The RSM Classic returns this week to the stunning Sea Island Resort on St. Simons Island, Georgia, running November 21-24, 2024. As the PGA TOUR season winds down, this fan-favorite tournament showcases top-tier talent across two exceptional courses: the Seaside and Plantation courses.

A Tale of Two Courses

Seaside Course

Originally designed by Harry Colt and Charles Alison in 1929 and revamped by Tom Fazio in 1999, the Seaside Course is a par-70, 7,005-yard coastal gem. Known for its wide-open vistas and links-style play, it offers unique challenges with narrow fairways and heavy soil conditions.

Turfgrass Details:

• Greens: TifEagle bermudagrass, mown to .090”
• Fairways & Rough: Perennial ryegrass overseed, delivering vibrant color and consistent playability.

Plantation Course

Walter Travis’ original 1928 design was reimagined by Davis Love III in 2019. The Plantation Course is a par-72, 7,060-yard parkland-style layout. Its tighter fairways, lush surroundings, and 81 strategically placed bunkers create a formidable yet rewarding test for players.

Turfgrass Details:

• Greens: TifEagle bermudagrass
• Fairways: Platinum paspalum for its resilience and performance.
• Rough: TifTuf bermudagrass, optimized for durability.

The Team Behind the Green

Dylan Stafford, GCSAA, Director of Golf Course Maintenance, leads the charge with a decade of expertise at Sea Island. Backed by Ethan Jones, Dan Beckum, and a dedicated maintenance crew, the courses are prepared to shine on golf’s grand stage.

Key Course Insights

• Seaside Course: Average fairway width of 47 yards with 13 water hazards in play.
• Plantation Course: Average fairway width of 43 yards, featuring a new waste area on No. 13.
• Both courses rely on holding ponds for water and boast excellent drainage conditions to handle weather fluctuations.

A True Coastal Experience

Sea Island Resort isn’t just about world-class golf—it’s a destination for luxury and leisure. The RSM Classic perfectly blends the competitive spirit of the game with the serene beauty of Georgia’s coastline, offering an experience spectators and players alike won’t forget.

Stay tuned as the action unfolds, and follow @TheRSMClassic and @GCSAA for updates!

The World Wide Technology Championship is set to bring the world’s best golfers to El Cardonal at Diamante in Cabo San Lucas from November 7-10, 2024. Designed by Tiger Woods and maintained under the expert care of Kevin Welker, CGCS, the course promises both beauty and challenges on its 7,452-yard, par-72 layout. Welker, a 36-year GCSAA member, brings decades of experience from around the world to ensure the course is in perfect shape for this exciting event.

El Cardonal’s greens, fairways, and tees are lush with Platinum paspalum, a turf that thrives in the coastal climate and allows for beautifully consistent play. Greens are trimmed to a precise .090 inches, running a Stimpmeter speed of 11-12, ensuring tournament-grade roll. Collars, approaches, and tees are also maintained at specific heights to offer the perfect balance between playability and challenge.

Course enhancements include new bunker sand in all 48 bunkers, adding to the precision required of every shot. With wide fairways averaging 60 yards, players will have some breathing room, but the strategic layout and natural elements, such as Cabo’s sandy and clay loam soil, keep things interesting. El Cardonal spans an impressive 1,600 acres, featuring just one water hazard but abundant wildlife, from bobcats and deer to road runners and iguanas.

This championship highlights not just a beautifully maintained course but also an international spirit, with volunteers from across the globe coming to support. As Welker and his team continue to refine the course, anticipation builds for an unforgettable tournament in the heart of Cabo’s scenic landscape.

For more tournament details and ongoing coverage, follow @WWTChampionship, @DiamanteCabo, and @GCSAA on Twitter.

Full Tournament Fact Sheet:  CLICK HERE

The Shriners Children's Open returns to the stunning TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nev., from October 17-20, 2024. Known for its desert beauty and challenging layout, TPC Summerlin will once again host the world’s top golfers, all while supporting the noble cause of Shriners Children's. This year’s tournament promises to deliver a spectacular showcase of golf on a course meticulously prepared by Golf Course Maintenance Director Dale Hahn, CGCS, and his team.

About the Superintendent

Dale Hahn, a 35-year member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has been at TPC Summerlin for 22 years. With over three decades of experience, Hahn has been instrumental in maintaining the course’s reputation for excellence. His long-standing dedication to the game earned him a place in the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame in 2022, making him only the second superintendent to receive this honor.

