The fairway is the main playable area of maintained grass down the centre of most golf holes between the tee box and the putting green. The core standards for fairway operations are mowing, verticutting, fertilizing, divot repair, irrigation, equipment maintenance, and monitoring. 4.5.1 Mowing Standards Mowing standards include the height of cut, mowing direction, and procedures for avoiding interrupting play. Height of cut will be maintained at 0.4 inches for as much of the season as possible. Heights will be raised incrementally in the fall as we get closer to winter, and in spring they will be lowered again until 0.4 inches is achieved again. Direction of cut will be the salt and pepper pattern, alternating sides every time so as not to burn in the lines. Operators will get as much done prior to the first tee time every morning, and then they will work backwards once they are caught in play, so as not to interfere with the same group twice. 4.5.2 Machine Our fairway mowing units are the Toro 5410D diesel engine reel mowers. Reels and bedknives must be kept sharp and level. Oil and other fluid levels should be checked routinely before operating, and reels should be greased upon completion. The machine should be properly washed before storing. ● Prior to use of any piece of equipment, always make sure to check all fluid levels: fuel; oil, antifreeze etc. ● Before starting the mower, visually inspect surrounding area for any leaks, and ensure tire pressure not low ● Obtain all necessary PPE for desired unit ● While mowing and verticutting, pay attention to any debris or objects that may cause harm to the mowing unit. If debris lies in your path, stop the unit, remove debris and then proceed with mowing
● Make sure to inspect the radiator screen frequently on the rear of the mower and clear off any clippings, leaves etc. to maintain proper airflow. Failure to do so may result in an overheated engine. ● When verticutting, have a fellow staff member familiar with the irrigation system flag all irrigation heads and yardage markers on the fairway that is being cut. Do not mow the irrigation heads or yardage markers this will cause damage to all objects involved including the verticutters. ● If at anytime an employee is uncomfortable with safety or equipment wellbeing, seek supervisory assistance. 4.5.3 NonMowing Practices Verticutting will be performed using the Toro Reel Master vertical mowing attachment for fairway units. Verticutting is used for thatch removal in turf stand. The vertical attachments will be maintained similarly to the reels, with proper cleaning and greasing as well as routine maintenance. Verticutting depth is essential when beginning, mow 1 2 passes on fairway area and have a supervisor’s approval to proceed. If the cuts are too deep, the machine can become damaged; if the cut is too shallow the desired thatch removal may not occur. Fertilization will be performed by a Vicon fertilizer spreader using granular mixtures. This makes the fertilization more cost effective and longer lasting. It will be used in moderation on all fairways from rough to rough. Divot repair is expected to be done in full by the membership, however, time will be allocated every week for the repair of any missed or ignored divots. Irrigation will be kept in functional operation at all times throughout the season and all breaks will be repaired as soon as is possible to maintain proper soil moisture levels for healthy turf. The best way to determine the need and timing for these practices or any other practices is proper monitoring. This is the job of superintendents and assistants, to observe conditions on the course and choose the appropriate times for every maintenance practice.
4.6 Rough Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF27HJT11yo The rough is the longest height of cut of the maintained grasses on the golf course. The rough is made up of the grass outside of the surrounds of the greens and includes the grass areas around the tees and greens. The core standards for rough operations are mowing, fertilizing, irrigating, and monitoring. 4.6.1 Mowing Standards Mowing standards include the height of cut, mowing direction, and procedures for avoiding interrupting play. Height of cut will be maintained at 2 inches for the duration of the season. Direction of cut will alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise around the fairway every day so as not to burn in the lines. Operators will get as much done prior to the first tee time every morning, and then they will work backwards once they are caught in play, so as not to interfere with the same group twice. 4.6.2 Machine Our rough mowing units are the Toro Groundsmaster 3500D diesel engine blade mowers. Blades must be kept sharp and level. Oil and other fluid levels should be checked routinely before operating, and reels should be greased upon completion. The machine should be properly washed before storing.
