Ravenswood Avenue, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6BD ...howdidido.blob.core.windows.net/clubsitespublic/file_358...Issue 2 – July 2014 2 East Berkshire Golf Club Issue 2 – July 2014

Aerial view of the green on hole # 4

Ravenswood Avenue, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6BD

Course Policy

Issue 2 – July 2014 2

East Berkshire Golf Club

Issue 2 – July 2014

Original draft based on input from:

Chris Langhorne – Chairman of the Course

Management Committee

Colin Day – Secretary

Howard Swan – Course Architect

Issue 2 based on contributions from and approved by members of the Course Management

Committee. Also reviewed and approved by The Board.


Introduction

The purpose of this Course Policy Document is to provide an extensive set of policies, standards,

procedures and records to help manage the golf course in a professional and structured manner. The

policies are based on the continuing development and maintenance of the golf course to the highest

standards by adopting best practice management methods and techniques to achieve the highest

quality playing surfaces. The document provides a degree of consistency in the most efficient and

effective way the course is presented and maintained both for the present and in the years to come.

This includes defining the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved with course management as

well as accountability. Each section of the document covers most aspects of golf course management

and is aimed at assisting the Course Manager and providing guidance to the Board of Directors,

Chairman of the Course Management Committee, the General Manager and members of the club who

also seek guidance and explanation.

The Chairman of the Course Management Committee, the General Manager and the Course Manager

recognised the need for a new Course Policy Document to reflect today’s standards and technology for

maintaining the golf course. It was agreed that the use of qualified golf course professionals should be

employed for all technical content to ensure the highest standards are achieved. It was agreed that

Swan Golf Designs should assist in providing the basis of this document as they possessed the

architectural knowledge and plans of the course following the bunker refurbishment programme

together with the essential course layout and drawings.

It is critical that changes and alterations on the course or its management are not constantly changing

where no benefit is derived. Changes which become necessary will be well researched before

presenting them to the Board of Directors for approval and adoption. Emphasis will be placed on

achieving best value for money in terms of labour and materials as well as the capital costs of

machinery and buildings. In order to achieve this it is necessary to obtain the advice and guidance of

golf course professional services rather than make ill-informed judgements. In this respect it is part of

East Berkshire Golf Club policy to employ, when necessary, a qualified golf course architect, an

independent agronomist and aboriculturalist/tree surgeon. These bodies will work with and assist the

Course Manager. It will be the Board’s decision, in consultation with the Chairman of the Course

Management Committee, the Course Manager and the General Manager, to accept any

recommendations made for the further improvement and maintenance of the golf course.

Implementation of agreed proposals is the responsibility of the Course Manager.

Control of costs is a key element of policy and will be exercised rigorously to maintain the balance of

essential requirements and investment resulting in the benefits derived for the continued

improvement of the golf course. It will be the responsibility of the Chairman of the Course

Management Committee to produce a five year plan updated annually and presented to the Board of

Directors for approval. Purchasing methods for materials and machinery will be investigated with the

purpose of achieving the most cost effective financial solutions to meet the Club’s requirements.

In addition to providing top quality playing facilities, the Club takes very seriously the needs of health

and safety. The Board of Directors constantly review the Club’s responsibilities and carry out any

actions and improvements following the annual assessment from the Health & Safety Advisor, Mr

Brian Butler of TQC Management Consultancy.


The Club is also very conscious of embracing our environment and ecological responsibilities. There

are regulations of which golf clubs have to abide in terms of pollution, conservation of habitats and

species (plant life and animals). The Club will have a plan and strategy in place to comply with

regulations and the law, taking advice from the EGU when necessary. The Club will take the

opportunity to participate in the Golf Environment Awards Programme demonstrating the initiatives

being taken to improve and enhance our environmental and ecological standards.

The Course Policy Document provides both a reference and the guidelines enabling the Course

Manager to manage and maintain the golf course to the best of his ability and consistency within the

policy framework. It is not restrictive but does indicate the general standard to which the golf course

should be maintained. It does not limit the responsibility of the Course Manager to ensure that the

course is maintained and presented in a professional manner to the agreed standards and within the

approved budget.

The Document will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis but no longer than annually by the

Chairman of the Course Management Committee, the General Manager, the Course Manager and

where necessary, the Club’s professional advisers. Reference should also be made to the

accompanying Appendices one, two and three giving more precise details of selected functions in

support of the Course Policy Document. These Appendices are held in the General Manager’s office.

East Berkshire Golf Club

Board of Directors – July 2014


Table of Contents

Section Page

Our Mission 7

Section 1 – Background History 10

The Golf Course Card 11

Existing Environment 11

Section 2 – Operational Management Staffing Structure 14

Course Management Structure 15

Section 3 – Management Policy Objectives 17

Strategy 17

Maintenance Procedures 18

Implementation and Monitoring 18

Timing of Major Work on the Golf Course 19

Grass Cutting 20

Fertiliser and Soil Conditioners 20

Verticutting and Top Dressing 21

Chemical Applications 22

Greens 22

Green Surrounds – Collars, Aprons and Approaches 24

Tees 25

Fairways 26

Marginal and Golfing Rough 28

Bunkers 29

Out of Bounds 30

Water Features – Ponds, Streams and Ditches 30

Woodland, Plantations and Hedgerows 31

Heather 32

Practice Area 33

Clubhouse Surrounds 33

Paths 34

Course Fittings, Furniture and Accessories 34

Boundary Fences 35

Maintenance Facility 36

Machinery and Equipment 37

Irrigation 39

Drainage 40


Course Presentation 41

Memorials and Donations 43

Environmental Management 44

Section 4 – Managing Etiquette and Relationships Members and Greenkeepers 47

Communication 48

Fitness for Play and Closure 49

Section 5 – Administrative Management Hours of Work 52

Staff Training and Development 52

Health & Safety 52

Emergency Procedures 54

Professional Consultants 55

Budget and Finance 56

Plans, Reports, Meetings and Communications 56


Our Mission

TO PRESENT AND MAINTAIN THE

CLUB’S GOLF COURSE TO THE

HIGHEST STANDARDS, OFFERING

A FAIR BUT CHALLENGING TEST

OF GOLF FOR THE BENEFIT OF

THE MEMBERS, GUESTS AND

VISITORS


This course policy document is a key tool in delivering the objectives of the Company. The Articles of

Association state at clause 3.2 as the primary objective “to develop and maintain a prestigious

members golf club with high standards of facilities and service which shall be continuously assessed

and upgraded as the Board many deem necessary to promote the interests of the Company.”


Section 1

Background


History

The eighteen hole golf course at East Berkshire is considered to be one of the better layouts within the

County of Berkshire and renowned for its natural woodland and parkland with heather setting. For

over 100 years, it has provided a challenge to the good golfer as well as providing an enjoyable round

for golfers with a wide variety of playing skills.

The original golf course at East Berkshire Golf Club was, it is understood, developed by the masters of

the nearby Wellington College in 1903 and was designed by a local golf professional, Peter Paxton. At

that time, it was laid out as heathland with very few trees and vegetation other than ground cover.

Over the last 111 years the course has changed its character greatly, losing much heather and gaining

a wide extent of tree cover. During the last century the course has changed very little in terms of its

layout and stood the test of time exceptionally well.

Design revisions have been made locally, with the development of tees, bunkers and some work on

the greens, but essentially the layout has remained the same. Only at the northern end, around the

8th, 9th and 10th holes, has the routeing been altered to create what was considered to be a better golf

course. The club has always striven to consistently achieve high standards of quality maintenance and

presentation of the golf course.

In 2008, a report was commissioned by the Club (see Appendix Two) to appraise the design of the golf

course and its way forward over a five to eight year period. This resulted from the Club’s need to

establish a short term remedial solution for the bunkers particularly and was then expanded into a

design audit of all eighteen holes and the practice facilities. The intent of the audit was to identify the

strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of the course. Following the audit, it was then

possible to develop the short, medium and long term management programme in terms of structure,

maintenance and presentation. In that regard, bunkers have been rebuilt using traditional methods

and advantage has been taken to alter the styles of some green surrounds to make them

ergonomically sound and in keeping with design principles.

The recommendations of that report were accepted by the Club in 2008 and in the next three

successive seasons renovation work on the bunkering was undertaken. Three holes (6th, 13th and 17th)

were worked on during the first year to gain acceptance by the Club and the members. Following

acceptance, work continued with six holes completed in year two and the remaining nine holes

completed in 2010/11. This work centred particularly around re-bunkering the golf course and also

improving selected green surrounds and featuring as part of that process. The 12th teeing complex

was also redesigned and rebuilt due to its very poor drainage, rendering it unusable. Since the version

of this document dated November 2011 considerable improvements have been made to the practice

area. In particular more defined targets and upgraded teeing areas. We will continually review the

practice ground facilities with a view to further improvement.


The Golf Course Card

Hole White Yellow Par Ladies Par Hole White Yellow Par Ladies Par

1 298 289 4 269 4 10 440 429 4 392 5

2 340 325 4 290 4 11 495 477 5 381 4

3 429 423 4 412 5 12 372 343 4 291 4

4 366 356 4 312 4 13 213 203 3 174 3

5 148 138 3 124 3 14 425 416 4 371 4

6 365 357 4 325 4 15 379 351 4 315 4

7 408 400 4 337 4 16 167 162 3 147 3

8 421 410 4 385 4 17 416 409 4 394 5

9 145 138 3 131 3 18 409 403 4 342 4

OUT 2920 2836 34 2585 35 IN 3316 3193 35 2807 36

OUT 2920 2836 34 2585 35

TOTAL 6236 6029 69 5392 71

Standard Scratch Score White tees 71 Yellow tees 70 Red tees 71

The Existing Environment

The total area is approximately 44 hectares (112 acres) including the infrastructure of the clubhouse,

the car parking, as well as the maintenance facilities and surrounding areas. The land on which the

golf course was originally laid out was a section of heathland bounded by the railway line to the south

and west, the Ravenswood Brook to the north and bisecting the golf course and open grounds towards

Crowthorne to the north. The northern and eastern boundaries are adjacent to residential properties.

Water flows freely from the north-east to the south-west along at Ravenswood Brook, from the 15th

carry to the 4th green and various other tributaries, streams, ditches and the like, flow into this at

various points on the golf course.

The original environment was mainly heather with some vegetative cover but increasingly over the

years, invasion of softwoods, hardwoods (particularly birch) have taken place and most fairways are

framed by woodland. Heather was evident on many parts of the course but now only limited areas

exist today. Over many years a key policy has been to restore the heathland character of the course.

Heather regeneration has been a key element but has been largely unsuccessful. Over recent years

the fairways have developed with good grass growth. As we progress the primarily objective will be to


maintain the fairways in the best possible condition and seek to retain the existing heather through

careful maintenance. It is no longer a priority to restore the heathland character of the course with

associated heather regeneration projects. We now consider the course to be a “parkland with

heather.”

Very little earthworks, other than localised levelling, were undertaken at the origination of the golf

course to create the shapes of greens, tees and fairways. Little work was undertaken to create much

wetland on the golf course leading to some difficulties of drainage throughout the course area.

The habitats stem from grassland through woodland and heathland to some aquatic habitats,

although the latter are greatly limited. There is scope to develop managed grasslands between

fairways and in “out of play” areas.

