DIDSBURY GOLF CLUB GOLF COURSE POLICY DOCUMENT

Transcription

1 DIDSBURY GOLF CLUB FOUNDED IN 1891 GOLF COURSE POLICY DOCUMENT GOLF COURSE POLICY DOCUMENT LAST REVIEWED: 17 TH JUNE 2011 DIDSBURY GOLF CLUB Ford Lane, Northenden, Manchester M22 4NQ Tel:

2 CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION 1.2 OBJECTIVES 1.3 COURSE BACKGROUND 2. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES 3. RESOURCES 3.1 STAFF 3.2 HOURS OF WORK 3.3 FINANCE 4. AIMS & OBJECTIVES 5. TIME OF WORK 6. THE GOLF COURSE 6.1 GREENS 6.2 TEES 6.3 FAIRWAYS 6.4 BUNKERS 6.5 SURROUNDS AND APPROACHES 6.6 SEMI ROUGH AND ROUGH 6.7 FERTILISATION 6.8 TOP DRESSING 6.9 DRAINAGE AND DITCHES 6.10 TREES & LANDSCAPE PLANTING 6.11 CLUBHOUSE & CAR PARK GARDENS/LANDSCAPING 6.12 PRACTICE GROUNDS 6.13 PATHS 6.14 DEFINING THE COURSE 6.15 WINTER COURSE MANAGEMENT 6.16 BENCHMARKING 7. CLOSING THE COURSE / TEMPORARY GREENS/WINTER PLAY 7.1 COURSE PROTECTION POLICY 7.2 COURSE CLOSURE & CANCELLATION OF COMPETITIONS 7.3 TEMPORARY GREENS & TEMPORARY TEES 7.4 FOG AND LIGHTNING 7.5 FLOODING 8. GREEN STAFF AND MEMBERS 8.1 WORK ON THE COURSE 8.2 HEALTH & SAFETY 8.3 COMPLAINTS 2

3 9. MACHINERY 10. IRRIGATION 10.1 WATER SUPPLY 10.2 THE SYSTEM 11. FINANCIAL CONTROL 12. ECOLOGY & PEST CONTROL 13. PROFESSIONAL ADVICE 14. STAFF TRAINING 15. COMMUNICATION 16. COURSE DESIGN ALTERATION APPENDICES APPENDIX I APPENDIX II APPENDIX III GROUND CONVENOR OUTLINE JOB DESCRIPTION GROUND COMMITTEE MEMBER OUTLINE JOB DESCRIPTION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE GROUND POLICY DECISIONS LIST OF AUTHORS 3

4 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this Course Policy Document (CPD) is to set out the policy for the Management of the Golf Course at Didsbury Golf Club (DGC) and to promote good communication. It has been approved by the Management Committee and made freely available to all Members. Any further changes to the policy will require the endorsement of the Ground and Management Committees. The Ground Committee will conduct an annual review of the CPD and make appropriate suggestions for updates where thought necessary, for final adoption by the Management Committee. 1.2 OBJECTIVES The main objective is to maintain the golf course and grounds of Didsbury Golf Club to a standard expected from one of the premier private members parkland courses in the Greater Manchester area. The continued intention is to present a fair test to golfers of all abilities, on a course that is aesthetically attractive, ecologically sensitive, and which is steadily improved in quality through managed developments within authorised budgets. A further objective is to provide the Members with year-round golf, playing off grass tees, on the main greens and without the use of artificial portable fairway mats, providing this is not to the detriment of the long term health, condition and sustainability of the course. 1.3 COURSE BACKGROUND Didsbury Golf Club was founded on 7 th April 1891 and was the first Club to be formed in the Mersey basin area of South Manchester. In 1894 the Club hosted Manchester s inaugural 36 hole professional golf event, won by the six time Open Champion Harry Vardon, some two years before he claimed his first Open Championship. The Course is now divided by the M60 Motorway, separating the Clubhouse side of the course, with its 13 holes and extensive practice facilities and the much sought after area referred to by the founding members as the promised land, purchased in A revised 18 hole course was opened in 1921 under the supervision of the renowned golf course architect, C.A. Mackenzie, celebrated for his early use of terraced putting greens. The current par-3 11 th hole, with its two-tier green is a visible sign of the changes implemented by Mackenzie. This parkland course lies on the very fertile, former flood plains of the Mersey basin, resulting in very active grass growth in the summer months. A network of land drains run around the course and into the River Mersey on both sides of the Motorway, which, on the clubhouse side, are assisted by an electric pump. Being located along side the banks of the river has however resulted in various challenges for the Club, particularly with regard to drainage and periodic flooding with occasional damaging consequences as experienced in 1931 and The last notable flooding which 4

