Michigan Golf Journal June 2020

Guest Column,MikeDeVries Virus’ Long-Term Effects on Golf in the U.S. Could result in betterment of the game, reduced costs and green grass health Guest Column: By Mike DeVries For the foreseeable future, clearly, how we play golf in this country is going to be different. Walking may be mandated at some locations. In places where carts are allowed, some may be restricted to one per cart, thereby increasing the wear and tear to turf from increased traffic. Golf courses will likely be devoid of objects for a while that are frequently touched by golfers and/or employees such as tee markers, ball washers, bunker rakes, benches, signage, water stations, etc. This change of “scenery” may be a blessing in disguise. Imagine the uncluttered look of a golf course with only the contours of the ground, hazards, grass lines, and a flag in the distance – a beautiful sight that breaks down the game to its essential elements. Over the years, golf in America has developed a very polished look to it, with perfect turf and deep green grass often cited as the ideal standard. Watching The Masters every spring and seeing Augusta National in all its glory sets a very high bar for conditioning that many clubs and public course owners seek to emulate. While The Masters is one of the best run events in the world and is certainly a highlight for golfers everywhere, it is unrealistic for most anyone else to maintain its course like Augusta week in and week out, especially within the confines of a normal budget. In contrast, golf in the British Isles and Australia has typically had less to do with how a course Cape Wickham in Australia