Monthly Feature Hosted By:
	Bob Farren, CGCS, Director of Grounds and Golf Course Management for Pinehurst Resort and Country Club

Innovation and technology have had a tremendous impact on the game of golf over the past decade. One can find a wide range of commentary on whether or not the impact has been for positive change. Obviously, this is very much a matter of personal opinion and the subject of much debate. One thing is for certain, the advancement in technology has given reason for many golf courses in the country to develop master plans to respond to the impact the improvements have had on the older courses.

The improvements in the turf varieties and mowing equipment have enabled us to have much faster green speeds. Many of the older greens have slopes that are not compatible with these faster speeds and are being redesigned and rebuilt to modern standards. The improvements to the clubs and balls have resulted in the need to lengthen many of the older designs. These changes have been the target of some critics that feel like the technology is antiquating some of the older classic courses.

We can say two things for certain. First, the technology has had an impact on the older courses. Secondly, that people are going to have differing opinions on whether the change is for the good or not. Many courses have been strategic in their thinking and have developed master plans to address the inevitable changes.

A benefit of the master planning process, that at times may be overlooked, is the implementation of the new technologies and designs of drainage systems that can improve the course. The property surrounding many of our older courses has been developed and the courses have been on the receiving end of much of the storm drainage run off. The rehabilitation of the drainage infrastructure of these courses can be addressed in the master planning process with the result being improvements to the surrounding environment, watershed and wetlands. The improvements can also improve the playability and economic vitality of the course.

Our feature story this month comes from John Gurke, CGCS of Aurora Country Club, Aurora, Illinois and Gregory E Martin, ASGCA ASLA of Martin Design Partnership. John retained the services of a professional ASGCA golf course architect and an environmental engineering firm to develop a master plan. John emphasizes the importance to involve the appropriate professionals and the importance to document all of the communications along the way. We appreciate John and Greg sharing his story with us that we too may benefit from their experience.

July's Guest:
	John Gurke, CGCS Superintendent Aurora County Club

In the fall of 2007, Aurora Country Club, a private 94-year-old facility located approximately 45 miles west of Chicago, underwent a renovation that involved the reconstruction of all tees and bunkers, installation of a triple-row irrigation system, and perhaps most importantly a stormwater management program. Gregory E. Martin, ASGCA was the golf course architect, who redesigned the 15th hole to allow for excess stormwater storage in areas not affecting play. The details of our environmentally friendly project and the design are described within our case study, “Improving Drainage and Water Quality.”

Once Mr. Martin’s design was approved by club officials, it was decided that the club should determine what if any permits would be required before beginning work. One look at the permit application was enough for us to determine that an outside engineering firm would need to be retained in order to fill it out. The club hired Leonard Dreas & Associates, who completed the application which along with a revised grading plan were submitted to the city. However, additional environmental assessments and permit processes were to be completed.

We learned a lot about wetland delineations, wetland functions and related mitigation requirements during the permitting process. The entire process involved coordination with environmental consultants and government officials, but it was not as bad as it sounds. The club and I benefited from the experience in many ways and we have emerged with a much stronger understanding of the process and with many valuable lessons learned to help protect the environment.

To help ensure success, one should start the process as early as possible, assume nothing, and be prepared for any contingencies. Project managers should research in advance any consultants or professional services and prepare a budget for those services. Finally, keep an accurate timeline of events; save all emails, letters, phone notes, and correspondence; and maintain a digital file of daily photos taken during the project to for future reference.

Preparing for the golf course construction project by coordinating the design with golf and environmental professionals helps to make a difference. Your project will be properly designed to protect the environment including water quality like at Aurora Country Club. In addition, any permitting processes that you may have to undergo will be more successful with the proper coordination.