So You Want to Play Championship Conditions?
August 13, 2014
Jim Lee (British Columbia Golf)
We all love what we see on television, especially a course like Augusta. But it is important for golfers to realize that for most championship events, a year or more of preparation has been devoted solely for that one week in a given year. The playing and, more importantly, the maintaining of championship conditions is much more difficult than it looks. It is hard on a course's wallet, and it can be even harder on golfers' egos!
Golf courses everywhere are facing decreasing expense budgets and increased scrutiny of pesticide use and water management. Superintendents and course officials are obligated to work within the variable parameters of nature and increased legislation. Golf associations and courses need to help golfers understand the amazing commitment of time and resources it takes to provide championship conditions. Numerous factors need to be considered before a course even starts down the "championship conditions" road.
The following is an article from the October 2010 issue of the USGA Green Section newsletter, and it remains relevant today. This article explains why conditions required and achieved for championship events are unattainable on a long-term basis for any golf facility and may not be in the best interests of many.