The following message is something I'd probably write in my diary, if I had one. A more personal side of my thoughts that rarely see the light of day. I don't have a diary, but I do have an agronomy blog, so here ya go!
Okay, okay, I hear you loud and clear! Let’s talk about pin locations… again. This is a topic I hoped we would be able to solve, and I think for a few weeks we did. But this weekend, we missed the mark. Now, I will be the first to admit when we drop the ball. When we drop the ball, it means I dropped the ball; and no one takes that more seriously or personally than I do. So, how do I discuss a topic as sensitive as the daily set-up of our golf course, that I view as a direct reflection of my abilities, without coming across as defensive? I’m not sure, but I’m going to give it a try!
I could drone on and on about the intricacies of the morning course set up- but for the sake of time and interest, tonight, I’ll stick to pin placements. We use the software EZ Locator, which helps us visualize what parts of the green are pinnable verses not. While this software is invaluable, and nearly perfect, we still must place the pin in the proper area; and it is that human element that failed you all on holes 10, 12, and 18 this past weekend.
I know that I sound like a broken record, but I just want to say- we really are trying. And we are also continuously strategizing new ways to improve, while also taking member feedback to isolate areas of the greens that are just not fair. Because I know how hard my staff is trying, and because I take the set up and overall course condition so personally, the chronic negativity can sometimes take a real toll, both on myself and our maintenance staff. And hey- I told you I’d try not to get defensive tonight, but I never made any promises! Anyways, what I’m trying to say is I think that there is a way that we can come together as a team to improve the overall experience at Terravita. And my ask tonight is that collectively, as a membership and club, we work to focus on the good, while sprinkling in constructive criticism, rather than focus on the negative, while sprinkling in positive feedback.
Again, as always, thank you for your support, patience, and well intended feedback. It really does help us reach new heights of improvement, which is something I will never stop working towards.
Take care Terravita,
Maddie
We actually already have included a digital level in the cup cutters tool box… We have been using it for about a week and a half. There is a bit of a learning curve with it, as perhaps east to west is “level”, but north to south is not. And there are infinite amount of directions in between those that could vary as well. I do think it’s a great tool though, that in time, we will learn how to utilize more effectively.
You are right. I thought you made strides in the last couple weeks with hole locations. And you are right again that we missed the mark this last weekend. I know it takes time to cut cups, but could we add a step in the cup cutting process? Specifically equip the cup cutters with a digital level. Maybe agree that no hole is cut on a slope more than 1.5% (just an example). Just a thought.