Golf Course Etiquette
Cover Story
| Written by: Mary Burroughs | 5:40 PM PST - 10/7/2009 |
*Please click here for updates on Justin's tournament*
When pop superstar Justin Timberlake isn’t performing in front of thousands of fans with beats from his latest album, the singer can often be found getting a few strokes in on the nearest golf course. So passionate is Justin about golfing that he purchased an older course in Memphis, Tennessee and invested $16 million in renovating it.
“Originally it was called Big Creek Golf Course and it was the first place my dad taught me to hit a ball,” states Justin in a recent interview. “Last year we found out they were going to auction it off and turn it into a development. So we thought it was such a landmark for the community, we’d scoop it up and save it. We were able to purchase it before it was auctioned off.”
Justin Timberlake’s Eco-Friendly Mirimichi Golf Course
All about Native Plants and Less Chemicals
A brainchild of singer and green celebrity Justin Timberlake, the Mirimichi Golf Course is the first golf course in the US to receive the “Audubon Classic Sanctuary” certification from Audubon International.
Justin has long shown sensitivity to the environment. Growing up in Shelby Forest, Tennessee he had always wanted to honor his Native American heritage. Even on his concert tours, he has hired a company to calculate and compensate for the “carbon footprint” the shows create. Justin has given instructions and the direction to do the same at Mirimichi Golf Course.
The staff is working to have Mirimichi become the world’s first golf course to calculate its own carbon footprint, and set a standard for the entire industry on how to reduce reliance on natural resources, while utilizing renewable energy sources as often as possible. The course will have a fleet of electric golf carts powered by solar panels. They also allow golfers to walk, and space out tee times in 12-minute intervals so that fewer people are on the course at one time. The food and beverage operations’ departments are researching the use of products that are made of recycled materials, and the future clubhouse will be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.
Mirimichi has taken a number of steps to conserve the environment and protect wildlife. For example, irrigation and drainage systems reuse and maximize the use of rainwater; native grass areas and waster bunkers reduce the amount of property that must be maintained; more lake areas and recirculating streams support wildlife; and instead of equipment sheds, a “Natural Resource Management Center” has a biodegradable treatment of rinse water. It even features native grass areas, which frame the holes and reduce the mowable acreage of the course.
“Creating an eco-friendly course was a priority throughout the renovations,” said Greg King, Director of Golf. “We wanted to create a world-class golf experience that protected and enhanced nature’s canvas.”
“When you come out to play at Mirimichi, you will see and hear a variety of wildlife,” said Rich Peterson, General Manager at Mirimichi. “Golf is about more than hitting the perfect shot. It is about promoting the physical and mental wellbeing, preserving natural areas within urban environments and supporting native plants and wildlife. At Mirimichi, both golfers and wildlife find a place of happy retreat.”
The various green aspects of the new eco-friendly Mirimichi Golf Course continues to impress. Since the grand opening, even more has been revealed regarding the extent of Justin’s mission to create a site where “golf and nature exist in harmony.” For instance, only 85 of the 300 acres are ever mowed – leaving the rest to transition over to “native grasses”. Also, if you’re on the staff, prepare to love weeding – by hand. To limit the use of chemicals, a large portion of the weeds that do grow are pulled out using manual labor.
As Mirimichi is the first in the nation to be designated as a certified Audubon International Classic Sanctuary, its use of synthetic fertilizers is strictly limited. Surrounding each water feature is an invisible 25-foot barrier where Audubon rules ban the use of chemical fertilizers or herbicides. Where they are needed, the course uses organic or slow-release products to cut down on runoff throughout the property.
According to a Memphis newspaper, Mirimichi will use a mix of 80 percent native plants and 20 percent exotics. “Natives are great plants because they are accustomed to our climate,” said Head Horticulturist Russell DeMotsis. “They’ll survive the drought of the summer, and live on even when it snows in late spring.” Plans are also underway to build greenhouses to propagate the native species and provide educational opportunities for those interested in the wildlife and horticulture at Mirimichi.
The Course
Mirimichi, which means ‘place of happy retreat,’ is a challenging 7,400 yards from the tips, but provides five to seven different tee boxes on each hole to appeal to golfers of all abilities. Rolling mounds, lush fairways, beautiful landscaping, four waterfalls, six lakes and two meandering streams make this golfing oasis a place where people and nature coexist in harmony.
Mirimichi is also home to world-class practice facilities, including a unique 18-hole putting course, a large bunker and chipping short-game practice area and a driving range. Little Mirimichi, a 9-hole, par 35 course, provides an easier and shorter golfing experience and allows golfers an opportunity to learn the game or improve their skill sets. Mirimichi will house an official Callaway Performance Center. Here golfers can be custom-fit to exacting personal specs with guidance from highly trained golf instructors using the same Callaway Performance Analysis System that is used by professional tour golfers.
With its phenomenal practice facilities and talented professionals, Mirimichi is the ideal place for beginners and experienced players alike to fine-tune their game. No matter what your skill level, the Mirimichi team can help you get the most out of your game.
Congratulations to Justin Timberlake, a trailblazer in the business of creating a natural and eco-friendly golf course. We hope others take notice and steal a few ideas for their own facilities.
He ultimately hopes to attract some of the biggest names in professional golf to play in the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open. Justin has agreed to be the tournament host for five years. The tournament benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children, a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative medical research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care, receiving all services at no charge – regardless of financial need.
Website: www.jtshrinersopen.com
Player Field: 132 PGA TOUR Professional
Course Information: The par-71, 7,223 yard TPC Summerlin course was designed by Bobby Weed and player consultant Fuzzy Zoeller,
Format: 72-hole stroke play
Beneficiary: All proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children
Purse: $4.2 million
Winner's Share: $756,000
Defending Champion: Marc Turnesa
Recent Champions: George McNeil (2007), Troy Matteson (2006), Wes Short Jr. (2005), Andre Stolz (2004), Stuart Appleby (2003), Phil Tataurangi (2002), Bob Estes (2001), Billy Andrade (2000), Jim Furyk (1999, 1998, 1995) Tiger Woods (1996)
What’s in Justin Timberlake’s Bag?
Driver: FT-iQ Driver
Woods: FT-I Squareway 3-wood
Irons: FT Irons and X-Forged Wedges
Golf Ball: Tour i Series
Handicap: 6
Rounds played per year: 30-50
Started playing golf: Age 10
Favorite Golf Course (that’s not Mirimichi): Augusta National, Georgia
First Pro-Am: Bob Hope Classic
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