"Brown grass makes for a richer visual environment, and frequently contributes to a more compelling playing surface."

Ron Sirak fleshes out the details of Jim Hyler's USGA presidential address, focusing on Hyler's comments about water usage and golf courses going brown.

So when Hyler directs the focus to the environment he is not so much leading the USGA into new territory as he is reminding USGA members that these are activities in which the association is already involved. He calls the Green Section "our best-kept secret" and says "that will be changing."

But there is no question that some attitudes will need to change as well. The Green Section report urges reducing the total amount of water applied to golf courses and also suggests reducing the areas of the course that are irrigated. This saves water -- and clean water is an increasingly precious resource -- and reduces the maintenance cost.

As much as the Green Section and everyday superintendents try, their efforts still can only be aided by what happens with golf courses we see on television. And unfortunately for Hyler's cause, he'll be president of the USGA at two of lushest, most manicured U.S. Open venues on the unofficial rota.

While Pebble Beach has a cutting edge maintenance facility and utilizes other "green" practices, we're still likely to see a very green golf course this June. And Congressional only knows one color.

I like Tom Dunne's approach so much that I sent him a photo to add to his collection. I hope you fellow "greenies" will send him some images of good brown golf.

Brown isn’t something merely to be grudgingly accepted. It should be celebrated as beautiful in its own right, as something that, in its interplay with green grass, draws out the natural contours and unique character of the landscape. Brown grass makes for a richer visual environment, and frequently contributes to a more compelling playing surface.