Golf Course Shade Analysis

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Trees are aesthetically pleasing on the golf course while at the same time can be a love hate relationship for the superintendent. Trees in the wrong locations can be detrimental to turf health but when you try to explain to the membership why they should be removed there is always someone that is emotionally attached. There were two greens at Waverley Country Club that continually struggled due to the lack of sunlight. By having a shade analysis conducted, management was able to easily explain the rationale of the tree removal.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

After the shade analysis was conducted, the results were presented to the Green Committee and Board of Directors with an explanation of why the tree removal was important. When the removal of the trees were communicated to the members, highlights of the analysis were also used. After a complete growing season the health of the greens have dramatically improved and are more dense on the collar and edge of the green which improved the putting surface.