Not so long ago, green speeds were described in general terms: fast, medium or slow. Then a 40-year-old invention was dusted off, made a few modifications and the concept was introduced to the golf world, forever changing how greens are measured. And maintained.
These days, the speed and consistency of a course’s greens go a long way in determining golfers’ opinions about the facility. In other words, a set of greens that are uniform in speed and smoothness gives a course a leg up on competitors. If you don’t use a Speed Meter like Bayco’s – or if yours is bent, dented or otherwise damaged and inaccurate – then your greens could be hurting sales.
Our Bayco Speed Meter is built to industry specifications (36 inches and V-grooved, with a precisely placed ball-release notch, milled aluminum surface and tapered end), so it’s deadly accurate and highly durable. Few items this simple – or affordable – can match the Bayco Speed Meter’s impact on a course’s conditions, budget or bottom line.
OK, back to the story. During the 1976 U.S. Open at Atlanta Athletic Club, pin placements were being settled with USGA Executive Director P.J. Boatwright. “The greens are slower than last year,” Boatwright said.
“How fast were they last year?” He was asked.
“Faster than this year,” said Boatwright, leading to a device that’s as familiar to golf superintendents as a driver or wedge is to a golfer.
Are your greens slow, medium or fast, or do they roll at 7, 9 or 11? That’s need-to-know information, and Bayco’s Speed Meter can provide it with precision.