Hahn’s team includes Assistant Superintendent Luke Headley, Assistant in Training Cruz Mortensen, and Equipment Manager Oscar Tejeda, among others. The crew of 32 employees will be supported by 8 tournament volunteers from across the country to ensure the course is in peak condition.

Course Details

TPC Summerlin, designed by Bobby Weed and consulted by Fuzzy Zoeller, spans 150 acres of pristine golf terrain. The par-71 layout stretches 7,255 yards, featuring large greens averaging 7,400 sq. ft. that are surfaced with Dominator bentgrass mown to .100 inches for tournament speed. The fairways are covered with Bandera bermudagrass at .425 inches, providing firm and fast playing conditions.

The course's rough consists of 419 bermudagrass cut to 2.25 inches, while the collars around the greens feature TifGrand bermudagrass at .225 inches. With 92 sand bunkers and four water hazards coming into play, the course presents a strategic challenge for golfers. Notably, TPC Summerlin is recognized as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its commitment to environmental sustainability, which includes removing turf areas to meet water restrictions mandated by the Las Vegas Valley Water District.

Additional Notes

• TPC Summerlin's elevation changes, desert terrain, and premium playing surfaces make it one of the most demanding courses on the PGA TOUR.
• The course was resurfaced in 2022, ensuring top-tier playing conditions for this year’s event.
• Hahn’s team continues to focus on sustainability by reducing turf areas and implementing water-saving measures without compromising the course's integrity.

As the Shriners Children’s Open approaches, the crew at TPC Summerlin is set to present a golf course that will challenge the best players while delivering exciting moments for fans. This event blends world-class golf with a meaningful cause, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Preparing the Grounds: Sanderson Farms Championship at The Country Club of Jackson

As the PGA TOUR rolls into Jackson, Mississippi, for the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship, the spotlight once again shines on The Country Club of Jackson. This historic venue, with its lush fairways and challenging greens, provides a picturesque setting for some of the world’s top golfers. Overseeing the immaculate conditions of this 27-hole property is Stanley Reedy, a certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) and GCSAA member with 45 years of experience. Reedy and his team have been preparing the course for what promises to be another thrilling tournament from October 3-6, 2024.

The championship course is a combination of the Dogwood and Azalea nines, offering a Par 72 layout stretching over 7,461 yards. October’s typically dry weather is expected to provide firm playing conditions, enhancing the strategic challenge of this beautiful Mississippi layout. Reedy’s team, which includes assistant superintendents Glenn Phillips, Dylan Boetler, Corey Garrison, and Griffin Rogers, along with equipment manager Brian Edwards, has been hard at work ensuring every blade of grass is in peak condition for the event.

Turfgrass Specifications:

• Greens: Champion bermudagrass, meticulously maintained at .110 inches, offering smooth and fast surfaces for players to negotiate.
• Tees: A mix of 419 Bermudagrass and Zeon zoysia, cut to .425 inches, providing firm and level surfaces for tee shots.
• Fairways: 419 Bermudagrass, maintained at .450 inches, offering a tight, consistent surface that rewards accuracy off the tee.
• Rough: A blend of 419 Bermudagrass and Zeon zoysia, grown to 2.5 inches, posing a formidable challenge to any player who strays from the fairways.

Course Statistics:

• Average Green Size: 6,200 square feet, requiring precision in approach shots.
• Total Property Acres: 250 acres, including 28 acres of fairways and 100 acres of rough.
• Bunkers and Hazards: The course features 56 sand bunkers and 7 water hazards, with water coming into play on 5 holes.
• Soil and Drainage: The course is sand-capped, which, along with its well water sources and strong drainage conditions, helps maintain firm and fast playing surfaces even under varying weather conditions.

The Country Club of Jackson is more than just a golf course—it’s steeped in history. Adjacent to the course lies Mule Jail, a camp named for its role in the Civil War, where locals hid horses and mules from Union soldiers. This rich history, combined with the modern-day thrill of the Sanderson Farms Championship, makes it a unique venue on the PGA TOUR calendar.

As the tournament approaches, Stanley Reedy and his team continue their preparations, ensuring that The Country Club of Jackson is ready to challenge the world's best golfers while providing a memorable experience for players, fans, and volunteers alike. The 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship is sure to be a highlight of the fall golf season.

Ohio GCSA Member, Don Lawrence and Advanced Turf Solutions are helping out the Carolinas and the Southeast.

We’ve all seen the impact Hurricane Helene has had on the Southeast, especially in North Carolina. Rescue crews are still unable to reach people in some areas, cell service and power are spotty, and supplies are desperately needed.

This storm has affected many lives, and we want to do everything we can to help.

