Apron

The area immediately in front of a golf green. It is often mown at an intermediate height between that of the fairway approach and the green, sometimes to the same height as the collar around a green. The apron might be considered a component part of the approach.

  Aquifer

A saturated layer of porous rock which contains water. Boreholes are often drilled into aquifers from which water is extracted for irrigation, or other, purposes.

  Asset Monitoring

The identification of the location and movement of physical assets.

  Associate

1. This will typically relate to a grade of membership for an organisation, having certain entry requirements.

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  Atmosphere

The mixture of gases that are within the air, with the main components (by volume) being 78% nitrogen; 21% oxygen; 0.9% argon, and 0.04% carbon dioxide. The composition of the air within the soil (referred to as either soil air or soil atmosphere) varies from that of the above ground atmospheric air.

  Attention Restorative Theory

A theory which suggests that being exposed to the natural environment helps to refresh and restore the mind and body following prolonged periods of concentrated mental effort (resulting in what is called ‘directed attention fatigue') or stress related issues. Positive outcomes are documented for the exposure of humans to the natural environment, however, understanding how each component aspect of the theory interconnects and influences the positive outcomes is more problematic. (For further investigation see: • Stephen Kaplan, ‘The restorative benefits of nature: Toward a

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  Audit

An examination or inspection of accounts, which traditionally related to financial accounts. However, this can now also include the examination or inspection of resources, including the physical checking of an inventory, such as machinery and materials, as well as assessing resources to determine their condition, or status (such as for proficiency, training, qualifications of groundstaff); this could also include carrying PQS assessments. It is done to ascertain the accuracy of accounts and extent and condition of resources within an organisation.

  Augusta Syndrome

In UK golf greenkeeping this refers to the excessively manicured and exclusive American golf course which hosts the US Masters tournament. Many golfers consider comparable conditions should be emulated by greenkeeping staff on their course, although if they realised the significant increase in membership and annual fees, a reduction in the number of members, as well as many strict rules and policies which would also typically restrict their usage of the course, then this should just be considered a fantasy or nonsensical statement or desire from golfers, rather than having any basis in reality for their course.

  Back to Basics

A refreshing of knowledge which does away with complicated and often confusing, contradictory and convoluted theories and ideas. It emphasises the basic foundations of how, when and why maintenance activities are carried out, being based on sound principles. Back to basics will involve questioning the need and validity of carrying out tasks and for the use of specific applied materials.

  Ball Mark

An indentation made in the surface of a golf green by the impact of a golf ball hitting the green and where it typically has not been repaired by the golfer who hit the shot.