Aspects of Golf Course Maintenance

Golf courses are always in a state of constant change and evolution since they are growing! As the trees, grass and other shrubs grow, they interfere with the width of the putting surface of the golf course. In order to reduce the wastage of the surface, these elements forming the major part of the course need to be maintained in a proper and orderly fashion thus increasing the efficiency of the course itself.

Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to maintain your golf course and have it looking lush and beautiful.

Well-maintained golf courses provide plenty of the ecological as well as community benefits. It not only provides recreation, but also cleans the air and acts as a sanctuary for plants and animals. Fertilizers and pesticides should be used but in moderation over the entire golf course to maintain a healthy turf.

Trees are also an important and vital part of any golf course. They cool the temperature, create shade and also filter the dust. But their health should be closely monitored and they should not be allowed to grow near the putting surfaces and the teeing surfaces as they interfere with the growth and nourishment of these regions in particular. The overgrown limbs of trees have to be trimmed as part of the tree maintenance program. Slopes must be hand mowed with line trimmers or by using special mowing equipment. Softer slopes are most cost effective and have less maintenance compared to steep slopes. Trim work is the most difficult and crucial part of golf course maintenance. It requires high labor especially during the growing season. Sand Bunkers require the sand to be added and replaced constantly as well as raking. If the sand bunkers are steep, after heavy rain, the sand will always need to be shoveled back into the bunkers.

Maintaining the golf carts, which are generally petrol or electric, is also very important. These require a minimum of 2 services annually. The batter terminals and water levels should be checked every fortnight if you are using electric carts. If the weather is dusty, it is good to hose out the car with specific attention to the car engine, interiors as well as under the seat. Following these simple steps will greatly reduce the general problems associated with regular usage of the golf carts.

The damage to the greens in the golf course can be reduced to a large extent by using Soft spike golf shoes instead of the metal spike shoes. Using golf clubs with new metal woods are also helpful as their heads are smaller and shallow. The irrigation system of any golf course also needs proper care in order to work to its full potential. If this system is maintained efficiently, it will reduce the overall water wastage and improve the appearance and quality of the greens in a big way. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your golf course looking beautiful and well manicured thus ensuring a quality experience for the players.

Rotor Maintenance- The arcs of the rotors should be regularly adjusted and worn out seals and nozzles should be replaced immediately. Clogged screens and cracked cases should also be fixed as soon as it is observed. The rotor should also be periodically checked for thatch build-up and improper rotation. These rotors should be examined annually or half-yearly depending on whether you are in a northern or southern climate zone respectively.

Tuning the Controller Program- In order to reduce water wastage but still keep your course looking green and healthy, it is important to follow the ‘Triple A' approach which is Anticipate, Adjust and Achieve.

Anticipate changes in weather and increase or decrease water usage accordingly. This will help prevent dry spots at the same time lessen the risk of over-watering the golf course. Adjust the irrigation schedule to increase or decrease run time of station by a certain % as per the rise in temperature. This will reduce turf stress and have a good effect or shrub and turf zones. Achieve conservation of water as well as other advantages by following the above procedure.

Maintain the other parts- Always ensure that all wiring is connected properly and neatly stored. The cabinets should be checked for dirt and debris and cleaned leaving no trace of any moisture as this will destroy the circuits. The backup battery should be replaced as and when required and the rain sensors should also be cleaned and adjusted. Ensure that the earth grounding is not over 5 ohms.