Nelson J. Caron
Director of Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance
 |  A unique putting green system |
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 Excellence in putting green quality |  4 recover |
 Green Speed |
Putting Green Management
Bentgrass, Bermudagrass and Bent/Poa putting greens have all been a part of Caron's diverse resume. He has practiced his trade in 4 different states and is an expert in 3 different climatic regions; the mountains, piedmont locations and coastal environments. To achieve the finest putting quality, Caron employs a systematic approach that responsibly demands the best from the turfgrasses he manages and the people that watch over them. The result is a golf round that yields a truly special putting experience.
 #1 Green Site BeforeBefore Caron's arrival, this green site had lost the majority of its grass from infrastructure failure. |  #1 Green Site AfterAfter smart agronomic planning and thoughtful construction, total recovery was realized. |
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 #2 BeforeThe #2 tee complex at Ford Plantation had lost its original shape and was no longer attractive. |  #2 AfterAfter executing improvement plans, the teeing ground was more playable, larger, accommodated forward tee players better and was more attractive. |
 #2 Green Site BeforeThe original Pete Dye design at this location had been completely lost over the 30 year history of the course. |  #2 Green Site AfterAfter working with Pete Dye, the green site was given a re-birth and accomplished agronomic stability. |
 #3 Green Site BeforeThe 3rd green at Ford Plantation suffered from poor infrastructure. In particular, flooding. |  #3 Green Site AfterAfter, careful planning and staking of the green site Caron was able to achieve a green site that was elevated and ultimately more playable. In addition, the green now receives more sunlight after being shifted. |
 #5 Green Site BeforeThe 5th golf hole at Ford Plantation had been reduced in sized over the years to accommodate turfgrass growth in the sun. Caron and Dye shifted the green closer to the water and in to the sunlight to achieve a better growing environment. |  #5 Green Site AfterA beautiful green site managed by Nelson Caron. |
 #6 Green Site Before#6 green had been a challenge to the Club for many years. Before Caron's arrival, grass expectations were constantly below member expectations. |  #6 Green Site AfterHere we see the 6th green in fantastic condition after smart agronomic planning and execution. |
 #7 Green Site Before#7 green lacked design interest before Caron's arrival. |  #7 Green Site AfterAfter teaming up with Pete Dye, Caron has now been able to manage this green site in a fashion that keeps golfers excited. Accentuated by the pot bunkers on the left, this green is fun to play. |
 #8 Green Site BeforeMajor infrastructure failure at the 8th hole kept this low country hole from reaching its potential 365 days a year. |  # 8 Green Site AfterAfter rebuilding the pond, the green, teeing ground and performing selective shade thinning, this golf hole stands out as one of Ford Plantation's best par 3's. |
 #8 Before |  #8 After |
 #9 BeforeThis green site design was in need of updating. Bunker wash-outs, mud balls and inconsistent playing surfaces were likely here. |  #9 AfterAfter detailed planning, Caron updated the bunkers, green and gave the greens surround a new seepage drainage system to firm the surfaces. A dramatic improvement. |
 #17 Green Site BeforeThe par 3 17th green before Caron's arrival had shrunk nearly half its size over the years. |  #17 Green Site AfterDye and Caron teamed up to construct one of the best par 3 holes in the low country to replace the old one. |
 #12 Green Site BeforeThe 12th green had lost its definition and size before Caron and Dye devised a plan to rebuild the site. |  Pete Dye and Nelson CaronPete Dye and Nelson Caron discuss the changes at #12 |
 #12 Green Site AfterThe 12th green now has updated infrastructure, is more playable and boast the authentic Pete Dye look and feel. |
Ford Plantation:
Before & After
This slide set demonstrates Caron's work in a "before-and-after" series, depicting the remarkably successful culmination of his agronomic practices at work.
