USGA Green Section Turf Advisory Service Visit - Beach Grove Golf ...

USGA Green Section 

Turf Advisory Service Visit 

Beach Grove Golf Club 

May 4, 2005 

Present: Mr. Kevin Cucheron, Green Comm. 

Mr. Jim Froese, Green Committee 

Mr. Ian Murray, Superintendent 

Mr. Chris Randall, Green Comm. 

Mr. Benn Rothfeder, Green Chair 

Mr. Rob Stokes, Green Comm. 

Mr. Mike Whelan, General Manager 

Mr. Dick White, Member 

Mr. Larry Gilhuly, USGA Green Section 

The following report contains visual observations and specific recommendations following 

the tour of your golf course. The intent of this report is to provide unbiased information for 

the betterment of your golf course and players while keeping your budget in mind.

Beach Grove Golf Club -2- 

May 4, 2005 

It was a pleasure to visit Beach Grove Golf Club on May 4, 2005 on behalf of the USGA Green 

Section as part of our Turf Advisory Service (TAS). The main purpose of the following TAS report 

is to provide an unbiased review of the maintenance operation while offering recommendations to 

improve the golf course and maintenance operation within your budgetary limitations. Since the 

time of the last visit several years ago it was good to view the completion of the major drainage 

effort on the back nine with the new lake and fairway on No. 17. The entire back nine (excluding 

Nos. 10 and most of No. 18) are very dry with minimal earthworm problems when compared to the 

native soil on the front nine. In addition to the physical improvement on the back nine, the putting 

surfaces were in good spring condition, the aprons improved with regular topdressing, aeration and 

mowing with triplex mowers and the tees were in good condition due to correct protection during 

the winter months. Mr. Murray and his staff deserve a “well done” for the conditioning they are 

providing their players based on the cost of golf at Beach Grove and the very difficult noise 

restrictions found around the course! 

While these were all positive aspects noted on the golf course, there were still many areas that need 

to be addressed that range from costly (maintenance facility and irrigation system) to minor changes 

in programs that may actually reduce budget costs. Specific recommendations for several main 

topics were discussed including greens, green surrounds, fairways, trees, irrigation system, 

maintenance facility and miscellaneous topics. Should you have any further questions please do not 

hesitate contacting our office. 

GREENS 

Observations. The putting surfaces were in very good spring condition despite the normal problem 

with Poa annua seedhead development that always leads to afternoon bumpy conditions. Green 

speed has become a major issue and the control of organic material is always a concern when 

greens are extended beyond their mowing capabilities. Finally, the greens are currently mowed 

with gas powered triplex mowers resulting in more stress on the green perimeters and noise 

problems with the neighbors. 

Recommendations. The putting surfaces are the “resume” of most golf courses, thus they deserve 

the primary focus of attention. During the past decade I have had the opportunity to visit Beach 

Grove on several occasions and have always found the fundamental programs conducted by Mr. 

Murray to be very sound and providing good playing surfaces during the growing season. At the 

same time, it has always been the responsibility of the golf course superintendent to make sure that 

desired changes in programs that will cause too much stress should be avoided as turf loss can 

occur when weather patterns take a turn for the worse. Based on conversations from those in 

attendance, this occurred in 2004 and during the past winter, thus the following was suggested as 

you enter the main playing season for 2005: 

• Don’t be obsessed with green speed! Mr. Murray mentioned that the goal for green speed has 

increased over the years with regular speeds expected during the growing season in the 10’- 

10’6” range. While there certainly are those players that prefer these “tournament” conditions, 

the focus at Beach Grove should be on smoothness and taking advantage of as much surface


May 4, 2005 

area as possible for hole locations. Please note the enclosed reprint taken from the latest USGA 

Green Section Record discussing the many non-agronomic factors that should be taken into 

account when contemplating further lowering of mowing heights to achieve green speeds that 

are in excess of major championship speeds 15-20 years ago. 

