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Score Card
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Course Policy
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Grab a Green
Golf Course Policy Document
The Aim of this Policy Document is to set out details of the Management & Strategy of, and for, the Golf Course in order to provide and implement structured long and short term plans
1. Objectives
With the aid of a structured programme of Preparation, Fertilization, Mowing and Weed Control provide Members with good playing conditions all year round from Grass or Temporary Tees to Main or Temporary Greens as appropriate to prevailing weather conditions.
To maintain and improve surrounding Woodland an accordance with advice from appropriate experts and/or Local Authority Schemes.
2. Roles and Responsibilities
2.1 The General Committee is responsible for the overall direction and control of the Club including Policy and Financial Control.
2.2 The Greens Committee is responsible for the Management and Maintenance of the Course, Standards, Improvements, Submission of Annual Budgets and Long Term Capital Expenditure projects.
2.3 The Greens Chairman will ensure that agreed policies and the requirements of the Course Policy Document are implemented. Course Budgets and Capital Expenditure Programmes will be monitored in conjunction with Treasurer and/or Finance & Planning Committee
2.4 The Head Green Keeper is responsible, in conjunction with the Greens Chairman and Honorary Secretary, for the implementation of the Objectives which include but is not limited to:-
Liaison with the Greens Chairman & Honorary Secretary on staffing & problem areas
Machinery maintenance and repairs
Maintenance of records relating to staff and staff training
Planning of annual budgets
Implementation of, and suggestions to improve, Health & Safety Policy
Purchase & storage of Fertilizers, Dressings, Pesticides etc and maintenance of the records pertaining thereto
Storage and safety of all equipment
Short and long term work schedules
Allocation of daily tasks
Attendance at Greens Committee meetings and reporting
Implementation of Woodland Conservation Schemes
The disposal of Waste Oils etc, Fertilizers, Herbicides, Pesticides, Wash Down effluent and the like in accordance with Environmental Guidelines.
3. Resources
3.1 Staff.
Agreed staffing levels are:-
1 x Head Green Keeper
1 x Assistant Head Green Keeper/Maintenance Mechanic
3 x Greenkeepers
1 x Part Time Green Keeper
3.2 Training
Training is an essential element in achieving maximum potential. The Golf Club will encourage and help staff to receive training through approved Colleges and Schemes and achieve NVQ's in Greenkeeping.
Other training courses (e.g. Use of Chain Saws) will be arranged as appropriate and/or as recommended by the Head Green Keeper.
3.3 Finance
The General Committee and Finance & Planning Committee are committed to the provision and allocation of sufficient funds to achieve the Policies set out herein.
The provision of necessary machinery and equipment is an essential requisite in achieving such policies and a rolling 5 years programme will be submitted annually to the above Committee's for approval.
The Head Green Keeper will provide annual budgets for General Course Maintenance.
Any urgent expenditure in excess of budget requires approval from the above Committees.
All Purchases & Contracts for Work on the Course are to be made under the Purchase Order Procedure using the Clubs Ordering Forms with the appropriate Computer Nominal Posting Code.
3.4 Greenkeeping Facilities
These are situated between the 10th Fairway and the Avenue to the Club House and consist of
i. Main Tractor Shed for housing the bulk of Vehicles & Machinery this also includes:-
Workshop Area
Head Green Keepers office
Staff Rest Room
Toilets and Shower Facilities
Store
ii. Secondary Shed(s) for storage of smaller items of equipment and machinery and also Chemicals and Fertilizers.
iii. Diesel Storage facilities
iv. Vehicle Wash Down area and Associated Interceptor (Waste) Tank
In near proximity are situate an Irrigation Pump House, Well and Computer Control System in connection therewith.
4. Work on Course
4.1 General
Work on the Course will be conducted with as little disruption to Members play as is possible - but Green staff will continue to have priority in accord with the "Guideline on Course Conduct" appearing at Appendix 1.
In conjunction with the Head Green Keeper "coursework days" will be allocated and the Club Diary and Fixture Book, in addition to Notice Board Announcements, will be used to inform Members of these arrangements.
The co-operation and understanding of Members is required if continuous and satisfactory playing conditions are to be achieved.
4.2 Greens Staff Hours
Monday to Thursday - 7.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Friday - 7.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Additionally all staff are rostered for weekend and public Holiday work at appropriate overtime rates.
5. The Course
5.1 General
The Course is laid out on, basically, a clay structure and is subject to wet conditions.
The long term aim is to relieve these conditions with annual deep tining programmes coupled with agreed future installation of new drains and associated work on the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 18th Fairways and Rough.
Use of Buggies is restricted to Members whose medical needs require such assistance.
The Head Green keeper has the authority to ban the use of all mechanised and hand trolleys whenever ground conditions so dictate.
5.2 Tees
A rolling programme of Tee renovation will be maintained.