 The Master Plan for golf hole #1 |  #1 golf hole before construction |
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 CPU generated communication image |  CPU generated communication image |
 The grow-in of hole #1 |  #1 golf hole ready for play. |
Master Planning Experience
Working with Pete Dye, Architect Tim Liddy, contractors, engineers and club officials, Nelson spearheaded the creation of The Ford Plantation Golf Course Master Plan. Since its creation in 2010, the club executed the plan and has recently been named to Golf Digest’s “Best New Courses”. Perseverance through the planning stages of any Master Plan is paramount, and under Nelson’s guidance, The Ford Plantation Club’s Master Plan was attainable, rational and ultimately exceeded the expectations of the membership. The slides on the left demonstrate: i) the Master Plan for hole 1, ii) the "before" look of hole #1, iii) computer generated images to share with members for communication of design expectations, and iv) the spectacular end result.
 Green Scan 13 |  Green scan 11 |
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 Pin Sheet |
Course Setup
Professional course setup plays an integral part in the experience a golf club provides. Caron is an expert in the latest technologies and techniques to perfecting course setup to match environmental conditions, scoring resistance goals and effective golf hole distance management. Over the years, Caron has trained with numerous course setup experts and for the last 7 years, has worked on the Pin Setting Team at Augusta National Golf Club for The Masters Tournament.
 #8 at Ford Plantation |  #5 at Ford Plantation |
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 #6 at Ford Plantation |  #1 at Kingsmill |
 #17 at Kingsmill |  #16 green at Kingsmill |
 #16 at Kingsmill |  #12 at Kingsmill |
 #9 at Kingsmill |  #5 at Kingsmill |
 #5 at Kingsmill |  #1 at Kingsmill |
 #1 green at The Honors Course |  #11 golf hole at The Honors Course |
 #2 golf hole at The Honors Course |  #7 golf hole at The Honors Course |
 #13 at The Honors Course |  Golf Hole #4 at Ford Plantation |
 The back nine at Ford Plantation |  #16 green at Ford Plantation |
 #12 at Ford Plantation |  #10 green at Ford Plantation |
 #10 at Ford Plantation |  Lake Clara at Ford Plantation |
 Golf hole #9 at Ford Plantation |  #17 green at Ford Plantation, Par 3 |
Images of Golf Holes Managed by Nelson Caron
The following imagery includes photographs from The Ford Plantation's newly renovated course, Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, VA and The Honors Course in Ooltewah, TN, all of which were managed by Caron.
 Former Employees |  national board |
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People and Influence
Over 25 former employees have come through Caron's mentoring program and have moved on to their own careers in golf. One of Caron's favorite responsibilities is teaching the young people in the golf business. Caron has also served as a Director on the Georgia Golf Course Superintendent Board of Directors for the last several years.
 Working with Pete Dye on design. |  Getting inside the genius. |
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 Mr. Dye drawing the #3 green complex |  The sketch in the dirt. |
 Managing the translation. |  The construction of #3 green. |
 The completed #3 green complex. |
Putting Green Construction with Pete Dye
Working with Pete Dye at Ford Plantation, Nelson was responsible for the execution of Mr. Dye's design philosophy and construction of all putting green surfaces. There are no plans on paper for the green sites which is why a tremendous amount of flexibility, imagination and patience are required to build these landscaping works of art. Take a look at how Nelson successfully transformed Mr. Dye’s stick sketches in the Georgia dirt from a dream to reality.
 Planning |  Flexibility is critical |
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 Expertise in communication |  Organization |
 Seeing the bigger picture |  Technical expertise |
 Relationships are paramount |  Patients |
Project Management
Caron has experience in all 4 phases of project management: Planning, build up, implementation, and closeout. He also knows when protection against scope creep is necessary and knows when to allow for variations. He distinguishes himself from other project managers by incorporating his experiences with governance, communication, budget control and marketing to exceed his client’s expectations.
 Soil sample locations |  Spatial Mapping technology for diagnosis |
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 Prescription based applications are the result |
Fertilizer and Chemical Use Reduction
Caron employs a prescription fertilizer program that significantly reduces inputs over time by applying nutrients only where they are needed. Spatial mapping technology allows Caron the ability to diagnose every square foot of the property he is managing to the most granular details. The old methodology of applying a 10-10-10 fertilizer everywhere or making blanket applications of certain fertilizers or chemicals has been squashed. GPS guided spreaders eliminate waste and double applying. The system provides detail records for years to come to help with communication, reporting and compliance. The use of this technology not only allows for budget savings in the long run, but it also promotes environmental sustainability and stewardship.