• Eliminate daily green speed posting. As can 

be noted in the enclosed reprint, golfers of all 

skill levels have difficulty telling the difference 

of 6” at any speed and have increasing difficulty 

as green speeds approach 10’ of determining a 

1’ difference in speed. The USGA Stimpmeter 

was designed to give the golf course 

superintendent a measuring device for green 

consistency, not as a tool to achieve fast greens 

or for daily green speed posting as these 

numbers mean virtually nothing to the vast 

majority of players and offer no aid to those Consistency, yes – daily readings, no! 

that play the greens that day. Here are just a few facts that favor the elimination of this practice: 

1. To provide a true reading you should test every green, thereby wasting valuable labor. 

2. The speed of a green changes during the day from normal growth. 

3. The speed of a green changes dramatically during the day, especially when Poa annua 

seedheads are forming. 

4. The speed of a green changes during the day based on the type of roller used. 

5. The practice green is usually 1’ faster than the regular greens due to foot traffic 

around the holes. If this is the tested green, it is not a true indicator. 

6. Regular hole locations in the green centers are usually faster than perimeter locations 

due to foot traffic. 

7. The degree of slope dramatically changes the perceived speed of individual greens. 

8. Shaded greens are usually a different speed than full sun greens, especially in the 

afternoon. 

9. Wet sand from topdressing has a major effect on green speed when compared to dry 

sand. 

10. Daily Stimpmeter readings are generally taken early in the morning on one green. 

Which one and what part of the green is the average for all the greens that day 

The game of golf is supposed to be a test of skill that requires both physical and mental ability 

to adapt to the various challenges the golf course and nature provide. Providing players with 

numbers that mean very little based on the time they play only results in negative questioning of 

the golf course superintendent when the player may have a bad day on the greens and is a waste 

of valuable time that should be spent supervising the staff. Also, note the enclosed reprint on 

this topic. 

• Do be obsessed with green smoothness! While the obsession with fast greens is generally 

driven by those with lower handicaps (usually a small, yet vocal minority at most private clubs),


May 4, 2005 

every player appreciates smooth surfaces with 

adequate pace (9’-9’6” should be a realistic goal 

during the growing season). While Mr. Murray 

should not change his basic programs of light 

and frequent topdressing using the spin 

topdresser, regular vertical mowing (especially 

during seedhead time), light and frequent 

fertilizer applications, the use of growth 

regulation and careful irrigation, one area where 

green smoothness can be created is with a fast, 

self-contained roller. It was suggested to 

demonstrate the unit to the right as seen the day 

after this visit at Everett CC where rolling and spiking were being conducted in the same 

operation. Newer self-contained “sidewinders” can roll as fast or faster than triplex type units, 

thus this is one area where improvement can be made. Also, enclosed is the latest information 

on green rolling. Rolling can be completed up to 3 times weekly, however great care must be 

taken to avoid rolling during times of excess moisture (all winter and early and late in the 

season) and during warm summer temperatures. This is an area that should be under the 

complete control of the golf course superintendent based on his experience and weather 

patterns. Dictating a strict rolling schedule is not recommended! 

The other major difficulty facing Mr. Murray is the difference in growth amount and habit 

between creeping bentgrass and Poa annua. As opposed to virtually all of the other older 

private clubs in the Lower Mainland, the greens at Beach Grove are comprised of a high 

percentage of creeping bentgrass. While this grass is very smooth and consistent during the 

growing season, it does not grow during the winter and becomes grainy. Poa annua, on the 

other hand, grows all winter long, has little grain and develops seedheads in the spring. These 

differing growth rates result in bumpier surfaces during the winter months, however achieving 

smooth surfaces during the winter is very difficult since rolling should be avoided due to wet or 

frozen conditions, topdressing generally is not completed and vertical mowing can only be done 

with great care. Bottom line – do not try to “push” the greens at Beach Grove in the winter. 

Take a conservative approach of protecting the greens as you have done in the past so the 

majority of the membership can enjoy smoother and healthier surfaces during the growing and 

regular playing season. 

• Experiment with A4 overseeding on one green. While creeping bentgrass and Poa annua 

have different growth characteristics, newer varieties of bentgrass are far less grainy and display 

a similar density to most Poa annua. With this in mind it was suggested to select one green for 

overseeding with A4 at a rate of ½ lb./M during June, July and August following spiking 

efforts. With the natural ability to resist anthracnose and pink snow mold while germinating 

and surviving under low mowing heights, this could prove to be a valuable experiment. 