The ATS warehouse in Winston-Salem has been set up as a drop-off center through the Carolinas GCSAA, which is working with local law enforcement agencies to coordinate volunteer efforts and supply runs. With 32 locations across the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the ATS team is joining forces to collect essential supplies like canned goods (with pop tops), bottled water, and toiletries. These supplies will be transferred to our Winston-Salem warehouse to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Time is of the essence. If you’re able to help donate items, please get in touch before the end of the day on Friday, as items will be transferred early next week to North Carolina. You can drop off your donation at any ATS location or call me, and I will come pick it up.

For any of you participating in the Wee One event Friday please feel free to bring your donations to the event and I will get them to a warehouse.

Thank you for your support as we help our neighbors in need.

Please feel free to forward this to family and friends.

Don Lawrence, Sales Representative telephone: 440.740.0303 | mobile: 419.408.0083 6780 Southpointe Parkway Brecksville, Ohio 44141 www.advancedturf.com

A Journey Through the Greens: Preparing Castle Pines for the 2024 BMW Championship

As the 2024 BMW Championship approaches, Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colorado, is gearing up to host the world's top golfers on a course renowned for its stunning elevation changes and strategic design. Nestled at an altitude of 6,400 feet, this Jack Nicklaus-designed course is a true test of skill, combining natural beauty with demanding play. Leading the charge in preparing the course is Scott Pavalko, a seasoned Director of Golf Course and Grounds with 21 years of experience as a GCSAA member.

Scott Pavalko’s team at Castle Pines includes superintendents Trevor Meints and Brandon Wollesen, senior assistant John Calendine, and a dedicated group of turf specialists, horticulturists, and maintenance professionals. Together, they are responsible for ensuring that the 210-acre course is in peak condition for the tournament. This year, the course has undergone extensive renovations, including new bunkers, rebuilt tees and greens, and enhanced water features—all carefully overseen to preserve the original Nicklaus design while meeting modern standards.

Turfgrass Specifications:

• Greens: T1 Bentgrass / Poa annua, maintained at a precise height of .100 inches for a fast and consistent roll, with a Stimpmeter reading of 13.
• Collars: T1 Bentgrass / Poa annua, cut to .225 inches.
• Approaches: Bentgrass / Poa annua, at a height of .375 inches, providing a seamless transition from fairway to green.
• Tees: Bentgrass / Poa annua, trimmed to .400 inches, offering a firm and uniform surface for tee shots.
• Fairways: A cool-season mix of Bentgrass, Poa annua, and perennial ryegrass, maintained at .400 inches for optimal playability.
• Rough: A challenging mix of Kentucky bluegrass, turf-type tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass, cut to a formidable height of over 4 inches.

Course Statistics:

• Total Yardage: The course will play at an imposing 8,130 yards, emphasizing the importance of distance and accuracy.
• Average Green Size: 5,600 square feet, requiring precision in approach shots.
• Fairway Width: Average landing areas are just 27 yards wide, putting a premium on accuracy.
• Sand Bunkers: 77 strategically placed bunkers that guard fairways and greens.
• Water Hazards: 10 water hazards come into play across the course, demanding careful shot planning.

The unique environmental conditions at Castle Pines also play a role in the course’s character. With rocky native soil and a water supply sourced from reclaimed water and wells, the turf management team faces the ongoing challenge of maintaining healthy, resilient playing surfaces. The course’s dramatic elevation changes, combined with its rugged terrain, make for a visually stunning but technically demanding layout.

Adding to the course's allure is its wildlife, including a herd of 250 elk, deer, bobcats, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species, such as bald eagles and hummingbirds. This natural backdrop enhances the experience for players and spectators alike, making the 2024 BMW Championship at Castle Pines an event not to be missed.

As the tournament dates approach, Pavalko and his team continue their meticulous preparations, ensuring that Castle Pines will provide a true test of golf that showcases both the skill of the players and the expertise of those who maintain the course. The 2024 BMW Championship promises to be a memorable event, where the beauty of nature meets the precision of world-class golf.

FULL TOURNAMENT FACT SHEET:  CLICK HERE

The FedEx St. Jude Championship Returns to TPC Southwind

The prestigious FedEx St. Jude Championship is set to take place at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, from August 15-18, 2024. This marks another exciting chapter in the history of this renowned tournament, as the world’s top golfers converge on this challenging and beautifully maintained course.

Meet the Superintendent: Nick Bisanz

Leading the charge in ensuring the course is in peak condition is Nick Bisanz, the Director of Golf Course Maintenance at TPC Southwind. With over 21 years as a GCSAA member and 13 years of experience as a superintendent, Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Having been involved in 19 professional tournaments, including 10 FedEx events, his experience is invaluable in preparing the course for this high-stakes championship.