4.6.3 NonMowing Practices Fertilizing will be performed by a Vicon fertilizer spreader using granular mixtures. This makes the fertilization more cost effective and longer lasting. Fertilization of the rough areas will be done once in the spring and once in the fall.. Divot repair will be hopefully be done in full by the membership, but time will be allocated every week for the repair of any missed or ignored divots. Irrigation will be kept in functional operation at all times throughout the season and all breaks will be repaired as soon as is possible to maintain proper soil moisture levels for healthy turf. The best way to determine the need and timing for these practices or any other practices is proper monitoring. This is the job of superintendents and assistants, to observe conditions on the course and choose the appropriate times for every maintenance practice. Machine: Toro Groundsmaster 3500 D Fuel: Diesel Purpose: Function is to mow all rough areas, including park areas, at a height of 2” throughout the entire course. Starting Procedures: ● Warm up machine with park brake engaged before starting and let run for five minutes before beginning your task ● Once machine is moved from parking space check for any evidence of leaks, if leaks are found report to the equipment manager immediately Key Operating Points: ● Always ensure the area you are mowing is free of debris or obstructions. ● Pay Attention! Always be aware of surroundings including obstructions and people. ● Move out of golfers way and let them know that you see them (wave). ● Idle down machine when engaging and disengaging mowing units. ● Utilize three point turns while mowing to keep turf damage minimal. ● While traveling always have mowing units off and raised.
4.7 Surrounds/First Cut This is the second longest height of cut in our maintained grass and it is just on the inside of our rough the whole way round the hole. The core standards for this is mowing, fertilizing, irrigation and monitoring. 4.7.1 Mowing Standards Mowing standards include the height of cut, mowing direction and procedures for avoiding interruption of play. Our height of cut for surrounds will be 1 inch and it will stay this height consistently for the full season. We will alternate cutting direction between clockwise and counterclockwise in order keep the turf healthy and prevent it from all lying down and having too much lateral growth. We will cut this once every two days and they will get round in one morning before play goes out. 4.7.2 Machine Our mowing units for surrounds will be Toro 3100 , this is very similar to our rough units, however instead of rotary blades we will be using reels due to the lower height of cut. We must ensure that blades are kept sharp and level to provide the best cut possible for the turf and minimize ripping or tearing the grass. The machines will have fluids checked daily before mowing to ensure adequate levels and make sure there are no leaks anywhere which would damage the turf. After each usage, the machine will be properly washed before being stored overnight in its designated spot. 4.7.3 NonMowing Practices For fertilizing, we will cover the surrounds the same as we fertilize the rough and fairways. We will use a Vicon spreader to evenly distribute a granular fertilizer over the rough, surrounds and fairways. A slow release fertilizer will be used at the start and the end of the season and we will monitor the areas and only apply more if needed. Due to the surrounds being such a small area (one pass with a mower), we can’t have irrigation or many other practices specifically for that section. For irrigation, it will receive the same watering schedule as the rough and fairways get.
Machine: Toro 3100 D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW347ZFNosY (Picture Source: https://goo.gl/eFDZSN) Fuel: Diesel Starting/Stopping Procedures: ● Check all the fluids before starting the machine ● Once machine has been started, let it run for 5 minutes before powering up ● After driving off, stop and inspect where it was parked to ensure there hasn’t been any leaks ● Once finished and mower is back in the compound about to get washed, allow it to idle for 5 minutes before shutting off completely. Key Operating Points: ● Always ensure the area you are mowing is free of debris or obstructions. ● Pay Attention! Always be aware of surroundings including obstructions and people. ● Move out of golfers way and let them know that you see them (wave). ● Idle down machine when engaging and disengaging mowing units. ● Utilize three point turns while mowing to keep turf damage minimal. ● While traveling always have mowing units off and raised. Function: Purpose is to mow one pass on the inside of the rough the whole way around the hole at a length of 1”.