5 seriously affected both the course and the clubhouse, occurred in 1973, resulting in the re-strengthening of the river banks and forming a secure barrier since that time. The majority of holes on the course are defined and lined by an assorted variety of deciduous trees, many of which were planted in the 1980 s through a City Council supported program. Now an integral part of the playing and scenery of the course, their existence requires annual management, which is in part performed by outside professional contractors working alongside the Club s own ground staff. The course and practice areas continue to be developed to accommodate the demand for year-round golf. In 2009 new greens on holes 1 and 13 were commissioned under the supervision and design by the British golf course consultant, Peter Jones. Further improvements to bunkers and paths are planned, together with the construction of permanent artificially surfaced winter tees, to improve the all round course playability. In line with the recommendations of the R&A for Clubs to formulate and publish their own course management policy document, this CPD has been drafted to ensure the continued development of the course is put into effect through the strict following of the approved policy as set out in this document. 2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Management Committee is responsible for the Management of DGC in all its aspects, including forward policy and financial control. The Ground Committee is responsible for the management of the golf course and is chaired by the Ground Convenor (Club Director). The Committee may consist of both Club Directors and other co-opted Club Members. The Club Professional is also co-opted to the Committee. They will meet regularly and report on a monthly basis to the Management Committee. The Club s Staff are headed by the Club Manager. The Club Manager establishes management controls that monitor the policies set by the Management Committee on the recommendations of the Ground Committee and ensures correct management practices are followed. Budgets and variations from budget shall be notified and discussed between the Club Manager and the Ground and Management Committees, and subsequent recommendations duly put forward to the Management Committee for consideration. The Club Manager co-ordinates the Annual Fixture List with the Competitions & Handicap Convenor, giving due consideration to work on the course. The Ground Staff are headed by the Course Manager. Reporting directly to the Club Manager, the Course Manager is responsible for the implementation of this Policy in all aspects planning of maintenance schedules in relation to fixture lists; liaising with the Club Manager on any problem areas; machinery maintenance; planning and long term budgeting; schedules and records; personnel education; training; discipline; allocation of daily tasks; safety; fertilisers and pesticides; storage and safety; ecology. 5

6 3. RESOURCES 3.1 STAFF The staffing levels for golf course maintenance are six full time and one part time as follows: Full time: Course Manager Deputy Head Greenkeeper Assistant Greenkeeper 1 Assistant Greenkeeper 2 Assistant Greenkeeper 3 Assistant Greenkeeper 4 Part time staff: Mechanic (1 day per week) Ground Staff will be encouraged to join the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). 3.2 HOURS OF WORK The grounds staff works a flexible shift pattern depending on the time of year and the availability of light. Nov Jan (7) :30 Feb Apr (8) :30 May Jul (9) 06:30 16:00 Aug Oct (8) 06:30 15:00 All staff are rostered for weekend and Bank Holiday working to provide for moving the hole cups & tee markers, bunker raking and green mowing. 3.3 FINANCE The Management Committee is responsible to the setting of the Club s Annual Budget, including the Ground Budget. This will included funding for the purchase of materials and services necessary for the successful implementation of the CPD. The Management Committee, after consultation with the Ground Committee, the Club Manager and the Course Manager, will agree the levels of expenditure on machinery maintenance and renewal. The Management Committee, following recommendations from the Finance Committee will perform an annual review of the ground staff levels, salaries, wages and overtime. 4. AIMS & OBJECTIVES The aim is that golf course should be maintained to such a good standard that it is recognised as being one of the best maintained and best presented courses in the area, 6

