Getting Buy-In from Members

by Betsy Gilliland (editor@clubandresortbusiness.com)
September 2008
 

While Tree removal has become a more accepted practice at golf course properties (and been endorsed by the United States Golf Association and the Professional Golfers Association), there will always be some initial resistance to the idea of taking down long-standing oaks and elms. Superintendents who have been there and done it offer a number of tips for helping to bring reluctant members on board:
• Use computer models and time-lapsed photography to simulate results.
• Take before-and-after photographs.
• Do your research, and have documentation of the benefits of tree removal available.
• Use a scientific approach, to take the emotion out of the process.
• Take members to other properties that have removed trees.
• Make sure golfers know which green is the best-looking one on the course. Most likely, that green will not be surrounded by trees.