Golf Course Maintenance and the ADA Maintaining a course for golfers with disabilities.

BY PATRISK J. GROSS

~olfers come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities, or disabilities, as the case may be, and they have at least one thing in common - they are all golfers. It is estimated that 4 to 5 million disabled Americans either play golf or are interested in learning the game. Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, many barriers have been removed to allow people with disabilities to access public buildings, transportation, and recreational activities, including golf Many of the provisions of the ADA have already been adopted and are commonplace in the United States. Although the compliance requirements for buildings and other public areas are straightforward, it has taken several years to develop workable standards for various recrea- tional facilities such as golf courses, and still there are issues to be resolved. Since the law was passed, course owners, professional staff, and superintendents have been apprehensive about how to implement some of the proposed standards. Will they be required to remodel the course? How much will it cost to make the necessary changes? Will they be forced to let wheelchairs and other types of mobility devices across greens and potentially cause damage? Will disabled golfers slow the pace of play? The perceived problems and adjustments are not as overwhelming as they may seem. Addressing a few key areas can make your course more playable and enjoyable for all golfers.

ELEMENTS OF THE ADA THAT PERTAIN TO GOLF COURSES The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) address buildings, golf courses, and other

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990, some superintendents and course owners have been apprehensive about how to implement the proposed standards. The perceived problems and adjustments are not as over- whelming as they may seem, and addressing a few key areas can make the course more playable and enjoyable for all golfers.

MARCH-APRIL 2007 Curbs and other man- made barriers that recreational facilities. These guidelines were carts to gain access to certain areas and does not are often installed along developed to make the game of golf accessible to need to have a prepared surface. As an example, paths may need to be as many golfers as possible and not detract from alternative passages would be a recom- modified to comply with the fundamental challenge and nature of the mended route over a turf area to access greens, the ADA accessibility guidelines. Openings at game. The following is a brief summary of the fairways, and teeing grounds. least 60" wide are proposed guidelines: 3. Practice Facilities: Driving ranges and recommended for curbs 1. Accessible Routes: Continuous, unob- practice facilities must have an accessible route to allow access to the structed pathways of at least 48" in width must or golf cart passage (48" wide) that is connected , teeing be available to connect all areas within the to accessible teeing stations. At least one teeing grounds, and at 75-yard boundaries of the entire golf facility, including: station or a minimum of 5% of the total number intervals along fairways. • Bag drop area. of stations, whichever is greater, must be • Parking lot. accessible and provide space for a golf cart to • Clubhouse and . enter and exit . • Practice facilities. 4. Teeing Grounds: Access must be pro- • (, fairways, greens, and routes vided from the path to at least one teeing ground between golf holes) . on each hole. If one or two teeing grounds are • Course toilet facilities. provided for a hole, only the forward teeing • Amenities (snack bar, halfway house). ground must be accessible. For holes with three • Weather shelters. or more teeing grounds, two of the teeing In most cases, an accessible route will be some grounds must be accesible. The guidelines state form of path. that existing courses do not have to provide 2. Alternative Golf Cart Passage: The access to the forward teeing ground if terrain ADAAG recognizes that it may be impractical makes compliance infeasible. to provide an accessible route (48" wide path) 5. Course Barriers: Curbs and other man- through all areas of the golf course due to the made barriers are often installed along paths to unpredictable nature of flight and the restrict golf carts from entering at specific points. fact that altering slopes or the architecture of Where such barriers exist, openings at least 60" the course could diminish the challenge of the wide must be provided at intervals not to exceed game. In such instances, an alternative golf cart 75 yards. passage can be substituted for an accessible route. 6. Greens: Putting surfaces to be built or This is simply an area that can be used by golf renovated must provide at least one accessible

