Don’t forget us
I enjoyed reading John Walsh’s article “College curriculum shift means interests vary” in the July issue (page 10). The article reinforced the need for change in college turf programs. But he only concentrated on the perceived big schools.
In 1998 SUNY-Delhi initiated its revamped bachelor’s degree program that reflects the importance of the business management aspect of the golf course profession. We were the second college in the country – Kansas State was the first – to do so. This was a radical move, but, thanks to the recommendations of a panel of New York golf course superintendents, it became a reality.
Since 1998 we have graduated more than 70 students from this program – a 93-percent graduation rate – with positive results. Look at our program at www.delhi.edu. Pat Blum, who’s on the cover of your July issue, is a graduate of our program.
Dominic J. Morales
Professor and dean
Applied sciences and recreation division
SUNY-Delhi
Delhi, N.Y.
Not so much
I read with interest John Walsh’s editorial about seashore paspalum (“The next big thing,” August, page 6) and thought he did a fine job.
One part that caught my interest was the mention of water use. He attributed someone saying water use on paspalum could be as much as 50 percent less than Bermudagrass. While seashore paspalum has an extensive root system, I haven’t experienced or been able to verify anyone that has demonstrated a 50-percent reduction in water use. When the grass is managed properly, you can experience reductions as much as 20 percent, which is statistically significant.
Tim Hiers, CGCS
Director, golf course operations
The Old Collier Golf Club
Naples, Fla.
All in the family
I’m responding to Pat Jones’ article about families in the golf course maintenance business (“It’s a family affair,” July, page 58). There are many of us that come from a long line of golf course people.
My grandfather, a farmer, owned a horse-drawn sickle bar and mowed all the bunker banks (and there were many) on the nine-hole Franklin County Country Club in Washington, Mo. I helped rake the same banks when I worked for my dad, Vertus Mitchell, who was superintendent at the same club. He served as superintendent there for more than 30 years before relocating to the 27-hole Forest Park Golf Course in St. Louis. Eventually, he retired from the Glen Echo Country Club in St. Louis. He spent more than 50 years as a superintendent.
I worked for my dad for five years in all capacities – the fifth year as his assistant before moving to Alton (Ill.) Municipal Golf Course. I’ve been a golf course superintendent for 50 years – plus five years as a worker and assistant – in Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and West Virginia.
My oldest son, Robert V. Mitchell, Jr., worked for me and his grandfather while he was finishing his degree and before taking the superintendent job at Southmoor Golf Course in Maxville, Mo. Following that stint, he moved to Lockhaven Country Club in Alton, Ill., then to French Lick Springs Country Club in Indiana, and then to a couple of courses in Texas before returning to tend to courses in Indiana.
There are four generations of golf course superintendents and golf course maintenance people in the Mitchell Clan.
Bob Mitchell
Former executive director of golf and grounds
The Greenbrier Resort
White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.
Correction
Photo credit for the Tom Doak photos in the September issue were omitted. Credit goes to Bob Giglione.