4.8 Bunkers 4.8.1 Core Standard Bunkers: Bunkers will be raked every day they will be free of weeds and debris. They will be maintained at a sand depth of 4”6” at the base and 2”3” on the edges. Bunker edges will be maintained and edged to keep a straight edge. 4.8.2 Core Standard Duties Bunkers: Machine raked daily Your supervisor will go over proper equipment checklist (check oil, tire pressure, check for leaks, fuel is filled etc) and operation of equipment prior to you using the sand pro. Fuel machine when finished and wash. Always hand rake the edges standing in the inside of the bunker before raking the base with the sand pro. Once you have completed the rake with the sand pro, it is important to smoothen the edges around the bunker and ensure all the tire marks are raked by hand. Proper PPE Steel toe boots Ear plugs Gloves Hard hat https://youtu.be/zvjQMDXKqCY Hand raked Using a bunker rake, rake the bunkers to our core standards by hand and ensure you smoothen the edges around the bunker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg6tLMCa59w Maintaining Bunkers Holes will be split on a weekly schedule for extra maintenance. Edge bunkers
Measure sand depth (add sand if needed) 23” on edges and 46” on base of bunker Daily weed picking if necessary Spraying weeds Removing rocks and debris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76ODN4Fw0A 4.8.3 Summary Bunkers will be done in a forwards order if done at the beginning of the day ahead of golfers. If done in the afternoon, it should be done 18 backwards to avoid repeated golfer interference. 4.9 Divots 4.9.1 Core Standard Divots: The course tries to achieve the best quality and as we all know divots are a eyesore on the course. Replacing divots make the look of the course that much better and with golfers replacing them it helps out the maintenance crew so they do not have to do it. This also helps with the playability of the course. We will maintain the divot boxes keeping adequate divot mix inside for daily use. Replace old mix that may not be useful any longer. 4.9.2 Core Standard Duties Divots Step down on the turf you replaced as best you can to level the ground back out Use sand that is in bottle on golf cart if possible and fill the divot hole Make sure sand just fills the divot hole and it is not all over the fairway Fill divot and smooth off keeping it level with the ground to avoid crowning on the tees fairways ect https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYH5dfWaotU
Do divots in the opposite direction as golfers so that you are only in each group's way once rather than following them throughout their round. 4.9.3 Core Standard Duties Divot boxes: All divot boxes filled with sand and seed Check boxes to make sure divot mix is still useable and not germinated All divot boxes have the appropriate tools inside for filling divots Make sure each tee box has a divot box on the course https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0v5Dj3EMAQ (5) Divot box mix recipe: 10 spade shovels of sand 2 3 cups of seed 1 cup of fertilizer ¼ cup dye mixed with 2 cups water. 4.10 Trimming 4.10.1 Core Standard Trimming: To achieve the highest quality product as mentioned in our mission statement, the maintenance department will need to go beyond the typical core standards of greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, etc. Trimming is a key task that will make our course achieve that highest quality by keeping all non mowable areas tidy. 4.10.2 Core Standard Duties Trimming Equipment check Oil
Mixed Gas, fill at shop. If you run out on the course, do NOT fill on grass areas, looks for cart path or concrete areas. Ensure when travelling with a gas can, that the lid is tight and the gas can is secured to avoid spillage. String line Warm up for 12 minutes before use. PPE Safety Glasses Ear Plugs Gloves Dust mask Hard hat with attached face mask Pants and long sleeved shirt recommended Steel toed boots/shoes Trimmers used around: Pond edges Fence Lines Buildings/clubhouse Curbs Bunkers Trees/shrubs Non mowable areas that need to have short grass(Garbages, Satellite Boxes) Proper Trimming Techniques: Final height must match the mowed height Do not burn the turf by having a spinning trimmer rest on the turf on trimming on an angle. Trimming should be done in reverse order(18 backwards) to avoid golfer interference. If needing to trim near golfers wait till they are a good distance away from flying debris. How To Use A String Trimmer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN8WPDpSKaA How To Install Trimmer Line https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObUSchdKnRw Trimming Safety Video: https://youtu.be/AVIDO3mrVqU 4.11 Course Service Pins Course Service is one of the most important tasks performed and requires knowledge in Turfgrass, the game of golf, and the ability to multitask as necessary to achieve standards of excellence.