• Control seedheads when Proxy becomes available. For several years golf course 

superintendents in the U.S. have had the growth regulator Primo at their disposal, thereby 

allowing for faster and smoother greens during the growing season. This product is now


May 4, 2005 

commonly used throughout Canada (and at 

Beach Grove), however a second growth 

regulator (Proxy) that virtually stops Poa annua 

seedhead development has not been introduced 

into Canada at this time. When it becomes 

available, its’ use during the spring will greatly 

reduce complaints about green speed and 

smoothness as has occurred throughout the U.S. 

• Increase aeration using smaller tines and an 

upgraded aeration unit. While green aeration 

is never appreciated by golfers or the 

maintenance staff, recent changes in aeration 

options has greatly reduced the negative nature 

of this operation. In regard to the aeration 

program, it was suggested to demonstrate the 

new Toro Procore 640 (shown in the photo to 

the right) to improve this important portion of 

the operation. This walking aerifier offers 

excellent versatility by allowing the operator to 

change spacing and depth (if desired) with a 

simple flip of a switch. In addition, this single 

unit is as fast as two other walking units combined and the tires on this unit are set to avoid 

smashing aeration holes that have previously been made. In short, if this unit provides the 

expected results of clean holes with tighter spacing you will be able to reduce the size of the 

tines down to ½” and recover from future aeration operations at least twice as fast as larger tine 

usage. For example, during a visit to Everett CC the day after visiting Beach Grove all of the 

members in attendance stated that the aeration was not a major disruption this year with good 

putting conditions within 7 days of the aeration with this new unit. Some even claimed that the 

conditions weren’t that bad after only 2-3 days! This unit (or similar) would be a major tool in 

the control of organic on your greens. 

• Demonstrate a new type of green spiker. In 

addition to upgrading the regular aeration 

equipment used for the greens, a very rapid and 

deep method of green spiking has been 

introduced with the Planet Air unit shown to the 

right. This unit offers a fast and labor efficient 

method to spike the greens to a depth of 3” (note 

photo at top of next page) with minimal surface 

disruption while creating results similar to 

regular tine aeration without organic matter 

removal. Monthly spiking with this type of unit 

followed by light sand topdressing during the 

growing season has proven very beneficial in other portions of the country, with exceptional


May 4, 2005 

results reported in Southern California. With the program of regular light topdressing greatly 

reducing the negative impact of organic accumulation and the addition of a new type of green 

aerifier that will remove more organic with smaller tine size, it is possible that this unit could 

reduce regular green aeration to only one time yearly if used in a regular monthly program of 

spiking and topdressing. This operation was viewed at Point Grey CC before this visit with 

outstanding results completing all 19 greens in less than 4 hours. You may wish to have this 

unit demonstrated or have the greens contractually sliced/aerified during the early summer to 

determine if it fits in your operation and is acceptable with your membership. 

• Demonstrate both walking and triplex electric 

mowers. The problem with noise restrictions 

severely impacts the efficiency of the 

maintenance staff at Beach Grove with no work 

allowed before 7:00 AM during the week, 9:00 

AM on Saturdays and no noise on Sundays. As 

with every golf course, Beach Grove receives 

comparisons, however this is one area that sets 

your course apart (in a negative way) that simply 

can not be overcome since the noise abatements 

also apply to the evening hours. One possible 

way to improve the situation is the use of new 

walking electric mowers that were recently viewed at Pebble Beach. The response has been 

very favorable at this well-known course, thus it was suggested to demonstrate these units for 

Beach Grove. If these walking mowers address the noise issue, then a conversion to all electric 

walking mowers should occur as soon as possible to improve overall staff efficiency. The use 

of walking mowers would also fit nicely into the concept of section maintenance. 

• Give serious consideration to section maintenance. The main advantage of this type of 

maintenance during the growing season is the ability to motivate the staff by having 5-6 

individuals “owning” certain portions of the golf course. The addition of walking green 

mowers, walking tee mowers (if desired) and hand raking bunkers (if desired) combined with 

regular bunker edging, divot repair on the tees and other housekeeping details would enhance 

playing quality on these key areas while greatly minimizing transportation time associated with 

these individual operations. Please note the enclosed reprint that describes this topic in greater 

detail for possible use at your course during the week in the summer months. This form of 

maintenance may also be less noisy than multiple vehicles across the course in the early hours. 