2 GREEN SECTION RECORD route. The guidelines recognize that limiting the caused by traffic in the scientific literature. Beard architecture and slope of the greens to the pro- (1973) mentions that vehicular and foot traffic posed guideline of 1:20 would be too restrictive can cause damage to turf grasses and contribute and unfairly take away from the fundamental to soil compaction. The mechanism of this nature of the game. There is reasonable flexi- injury is due to a combination of factors, includ- bility in this regard, and the guidelines simply ing pressure, abrasion, scuffing, and tearing. state that there must be at least one accessible Burton and Lance (1966) reported route for golf cart passage. that more wear damage occurred 7. Bunkers: Bunkers have been a particularly on turf from vehicles with narrow, difficult issue to tackle because modifying the high-pressure tires, sharp turns, hazards to make them ADA accessible would and repeated passes over a specific change the challenge and character of the golf area. Carrow and Johnson (1989) course. For this reason, there have been no pro- evaluated two golf cart types and posed guidelines or design requirements applied various tire designs and the impact to bunkers. From a playability standpoint, the on the amount of wear damage USGA published A Modification if The Rules if caused to Tifway bermudagrass. Golffor Golfers with Disabilities that outlines pro- They concluded that the most cedures for retrieving a ball from a bunker, and important factors influencing dropping and playing the next shot from outside the amount of damage were the bunker (see Rule 28 - Ball Unplayable). moderately sharp turns and With good design, it is possible to construct the number of repeated passes bunkers with an accessible route; however, such over the turf design guidelines are not mandated at this time. The research that is most perti- For more detailed information, obtain a nent to this topic was conducted copy of Accessible Golf Courses - A Summary if by Murphy and Gentilucci at Accessibility Guidelines for Recreational Facilities, R.utgers University in 1995 and available from the United States Access Board 1996. Their study focused on (www.access-board.gov). developing quantitative tests to assess the surface characteristics of THE IMPACT OF putting greens and quantifying the MOBILITY DEVICES ON TURF disruption to the playing surfaces when various Once the ADA was enacted, superintendents types of assistive devices were used. The study had many concerns about the various assistive was conducted on both sand-based greens and devices that could be operated on greens and amended native soil greens at 11 golf courses in other sensitive turf areas without restriction, New Jersey. These courses represented a range as well as everyday golf cart traffic. Typical of conditions, including soil moisture content, concerns included: soil texture, depth of mat layer, and turf grass • Indentations created by crutches, thin-tire species. The forms of traffic evaluated are wheelchairs, and single-rider golf carts that summarized in Table 1. could impact playing conditions and ball roll, especially on greens. • Soil compaction. Table I • Tearing and scuffing of the turf on greens Traffic Source and Tire Characteristics Applied to Putting Greens- from making sharp turns and abrupt stops Murphy and Gentilucci, Rutgers University, 1997. with mobility devices. • Wear and tear on older greens . Traffic Source Diameter Width Tire Type • The potential for significant damage when Heel Sneaker Bem/3.1" golf carts and other adaptive equipment are Heel Golf Shoe 7.5 em 12.9" operated under very wet conditions. Rigid-Tire Wheelchair 61 em 124" 2.5 em II" Rigid rubber The concerns about traffic and turf damage Quickie GPS Wheelchair 61 em 124" 3.5 em 1104" Pneumatic are not unique to mobility devices and can Golf Express Single Rider 33em/13" 16.5 em I 6.5" Pneumatic occur with any type of traffic that is applied to Lone Rider Single Rider 33 em 113" 12.7 em I 5" Pneumatic turf There are several references to turf damage