7 maintained in good condition for the benefit and enjoyment of the members and their guests. Play from visiting golfers is to be welcomed, as are golf societies and events organised by the County and regional Professional Golf Alliances. Staff shall be encouraged to receive training that will enable them to meet realistic expectations and achieve the highest maintenance objectives possible within the confines of the maintenance budget. 5. TIMING OF WORK ON THE COURSE Various tasks and work programmes have to be implemented at specific times of the year. It will be the aim of the Course Manager, in regular discussions with the Club Manager, to plan all the essential work well in advance so that the periods in which any disruptive work has to be done can be agreed after taking into account the golf programme, and visa versa. 6. THE GOLF COURSE 6.1 GREENS Greens over-view As golf greens have a certain tolerance level, both physical and biological, the optimum summer height of cut for the current grass species is 4.0mm. It is understood that consistent cutting at lower levels will weaken the sward and may cause long term damage. To ensure the sustainability of the greens, the ground staff must comply with the cutting regime set out in this policy document. However, for selected major competitions, the height of cut may be reduced below 4.0mm to offer faster paced putting surface. Standard heights will be quickly resumed to avoid prolonged stressing of the sward. In the unusual event that the sward becomes adversely stressed by unpredictable causes, such as pests and diseases, it may be necessary to slightly raise the height of cut for a short period of time to aid recovery. Greens cutting policy During the main playing season mowing is to be carried out daily. During the summer season (Spring Meeting to Autumn Meeting), Holes are to be moved a minimum of twice a week and three times per week when major competitions are staged on a Sunday. During the winter season, holes* are to be moved once per week. (*To assist the hole movement during frost conditions, two holes will be cut on all main greens). Normal mowing to be 4.0mm dependent on weather conditions and course usage, reducing to 3.5mm for major club competitions. Winter mowing height on greens shall be 6.0mm using the Triplex or 6.5mm using the hand pedestrian machine. The pedestrian machine shall be favoured from December to February inclusive. 7

8 The aprons to the greens are to be cut at a minimum height of 10mm. Verti-cutting to be carried out typically once a week during the growing season in accordance with requirements of the grass growth and agronomic objectives. Verti-draining and hollow coring to be carried out every March and October. The Verti-draining works to be carried out during the spring and the autumn will use 12mm diameter tines to help improve drainage, improve root growth and lessen compaction. Additional verti-draining will take place typically in mid December using the wider 19mm diameter tines. Additional works to be carried out leading up to all major Club/Open Competitions such as Captain s Day, President s Day, Club Championship, and the major Ladies events. This will include the painting of the inside rim of the holes for major competitions, subject to the prevailing weather. 6.2 TEES Divoting will be carried out weekly on all tees. Divot mix boxes are to be provided on all par-3 holes and regularly checked and refreshed by the ground staff. In line with the agreed Ground Committee tee mapping programme (effective from the Spring Meeting), tee markers to be moved daily onto a fresh area, offering the golfer a flat stance and a minimum width of 5 metres between the blocks. Cutting to take place twice a week between Monday and Friday, with a cutting height of no lower than 12mm. Weather permitting verti-draining to be carried out once a year. 6.3 FAIRWAYS Cutting to a height no lower than 12mm. All fairways to be verti-drained once a year. Divoting to be carried out as and when staff are available and supplemented by member volunteer divoting parties in the spring and autumn periods. Fairways to be treated for weeds using spray contractors each alternate year. Fairways to be scarified and swept using contractors each alternate year. 6.4 BUNKERS Bunkers to be attended to daily with raking every Wednesday and Saturday and on major competition days held on a Sunday and Tuesday. Footprints are to be raked on all other days. All bunkers to be examined regularly for water retention and damage. A rake to be provided for each bunker - two in the large ones. The rake will be placed in and not outside the bunker and parallel to the direction of play on that hole. The trimming of the edges to be carried out at least once a month. Bunker styling will remain faithful to the traditions of parkland golf and will be either pot, grass faced or revetted. Sand depth will be no more than 100mm (4 ) and no less than 50mm (2 ). Sand particle size will conform to all guidelines laid down for bunker sand. 8

