For many, the Masters represents the start of a golf season - when visions of breaking 90 for the very first time are more reality than merely a dream. 

But, to a Golf Course Superintendent in the northeast, it’s the curse of Augusta!

This year we are lucky that spring snuck in a little early and gave us a head start.  And the course, in what is barely spring, is in great shape.  But, when the average golfer spends 10-12 hours watching Phil read a 75 foot putt that breaks three times before ending in the cup, suddenly golfers everywhere visualize their putts the same. Lost on those same golfers is the fact that our public golf course needs to be maintained for the vast majority of golfers and greens speeds in the 14 range will cause a course like Richter to average 7+ hour rounds!



Golf courses are meant to be extensions of the natural surroundings - friendly to wildlife and a benefit to the environment. Golfers must learn to accept less than perfect conditions - a brown spot here and there and bunkers that have been played in - as a normal part of the game. My favorite time of year is British Open when the course “is what it is” and the focus is skill and not on a perfectly maintain course that is simply not attainable for 99.5% of the courses in the country.



As you watch the Masters, embrace the fact it is one of sports greatest events and one to not be missed. Also realize that achieving Augusta conditions at Richter Park is not possible, especially in early April. We have a gem in Danbury that while not perfect is one of the best in the state, the northeast and in the country!