 GA Drought |  Old design lacked uniform coverageThe red dots demonstrate sprinkler head locations. As a result water applications were sloppy which lead to inconsistent playing surfaces. |
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 New design included 1400 sprinklersBy adding more sprinklers to the arsenal, superintendents are now able to put water exactly where the grass needs it. By employing watering philosophy's based on need rather than time, consistent playing surfaces are achieved. |  The Old vs The NewThe old system is pictured at the top vs the new system which is boasting incredible watering accuracy and efficiency through superior design and installation. |
Water Conservation-
Irrigation Construction/ Design
Nelson has been working with PVC and HDPE golf irrigation systems for over 20 years. During the Master Planning stages of The Ford Plantation’s construction project, Nelson, working with Bob Scott of Irrigation Consultants Inc., designed a new irrigation system. One of the main objectives for the new system was to achieve more efficiency with both water and electricity consumption. To that point, over 1400 irrigation heads were added to allow staff to put water exactly where they need it and reduce waste. Site specific design was employed by Nelson to minimize overspray and over watering of key playing surfaces. As a result 20 million gallons of water is saved annually.
 Tree at Main House |  HOP Ford Plantation 2014 #17#18 138912 |
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 HOP Ford Plantation 2014 139092 | HOP Ford Plantation 2014 #09 138977 |
 438Ford_Plantation11-7-8-14-_R-369711531 |  Main House |
Tree & Grounds Campus Maintenance
The backbone behind a beautiful landscape appearance throughout the year is accomplished by performing general grounds maintenance at an outstanding level. The key to accomplishing this begins with personnel and leadership. Excellent groundskeeper training is paramount, but only having employees with pride will the highest levels of excellence be achieved.
 environmental speech |  Audubon certification award |
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 Audubon Award |  Wetland Restoration in 2010 |
 Wetland Restoration in 2012 |  Wetland Restoration completed in 2014 |
 Fully Restored Wetland |  Blue Bird Box Building Event- Outreach and Education |
 Outreach and Education on Blue Birds |  Littoral Shelf Acting as Buffer Zone on Golf Hole #7 |
 Littoral Shelf Construction and Installation |  Littoral Shelf |
 Grass Carp Stocking- Biological Weed Control |  Fish Stocking Management |
 Ford Plantation Bee Hive at #18 Golf Hole |  Smoking the Bees at #18 Golf Hole |
 Native Plant Management |  Pollinator Management |
 Brush Pile Creation for Bird Habitat |  Brush Pile Creation 2 |
 Brush Pile Creation 3 |  Brush Pile Creation 4, happy staff |
 Eggs |  Babay Alligator |
 audubon program for club |
Environmental Stewardship & Systems
Caron has been an environmental advocate for golf courses, golf course superintendents and golf course owners for years. He regularly speaks at The Georgia Environmental Conference, the southeast’s most comprehensive environmental educational event on cutting edge technologies for golf course maintenance and Best Environmental Management Practices. His Environmental Management Systems model has been duplicated at other golf courses with great success. In addition, Caron is working with Audubon International towards certification. The Ford Plantation Club's environmentally sensitive property is one of the most unique in the country.
 Richmond Hill Stadium Field |  Ford Plantation Staff Volunteering at Stadium |
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 Richmond Hill Stadium Field After Restoration 2 |  Ricchmond Hill Staduim Field After Restoration |
 Richmond Hill Stadium Field Ready for Football |  Cheer Team Leading the Fans |
 Wildcats Win |
Community Service
In late 2015, Caron and his Golf Course Maintenance Team embarked on a community service project that would have a dramatic impact on the city of Richmond Hill, GA and the young athletes and band members of the Richmond Hill High School. The schools stadium field was suffering from a number of ailments and was in disrepair. Caron and his team decided to put their agronomy skills to the test and revive the school's pride in their most precious gathering place. Agronomy, volunteering, pride, cooperation, friendship and dedication have culminated in a spectacular playing surface that many can now be proud of. Today, Caron still volunteers his time to manage the field.