Vegetable dye part of the fun at Army course

The last place one might expect to be told there are “too many rules” is at a U.S. Army base. But that’s the case at the Piney Valley Golf Course at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.

Go to Piney Valley’s website and click on the “rules” tab. There’s no talk of proper attire, a cell phone policy or even how many clubs a golfer can carry in their bag.

“We already believe that golf has too many rules. The number one rule at the Piney Valley Golf Course is that we want all of our guests to be having fun!” And those are the rules at Piney Valley.

A start to a great day for both Army personnel and civilians playing the 18-hole, par 72 course along the Piney River is a great turf. Superintendent Joe Mannuci assures good turf with a uniform (get it?) spray which is tracked with a vegetable dye. The dye used allows the crew to be sure material is applied on the greens but none is wasted beyond the spray zone.

July was blazing hot in southcentral Missouri, with temperatures in the upper 90s and humidity to match. While the fairways baked, the greens presented a unique color and a vivid target.

“Then we got a three-inch rain and it was gone,” says Gary Groff, Pine Valley’s course professional. The downpour washed them clear.