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WSJ Article on Golf Course Maintenance

In case you missed it, this article appeared in the 10/1/25 edition of the Wall Street Journal.

 

How Greenkeepers Keep Up Golf Courses

BY BRADLEY S. KLEIN

For most golfers, the work of a course superintendent remains wrapped in mystery—and of little interest. If they think about golf superintendents at all, they imagine them to be like the demented greenkeeper, Carl Spackler, played by Bill Murray in the popular 1980 comedy “Caddyshack.”

But that’s a mistake. Knowing how superintendents operate—the work they do, the challenges they face—offers insight into a world that every golfer should be aware of. At the least, you can say this: Without good superintendents, golf courses wouldn’t be playable. They wouldn’t even be golf courses.

So to help unravel the mystery, here are five things that shed light on exactly what superintendents do.

1. Where are they, anyway?

There are reasons that superintendents remain elusive to the everyday golfer: They are generally out of sight. Unlike the golf pro, whose shop is close to the first tee, the greenkeeper’s yard is usually at the far end of the golf course.

In fact, if you want to reach the superintendent, more likely than not you won’t even find the position in the golf course’s phone tree.

It doesn’t help their professional profile that most superintendents, by nature, are more comfortable on their hands and knees staring at turf grass or analyzing soil pathology than chatting with a golfer about green speeds or fairway firmness. They tend to avoid lunch in the clubhouse or playing golf with members out of concern they’ll be open to criticism for shirking their work.

2. Their focus is underground

During a round, golfers interact with surface features: tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers and greens. That is how they assess the course, and by extension, the superintendent.

But what players don’t understand is that surface conditions depend largely on the performance and efficiency of the 90% of infrastructure that is below ground and therefore invisible. This includes the miles of irrigation pipe, thousands of spray nozzles that deliver water to the course, and electrical wiring that allows all those parts to communicate with one another. Superintendents have to make sure it’s all working—no leaky heads, faulty pipe connections or overmatched pump systems.

Then there’s the subsurface drainage network of outlet pipes undergirding fairways, bunkers and greens, some of which will clog up with debris over the years. If those subterranean networks aren’t working properly, neither is the course.

3. Uncertainty is the only certainty

John Cunningham, a longtime superintendent and now the general manager of Grandfather Golf & Country Club in Linville, N.C., says that for all the professional training in turf-grass science that greenkeepers have, “most of the work takes place under conditions of extreme variance and unpredictability.”

He is referring to everything from weather that changes daily to sudden attacks from diseases and insects to the rising costs of products and equipment. Another vital, uncontrollable factor is the labor market—affected by the availability of immigrant laborers, the declining enrollments in turf-grass schools, and the resulting shortage of applicants for jobs as assistants, interns and technicians.

4. TV expectations

What’s called “the Augusta National syndrome” refers to unrealistic expectations about conditions at one’s home course, based on comparison with what a golfer sees each April on the televised Masters golf championship.

Of course, few if any courses come close to the maintenance budget of Augusta National Golf Club—or have all those volunteers on staff for the week or the extra equipment donated by manufacturers. Golfers also don’t understand what’s involved in getting a course to championship standards. For one thing, it’s only achievable a few weeks a year, and even then only intermittently. Even turf grass needs a rest, especially amid heat, foot traffic and high humidity levels.

And yet the tolerances that many golfers have for “the right conditions” and “fast enough putting speeds” often don’t allow for variance. Greens mowed down to 1/10th of an inch in height might seem perfect. At 1/12th of an inch they are likely to wilt and die under the merest stress. At 1/8th of an inch they will feel slow in surface speed and produce unhappy golfers. That leaves very little wiggle room in which greenkeepers can operate.

5. Robotics are coming

One trend golfers will certainly notice is the growing reliance upon unmanned mower units on golf courses. They save on the costliest aspect of current operations—labor.

They just need to be charged up and can operate anytime, day or night. With prices falling, the technology is being more widely adopted, and soon their presence will be commonplace on golf courses. All of which will make the superintendent’s job a little easier and course conditions more consistent and less expensive.

Croquet Lawn Mowing

This morning, our spray technician Billy Brooks, recorded the statistics associated with mowing the three croquet lawns.  His phone recorded what you see above.  The entire team logs some serious mileage during a season!  Each croquet lawn is approximately 7,000ft2 in size.  Our putting greens range from 4,200ft2 up to 8,000ft2, with the practice green being over 10,000ft2 in size.  What does this tell us? If mowing 21,000ft2 of croquet lawns equates to 2.86 miles (using a mower that is 18 inches wide), then mowing 130,000ft2 of putting greens requires walking 17.7 miles.  Each morning, we have 4 members of our team mowing greens, which means each person walks about 4.4 miles each day.  If you add up the total mileage for a year of greens mowing (assuming we mow 9 months of the year), our team walks 4,779 miles in any given year.  New York to Los Angeles is 2,775 miles!  That's enough walking to go to and almost enough to make it back to New York! It is almost 2.5 times the length of the Appalachian Trail!