9 6.5 SURROUNDS AND APPROACHES Cutting to take place twice a week with a cutting height no lower than 19mm. Scarifying or hollow coring and over seeding to be carried out every September. Verti-draining to be carried out annually in conjunction with the vert-draining of the fairways. 6.6 SEMI-ROUGH AND ROUGH Semi-Rough Semi-rough to be cut twice a week at a height of 20mm. Any fast growing areas to be cut more frequently. In most areas the semi rough will be no wider than the width of one cut of the semirough machine along the side of the fairways, although this will increase in highlighted areas that are deemed to be too penal to the lesser player. Rough Rough to be cut once per week at a height of 63.5mm. Selective herbicides will be applied as and when needed but as a spot treatment only. Blanket coverage with herbicide will be avoided if possible. 6.7 FERTILISATION Granular organic based nitrogen fertilisers to be used, also liquid spray fertilisers containing trace elements of iron/potash. Soil samples to be taken on a regular basis to ascertain the nutrient status and to correct any deficiencies found. 6.8 TOPDRESSING Topdressing over-view The parkland greens at DGC are naturally soft, however the Club has a policy aim to offer firm, dry greens for the majority of the year and the application of topdressing is essential to achieving this aim. It is acknowledged that the existence of topdressing lying on the surface of a green can be frustrating for some golfers. However, the application of topdressing enhances the soil structure and is considered an important process for the sustainability of putting greens for a well used course such as Didsbury GC. Topdressing application policy In Spring and Autumn, following verti-draining or hollow tining, a heavier application at a rate of 4kg/m². (Thirty five tonnes to be applied as one heavy application, followed by a lighter application to top up holes the following week). 9

10 Further light top dressings (20 tonne) will be applied in the mid-summer. The Ground Committee and Competition Committee will co-ordinate a suitable timing for this in the fixture list. 6.9 DRAINAGE AND DITCHES All drainage ditches and drain outfalls to be cleaned and checked twice each year in the autumn and the winter to remove fallen leaves and obstructions. Broken drains will be mended at the earliest opportunity TREES & LANDSCAPE PLANTING Tree and woodland management will form a part of each annual programme and will also be an integral part of general course maintenance. The sympathetic management of trees to reduce the number of unwanted trees and overhanging tree limbs shall be carried out to have the following affect: Allow light and air into key areas of the Course to improve turf quality. Encourage flora and fauna to re-inhabit overgrown areas CLUBHOUSE & CAR PARK GARDENS/LANDSCAPING The garden beds bordering the 1 st Tee and Putting Green are to be maintained throughout the year. Decorative flowers/bedding plants set in hanging baskets and containers around the clubhouse are to be maintained and watered throughout the spring/summer periods. The main club car park and paths around the clubhouse are to be kept clear of litter and weeds with periodic spraying. The main car park is to be swept on an annual basis. The overspill car park, adjacent to the main practice area is to be kept tidy with any temporary storage of ground materials tidied when not in use PRACTICE GROUND DGC has 3 designated Practice Areas: 1. The main practice area adjacent to the overspill car park 2. The small paddock practice area set between Ford Lane and the main practice area 3. The short-game practice area located to the left of the 1 st Hole. All practice areas will be maintained and cut regularly. A practice strip cut at tees height (12m-19mm) will be maintained on the main practice area. The outfield area will be cut with the tractor pulled gang mowers at a height of 25mm. The two greens on the short-game practice area will be close cut to resemble putting greens and various flags in holes will be laid out to facilitate practice by more than one person. The practise bunkers on the small-game practice area are to be inspected on a regular basis and kept in a usable condition. Rakes and divot mixes are to be provided on the short-game practice area and regularly checked and refreshed by the ground staff. 10