Winter Tee Mats will be used whenever the Head Green Keeper deems it necessary. These will be maintained in good condition and worn sections replaced as necessary. During the Summer months Winter Tees will be removed to storage
Tees will be cut to approximately 13mm during the main season.
Day to day maintenance is part of overall strategy and includes:-
i. Regular movement of Tee markers which will be placed at least 3 Metres apart and 2 club lengths from the rear boundary of the Teeing ground.
ii. Seeding, Aeration, Scarification and Repair
iii Emptying of Waste Bins
iv Filling Tee side "Repair Boxes" with Soil/Seed/Fertilizer etc to encourage Golfers to repair divots.
v Ball Cleaners to be topped up
vi Annual Painting/Cleaning of White, Yellow and Blue Tee markers with similar attention to the 150 Yard Marker Posts and Fairway Discs.
vii Annual maintenance of other course furniture
5.3 Fairways
Annual verti-draining, scarification, slit tining, deep tining etc. will be continued to maintain the improved condition of the Fairways.
Spot or broom spraying for weeds etc to be undertaken when required.
Mowing to 13/15mm will be the standard during the main playing season.
5.4 Rough
The Rough will normally be cut in the region of 35mm.
Other areas will be cleared as required by the Greens Committee, and in consultation with the Head Green Keeper.
5.5 Greens
The aim is to maintain the present high quality of the Greens to enable them to be used a as often as possible especially out of season. The Head Green Keeper will decide if Temporary Greens are to be brought into play and to this end will ensure that such Greens are prepared in advance of the Winter season.
The height of cut of the Greens during summer months is the responsibility of the Head Green Keeper and his reading of forecast and prevailing weather conditions but will be between 3mm and 5mm.
Grooming, Verti cutting/draining, slitting, tining, hollow tining, scarifying and other treatments will be undertaken at appropriate times.
5.6 Bunkers
Definition of Bunker margins are to be clear with edges, fringes and faces trimmed.
Regular raking will be undertaken.
Rakes will be provided in each Bunker; replaced quickly when broken and are to be.
placed and kept in the Bunker itself.
The quality of Bunker Sand will be the subject of annual review.
5.7 Woodlands & Trees on the Course
These will be maintained in accordance with advice received from the Forestry Commission and other expert sources to ensure continuity in the growth of the variety of trees currently to be seen e.g. Ash, Oak, Elm, Beech, Birch, Holly.
New plantings will take place as necessary .
Ditches will be kept clear of debris to improve drainage especially on the back nine.
Rides also will be cleared on a regular basis.
The Club will seek expert advice on the treatment of the Woodlands and Trees, thus enabling The Club to apply for grants from the Forestry Commission.
5.8 Practice Ground
This area will be maintained and cut regularly. The area's around flag positions will be close cut to resemble small greens primarily for the use of Juniors enabling them to hold "mini" competitions on the Practice ground.
The practise bunker is to inspected on a regular basis and kept in a usable condition.
5.9 Paths & Tracks
All paths and tracks are to inspected regularly and repaired/renewed as necessary. Artificial paths should be kept free of weeds.
5.10 Temporary Greens
It is the policy of the Club to play to Temporary Greens only when absolutely necessary. However the Head Green Keeper ( or senior Green Keeper on duty) will have responsibility on a day to day basis for the decision to play to Temporary greens.
5.11 Gardens & Borders
These are to be maintained in a satisfactory condition and suitable Shrubs, Plants and Flowers planted in order to enhance the General appearance of the Course
5.12 Chemicals & Fertilizers
Use of these commodities will be kept to a minimum.
Storage is to be in a secure area/cabinet and appropriate records kept of their purchase and use.
5.13 Top Dressings
Greens will be top dressed approximately 4 times per year, the decision to undertake such work being the responsibility the Head Green Keeper.
5.14 Machinery and Equipment
The policy of the Club is to purchase, maintain and replace when necessary the best, and most appropriate, range of machinery or equipment for the upkeep of the course.
The Club has invested in specialist machinery and equipment to ensure the continuing high standards of course maintenance. A rolling 5 year capital plan of replacement and additions should be prepared, and maintained/updated for consideration annually and for incorporation into the Club financial plan.
The Head Green Keeper has a responsibility to keep up to date with developments in golf course machinery and to recommend (with quotations) acquisitions and disposals.
The Head Green keeper is also responsible for the maintenance of all machinery and equipment, including Health & Safety requirements, and records of servicing, maintenance and repair.
6. Course Closure
The course may be closed on the authority of the Head Green Keeper (or senior Greenkeeper on duty in his absence). The Greens Chairman (or other Committee member) must be advised as soon as such a decision is made.
During Competition the course may be closed by a member of the Competition Committee supervising the event.
The following signals on a klaxon will be used:-
Suspension of Play 1 prolonged blast
Resumption of Play 2 short blasts (Repeated)
Cancellation of Play 4 short blasts (Repeated)
7. Irrigation
The objective is to use as little water as possible whilst recognising that from time to time Sprinklers will be needed.
