done away with the summer transition pe-
riod in which fairways were not at their
peak condition. Furthermore, overseeding
required several weeks of course prepara-
tion in the fall and an additional three- to
four-week grow-in period, which rendered
course conditions less than favorable dur-
ing that time.
There's also an environmental compo-
nent to the decision.
"By not overseeding the course we are
eliminating the need for additional fertiliz-
ers, pesticides, water, and even extra fuel
consumption," Miller said. "While these
practices were always conducted in a re-
sponsible and efficient manner, the amount
of synthetic inputs has been reduced."
Thanks to an aggressive conversion pro-
gram, fairways are already 95 percent
Bermuda and the rough will be 80 percent
Bermuda by the end of the summer.
"The next two growing seasons will pro-
pel us to our targeted goal of complete
conversion to Bermuda grass," said Miller,
adding that the putting surfaces at Monarch
Beach will remain groomed poa annua.
It's all about improving the experience
of golfers today, as well as in the future,
Miller said.
"We feel strongly that our guests should
have the same memorable experience
whether they visit us in January or Au-
gust," he said. "Also, the availability of
quality irrigation water for turf and land-
scaping has been disappearing quickly in
the arid southwest. By promoting our re-
silient variety of Bermuda grass that toler-
ates this responsible irrigation source, we
are ensuring the continued success of the
facility for the enjoyment of our guests."
The end result will be a course that is
both beautiful and consistent year-round,
Miller said, further enhancing what has
long been one of the most enjoyable golf
courses in the region.
"Monarch Beach Golf Links is a prop-
erty where you can come to play and truly
have a golf experience unlike any other,"
Miller said. "You can feel it as you line up
a putt on our par-4 third hole and look to
the ocean just in time to see a surfer slip
under a barreling wave. You can feel it as
you 'surf the turf' on one of our Golf-
Boards. We all love where we live and
work and want to share the unique SoCal
coastal golf vibe embodied here."
..............................................................................
> CHECK OUT the course layout and take
a flyover tour of Monarch Beach Golf Links.
THE
COURSE
3 / Monarch BeachComber • Summer 2017
GET TO KNOW
SUPERINTENDENT
DAN MILLER…
> I'm originally from the
Midwest where I grew up on
our family farm, raising crops
and livestock.
> I discovered golf as a
teenager and that newfound
passion for the game
coupled with my
agricultural back-
ground aligned me
for a career in golf
course management.
> After studying
plant science at The
University of Hawaii and North
Dakota State University, and
completing an internship at The
Country Club in Boston, I
earned my bachelor's degree in
Sports Turfgrass Management.
> Following my graduation
from college, I accepted a
Senior Agronomist position with
Riviera Country Club and after
a year-and-a-half was promoted
to Assistant Superintendent.
> After seven years at Rivera
Country Club, I was ready to
take on a new challenge and
was blessed with the opportu-
nity to accept the position of
Superintendent of Monarch
Beach Golf Links in the summer
of 2015.
The greens will stay
groomed poa annua.
