The Following United States Golf Association Article first appeared in the USGA Green Section Record. This is the second in a 4 part series.

 

Keeping A Golf Course Looking Pristine Commences With Proper Etiquette

Ball MarksFew aspects of etiquette generate more discussion than the fixing of ball marks (at least now that most courses no longer allow spiked shoes) and even superintendents disagree on the best method of ball mark repair.
The inability to agree on a single best method stems from the fact that ball marks are not all the same. On soft greens, a shot that descends from a very steep angle produces a deep, almost circular ball mark. On the same green, a shot that comes in low and hard will produce an elongated tearing of the green, and it often removes a plug of grass and soil. Ball marks on soft greens take time to repair properly.

Compacted soil needs to be lifted gently and the raised sides of the ball mark need to be gently pushed back toward the center. The elongated mark needs to be kneaded back together by pushing in from the sides, stretching the turf rather than tearing it. Replacing removed turf seldom accomplishes much so it is best to leave it out.

In contrast, very firm greens can resist ball marks so well that they can be hard to find at all. On such greens the marks will be slight indentations that require a minimum of effort to repair. These marks can be repaired with a very slight lifting to restore smoothness.

Do - Restore surface smoothness by gently pushing from the sides and, in some cases, gently lifting the compressed area.

Don't - Aggressively twist (like that so often used by pros on national television), which does more harm than good.

Third Annual Birdhouse Tour

Come join the fun at the third annual Villages Birdhouse Tour. We'll meet at the Bistro at 9:00 AM on Monday, May 13th. We're very lucky once more to have Villages bird experts Mary and Dave Fullerton lead the tour.  They will talk about the various bird species that are nesting in some of the 12 birdhouses scattered around the gold course. Additionally, they will discuss any birds spotted along the way and answer any questions you may have. You're welcome to walk or ride in your golf cart. We will be handing out maps of the golf course, showing the location of all 12 birdhouses, as well as a recently updated inventory of all birds ever seen at The Villages. See you there!

Here are some photos from last year's Birdhouse Tour:


Click on Photos to Enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third annual 'Demo-Day' a Huge Success

A big thank you to everyone who came out to see our demonstration on verticutters and their effect on Stimpmeter readings.
 

Beto explaining how he takes a Stimpmeter reading.

Demo Day this Monday, March 18th

What is this machine doing and why is it making such a mess. Come to the putting green this Monday at 9:00 and find out what a Verticutter, Vertigroomer and Stimpmeter are..  

Fixing a Ball Mark

The Golf Channel's Michael Breed shows how to properly fix a ball mark! This is one of the best demonstrations I've seen!

http://www.golfchannel.com/media/golf-fix-tip-breed-basics-ball-marks-121012/?cid=facebook_V_fix_BREEDSBASICSBALLMARK

Golf Course Maintenance Update

Proshop staff Steven Orosco and Shaheen Iqbal want to remind all Villages golfers about the upcoming greens aerification on Monday, September10th and greens soaking on Sunday night, September 16th.

New Signs at the Driving Range

New signs have been installed on all driving range stalls warning golfers not to hit golf balls over driving range netting.
 

 

What's Your Sign?

We thought that those golfers with a handicap flag, that are allowed to drive within 30' of the greens (When the GREEN flag is up!), might like to know exactly how far 30' is. We will be rotating the signs  from hole to hole. Look for the large sign on the tees, with the smaller signs 30 feet from either side of the greens.