Front, middle, back… easy, easy, easy!!

There are many informative blogs. We are spoiled with many cooperative Turfgrass professionals sharing ideas and providing insight into their own trials, studies and experiences. It's a hard act to follow, but I've realized that there's always something I might learn, reconfirm with, or even appreciate and enjoy no matter how basic.

How does your golf course change pins? Do you cycle through rotations? locations? or a combination of both? Is the decision made by the discretion of your pin setter? I have worked at courses with all these different pin setting programs and I guess the decisions are based on the standards, goals and mission of each individual golf course. Courses with large staff, high turnovers and frequent training might benefit with set locations. Courses with smaller greens might choose area rotations.

The first golf course I worked at allowed me to setup pins wherever I wanted, as long as I was consistent with three front, three middle and three back locations per nine. I believe the main criteria to consider are: traffic, pace of play, and healthy turf. With that said, I understand there are many more unique factors to consider depending on the golf course; greens size, undulation, rounds per day, turf health, design characteristics, and whether or not the course is private, semi-private or public. The list probably continues for many of you.

I've always believed in using all the real estate you're given. Some design flaws don't allow this, however is it feasible to beat up smaller, flatter and easier spots to try and pump more rounds through in a day? I think it's important to train someone who golfs, someone who understands playability, and someone with an eye for health and quality.

Regardless of where we set pins, it is inevitable that there will always be some complaining on any given day. Other than ourselves, how come we hardly here guests complaining about the architect? I am still waiting for the day where I get the call on the radio…"there have been several comments today about how wonderful the pins are"… Lol, I'll keep you all posted when that day arrives.

Continued success and growth!