The system is fed from a Well in the woodland to the right of the 10th fairway.
It is inspected annually under contract in Spring and is drained under contract in Autumn.
There are approximately 85 Sprinkler heads, each under the control a computer system which in turn is under the control of the Head Green Keeper.
8. Finance
Each year, in advance of the Annual General Meeting, the Head Green Keeper, in consultation with the Greens Chairman, will produce a spending budget for the next financial year which should be in line with the rolling budget mentioned in paragraph 2.3 above. Recommendations will be made to the Finance & Planning Committee and through them to the General Committee for approval.
No expense shall be incurred outside budget guidelines. Any urgent expenditure in excess of budget must be recommended by the Greens Chairman and authorised by General Committee.
Monthly review of expenditure will be made and the information distributed to General Committee members.
9. Ecology
Lilleshall Golf Club consists of Parkland & Woodlands. It is an important part of our Policy to preserve the natural habitat and to that end Woodland maintenance will have as little impact on wildlife as possible. Certain animals, however, e.g. squirrels, moles and rabbits damage the course and may need to be culled humanely.
Tree felling will only take place when absolutely necessary and within the 3 cubic metre per quarter allowance, unless for Health & Safety reasons when the approval of the Environment Agency or similar body will be obtained.
Rushes and Bulrushes (Reed Mace) in the ponds will be controlled under licence granted from the same Agency.
10. Complaints
All complaints should be addressed to the Honorary Secretary. If the complaint cannot be settled to the satisfaction of the member by the Honorary Secretary it shall be referred to General committee.
No member shall reprimand or instruct the Green Keeping staff.
11. Professional Advice
The Greens Committee may seek advice from qualified Agronomists or other experts notwithstanding the authority which the Head Green Keeper holds for seeking assistance and soil analysis etc from such bodies as the Sports Turf Research Institute.
12. Health & Safety
The Health & Safety policy will be distributed to all staff with comprehensive Risk Assessment forms and Training Records.
All accidents must be reported to officials immediately and recorded in the incident book kept for this purpose
The advice and recommendations of the Clubs Health & Safety Officer will be carried out as quickly a possible.
13. Use of Club Facilities by Staff
The Head Green Keeper and his team are deemed to be Members of the Club and as such the facilities of the Golf Course and Club House are available to them subject to the adherence of the Rules of Etiquette and Dress.
APPENDIX
Guidelines on Course Conduct
The Golfer wants to play without interruption and the Greenstaff want to get on with the job free of Hazard.
These two objectives can be in conflict, hence these Guidelines. Legislation demands that the Club has a duty of care for its Staff, which mean that the working environment ha to be as risk free as possible.
On The Green
Golfers
It only takes a few minutes to cut a Green
so please be patient you should only be
held up once.
Greenstaff
If a Green is started then finish.
Do not start if there is a Golfer
waiting. Ensure the Golfer is held
up once only. If close to Golfers
switch off running machinery.
On the Fairway
Golfers
Will not play any shot that 'chases' Green Staff
Give time to complete a 'run' (There and
back on short fairways (6 & 8 & 12)
Only play a shot after Greenstaff have
'stepped' aside
On longer Fairways only play your shot
if working Greenstaff are out of reach.
Will not play a shot if Greenstaff are
approaching, wait until they are behind
or have pulled to one side
Greenstaff
By your behaviour do not tempt
Golfers to play a shot at you.
Complete a 'run'(There & back
on short holes) and then stop on
the side whilst the shot is played.
On longer Fairways Golfers can
play towards you if you are well
out of range
When cutting towards Golfers
they will wait until you have
passed them or have pulled to one
side.
If close to Golfers about to play
switch off running machinery
In The Rough
Golfers
Allow the Greenstaff to finish a run
- gang mowers cannot be reversed
Be tolerant the Greenstaff will be
concentrating on a line and may not
see Golf balls.
Greenstaff
Be tolerant and watchful
especially on the back nine where
Golfers may be in the woods
General
Golfers
Greenstaff have priority on the Course for
safety reasons and to get the job done in a
reasonable time.
Where the course is being set up for a
Competition the Greenstaff will work in
the direction of play.
The Golfer will give the customary
respect to the Greenstaff who are
members of the Clubs staff
The Golfer should make it clear what
their intentions are.
Greenstaff
Priority on the Course is a
responsibility not to be abused
but treasured. It is given to make
the working environment safer
and so that the job can be done.
Unless being set up for a
Competition Greenstaff will work
in directions which minimise
disruption of ordinary play
Greenstaff will conduct
themselves in a quiet & courteous
manner at all times.
Greenstaff should make it clear
what their intentions are.
Complaints
Golfers
Golfers complaints will be made in
writing to the Honorary Secretary
Greenstaff
Greenstaff complaints will be
made to the Head Greenkeeper
who will report the matter to the
Honorary Secretary, after
discussion with the Chairman of
Greens.
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