Golfers at the University of Michigan Golf Course in Ann Arbor showed up yesterday to find something no one wants on a summer round: putting greens that had suddenly gone brown. Course staff say the unusual pattern of damage does not look natural, and they have pulled in campus public safety while they try to figure out what went wrong.
Course Flags Possible 'Foul Play' and Opens Investigation
In an email to the media, the golf course reported that "we have experienced an unforeseen and highly unusual decline in the coloring of our putting surfaces" and that "we suspect that foul play may be involved, and we are working closely with our partners at the Department of Public Safety to complete a full investigation," according to the Detroit Free Press. Staff are currently assessing how bad the damage is and gathering details as the inquiry moves forward.
Photos Show Browning Along Ridges and Edges
A photograph credited to the USA TODAY Network and circulated through Reuters shows the browning clearly visible along the ridges and edges of several greens, according to the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect. The image makes the discoloration hard to miss for anyone standing on the green.
Front Nine Reportedly Affected; Rates Eased
A Detroit Free Press reporter who visited the course Thursday afternoon said all nine front-nine greens they saw were affected, with fringes burned out and pockets of greens brown while tee boxes and fairways stayed lush and green, the paper reported. The outlet also noted that the course temporarily reduced some green fees to account for the subpar putting conditions.
Campus Public Safety Is Involved
The course has directed media questions to the university's Division of Public Safety and Security, which lists its nonemergency dispatch number as (734) 763-1131 and its Campus Safety Services Building at 1239 Kipke Drive on its contact page (Division of Public Safety and Security). The department is handling inquiries related to the incident.
Local Impact and Background
The University of Michigan Golf Course, designed by Alister MacKenzie and located next to Michigan Stadium, is regularly cited among the region's top public tracks; the course's recognition page highlights its past honors and testimonials. Players and groups with questions can find the course's address and phone on its contact page at the University of Michigan Golf Course.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing and that they will share updates as more information becomes available.
