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John Reitman

By John Reitman

Top 10 stories of 2017

The TurfNet community was saddened in November with the passing of Jerry Coldiron.

 

From the loss of an old friend to recovery efforts after a devastating flood at the site, a lot happened in 2017.

 

We've compiled a list of the 10 most-viewed stories on TurfNet in 2017. Click each headline to read the full text of each story.

 

1. Turf community shocked by loss of Jerry Coldiron

The TurfNet community and the turfgrass world at large were shocked Thanksgiving morning to learn of the death of Jerry Coldiron, Jr., CGCS, of cardiac arrest the previous evening, November 21.

 

2. They don't get it - and they never will

This year's Solheim Cup (shown on cover photo) highlighted much of what is good about golf. The event also shed light on some of the things that are wrong with golf, like the fact that those who don't live every day in the turf world have no idea what takes place behind the scenes to ensure such an event goes off smoothly.

 

3. Assistant goes south for the winter to further career

This has been anything but a typical winter for Brian Conlon. An assistant at Miacomet Golf Club on Nantucket Island, Conlon kept busy helping manage the golf course at one of Mexico's most posh resorts that is a retreat for wealthy business people and Hollywood celebrities.

 

4. Penn State grad launches start-up to give new use to an old invention

A product initially developed to control nutrients runoff on Florida farmland could help golf course superintendents use less water and fertilizer. And a business-friendly climate at a major university has helped bring it to market.

 

5. Research pokes holes in golfer perception of putting green trueness

It wasn't intentional, but recent research on putting green trueness might have pulled the rug out from underneath every golfer irritated by greens aerification. Researchers at Delaware Valley University have shown that recently aerified greens really don't affect  putting green trueness.

 

6. Cal superintendent says economics dictate adopting new technology

Life as an early adopter of new technology often means walking a fine line between being a cutting-edge turf manager and someone perceived as a someone who just likes the latest gadgets.

 

7. Aussie bunker method provides consistent conditions, saves on labor

An alternative method to bunker maintenance utilized during the 2011 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne in Australia minimizes the time workers spend hand raking by devoting attention only to disturbed areas, allowing superintendents to devote resources where they are needed most.

 

In 2017, Chad Mark landed his dream job at Jack Nicklaus' Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

 

8. Muirfield hits its Mark

As a student at Ohio State and during the early stages of his career, Chad Mark always viewed Muirfield Village Golf Club as his dream job, but he never for a second entertained the idea that he might one day land a job there.

 

9. Laurent has worn many hats through the years

Fifty years after he started in the golf business as a teenager mowing greens in Indiana, Terry Laurent's career highlight didn't come while preparing for a major championship. It came while playing in one.

 

10. A career-defining moment

When deadly floodwaters washed out the Old White course at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia and the PGA Tour event that was to be played there, Josh Pope played a key role in leading a revival of the 100-year-old layout and the tournament.






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