Keepers of the Green: A History of Golf Course Management

 

This book looks at the formation and rise of the greenkeeping profession. Titled ‘Keepers of the Green: A History of Golf Course Management’ this 260-plus page hardback book relays the fascinating history of golf course management right from its earliest incarnation through to its modern day position in the amenity horticulture industry.

Here is how the authors describe their offering: “Keepers of the Green is the story of unsung heroes who have struggled against great odds to sculpt hostile land into natural preserves with streams, ponds trees and grass. Strong characters who bonded together and created a new profession and a professional organisation.

“But it is not only the story of the people in the profession but of the profession itself. Learn how the art of greenkeeping has advanced from the single-horse mower to hydraulically operated reels and from the water wagon to computer operated sprinkler systems. This is the story of the men and women who started growing grass and ended up growing a profession, and the tremendous contribution they have made to the world we live and play in.”

Produced in conjunction with the GCSAA, the book is co-authored by Bob Labbance and Gordon Witteveen. Labbance is the editor-in-chief of a number of US golf publications, including Turf magazine, while Witteveen was the superintendent at the Board of Trade Country Club for 27 years and was one of the founders of the Canadian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association.

While the book predominantly focuses on the history of golf course management in America, it nonetheless makes for a fascinating read and is a must for the greenkeeping purist who has an interest in the history of their profession. With a bronze statue of Old Tom Morris adorning the front cover, the foreword comes from another legendary figure, golfing great Arnold Palmer. Here is just a snippet of that foreword:

“I have the utmost admiration for the men and women who maintain and manage the grounds which millions derive such great pleasure. The task of providing fair, challenging and consistent conditions against the obstacles presented by Mother Nature and human nature is great. We as golfers owe our gratitude to these professionals who have pushed themselves to higher standards of education, training and performance that have resulted in making golf a more enjoyable game.”