Fine Dining

During the second term at Penn State, students are expected to participate in an etiquette course. This course, instructed by Rick Capozzi, is intended to educate students on the proper way to present themselves when entering a professional environment. As part of the requirements of the class we were required to attend a luncheon to execute what we had learned in the previous six weeks.

Prior to the event, Mr. Capozzi let it be known that in business situations first impressions and appearance can say a lot about your character. This was enforced by both Mr. Capozzi and Dr. Kaminski. With check list in hand, the two of them analyzed each student head to toe, from self grooming all the way to polished shoes and everything in between. Everyone in attendance seemed to have done a fine job adhereing to the expectations of the proper dress etiquette. Networking and mingling has been an emphasis in the course as it is a valuable tool in the golf industry. There were guests in attendance not enrolled in the two year certificate program that we were expected to introduce ourselves and carry a conversation. Part of our grade was to mingle with at least three of these guests and have them sign a card. Those of us coming through the check point last left little time to accomplish this, but I think all were successful.

Now came the part everyone was looking forward to, enjoying a meal outside of the campus dining halls. During the meal Mr. Capozzi reviewed topics covered throughout the semester while Dr. Kaminski roamed the dining room critiquing student etiquette. Everything was covered from dining etiquette and manners to appropriate conversation and body language. As the host, Mr. Capozzi involved the student diners with questions and included some small role playing within each table as well. Sitting at a table of fellow students, it was sometimes easy to forget the expectations of our manners and behavior. Subtle reminders would be passed around the table to remind whom ever was straying away from the appropriate etiquette for the situation.

The overall attitude of the luncheon was positive as students exited the dining room. It is one thing to sit in a classroom discussing etiquette and another to actually act out on what we had learned in the classroom. This was a lesson that will provide us with valuable tools to maintain our professional image as well as improving our general appearance in life. Mr. Capozzi's interest and passion in educating students on the subject of etiquette made the luncheon both educational and enjoyable.

Fine Fescues Place In Golf

Fine fescues have many desirable characteristics, most importantly their tolerance to shade and drought conditions. Being drought tolerant it is assumed that a fescue fairway could be drier, thus creating a playing surface that is more firm than a bentgrass fairway. It seems fescues would benefit both the superintendent with cutting down irrigation and the golfer with some added distance.

From a management perspective fine fescues need a well drained soil.
With the compaction from everyday play and cart traffic this can be difficult. This wet soil will create an environment for annual bluegrass or even creeping bentgrass to infiltrate and ward off the fescues. With the proper cultivation practices the compaction can be prevented. Restricting cart traffic to cart paths only is another option that would reduce compaction greatly.

Across the Atlantic in Great Britain fine fescues are common on fairways as well as greens. There are fescues that can be cut to recommended low of 1 inch in height. This may be a little high for the preferred fairway height but is playable none the less. The influence of greens committees and golfers may be too strong in the United States where lush green conditions are expected. Sustaining a fescue fairway with dry conditions may not be the aesthetic look that American golfers are looking for. With people becoming more environmentally conscious, the future is leading to more strict regulations on chemical applications for golf courses. Golfers are one day going to realize that sacrificing the look of the lush green turf does not mean sacrificing the quality of play.

Social Networking, Not Just a Fad

Being new to the social networking scene, I spent some time exploring other blogs of turf professionals. One that happened to catch my attention is titled, "The Ridge at Castle Pines North - Agronomy," written by David J. Soltvedt, CGCS. Much like myself, it seems Mr. Soltvedt has recently discovered that social media isn't a fad but has evolved into an everyday means of communication.


His blog aims to include everyone from the occasional golfer to other golf course superintendents. This includes tips for golfers on fixing ball marks and replacing divots just to remind golfers of the etiquette that is required when playing the game. Mr. Soltvedt also posts blogs going out to neighboring residents of the course to keep their eyes peeled for people out disturbing the course.


Mr. Solvedt posts some of his cultural practices and lays it down for not only the turf professional to understand but the curious golfer as well. I found it especially interesting to read how he and his staff gear up for the Colorado winters. His blogs are informative yet short, keeping the readers attention using photos to give a visual of what exactly his message is.


Mr. Solvedt's blog is geared to educate golfers and professionals in the importance of agronomy on the golf course. He offers up his personal
e- mail to those with questions about golf course maintenance practices. I will go back to check on his posts frequently as Mr. Solvedt seems very passionate and sincere about his place in the industry.

Get To Know Your Local Turf Orginizations

In 1982 the Wisconsin Sod Farmers Association led a group into the development of an organization that could serve turf related professionals with insight and education into the turf industry. This organization would go on to be known as the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association (WTA).

The WTA is a non profit organization that provides industry professionals with information and knowledge from UW-Madison College of Agricultural Life Sciences. The research conducted takes place at the OJ Noer Turfgrass Research and Education facility which was built in 1992. The funds for the construction of the facility were raised by the WTA and UW Foundation. It is here that researchers explore everything from mowing practices to pest control and even take calls from homeowners looking for the answers to turf related questions.

The mission of the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association is to support turfgrass research and education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This includes funding of programs in turfgrass management and allied disciplines that enhance the understanding and general knowledge of the art and science of maintaining turfgrass. That is the mission as stated by the organization itself.

With an estimated 300,000 acres in Wisconsin, turfgrass has become the fifth largest crop in the state. WTA has done an excellent job at promoting the green industry by funding functions such as the Educational Programs Turfgrass Field Day and WI Turfgrass and Greenscape Expo. These events provide turfgrass professionals the opportunity to become students again and learn the most recent research and latest breakthroughs in the industry.

Whether your in the turf industry or just have self pride in maintaining your homelawn, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association.