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The "King of Speed"

We posed some questions to Mike Morris, CGCS at Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort, Michigan. Mike has been busy lately examining the role that greenspeed plays in golf course management but he took a little time out to answers some questions for us.

Along with Thom Nikolai, Ph.D., at Michigan State University, Mike has been busy sharing his knowledge with superintendents around the world on the complicated subject of greenspeed, as well as being superintendent at one of the U.S. Top 100 golf courses. Mike and Thom are revolutionizing the practice of greenspeed by helping superintendents communicate greenspeed issues with golfers, and making greenspeed more consistent and practical. A few years ago, Mike discovered the Express Dual and Anglemaster system and has not looked back since. During a recent GCSAA "Lunch & Learn" webcast, Mike explained that adjusting and sharpening his mowers with Express Dual and Anglemaster had the biggest impact on his greenspeed consistency and playability - high praise indeed!

We asked Mike for his views and opinions on a range of topics...


  1. What made you pick "Superintendent" as a career choice?
    I've worked on golf courses every season since I was 14 years old. I love being outdoors in a beautiful setting, experiencing the fruits of my labor. I can't imagine a better job that allows you to work with plants, people, machines, and money.
  2. Best moment in the profession?
    Aside form the moments of quiet early in the day or late in the evenings on the golf course, I would have to say that hosting the USGA Senior Amateur in 1991 was a real high point.
  3. Funniest and/or ridiculous comment from a golfer/member?
    Although this occurs less frequently these days with golfers becoming more educated about what green keepers do... I recall hand-watering greens and having concerned golfers ask me, "What are you spraying on the greens?" as I held one end of a hose that was attached at the other end to a valve near a sprinkler.
  4. Favorite make of reel grinder?
    If I didn't say Bernhard & Co's Express Dual, and I have no reason not to, my mechanic and assistant would smack me.
  5. US Open or The Open?
    The British Open is always intriguing to me. I love to see something different than typical American Golf - tricked up to protect par.
  6. Easier to remember - Dual Express or Express Dual?
    Uh... Express Dual. Right?
  7. Tiger or Jack?
    Tiger.
  8. Walker, Ryder or Presidents Cup?
    I don't get too excited about any of them.
  9. UGSA spec, California spec or push-up greens?
    ...it all depends on what goes into the mix and how they're maintained. I've seen good (and bad) results with all methods of construction, but if I were builing a new course I would look closely at the "California" method.
  10. Favorite make of bedknife grinder?
    The Bernhard & Co. Anglemaster is an excellent Bedknife Grinder - better than anything we've ever used.
  11. Monty Python or Saturday Night Live?
    That's a tough one, we own DVD's of both, but I'll have to go with SNL. They have had some of the greatest, most successful talent - Murphy, Belushi, Farley, Meyers, Murray...
  12. Hamburger or Fish & Chips?
    Unless it is fresh water salmon my mechanic caught and cooked for our staff - there's nothing better than a good hamburger off the grill in the back yard.

 

Stay tuned to the next newsletter for tips and tricks on greenspeed from the "King of Speed".