GREEN SURROUNDS 

Observations. The areas that surround the greens (collars, aprons, bunkers and roughs) are the 

second most important portion of every golf course. The collars displayed minor “collar dams”, the 

aprons have improved significantly with increased aeration and topdressing, the bunkers are 

relatively contaminated with fine material and the traffic areas are still in recovery from winter 

traffic issues on some holes.


May 4, 2005 

Recommendations. Specific recommendations for the green surrounds included the following: 

• Address collar dams using either the “Fircrest” or “Glendale” approach. The existence of 

collar dams can be noted on nearly every green at Beach Grove due to regular sand applications 

and dragging resulting in more sand placed on the collars than on the outer edge of the greens. 

This very common problem is noted at virtually every older golf course in the U.S., unless 

regular aeration occurs on the collars on the same day as the greens. Mr. Murray mentioned 

that this is exactly what has been done at Beach Grove for many years, however the collar dams 

still exist resulting in water not flowing immediately off the fronts of the greens and “reverse” 

contours where well hit shots can “skip” across the surface rather than react like normal shots. 

For this reason, it was suggested to either use the strip and resod method used at Glendale and 

Tacoma CC during the past two years or the slower “Fircrest” method of aeration 3-4 times 

yearly without topdressing and a vibratory compactor to physically move the soil lower on the 

collars. Both techniques are producing good results and can improve this slow change of 

contours at Beach Grove. 

• Expand the positive program on the aprons 

out as far as the budget will allow. One of the 

major problems noted on the front nine fairways 

is the high population of earthworms in your 

very healthy soil. The exact opposite was noted 

on the back nine where the sand based fairways 

are virtually clean from earthworms as they 

avoid the abrasiveness of the sand. While the 

aprons on the course are not all comprised of 

sand, they are literally free of earthworms, thus 

the obvious question is, “How can these areas be 

so clean and comprised of so much bentgrass” The answer is found in three key programs that 

have been practiced for many years that should be expanded out to 100 yards from every green, 

if possible. First, regular aeration and sand topdressing (especially light topdressing at the same 

time as the greens) adds the sand component to the surface. The second program has been the 

use of triplex mowers with baskets to remove the food (grass clippings) source for earthworms 

while greatly reducing the Poa annua seedheads deposited that compete with bentgrass. 

Finally, pink snow mold is a major problem on Poa annua and needs to be controlled on the 

aprons to assure complete coverage in these important locations. All three of these programs 

have led to a major improvement in turf quality that can be expanded in the same manner 

further away from the greens, as shown in the above photo taken on No. 18. The earthworms 

don’t stop at the road because of this hard surface. They stop due to the proper programs 

conducted by Mr. Murray over the past several years. 

• Create a more effective communication tool for the bunkers. There is virtually no golf 

course in the Pacific Northwest that does not occasionally have players complain about the 

“consistency” of their bunkers! These hazards require nearly as much maintenance as greens 

while being driven by the expectation levels of players. To assist the maintenance staff, it was 

suggested to create a small form for players to pinpoint exactly what portion of an individual


May 4, 2005 

bunker is a concern as you can expect new sand to create initial soft conditions and areas to 

become thin. If this form is available at the Pro Shop, a rapid method of communication can be 

created to address areas that may be a problem. 

• Address traffic areas with more aeration and 

topdressing. It was not surprising to learn that 

some of the regular winter players at Beach 

Grove believe that they could not possibly cause 

any problem with turf loss from winter play on 

grass that is not growing and is subject to 

compaction in high traffic areas. A large 

volume of research shows the exact opposite 

with the right side of No. 14 green showing the 

classic signs of winter turf damage associated 

with foot traffic, excess water and a soil that 

became sealed causing turf loss. While reducing 

play from the greens during all frost, frozen and 

saturated conditions should absolutely be 

practiced and backed up by the Green 

Committee and Board of Directors in your 

maintenance standards, programs can also be 

started to improve these locations to minimize 

traffic damage. In addition to aeration at least 

twice yearly, include the traffic zones in the 

same program as green topdressing on a 2-3 

week schedule during the growing season. Also, 

the use of perennial ryegrass introduces a more wear resistant turf to these locations. 

