Greenkeeper..green mats

[shanker]

Come on Greenkeeper! What do you think? To me they seem a sound idea. Have to agree with BillyG, however, that they shouldn't charge you the full green fee and then tell you to play with a mat.

 

[Greenkeeper]

Hi

My personal opinion and this is just my opinion, is that if we are not playing a full course then we should not be paying full fees. Playing off mats is NOT playing the full course, so fees should be reduced accordingly.
I have seen and had the misfortune to use the mats in the past and fully understand the purpose; however I am not a fan. I understand that they protect the course during the winter when recovery is slow. I have also seen them used when a major tournament is due or when the fairways have been renovated and seeded during the autumn, this is understandable as they need protecting.

Personally, both as a greenkeeper and a golfer our constant ‘strive for perfection’ with perfect lies everywhere and perfect TV style courses is killing the natural game of golf we all love. Bring back ‘rub of the green’ and ban the word unfair. Golf has never been and will never be fair! When we land in someone else’s divot its ‘rub of the green’ this is when our real skill as golfers comes into action.

But those who are members of a club, now is the time to put a little back. Why not organise a devoting party and get out on YOUR course, fill YOUR divots in for the coming season. This will allow YOUR green keepers to concentrate on the more taxing work.

Regards

 

[billyg]

Hi

My personal opinion and this is just my opinion, is that if we are not playing a full course then we should not be paying full fees. Playing off mats is NOT playing the full course, so fees should be reduced accordingly.
I have seen and had the misfortune to use the mats in the past and fully understand the purpose; however I am not a fan. I understand that they protect the course during the winter when recovery is slow. I have also seen them used when a major tournament is due or when the fairways have been renovated and seeded during the autumn, this is understandable as they need protecting.

Personally, both as a greenkeeper and a golfer our constant ‘strive for perfection’ with perfect lies everywhere and perfect TV style courses is killing the natural game of golf we all love. Bring back ‘rub of the green’ and ban the word unfair. Golf has never been and will never be fair! When we land in someone else’s divot its ‘rub of the green’ this is when our real skill as golfers comes into action.

But those who are members of a club, now is the time to put a little back. Why not organise a devoting party and get out on YOUR course, fill YOUR divots in for the coming season. This will allow YOUR green keepers to concentrate on the more taxing work.

Regards

I simply couldn't agree with you more on all points.

I was told once that if you replace your divot the grass can re-knit within three days whereas if you leave it bare it can take as long as two weeks. Is this true GK?

If I was given a little bag of re-seeding mix I would be happy to do the honours as I went round if I had some space behind me and wasn't holding up play- especially at this time of year when the pace of regrowth is ramping up.

billy