The Heat is on

Michigan is heading into summer with a full head of steam, making golfer etiquette even more important.  In a turfgrass community the first organ to be sacrificed during periods of high temps and drought are the roots.  As roots degrade the plants ability to withstand traffic (i.e. Carts) decreases as well.  Following these simple guidelines will not only help the crew but assist in keeping the golf course as playable and photogenic as possible. 

1. Smooth acceleration and braking when using carts.  Remember, you are driving and walking on a living carpet that has a lower threshold for damage during periods of stress (heat and drought).  Due to minimal root mass any hard acceleration or braking will rip the turf from the soil.
2. Limit carts to cartpaths as much as possible.  Cartpaths are there exclusively for carts, utilizing them would be of extreme benefit to the crew and course as a whole.  Following groups will not pass you if you park on the paths.
3. Do not drive up green banks or park in the surrounds.  The green complexes see a higher degree of traffic than most other areas on the course.  Limiting the amount of stress on these areas to only foot traffic will keep the turf healthy and playable throughout the summer months. 
4. Follow the MCC preferred divot pattern on the range tee.  Re-establishing or growing turf in the heat of summer is difficult to impossible.  The preferred divot pattern effects the least amount of area and gives the grass the best opportunity to regenerate (illustrated in the picture below). 
5. Fix ballmarks.  The majority of members follow this rule consistently but as a reminder always fix your ball mark or voids will appear leading to a decrease in green smoothness. 
6. Remove broken or used tee's when leaving the tee box.  While not directly related to heat stress, the crew has noticed an inordinate amount of tee's left on the tee box.  These can significantly damage the reels used to mow the tee's and we would appreciate member cooperation on this issue. 
7. Do not drive through or park in mulch beds. 

MCC Preferred Divot Pattern