Spring Is A "Super" Time For Golf

I'm not sure which is more difficult - writing your first blog or making a 5- footer to save par. At some point, though, you just have to pull the trigger. So here I go.

As often as I can, I will try to offer up some topics about the game we all play that will spark some comments and discussions. The topics will range from local Maine golf to the professional tours...from the things we all love about golf to the things that drive us crazy. But most of all, I'm hoping to create a community where people can come and spend some time with their fellow golfers and have some fun.

Spring is finally here and most of the local courses are open. Whew! As a local golfer that stays here year-round...I can tell you this past winter seemed like one of the longest in recent memory. A long winter also puts extra pressure on a nearly invisible group of folks who are crucial to the quality of our play. The Supers! Next to meteorologist, being a golf course superintendent in Maine might be the most thankless job. They certainly hear about it when things aren't right!

The financial pressure to squeeze out as many rounds as possible in our short Maine season must be balanced with the long-term agronomic health of the course. Here's a "Shout Out" to the course superintendents and all of their assistants for a job well done here in Maine. The supers I have met are a dedicated group of professionals who genuinely care about their courses and their members. But all of us can play a part in the care and feeding of the courses we play, too. Replacing fairway divots, driving carts responsibly, raking traps, and taking the time to fix your own ball mark as well as those left by other golfers can really help. There is a right way and a wrong way to fix a ball mark, so ask your Pro or grounds keeper for a lesson in the correct method. It will make a big difference in the overall health of the greens and leave them in better playing shape for those who come along after you.

A program that promotes fixing ball marks correctly is the Green Fix tool system. You might want to bring this program to the attention of your course pro or general manager. But, even if your course doesn't employ the Green Fix tool program, you can still change your technique for fixing ball marks with a traditional divot tool that can help prevent further damage.

Check out this video "The Truth About Ball Marks" for more information:

http://www.greenfixgolf.com/The-Truth-About-Ball-Marks.html

There is also a store on their website where you can purchase the Green Fix tool for yourself or as gift. I've already sent for mine.

In case you're wondering, no, I do not represent Green Fix or receive any compensation. I just happened by their website the other day and thought it looked like a good idea.

If any of you have some ideas on this topic or others, be sure to add your comments below. I look forward to hearing from you, and thanks again for all of you out there whose job it is to keep our courses looking and playing great. We'll see you on the course!

The Colonel