The golf course management has been relatively low key and followed principles of low intensive

fertilisation and chemical application – only if necessary – and therefore is deemed to be

environmentally productive and sustainable.

There has been some encouragement of wildlife, particularly birds, but there is an opportunity to do

much more in this regard. The Club has sought advice and guidance from the Bracknell Forest, Bio-

diversity Consultant who issued a report and guidelines in 2010 for consideration. We have taken

action in relation to the report. Particular developments have been made with the installation of bat,

bird and insect boxes. We are very conscious of issues relating to recycling and the careful treatment

and management of our chemicals.

The general flow of water through the course and the nature of its soils have meant that there have

been localised drainage problems. Where they have existed, fairways have been drained to improve

the playing surfaces, although there are areas which still need to be addressed. Further developments

in this area are set out in the 5 year plan issued at the same time as this Issue 2.

In the past, little work had been contemplated to improve the out of play areas. The Couse Policy

Document identifies the opportunity to develop grassland and further improve the woodland stock on

the course. As such, the wide variety of habitats that do exist will be further enhanced and developed

throughout the course. We believe that we operate to a high standard in this area. Consideration will

be given to formal confirmation by seeking appropriate accreditation e.g. Golf Environmental Award.


Section 2

Operational

Management


Staffing Structure – Roles and Responsibilities

Management Structure – Club


Management Structure – Course

General Manager

Course Manager

Deputy Course Manager

Greenkeeper

Greenkeeper

Greenkeeper

Greenkeeper

Chairman of the Course Management

Committee

Golf Course Architect

Agronomist


Section 3

Maintenance

Policy


Objectives

1. Provide a structured policy document detailing the presentation and maintenance of the golf

course in a professional manner that acts as a reference to all those involved with the

management of the golf course.

2. Implement this policy within the natural environment in which the golf course is situated.

3. Produce all year round playing surfaces to the highest standards.

4. Identify and implement a high standard of maintenance principles providing consistency and

continuity over the initial period of five years and thereafter.

Strategy

Ensure that all Board Members fully support and embrace the Course Policy Document and

promote its principles.

Ensure the Course Manager is fully equipped to carry out his duties.

Continue a structured greenkeepers training programme to meet their personal development

and expertise.

Implement the standards and expectations to be achieved by the Course Manager and those

responsible for the management of the golf course.

Employ the services of golf course professional advisers as and when necessary.

Set realistic targets for the Course Manager and his staff to achieve more effective and

efficient maintenance methods.

Define annual operating costs to meet the objectives and operate within budget.

Encourage members to make themselves familiar with the Course Policy Document, its aims

and operational management.

Ensure the golf course is maintained based on sound turf grass management principles.

Review and apply competitive procurement principles for materials and machinery.

Enhancement of the existing woodland and parkland with heather environment and creating a

balance of each by the removal of inappropriate tree species and a gradual thinning and

restocking of plant material.


Implement an environmental and ecology management programme to develop better quality

habitats.

Management of the fine turf areas on the golf course by using best practice techniques based

upon integrated pest management principles to ensure fast, firm and true playing surfaces.

Maintain and improve the practice ground facilities.

General improvement and maintenance of non-golf course surrounds.

The objective and the Strategy are the aims of all those involved with the course maintenance. There

has to be a degree of flexibility as conditions change so they will always be reviewed on a regular basis

but not longer than annually. It is important that the Club follows the advice of the professional

consultants which means that the overall planning and implementations may change at any time to

take advantage of new technology and procedures. This will only occur when the procedures offer

more efficiency and effectiveness resulting in cost savings and improved playing surfaces.

The Board will be kept informed and updated where significant changes are likely to occur. Major

changes of direction and policy will be presented to the Board by the Chairman of the Course

Management Committee for consideration prior to approval.

Maintenance Procedures

The general management and maintenance of the Golf Course, practice area, maintenance facilities

and Club surrounds is the responsibility of the Course Manager who will implement the agreed

policy in conjunction with the General Manager and the Chairman of the Course Management

Committee.

Implementation & Monitoring

The Course Manager is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the policies set out in this

document. In his absence or unavailability for any reason, the Deputy Couse Manager will assume this

responsibility.

The Chairman of the Course Management Committee, in consultation with the General Manager, is

responsible for ensuring that adequate resources are available to effect the implementation of the

Policy document in terms of manpower, machinery and materials and will report regularly to the

Board of Directors. For the avoidance of doubt all capital expenditure proposals are subject to prior

Board approval.

The Course Manager will provide regular written progress reports to the Chairman of the Course

Management Committee on the status of the golf course and his work in managing the course. The

Chairman of the Course Management Committee will report to the Board of Directors on all

operational, financial and strategic matters in conjunction with the Course Manager’s report.


The implementation of the policies contained in this document will be reviewed by the Course

Manager and Deputy Couse Manager, together with the Chairman of the Course Management

Committee and the General Manager, by making regular inspections of the golf course. The dates of

these inspections will be publicised and will take place not less than four times a year. Ideally the

inspection team will include members of the CMC and at least two regular playing members.

Agronomic principles and practices will be implemented based on the environmental and climatic

conditions which prevail on a day-to-day basis resulting in producing the best possible playing

surfaces. The Course Manager will consult with the Club’s nominated Agronomist to achieve this goal.

Through regular liaison with the Course Manager and the greenkeepers, the General Manager will

assess whether or not maintenance practices and work programmes are being carried out in

accordance with the Course Policy Document and he/she will discuss these with the Chairman of the

Course Management Committee accordingly.

It would be expected that, as part of normal day-to-day practice, the Course Manager shall maintain a

journal recording the following:

mowing frequency and heights

cultural operations, including verticutting, topdressing and aeration

green speeds

fertiliser applications

pesticide applications

soil monitoring reviews and analyses

the usage of irrigation water

rainfall and other climatic data

the labour hours expended on the golf course

machinery usage and hourly recording

machine maintenance records

It will be considered essential that the Club’s Agronomy Consultant will work closely with the Course

Manager to achieve the objectives by implementing the strategy and work schedules. Such visits will

be recorded fully and the reporting will be reviewed by the Chairman of the Course Management

Committee, the General Manager and Course Manager after each consultancy visit. Actions resulting

from the report will be carried out within the recommended timescales and form part of the Course

Managers reporting procedure. Any reports prepared by the Agronomy Consultant will be made

available to the members.

Timing of Major Work on the Course

The timing of essential maintenance operations will be planned and implemented by the Course

Manager and agreed with the Chairman of the Course Management Committee and the General

Manager. The work will be carried out in consideration of competitions, annual fixtures and all other

Club events throughout the year. This will be communicated well in advance to all members.


Selected days of the week will be set aside for undertaking maintenance works on the golf course

during a non-busy period as required throughout the year. This will optimise the time available when

play may not be heavy to make the best use of labour and machinery resources. Two maintenance

weeks will be designated each year for specific tasks such as aeration, top dressing of greens, fairway

aeration and all other major work. These will be posted in the Club diary and on the notice board.

The Course Manager will make every effort to allow eighteen holes to be played in some form. In

some instances this may result in the temporary closure of the course or a number of holes or

alternatively the use of temporary greens.

When other maintenance work is being undertaken, procedures will be scheduled to cause minimum

disruption to players but continue to provide the highest possible standards of presentation.

Grass Cutting

The mowing of the turf is the most important and the most regularly practised task to be carried out

on the golf course and should not be underestimated in terms of the intensity or the quality which is

required.

Frequency, height of cut and the correct machinery and its correct operation is paramount for

producing healthy turfgrass and surfaces of high playability and optimal presentational quality.

Mowing heights will vary and any areas to be left uncut will be designated as “out of play” rough.

Mowing will be scheduled to provide consistency on a day-to-day basis and throughout the entire golf

course. To enable this, mowing of the greens, approaches and tees will take place before the days

play. Hours of working will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate this principle.

Day-to-day mowing practices should fall into the guidelines which follow this section of the Policy

Document. Lower heights of cut may be used during the peak growing season and when the golf

course is being prepared to its highest possible standard for a championship, tournament or special

occasion. Raising the height of cut and reducing the frequency of mowing may be appropriate as

growth reduces and dormancy approaches but the ultimate decision will be entirely that of the Course

Manager.

Fertiliser & Soil Conditioning

The use and type of nutrient and conditioner which is selected on the golf course will be the sole

responsibility of the Course Manager. Consultation will also take place with the Club’s Agronomist to

give support to the Course Manager.

The choice of material will always be based upon regular soil or tissue culture analysis. The two

nutrients, nitrogen and potassium, in whatever formulation shall be applied on a regular basis as these

are most likely to leach out of the rootzones of greens and tees. Following soil and leaf tissue

analyses, phosphorus may be applied as required from time to time. A regular application of iron

would also be advantageous in maintaining an attractive colour in the winter months without creating

excessive growth.


Most nutrient applications will be in the form of regular liquid sprays to minimise inconvenience to

golfers and provide the most controllable growth pattern for the grass and be least detrimental to the

natural environment. These may be supplemented by fertiliser application in solid form, particularly

at the start of the growing season when higher rates of application may be considered necessary.

Irrigation should be applied immediately after application of a granular or powder fertiliser to ensure

that scorching of the grass does not occur, particularly when undertaken in dry, warm conditions.

Verticutting & Top Dressing

Regular verticutting of playing surfaces will be necessary to control any lateral growth and should be

carried out on a regular basis. Light verticutting of greens, (or grooming) tees and fairways should be

carried out during the growing season at the intervals specified in the Schedule (see Appendix 2). The

Course Manager will decide if this Schedule needs to be varied to suit climate conditions.

Heavy verticutting or scarification of playing surfaces should be carried out on a less regular basis as a

renovation or recovery process in accordance with the frequency set out in the Schedule (see

Appendix 2).

This should be implemented during the beginning of the growing season so that the surfaces recover

well and speedily for play. Such scarification is not recommended to be undertaken later in the year

when growth is slowing.

Verticutting and light topdressing of greens will be scheduled to take place in accordance with the

frequency set out throughout the growing season and will be best completed on the designated day of

major maintenance works.

The materials used for topdressing on putting surfaces, collars and approaches must be compatible

with those which form the immediate rootzone under the sward. Frequency of application rates will

be determined by the Course Manager with a general principle of applying little and often to minimise

disruption to play and match the growing pattern of the sward.

Tees and fairways should be verticut on a less intensive basis as topdressing will be applied to them on

the same premise. This will be determined by considering the build-up of thatch and also by the

playability of each sector of the golf course.

Light applications of sand may be made to the putting surfaces, collars and approaches at a rate of

approximately 2.0 to 2.5 kg per m² and to collars and approaches, tees and fairways less intensively

but at a similar rate.

Following aeration, the quantity of topdressing material applied should be sufficient to fill the aeration

holes fully without smothering the grass whether to putting surfaces, collars and approaches, tees or

fairways.


Chemical Applications

All chemical applications will be the responsibility of the Course Manager. He and at least one of the

greenkeepers staff must be suitably qualified, experienced and accredited to make decisions regarding

the use of herbicides on the golf course.

All herbicides will be purchased with the requisite data sheets and filed in the Course Managers office.

Any Greenkeeper using these must be suitably qualified and certificated as necessary in the storage,

handing and application of the chemical agents.