11 6.13 PATHS Wherever possible all paths leading to and from teeing areas should be artificially surfaced to allow year round use. Such paths should be properly constructed with suitable material and edging. All paths should be regularly inspected and repaired and renewed where necessary and should be kept free of weeds DEFINING THE COURSE As required by the Rules of Golf, correct procedure will be followed to ensure the defining of out of bounds, water hazards, lateral water hazards, ground under repair, obstructions and any integral parts of the course. Particular emphasis will be made on these matters for the start of the handicap qualifying period in the spring, with regular monitoring during the season WINTER COURSE MANAGEMENT As part of the intention to offer year round golf, the Course Manager, assisted by the Ground Convenor and Club Manager, will follow the following winter management program: Traffic Management To protect parts of the course prone to extreme wear, ropes and stakes will be used to prevent players from walking over such areas. Sand, Seed and Turf will be used at the appropriate time to repair worn areas Tee Mat Management Artificial Tee Mats will be used during the winter months to protect the main grass tees. Subject to budgetary and geographical constraints, permanent winter tee stations will be constructed, allowing good access from off an adjacent path. For those holes without permanent tee stations, artificial turf mats will be used, on or near to the grass tee. The Course Manager will ensure that these mats are regularly re-sited to avoid damage to the grass tee and that their alignment is square to the hole being played and they are placed on a level area Winter Greens Temporary winter greens will be made available as an option in case of wet weather, frost or snow to protect the main summer greens. In an effort to offer as good a putting surface as is possible from such temporary greens, the Course Manager and Ground Convenor will plan a temporary winter green course setup. This will be agreed during the summer months and include the positioning of the winter greens, dates for their marking and cutting, hole positions and use of enlarged hole cups if appropriate and spring close down of such areas, including the collection of winter hole cups, as the areas form part of the spring summer course. All winter greens will be prepared and marked out in good time prior to the winter. 11

12 6.16 BENCHMARKING To allow the Club to measure its performance over time and compare itself to other clubs, the on-line benchmarking service offered by the R & A will be used. As promoted by the R & A, the Club will be able to benchmark the course and review its economic, playing and environmental performance over time. 7 CLOSING THE COURSE, TEMPORARY GREENS, WINTER PLAY 7.1 COURSE PROTECTION POLICY It is the intention of Didsbury Golf Club to provide its members and guests with year round golf. Playing off grass tees and using main greens during the winter months however, may not always be possible and temporary greens and tees may be introduced as appropriate. When exceptional weather conditions have occurred and on the recommendation of the Course Manager, the course or part of the course may be closed to prevent long lasting damage. Such conditions would exist if the greens were waterlogged, the course was flooded and during frost and snow. A decision to reopen the course may be taken at any time following an inspection by the Course Manager. Of particular concern is the varying amount of damage caused by pull trolleys, electric trolleys and motorised buggies. The use of any or all of them may be prohibited if it is thought necessary. Lightweight single seat buggies may be used following committee approval of both buggy and golfer and will be treated in the same category as electric trolleys if restrictions are imposed. It is hoped that members will recognise that decisions are not taken lightly and are designed to protect and sustain the playability of the golf course, particularly during the winter months, as well as to ensure the safety of golfers. There will be occasions when the ground staff are required to use motorised machinery to carry out essential work during a period of buggy restrictions. 7.2 COURSE CLOSURE AND CANCELLATIONS OF COMPETITIONS. The Directors wish to stress that they and the staff will make very effort to keep the Golf Course open, in full or in part, for play by members and visitors and will communicate information concerning the daily course status via the website and to the professional staff in the Golf Shop. If recommended by the Course Manager, a decision to close the course due to adverse weather conditions, which put the condition of the course and the safety of golfers at risk, can be made by the following personnel: Ground Convenor Club Manager 12

