Mel Lucas Jr. and the GHS were given a little attention in the March edition of Golf Course Management Magazine, the journal of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Lucas, who was the fourth president of the Golf Collectors Society, also served as president of GCSAA in 1980. He is the only person to have served that role in both organizations.
Lucas has just published what is sure to become a classic on the subject of greenkeeping, Golf’s Cause and Effect, A History of Greenkeeping. Pete Georgiady reviewed the book for the spring edition of The Golf, to be published and distributed this month. The online edition will be published on this website on March 15.
Meanwhile, click here to check out the GCM March edition with the article on Lucas and the GHS. It appears on page 20. That magazine, by the way, is available in both print and digital editions. (Thanks to Sally J. Sportsman for arranging with GCM associate editor Howard Richman to prepare the article.)
Lucas wrote the following description of his book:
This book represents the first book solely dedicated to those Greenkeepers from Scotland during the 1800s who started to enhance golfing grounds; coming to all parts of the world as the growth of this game travelled; many landing on the shores of North America; advancing all aspects of the game; many finding that Greenkeeping was a profession unto itself.
This book gives insights of class distinction; education; remuneration; science; environment and gaining the respect long sought after over many years. You will read of trials and tribulations many Greenkeepers/Golf Superintendents have had. How Television Broadcasters would give credit for the great condition of a golf course to everyone within a club, as well as God, except acknowledging the person who made it all happen. However, when TV brought a picture of putting greens in distress, only the Golf Superintendent would be mentioned.
This is a story/tribute to those early pioneers as well as individuals that have continually upgraded our society; organizations; manufactures; turf researchers/teachers; media and environmental movements that have made golf course of today so pleasurable to enjoy.