In light of the changing ecosystem, golf courses are being examined for their chemical inputs and water use. Large acreages on golf courses require a lot of water. Just as golf courses monitor the amount of pesticides and fertilizers they use very closely, they also closely monitor the amount of water they use. Many golf courses use city water to irrigate— it can be very expensive. Courses are only watered as needed. Many superintendents choose to hand-water with hoses, which only reaches specific areas that really need it. Additionally, with the constant strong winds that the Kansas City area can experience during April and May, techniques like hand-watering are used to get water to areas sprinklers failed to reach because of the wind.
Get Your Junior in U. S. Kids Golf
The U. S. Kids Golf Local Kansas City Tour offers one-day family fun. Giving young golfers and parents the chance to experience tournament golf in a welcoming atmosphere. Parents are encouraged to caddie during the one-day events, where young players learn to shoot low scores by competing over yardages scaled to their age and ability.
U. S. Kids Golf Local Tours, founded in 2002, allows players at all levels to enjoy tournament participation while learning, competing, and spending time with new friends. There are now more than 115 U. S. Kids Golf Local Tours operating worldwide.
New technology is now available to help superintendents monitor soil moisture levels. This technology is a standard for golf course maintenance. Each hole on a golf course is maintained differently— some holes on top of hills dry out quicker, and the opposite is true for valley areas. As a result, irrigation is adjusted daily to compensate. Even the recent drought adds pressure on the golf industry nationwide to be prepared for what Mother Nature brings. Pesticides, fertilizers, and water are necessary to maintain golf courses, fulfilling the demands set forth by golfers and / or membership. Every course, every hole, every green has different requirements and needs.
Our goal as superintendents is to monitor and adapt to every requirement while protecting our natural environment. In the end, we hope to provide our guests with the best possible playing conditions so you can find your perfect day on a golf course.
Jacob Rockhold is Director of Agronomy at Stone Canyon Golf Club in Blue Springs. Rockhold is from Chillicothe, MO, where during high school, he worked on the grounds crew at Green Hills Golf Course. While attending Mizzou, he worked at A. L. Golf Course in Columbia, MO. He served his agronomy internship in New Jersey at Baltusrol Golf Club in 2012. He then became an assistant superintendent at Shadow Glen Golf Club for two years after graduation. In 2015, Rockhold accepted the position as superintendent at Stone Canyon Golf Club in Blue Springs. In 2019, he became the Golf Course Superintendent at Nicklaus Golf Club at Lionsgate. In late 2023, Rockhold returned home to Stone Canyon Golf Club.
Junior golfers ages 6 to 18 start at a Local Tour level, and can advance as they improve to State, Regional, and even international competitions. The top-performing players, as determined by our Priority Status Rankings, can earn invitations to events above Local Tours up to and including the World Championship.
The Local Kansas City Tour is designed for beginner to mid-level competitive golfers, as each event provides a fun environment where kids in the same age groups can develop their skills. Additionally, there are two-day tournaments, such as Regional Championships, that rank players by a Junior Golf Scoreboard and are the natural next step for competitive junior golfers. At each level, players may earn“ Priority Status” in hopes of qualifying for the World Championship held annually in Pinehurst, N. C. Averaging more than 1,200 players from 50 countries since 2013, players vie for the title of World Champion in 13 age divisions. Since 2013, several Kansas City area junior golfers have played in the championship.
U. S. Kids Golf Kansas City Tour – Remainder of the Spring 2026 Schedule( Summer schedule coming soon.) May 10 – Hodge Park Golf Course May 17 – Blue Springs Golf Course May 31 – Eagles Landing Golf Course – Spring Tour Championship June 21 – Paradise Pointe Golf Complex( Tentative schedule: event dates subject to change.)
To sign up your junior golfer, contact Todd Misemer, KC Tour Director, at tmisemer @ aol. com or 913.927.6854. Learn more at www. USkidsgolf. com, then go to the“ Tournaments U. S. Page,” then“ Local Tours,” then“ Spring Local Tours,” and then the Missouri – Kansas City Tour for events and see sign-up details.
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