How to Navigate Golf's New Game

It’s a different world in the golf industry these days — the competition for members and tee times is on the rise. Moreover, players are demanding better and better play conditions. It’s a tough environment for everyone in the industry. Controlling costs while maintaining consistently excellent conditions is more important than ever.

What’s more, the operational and regulatory side of golf course maintenance has become more complex and difficult to navigate. With all of these changes, golf courses are looking for a smart option for maintaining their course. Partnering with an expert has proven a smart way to overcome these challenges and others. Read on and learn why.

Creating a Workforce That Works

In today’s industry, labor recruitment has become one of the biggest sticking points. Tighter restrictions have forced many clubs to find creative ways to hire workers since paperwork can eat up inordinate amounts of time.

One solution is to contract with a proven golf course maintenance firm with a strong recruiting department. The advantage is that the firm does the legwork for hiring and screening candidates, tracking and monitoring all the fine points throughout the process, and handling the paperwork. The upside is that it frees your superintendent to spend more time on the course and less time chasing details. And — as a bonus — he also gets a labor force that’s been vetted and is ready to work.

Balancing Performance, Technology, and Regulatory Requirements

It’s hard to keep track of all the agronomic products that enter the marketplace. Thousands of new products come on the market every year. How can you keep on top of what works and what doesn’t while also balancing cost and regulatory requirements (chemical control, water conservation)? How will you know which are the most effective products and processes for your particular course and/or turf problem?

Again, look to an expert. Agronomists trained in turf management are well equipped to help you vet products and choose the ones right for your budget and course conditions. These professionals also monitor regulatory changes and can recommend products that are safe for your crew, your course, and the environment at large.

On that note, teaming with experts who are up-to-date on the technology and efficacy of irrigation systems and can train your crew can also help you save water and labor costs while ensuring that your turf will thrive long term.

All of this may seem like something that every superintendent would and should do, but when taking into consideration all that is asked of superintendents today — from managing the day-to-day and meeting players’ expectations for faster green speed to top course conditions and managing seasonal planning — it’s clearly more than a one-person job.

Build Your Team, Gain the Advantages

When you consider everything that is on your plate (meaning you, the club manager and your superintendent), it’s a lot. The world has changed for golf course maintenance and, so too, has the way in which you can approach it. You don’t have to go it alone.

A golf maintenance partner can help provide the needed support and expertise to manage the operations, leaving you and your superintendent more available to focus on serving your members and customers with the hospitality and playing experience they expect.

Before you start thinking that this is too big a step, consider this: It’s not an either/or arrangement. Partnering with experts is a team experience, one that augments your strengths, bolsters your weaknesses, and enables you to better manage the increasing complexities of service, liability, and course conditions that make up today’s golf world.