Although pesticide applications may be necessary in some instances, their use will be kept to an

absolute minimum. A policy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) will be applied to implement an

optimal level of cultural practices reducing the need for pesticides. Where chemicals are required, the

most environmentally and operationally safe products will be chosen to give the correct effect and

keep control of pests and diseases.

Application of pesticides will be timed wherever possible to take place on a maintenance day when

play is not intensive. All applications will be made in accordance with the Health & Safety guidelines

set out by the Health & Safety Executive and as advised by the Club’s Health & Safety Consultant.

Although not strictly a pesticide, the use of wetting agent falls under this category of policy and

practice. The use of wetting agents is particularly important in ensuring the best use of irrigation

water by reducing the potential of hydrophobic soil conditions to develop. The choice of wetting

agent will be made by the Course Manager and it should be best applied to putting surfaces, tees,

approaches, bunker embankments and fairways on a regular basis throughout the growing season as

may be necessary to combat dry patch or drying out.

Greens

The greens should be firm, fast and free-draining with smoothness and consistency all year round.

They should be free from weeds, worms and disease being composed mainly of fine leafed grasses.

To achieve these requirements the following will form the backbone of an agreed work programme.

Mowing

Mowing frequency and type of mower used should be carried out in accordance with the appropriate

standards in order to obtain the best possible putting surfaces. The frequency of mowing shall be not

less than six times per week during the growing season, with mowing carried out using a combination

of walk behind and triplex mowers on an alternating basis. The level of alternation may be varied

depending on the season and weather conditions. Throughout the winter season, frequency may be

reduced to three times per week. Putting surfaces should be mown in different directions each day

where required to prevent gain accumulation. The main playing season height to cut should vary

between 2.5 and 4mm accordingly and raised to between 4 and 6mm during the winter months. It is

aimed to provide the putting surface speed of between 7.5 and 10.5 on the stimp meter during the

main playing season. The higher end of this scale should be used for the major Club competitions.


Grooming

In order to maintain consistency and desired standard of the putting surfaces, it will be necessary to

carry out various grooming operations such as verticutting and brushing on a regular basis, especially

during strong periods of growth.

Aeration

Periodic aeration is vital to ensure the free passage of water and oxygen into the rootzone as well as

relieving any compaction that may arise. The frequency of operations will vary according to needs as

well as the type of aeration required e.g. deep tining, spiking, slitting, coring etc.

Top Dressing

This should be carried out on a “little and often” basis as opposed to infrequent heavy dressing. The

products used should be periodically analysed for particle size, consistency, pH value, etc. to achieve

the desired objective. Each application should be worked into the surface prior to mowing. In

general, lighter applications should be applied during the playing season with a larger quantity applied

following any scarifying, hollow coring or deep tining work.

Fertilising

Periodic applications of fertiliser will be necessary in order to sustain reasonable turfgrass health,

vigour and density. This programme will be based on the need to establish some degree of micro-

bacterial activity, although this will vary depending on the rootzone. Most feeding programmes

should be based on routine liquid feeds along with varying mixes of wetting agents, amino-acids,

seaweed extracts and other soil amendments which will achieve the desired objectives. The user of a

growth regulator will be beneficial where poa annua seed-head populations need to be controlled.

The aim of a greens fertilisation programme is to provide the best possible putting surface and not to

produce maximum amount of growth.

Irrigation

In order to maintain both optimum growing and playing conditions varying amounts of water should

be applied to keep the lower depths of the rootzone moist to encourage deeper rooting. The existing

computer controlled irrigation system is tailored to meet all round consistency for producing healthy

turfgrass. During spells of drought, hand watering may be necessary and will be at the sole discretion

of the Course Manager.

Hole Changing

The frequency of cutting a new hole largely depends on the level of play as well as maintaining the

desired standard. Actual hole positions should vary offering a variety of pin positions to reduce the

risk of wear. It is anticipated that holes should be changed approximately two or three times a week

during the main playing season. Weather conditions, especially in the winter months, will largely

dictate the positioning of the holes.

Brushing

The removal of surface dew, and debris will be carried out prior to play when not mowing. Removing

the surface dew will assist overcoming the risk of disease and allow the surface to dry quicker. This

also applies to the surrounds.


Overseeding

Any overseeding that is necessary should be carried out during the main growing season. Modern slit

or sarel type roller seeders should be used to ensure good soil contact. This should be following by

top dressing with a suitable fertiliser.

Rolling

To enhance the pace, consistency and smoothness of the greens, a turfing iron may be used during the

summer months rather than lowering the height of the cut. Although this will help to reduce grass

stress (from over mowing), the turfing iron must not cause compaction.

Drainage

The Club does not own a precise record of all drainage channels on the greens and surrounds other

than those recently changed during the “bunker programme”. Those greens known to have drainage

problems should have work carried out during the winter periods.

Temporary Greens

The provision of temporary greens will depend on major repair work being carried out, maintenance

or weather conditions. In the event of a temporary green having to be used, the area leading up to

the green is intended as a suitable location and will be prepared in advance. Should an emergency

occur, causing the green or greens to be closed, the Course Manager will have sole responsibility to

select the best possible area for a temporary green. In the event of a temporary green being required

for the winter months the temporary green should be prepared no later than the September

preceding the winter months.

Miscellaneous

Before mowing putting surfaces all pitch marks will need to be repaired. The Greenkeepers are

required to inspect the surface for any foreign objects that could damage a reel or blade before

mowing is undertaken.

Greens Surrounds – Collars, Aprons and Approaches

The collars, aprons and approaches surrounding the putting surfaces should receive similar

treatments to that of the greens except the height and frequency of cut. Uniform playing surfaces in

close proximity to the greens should contain a good cover of turfgrass, free from weeds, worms and

general wear.

Mowing

The aprons and the collars are informally shaped and vary in width and depth, depending on the

contours around any particular green. The summer mowing height will vary between 13 and 18mm

according to segmentation standards. This should be carried out approximately three times a week

during the growing season using a ride-on or out-front rotary mower depending on surrounds

contours. Where the gradient of the ground makes this operation unsafe or cause damage to the

grass, mowing shall be undertaken using Flymos or similar hover mowers. The marginal/semi-rough

greens surrounds should be cut to a similar length as other semi-rough on the course.


Fertilising

Periodic slow release fertilising applied at the start of the season will be necessary to sustain healthy

and steady growth, especially on areas where the flow of traffic is greatest.

Irrigation

In order to maintain both optimum growing and playing conditions, varying amounts of water should

be applied to keep the lower depths of the rootzone moist to encourage deeper routing. The existing

computer controlled irrigation system is tailored to meet all round consistency for producing healthy

turfgrass. During spells of drought, hand watering may be necessary, especially on high spots around

the greens.

Traffic Control Measures

Traffic control in high wear areas is essential, particularly during the winter months. Suitable guards

and/or posts and ropes will be used to re-direct traffic as necessary. Aeration, top dressing

overseeding and/or possible re-turfing should be carried out where excessive wear has occurred.

Tees

The teeing areas will be sufficiently large enough to withstand reasonable levels of wear and

maintained in a firm, dry and level condition with a good cover of deep rooting grasses. They will be

free from worms, weeds and general debris.

Mowing

Mowing should be carried out during the growing season three times per week using a triplex mower

at a cutting height of between 9 and 12mm during the main playing season, rising to between 13 and

19mm during the winter months (collar and tee mowing height should be similar). During the winter

season all mowing should be undertaken with walk behind mowers. Tee banks should be cut each

week at the same height as the green surrounds and maintained on a similar basis. Certain overriding

factors will depend on environmental and climatic conditions and the need for preparation for special

events. All clippings should be boxed off and disposed of in an approved manner. A rolling

programme of tee re-grading and levelling is planned in conjunction with the need to remove some

trees to generate more air and light.

Fertilising

Fertiliser application should be sufficient to sustain adequate growth and recovery, commensurate

with the particular level of play on any of the teeing areas.

Cultural Control and Overseeding

All worn areas will be subject to aeration, verticutting, overseeding and topdressing and carried out

with sufficient frequency either well before the first frosts and/or after the soil temperatures have

risen sufficiently to allow germination to take place. The aim being to maintain conditions for a

healthy sward development and the creation of a firm and level surface. Periodic user of the above

may be necessary during the summer months in order to improve both growth and playability. During

the winter season, play and subsequent wear will need to be carefully monitored to ensure that the

areas are not completely worn out when the sward has only a minimal recovery opportunity.


Divot Filling

Divotting should be undertaken on a daily basis as part of “course set-up” using a ready supply of

approved soil and seed mixture to maintain a level surface and enable fast recovery.

Irrigation

The same applied similar to greens surrounds, collars and approaches.

Tee Markers, Furniture and Signage

In order to avoid wear and tear and provide a clean teeing area, markers should be moved on a daily

or alternate day basis each morning before the commencement of plan and correctly aligned.

Markers should, on average, be four metres apart so that a teeing surface is split longitudinally in two.

Ball washers should be checked for functionality, topped up with clean water as necessary. Waste

bins should be emptied every other day. Soil and seed containers should be checked daily and topped

up as necessary, taking into consideration that divot bags will be re-filled from the containers.

Winter Tees

The provision of winter or temporary tees should only come into force when the normal teeing area is

undergoing major repair or maintenance work. This will also apply if the ground conditions are not

playable through excessive wear, water on the surface or frost.

Mats

Where mats are provided for winter play, these should be kept clean and tidy. Under no

circumstances should play be allowed other on the mats including the teeing position and the players

stance. All astroturf mats will be kept free of debris throughout the year. They will be brushed as

required but as a minimum weekly.

Fairways

Fairways should be firm well presented surfaces with uniform playing characteristics. The fairways

should be free from weeds and worms and have clearly defined edges with gentle curves.

Mowing

Fairways should generally be mown twice per week during the growing season in dry conditions. This

should be reduced in the winter to a frequency which matches the rate of grass growth. Mowing of

the turf when dry should produce the best results and mowing when conditions are damp or wet

should be avoided whenever possible. Fairways should be mown with lightweight fiveplex mowers

and shaped to suit the contours of the land as well as the strategy of the golf hole. Fairway mowing

should blend into collars and approaches (which are cut at a lower height). Where possible, boxes

should be fitted to mowers to remove grass clippings. Close and frequent mowing will place a greater

stress on the turfgrass and it is important that consideration be given to the environment, irrigation,

nutritional and cultural practices. Fairways should be mown in a half-and-half technique based on a

frequency of not less than twice per week but should be cross mown and striped on occasions during

the growing season. The mowing height should generally be kept between 12 and 15mm during the

growing season and raised to no more than that 16mm during the winter season.


Fertilising

The use of fertiliser may be required in order to encourage both root and shoot development but

without resulting in excessive growth. Exact nutrient requirements should be agreed with the

Agronomist and the Course Manager. One or two applications of fertiliser should usually be

appropriate in order to achieve the objectives. Autumn and winter feeding will depend on the

nutrient status or the soil, grass growth and the ease of mowing during this period. Caution should be

applied to avoid over feeding which can seriously affect drought stress.

Irrigation

Irrigation heads on the front approach areas, should provide sufficient water to give good quality

playing conditions in front of the greens. Any key areas near to the front of the green not adequately

covered should be supplemented by hose pipe and sprinkler.

