SHARE: Join Our Email List Getting the Most from Early Order Programs By Steve Kammerer, Ph.D., senior consulting agronomist, Southeast Region If you know that you need certain products every year, early order programs can help you save money and ensure that you have the materials available when you need them. However, the temptation of savings can also lead to purchasing mistakes that may end up costing you more money down the road. This article will help you use early order to your maximum benefit while avoiding potential pitfalls. Read More Multimedia Content Celebrating the USGA Course Consulting Service U.S. Open Afternoon Agronomics The USGA Course Consulting Service has played a major role for the Green Section over the past 70 years in meeting its goal of providing expertise for courses across the country. Our regional agronomists have performed more than 100,000 visits, using a combination of local expertise with the latest research and technology to provide solutions tailored for each course. USGA agronomists play a major role in course preparations at the U.S. Open, including arriving to the course at 4:00 a.m. each morning. But when play begins, the work isn't over. Catch up with Adam Moeller as he followed the final group on Saturday during this year's U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club. Watch Video Watch Video Next on the Tee Fore The Golfer Eisenhower Golf Course: A Sustainable Model for a New Era How Do Shotgun Starts Impact Course Maintenance?​ In an era when golf course managers are getting rid of bunker rakes, golf architect Andrew Green did one better – he got rid of the bunkers. Shotgun starts may be necessary to accommodate large golf events, but they also have various impacts on course maintenance. Read More Read More Green Section Poll Question Due to COVID-19 challenges, what best describes your year-to-date labor hours compared to 2019? A) + 20% labor hours B) Same labor hours C) - 20% labor hours D) - 40% labor hours Select Select Select Select Regional Updates No Smoking on the Golf Course Removing Bunkers Can Reduce Costs and Improve Playability Wildfire smoke has been the latest challenge for superintendents in the West Region. But is smoke harmful to turfgrass? Selective bunker removal is a great way to reduce maintenance costs, save labor and improve playing conditions at your course. Read More Read More Putting Green Drainage Assessment Developing and Managing Leaders on the Golf Course Are your greens not draining like they should be? Maybe it's time to examine those drainpipes to ensure they are open and functioning properly. Hiring a new intern or assistant? Be sure to follow these steps to ensure they have a rewarding future in golf course maintenance. Read More Read More Editorial Staff United States Golf Association 77 Liberty Corner Road Liberty Corner, NJ 07938 908.234.2300 Contact Us Editor in Chief Adam Moeller Associate Editor George Waters Creative Director Matthew Patalona Art Director Mark McCormick Stay Connected with the USGA ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Important Links USGA COVID-19 Resource Center USGA Privacy Policy USGA Green Section Home Page Meet The USGA Agronomists Course Consulting Service Information USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online (TERO) ©2020 by United States Golf Association® Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications USGA Green Section publications are made available through the courtesy of the United States Golf Association (USGA®). The reuse of these materials is authorized only if the following conditions are met in their entirety. This policy applies to all Green Section publications, including articles, videos, presentations, and webcasts. 1) Adherence to all components of our Conditions for Reuse policy. 2) Inclusion of the appropriate Reprint Permission Language. 3) Notification of your Intent To Reprint Content. The USGA Green Section Record (ISSN 2156-5813) is published twice monthly via electronic mail by the United States Golf Association®.