MARCH-APRIL 2007 3 Although all forms of traffic caused some • Moisture content of the soil, especially at the deflection in ball roll, the results were not as surface. dramatic as anticipated. The following is a brief • Intensity of the applied force (psi). summary of some of the findings from the study: • Shearing and abrasion from sharp turns or the • As expected, the worst-case scenario of using rapid starting and stopping of a vehicle. a narrow, rigid-tire wheelchair (what most • Repeated traffic over a confined area. would consider a standard wheelchair) on greens Practices for managing wear damage are the with high soil moisture content caused the same, regardless of the source of traffic. These greatest depth of depression; however, the practices include: dispersing traffic over a wider average depth of depression was relatively area; increasing the traffic tolerance of the turf shallow at 1.8 mm (0.07 inch). The 3.5 cm wide with proper mowing, fertility, and irrigation pneumatic tires caused even less of a depression practices; and applying corrective maintenance at an average of 1.2 mm (0.04 inch). procedures such as core aeration, topdressing, • The maturity of the mat layer in the top 0-5 and drainage improvement. A strong, resilient cm (0-2 inches) had an impact on the ability of turf will be able to withstand various forms of a green to bear traffic and rebound from wheel traffic, including maintenance vehicles, regular rutting. Interestingly, the study found that new foot traffic, and assistive devices. Based on the sand greens with a relatively immature mat study by Murphy and Gentilucci, as well as inter­ layer were more susceptible to rutting when views with superintendents at courses where compared to older, modified native soil greens these assistive devices have been used, the with a mature mat layer. potential for damage from assistive devices is • Firmer surfaces resulted in less surface impact, negligible in most situations. First, the overall especially on sand greens. amount of traffic from such devices is very • Researchers measured the amount of rebound limited since golfers with disabilities covered by that occurred on the turf 30 minutes after the the ADA are only a small part of the overall traffic was applied. The rebound effect was golfing population. Second, the technology of greater on the older modified native soil greens the new assistive devices and single-rider golf with a higher organic matter content and greater carts has improved since the Rutgers study in soil strength. Based on discussions with the 1997. The majority of these vehicles have wide researchers, they commented that it was difficult pneumatic tires that spread the weight over a to identify the wheel ruts 30 minutes after the wider surface area, and the controls allow the traffic due to the relatively shallow depressions vehicle to start and stop smoothly without initially made by the wheelchairs and the rapid skidding. Third, the footprint and psi of these rebound of the turf. vehicles is generally less than most turf equip­ • Unfortunately, the two models of single-rider ment routinely used on greens and other turf golf carts were not available for the duration of areas, including triplex mowers, aerators, and the study. Based on the limited amount of data topdressers. collected, the wider tires of the single-rider golf Soil Moisture and the Potential for Turf carts did not cause significant surface depressions. Damage: Any traffic over wet, saturated turf • The various devices were not tested under will cause some form of damage. The superin­ excessively wet conditions. The researchers felt tendents who were interviewed for this article that further research should be performed under universally agreed that keeping the turf on the a wider range of conditions. dry side minimized or eliminated any potential damage from golf carts and assistive devices in MAINTENANCE addition to improving the overall playing quality CONSIDERATIONS of the course. Of course, there will be times Traffic from Assistive Devices: We know when heavy rainfall will create saturated condi­ from research and practical experience that all tions and the use of any type of vehicle (mainte­ forms of traffic have the potential to cause dam­ nance equipment, golf carts, and assistive devices) age to turf. The amount and intensity of damage should be suspended until the soil is adequately is due to a combination of several factors: dry to support such traffic. • The health of the turf and strength of the Accessible Routes: Where curbs exist surface mat layer. along paths, it will be necessary to provide a 60"