Cultural Control and Overseeding

Regular aeration is necessary to relieve compaction, aid drainage and prevent surface capping. During

the designated spring maintenance week the fairways should be hollow cored and scarified as needed,

followed by topdressing and overseeding. This work should be repeated in the autumn although it is

extremely unlikely that further hollow coring will be necessary. Suitable levels of nutrient applications

should be as low as possible but adequate to sustain continuous healthy growth during the summer

season.

Weed and Worm Control

To control the spread of weeds and worms, a suitable pesticide should be applied with the aim of the

fairways being 90% weed free. Due to the current EU regulations only certain worm pesticides are

allowed which means that it will not always be possible to completely remove the worms. Worm casts

should be removed by dragging a chain net hitched to a tractor providing the playing surface is

suitable for heavy vehicles.

Divoting

Periodically the fairways should be divot filled during the growing season using a suitable soil and seed

mix. This work will be carried out by the greenkeepers. In order to maintain the fairways to the

highest standards, members, guests and visitors are required to take divot bags on their round and fill

any divots that they come across.

Distance Markers

Where appropriate, distance markets will be placed to the sides of the fairway to indicate 100, 150

and 200 yards from the centre of the green. The existing 150 yard yellow disc markets in the centre of

the fairways cover irrigation connectors. These markets will be painted green and will not be used to

define distance to the centre of the greens.

Miscellaneous

All fairways need to be kept clear or leaves, twigs and other debris on a regular basis and should be

removed using blowers and/or suction machines as necessary. During the autumn/winter period

when most of the leaves fall, leaf blowing and collection will be carried out daily and every effort will

be made to clear as many fairways as possible.


Marginal & Golfing Roughs

These rough areas should provide a uniform playing surface with two different mowing heights

creating a gradual transition from fairway to non-golfing roughs.

Mowing

Marginal roughs (semi) should be mown twice per week to a height of 25mm during the growing

season with triplex mowers similar to green surrounds and tee embankments. To achieve a clear

definition to the outfield areas of the golf course, marginal roughs should be mown in an anti-

clockwise direction. The longer golfing roughs should be mown at a frequency to match the rate of

growth but ensuring that not more than 20% of the leaf blade is removed at any one time. Mowing

heights should be set at between 45mm and 65mm with selected areas left uncut to naturalise.

Golfing roughs should be mown in a clockwise direction so that a maximum contrast is achieved

between the two areas of the golf course. This should also apply to the defined edge between

fairways and marginal roughs. All mowing patterns should blend in with the intermediate rough areas,

collars and approaches to greens, their surrounds, as well as tee embankments and bunker edges.

During drought and slow growing conditions it may be necessary to raise the height of cut of the

marginal rough (semi) around the fairways to match that of the longer golfing rough. In these periods

it may also be necessary to lower the height of cut of the golfing rough to improve the playability of

the course. The aim of this is to maintain the definition and shape of the hole. These changes will be

made at the discretion of the Course Manager.

Mounds and Hollows

Mounds and hollows which closely border the fairway should be maintained as marginal rough

wherever possible. It will largely depend on the degree of contouring and accessibility for general

maintenance. Grass should be left to grow longer on outlying mounds well away from the fairway to

achieve a more rugged and natural look to the course.

Fertilising

In certain cases it may be necessary to apply a light dressing of controlled release fertiliser if grass

cover is poor and liable to weed invasion.

Weed Control

Appropriate pesticides should be applied where weeds are evident with the aim of all rough areas

being 85% weed free.

Non-Golfing Roughs and Naturalised Grass Areas

All grassland areas of the course are in play and should be cut to avoid lengthy delays in playing the

course and spoiling the enjoyment of golf for some of our more senior golfers.


Bunkers

All bunkers will be maintained with a smooth even finish, free from debris. The edges will be curved

and clearly defined with grass on surrounding banks.

Sand Depth

The depth of sand must be adequate to a depth of between 100 and 125mm in base areas. The

minimum depths for sand on faces should be 75mm but this may vary depending on the steepness of

slopes. Kingsley fine washed sand has been chosen as the approved material for bunkers. When the

bunkers are topped up with fresh sand, it must be of the same type and colour and conform to the

same physical, chemical and hydraulic performance characteristics.

Raking

Bunkers should be prepared and manually raked and smoothed every day to provide playing

consistency. In areas where the sand remains soft, smoothing with a flat edge will be more beneficial

than distributing the sand with a toothed rake. This is particularly important on the faces of bunkers

where the ball is expected to roll down to the base area. All players are required to repair and rake

any damage made in the execution of their play. Rakes placed on the course should be the round type

to ensure that players prepare the sand to the same standard as the greenkeepers. Bunker rakes

should be positioned around the course so that a player ideally has to walk no further than 5m to find

a rake.

Rakes are to be placed at a location least likely to interfere with an appropriate shot, in line with play,

half-in-half out of the bunker.

Mowing

Mowing of grass on the bunker faces should be undertaken fortnightly, using either a Flymo hover

mower or a strimmer. Ideally the grass surrounding edges of the bunkers should be no longer than

45mm. Bunkers should generally be edged on a monthly basis during the growing season with a

wetting agent and growth retardant applied periodically to the marginal walls.

Repair Work

Prior to raking, any debris, grass, leaves or the like should be removed on a daily basis. This may not

be possible if weather conditions throughout the day are very windy when leaves and debris are likely

to constantly enter the bunkers. Following periods of heavy rainfall, any accumulation of water should

be pumped out as soon as possible and the bunker prepared as normal. It is not envisaged that this

will be significant as all drains have efficient drainage in their bases. Washouts and bare spots should

be filled when they occur. Periodic brushing or blowing of sand from the greens and surrounding

banks should be regularly carried out, especially greenside bunkers. In periods of very heavy rainfall it

should be noted that the drainage may be inoperative due to routing to ditches that can themselves

be flooded.

Heather

The heather beds on the bunker faces have in the main not been a great success. In July 2014 The

Board approved the removal on a phased basis of this heather.


Out of Bounds

All out of bounds areas must be clearly visible using white marker posts suitably sited for players to

easily define whether a ball is in or out of play.

Marker Posts

These should be painted white at regular intervals during the winter months. They should be checked

for stability to ensure they are firmly placed in the ground and upright. All broken posts should be

replaced. Posts must be placed in such a way that they are visible and close enough together to

determine whether a ball is or in or out of play. It is important that bushes, hedgerows and small trees

are cut back to enable a clear view of all out of bounds posts. This should be carried out on a regular

basis as and when line of site between posts becomes restricted.

Water Features – Ponds, Streams and Ditches

These areas will be maintained in a tidy but semi-natural state with grasses and vegetation

surrounding banks retained at a reasonable length. This will provide good presentation and avoid

golfers wasting time searching for lost golf balls. As well as acting as important additions to the

architectural and golfing challenge, these water features serve as a means of providing aquatic and

semi-aquatic habitats along with propagating and developing flora and fauna.

Streams

Where streams traverse or are adjacent to main playing areas such as fairways, banking should be

kept reasonably tidy but in as natural state as possible in order to comply with the Club’s ecological

plans. Areas not affected by play should be kept free from debris in order to maintain an unrestricted

flow of water.

Ditches

Where ditches are located on the perimeters of the course, maintenance should be limited to more of

a winter clean and tidy operation to ensure that they remain free flowing at all times. Where ditches

form an integral part of the course, they should be maintained in a similar way to the streams.

Mowing and strimming should be carried out once a year or as needs arise in order to maintain a

satisfactory standard. Crossing points must be clearly visible and maintained in a safe and tidy

manner.

Ponds

The two wetland areas to the left of the 8th fairway should be left to develop naturally. Aquatic and

marginal planting should be encouraged as part of the long term landscape and environmental

development to enhance its biodiversity and wildlife habitats. To ensure oxygenation takes place,

suitable plants, should be placed in both ponds.

Weed Control

Some form of periodic weed control may be required, ranging from physical removal or other

approved methods agreed with the Environmental Agency. Care must be taken to ensure that no

water courses are contaminated by mis-use of fertiliser or pesticide application.


Hazard Markers

All ditches, streams and ponds need to be treated as water or lateral hazards and be clearly marked

with the appropriate red and/or yellow posts. These must be clearly visible and in good condition.

Woodland, Plantations and Hedgerows

A woodland management programme was set up in 2010 and will remain operational for the years

ahead to provide much needed air flow and light to enhance the growth of grasses and encourage

heather maintenace. Hedgerows and other plantations will be maintained in a healthy and safe

professional manner to enhance the aesthetic value of the golf course.

Greens, Tees and Fairways

The mainly Birch tree stock around many greens, tees and fairways has caused agronomic difficulties

in sustaining grass growth and allowing satisfactory recovery from wear and tear. The areas in need of

“thinning out” have been identified with an agreed programme in place for removal, crowning and

general remedial work. This work should be carried out when the course is least busy during the

winter months. In addition, tree root pruning around greens and some tees should be undertaken to

alleviate the underground competition between turf and trees. As part of the publication of this

“Issue 2” the agreed tree programme will be represented to the Board for approval. Going forward no

trees (other than those requiring action for H&S reasons) will be removed that have not been subject

to Board approval.

Health & Safety

As part of the Club’s health & safety policy, an annual inspection by the Course Manager, Chairman of

the Couse Management Committee, the General Manager and the Tree Surgeon should take place to

identify any trees for removal that are deemed dead, diseased or unsafe. Attention should also be

given to those trees near the Club boundaries where there are adjacent properties. If an adjacent

property contains a tree(s) that present a danger to anyone on the course, the owner of the property

will be advised by the General Manager.

Sapling Trees

All new sapling trees should be regularly inspected to ensure good growth. In the main, these should

be pine trees and any that fail to mature will be replaced under an agreement with the local National

Trust. The areas around the base of the trees should be kept free from grass, weeds and any other

vegetation to enable healthy growth.

Hedgerows

Existing hedgerows requiring maintenance should be carried out during the winter months. Small

scale trimming, lopping and any clearance work must be carried out with due consideration of wildlife

habitats. Their presence will fall within the overall environmental policy with regard to wildlife.

Grass Cutting

Within plantations and around trees, ride-on triples and rotaries should be used regularly but not

within 30cm of any tree trunk. A total herbicide can be applied around the base each year which will

avoid the use of a mower. Where hedgerows come into play, the area along the base will require

regular tidying and cutting.


Tree Felling and Remedial Work

The woodland comprises a mixture of both evergreen and deciduous trees (Oak and a dominance of

Silver Birch together with shrubs of various varieties). Much of the woodland has, in the past, been

allowed to become overgrown, becoming too thick and neglected. This has resulted in a situation

where desirable trees have not developed to their full potential. Since the publication of the

November 2011 version of this document and as part of the woodland management, the Club’s

appointed Tree Surgeon has carried out a major tree felling programme. This has included crowning

and remedial work to include selective clearance of woodland edges and margins allowing better

views through the trees and

improved playability in specific areas. This will also apply where there is interference with the correct

alignment and play of a hole. Qualified greenkeepers with tree felling certification will also assist with

treework as required in accordance with the agreed programme. As noted above as part of the

publication of this “Issue 2” the agreed tree programme will be represented to the Board for approval.

Going forward no trees (other than those requiring action for H&S reasons) will be removed that have

not been subject to Board approval.

