As golf course superintendents, it is our responsibility to provide our members and guests with impeccable playing conditions while maintaining our commitment to the environment. A difficult task, no doubt, but it is our duty to do our part in this world of environmental change.
Communication and keeping members and guests "in the know" is the key to any successful program. Keep them informed on the "hows and whys" of what we do greases the wheels of a well maintained golf course.
Golf course maintenance is all about dealing with the elements. Mother Nature produces harsh conditions for fine turf. Heavy rain, no rain, heat, heavy soils, tree encroachment. All these are important to plant health, but it all begins and ends with water management, both in application and drainage. Without proper management the turf health will suffer. With this unhealthy turf comes increased pesticide use to attempt to prevent the inevitable death of a number of plants followed by the increased use of fertilizers to assist in recovery in the areas with turf loss. By managing our individual micro climates we can win this battle and reduce our pesticide and fertilizer usage.
Any successful maintenance program is based on proven modern practices, scientific research and their common sense implementation. Every course and every region is different. What may work at one course may not at another just ten miles down the road. Common sense is the twine that pulls it all together.
The final piece of my philosophy is education. We must continue to learn through any means possible, whether it is through university research, other superintendents or just plain failure. If we do not continue to learn, others will pass you by. Always be at the forefront of your industry.