Lunchtime Visitor!

Largemouth Bass from Club Lake

Billy Brooks with Golf Course Maintenance, caught this big largemouth on Sunday evening. Billy has been instrumental and continues to lead our fisheries program at HCC. He is the one who first introduced Bass to the lake about 15 years ago. They’ve done well and it’s added a lot of interest to fishing the ponds and lake on club property. We still continue to stock a few thousand trout each year, but the bass are better suited for our shallow, warm waters.  

Bentgrass or Poa annua Putting Surfaces?

CLICK HERE! to access the USGA article.  Before you read the article, I'd first ask you read my comments below. 

Before I talk specifics, here is a brief lesson on these two grasses.  Most all cool-season putting greens are seeded to Bentgrass at the start.  Poa annua is a grass that starts as a weed but ultimately takes over Bentgrass putting greens in certain environments.  It takes more effort to keep pristine Poa annua greens because they are more prone to pest issues and weather related damage.  However. if managed correctly, Poa annua can create the finest putting surface of any grass.  Think of Oakmont CC and other great, old courses!  Poa annua is the scientific name for Annual Bluegrass.  It's often referred to as 'Poa' for short (pronounced POE-a).  This can be misleading because Poa is the genus for the family of Bluegrasses.  There is also Poa pratensis (Kentucky Bluegrass), Poa trivialis (Rough Bluegrass) and Poa supina to name a few.  Until recently, Poa annua seed wasn't available and why you don't hear of putting greens starting out as Poa annua.  This is because the most desirable Poa annua selections don't produce seed and therefore, there is nothing to harvest.  Old golf courses are mostly associated with Poa annua greens because these are the places where the grass has had the time to become the predominant species and also evolve into the great putting surfaces they are over years of maintenance.  Now on the article!

This is a great article written by a USGA agronomist comparing the pros and cons of each grass on putting greens. At Highlands CC, your putting surfaces were seeded in 1999 using Penn A4 Creeping Bentgrass. Over time, because of many of the reasons mentioned in this article, Poa annua invaded and is now the dominant species.  While Bentgrass is more aesthetically pleasing because of its uniform appearance, it’s my opinion that Poa annua will always be the better grass for putting greens at HCC.  There are numerous reasons for that. The first one is climate related.  Poa annua handles the excessive rainfall better than Bentgrass. In addition, the mild temperatures promote Poa annua growth. The main reason Poa annua does so well at Highlands CC is because it's an old property, densely forested and has a lot of shade.  Even though we've removed many trees over the years, solving a lot of issues, we still have greens that don't get enough sunlight to support Creeping Bentgrass growth.  Bentgrass requires all-day sun and that's just not possible on numerous greens at Highlands CC.  For that reason, it's my opinion that Poa annua will always be the species with the competitive advantage on this golf course.  For that reason, we need to continue to embrace it rather than trying to come up with ways to get rid of it.  

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Good Results: Herbicide Impacted Bentgrass

 

After two separate herbicide applications, the Bentgrass on #2 is showing the results we want! 

This post is a continuation from yesterday's post about the effectiveness of herbicides; specifically the removal of Creeping Bentgrass growing in Kentucky Bluegrass/Tall Fescue roughs.  This was taken on #2 between the approach and the pond.  You can see the Bentgrass is being impacted much harder compared to that on #1.  As a Superintendent, I'm always trying to figure why things like this occur.  This application was made to this area within 10 minutes of #1 being treated.  The spray applications were made on the exact same days as well.  This is an example of how the work we do can come with mixed results and much of it can be beyond our control.  Regardless, the results above are outstanding.

As I think about this, the unknowns that I ask myself are: What variety of Bentgrass is this compared to #1?  Perhaps its a different variety that is more sensitive to Tenacity herbicide?  What is the age of the Bentgrass?  Could it be that younger plants (or older plants) are more sensitive to the herbicide?  Could it be the growing environment?  On #2, this is a well drained area on the side of a slope compared to #1, which is flat and stays slightly damper.  Could it be the difference in the amount of sunlight each area receives?  I could go on and on like this and probably will at a time I should be asleep! Again, this proves there is a lot we don't understand about the effectiveness of different products and why some pests of the same species are impacted more than others.  The same could be said for people and diseases.