As woodland management is key to the success of producing good quality grass coverage through

extra light and airflow, an ongoing annual programme is likely to be required. It may be necessary to

remove some non-indigenous, exotic or non-native trees which are detrimental to the future

landscape and environmental management of the course. Proposals for further tree removal will be

developed by the Tree Surgeon and the Course Manager. These proposals will be presented to the

Board for approval. In view of the sensitive nature of tree felling no trees may be removed that have

not been included in an approved plan with the exception of urgent action for health and safety

reasons. It is the intention to retain a selected number of felled trees as they create excellent wildlife

habitats. These will be placed in the ‘out of play’ areas and selected copses around the course. To

ensure that these proposals do not impact on the presentation of the course only areas out of sight of

the fairways will be used.

Heather We will review our approach to heather regeneration following the success or otherwise of the

project between holes 8 and 10.

Maintenance

When the original November 2011 version of this document was published it was noted that the new

heather plants and turfs, especially on the new bunkers, will take at least two years to ‘bed in’ and

settle. During that time it will need special care and plenty of moisture. Watering causes all the other

plants to grow at a significant rate, especially couch grass and various weeds. Chemicals which will not

affect the heather, will be used to kill off unwanted grass and weeds, leaving the heather to grow. This

is a continuous programme that will take place over the next two years till the autumn of 2013. After

this time, a report will be generated detailing the success or otherwise of the heather on the bunkers.

A decision will be made by the Board if the heather should remain or be replaced with turf. Not all of

the maintenance referred to above has been successful and a decision was taken and approved by The

Board in July 2014 to remove the bunker heather on a phased basis. The maintenance of heather on

the remainder of the course will continue in line with recommendations from our professional

advisers.


Practice Area

The area will be kept clean and tidy and maintained in a similar condition to the rest of the course.

Mowing

To facilitate ball collection the landing area should be mown once per week to a height similar to the

fairways. The teeing area in front of the ditch will be mown to fairway height.

Ball Collection

Members of the professional teaching staff will be expected to collect their balls after each lesson or

at the end of the day. Members, using their own balls should collect them before leaving the practice

area. All balls must be collected so as not to cause damage to the mowing equipment.

Teeing Areas

Two bays are provided using astroturf type teeing mats. All teeing mats should be regularly inspected

and replaced when worn and deemed unplayable. At present, grass teeing areas are available in front

of the bays towards the ditch and in the area approximately 15m beyond the ditch (towards the 16th).

Grass teeing areas have also been constructed to the left and forward of the bays. It is planned that a

new pedestrian bridge will be constructed to the far left end of the ditch to facilitate access to this

area. Containers consisting of a suitable soil and seed mixture will be available for golfers to carry out

repairs. The Greenkeepers should ensure that there is sufficient volume on a daily basis. Members are

required to fill their divots after practicing. All astroturf mats will be regularly swept to maintain the

integrity of the material.

Accessories

Flags will be placed at defined distances from the bays. This will be carried out in conjunction with the

Club Professional.

Practice Nets

These should be kept clean and tidy and netting checked on a regular basis for the emergence of any

damage requiring replacement. Damaged mats should be replaced when worn.

Clubhouse Surroundings

All areas by the entrance, driveway, car park and clubhouse will be well maintained and presented

to a high standard to give a welcoming effect to members and guests. In particular the visitors’ car

park will be kept free of debris. Surrounding areas used for the storage of maintenance materials

will be kept tidy.


Shrub Boarders and Gardens

All garden areas and borders should be kept tidy, free from weeds and debris. The formal planting of

perennial and annual plants will be undertaken by the greenkeepers as a normal part of their

maintenance programme. Details should be submitted to the General Manager prior to the planting

season. Plants should be kept in a ‘healthy’ condition, pruned/deadheaded as necessary. Dead plants

should be removed and replaced if necessary. During periods of drought, watering will be carried out

in consideration of any water restrictions that might be in place at the time. The same should apply to

any tubs and/or planters. The entrance to the front door of the clubhouse and the pathways around

the clubhouse and the golf professional’s shop will be regularly inspected by the Course Manager to

ensure there is no build-up of weeds or moss which can be unsightly but can also make the area

slippery. The areas will be treated regularly with suitable substances to ensure there is no a build-up of

such vegetation.

Grass Borders

Borders and verges should be cut as required and fertilised when necessary to give maximum

presentation. A ‘feed & weed’ product should be used if there is an abundance of weeds, the edges

should be trimmed weekly as necessary as long as the appearance is neat and tidy.

Paths

All paths throughout the year must be kept free from standing water, mud, weeds and debris.

Signage and traffic control measures must be effective and moved as necessary to avoid

unnecessary wear and tear (see also Traffic Routeings).

Path Material

Paths should be maintained with a firm surface and kept free from holes, water and other damage as

required. Wood chippings from tree work should be used wherever possible for any new paths.

Course Fittings, Furniture and Accessories

All permanent fixtures, course furniture, markers and notices etc., should be kept clean and

presentable at all times. Careful attention will be placed on the maintenance of artificial (astroturf)

coverings to steps and access points around the course. These coverings are an important feature

designed to reduce slip hazards.

Permanent Fixtures

Bridges and wood shelters must be kept in a safe condition for daily use. Basic maintenance should be

carried out when required with the appropriate materials. Regular inspection will take place as part of

the daily greenkeepers work. Any serious damage must be reported to the Course Manager for

appropriate action. It is expected that members should also report any serious damage to the Course

Manager and/or General Manager.


Course Furniture

Litter bins by teeing areas should be emptied twice weekly and ball washers topped up at the same

time with clean water. Towels should be changed on a regular basis. All furniture should be cleaned

and suitably treated in the winter period. Maintenance of ball washers should be undertaken in

periods of inclement weather to ensure that they are available for use in the winter period.

Course Accessories

Items such as tee markers, signage, flags and notices, etc., should be kept in a clean and presentable

state, repaired and painted as necessary. Replacement of flags, rakes and other accessories which

become broken will be replaced from a spares stock held by the Course Manager.

Boundary Fences

All fences on or within the golf course boundaries should be maintained in a satisfactory condition.

Any broken or damaged fencing belonging to the Club should be repaired as necessary.

The Club owns very little of its own boundary fencing. However, any damaged boundary fencing

belonging to properties adjoining the golf course should be reported to the General Manager for

appropriate action

There are traffic routeings throughout the golf course to provide access to emergency vehicles,

maintenance vehicles and golfers using motorised buggies. These routeings must be maintained and

clearly visible for all occasions and eventualities. An overall master plan for traffic movement

throughout the golf course is documented and detailed in Appendix Three.

Public Rights of Way

Where the public right of way crosses the 7th, 13th, 17th and 18th holes, the notices should be

maintained and visible to give notice to both golfers and the public of the potential danger.

Emergency Vehicles

The roadways and paths from the clubhouse to the 7th tee, then onwards to the 7th green and

continuing to the ladies 11th tee, provide emergency access to various points on the golf course for

ambulances and fire engines. The roadway and paths must be kept in good condition so that

emergency vehicles can access these parts of the golf course should an accident take place.

Maintenance Staff

Many of the golfers’ paths and buggy tracks will be used for maintenance vehicles in the normal

course of the greenkeeping activities. These routes are normally wider and will be common in many

areas. The Greenkeepers should ensure that they maintain these tracks and adhere to them during the

normal course of their duties, rather than trafficking elsewhere on the course.

Buggies and Trollies

Golfers will be expected to keep to the designated paths where provided which should be maintained

in good condition. Trollies and buggies will not be allowed on the teeing areas, greens or the aprons.

Likewise, trollies and buggies must not be taken into the heather areas. All traffic must adhere to the

instructions where signage and roped off areas are in force. The greenkeepers will have every right to

enforce these conditions. The Club has a policy for the use of ride on buggies on the course. The

details are to be found in Appendix One.


Maintenance Facility

Tidy and well organised greenkeeping buildings and surrounding areas creates pride and efficiency

among the greenkeepers and a better environment for working conditions. In order to create a good

impression, it is important that the surrounding areas are kept clean and tidy as the area provides

car parking for the Club’s guests and visitors.

General Maintenance

The maintenance buildings should be cleaned and kept tidy on a weekly basis. The greenkeepers will

co-operate in maintaining the workshop, staff room, changing room, toilet and wash areas. The Course

Manager will be responsible for organising a roster to carry out these duties. Specific attention is

necessary to ensure that the Environmental Health rules are implemented and upheld.

Storage

Equipment should be properly parked in an appropriate manner and in the main shed. All tools and

small powered equipment should be ‘hung-off’ the floor in a designated area. Materials such as seed

and fertiliser should be stored neatly and as appropriate in order to prevent wastage and to give easy

access. All other parts and accessories should be stored in an organised manner.

Fuel, Oil and Chemical Storage

Petrol, diesel and chemicals must be kept secured and maintained to meet all current legislation

including COSHH regulations. Any defects or leakages must be reported to the Secretary and action

taken to prevent any possible damage to the surrounding area. Oil drums and storage tanks must be

stored on an approved sump tray in case of spillage. All pesticides must be kept within a chem safe or

appropriate chem store with all products being both current and MAFF approved.

Additional Guidelines Include:

Any major spills will be contained in a correct fashion and cleaned up in accordance with the

Health & Safety Executive and the product supplier’s recommendations.

All chemicals will be stored in accordance with the data sheets of the particular products in

secure locked approved facilities and only used in accordance with those data sheets.

A list of all hazardous chemicals which may be used in the workplace, their data sheets, risk

assessments and labels will be kept on file in the Course Manager’s office.

Surrounding Areas

The surrounding area must be maintained in a clean and tidy manner with special attention paid to the

overflow car parking area for members and visitors. Greenkeeping vehicles not in sheds, must be

parked in a considerate manner and preferably not in the car park area. All golf course materials, sand,

wood, etc. should be kept in properly constructed bays without overspill into the car park area which

should be kept tidy at all times. All rubbish must be confined to proper bins or skips (with nets) so as

not to make the area untidy. When contractor’s equipment needs to be parked in the area, it must be

properly roped or coned off for safety.


Machinery and Equipment

The range of machinery and equipment is comprehensive and meets the existing needs to maintain

the golf course to the required standards set by the club. A replacement programme is continuously

reviewed and equipment replaced when it is beyond its economical or fit for purpose use. When

equipment requires replacement a competitive tender process must be followed. As part of this the

options of outright purchase and leasing will be carefully considered. Proposals will be taken to the

Board by the Chairman of the CMC for approval.

Inventory

The Club possesses a comprehensive range of specialist machinery, equipment and vehicles for the

effective maintenance of the golf course. A planned rolling five year programme of replacement will

operate in line with the Club’s policy of asset depreciation. An annual inventory review of machinery

and equipment with full service history and maintenance records will ensure maximum use of each

machine with proper service intervals. A reasonable stock of spare parts should be held to cover first

line repairs. Major repairs will be carried out by the supplier or under a maintenance agreement

defining the required service levels. Wherever possible, machinery or vehicles requiring replacement

will be sold or used in supplier negotiations for part exchange. Machinery and vehicles will be acquired

based on the most cost effective method that meets the Club’s financial guidelines and planning.