Course Overview

Course Architect: Ron Prichard (1988)
Par: 35-35—70
Yardage: 7,243 yards
Average Green Size: 4,300 sq. ft.
Total Property Acres: 220
Fairways: 22 acres
Rough: 115 acres
Sand Bunkers: 75
Water Hazards: 11 (in play on 11 holes)
Soil Conditions: Clay
Water Sources: Storm runoff / well

Turfgrass Management

• Greens: Champion bermudagrass at .090”
• Collars and Approaches: Tifsport bermudagrass at .275”
• Tees: Meyer zoysiagrass at .275”
• Fairways: Zeon zoysiagrass at .375”
• Rough: 419 bermudagrass at 3”

Recent Enhancements and Course Conditions

TPC Southwind has undergone several recent improvements, including a fairway conversion from Meyer Zoysiagrass to Zeon Zoysiagrass. Looking ahead, green and tee complex renovations are scheduled to begin in November, which will involve mostly restorative work to maintain the current grade and slope with slight architectural changes.

Despite the challenges posed by fluctuating weather conditions—alternating between heat, rain, and dry spells—Nick and his team have ensured that the course remains in top shape. With average landing areas of 25 yards wide, the course offers both challenges and opportunities for the world’s best golfers.

A Dedicated Team

Nick Bisanz is supported by a dedicated team, including Senior Assistant Superintendent Eddie Chittom, Assistants Grady Nabors and Sane Seymour, Equipment Manager David Lopez, and PGA Professional Will Heirtzler. Together, they manage a crew of 25 employees and an equal number of tournament volunteers. Even the course's beloved dogs, Mille the border collie and Honey the yellow lab, play their part in keeping TPC Southwind a well-oiled machine.

Join the Action

As the first event of the FedExCup Playoffs, the FedEx St. Jude Championship promises to deliver thrilling competition on a meticulously prepared course. Stay tuned as the best golfers in the world vie for a chance to advance to the next round and ultimately claim the FedExCup trophy.

In a dramatic finish that will be talked about for years to come, Scottie Scheffler captured the gold medal at the 2024 Men's Olympic Golf competition.

The golfing world was treated to a rollercoaster of emotions as the final round unfolded at Le National in Paris. With Jon Rahm holding a commanding lead, it looked like the Spaniard was destined for gold. However, a stunning collapse on the back nine opened the door for a host of contenders, including Tommy Fleetwood and Hideki Matsuyama.

But it was Scheffler who stole the show. With a flawless back nine that included four consecutive birdies, the world number one charged up the leaderboard and into contention. His clutch birdie on the 17th hole put him in the driver's seat, and a tense wait followed as Fleetwood made a valiant effort to force a playoff.

Ultimately, Scheffler's incredible round proved too much to overcome, and he was crowned Olympic champion. His victory adds another chapter to his already legendary 2024 season, which includes multiple PGA Tour wins and a second Masters title.

This Olympic gold medal will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest achievements of Scheffler's career. His ability to perform under immense pressure and deliver when it mattered most is a testament to his incredible talent and mental fortitude.

Photo Credit:  The Sporting News

Welcome to the 2024 Olympics Golf Tournament at Le Golf National

As the world gathers in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, the spotlight shines brightly on Le Golf National, where the men's and women's golf competitions will take place. From August 1-4, the men will showcase their skills, followed by the women from August 8-11. This renowned course, designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert von Hagge, has been meticulously prepared under the expert care of Golf Course Superintendent Lucas Pierre and his dedicated team.

Meet the Superintendent: Lucas Pierre

Lucas Pierre has been an integral part of Le Golf National for the past eight years, serving as Superintendent for six of those years. With a strong background in turfgrass management from Ohio State University, Lucas has previously held positions as an assistant at Le Golf National and has a wealth of experience in hosting prestigious tournaments including the Ryder Cup, French Open, and World Amateur.