Requirements: Staff members are required to record the day's activities by way of google forms. Parameters of the form (here) completion include: Name Duration Day of Week Number of Staff Fuel Used Equipment Concerns General Course Concerns Note: General Course Concerns are a very important parameter of your task as explained in course service introduction and course service function. Daily form data gathered is accumulated (here) and analysed by Supervisors and the Equipment Technician. Function: To carry out the daily course setup of the golf course, observe Tee to Green turfgrass conditions, and communicate observations with supervisors. If In Doubt Point It Out! 4.11.1 Utility Vehicle Operators Page (here) 4.11.2 Course Service Preparation Course Service Equipment Needed Checklist (here) is located on clipboard in the Large Tool Box used for Bathroom Maintenance. A Digital Copy (here) is located in the Course Service Reporting Workbook. Before leaving shop complete checklist to ensure you have all necessary tools and materials for your morning tasks.
4.11.3 Overview The number one rule of changing pins is to never lay the pin changer on the putting green surface. After cutting the new cup with plug in tact or after extracting the plug from the new location walk the pin changer to the collar and lay the pin changer outside the greens putting surface. The utmost care and attention must be given to leaving a smooth putting surface when complete and avoiding high or low plugs when changing pin locations. Referring to the 5 Day Rotation Schedule (here) find your location always being mindful of past pin placements and choosing a location away from the previous plug. Placements must be no closer than 1 flag pole length from the edges of the green perimeter or swails on the green surface. Be mindful of old ball mark scars in proximity to where the new cup is placed as well. 4.11.4 Change Pin Location Rotation of pins consists of a five day rotation schedule (here) to match tee locations on tees. Proper pin changing training will be provided during employment orientation. 4.11.5 Changing Pin Flags Pin locations on Greens are identified for golfers by way of a 3 flag system; Red Front White Middle Black Back 4.11.6 Cutting the New Cup Upon entering the green observe the putting surface for any irregularities or imperfections, uneven quality of cut, vandalism or discoloration. Contact supervisors immediately and complete the Course Service Form accordingly. Refer to your Course Service sheet for location being mindful of old pin placements as to not cut the new hole in the same location as the previous time the pin was in that quadrant of the green. Once you are comfortable with your new hole location carry on with the HIO Hole Cutter to cut the new hole. Make your first cut into the putting surface by punching the cup cutter into the green. Ensure that the Hole Cutter is level by reading the Bubble Lever on the handle. If the Hole Cutter is level pull out the silver locking pin just below the handle and begin with cutting the new hole by lifting the handle and dropping it back down.
Par Aide Hole Cutter Video (here) Once you have reached the proper depth relock the locking pin. With the new hole cut retrieve the cup and flag from the existing hole location and set beside your new hole location. Remove the Hole Cutter from the hole by lifting and turning at the same time. Be sure to hold the Hole Cutter perpendicular to the green as to not spill sand onto the putting surface. If this happens remove as much as you can and then add water for final clean up until there is no evidence of sand on the putting surface. Insert the Hio into the old location and extract the plug by pulling up on the side lever. Ensure that the plug is level with the putting surface after removing the hole cutter, if not pull the plug out and add sand if low and remove sand if too high. After this step is complete set the Hio on the collar beside the green. Insert the cup into the new hole location with the cup setter and set the cup all the way into the hole. Pull the cup setter straight up out of the hole to prevent damage to the grass around the hole. Change flag on the pin as per 4.11.7 Changing Pins Accessories Cup Puller Cup Setter Cup Paint Tool Pouch 4.11.8 Tournament Pins Pin and Tee Sheets Pin sheets will be issued to golfers prior to the start of a tournament. These pin sheets will either be issued to the course service employee to follow as they change pins, or will be based on the pin placements selected by the course services employee. If deviating from the
regular pin location rotation, the course services employee will pick the location with the healthiest turf and follow the pattern of six easy locations, six average, and six tough locations throughout the 18 holes when possible. These locations will be recorded onto a pin sheet to be given to tournament competitors. Painting Putting Cups Using the Par Aide 360 paint can, the 1” lip above the cup will be painted. After setting the cup into the newly cut hole, place the aluminum guard in the hole on top of the cup to avoid any extra paint leaking into the hole. Place the guide over top of the hole, and using the 360 spray can, spray 3 to 4 quick sprays into the hole or until the desired whiteness is achieved. Place the guide and guard directly into the hole changing kit to avoid any wet paint from getting onto the turf. Painting Video (here) 4.11.9 Practice Green Using the Par Aide pin changer, the holes will be cut at a depth of 4 inches. All practice green holes will be rotated three paces from their initial position to ensure proper spacing and traffic distribution. 4.11.10 Repairing Ball Marks All greens will be quickly scanned for ball marks as the course service staff member reaches each green to change the hole location. Ball marks will be repaired using a ball mark repair tool, and these will be provided by the employer.
