds. They roll as smoothly as glass, true as you like, and stimping 10'-10'6".

    The members want to bring in a consultant to figure out what I'm doing wrong because the greens are so slow.

    Steve, it's the nature of those damned French. Anyone thanked you lately for bailing them out of WW11, the big one?


    WW11? How long have I been asleep?!



  21. Stephen Okula
    Stephen Okula avatar
    3 posts
    6/1/2012 5:06 AM
    James Schmid said:
    Larry Allan said: Steve, it's the nature of those damned French. Anyone thanked you lately for bailing them out of WW11, the big one?


    WW11? How long have I been asleep?!


    I think what Larry meant to write was WWXI. World wars and Super Bowls are always labelled with Roman numerals.



  22. Matthew Neff
    Matthew Neff avatar
    0 posts
    6/8/2012 8:06 PM
    Stephen Okula, CGCS said: My greens are fairly brimming with good health. Penncross/Poa mix, they are mowed at .125", dense and free of disease, insects, or weeds. They roll as smoothly as glass, true as you like, and stimping 10'-10'6".

    The members want to bring in a consultant to figure out what I'm doing wrong because the greens are so slow.


    They can certainly be ridiculous, can't they. This is easily the number one thing I worry about when (if?) I finally get a superintendent job. You work yourself to death and do everything right and it's still not enough.

    My suggestion would be that the next time they start complaining, just wave a white flag at them. They would certainly understand that.



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