Course Overview

Course Architect: Hubert Chesneau and Robert von Hagge (1990), with renovations by European Golf Design (2015) Par: Men: 36-35—71 / Women: 36-36—72 Yardage: Men: 7,174 yards (6,557 meters) / Women: 6,374 yards (5,829 meters) Average Green Size: 6,458 to 8,611 sq. ft. (600 to 800 m²) Total Property Acres: 343 (139 hectares) Fairways: 24.7 acres (10 hectares) Rough: 86.4 acres (35 hectares) Sand Bunkers: 51 Water Hazards: 16 (in play on 10 holes)

Turfgrass Management

• Greens: Poa / creeping bentgrass at .118-197” (3.2-3.4 mm)
• Collars and Approaches: Ryegrass / fescue at .275-.315” (7-8 mm)
• Tees and Fairways: Ryegrass / fescue at .315-.394” (8-10 mm)
• Rough: Ryegrass / fescue at varying heights of 2.5" (63 mm), 3.3” (83 mm), and 4.7” (120 mm)

Course Highlights and Challenges

Le Golf National offers a mix of challenging features and stunning vistas. This year, the maintenance team has added new sand to almost every bunker and dealt with significant frost and temperature swings. The course, situated at nearly 6,000 feet, requires special care due to its unique climate and minimal summer rainfall, relying heavily on wetting agents. Moreover, the team is tackling issues with pocket gophers, voles, and moles.

Environmental Stewardship

Le Golf National prides itself on its commitment to environmental sustainability, holding a Geo certification silver award for biodiversity. The course maintenance team is transitioning to nearly full electric equipment, currently at 90%, reflecting their dedication to reducing their carbon footprint.

A Historical Venue

Le Golf National is not only a premier golfing venue but also steeped in history. The lefthand side of No. 14 features La Porte de Merantais, one of the original gates of Versailles castle land. The course's construction was an impressive feat, involving 300 trucks per day of materials from downtown Paris for three years to add elevation to the flat farmland.

Join us in celebrating this grand event, where the world's top golfers will compete for Olympic glory on one of the finest courses in the world. Stay tuned for an unforgettable week of exceptional golf in the heart of France!

Peeling Back the Turf: Barracuda Championship at Tahoe Mountain Club

This week we have the Barracuda Championship at Tahoe Mountain Club, a premier event on the PGA TOUR taking place from July 18-21, 2024, in the stunning setting of Truckee, California. This year's tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of top-tier golf, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hosted at the renowned Old Greenwood course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, the championship will feature a challenging layout and pristine conditions meticulously maintained by the dedicated team led by Director of Agronomy, Joe Valente. Get ready for an exciting week of golf at one of the tour's most picturesque and demanding venues!

Meet the Director of Agronomy

Joe Valente, GCSAA

• Years as GCSAA Member: 10
• Years at Tahoe Mountain Club: 13 (2 as director)
• Years as a Superintendent: 6
• Previous Courses: The Golf Club at Gray’s Crossing
• Hometown: Franklin, Massachusetts
• Education: St. Joseph’s of Maine / UMass Amherst

Course Details

• Par: 71 (35-36)
• Yardage: 7,480
• Stimpmeter: 11
• Average Green Size: 5,300 sq. ft.
• Acres of Fairway: 32
• Acres of Rough: 55
• Number of Sand Bunkers: 95
• Number of Water Hazards: 6
• Soil Conditions: Native mountain soils, rocky
• Water Sources: Well, aquifer
• Drainage Conditions: Good

Key Personnel

• Assistant Superintendent (Old Greenwood): Brad Luttrell
• Superintendent (Gray’s Crossing): Dave Martin
• Assistant Superintendent (Gray’s Crossing): Colin Lee
• Head Mechanic: Eli Fraser
• Director of Golf: Travis Alley
• Number of Employees: 17
• Number of Tournament Volunteers: 26
• Golf Course Dog: Louis, 5-year-old Vizsla

Turfgrass

• Greens: Bentgrass / Poa annua (.100”)
• Collars: Bentgrass / Poa annua (.350”)
• Approaches: Bentgrass / Poa annua (.350”)
• Tees: Bentgrass / Poa annua (.360”)
• Fairways: Bentgrass / Poa annua (.360”)
• Rough: Bluegrass (2.5”)

Course Architect

• Architect: Jack Nicklaus (2004)

Social Media

• Superintendent: @JoeValente12
• Tournament: @CudaChamp
• GCSAA: @GCSAA

Additional Notes

• Bunker Renovations: New sand has been added to almost every bunker.
• Ice Removal: Ice was removed from greens twice this year, just before Christmas and on February 1.
• Elevation: The course is just below 6,000 feet; frost can occur every month of the summer, and temperature swings of 50 degrees are common.
• Rainfall: The course receives little to no rain in the summers; wetting agents are essential.
• Wildlife Challenges: Pocket gophers, voles, and moles are significant problems.
• Maintenance: In 2020, banks on water edges on holes 10, 11, 14, and 15 were shaved to primary cut.

FULL TOURNAMENT FACT SHEET:  CLICK HERE