Practice Facility Use

A good question that I am often asked is, "How do we determine when the hitting stations are on mats or on natural grass?"  The answer to that is simply how much rain have we had and is the tee dry enough for most member's liking.  Everyone has a different opinion about mats vs. grass and when we should be hitting off a particular surface.  The other thing we take into account is the forecast for the day.  If there is a 90% chance of rain, for example, we'll likely put them on mats because one person working the tee, can't flip all those ball boxes, benches, bag stands, club washer etc. at a speed fast enough once the rain ends and members begin to show back up.  I've thought about developing a standard, like if we receive 0.75" of rain or more, then the hitting stations are placed on mats.  However, that doesn't always work because every rain is different and if the soil is dry, it can absorb that water quickly and be good to play from the next day.  On the flipside, adding 0.75" of rain to a water logged soil is another story.    

Interestingly, one of the most heard comments to staff on the practice tee is, "Why AERN'T we on mats today?"  This is the opposite of what I would always assume.  However, I understand that hitting off grass can be frustrating when you're being hit with damp soil from the divots.  Still, I always prided my team for allowing you to be on grass most of the season.  Please know this and this is important: If the hitting stations are on the mats because of weather related reasons but you still want to practice from turf, there is no problem taking a leather bag of golf balls off to the side (in a safe place, of course) and hitting from natural grass.  You always have that option.  James, Billy or William will also be happy to dump a pile of balls for you off to the side.  Just ask!

There are only a few times that we use mats for reasons other than weather.  This year, the Green Committee recommended using mats only on Mondays to give the tee a break.  I've written numerous articles on ideal range tee sizes, so I won't get into the details other than say at Highlands CC, we would benefit from a tee that is 2x larger than what we have.  This is the USGA recommendation for the number of rounds played over a given time.  Because of this, we know we must be excellent stewards of the space we have and artificial mats on Mondays does help relieve some of that pressure.  Outside events (like the Rotary Tournament) and Holiday weekends are the two other reasons we go to mats only.  Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day are obviously very busy times.  Historically, I've seen us blow through 1/3 of our practice tee (8,300ft2 of grass) over a three day weekend!  To make matters worse, it was done largely by children and non-members.  We want to save the turf for our membership.  That will always be the priority.  

Let me end by saying we've explored a lot of ideas over the years.  After reading this, you might even have another idea for how we can better operate and protect our practice facility.  If that is the case, I'd love to hear from you!  Don't hesitate to drop me an email (bstiehler@highlandscountryclub.com) or call (828) 787-2778!  Your comments and suggestions make us better at serving you! 

Bentgrass Eradication

 

As I've mentioned on a couple blog posts, we are in the midst of a couple herbicide applications that selectively remove Creeping Bentgrass from Kentucky Bluegrass.  This is something we apply annually and have done so for a number of years.  You can see on holes like #1 and #2, where the Bentgrass is turning white, which is normal for it, after the herbicide is applied.  You can see above that some Bentgrasses are more affected by it than others.  Bentgrass is the lime green grass in the photos shown here.  There is no such thing as a pesticide that eradicates 100% of a given pest.  When I say pest, I refer to not only insects, but weeds and fungi as well.  A good pesticide would typically offer up to 90% control of a given pest.  So in this case, eradicating all of the Bentgrass isn't realistic.  But if we can kill 50%-80% of it, it is still a victory that allows our Kentucky Bluegrass roughs to look good a few years longer compared to doing nothing.  

Weather Threats

 

Fortunately Hurricane Humberto appears to be staying out to sea.  We do have a chance of some rain from the tropical storm currently around the Bahamas.  It appears that it will impact the eastern part of North Carolina but we may get some rain from it.

A Couple Safety Concerns...

Starting now, when the lightening alarm sounds, James will be placing this sign on the middle post on the learning center.  This communicates to everyone at the practice facility that we are under a lightening delay.  Let's say that the alarm sounds five minutes before you show up to hit some balls.  With this sign in place, you'll know we're in the midst of a delay even though you weren't here to hear the alarm.  This exact scenario was brought up to me numerous times and the reason we sought this solution.

Please remember, that when the alarm sounds, members and staff are required to seek shelter.  Staff can't and won't be responsible for ensuring members recognize the dangers of staying outside during an electrical storm.  Like everything else in life, we all must take responsibility for our own safety.  

