Stimpmeter

The Stimpmeter

The art of measuring the greens consistency dates back to 1935. During the US Open that year a spectator, named Edward Stimpson, wanted to create a device that could be used to measure the speed of a green.  The original device was made of wood, but in 1976 it was recast in aluminum and the USGA started using it during events.  The Stimpmeter became available to Golf Course Superintendents in 1978.  

The device is always surrounded by controversy due to the use of the word "speed"  in its definition.  "Speed" of a green is a relative term and varies from course to course and green to green.  The Stimpmeter reading has always been used by me to measure the consistency between our greens at Laurel Springs,  therefore creating a better product for you to enjoy.  There is nothing worse than playing a golf course and putting on one green that is slow then on the next green, rolling the ball 15 feet past the hole. 

As we continue into our golf season,  we track the progress of the greens consistency and alter the speed based on the event taking place.  Double mowing, rolling and light topdressings are just a few of the cultural practices we employ to ensure our greens fit the needs of our members and guests.

For further reading about the Stimpmeter, check out the Wikipedia link.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimpmeter

Senior Member/Guest

Senior Member/Guest was a huge success.  I would like to congratulate Overall and Individual Flight winners.

This week is a busy week for us.  We have received close to 4 inches of rain since the close of the event.  Bunkers are once again being repaired and we are topdressing greens again today.  

We hope everyone is enjoying the current conditions!

Senior Member/Guest 2012

Our staff is readily preparing the course for our Senior Member/Guest tournament.  Although we needed the rain we received Sunday, we were delayed with our mowing and bunker preparation.  We are diligently working to put the golf course back together to provide everyone with the conditions expected for this event.  I hope that everyone enjoys the golf tournament, conditions, and the camaraderie that golf is all about.  Can't wait to see you on the course!

Wesley Michielsen

Golf course Superintendent

Welcome to the season

Well it looks like we are behind the threat of cooler temperatures and the golf course is responding well to the warmer soil temperatures.  There are three things Bermuda needs to grow.  Water, nutrients, and warm soil.  Now that we have all three elements in place the fairways will start to thicken and provide a better lie for the ball.

The golf season is upon us and we can't wait to see you out on the course.

Wesley

Wildlife Series: Green Heron

Early on the course one morning,  I discovered this Green Heron stalking something at #17 lake.  I was able to get close enough to fire off a series of shots and record him catching his breakfast.

I personally feel the best thing about these photos is they are simply taken on the course. An area that we pass daily during our rounds, yet we seldom stop to think about the ecosystem that the course completes.  I truly believe I will never have the opportunity to capture a moment like this again.  The locking eyes of captive and captor is priceless.

Fertilizing Fairways 5-2-12

We are out fertilizing the fairways, tees, and rough this week in order to push the turf and take advantage of the early summer-like temperatures.  With this type of weather, it will be just a few days before the place greens up.  This picture was taken on Monday during the fertilization process.  The course is already a few shades greener and it is only Wednesday.