6.4.9. Summary On weekends, Tees, Collars and Approaches will be mowed at the same time, except for special events and tournaments. This will cut down on time and labour costs, though it should be expected to take a little longer to mow all three areas in a row, so to do a high quality job it should take no less than 4 hours and should target 5 hours. 7. Fairways 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.Video: h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNamzisYQqI 7.1. 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. 7.1.1. Mowing Direction 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.
7.2. Machine Checklist Our fairway mowing units are the Toro 5410-D 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. 7.3. Operating Procedures 7.3.1. Prior to use of any piece of equipment, always make sure to check all fluid levels: fuel; oil, antifreeze etc. 7.3.2. Before starting the mower, visually inspect surrounding area for any leaks, and ensure tire pressure not low 7.3.3. Obtain all necessary PPE for desired unit 7.3.4. 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 7.3.5. 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. 7.3.6. 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. 7.3.7. If at anytime an employee is uncomfortable with safety or equipment wellbeing, seek supervisory assistance. 7.4. Fairway Verti-Cutting Verticutting will be performed using the Toro Reelmaster 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.
8. Rough 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 Machine: Toro Groundsmaster 3500 -D Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF27HJT11yo 8.1. 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. 8.1.1. Mowing Direction 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. 8.2. Machine Checklist Our rough mowing units are the Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D 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.
8.3. Operating Procedures 8.3.1. Starting ProceduresWarm up machine with park brake engaged before starting and let run for fiveminutes before beginning your task. Once machine is moved from parking spacecheck for any evidence of leaks, if leaks are found report to the equipmentmanager immediately 8.4. Key Operating Points8.4.1. Always ensure the area you are mowing is free of debris or obstructions.8.4.2. Pay Attention! Always be aware of surroundings including obstructions and people.8.4.3. Move out of golfers way and let them know that you see them (wave).8.4.4. Idle down machine when engaging and disengaging mowing units.8.4.5. Utilize three point turns while mowing to keep turf damage minimal.8.4.6. While traveling always have mowing units off and raised.
9. Surrounds/First CutThis is the second longest height of cut in our maintained grass and it is just on the inside ofour rough the whole way round the hole. The core standards for this is mowing, fertilizing,irrigation and monitoring. Machine: Toro 3100 -D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW347ZFNosY 9.1. 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. 9.2. Mowing Direction 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. 9.3. Machine Checklist 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.
9.4. Operating Procedures 9.4.1. Starting/Stopping Procedures9.5. 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 Points9.5.1. Always ensure the area you are mowing is free of debris or obstructions.9.5.2. Pay Attention! Always be aware of surroundings including obstructions and people.9.5.3. Move out of golfers way and let them know that you see them (wave).9.5.4. Idle down machine when engaging and disengaging mowing units.9.5.5. Utilize three point turns while mowing to keep turf damage minimal.9.5.6. While traveling always have mowing units off and raised.10. Bunkers“Bunkers will be raked every day and kept free of weeds and debris. They will be maintained at asand depth of 4”-6” at the base and 2”-3” on the edges. Bunker edges will be maintained andedged to keep a straight edge.”10.1. Procedures10.2. Spinning10.2.1. 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.`
10.2.2. Always hand rake the edges standing in the inside of the bunker before raking the base with the sand pro.10.2.3. 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.10.2.4. Proper PPE10.2.4.1. Steel Toe Boots10.2.4.2. Ear Plugs10.2.4.3. Gloves10.2.4.4. Hard Hat10.2.5. https://youtu.be/zvjQMDXKqCY (1)10.3. Hand Raking10.3.1. Using a bunker rake, rake the bunkers to our core standards by hand and ensure you smoothen the edges around the bunker.10.3.2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg6tLMCa59w (2)10.4. Maintaining Bunkers10.4.1. Holes will be split on a weekly schedule for extra maintenance.10.4.2. Edge bunkers10.4.3. Measure sand depth (add sand if needed)10.4.4. 2-3” on edges and 4-6” on base of bunker10.5. Weed Control10.5.1. Herbicide Applications10.5.2. Hand Picking10.6. Rock and Debris Removal10.7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76-ODN4Fw0A (3)10.8. RoutingBunkers will be done in a forwards order if done at the beginning of the day ahead ofgolfers. If done in the afternoon, it should be done 18 backwards to avoid repeated golferinterference.
11. 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.”11.1. Procedures11.1.1. Step down on the turf you replaced as best you can to level the ground back out.11.1.2. Use sand that is in bottle on golf cart if possible and fill the divot hole.11.1.3. Make sure sand just fills the divot hole and it is not all over the fairway.11.1.4. Fill divot and smooth off keeping it level with the ground to avoid crowning11.1.5. on the tees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYH5dfWaotU (4)11.1.6. 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.11.2. Divot Boxes11.2.1. All divot boxes filled with sand and seed11.2.2. Check boxes to make sure divot mix is still useable and not germinated11.2.3. All divot boxes have the appropriate tools inside for filling divots11.2.4. Make sure each tee box has a divot box on the course11.2.5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0v5Dj3EMAQ (5)11.3. D ivot Mix Recipe (Sundre Golf Club)11.3.1. 10 spade shovels of sand11.3.2. 2 - 3 cups of seed11.3.3. 1 cup of fertilizer11.3.4. ¼ cup dye mixed with 2 cups water.
12. 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.” 12.1. Procedures 12.1.1. Equipment Check 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. 12.1.2. Check String Line 12.1.3. Warm up for 1-2 minutes before use. 12.1.4. PPE 12.1.4.1. Safety Glasses 12.1.4.2. Ear Plugs 12.1.4.3. Gloves 12.1.4.4. Dust mask 12.1.4.5. Hard hat with attached face mask 12.1.4.6. Pants and long sleeved shirt recommended 12.1.4.7. Steel toed boots/shoes
12.2. Areas Trimmed12.2.1. Pond edges12.2.2. Fence Lines12.2.3. Buildings/clubhouse12.2.4. Curbs12.2.5. Bunkers 12.2.6. Trees/shrubs 12.2.7. Non mowable areas that need to have short grass(Garbages, Satellite Boxes)12.3. Proper Trimming Techniques:12.3.1. Final height must match the mowed height12.3.2. Do not burn the turf by having a spinning trimmer rest on the turf on trimming on an angle.12.3.3. 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. 12.3.4.ResourcesGlencoe Golf and Country Club Best Management Practices Handbook (2014) Edition
2016 “The Golf Club” Employee Handbook
Search
