The USGA Green Section Weekly Update March 26, 2010 Turn Off The TV And Look In The Mirror Is televised golf really the force behind unrealistic expectations? by Patrick J. Gross - Director, Southwest Region Superintendents and others in the golf course maintenance industry bemoan the unrealistic expectations for course conditioning created by televised golf tournaments. Some believe that golfers see pristine conditions every weekend on TV and expect their home course to be maintained to those same standards every day. Is TV really to blame for creating such unrealistic expectations? Although the allure of the beautiful courses seen on TV each week is undeniable, who is responsible for creating such conditions? Yes, it is today's educated, very talented professional golf course superintendent. Read this article The 18th at Torrey Pines Mid-Atlantic Regional Update Has spring arrived? by Stanley J. Zontek - Director, Mid-Atlantic Region By the calendar, spring HAS arrived, and this fact seems to be supported by the weather. Temperatures have been above average, which is quite a change from the cold and snowy weather experienced over the winter. For many turf managers, this is the first opportunity to observe the turf and determine if winter injury occurred. If so, corrective actions need to be implemented, while scheduling work to clean up golf course debris. The snow and ice damage to white pines and cedars has been unbelievable. Golf course cleanup will be a major undertaking for most golf courses this spring. Read this update Tree damage at Congressional CC Northwest Regional Update A method to give a goose to your geese! by Larry Gilhuly - Director, Northwest Region Just a Poa annua seems to be ubiquitous throughout the northern tier of states, migratory Canada geese also are major issues that plague golf course superintendents in the Northwest Region and beyond. Many harassment techniques have been tried to encourage the geese to move on to other areas, with dogs being the most effective. More often than not, however, they still come back for too-frequent visits. Read this update Using a green laser to cause geese to take flight Video - 2010 USGA Architecture Forum At the USGA Annual meeting in Pinehurst on Feb. 6, 2010, the USGA Museum conducted an educational panel called "The State of Golf Course Architecture." The two-hour panel discussion featured five speakers - Jim Dodson, Gil Hanse, Bradley Klein, Jim Moore and Steve Smyers - all with significant credentials as practicing architects, agronomists or as writers and students of the game. Each of the speakers offered a short introductory statement before taking questions from the moderator and audience. Watch the videos Important Links USGA Privacy Policy USGA Green Section Home Page USGA Staff Contact Information Turf Advisory Service Information USGA Green Section P.O. Box 0708 Far Hills, NJ 07931-0708 908.234.2300