Augusta National installs artificial turf to save on mowing costs
(SP) – Augusta National Golf Club completed the installation of artificial turf throughout the 18-hole, 7,435-yard course today just in time for the start of this year’s The Masters. Augusta officials believe the synthetic surface will save more than $3.2 million in maintenance costs each year.
« Not only will our new FieldTurf surface save money, but the bright green fake grass and white and pink plastic azaleas will really pop on TV, » said Augusta President Billy Payne.
Payne admitted there was initial backlash from some Augusta members about installing artificial turf, but ultimately they agreed the change was for the best.
« Do you have any idea how many chemicals are spread over a golf course? » Payne said. “Anyone who thinks golf courses are unspoiled is living in a dream world. Our new course doesn’t use a single chemical—well, except for the thousands of gallons of oil used to produce the grass.”
This year’s Masters will also feature new artificial sounds.
« The problem with birds is that they don’t always chirp or stay quiet when you want them to, » Payne said. « So now we’ll be channeling soothing bird noises throughout the course, as well as some delicate piano music. »
Payne also announced another change to this year’s tournament developed in conjunction with CBS.
« Jim Nantz will be replaced by a human-like robot, » the president said. « I don’t think viewers will notice much of a difference. »
