Unrepaired Pitch Marks - Head Greenkeeper's warning

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Our greenkeepers have put a lot of work over the last 10 yrs getting our greens into tip-top condition - but still some members and visitors don't look after them - and pitch marks are left unrepaired resulting in scarring. This has been a big problem this year as the greens have been softer than usual for longer due to the rainfall we've had.

And so in his last course report the Head Greenkeeper has stated that, despite all his exhortations and those of the committee etc. things are not improving. He goes on to say that if this continues to be the case he will start cutting the holes in the middle of the areas where there is the most scarring.

Though I don't like it as scarring inevitably affects putts to one degree or another - I have to agree. Any thoughts - excessive? justified? 'who the h**l does he think he is?

 

[patricks148]

The answer to unrepaired pitchmarks?

18 web cams for name and shame....

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Good idea! The first ones to complain are usually the worst offenders.

 

[Foxholer]

I'm afraid it has always been, and will always be, a problem.

Everybody is to blame. One proposal that I thought was sensible was to put signs near greens. Arguments over whereabouts (before, after etc) meant the idea was not implemented. Don't you love the inertia of committees!

I was out with a bunch of greenkeepers yesterday. Didn't need to repair many myself - as they were particularly keen on repairing them, as am I!

 

[Hobbit]

Tell him to cut the hole on the front third of the green, apart from board comps. Two things; most people come up short and will only be chipping on and there will be so much moaning people, will soon start to repair their damage.

 

[macca64]

Can never understand why people don't repair them,i,and most on here i reckon,repair my own,on the odd occaision i make one,and a few more,

 

[brendy]

Tell him to cut the hole on the front third of the green, apart from board comps. Two things; most people come up short and will only be chipping on and there will be so much moaning people, will soon start to repair their damage.

Exactly this, just keep cutting the holes a few feet onto the greens until the offenders hopefully get the message.

 

[North Mimms]

I think we should start a new tradition on the first tee.

"i'm playing with a ProV1 with blue dots on it, and Here is my pitch repair tool"

Make sure everyone has got one in their pocket.

They are no use rusting in bottom of bag.

 

[User 105]

I think we should start a new tradition on the first tee.

"i'm playing with a ProV1 with blue dots on it, and Here is my pitch repair tool"

Make sure everyone has got one in their pocket.

They are no use rusting in bottom of bag.

They used to do this at our place. The starter would check your card and ask to see your pitch mark repair tool.

On a associated note. We showed up for our Sunday round last week and the practice green was absolutely covered in little indents. When I first walked onto the green I though someone had been practising flop shots then I saw plates and bottles next to the green.

They had a wedding reception at the club the Sat night, and I kid you not for every square meter of the practice green (approx 15m by 40m) had about 7-8 indents.

Jim the head greenkeeper hadn't seen it when I tee'd off but all I can say is I'm glad I was nowhere near when he burst into flames !!!!

 

[JustOne]

Pitch marks go hand in hand with slow play... people just don't know what etiquette is!

...... you'd certainly think the 'older' generation would know by now

 

[Birchy]

Camouflaged spotters in trees with golf course bans for people who get caught

 

[JustOne]

....or armed with paintball guns?

 

[smange]

Our greenkeepers have put a lot of work over the last 10 yrs getting our greens into tip-top condition - but still some members and visitors don't look after them - and pitch marks are left unrepaired resulting in scarring. This has been a big problem this year as the greens have been softer than usual for longer due to the rainfall we've had.

And so in his last course report the Head Greenkeeper has stated that, despite all his exhortations and those of the committee etc. things are not improving. He goes on to say that if this continues to be the case he will start cutting the holes in the middle of the areas where there is the most scarring.

Though I don't like it as scarring inevitably affects putts to one degree or another - I have to agree. Any thoughts - excessive? justified? 'who the h**l does he think he is?

Is that Farnham in Co Cavan that your from mate?

If so I played there in march and I thought your greens were in superb condtion at that time, they were very quick and true which giving how wet it had been was a credit to the greenstaff.

Loved the course as a whole in fact and hoping to get back down to play again

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It will always be a problem and to be honest I don't think it will ever improve. Some are too set in their ways. Some are too damn proud (I kid you not) and think its what the greenkeepers are for and some are just ignorant. There are those that go out of their way to repair as many as they can and some that are happy to just do their own. What is right and wrong?

How do you go about changing mindsets. I love the greenkeepers idea but all i think will happen is he'll alienate members even though they are to blame.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

From an ex head greenkeper I can tell you that you only really get pitch marks on poor greens.
Good greens should be firm enough to hold and spin a ball.

Tell the members and comittee menbers to man up and lay off the overuse of the sprinklers.

 

[bladeplayer]

Is that Farnham in Co Cavan that your from mate?

.

Loved the course as a whole in fact and hoping to get back down to play again

mmmmmm , only a couple of hours up the road if it is ..

our captain had a word bout the pitch marks at the last 2 presentations , doesnt seem to make a difference to most tho .. again they are the 1st to complain ..

 

[muttleee]

Pitch marks go hand in hand with slow play... people just don't know what etiquette is!

Who'd have thought that spending more time fixing pitch marks would speed the game up?!

 

[smange]

mmmmmm , only a couple of hours up the road if it is ..

our captain had a word bout the pitch marks at the last 2 presentations , doesnt seem to make a difference to most tho .. again they are the 1st to complain ..

Will meet you there for a game then Bill, really nice track and well worth playing.

Think its wednesday for their open day

 

[Jungle]

I never do it......






I rarely hit the green from a distance

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Normally no more than normal issues - except this year due to the amount of rain we have had. My thoughts are that all visitors and members entering comps, should be handed by the pro or assistant something like a laminated A4 sheet with maybe three key points of etiquette - one of which is about pitch marks. You HAVE to read this in front of the pro or assistant before your comp entry or visitors fee is accepted (not out loud - though maybe???).

Even amongst members that I know complain about pitch marks and deem themselves paragons of virtue in this matter I hear them say 'fix your own plus one other'. I ask myself - why one? If I find myself repairing obvious pitch marks I make a point about making an observation to that effect if I catch up with the group in front - not blaming them of course - just making an observation of course

Anyway - if you are reading this Pete - your greens (cos I know how much you care), and the course in general are in cracking condition.