The next thing I wanted to briefly cover are yellow jackets!  We are now entering the the time of year for primetime yellow jacket activity!  My team is busy treating multiple nests a day.  A couple guys on the team have already been stung while weedeating pond banks and other slopes.  My main suggestion is to avoid walking on these slopes, like the one above and below.  These are the types of areas where yellow jackets build their in-ground nests.  One step in the wrong place can have terrible consequences.  If you hit your golf ball into an area like this, I recommend leaving the golf ball and then take a drop.  No ProV1 is worth multiple yellow jacket stings.  And if you're allergic, now's the time to keep your EpiPen on you at all times while on the golf course.  If you want to report a nest so it gets treated, try to remember some specifics on where the nest is.  Even if you're able to throw a golf tee in the general vicinity of the nest, that helps us find it.  Too many times, we'll get a message that's very vague.  

Fall Maintenance Overview for Turf

 

Here is a sneak peak at a future Piper Article (Grass Clippings):

As the season shift from the “heat” of summer to the crispness of fall, the landscape undergoes significant changes, especially in regions where cool season turfgrasses grow, like Highlands CC. This transition period marks a crucial time for golf course maintenance, as the maintenance practices implemented during the fall can have a profound impact on the health, resilience, and aesthetic appeal of these grasses the following year. Understanding the significance of fall maintenance for cool season turfgrasses is essential for golfers.  I’ll talk about the reasons why fall maintenance is critical, focusing on preparation for winter dormancy, disease prevention, weed control, and overall turf health.

Cool season turfgrasses, including Creeping Bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Ryegrass, typically thrive in the cooler months of the year. As temperatures begin to drop in the fall, these grasses prepare for dormancy, a natural process that allows them to survive our cold winter conditions.  Even though cool season grasses don’t go completely dormant and turn brown like their warm season counterparts that you’re used to (Bermudagrass, for example), they still enter a dormant period where growth stops.  Fall maintenance practices, such as aeration and inner seeding, play a pivotal role in ensuring that the turf is healthy enough to withstand winter stresses. Aeration, which involves removing soil cores from the playing surfaces, alleviates compaction, enhances root development and improves nutrient absorption.  In addition, the removal of organic matter and the incorporation of sand ensures your putting surfaces will be smooth and firm come spring.  This process not only prepares the turfgrass for dormancy but also sets the stage for vigorous growth in the spring when temperatures rise. Furthermore, overseeding with high-quality seed, like we do in fairways, can fill thin areas and ensure dense stands of turf, which is more resilient to winter damage.  Not only that, but we are slowing transitioning to more upright growing varieties of Bentgrass compared to the old common varieties found in many of our fairways.

 Another critical aspect of fall maintenance is disease prevention. Cool season grasses are susceptible to a range of diseases, particularly when transitioning from summer to fall. For example, diseases such as brown patch and dollar spot thrive in warm, humid conditions but can also linger if the turf is not properly maintained. Implementing a fall maintenance regimen that includes proper fertilization and mowing practices can significantly reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the fall provides essential nutrients that support the grass during dormancy while minimizing the risk of excessive growth that can lead to fungal diseases. Additionally, slightly raising the mowing heights ensures the turf is able to produce more of its own food by way of photosynthesis.  This allows the grass to store carbohydrates that lead to a faster spring green up.

Fall is also an opportune time to control weeds, which can compete with cool season turfgrasses for resources. Perennial weeds, such as dandelions and clover, often take advantage of the cooler temperatures and increased moisture to establish themselves in the rough.  Healthy turf, that has undergone aeration and inner-seeding is better equipped to outcompete weeds, thus reducing their prevalence in the following growing season. By managing weeds effectively in the fall, Superintendents can ensure that their golf courses remain relatively weed free the following year.  There is no better weed control program than healthy, dense turf!

 Ultimately, the cumulative effect of fall maintenance practices leads to improved overall turf health. A well-maintained golf course is not only more aesthetically pleasing, but it is much better from a playability standpoint.  Fall is the perfect time to assess and improve soil health through soil testing, which tells us the necessary amendments to pH levels and nutrient content. By addressing soil deficiencies in the fall, golf course superintendents can create an optimal growing environment for turf, ensuring they emerge healthy and vigorous in the spring.

 Fall maintenance is critical for cool season turfgrasses for several reasons. It prepares the turf for winter dormancy, mitigates disease risks, controls weeds, and enhances overall turf health for the following year. By implementing a comprehensive fall maintenance plan, we can set the stage for your golf course, that not only survives the winter but thrives in the growing season that follows.

2025 was a phenomenal year for many reasons at Highlands CC and one that my team and me are really proud of!  2026 will be even better!  As I say continuously, one thing that makes us better is hearing your opinions!  I hope you never hesitate to contact me if there is something we can do to make your experience at HCC even better!  That’s exactly why we are here.

7-Day Forecast

 

Great Photo, Holt!