Golfing year is full all round the year. There are major works to be done on the golf course. It includes things like ditch clearing, fairway replacement, drainage, etc. all these need to be carried in such a way that they may cause minimal disruption. Usually there is a golf course maintenance calendar which every golf course follows.
Here is a general advice for monthly maintenance of golf courses. This schedule may be changed depending on the soil type, weather, management policy and various other factors.
January and February
Irrigation system needs to be commissioned as there may be a drought during summers. Check all the leaks and see that the system is well programmed to deliver water to each area on the golf course as per requirement. The shaded parts and sheltered ones need less water while the water requirement of other areas receiving full sunshine is more.
All the equipments should be ready for the coming season. Failure of any sort should not disrupt things on the golf course. It is also the best time to update your inventory and do condition assessment. Prepare a detailed record of downtime and repair costs. These records can be further used when the time for replacement comes for the things on the course.
March
This time of the year is good as it ends all winter on the golf course. This is also the time to encourage early growth for the golf greens. Tees, greens and bunkers may show some good results if they are maintained at this time of the year. The golf grass is in growing condition and stress free and you can take full benefit of this. There may be some dry patches and wetting them in March will help as the ground is moist. Other aspects of green keeping may also be done at this time thinking about the game well ahead.
April
This is the time to tidy up the golf course and make it ready for the season. Continue the aeration programme to have good grass growth. May is the best time for any sprays like weedicides, insecticides, etc. you can contact the contractor well in advance so that the work may start in time and there are no health hazards. So you can book the contractor and decide the course of action for the next month.
May
There are good growing conditions in this month of the year as the weather is warm. Draw up a strategy for minimal use of water as this month may be the start of a dry spell.
This is also the time to have the golf greens sprayed with the broad leaves weedicide and other required sprays.
June
This is the time golfers will are more concerned about the speed. Reducing the irrigation may make the ground firmer as the roots will get stronger. Top dressing may be done to have a smooth, drain free surface. Aerating, brushing the lawn before mowing can also be done.
July
Warm weathers bring with it the pests and diseases. Maintaining hygiene on the golf course is the key factor to keep diseases at bay. Avoid any stress to the golf greens and keep them well nourished. In case any symptoms do arise, get them checked immediately. Fungal growth is very prominent at this time and remedial action needs to be taken.
August
No special maintenance is done in this month. The regular watering, mowing needs to be carried out.
September
The provision of the teeing grounds needs to be reviewed. Trim, prune the branches of the trees on the golf course. You may start ant golf tee construction at this time as it may be complete before the next season.
October
Use of dichlorophen during this cooler month works wonders for the moss in the shaded part of the golf course. Prepare a winter golf policy and implements it against frost greens and trolleys.
November and December
Take a nice look at the trees as they may need pruning and the roots may invade the golf greens. Trenching can be done if required. Algae may invade the turf surface and cause problems.
December is the time of the year to take the stock of the entire year and check what went wrong and why. Plans like tree felling, tee construction need to be revised.
Lastly a note and record the locations of the poorly drained areas and the drainage work needs to be done on a regular basis. Planning of new paths if necessary and keeping a check on the traffic routes will also become easier if an updated calendar of golf course maintenance is prepared efficiently.
