A Golf Course Management Policy Document

Purpose of the document Who should take ownership for producing it Timescales and procedure

Firstly, make a dossier or Course file containing History of the Course and developments over the years Records of alterations, drainage and irrigation plans etc. Statement on soil type (s) Climatic data including 10 year averages

Policy objectives To provide a framework which will facilitate Course maintenance and development To provide a framework which will allow the Course to reach its potential To deliver sustainable Course conditions To ensure compliance with all legislative requirements

1. Roles and Responsibilities The Course Manager and Greenstaff The Club Secretary The Chairman of the Green Committee Other personnel who may be involved in some way in Course matters (Treasurer, Professional)

2. Resources Staff numbers Qualifications and experience Training and development strategies Machinery and materials Use of suitable machinery and approved materials only

(Resources Continued) The production of an annual budget for Course maintenance and development

3. The Course GREENS General Statement on present grass composition and future sward composition objectives Statement on present playing qualities and future playing quality objectives

Greens (continued) Identify the range of maintenance treatments required and strategy of maintaining/using the greens. Mowing (heights, frequency) Verticutting (type and frequency) Aeration (type and frequency) Top dressing (quality and frequency) Irrigation policy

Greens (continued) Reseeding strategy Fertiliser strategy Policy on chemical treatments (fungicides, weedkillers, insecticides)

Greens (continued) Policy on timing of works Use of greens in winter (temporary greens) Measures to deal with any environmental effects on turf performance (tree removal etc) Hole changing Other matters that might be relevant to a Clubs requirements

Surrounds and approaches Agronomic statement on present sward composition and playing quality together with future objectives Surround and approaches would normally be maintained at an intermediate level between greens and fairways PROVIDE DETAIL OF MANAGEMENT AS FOR THE GREENS

Fairways, tees, semi-rough and rough State present composition and quality together with the desired composition/quality PROVIDE DETAILS OF MANAGEMENT

Bunkers State present conditions and objectives Indicate the methods to achieve objectives

Irrigation State objectives and how they will be achieved

Ditches/drainage, rights of way etc State present conditions and future objectives Detail how objectives can be achieve

Ecological management Detail current ecological status Detail work to sustain/develop ecological value and contribution to the site

Capital Development objectives List Specific,Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound objectives Short-term (1-3 years), medium (up to 5 years), long term (up to 10 years)

General policy areas DETAIL Health and safety status and objectives Communication protocol with members and visitors. Complaints procedure Use of trollies, buggies etc Traffic management Architecture and Course alterations

General policy areas (continued) Machinery replacement/modernisation Testing of materials To record climatic data (rainfall, max. and min. temperatures etc.) Professional advice Any other issues that may concern the Club, e.g. soft spikes

BEWARE Not reviewing/fine tuning from time to time Use the model as a guide. The Policy Document needs to specific to your Course

Note The policy should be SUSTAINABLE In the future there is likely to be a role for BENCHMARKING within a Policy Document

‘The challenge for golf is to maintain course quality and playability while respecting and positively contributing to the social and natural environment.’ Peter Dawson Chief Executive, The R&A

SUSTAINABILITY

R&A definition of “sustainability” “Optimising the playing quality of the golf course in harmony with the conservation of its natural environment under economically sound and socially responsible management”

The commonly held perception is that Sustainability is about improving the sward composition of the greens. Sustainable management applies to the whole course.

Key Areas of Consideration Ideally there should be Club policy to encompass the following areas… Nature conservation Landscape and Cultural Heritage Water resource management Energy efficiency Waste management

Nature Conservation 30 – 70% out-of-play Needs proper management Get expert advice

Landscape and Cultural Heritage Many golf courses include fragments of traditional countryside and landforms Cultural heritage needs to be preserved Appropriate design, choice of materials, planting and presentational style.

Water Resource Management On course Reduce quantities used –Irrigation system efficiency and usage Off course Maximise efficiency, minimise wastage, collect rainwater for watering outdoor plants

Energy Efficiency Energy used in all areas of the facility Huge potential savings (up to 20%) on energy bills

Waste Management Disposal Recycle –Composting Re-use of recycled material –Glass, plastic, wood chip, Compost