Musical instruments have always fascinated me. From the trombone to the French horn, or from harmonica  to the acoustic guitar, there is virtually no end to the combinations of sound or the possibility for creation.

One of the most perplexing things about instruments is their relationship to the people around them. To those who do not play at all, musical instruments are a complete mystery; they might enjoy music, but they have no idea how musicians coax the music out of them. Then there are those who dabble (present company included). They might know a few chords on a ukulele or how to get a sound out of a saxophone, but that is about it. Enjoyment is to be had, but full mastery still remains elusive.

On another level completely, there are those who live in total communion with their instrument. These are the artists that seem to be able to produce sounds that defy the imagination. To those who do not play, these folks are simply musicians. To those who dabble, they sometimes appear to be playing a different instrument all together.

Greenkeepers and golf architects have much the same effect on golfers. There are courses that fit the same category as those who sit around the campfire and strum a few chords. They are good enough, maintained well and provide the necessary amount of enjoyment for a good portion of the golfing public.

Then there are those who dwell in another dimension of the game. The courses they produce are both old and new; age does not define them. These creations are timeless. The artistry of these courses is a collaboration of both sound design and construction, melded with a true sense of elegant maintenance.  The design and maintenance of these properties can reach the same level as the best musicians in the world.

This is where the analogy between greenkeepers and musicians becomes more clear. Golfers are often ignorant of what it takes to produce the conditions necessary for golf. They know greenkeepers exist, they see the instruments we use... but at the end of the day they are simply happy to see the end result.  Most days they don't give greenkeeping an ounce of thought, but, like those songs on the radio that get them tapping their fingers and singing along... we superintendents provide that same magic on the courses we care for.

The toil and torment that the best musicians put forth to create their art has a familiar ring with greenkeepers. While they might lay awake at night fretting over their latest composition, we may lay awake at night worrying about how well the greens are rolling. The big difference is they are just getting home at three in the morning while we are up and getting ready to begin our day.

So, take solace in the notion that even though they may not always say so, golfers love the art we produce. It provides them with a release and a place to take refuge from the daily grind. As with music, the game of golf can provide experiences that range from the simple fireside sing-along to the transcendent experience of hearing one's favorite artist playing at the perfect venue. And while we as greenkeepers may not all be able to tickle the ivories like Elton John or hammer out solos like Randy Wilson with the Verticutters... what we do on a daily basis is still, for golfers, one of life's pleasant mysteries.