FAIRWAYS 

Observations. As mentioned earlier, the main topic for the fairways is the high population of 

earthworms on the front nine holes. Other than this issue, drainage is a major requirement on the 

front nine and a change in the method of fertilization was discussed as you begin a program of 

growth regulation this growing season. Finally, deep aeration, overseeding and topdressing will be 

conducted this spring to improve overall turf density on the front nine. 

Recommendations. Specific recommendations for the fairways included the following: 

• Use Primo on all of the fairways to improve density, reduce clippings and minimize 

mowing requirements. It was mentioned that a decision must be made between completing 

the deep aeration program in the fall (with overseeding and topdressing) or expanding the use of 

Primo to all of the fairways during the growing season. Based on the noise situation and worm 

issues, it was recommended to focus on Primo usage this year (along with sand topdressing on 

the front nine) and the contractual aeration and seeding this spring only.


May 4, 2005 

• Upgrade the ability to apply Primo and liquid 

fertilizer with a mixing tank and 

proportioner. During several visits last year a 

very unique combination of an 1100 gal. holding 

tank and material proportioner were viewed at 

Eugene CC, Heron Lakes, Eastmoreland and 

Waverley CC. The combination of this tank 

and proportioner allows for very rapid mixing of 

elemental fertilizer with your Primo 

applications. Based on personal experience and 

observations during the past 30 years, the ability 

to further upgrade the mixing procedure will allow for the use of lower priced materials to be 

used without the time it normally takes to apply liquids to fairways and larger turf areas. For 

more information concerning the holding tank and proportioner contact DPI Supply at 541-928- 

4732. 

• Demonstrate a faster way to install drainage. 

It was suggested to add in-ground drainage inhouse 

by upgrading your trencher to an AFT 45 

unit. This trencher (note photo) includes a 

conveyer belt that can allow two workers to 

rapidly complete the amount of work normally 

requiring 4-5 employees. Marine Drive has had 

excellent results for the past 5 years, thus you 

may wish to view this unit at their site prior to 

possible purchase for Beach Grove. 

• Expand the apron programs, but do not do all of the fairways. While expanding the 

programs on the aprons makes sense for areas that require turf coverage, the cost of the extra 

sand, fungicides, clippings removal/storage would be prohibitive. In addition, the extra time 

required to complete these operations is not available due to noise restrictions and the current 

size of the staff. Focus on the use of Primo and sand topdressing as this combination will 

achieve the goal of denser turf with less earthworms at a reasonable cost. 

TREES 

Observations and recommendations. While minor improvements have been made in this area, 

many of the same trees suggested for removal are still in existence with one change – they have all 

grown! Specific trees viewed during this tour of the golf course that were suggested for movement 

or removal included the following: 

• No. 2 green. A large spruce is found to the back left of this green that blocks valuable sunlight 

on one of the first greens on the golf course during the winter months. Take a close look at this 

tree (and others) from October-December for selective removal to the south side of this green.


May 4, 2005 

• No. 8 fairway. While the selective removal of 

the large cottonwoods has slowly occurred, the 

sequoias selected as the replacement trees offer a 

completely different growth habit and size that 

must be carefully considered when planted. The 

tree on the left side should be moved back over 

the cart path to the left as it will inevitably be 

removed in the future as it will become 

extremely wide and block the entire left side of 

the fairway. This tree should be moved next 

winter using a large tree spade to assure 

survival. 

• No. 8 lake. Mr. White correctly mentioned that 

a rules issue exists with the two trees near the 

lake that should be removed. Any ball hit into 

these trees can not be assumed to have gone in 

the lake without clear evidence, thus the ball is 

lost. In addition, the removal of these two trees 

will provide a much clearer view of the green 

and water feature on the right. 

• No. 10 left side of dogleg near lake. As with 

the two trees on No. 8, three similar types of 

trees stop shots from entering the lake on this 

hole. For the same reason as No. 8, these trees 

should either be removed now or moved to 

another location on the golf course this winter. 

• No. 17 alder replacement tree. Mr. Murray 

mentioned that the tree used to replace the key 

leaning alder on this new green site is an oak. It 

was suggested to possibly move this tree further 

to the right (looking at the green) if the width of the tree will be beyond the current width of the 

alder. 

