ACCESSING THE ARCHIVES

In this retrospective , we will examine historic issues of SportsTurf magazine , predecessor to SportsField Management magazine .

In this issue , we are going back in time once again to 1985 and examining the November / December 1985 issue of SportsTurf .

The second-ever issue of the magazine featured the bold choice of putting a horse — and rider — on the cover . The white / gray steed and its rider — both adorned in maroon and gold ( and clearly sponsored by Glenlivet Scotch ) — were the prime focus against the backdrop of the turfgrass polo field .

The related cover story , beginning on page 10 of that issue , detailed the visit of Prince Charles and Princess Diana to the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club .

The article stated , “ Clearly the prince was enjoying himself thoroughly as he sped over the immaculately groomed turf . Wearing a bright green shirt labeled No . 4 , he played defensive back , using a string of thoroughbred polo horses — which had been chosen for him by his polo manager .”

Although the article focuses heavily on the royal visit , it does delve into the unique turf care and maintenance of the Tifway bermudagrass fields ( which measure 10 acres in size ). The article highlights the field specs , irrigation , drainage and pest management , as well as horse and player safety .

The November / December 1985 issue also profiled Penn State turfgrass legend Bob Hudzik , and how he fostered communication with coaches of all sports on campus . At the time , Hudzik oversaw not only all campus grounds and athletic field maintenance , but also the management of the university ’ s two golf courses . “ Each sport has its own special characteristics that can be helped by the height and density of the turf ,” said Hudzik . “ What is right for rugby may not be right for field hockey . The only way to find out is to ask the coach .”

38 SportsField Management | September 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com