USGA Agronomist to Visit Hillsview Golf Course

Fred E. “Derf” Soller, Jr. an Agronomist with the Northwest Region of the United States Golf Association (USGA) based out of Grand Junction Colorado will be visiting Hillsview Municipal golf course on May 29. Division Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Pierre, Tom Farnsworth says the visit and consultation by Mr. Soller is a service provided by the USGA to its member affiliates, “The USGA has provided such on-site consultations since 1953 and member affiliates like Hillsview and Superintendent of golf operations Dean Heymans appreciate the advice and service they provide. The recommendations are intended to help improve upon the maintenance and operations of the course.” Farnsworth says the City of Pierre has used the USGA service in past years and it has proved to be valuable, “It is helpful to our staff to have an independent third party review our course, often solutions to immediate problems or concerns are discussed, advice in long range planning is given and staff hear firsthand about current maintenance trends and new technology.” The strength of this service is that Soller often visits 120 golf courses each season and shares what is learned with Superintendents like Heymans.   

Soller visited Hillsview in 2011 and witnessed the damage caused to the golf course by the flood waters. Soller stated he would return to Hillsview in 2012 and offer a review and consultation on how the course has been recovering. Soller intends to spend much of the day with Superintendent Heymans and his staff evaluating the course.

Commissioner of Parks and Recreation for the City of Pierre Jeanne Goodman is inviting the public and members of the golf advisory board to hear a report from Soller and Heymans which is scheduled to get underway at 4 pm May 29 at the clubhouse. For those that cannot attend, Soller will issue a written report that will be placed on the City web page.