IRRIGATION SYSTEM 

Observations and recommendations. While the irrigation system was not in use at this time, it 

has been a major area of discussion in the past. Just as the removal of water is a key to allow for 

turf survival and improved playing conditions during the winter and spring months, the irrigation 

system represents the survival of the turf during the summer months that leads into the fall playing 

season. It was mentioned that the new holes have been fit with a modern system of lines and 

controllers, however the remainder of the golf course is easily one of the worst nightmares any golf


May 4, 2005 

course superintendent could ever face! The combination of the lack of control, poor spacing, small 

pipe size, and system age make Beach Grove the only older Lower Mainland golf course that has 

not upgraded their irrigation system in the last 5-10 years. It was suggested to have a qualified 

irrigation designer provide an analysis of the irrigation system to start the process of upgrading one 

of the foundations of success for your turf maintenance programs. 

MAINTENANCE FACILITY 

Observations and recommendations. With the construction of the new maintenance facility at 

Quilchena G&CC, Beach Grove has now taken over the title of “Worst Maintenance Facility” of all 

the older private clubs in the Greater Vancouver area. During the past decade Shaughnessy, 

Capilano, Seymour, Marine Drive, Point Grey, Vancouver, Richmond and Quilchena have all 

completely modernized or greatly upgraded their maintenance facilities to improve working 

conditions for their maintenance staff and protect the massive investments made in turf equipment. 

As with the irrigation system, this represents a considerable amount of funding, however it must be 

addressed as soon as possible as a very high priority. Mr. Rothfeder said it best when he mentioned 

that the entire facility could be shut down tomorrow with various code violations. For this reason it 

was good to learn that preliminary work is being done in this area. 

MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS 

Should the practice facility be moved back to 

address safety concerns The practice facility at 

Beach Grove is very similar to many older private 

golf clubs in the Pacific Northwest as practicing on 

your game was seldom done in the early portion of 

the 20 th century through the mid-1900’s.. Since the 

game has grown and practice is a major part of 

improving your swing, the lack of acreage provided 

for practice has resulted in the need for high nets 

and posts to protect players on adjoining holes. 

Excluding the complete elimination of woods, the only other reasonable method to reduce the 

safety issue at Beach Grove is the use of lower compression golf balls. At this time the amount of 

golf courses using these golf balls are too numerous to mention, however they do include Overlake 

CC, Everett CC, Rainier CC, Fircrest GC, Royal Colwood GC, Point Grey CC, Coeur d”Alene 

Resort and Mauna Kea. Enclosed with this report is a reprint describing the exact issue facing 

Beach Grove as these balls offer a simple solution to your safety situation. If this proves 

ineffective, then the use of a qualified golf course architect to expand the tee to the rear along with 

nets and posts may be the final answer for safety concerns. 

Gravel or asphalt – which is best for Beach Grove While it is true that gravel has less bounce 

than asphalt, the many positives of a permanent surface far outweigh this one negative. If you are 

concerned about the negative impact of asphalt in areas of play, consider the enclosed reprint.


May 4, 2005 

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss your maintenance operation with you as part of the USGA 

Green Section Turf Advisory Service visit. In addition to this visit and report, please do not 

hesitate contacting our office at any time during the year with further questions as they relate to 

your golf course or turfgrass in general. Your support of the USGA Green Section is appreciated 

and we look forward to being of service on an annual basis as part of your normal golf course 

maintenance operation and budget. 

Respectfully submitted; 

Larry Gilhuly, Northwest Director 

USGA Green Section 

Distribution: 

O: Mr. Ian Murray, Superintendent 

cc: Mr. George Harvie, President 

cc: Mr. Benn Rothfeder, Green Chairman 

cc: Mr. Mike Whelan, General Manager 

Reprints: 

- Where Is Green Speed Taking the Game 

- Golfers Perception of Green Speeds Vary 

- Say No to Posting 

- More Light on Lightweight Rolling 

- Walking Green Mowers: Solution or Problem 

- Section Maintenance – It Could Be Your Pot of Gold 

- Limited Flight Might Be Your Answer 

- Putting the Horse In Front of the Cart 

- Growing, Growing, Gone!

USGA Green Section Turf Advisory Service Visit - Beach Grove Golf ...

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