4.11.11 Poa Picking Any poa encroachment or poa spots within the bentgrass greens are plucked using either a ball mark repair tool or a fork. Each green is scanned quickly for poa annua as the course service staff member is picking the new location for the pin. 4.11.12 Traffic Control Travelling from Tee to Green traffic blocks, entry routes, and cart signage are rotated daily with all rope stakes and signs straightened as needed. 4.12 Limiting Factors 4.12.1 Lightning If there is a lightning strike within five miles of the golf course, a siren will sound from the clubhouse indicating that all golfers and employees should seek shelter. Staff are required to seek protection under the nearest lightning shelter until the horn sounds from the clubhouse to indicate that it is safe to resume golfing/working. 4.12.2 Seasonal Weather and Playing Conditions In the event that there is rain, all turfcare stall will equip themselves with rain gear to help maintain comfort while working. If rain becomes too much to work, a call will be made over the communications radio to return to the maintenance shop, or seek protection under one of the lightning shelters on property. This procedure applies in the event of any other type of weather event.
4.13 Course Service Tees 4.13.1 Tee Service This is the second component of Course Service that is performed when travelling from Tee to Green. Requirements and Course Concerns noted in Course Service Pins (here) pertain to Course Service Tees as well. 4.13.2 Function To carry out the daily tee setup of the golf course, observe Tee to Green turfgrass conditions, and communicate observations with supervisors. 4.13.3 Equipment All necessary equipment for Tee Service is included in your materials checklist you completed in Course Service Equipment Needed Checklist. (here) 4.13.4 Empty Garbages Upon reaching the tee box garbage is emptied by sorting garbage and recyclable cans and bottles which are stored outside the irrigation pump house in the supplied enclosure. 4.13.5 Check Ball and Club Washers Maintenance of Ball and Club Washers includes checking levels, draining and refilling if needed, changing towels when required. 4.13.6 Rotate Tee Stones Rotation of tees consists of a 5 Day Rotation schedule (here) to match pin locations on greens. Tee Stones are placed 5 paces apart with Course Logo facing the direction that Golfers enter the Tee Deck. Tee Placement By Color Red Front White Middle Black Back 4.13.7 Clean Broken Tees Broken tees are picked and removed from the tee deck surface. 4.13.8 Filling Divots Sand and seed mix is placed in each divot across the tee box. The mix ratio is one scoop of perennial ryegrass and three scoops of kentucky bluegrass to one bag of sand. The
Accupro Sand Leveller is used to ensure a smooth surface of the divot to avoid crowning. The Accupro will ensure a flat, smooth surface to help with consistent growin of divots. 4.13.9 Fill Divot Boxes Filling divot boxes consists of filling the boxes on the tee boxes with sand and seed for the golfers to use when they create a divot on the tee box. 4.13.10 Driving Range Tee Rotating Teeing Area The teeing area will be set up in a rotation every day to allow for a 21day grow in period for recovering divots. The teeing area will be set up five feet forward each day from the previous day, and then rotating toward the back of the tee once there is no more room. Accupro Sand Leveller To avoid crowning, the Accupro Sand Leveller will be used when filling large numbers of divots on the driving range tee. The Accupro will ensure a flat, smooth surface to help with consistent growin of divots. 4.13.11 Maintain Bathrooms Maintenance of bathrooms consists of a visual check for cleanliness. Condition of sinks and toilets is observed and paper toiletries are replaced as needed. Air freshener canister is checked for proper operation and replaced if needed. Once per week or upon warranted conditions the bathrooms are hosed down with water. The water hose and spray nozzle is located in the outside storeage box on the side of the building. Make sure the floor drains are cleaned and draining properly when when washing the inside of the bathrooms.
