GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS OFFER OPINIONS ON ISSUES RANGING FROM
JACK VS. TIGER TO COURSE CONDITION TO HOME LAWN CARE

When it comes the Jack vs. Tiger debate, golf course superintendent have their opinions. According to a 2003 survey of superintendents conducted by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), 59 percent contend Jack Nicklaus faced tougher competition during his career while 41 percent believe Tiger Woods has the greater challenge. But that does not necessarily mean superintendents think Nicklaus would win a head-to-head match up with Woods conducted when both men were in their prime. In fact, in GCSAA's 2002 survey, 47 percent thought Woods would win such a competition, compared with 41 percent for Nicklaus, with another 12 percent unable to discern a winner.

In terms of capital expenditures for the 2003 calendar year, superintendents are largely focused on buying new equipment, as 45 percent said this is the area where most capital expenditures would occur. Upgrading irrigation systems was next at 15 percent, followed closely by the reconstruction of greens, tees and bunkers at 14 percent.

As the calendar turned to fall, superintendents and homeowners alike turned their attention to their grass and renovation activities. So what do superintendents think are the most important actions to consider in lawn care? Using a scale of one (most important) to six (Least important), proper watering was the top choice, with 66 percent listing it first or second. Other activities with a top-two ranking were proper grass selection (55 percent), maintaining proper mowing height (51 percent) and a proper fertilization program (41 percent).

Superintendents find the Internet an important tool for their profession as 99 percent are wired for cyberspace access, including 77 percent that have the capability at both work and home. Almost all those surveyed say they use the Internet for e-mail communication (98 percent), to collect industry information (96 percent), to gather general information (95 percent) and for commercial product research (87 percent). As for the actual purchase decision, 34 percent use the Internet for that purpose.

The complete set of results is accessible at www.gcsaa.org/ pr/results03.asp.