We can easily differentiate between any verbal or written agreements. Written agreements are binding on both parties, while verbal counterparts cannot be used as evidence. The same goes for a golf course. Any facility’s maintenance has to be done appropriately to get the most out of it.
It not only applies to day-to-day operations but also to determine the long-term goals. The details can be written in an instruction manual. Each staff follows the procedures, job descriptions, superior-subordinate relationships, and other necessary practices in meeting all those goals. Now, how do you do that?
How to Set Golf course Maintenance Standards?
The first person who should be responsible for setting the standards of a golf course is the superintendent. These are maintenance standards that ideally cover a broad spectrum of the whole facility. If these standards are not clear enough, you can take help from representatives of the members. In the end, your goal has to be to set strict maintenance standards to get bang for the buck.
After getting to know how the standards are set, let’s learn what should be included.
Inclusions in Golf course maintenance standards
Let’s get to the inclusions that you need to consider while setting the standards for your golf course.
Introduction
The introduction includes everything you encounter at first glance. For example, the grass to be utilized, architecture, the overall ambiance, and how the fleet of golf course equipment looks like. You cannot compromise on these factors and this is why we have set it as an inclusion. Remember, standards are not some rigid set of guidelines, but to make your golf course flexible enough to adjust to different situations.
Greens
Greens come on the top of your priority list when it comes to setting standards. It’s because of turf density, sustainability, consistency, smoothness, putting speed, and firmness. All these factors are influenced by the maintenance of the greens. You can blindly set some strict standards as greens have a high stake in any golf course facility. We recommend Jacobsen Golf course mowers for your golf course facility. You can opt for other brands like John Deere as well.
It’s about practicing every maintenance practice on your greens at the right time with the right equipment. Some methods include grooming, sand top-dressing, verticutting, aeration, and rolling.
Fairways and Roughs
Inclusions in fairways and roughs are divided into further categories like Turf density, surface firmness, fairways ball lie, uniformity, etc. You may also include fertilizing and drainage into this inclusion of a golf course. Also, you have to mention the irrigation design and frequency with all maintenance and repair programs. Any upgradations in these practices might also be written in the document.
Tees
The appropriate density of teeing grounds in any golf course needs to be uniform. You have to list mowing frequency camera repair, height, and any other specific practices to be implemented on its alignment. All procedures need to be mentioned in the document that every other staff has to follow. It’s about determining the frequency of enlargement and occasional leveling.
Trees and Landscapes
Any golf course should be known for its integral components. So, their maintenance is also mandatory. Practices like debris management, occasional pruning, and separate irrigation for trees are all included. One cannot compromise on the landscaping of any golf course to maintain all those beautiful views out there. And it’s not just about how they look but about the internal health of a golf course.
Aquatics
All the small water bodies visible on your golf course also need to be maintained. One can easily overlook their importance, but the quality of water is a big concern. Any waterbody can acquire algae or weeds if proper trimming, stabilization, aeration is not done at the right time.
Now, for any golf course superintendent, it would be easier to maintain the standards. He just has to keep in mind all these factors to get the most out of the facility.