4 GREEN SECTION RECORD Research at Rutgers wide opening at intervals not to exceed 75 feet. University confirmed Wherever possible, it is ideal to place these that the worst-case openings where there is full sunlight exposure scenario of using a so that the turf will have a good opportunity for narrow, rigid-tire wheelchair on greens healthy growth and recovery from wear. Where with high soil moisture traffic is confined to a limited area, it may be content caused the necessary to spot treat on a more frequent greatest depth of schedule with extra aeration and fertilizer depression on the turf; applications. however, the depth of depression was Bunkers: Playability and access to bunkers SUGGESTIONS FOR DEVELOPING relatively shallow at is largely a matter of architecture. Providing a YOUR OWN PROGRAM 1.8 mm (0.7 inch). The wide, relatively flat entrance to a bunker will Although it is difficult to set a definitive policy maturity of the mat make it easier for people using assistive devices until the final guidelines are adopted by the layer in the top 0-2 to enter and exit the . Firmer sand con- Department of Justice, it is a good idea to inches had an impact on ditions are preferred for traction and to allow address the issue of accessibility proactively. You the ability of a green to bear traffic and rebound vehicles to travel over the sand without may wish to consider the following suggestions from wheel rutting. becoming embedded. as part of your programs to operate and maintain New sand greens with Superintendents interviewed for this article a golf course that is accessible to golfers with an immature mat layer indicated that they have not made any changes disabilities: were more prone to to their normal maintenance programs to allow • Analyze your course for accessibility and rutting when compared to older, modified the use of mobility devices on their courses. compliance with the proposed guidelines. An native-soil greens with In general, any programs that contribute to a excellent reference for completing this exercise is a mature mat layer. strong, healthy, resilient turf surface and better The National Alliancefor Accessible Golf: Toolkitfor playing quality will benefit all golfers, including Golf Course Owners and Operators, available at those with disabilities. www.accessgolforg and the USGA Resource

MARCH-APRIL 2007 5 1.'

Center for Individuals with Disabilities at • Mark areas of the course that are too wet and http://resourcecenter.usga.org. any other areas where mobility devices may have • Become educated about the ADA Accessibility problems navigating. Be sure to relay this infor- Guidelines for Golf Courses and learn more mation to the starter and course marshals so they about how to meet the needs of golfers with can inform golfers of any hazardous conditions. disabilities. Be open-minded and accommodat- • Test and evaluate various mobility devices at ing with regard to the use of adaptive devices. your course to see what impact they have on Research and experience indicate that these turf conditions. Better yet, test one yourself and devices cause little or no damage to turf when possibly playa round of golf in a single-rider properly operated. golf cart or other type of mobility device.

The concerns about traffic and turf damage are not unique to mobility devices and can occur with any type of traffic that is applied to turf. including utility vehicles and tractors typically used for maintenance .

• Be prepared to provide information and train- • There will be times when the course is too ing, if necessary, for single-rider carts. Golfers wet for maintenance equipment, golf carts, and who rent a single-rider cart at Haggin Oaks Golf mobility devices. It is important to be clear and Course in Sacramento, California, for the first reasonable with your explanation as to why golf time are given a five-minute training session on carts or adaptive devices cannot be used on a the three-hole practice area. Having a system or given day. In general, if mowers and turf main- a procedure in place makes it easier for the tenance vehicles can be used on the course, it customer and the staff is reasonable to allow mobility devices as an • Consider making a map of accessible routes accommodation to golfers with disabilities and alternate cart passageways for your course. covered under the ADA. This can be a contro- The map also could provide information about versial topic and there are likely to be protests accessible tees, bunkers that may be difficult to from other golfers who wish to use golf carts. access, and areas of the course to be avoided. While each case will involve ajudgment call, it Golfers with disabilities are not risk takers - is important to remind other golfers that provid- they want to enjoy their round of golf without ing access is a matter of complying with the law. getting stranded or causing damage to the • Consider a two-flag system for designating course. A map or information card will help golf carts that have unrestricted access and others them accomplish that goal and enhance their that simply need permission to drive closer to golfing experience. greens and tees. For example, a red flag can be

