Playing by the Rules? USGA that is... Cancel The title field is required!

1. Matthew Ceplo

   

   0 posts
   
   2/28/2014 1:02 PM

   Like many golf courses we have developed native-natural areas on the course. Many reasons why. Budgets-environment etc.
   no mow areas around water bodies have become quite common. The research has shown that these areas provide a tremendous benefit to water quality. They also are easily accommodated by the rules because the hazard margins can be expanded to allow relief from these areas. I also have a feeling that some (many?) clubs handle some of their ‘naturalized' areas by marking/playing them as Environmentally Sensitive Areas. As you know the USGA says that an ESA can only be designated as such by an "Authority" not unilaterally by the club or committee.
   Do you currently have native areas that are marked that should not be? Would you consider giving the golf or green committee at your facility the ability to review a native area and determine if it should or should not be marked? Would like to continue playing by the rules but it's getting harder and harder. Wondering if this is just me or a common occurrence on golf courses?

   
   
   
   
2. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   2/28/2014 3:02 PM

   IMO, it is your golf course. Mark it as you see fit. If that means following the USGA to the letter then so be it. If that means not following the USGA to the letter then so be it. Again, IMO, the only time I would involve the USGA is if a USGA event is hosted at your facility.

   
   
   
   
3. Jon Kindlesparger

   

   0 posts
   
   3/4/2014 8:03 AM

   What has been said and "local rules supersede USGA rules".