Understanding Is More Than Scientific Skill

Too many of today's supts. concern themselves solely with such headaches as weather, manpower, money limitations and p l a y e r interference. These c o n s i d e r a t i o n s are very important, yet most of us have been coping with them for the last 30 years. Of late, we have been aided by radically improved chemicals, increased budgets and other new and effective aids. We combat the intrusion of disease into our turf with new fungicides and insecticides, using modern equipment in applying them. New fertilizers and tools appear every year, introduced and demonstrated by sales engineers of competent manufacturers. Without these men and their knowledge, our headaches would increase tremendously. Another recent development is the swelling of ranks of supts. by young college men serving as "on-the-job-trainees." These future turfmasters are well versed in the technical aspects of their profession and most eventually become capable supts. Yet there is something missing. Although the knowledge of agronomy, silviculture, plant pathology and hydraulics is essential to course construction and maintenance, we require an overall understanding of the esthetic, sporting and financial sides of golf before we can do a complete job. Not Just Turf, Tee, Traps Today's golf course, with its spacious clubhouse, grounds and recreation areas, is no longer merely made up of turf, tees and traps. It is designed by professionals from many fields to be a thing of beauty as well as a challenge to golfers. Ornamental trees and shrubs are selected for their appealing appearance as well as their ease of maintenance. Requirements for turf include playability and attractiveness