Safety and Maintenance

Safety checks on all machinery and equipment should be carried out in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions. Basic maintenance, daily setup of machines, running repairs and cleaning

should be carried out by the greenkeepers on a regular basis. Major repairs should be carried out by a

contracted mechanic or by the service made available from the supplier of the machinery. A daily log

should be held for each piece of machinery providing the relevant maintenance and performance

information. Up to date records of training and competence with regard to each piece of machinery

operation and repair should be retained and must be used and applied in accordance with these

records.

Maintenance will be carried out as follows:

All equipment will be maintained by properly trained greenkeepers.

All maintenance should be exercised in accordance with the specifications of the

manufacturer’s recommendations.

Where a Service Level Agreement (SLA) exists all machinery repairs will be carried out in

accordance with the terms and conditions of the service provider. A defects register should be

maintained detailing all engineers, visits the work performed and time taken.

Preventative and/or first line maintenance will be carried out whenever possible. The details

will be recorded and logged against each piece of machinery or equipment.

The Course Manager will not will not permit any equipment to be used that may have a

potential safety problem until it is proven to be safe.



Operational and Care of Equipment

The following operational procedures will be applied for each greenkeeper:

Before operating any piece of equipment, the operator must have been trained in its use and

guided through a safety checklist in order to operate machinery in a safe and efficient manner.

The operator is responsible for any machine which is assigned to him for a particular task. Any

problems with the operation of the machine must be reported to the Course Manager without

delay.

Oil and fuel levels must be checked before use of any machine along with all safety switches

and their operation.

The operator needs to be fully aware of the type of fuel or fuel/oil mixture which each

machine may require.

Oil or fuel leaks of any kind must be monitored at all times before, during and after use. If a

leak occurs, the operator must remove the machine from the course as soon as possible and

shut it off. The Course Manager should be notified without delay and any spilled oil or fuel

will be cleaned off the turf as soon as possible.

Machinery or equipment breakdown on the course must be reported immediately to the

Course Manager for removal arrangements.

When transporting, hitching or securing machinery, it should always be undertaken and driven

at a safe and proper speed.

After the use of each unit, it should be returned to the greenkeeping facility, cleaned and

prepared for the next day’s use prior to its storage.

Cleaning

After use, the machine should be thoroughly washed down and cleaned in the designated area. This

area contains a “Waste to water” recycling system where all grass cuttings and other small debris will

be collected. The system will be serviced annually in accordance to the “Waste to water” guidelines.

“Bugs” will be added to the water tanks weekly to increase the effectiveness of the system as

recommended by “waste to water”.


Irrigation

The irrigation system is a Rainbird design controlled by a personal computer and Stratus software

under the direction of the Course Manager. The installed system is operational for tees, greens and

green surrounds. The irrigation system should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s

instructions through regular checking and adjustments. This will ensure the system is fully

operational and will apply to not only sprinklers and valves but to the pump house, pumps and

controllers.

Maintenance

The maintenance and operation of the system is under the management and responsibility of the

Course Manager. The system should be fully drained and shut down during the winter months. The re-

commissioning of the system in the spring will be undertaken by a specialist contractor viz. OCMIS

Irrigation (installer of the system). The Course Manager will ensure that these operations are carried

out at the correct time of the year. The system will be tested as part of an annual service in

conjunction with the supplier. This will include main pumps, pipes, cables, controller, valves and

sprinklers, etc. A reasonable supply of valve and sprinkler parts will be held in stock along with pipe

fittings to ensure any breakdowns or leaks are quickly and effectively repaired.

General Usage

When in automatic mode, the control system will monitor and manage the flow rate for performance

of the pumping system and thereby minimise water usage. The Course Manager, or the Deputy Course

Manager, will assess the requirement of water application to greens, collars, approaches and tees on a

daily basis, subject to an assessment of the climatic conditions at the time. Daily records of

meteorological activity in the area should be sought and kept and from these the extent of watering to

be applied will be determined. It will be allied to the replenishment of moisture lost through

evaporation and transportation from the plant. The amount of water used must be within the

abstraction limit set by the Environment Agency. It is the policy of the Club to irrigate at night and

keep water use to a minimum. The artificial irrigation of greens, approaches and collars and teeing

areas should be used to keep the turf healthy and to sustain natural growth in the preparation of firm

and fast playing surfaces which are to be maintained throughout. This should be controlled so as not

to create unrealistic playing conditions that in the long term will lead to agronomic problems. It is

entirely related to the sustenance of the sward. Artificial irrigation should also be used as a tool to

assist in the successful completion of the application of chemicals, fertilisers and other cultural

operations.

Operational Procedures

The following guidelines should be adopted:

A daily check on the meteorological conditions in the location and an assessment of the

vapour transportation rates pertaining.

The schedule of the cycling of the irrigation system on a daily basis from this climatic

information and calculation of ET rate.


Apply the use of the rain switch whereby the system can be switched off automatically should

rainfall occur. Therefore, watering of the golf course should not be undertaken.

Daily water usage records should be maintained by the Course Manager (or the nominated

irrigation engineer), who should also be responsible for the scheduling of the application of

water automatically.

From time to time the soil profile in irrigated areas should be monitored to assess infiltration

and wetting. The determination of the correct water use should be made by the Course

Manager.

The Course Manager and the Deputy Course Manager will be responsible for ensuring that any

hand watering required during the day on certain areas of the golf course is applied correctly

and without disturbance to play.

Periodic maintenance of the system should be undertaken in accordance with the

manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations provided by the irrigation contracting

company.

The irrigation system should be checked during the playing season not less than once every

two weeks and a report filed of its performance. NB performance reports are computer

generated.

Hand Watering

The use of the automatic irrigation system may be supplemented by manual irrigation of local areas

during the day time, particularly after fertiliser application or in dry weather where raised areas of

putting surfaces or other parts of the golf course may come under drought stress.

Drainage

The full extent of the drainage is not known in some areas. While this only represents a small

percentage, steps will be taken to obtain the missing information. Records are held following the

bunker refurbishment and where work has been carried out on the course over prior years.

Drainage is a key factor enabling playability and being able to provide quality turfgrass. In this

respect, emphasis will be placed on not only what is above the surface but what is below. The

management of trees and undergrowth play an important role in achieving good drainage (see

Woodland Management – Section 3, page 29.

Greens, Tees and Bunkers

The greens are mainly constructed with a simple soil profile with no comprehensive drainage system

in place. Some remedial drainage has been undertaken to greens 10 and 15 and locally to others. No

accurate records are available of laid pipe runs. Where tees have been renovated or renewed in terms

of their constructional profile, drainage has been installed and records of the drainage runs are held

on file by the Course Manager. All bunkers are drained either internally or to external outfalls.

Documentation of these is on file in the Course Manager’s office.


Fairways and Outfield Areas

A comprehensive pipe drainage system to selected areas was designed in 2006 by White Horse

Contractors and implemented in part by the contractors, Kestrel Ltd.

Maintenance

In the case of greens, tees, bunkers, fairways and outfield areas, all drains should be checked on a

periodic basis. They should be rodded and flushed out where possible with the outfalls (mainly

ditches) being kept clean of leaves and other debris.

Course Presentation

Course presentation is considered to be one of the key elements of course management as it reflects

the quality of greenkeeping expertise and professionalism. The aim will always be to meet the

highest expectations of members and guests to present a course that is both challenging and

enjoyable to play. It is important to not only maintain but expand the reputation of the Club.

General

Much of the course setup has already been included in more detail as part of the Maintenance

Procedures.

Course Set-up Procedures

The Course Manager or the Deputy Course Manager will be responsible for the inspection of the golf

course on a daily basis to determine the exact set up criteria and convey that information to the

Greenkeepers.

The following actions will be taken:

Greens and tees should be treated as high priority at all times to ensure that the required

presentational, playability values and characteristics are maintained.

The Course Manager or the Deputy Course Manager will inform the General Manager without

delay of any problem that may affect the daily play.

Tee markers should be suitably positioned for the day’s play. Adjacent tee markers should be

set at least 4 metres apart and in a straight line with other markers positioned on the same

tee.

Divoting bins should be placed on all par three holes with others placed conveniently on a

majority of the remaining holes. All divoting bins should be topped up on a daily basis.

All rubbish bins should be emptied daily and cleaned weekly.

Ball washers should be checked twice weekly for the correct water level and suitable

towelling. All ball washers should have soap, water and towels replaced on a weekly basis.


All directional signs and ropes, particularly on approaches and exit areas to greens, should be

in place prior to the beginning of play.

Greenkeepers should stay well ahead of morning play, wherever possible, in preparation of

the course.

Course Preservation

The preservation of grass is an important and vital aspect of providing good playing conditions and

acceptable aesthetic qualities of the golf course. The details below are covered in more detail under

Maintenance Procedures but re-emphasised here as they are key to keeping the course in top

playing condition.

Summary of factors contributing to course preservation:

Traffic (golfers, caddies, buggies and mowers) will be directed away from worn areas.

Keeping machines to the paths and tracks as much as possible. As defined on the traffic routeing drawing (Appendix 3).

The careful operational use of mowing equipment, particularly whilst turning on the edges of delicate surfaces.

Moving tee markers on a daily basis and temporarily closing heavily played tees for repair and recovery.

Regular divoting repairs of tees and fairways. Players will be required to assist with this activity.

Trimming and regular thinning of trees to minimise shade problems, particularly around greens and tees.

Apply recommended drainage actions on the greens as defined by the Club’s Agronomist.

The adoption of correct and proper nutrient and watering regimes as planned and implemented.

The adjustment of mowing heights during stressful periods, whether through raised temperatures and drought in summer months, or lower temperatures and periods of heavy rainfall during the winter months.


Memorials and Donations The loss of a close relative can be a time when members of the family look to establish some form of

lasting memorial; a token of remembrance. It is often the case where a long standing member of the

Golf Club passes away that the relatives make contact with the Club with a request to either:

Scatter the ashes of the deceased on the golf course.

Purchase a tree, a shrub or a bush and to plant it in a particular location on the golf course,

often wishing to include a memorial plaque.

Purchase a piece of course furniture i.e. an engraved seat or bench.

Not wishing to be seen as insensitive at such a delicate and emotional time, clearly there is a need for

guidance and policy on such matters. The golf course should not be seen or used as a garden of

remembrance – to do so could and would destroy the natural parkland with heather concept.

With regards to the scattering of ashes, the General Manager will have the authority to grant such

requests so long as no religious ceremony takes place and no gathering which would obstruct the day-

to-day use of the course or be seen to offend or cause distress to others using the course.

The Club is sometimes requested to purchase or receives a donation for a tree, shrub or bush to be

planted on the golf course in remembrance of members who have passed away or whose valuable

work for the Club has been recognised. This can be a sensitive area and proposals will be presented to

the Board by the Chairman of the Course Management Committee for approval – ornamental trees

will not be permitted and only trees which are native to the course will be allowed. The Course

Manager must be consulted with regard to the location where the tree, bush or shrub is to be planted.

Some species of trees will not be suitable if planted in a place which may cause future damage to the

playing surfaces on the course or cause the deprivation of light and air. The Club would not wish to be

in the position of having to remove a memorial or donated tree(s) for the reasons stated. Memorial

plaques will not be approved.

The purchase of course furniture will also be at the sole discretion of the Course Management

Committee. The Course Manager must be consulted regarding the type of wood (i.e. only hardwood

such as teak or oak), style and the ultimate location where such furniture is to be finally located.


