Free Stuff

Now that I have your attention, we have a limited supply of reproductions of old Par Aide ads which we framed a few years ago for sale in a local golf store.  They are great for the golf nut who has a golf room and can’t get enough stuff to put or hang in it.  Or, the Superintendent whose office is a tribute to his/her profession.

Surprisingly enough, I don’t have a golf room but I have one heck of a car room.  It’s definitely a man cave which requires a very patient and understanding wife (of 30 years) which I happen to be fortunate enough to have.

Whether it’s a golf room or car room or some other room, send along a photo.  While our limited supply lasts we will send a framed ad to those who ask for one.  Below you can see a picture of my car room.

More Golf Course Wildlife Follow Up

I received these great pictures from Nick Crawford, Assistant Golf Professional, Dellwood Hills Country Club.  It looks like a fox has become quite a golf fan.  These pictures were emailed in response to the Golf Course Wildlife post from June 10th.  Keep them coming.

Sleeping in bunker

Watching some golf

Just waking up

Are you kid friendly?

I have heard it said since the early 80’s that for golf to grow, women and kids must be attracted to the game.  And yet just a few months ago, I heard a golf course architect ask what could be done.  Well for starters set the ego aside and make holes playable for the beginners and/or short hitters.  It is easily done with tee placement.  Additionally, new courses if not designed as 3 – sixes (4 par 4’s, and one each par 3 & 5) then how about building three extra short holes for beginners?  This is not new thinking.

Here are some other ideas, maybe being used today but not universally.

1. Free golf for Jr.’s during off peak hours.
2. Reduced cart cost if kids are brought along. (My kids first introduction to the game was hopping in and out of the cart to look at turtles or hit the ball once in a while – all just fun stuff)
3. Do you have kids golf sets available?
4. How about a putting course, complete with little bunkers and water holes?
5. Are parent/child events only found on private courses?
6. Are kids’ successes on the course acknowledged?
7. How about an adopt-a-new-golfer program pairing those who love the game with one who might learn to do the same through mentoring, teaching, and encouraging.  This doesn’t need to be a lifetime commitment.
8. Do you have a “bring a kid to the course” program or even just a poster?

Yes, most all of these come at a cost but I look at it as investment in the future.  Your future.

Please feel free to send in your photos or ideas.

How much has the golf ball changed?

What’s going on with golf balls?  There are rules and specifications for flag sticks, cups and golf clubs.  Except for the size are there any limitations, especially to the liveliness of golf balls?  It is changing the game.

We’re Happy To Help

For a number of years now, we have been offering a couple two year legacy scholarships through the GCSAA’s Environmental Institute of Golf.  Congratulations to second year recipient Jackson Esoda, son of Mark Esoda, CGCS, Atlanta CC in Marietta, GA.  New recipients include, Jenna Gunselman, step-daughter of Jeffrey Madsen, The Club at Fairvue Plantation in Gallatin, TN; Eric Andersen, son of Jeff Andersen, Ute Creek GC in Longmont, CO; and Morgan Millies, daughter of Jeffrey Millies, CGCS at Edgewood GC in Big Bend, WI.

We at Par Aide, are pleased to be able to assist with the high costs of a college education.  The young people who are awarded the Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grants have earned the funding through an application process.  We initiated these grants as a way of saying thank you to the golf course Superintendents who have provided Par Aide the success it enjoys.  It has always been my belief that Superintendents work a labor of love.  Given their responsibilities and talents, I believe that they settle for less of an income than they could earn in other professions and thus college education funding for their children is more of a hardship.

The name of our scholarship, Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grant, was meant as a tribute to my father and the founder of Par Aide who had only a 6th grade education and showed an interest in helping others go well beyond what he had.

In an effort to provide more students with funding we have decided to go away from the two year grants and instead double the number of recipients.  We ask that you have your son or daughter apply and/or let any fellow Superintendents know that these funds are available.  For full details, contact the GCSAA.