Fast greens

[jonf]

Overall, the quality of the greens in the region is a function of the type of golfer we have in this region. There are lots of courses, many of which do have lower standards than in a city like Victoria where there are 6 courses, and they are open year round. The vast majority of the golfers in Ottawa are weekend golfers. People who don't have massive incomes, but like to pay 40 bucks every couple of weeks to get out with some friend. There's not a whole lot of big money golfers, and those individuals mostly have memberships at private courses. Ottawa is a high volume golf market, that is focussed on affordability. As soon as you start putting the time and money into maintenance that is required to get greens in the condition that you desire, you lose the affordability. Courses need to be able to stay within the 40-50 dollar range in order to stay in business. You can't do that and have US Open quality greens.

[Tbone]

Faster greens mean a much larger cost to the golfer.Also means more topdressing,aerating,more pesticides less tee times sold due to extra mowing as well as maintenace on the mower specailly designed to mow shorter and more staff to pay to do the extra mowing as well as rolling.At St. Georges in Toronto they have the nicest fastest greens in Canada.It costs 65,000 dollars to join,and about 7 to 10 thou in yearly dues.They have a 10 year waiting list.I doubt that there would be many people in Ottawa willing to pay that.So how does anyone expect a 40 or 50 dollar course in the valley to compete with that? They do the best they can.

[mikelaurin]

We pay $565 at Morrisburg our greens are as fast as eagle creek if not faster, as for equipment its ancient at least 10 to 15 years old

[Kiwi]

All I ask for is consistency. If the first green runs at 10 then they should all be close. I can learn the speed of the greens by the mid way point if they are even.

[lms]

We pay $565 at Morrisburg our greens are as fast as eagle creek if not faster, as for equipment its ancient at least 10 to 15 years old

Maybe your greens are good, but your $565 is because that is all it costs the owners to maintain a small, plain, 9 hole course located out in the sticks.

(Sorry Lance ).

[Johnyc]

We pay $565 at Morrisburg our greens are as fast as eagle creek if not faster, as for equipment its ancient at least 10 to 15 years old

That might be debatable. As for Morrisburg, it would appear as though all time is invested in the greens and no time is spent mowing the rough or fairway.

Finally, I have played Upper Canada twice this year and the greens are not that fast. If you thought Morrisburg or Upper Canada are quick, I would caution you not to try either Carleton or Rideau View!