A guide to golf course maintenance

Golf course maintenance is an important component of any golf course. It is vital that all aspects of any course are kept in excellent condition, and all golf courses usually have a greenkeeper or a maintenance assistant. This article is a guide to golf course maintenance.

Tees and greens

Tees All golfers wish to hit that perfect tee-shot, so it is important to maintain the tee areas. Greenkeepers strive to have a level-grounded area so that you can find the optimum position to place your tee at the correct height. Greenkeepers will also move the tee positions around because if you are not using a tee, divots will be made. Greens Maintaining well-conditioned greens is arguably a greenkeeper's most vital job. There is nothing worse for a golfer than having a bumpy, uneven green that makes putting even more difficult. To maintain their conditions, greens will regular be cut and watered, and pin positions altered to avoid certain areas being 'roughed-up'.

Fairways and temporary greens

Fairways Given the size of them, to gain perfect condition on fairways can be difficult for greenkeepers, but any course will go to great lengths to ensure that your good shots are rewarded. Fairways will be cut several times a week to ensure that the grass is kept short, and any intermediate fairway will be tailored to the golf course specifications. Temporary greens If golf course construction is taking place, you may be forced to use the temporary greens. These are usually situated as near to the normal greens as possible. It is difficult to maintain these greens when they are not in use, so unevenness should be accounted for.

Bunkers and water hazards

Bunkers Bunkers are difficult enough to get out of in good condition never mind bad and steps are taken to keep them playable. This can include raking them regular to disperse of footmarks from previous shots, and trimming the surrounding grass that might obstruct escaping the bunker. Water hazards There isn't much that can be done regarding water hazards, but it is important to maintain the surrounding area, such as cutting any long-grass, or ensuring the drop-zones are in suitable condition.

Driving range and Practice Putting Greens

Driving range Some course will have driving ranges available to use before you tee-off. Greenkeepers will need to ensure that all driving range supplies are sufficient, like ensuring that there are plenty of golf balls in the machine. There will also need to be regular collections of the balls hit on the driving range. Practice Putting Greens Practice Putting Greens might also be available. Like on the course, these greens will need to be maintained well, so that they provide a similar feel to out on the course.