6 GREEN SECTION RECORD used to designate golfers with disabilities covered across one of my greens, I quickly realized it under the ADA and a blue flag for other golfers was no more damaging than the triplex putting with mobility impairments that allows them to green mower I use every day. Those carts can go drive closer, but not onto greens and tees. anywhere they want, as far as I'm concerned." • Continue to implement sound agrononlic His comments were echoed by other superinten- programs to grow strong, healthy, resilient turf dents who have personal experience with the use This will provide the best possible playing con- of different mobility devices on their courses. ditions for all golfers, including those with The Rutgers study was very encouraging for disabilities. turf managers, considering the fact that under the worst-case scenario, there were relatively CONCLUSION minor surface impacts caused by the wheelchairs Allowing vehicles other than turf maintenance and single-rider golf carts. Hopefully, more equipment on golf greens and any other sensitive research in this area can be done to evaluate the areas can be nerve-wracking for superintendents. impact of such devices under a wider range of There is a fear that all the hard work and effort conditions. Concerns about wear injury (scuffing put into producing an ideal surface can be and tearing) and damage to putting surfaces destroyed in an instant with various mobility can be minimized with proper operation of the devices. Sam Samuelson at Haggin Oaks Golf devices and good course etiquette. Since the Course is one superintendent whose attitude has time of the Rutgers study, there have been many changed as a result of seeing adaptive golf carts improvements in design and technology to make in action. "The biggest thing for me was getting the various mobility devices even more user- over the fear. Once I saw one of those carts drive friendly and turf-friendly.

Mark areas of the golf course that are too wet and any other areas where mobility devices may have problems navigating.

MARCH-APRIL 2007 7 The positive news is that the potential turf Beard,]. B. 1973. Turfgrass: Science and Culture. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. damage caused by various adaptive devices is Burton, G. W., and C. Lance. 1966. Golf car versus grass. negligible, and there should be very little con- Golf Superintendent. 34(1):66-70. cern on the part of golf course superintendents Carrow, R. N., and B.]. Johnson. 1989. Turfgrass wear as long as common sense and good turf manage- as affected by golf car tire design and traffic patterns. ment programs are applied. While the provisions ]. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 114:240-246. of the ADA were focused on removing barriers Gentilucci, G., and]. A. Murphy. 1997. Putting green for people with specific disabilities, all golfers characteristics associated with surface depressions caused by selected forms of traffic (master's thesis). will benefit by making courses more accessible, www.1ib.msu.edu/cgi-bin/flink.pl ?recno= 53392. playable, and easier to maintain. The USGA, Ginkel, D. L. Accessibility Answers. Golf Course Manage- through its Grants and Fellowship Program and ment. March 1999. other activities, has been very involved in grow- Slape, C. A for Effort - the golf industry is running ahead ing the game and sharing the many positive of the ultimate policy-makers in meeting the needs of the

Single-rider golf carts are becoming more popular for golfers with mobility impairments. The wide pneumatic tires minimize the potential for turf damage in most situations, even on sensitive areas such as tees and greens.

aspects of golf with all segments of our society, game's growing number of disabled players. Golf Course including golfers with disabilities. There are Management. October 1995. pp. 45-74. many resources available through the USGA RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Center for Individuals with Disabilities to help USGA Resource Center for Individuals with Disabilities: golfers, course operators, and superintendents http://resourcecenter.usga.org learn more about this issue. Turf issues are rela- National Alliance for Accessible Golf: tively minor compared to the overwhelming www.accessgolf.org positive impact - both physically and psycho- National Center on Accessibility: logically - associated with exposing the game www.ncaonline.org of golf to golfers with disabilities and removing barriers that prevent access to the course. As The author wishes to thank thefollowing people who Sam Samuelson said, "Seeing that smile on the assisted with this article:Don Bigler, Gary Gentilucci, golfer's face made me realize the power of golf Trey Holland, Bill Jewell, Dennis Lyon, James To him it was truly more than just a game." Murphy, Roger Pretikin, Carrie Riordan, Don Tolson, Sam Samuelson, and Matt Sawicki. REFERENCES Accessible Golf Courses. 2003. United States Access Board. PAT GROSS is directorif the Southwest Region if the Allar, B. Is Your Golf Course Accessible? Golfdom. June USGA Green Section and visits coursesin California, 2003. pp. 38-44. Arizona, and Nevada.

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