Environmental Management

The Existing Natural Environment

Originally the golf course was mainly heather and heathland with a few trees. Some 100+ years later, it

is dominated by woodland species, some native and indigenous, a profusion of birch together with

other exotic and inappropriate species which were planted over the years. The woodland

management programme has been implemented to assist the development of the turfgrass and

heather to achieve a balance which is in keeping with environmental goals while maintaining the

character of the golf course.

Woodland and Grassland Habitat Creation and Enhancement Further enhancement of the golf course landscape will be achieved by:

Some felled trees should be retained by the Club to create habitats. These trees should be confined to other woodland areas which should be out of sight of the golf playing area.

Thinning of closely planted trees to allow mature specimens to develop healthily and to a good shape and size.

Regeneration of native tree species to achieve mature woodland belts and copses.

The development and implementation of a grassland management plan in order to create new and continuous habitats throughout the “out of play” areas.

Aquatic Habitats The streams running through the course and the wetlands to the left of the 8th fairway should be managed and further developed to establish better stock of marginal and aquatic growth. These plants should be managed in years to come so they do not detract from the beauty of the water features by over encroachment. Should additional water features be provided, the material would be utilised for translocation, thereby achieving a recycling of vegetation material. Future management of marginal planting may need to be undertaken on a three year rotational basis, taking away one third of any excessive growth each year. After removal, the material should be left at the side of the water features for a period of time to allow any fauna the opportunity to return to the water. Wash-Down and Waste Water Recycling Best practice requires that all chemicals and pesticides are separated from water returning to the ground water system. At present, wash-down facilities are located to the side of the greenkeeping building and allow machinery to be washed down after usage and the washings filtered and cleaned with the system installed. A review of the existing equipment should be made as the market now offers the opportunity to recycle water from any wash-down in the close system much more efficiently and economically than before, whereby the water is collected, filtered and processed by bio-digesters before becoming available for any re-use or release to the aquaflow. Any system, if linked to fuel and chemical stores, can prevent serious environmental pollution and assist with the cleaning of all effluents and leachates. Grass clippings, chemical and oil based residues should be automatically collected and separated and recycled in this way. Improvements to the wash-down area will be incorporated into the future capital expenditure for the development of the greenkeeping facilities.


Environmental Accreditation It is the Club’s intent to demonstrate good practice in stewardship of the golf course in its natural context to register for the accreditation programme of the Golf Environment Organisation. The guidelines will be followed by the Course Manager and the greenkeepers in managing the golf course and ensuring its agronomic and vegetative health, as well as its natural environmental sustainability. Education and Training The greenkeepers will receive education and training in the importance of the environment, its enhancement and development. It is envisaged that this will be achieved by both in-house training of environmental objectives, practices and good stewardship, as well as courses which will be run by the greenkeeping organisations and the Golf Environment Organisation. Further dialogue and communication should continue with Bracknell Forest Council, whose Environmental Officer will contribute to this education and training initiative. In the main training has been carried out ‘in house’. Also all of our green staff are members of BIGGA British and International Golf and Greenkeepers Association. That organisation provides regular updates of developments and best practice.


Section 4

Managing

Etiquette and

Relationships


Members and Greenkeepers

The relationship between the members and Greenkeepers is vitally important for the smooth

running of the Golf Club. Tolerance and understanding is important on both sides and should be

practised at all times. On the rare occasion that a dispute or issue may arise, the General Manager

must be informed to achieve a quick and amicable resolution.

General

The greenkeepers should be vigilant at all times so as not to delay play unreasonably. However, work

must be productive, particularly in the early mornings and some compromise between the

greenkeepers work schedule and players is essential. The Course Manager or his deputy will be

responsible for ensuring that the daily work programme is timed to cause the least disruption to

players.

At all times the greenkeepers should be aware of players on the course and are expected to show

respect to the members, their guests and visitors. Likewise, members, their guests and visitors should

respect the greenkeepers in terms of the work which they are undertaking at any particular time. At all

times the greenkeepers should be given priority to ensure they can carry out their daily maintenance

programmes and also for H&S reasons.

Competitions

The Course Manager will liaise with the General Manager to obtain details of all competitions and

society days with specific requirements for each event as follows:

It’s format.

The teeing areas to be used – it should be noted that the white tee on the 15th hole may only

be used for the play of official Club competitions.

Special contests within any competition (i.e. nearest pin or longest drive).

The details of any specific hole positions which might be required for any particular

competition.

No golf course maintenance operations will be undertaken during the day, other than the

preparations prior to the commencement of the competition.

Hours of Play

The golf course will open each day from 07.00 between 1st April and 30th September and 08.00 during

the remaining months. The course will remain open for play for the duration of the day until dusk and

for safety reasons, players must cease playing at this time. There may be exceptions to the start times

when specific tournaments and competitions take place.


Complaints Procedure (Staff and Members)

Minor complaints may be dealt with at the time of their occurrence by the Course Manager.

Consultation may also need to be made with the General Manager at the time. All complaints,

whether by members, guests or visitors towards the Greenkeepers or vice versa, shall be made in

writing to the General Manager who will investigate the matter. A review of any specific incidents will

be made by the General Manager, the Course Manager and Chairman of the Course Management

Committee and recorded formally.

Should there be any complaint made by the greenkeepers relating to any issues that players may have,

the Course Manager will be responsible for informing the General Manager of such issues. The

General Manager will investigate any complaint and consult with the Chairman of the Course

Management Committee.

Communication

The importance of communicating information to members regarding the golf course is regarded as

a key element of maintaining a good relationship between those responsible for the course and the

members. It is equally important that the Club’s guests and visitors are informed of any actions

taking place at the club or on the course that might affect their visit to play golf.

Course Information

Any work planned or being carried out that will significantly affect play on the golf course should be

communicated to the members via e-mail and/or a notice displayed on the Club notice board.

Likewise, members should be informed when certain maintenance works or changes are planned or in

operation which may be out of the ordinary. In such cases, the Course Manager, Chairman of the

Course Management Committee or the General Manager, should provide an explanation outlining the

reasons and the benefits derived. Examples of this may include work that is not part of this policy

document or emergency actions which are forced on the club which are outside the course

management control.

Channels

The main communications channels will be electronic and written notices placed on the Club’s notice

board. The most efficient method of communication is via e-mail. Notices and bulletins will be sent out

from the General Manager’s office in e-mail format. Bulletins and e-mails will also be posted on the

Club notice board. It is intended that occasional course walks and informative sessions for members

will be held by the Course Manager and Chairman of the Course Management Committee during the

summer months. The Chairman of the Course Management Committee will also issue email

communications to the members (as a minimum quarterly) commenting on progress against monthly

maintenance plans, this document and the 5 year plan.

Internet

The Club has an established website where the Course Manager regularly updates information about

the course. This can be accessed through course management blogs on Twitter and Facebook.


Newsletter

The Members Quarterly Newsletter will contain articles concerning the maintenance activities and

future developments and planning of the golf course. This will be provided by the Course Manager in

conjunction with the Chairman of the Course Management Committee.

Fitness for Play and Closure

The decision to close the course or restrict play at any time will be made by the Course Manager, the

Deputy Course Manager or a nominated Greenkeeper (should one or both not be available) in

consultation with the General Manager or if he is not available, the Chairman of the Course

Management Committee.

Conditions for Closure and Fitness for Play

The golf course should be regarded as closed for play under the following conditions:

1. Play cannot commence or continue due to the condition of the course being unsuitable to

implement the rules of golf, thus making it unfit for play, i.e. waterlogged conditions, snow, ice

or severe frost.

2. Commencement or continuation of play is dangerous due to the following:

a. Lightning: when this occurs, play should be stopped and all golfers should leave the

course as soon possible. Those waiting to start or resume play must wait until it is

safe to do so.

b. Fog: as a general guideline it is unsafe it there is no clear visibility from the road

crossing the 17th fairway to the 17th white tee area. This was changed to being able to

see the greenside bunker on the 1st, previously it was the Silver Birch tree to the left of

the 1st fairway.

Commencement or continuation of play will result in a high level of turf damage that will require

additional funding to repair. This will most likely occur during or after heavy rain or during a thaw

following a period of frost and snow. For the avoidance of doubt every effort (other than in relation to

health and safety concerns) will be taken to keep the course open for play. However it is likely that

‘carry only’ restrictions will need to be imposed following heavy rain. There will be exceptions to the

carry only policy for those with disabilities and authorised to use ride on buggies or an electric trolley.

Course Inspection

The initial decision to determine whether the course is fit for play should be made thirty minutes after

first light each day. A second inspection will take place at 11am. At that time the course may be open

for play with or without restrictions or closed for the day.

Communication

The members will be advised via the club’s telephone information service and on the notice board

outside the Professional’s shop. Other forms of electronic communication may also be applied.


The use of Buggies and Trolleys

Restricted use of golf buggies and/or pull and electric trolleys will also come into force during adverse

ground conditions, or where the safety of operators/users is in question. The decision process will be

the same as above and will be based on the level of damage that may ensue. A risk assessment for

safe use will indicate areas to be closed off. Every effort will be made to implement traffic control

measures limiting use only to areas well away from the putting surfaces. Posts and ropes will be used

as a first measure to protect key areas from wear. The Club will ensure that it does not contravene the

provisions of Section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 in respect of a policy for the use of motorised buggies.

In this respect, the Course Manager will regularly carry out a risk assessment for the guidance and

instruction of motorised buggy users. A risk assessment has been carried out and is available from the

General Manager’s office. Trolley/buggy bans will be reviewed regularly but noting the need for

exceptions for those with disabilities and authorised to use buggies or electric trollies. (See Appendix

1, Section 10).

Adverse Weather Conditions

The Club’s first priority is the safety of players and protection of the playing surfaces. The cancellation

or restriction of play will be invoked when the playing areas are either unsafe or the ground conditions

do not allow for golf to be played without significant damage to the course.

Restricted Play

It will be the Course Manager’s decision to use temporary tees and/or greens. Where astroturf type

mats are installed, these will be used or alternatively a special teeing area, away from the normal tee,

will be provided. Should temporary greens be brought into play during periods of frost or very wet

weather, these should be prepared in advance by utilising a reasonably flat area away from the main

putting surface. Larger diameter holes will be used on temporary greens. Reference should also be

made to Appendix 1, Section 8.


Section 5

Administrative

Management


Hours of Work

Hours of work will be flexible and related to the seasonal fluctuations in workload. Throughout the

year staff will work an average of 40 hours per week working five days and on a rotation basis at the

weekends. The actual hours of work on such a rotational basis will be at the discretion of the

Course Manager. Staff work 7 hour days between November and February, 8 hour days in March

April September and October and 9 hour days in the remaining summer months.

Throughout the year greenkeepers will be scheduled to cover the daily maintenance requirements of

the golf course as set out in this Policy Document through each day of the week. Staff will generally

begin work at 06.00 during the summer months (April to October) and at first light during other times

of the year between November and March but in any case not later than 07.30.

A break will be taken during the late morning for lunch (11.00) during the regular working time, or as

maybe agreed, dependent on the work which is being carried out on the golf course on any particular

day.