5. Hiring Procedures 5.1 Hiring Policy 5.1.1 NonDiscrimination It is our policy to not discriminate against any potential employee based on: Race Gender Age Sexual Orientation If anybody feels as though this organization is discriminating they can bring it forward to the club and we will treat it with the utmost seriousness. If the claim is proven to be true this will result in an immediate suspension without pay for the employee responsible and a second offense will result in termination. 5.1.2 Resume Review Process Reviewing resumes will be done by either the superintendent and assistant superintendent for parttime, as well as seasonal student and full time maintenance employees, or the general manager, head professional, and food and beverage manager in addition to the highest ranked golf maintenance employee for superintendents, or assistant superintendents. Selection of resumes will be based on discussion and analysis compared to a list of requirements. 5.1.3 Resume Requirements Superintendent: Must have at least a Turfgrass Management Diploma Must have a minimum of 5 years experience as either a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, or equivalent. Must have Valid Pesticide License Assistant Superintendent: Must have at least a Turfgrass Management Diploma Must have a minimum of 5 years experience as: Assistant Superintendent, Second Assistant Superintendent, Turf Technician, Irrigation Technician, Turf Intern Must have a valid Pesticide License Second Assistant Superintendent: Must have at least a Turfgrass Management Diploma Must have a minimum of 5 years experience working on a golf course
Must either have a Valid Pesticide License or be willing to obtain one 5.1.4 Interview Process Once several resumes are selected as qualifying for interviews the interviews will be conducted by the same individuals who reviewed the resumes. This will be done for the sake of consistency throughout the process. Successful candidates will return for a more in depth interview and the list will be narrowed down to, at most, three individuals. The questions below will be used for the interview process. 5.2 Interview Questions 5.2.1 Ice Breaker Questions What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Similar insight into what they prioritize and enjoy doing. Out of curiosity, do you play golf? If you don’t, don’t be concerned! Not everybody who does a great job out here golfs, so it’s all good if you don’t! Shows they’ll have an eye for standards Follow up Q: What’s your handicap? Different skills of golfers will have different views. 5.2.2 Main Interview Questions Answers will be rated on a 15 basis as judged by the interviewer. What are your favourite things about your job/profession? What other kinds of jobs have you been interested in? What led you to golf course management? Where is their passion/interests? How have those other job interests influenced them? How do you view rules? As an Employee? Supervisor? Do they follow rules? Do they take them seriously or disregard them? What kinds of skills seem to come most naturally to you? What do you feel you the need to work on most? Follow up: How do you see yourself accomplishing that personal development goal? Shows they are looking to grow and progress as an employee, they can identify their areas of weakness and ways they can grow in these areas. Shows personal growth has been a thought they have had. Why should our company hire you?
Green flags: Talks positively about themselves and how their management philosophy is valuable to us as an organization. Shows they would be interested in advancement within the company Prove they have knowledge in the field or are very interested in learning Red flags: “Because I’m worth it”. I’m good at golf Talking about how they know more about turf than anything else. People management is such an essential part of the job, if they don’t mention people management then. Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years? Green Flag: Any answer relating to self improvement shows that they have desire to move up as they go. Explaining what their long term plans are demonstrates that they have thought about it quite a bit and are striving for specific goals. Red Flag: “I don’t know” Shows that they have not thought about their future. Lacking career goals Wants to be in the same situation they’re in now. Lacks motivation. Only do basic work. Won’t go out of there way to make the course better. Is fine with just an ‘Ok’ product Short term goal, phrased as a long term goal. Demonstrates thinking small How would you spend “1 million dollars”? This can give you insight into what they prioritize in their life and a good chance to have a laugh and see if they choose to release the natural tension from the interview process. 5.2.3 Closing Questions/Comments What are your wage expectations? Displays character and what they want to focus on for the job. What are your expectations from your employer? Tells us what they expect from us, and they are not here just to collect a paycheque. Do you have any questions for me? Shows they have thought about both sides of the interview Shows they value being a part of a high quality organization
6. Employee Signoff 6.1 Employee Statement I ____________________________(print name) have read and understood all that is in the employee manual and will use it to inform myself to become the best employee I can possibly be. 6.1.1 Employee Signature __________________________________ 6.2 Employer Statement I ____________________________(print name) acknowledge that the employee has read and understood the handbook and will respect the policies outlined within. 6.2.1 Employer Signature __________________________________
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