Monday, November 5, 2012

What about this "Post"?

At the October Greens and Grounds Committee meeting, the use of the 150 yard pole, located in the center of all par 4 and par 5 fairways was discussed.

Interestingly, there was much discussion regarding the need of such a device considering Copperleaf utilizes both GPS and Laserlink prisms to help golfers with their yardage. Several attendees commented that they use the pole as an indicator for their shot direction whereas others said that it detracted from the beauty of the course.

Unknown to many is that our new GPS units have the ability for the user to "tap" the screen and position a marker at their desired landing location on the hole to determine distance.

It was decided to remove the poles for the immediate future and to gather member feedback to determine if the poles should be replaced.

The Green Committee would like to hear from you with your thoughts and suggestions regarding the use, and need, of the current 150 yard marker. Please email David Dore-Smith with your comments. David's email is:

davidd@copperleafgc.com



The "home made" 150 yard pole, as seen here on hole 9, has been in use for 9 years at Copperleaf

Posted by David Dore-Smith
Director of Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance
Copperleaf Golf Club

Location:Copperleaf Golf Club

Forward Tees

As part of the future golf course renovation review, it has been suggested by many of the Architects interviewed, including our selected Architect, Kipp Schulties, that Copperleaf is a "very long golf course".

Golf courses that are being renovated these days are providing tee locations that provide for between 4,000 and 4,500 yards. These tee locations are intended to provide a more enjoyable golfing experience for the higher handicap golfer or for golfers new to the game. It also follows the "Tee it Forward" program being promoted by the PGA of America.

Our current forward tees total 4,770 yards. After further review with Kipp Schulties, 10 new tee locations have been proposed for construction in 2013 that would bring the total yardage to approximately 4,500 yards.

The CLGA has been involved in these preliminary discussions and have been asked to provide their input regarding the tee locations and the proposal in general. Interestingly, after reviewing the women's handicaps at Copperleaf, over 60% of our players have a handicap of 30 or more. Using guidelines provided by the PGA, a course of below 4,500 yards is suggested for these golfers. Not only will the golfing experience be improved but the pace of play will also improve as a result.

In an effort to identify the exact locations of the proposed tees, temporary tee markers have been placed on the course. These tee markers will only be used for a few days in an attempt to get some feedback from the players.

The Golf Course Renovation Team, led by Jim Gallery, and CLGA President, Linda Francis, would appreciate any feedback that you may have.




The proposed Forward tee location on hole 3

Posted by David Dore-Smith
Director of Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance
Copperleaf Golf Club

Location:Copperleaf Golf Club