f * WM. H. BENGEYFIELD Western Director • Western Turf l e t t er - Vol. 9 - No. 6 November - December 1960 T H IS G A ME Y OU And C A L L ED G O LF "Golf is a science, the study of a lifetime, in which you may exhaust yourself but never your subject. It is a contest, a duel or a melee calling for courage, strategy and self control. "It is a test of temper, a trial of honor, a revealer of character. It affords a chance to play the man and act the gentleman. It means going into God's out-of-doors, getting close to nature, fresh air, exercise, a sweeping away of mental cobwebs, genuine recreation for tired tissues . "It is a cure for care, an antidote for worry. It includes companionship with friends, social inter- course, opportunities for courtesy, kindliness and generosity to an opponent. It promotes not only physical health but moral force." D. R. Forgan To the professional turf manager, golf also provides a livelihood1. Since the golf course superintendent is charged with the play and condition of a course, his actions, decisions and abilities affect ever so many people. The superintendent is an important link in this game called Golf: and, conversely: this game called Golf is also an important link in the life of the dedicated superintendent. In order to fulfill the professional requirements of his job, the superintendent must develop an ever broadening outlook and thereby become well informed on golfing matters, Rule changes and the etiquette of the game as well as an authority on agronomic subjects, perhaps we should say "Know Thy Game and Thy Turf Knowledge"1. For in the years to come, the successful superintendent will become involved and will take a more active interest in the game. When he does, he will advance not only himself but his profession and the sport as well." "Flagstick" or "Pin" ? A starting point in any discussion is terminology. For example, is it correct to call it the "Flagstick" or the "Pin"? Do you call it a "Bunker" or a "Trap"? Are "loose impediments" the same as an "obstruction"? May a ball mark be repaired prior to putting on a green? Questions such as these are appearing now on written examinations for superintendent openings . These and all salient points of the game are fully explained in the USGA's booklet "The Rules of Golf". This booklet should be read and on every superinten- dents shelf. It is a vital part of "his game". ** Cup Locations On The Green What about cup locations on putting greens? According to another USGA booklet "Conduct of USGA Qualifying Rounds", the following is stated: "Many factors can affect a cup location. The first consideration should always be the use of good judgement in deciding what will give fair results . "The USGA generally starts with the principle that, for an area at least two to three feet in the radius around the cup, the putting surface be in good condition without any steep slopes or, if possible, any changes in the degree of slope. In other words, the green in the holing-out area should be as nearly level as possible and of uniform grade, but it does not have to be exactly level. "Next, the USGA tries to start, if possible, at least five paces away from the edge of the putting green. If a bunker is close to the edge of the green, the distance should be greater, especially if the approach to the green is over the bunker and if the approach is more than a pitch shot. "Further, you have to consider the holding quality of the green, the length of the shot to the green, the probable prevailing conditions for play and the design of the hole. "In no case should cups be located in tricky places, or on sharp slopes where a ball can gather speed (a player above the hole should be able to putt boldly for it) ." Rule Changes for 1961 In 1961 there are three changes in The Rules of Golf. (1). A ball out of bounds now calls for a stroke and distance penalty. The 1960 trial Rule was for distance only. (2). A lost ball now calls for a stroke and distance penalty. The 1960 trial Rule was loss of distance only. ** "Flagstick", not "Pin". -- "Bunker", not "Trap". -- "Lose impediments" are not the same as "Obstructions" (see The Rules of Golf) . — A player may repair damage to the green caused by impact of a ball, but he may not step on the damaged area. # < . * (3). An unplayable ball now has the option of dropping a ball, under penalty of one stroke, in a prescribed area where the original ball became unplayable or went into a water hazard or went out of bounds if the club adopts a local rule . Yes, YOU are important to This Game of Golf. And the more progressive and professional you become in your job — the greater will this game become1. You have a stake in it. "THE GOLF COURSE WORKER — TRAINING and DIRECTION" With labor costs being the major item in the maintenance budget today, this will be the subject of the Annual USGA Green Section Educational Program on January 27, 1961. The program will be held at The Biltmore Hotel, New York and on the following day (January 28), the USGA Annual Meeting will also be held at the same hotel. Speakers at the Green Section meeting will include Green Chairmen and golf officials such as David Lilly, Gene Nutter and Rear Admiral John S. Phillips. Several Superintendents including Tom Leonard, Andrew Bertoni, Robert M. Williams and Chester Mendenhall will present papers. Since this meeting immediately precedes the International Turfgrass Conference in Toronto, Canada (January 30 thru February 3, 1961), it will be possible for many superintendents and green chairmen to attend both programs. Why not include yourself in such plans? -k i? /V ic ic ic ic -k Vc "It is essential that we enable young people to see themselves as participants in one of the most exciting eras in history, and to have a sense of purpose in relation to it." Rockefeller Report On Education DL S. GOLF ASSOCIATION GREEN SECTION WESTERN OFFICE P.O. Box 567 Garden Grove, California BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Garden Grove, Calif. Permit No. 83 Dr. J. R. fatson* Jr. Cneif Agronomist Toro Manufacturing Corp. Minneapolis 6, Minn.