Golf Course Maintenance Schedules

A general estimate of the number of occasions a task might typically be carried out over the 3-months of each season, but these would only be used as an informed forward planning guide as the current sward conditions, expected standards and prevailing weather conditions will influence the actual number of occasions any work might be required.

The total time in hours has been given as a general range and this too will clearly be influenced by a range of factors, including the type of equipment being used, the skill and experience of the user, material quantities needed and calibration requirements, the extent of pre-start checks and post use clean down, and the ground and weather conditions.

The actual number of greenkeepers employed for the maintenance of an 18-hole golf course can vary quite a bit depending on the variables mentioned above in ‘Golf Course Annual Material Requirements’: 4 qualified greenkeepers as a minimum for a reasonable standard; 5 for good standard and 6+ for high standards, with high profile courses expecting year-round exceptional standards having considerably more greenkeeping staff.

An example of work schedules for different areas of a golf course are provided, although these should be treated as being indicative only and does not contain all activities identified in the various golf course maintenance articles.