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Murfreesboro commission reviews fairway painting, tee markers, cart equipment and hazard marking
Summary
Commission members and staff reviewed recent course maintenance and upgrades including fairway painting using Endurance paint, new yardage markers, plans for sand bottles and walking carts, back-tee repairs and refreshed hazard marking.
Murfreesboro Golf Commission members heard an update on course maintenance and recent improvements, including the painting of fairways with turf paint, installation of new yardage markers, plans to return sand bottles and the prospect of new walking carts.
Course staff said painting the fairways — using a turf-specific product called Endurance — was tested over several weeks this winter because application works better when the ground is wet or frosty. Staff estimated the appropriate amount of paint would cost “about $10,000 to $11,000” if done to recommended rates and noted paint is roughly comparable in cost to overseeding with ryegrass but avoids overseeding’s draw-backs when grass comes out of dormancy.
Commission discussion covered playability and player response. One commissioner said the painting “gives the course a big improvement” visually, while staff noted some players reported better winter playability and more chose to walk. Commissioners and staff discussed returning to sand bottles next winter and adding sand holders to any new fleet of walking carts to encourage players to carry sand for bunkers.
The commission also approved replacement and installation of round yardage markers across the course and additional markers on holes 4 and 7 that show the distance to the 150-yard marker. Staff reported the back tee on No. 7 had been washed away during renovations and that dirt is in place with grass expected possibly by midsummer; that tee’s return to play will push the black (back) course yardage to just over 7,200 yards once rated and included on a new scorecard.
Members raised the need to clarify hazard and out-of-bounds marking before upcoming events. Staff described a mix of 4x4 posts, red stakes and painted white lines that are being used to identify hazards and out-of-bounds; commissioners asked staff to refresh sight lines and reinstall stakes where needed, and one commissioner volunteered to help remark stakes and sight lines ahead of tournament play.
Commissioners agreed to monitor the effects of these maintenance changes on play and appearance and to report back at the next meeting.
