L.C. Lacy never figured his love of golf would turn into a second career, much less one that involved environmental science. LACY began to help oversee the country club course on the west edge of Gas when he retired 14 years ago as a clothing salesman. THE GOLF Course Association raises money annually to ensure the long-term viability of golf courses across the state.
“That’s about what it’s come down to: education,” said Lacy, elected recently to become the 2014 president of the Kansas Golf Course Superintendents Association, a group of more than 180 superintendents and assistant superintendents statewide geared to promote the enjoyment of golf through course management practices.
“A lot of what we deal with is education,” said Lacy, golf course superintendent at Allen County Country Club. “Like anything, caring for a golf course has become a lot more technical.”
Lacy and the KGCSA works closely with professors at Kansas State University’s turf management program to provide safer and more environmentally friendly ways to maintain a golf course.
As he immersed himself in the world of horticulture and plant pathology, Lacy frequently found himself calling other, more experienced superintendents or KSU researchers.
“They’re good about identifying plant diseases,” he said.
“I never thought it’d be like this,” he said. “It used to be I always had the questions. Now, it’s come full circle, and I’m the one people are asking.”
He’s learned more than he ever imagined about proper groundskeeping practices.
Lacy has learned a thing or three about keeping the course well hydrated — much through science.
Gone are the days when Lacy would simply feel the surface of a green to determine how much water should be applied, if any.
“Now, we use moisture monitors. We don’t necessarily do it this time of year, but we’ll go out at least three times a week to check moisture. And lot of it’s still common sense.”
The monitors confirmed a sneaking suspicion of Lacy’s: He and other course superintendents frequently were guilty of over-watering their courses.
The moisture monitors allowed him to cut back on the watering without sacrificing the health of the course.
“That’s about 20 percent less water than we used to use,” or 2 million gallons annually, Lacy said.
The group funds four scholarships a year for students to attend KSU’s turf science program.
An annual golf tournament and other fundraisers help pay for scholarships and further research.
Lacy was elected the KSGSA’s secretary and treasurer two years ago, then moved to vice president this year. After his term is over as president, he will shift to an advisory council.
Lacy tapped to lead golf course superintendents
