We are now in the heart of USGA championship season. At this time of year, our agronomists help prepare courses for USGA championships around the country. It has been well documented that championship preparation and what you see on TV could not be farther from what you should expect at your local golf course. The key differences are substantial investments in time and resources to prepare for these championships. But the difference between good and great championship preparation, that is in the details.

I was lucky enough to work as a championship agronomist at the 2023 U.S. Senior Open at SentryWorld in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. On top of the great people and weather, I was blown away by superintendent Matt Smith and his team’s attention to detail. While SentryWorld may be famous for its “Flower Hole” the entire golf course was flawless for the championship, and the precision and execution of hand watering and course setup were next level.

Ample time and resources were allocated to meet expectations as SentryWorld was closed for nine months leading up to the championship. The club and staff gave their time and energy to provide the best possible championship conditions for the best players in the world. Even with plenty of time and money, the people and the details matter most. The extra wipe down of a bench or using a towel when painting hole locations can really matter. Detail work is often about giving extra energy and thoughtful consideration to the golfer experience.