A golf course is a living thing and has a personality of its own. Creating a quality turf by the construction crew does not end the task. It is a life long continuous process and needs great care and attention.
The golf course architect converts an otherwise insignificant tract of land into a highly valuable property. Golf course is such an asset that it requires attentive management. Therefore, even if the architect and builder lay the groundwork for a truly spectacular golf courses, it is the skilled management that achieves the full potential.
Golf maintenance by the management
Golf course maintenance is an very important aspect of the golf course. Golf course maintenance involves all the aspects of maintenance a golf course like:
Mowing the golf greens
The height of the cut is important and it should be 2-3 inches for fall and 3-4 inches for summers. The blades of the lawn mower should be sharp to have clean cuts. Dull blades tend to rip the grass and leaves and have bigger cuts. The grass is more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Change the mowing direction of the cut every time to keep coarse grasses under control and ensure even surface.
Irrigating the golf greens
Irrigating the golf greens is very important as it keeps the golf grass green. Deep irrigation with sufficient amount of water is required so that the roots grow deep and get well established. This improves the overall health of the golf grass.
Maintaining the trees on the golf course
The trees on the golf course are important. They provide cooling effect on the course. It is important to prune the trees so that they do not become hazard on the course. The trees also require watering and fertilizer application so that they remain healthy and add to the aesthetic value of the golf course.
Maintaining the water bodies
Water bodies like rivers, streams or lakes on the golf course require proper maintenance. Aquatic weeds should be removed and they should be cleaned so that these water bodies add to the beauty of he course apart from acting as aquatic hazards.
Maintaining the golf carts
Golf carts require at least two servicing in a year. Carts are a vital part of the golf course. The battery terminals, water levels should be checked regularly.
Golf greens maintenance
Golf green maintenance includes, thatch, fertigation, aerification, pest control and disease control. All this is required to keep the golf grass in good and healthy condition. All these cultural practices also keep the golf grass green.
Golf course maintenance is not just the job of the golf course superintendents and ground crew. Golfers also have some responsibility to maintain the golf greens. This they can do by repairing ball marks on golf greens, repair divots on golf greens, raking sand bunkers, etc. So if you want to play on the best of golf courses then remember it is not only the maintenance department which is responsible for the entire thing, you also need to lend a helping hand.
