June 10, 2011 |
The 30-yard markers that have been in use at RCSC’s golf courses to assist with enforcing the 30-yard rule are being removed because of excessive wear and tear on the turf around the marker areas. Golf course maintenance staff moves these markers daily to adjust cart traffic patterns, but golfers continually have moved the markers back to their original spot. Recently, on one hole, maintenance staff moved the marker four times in one day after finding that it had moved back each time. Because golfers are continually moving the markers back to the 3- yard mark, turf in the markers’ area is deteriorating and to avoid further wear, the markers will be removed.
Although the 30-yard markers will be removed, that does not mean the 30-yard rule is going away. Even in the absence of markers, golfers are still expected to abide by the rule that requires them to keep golf carts 30 yards from the green and use the cart path for areas around the green. The purpose of the 30-yard rule is to avoid the type of wear and tear on the turf that we are unfortunately experiencing presently. The pressure and weight of carts put excessive wear and tear on the turf on and around the green.