Research Paper topic "Golf Course Turf Management" opinions....

[GordonRamsay]

I've got a paper due for a grad level Environmental Pollution class.  While I have till the end of the year to research and turn it in....for those that work at courses or know people who are in the industry....

are they generally forthcoming in what they do/use to keep their courses in tip top shape.

I'm not looking to do an expose on bad course management, but more of a paper on how the industry works.   Should I approach course superintendents or will they show me the door(trade secrets??)

[dkolo]

I've got a paper due for a grad level Environmental Pollution class.  While I have till the end of the year to research and turn it in....for those that work at courses or know people who are in the industry.... are they generally forthcoming in what they do/use to keep their courses in tip top shape. I'm not looking to do an expose on bad course management, but more of a paper on how the industry works.   Should I approach course superintendents or will they show me the door(trade secrets??)

I doubt the greenskeeper at a local muni would be very secretive. The guy at Augusta might be. I'd give it a shot; worst they can say is "no" and you're back where you started. I'd try framing it in a way that gives the guy an opportunity to show off, vent about bad stuff he's seeing, or to demonstrate his skill and importance. People love doing that.

[SavvySwede]

I've got a paper due for a grad level Environmental Pollution class.  While I have till the end of the year to research and turn it in....for those that work at courses or know people who are in the industry....

are they generally forthcoming in what they do/use to keep their courses in tip top shape.

I'm not looking to do an expose on bad course management, but more of a paper on how the industry works.   Should I approach course superintendents or will they show me the door(trade secrets??)

Just ask/call them. Only way to really know. My guess would be no just because they're generally pretty busy, work long hours, and might not want to spend any time entertaining a stranger.

[Hardspoon]

are they generally forthcoming in what they do/use to keep their courses in tip top shape.

I don't specifically know any course superintendents, but I am a professor in a college program that often requires students to contact building managers and superintendents as part of their projects.

What I tell my students is that it is all about your approach.  If you call someone and take the attitude that they "owe it to you" to help you, they're going to sense it and blow you off.

If you let them know that you understand their time is valuable, and that you would really appreciate anything they can offer (ie, just be generally gracious about it), I think you'll find that they'd be willing to help.

My advice: try to do it in person, rather than on the phone.  Offer to take them out to lunch (doesn't have to be anywhere expensive - just a local diner) if they would take the hour to talk to you.

And - duh - follow-up afterwards with a "thank you" e-mail showing your appreciation.

Hope this is helpful.