I have always felt privileged to be an American. From my first recollections of my youth, America was greatness defined. As the bastion of democracy and free speech, the United States has seen itself as the world’s protector. We are seemingly prepared to contribute to the greater good of humankind at any time. For me, significant golf-related memories include witnessing my grandpa chip in three times in nine holes and watching Arnold Palmer win Bobby Jones’ Masters tournament over and over. Life was good as a kid in the ‘60s.
Memories of the “good old days” came streaming back to me as I watched this year’s version of “a tradition unlike any other”. I have had several opportunities to attend practice rounds at the Masters. Even from my overstuffed chair, I could appreciate the majesty of Augusta National and its challenging elevation changes, punishing bunker depths and the angry wave-like movement of the greens and their surrounds. Combine this with the sheer majesty of the grounds themselves among the towering pines, flowering azaleas and ball-eating magnolias and seeing Phil Mickelson don his third green jacket, definitely assures me of another fond memory for the ages. April is a wonderful time of year.
Unfortunately, nearly every early April is open season for environmentalists to renew their attacks on golf course managers. Augusta National and the Masters seem to be especially polarizing on this point. What some environmentalists do not realize is that Augusta National focuses on one thing every year: hosting the greatest players in the world at the site of the best-maintained golf course in the world. Augusta National aims at this week in April year round. The course’s phenomenal preparation opens it to attack from naysayers that excesses of budget, staff, fertilizers and pesticides must be present to produce that type of results. True or not, it makes me proud to see the appreciation and passion for the traditions in the faces of the competitors and the thousands of patrons blessed with the opportunity to witness another classic Masters championship.
Much to the dismay of environmentalists and the surprise of the uninformed, the Augusta National Golf Club is far ahead of the rest of the world in another category – environmental management. Golfweek’s Bradley S. Klein penned an article several years ago documenting Augusta National’s management practices. I regularly use this information early in my golf course environmental management (GEM) seminars to demonstrate their sensitive approach. They have probably increased their sustainable approach over the years, but Brad’s article on Augusta National’s maintenance practices included:
- Fuel & oil storage tanks exceed Georgia state requirements;
- Food grade grease recycled and used as lubricants;
- Used biodegradable hydraulic fluids where appropriate;
- Recycled wash rack water;
- Use separate buildings for fertilizer & pesticide storage w/ catch trays under each shelf, automatic fan, and an up-to-date inventory for the fire department outside;
- Community relations program;
- Full-time risk and safety officer;
- Curative approach to pesticide use (integrated pest management);
- Utilize minimal fertilization (3.5 - 4 pounds per 1000 SF);
- Only 140 of 365-acres property in highly-maintained turf with 55 acres left natural and 35 acres used as unpaved public parking; and
- Use untreated Savannah River water for irrigation
Cheers to Bobby Jones, Billy Payne, Arnie, Jack and Tom for the tradition and honor the game of golf so desperately needs! America can be proud. Thanks to the fine folks at Augusta National, Americans can claim the best event, course and course preparation of any golf tournament worldwide.
Congratulations to Marsh Benson and his Augusta National staff for their fine work and enviable model of environmental stewardship worthy of emulation. Never has a course been set up better to produce the phenomenal weekend drama one can only experience at the Masters – the world’s greatest golf tournament. Once again, it is a privilege to be an American. I can’t wait until next April!
Bill Bushman is the director of Ecodesigns International, a golf course management consulting firm. Contact him at ecodesigns@satx.rr.com.