Accomplishing other tasks

Today we have a local USGA Mid-Am qualifier at Bretton Woods. Many players will take up the entire course for most of the day. The Grounds staff expertly prepares the course for the event, but then it’s too busy to continue regular work, so what do we do? We use events like this as opportunities to accomplish other goals around the property.

Having such a large property- about 200 acres of varying levels of maintained space- some areas don’t always get the attention they may need. On days when the course is extremely busy and trying to work around golfers becomes pointless, we direct our labor to these outlying areas.

Up on the hill, towards the front of the property is a walking trail. Throughout the season, the grass creeps in over the edges of the path. Busy golf course days are a perfect time to edge and clean this walk path. We can use most of our s
taff and tackle a large chunk of the path all at once. Across several golf course outing days, we can trim the entire length of the trail.

There are a tremendous number of trees on the property. Many of them are along the perimeter of the property and we do not spend much time attending those. However, there are still plenty of trees in open areas that need the grass trimmed around their trunk, as well as regular pruning to maintain a healthy tree. When the golf course is occupied, we can head out around the entrance, tennis, pool, and open spaces out front to work on this tree maintenance and care.

We also use events like this qualifier to work on the soccer fields. Starting in mid-August, the upper soccer field closes for 4-5 weeks for annual maintenance. We repair worn out turf, aerate, apply compost, and fertilize the field. All of that takes time and labor, which we often can’t afford during a regular day. But having to stay off the course presents a great opportunity to work on the soccer field and finish most of our goals all at once.

Even though the course is extremely busy, having such an expansive property makes our list of work never-ending. Using our full staff allows us to cross several things off that list quickly.

 

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not drive carts into the tall grass native areas. Because the carts are low to the ground, grass gets caught in the front bumper and then falls off back out on the course. Thank you

 

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Golf Cart tips

 

 

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org