"... Enter this wild wood and view the haunts of
nature. The calm shade shall bring a kindred calm,
and the sweet breeze that makes the green leaves
dance shall waft a balm to thy sick heart."—Bryant.
A verse could not be found to express the writer's
thoughts on the subject of trees and their importance
to every golf course, but Bryant's words approaches the
idea. The Bear Hill Country Club, our host August 2,
is a good example of the role trees play in emphasizing
the character or a golf course. A visitor at Bear Hill
is impressed with its tranquility, its relaxing surroundings, its exclusiveness. Trees have contributed greatly
to these impressions, as they do on so many courses.
They effectively screen out the outside world, segregate fairways, slow down drying winds, supply needed
shade and add to the beauty of the landscape. One
tree or group of trees properly placed may add greatly
to the quality of any golf hole. Unlike people most
trees become more beautiful with age. Every season
of the year they are something to admire. They serve
as a tonic, an inspiration and a calming of the mind.
That's why some golf courses appear less tiring than
others. Beauty in every direction is soothing to the
eye and makes for better relaxation. If your golf
course is lacking in trees plant some soon for the next
generation to enjoy. Editor's Note: This letter was
started during the gale winds and completed two
nights later by candle light. Trees have beauty while
standing but sad, forlorn and a lot of work when
blown down but we must expect to pay a higher price
for the nicer things.
Getting back to Bear Hill again, August 2, the
members of the Greenkeepers Club of New England
who attended this meeting thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The buffet lunch or smorgasbord was out of
this world. Appetites which are always good were
completely satisfied with the bountiful quantity and
assortment or tasty food thanks to the Bear Hill management. Door prizes went to Arthur Cody, Frank
Meehan, and William Carter. Prize winners of the
afternoon tourney, a best nine hole affair, were Bert
Clark 26 net, C. Capozzi 27, J. Butler 29, R. Brigham
30, A. Carranzi 31, and John Latvis 31. The boys all
agreed that tire course was in excellent condition
everywhere. The greens putted well and the fairways
were tip-top. Speaking of trees there was one blemish
noted on a white pine. The imprint of a No. 2 iron
with letters ACODY. No, he didn't lose his temper.
Just under-estimated his tremendous follow through.
One point of interest on the course which seems
worthy of elaboration for the benefit of all greenkeepers was the 4th tee re-location problem brought
about by the construction of Route 128. In these days
of new super highways a similar problem could very
well confront other greenkeepers in years to come.
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tee leaving a public road to hit over. Ted Swanson
solved the problem by the construction of a tight ten
feet high cedar fence on the highway boundary 85
feet in front of the elevated tee. No automobiles are
seen from the tee and those on the highway are
unaware of the play from the tee. Incidentally, if
your golf property is ever invaded by highway construction hire a good lawyer to look out for your
interest says Ted Swanson.
Correction:
M. Brown was the winner of the
July 12 Tournament by one stroke.
Pleasing News: Harold Mosher is now on the
mend.
Amazing: Guy Tedesco recently tied the Wachusett course record with a 65.
The 1954 Kingston Turf Conference enjoyed the
usual success and good attendance from all nearby
states. The threatening clouds did not cause any
trouble but some eye brows were raised thinking that
Doc DeFrance was losing his magic touch on the
weather. It was learned however, that Doc was on
Sabbatical leave. That was a new one to the writer
so Webster (Not George) was called in and he states
that certain universities grant professors freedom from
teaching every seven years allowing time for study
and travel. It's a rest period and called a Sabbatical
year.
Space does not permit a detailed resume on the
experimental turf work explained and reported to the
audience in attendance but it was all very interesting,
enlightening and encouraging. A buffet lunch was
served on the grounds and a clam bake followed at
6:00 P.M. at the Kingston Fair Grounds.
Please note carefully the dates: September 13,
September 27, October 4, as the Newsletter will not
appear until after the middle of October.
Monday, September 13 is the meeting at Manchester (New Hampshire) Country Club. The Greenkeepers Club Championship will take place at this
time. It is a beautiful course, is in excellent condition
and a good reception is always given the Greenkeepers
Club. BE THERE.
Monday, September 27 is the annual Greenkeeper-Pro tournament at the Brae Burn C.C. As you
know one of the team must be either a member of the
P.G.A. or the Greenkeepers Club of New England.
Play off between 10 and 12 o'clock. Players report
that Brae Burn is in superb condition including the
back ten yards of the 18th Tee.
Monday, October 4—Ludlow Country Club is the
host for our meeting and this is always a big affair
with a warm welcome, good eats and lots of nnVw Tt