Staff Training and Development

It is essential that all greenkeepers receive adequate instruction and training on the course in order

to provide maximum efficiency and to ensure proper safety standards. This should also apply to any

temporary staff that may be employed at any time.

It is the Club’s policy to allow greenkeepers under the direction of the Course Manager to attend

seminars and education programmes operated by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers

Association, as well as other related bodies. This will enable the learning of necessary skills to advance

their technical understanding of the tasks which they perform on the golf course. Any planned away

days and stop overs must be subject to prior approval by the general manager.

Emphasis will be placed on in-house training to inspire confidence and gain practical experience and

above all, create a team atmosphere whereby each Greenkeeper will have the confidence and reliance

on their fellow members.

It is expected that, from time to time, the Club’s consultants and advisers will provide training sessions

for Greenkeepers.

Health & Safety

The Club has a Health and Safety Policy in accordance with guidelines of the Golf Club Manager’s

Association and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association. This will be

incorporated into the Safety Management System (Appendix 1). The Course Manager is responsible

for ensuring that the management of the course is carried out with due regard to the Policy at all

times. The Club’s appointed Health and Safety Consultant will be consulted on all matters to do with

risk, risk assessment and all health and safety matters on the golf course, including the investigation

of all accidents.


The correct health & safety measures ensure that:

Safe methods of working are clearly set out and followed implicitly by all Greenkeepers.

Materials and harmful substances are stored safely in accordance with COSHH regulations and

are used properly in accordance with the data sheets provided by the manufacturers and

approved by the Health and Safety Executive.

The health of the Greenkeepers is not adversely affected by noise, dust or fumes or any

materials used on the golf course.

The Greenkeepers will be provided with protective clothing, training information and

supervision required to work safely on any task.

The Greenkeepers will have healthy working conditions including adequate lighting, heating,

ventilation and sanitary facilities, including a shower.

All Greenkeepers, when working on the golf course or in the greenkeeping facility, are aware

of the responsibilities for their own health and safety and those of their colleagues.

In practice, rules and regulations which emanate from the risk assessments made for each task must

be strictly adhered to at all times by the Greenkeepers. Risk assessments for specific operational tasks

should be made by the Course Manager in consultation with the Club’s Health and Safety Consultant

and information must be made available to all staff before undertaking any specific task. In May 2014

the Green Area Book 3 was revised and issued. Training needs of staff will be reviewed regularly. Staff

have received training qualifications but in many cases these have now expired due to lack of

proactive management. The General Manager and Course Manager should confirm the training needs

of the greens team in consultation with the Club’s Health and Safety Officer.

Education and Training

It is an essential part of the operation of the golf course that the Greenkeepers are trained in first aid,

emergency procedures and all health and safety matters.

The Club’s Health and Safety Consultant should provide guidance into health and safety training for all

Greenkeepers. This should be set out in the document of Safety Management Systems contained

within the Course Policy Document (Appendix One) and should be posted in the greenkeeping facility

with a copy made available to all Greenkeepers.

Health and safety training should be an integral part of the periodically organised courses for all

Greenkeepers which will be conducted by the Course Manager and/or the Deputy Course Manager in

association with the Health and Safety Consultant of the Club. The same training should be given to

the clubhouse staff, professional’s shop staff and course marshals via the Secretary’s office.


Golfers

Amateur golfers are generally outside of the strict control of the Health & Safety at Work Regulations

as they are not at work. However, they do have a general “Duty of Care” not to put others at risk as a

result of their actions. They are also constrained by the Rules of Golf, and also local Club Rules, that

require them to observe etiquette and courtesy to others.

A golfer should wait until the way is clear before playing a shot and at East Berkshire Golf Club there is

a comprehensive document displayed in each of the locker rooms giving advice regarding safety issues

on the golf course. The golf club does not accept responsibility for any accidents that occur whereby it

is found that golfers have not adhered to the advice given in that document. Reference should also be

made to Appendix 1, Section 5.

Emergency Procedures

Whether on the course or in the clubhouse, emergency procedures are provided for in the Club’s

Health and Safety Policy.

Any emergencies on the course which relate to operational and/or maintenance activities will be set

out clearly within the greenkeeping facility. All staff must familiarise themselves regarding the

management of any incident on the course and take the necessary action(s) to resolve the emergency.

Any emergencies relating to play and players on the course, notices of the emergency procedures will

be displayed clearly within the clubhouse and in both locker rooms. The procedures will detail the

telephone and contact numbers which need to be made in the event of any incident in accordance

with the emergency notices.

The layout of the golf course will define the traffic routeing allowing access for emergency vehicles to

each quadrant of the course. Copies of the traffic routeing will be available from the General

Manager’s office, Bar Manager, Course Manager and Club Professional’s shop. It will also be posted on

the club notice board. It is incumbent on the Course Manager to ensure that all emergency routes on

the course are open and reachable..

All greenkeepers, house staff, club professional’s staff including the course marshals, will be made

fully aware of the emergency procedures. Following employment new staff will be given induction

training covering this area.

The detail of the traffic routeing on the golf course is shown in Appendix 3 of the Course Policy

Document. Reference should also be made to Appendix 1, Section 6 regarding evacuation.


Professional Consultants

This Document provides a degree of consistency and continuity in the most efficient and effective

way the course is presented and maintained both for the present and in the years to come. To assist

the Course Manager, it may be necessary to obtain the advice and guidance of golf course

professional services. In this respect it is the Club’s policy to employ, when required, an

independent agronomist, and a qualified golf course architect and aboriculturalist/tree surgeon for

their guidance and advice. These bodies will work with and assist the Course Manager. The

Chairman of the Course Management Committee, the General Manager and Course Manager will

consider how best to act on the advice given to meet the objectives in the best interests of the Club.

Following consultation the Chairman of the Course Management Committee will present proposals

for implementation to the Board for approval.

Golf Course Design and Construction

The design characteristics, renovation or presentation of the Golf Course will be agreed by the

Chairman of the Course Management Committee, the General Manager and Course Manager along

with the Club’s appointed Architect (Swan Golf Designs Limited). Any major changes (especially where

cost is involved) will be submitted to the Board of Directors for final approval. Consultation with the

Architect will take place prior to any commencement of construction work based on a fixed price

contract. Details of the present design are included in the Appendices to this document - Section 11.

Arboriculture and Tree Management

A survey carried out by the Club’s appointed Tree Surgeon in 2009 indicated that the population of

trees (mainly birch) were having a significant effect on the growth and strength of grasses on the

greens, tees and fairways. This was confirmed by both the course Architect and the Agronomist. It was

decided that a woodland management programme should be implemented with the removal of

selected trees, including crowning and general remedial work. The work commenced in 2010 and will

be on-going. Some of the work will be carried out by the greenkeepers and it will be the responsibility

of the Course Manager to ensure that only those greenkeepers qualified will carry out such work. The

appointed Tree Surgeon will be consulted on all measures which relate to the felling, clearance,

surgery and planting of trees on the golf course in accordance with the woodland management

programme. As part of the preparation of this ‘Issue 2’ it has been agreed that proposals for further

tree removal will be developed by the Tree Surgeon and the Course Manager. These proposals will be

presented to the Board for approval. In view of the sensitive nature of tree felling no trees may be

removed that have not been included in an approved plan with the exception of urgent action for

health and safety reasons.

Agronomy

The Club’s appointed Agronomist (David Stansfield Limited) will be consulted on all matters relating to

the technical management of turf on the golf course. He will visit the golf course on a not less than six

monthly basis or more often as may be requested by the Chairman of the Course Management

Committee and the Course Manager, in consultation with the General Manager. The Agronomist will

liaise with the Course Manager and Deputy Course Manager to assist in the day to day technical

management (nutrition, irrigation, physical culture etc.) of all components of the golf course.


General Consultation

No alterations will be made, to the structure of the golf course and its ongoing development without

the approval of the Board of Directors. To support its approval process the Board may consult with

one or more of the appointed Consultants. It is essential to understand that the Course Policy

Document will be effective for an initial five year period therefore the consistency of working to an

agreed plan is of paramount importance. It is envisaged that each professional Consultant in the

relevant spheres of expertise will be required from time to time to work with the Course Manager and

the Greenkeepers on training and education initiatives. The aim will be to improve their performance

on the golf course with a good understanding of the specific areas of expertise in the above disciplines.

Budgets and Finance

At the appropriate time of year, initial budgets will be prepared for the following year to include

both Capital and Operational costs. This will be drawn up by the Course Manager and the Chairman

of the Course Management Committee. Once the initial budget has been finalised it will be prepared

for the General Manager to provide any further detail for inclusion. The final version will be

presented to the Board of Directors for approval and once approved it will be the responsibility of

the Course Manager and the Chairman of the Course Management Committee to operate within the

budget. All orders for materials, equipment and machinery will be in line with Club policy and be

recorded by the General Manager’s office. A monthly ledger will be kept and provided for the

Course Manager to calculate costs against budget (see also Appendix 1, section 3).

Plans, Reports, Meetings and Communication

The Course Manager will produce a year plan that effectively is a business plan for all main work

activities on the course. This will be in line with the agreed standards, objectives and finance. Any

subsequent recommendations following any advisory visits will be integrated into the overall plan.

Weekly plans should then be produced between the Course Manager and the Deputy Course

Manager, with daily work schedules listed on a bulletin board within the staff room. This will ensure

that all work programmes are planned in advance and staff are utilised fully

From time to time it will be necessary to provide course reports in electronic form on the Club’s

website, newsletter or bulletins; this acting as a an effective form of communication to update the

members on past, current and future activities. The Course Manager and/or his Deputy should attend

all Course Management Meetings to provide a brief Course Report and update on Progress and Project

activities.


The 13 Principles of Course Design The 13 principles were first published in MacKenzie’s book “Golf Architecture” in 1920:

1. The course, where possible, should be arranged in two loops of nine holes 2. There should be a large proportion of good two-shot holes and at least four one shot holes

3. There should be little walking between the greens and tees, and the course should be arranged so that, in

the first instance, there is always a slight walk forwards from the green to the next tee; then the holes are sufficiently elastic to be lengthened in the future if necessary

4. The greens and fairways should be sufficiently undulating, but there should be no hill climbing 5. Every hole should be different in character

6. There should a minimum of blindness for the approach shots 7. The course should have beautiful surroundings, and all the artificial features should have so natural an

appearance that a stranger is unable to distinguish from nature itself

8. There should be a sufficient number of heroic carries from the tee, but the course should be arranged so that the weaker player with the loss of a stroke shall always have an alternative route open to him

9. There should be infinite variety in the strokes used to play the various holes – viz., interesting brassie

shots, iron shots, pitch and run-up shots

10. There should be a complete absence of the annoyance and irritation caused by the necessity of searching for lost balls (excessive rough)

11. The course should be so interesting that even the plus man is constantly stimulated to improve his game in attempting shots which he has hitherto been unable to play

12. The course should be so arranged that the long handicap player, or even the absolute beginner, should be able to enjoy his round in spite of the fact that he is piling up a big score

13. The course should be equally good during winter and summer, the texture of the greens and fairways should be perfect and the approaches should have the same consistency as the greens

Documents

Ravenswood Avenue, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6BD ...howdidido.blob.core.windows.net/clubsitespublic/file_358...Issue 2 – July 2014 2 East Berkshire Golf Club Issue 2 – July 2014