13 Re-opening the course will be made by the same decision making process. In their absence deputies will be appointed. Note: Suspension of play in competitions or the abandonment of a competition may be taken by the person responsible for the event; as such a decision is concerned with the conditions for playing golf and not potential damage to the course. The decision can be made by the following personnel: Competition Convenor Club Professional or Duty Professional Ground Convenor or Course Manager Club Manager Suspension of play will be communicated to players both by the use of a Klaxon and verbally by staff/committee members. Klaxons are located in the Golf Shop, the Club Office and the Course Manager s Office. The relevant Competition Secretary and Club Captain will be informed if the course closure affects a club competition. Once closed, the Course remains so until all Course Closed signs are removed and the Club Manager and Professional have been notified. It is accepted that the main reasons for course closure are snow and slow thaw. It is the responsibility of the Greenkeeping Department to decide whether the holes should be placed in the winter holes in the event of frost. It is agreed that once the winter holes are in use they remain in these positions for the day unless prior consultation with the Course Manager or Deputy has been sought. In the event of the winter holes being in use, the Club Manager and/or Pro Shop must be informed before 8.00am. The use of Buggies and trolleys in inclement weather conditions will be at the discretion of the Club Manager in consultation with the Course Manager and Ground Convenor 7.3 TEMPORARY GREENS & TEMPORARY TEES In the event of the need to use temporary greens during a club competition, the appropriate Competition Secretary or their nominated representative will be informed prior to the commencement of the competition. As noted in the Club s Course Protection Policy (7.1), it is the intention of Didsbury Golf Club to provide its members and guests with year round golf. Playing off grass tees and using the main greens during the winter months, however, may not always be possible and temporary greens and tees may be introduced as appropriate. Verti-draining and devoting of temporary greens and tees to be carried out every March and September. 13

14 Slow released fertiliser to be applied to any week temporary greens in March and October. Verti-draining may also be carried out when aeration works to the fairways are carried out. 7.4 FOG AND LIGHTNING Thick fog or an electrical storm (see policy on notice-board) would demand the temporary closure of the course until safe conditions prevail for the protection of both golfers and ground staff. 7.5 FLOODING Ford Lane is susceptible to occasional flooding. Upon receiving a pending flood warning from the Environmental Agency, club staff will endeavour to inform all members and visitors and ask for motor vehicles to be driven from off the club car park to the entrance to Ford Lane to allow removal at a later time. 8. GREEN STAFF AND MEMBERS 8.1 WORK ON THE COURSE The Green Staff must be vigilant so that they do not delay play unreasonably. However, work has always to be carried out efficiently, this being especially important at the start of the day when staff will try to get ahead of golfers. All players are therefore asked to have consideration to Green Staff by not stopping their work unreasonably, particularly at the start of the day, and to understand that it is in their own interests to do so. 8.2 HEALTH & SAFETY The club have appointed Peninsula Business Services as their Health and Safety advisors for all Golf Course and Green staff compliances. The Course Manager holds a copy of the Health and Safety manual and COSHH Assessments that have been produced. 8.3 COMPLAINTS Members and visitors may not complain about a member of Staff or the Course directly to any member of the Green Staff. Any complaint must be made to either the Ground Convenor or the Club Manager, who will investigate the matter together with the Course Manager. 9. MACHINERY A rolling plan for the replacement, renewal and addition of machinery will be produced and reviewed annually and approved after consultation with the Course and Club Managers, by the Ground Committee, the Finance Committee and the Management Committee for inclusion in the Club s overall financial plan 14

15 The Course Manager shall keep himself up to date with developments in golf course machinery and bring recommendations to the attention of the Club Manager. The Course Manager is responsible for the maintenance of all machinery in all aspects: - records of use, preventative maintenance, major servicing, adjustments, etc. The services of a professional mechanic will be employed one day per week to carry out machinery repairs and general maintenance work to maximise the ground staff s time on the course and also to extend the longevity of the useful working life of the ground machinery. 10. IRRIGATION The overall policy is to use as little water as possible, albeit not to the detriment of the grass growth. Irrigation of turf will be kept to a minimum. Its main purpose is to keep the grass alive and to be used as a management tool remaining faithful to the parkland characteristics WATER SUPPLY The policy is to manage the water supply and always use the water available from the underground borehole. The quality of water and a record of the water quality is to be kept. As directed by the Environmental Agency, weekly records of water use will be kept on record by the Course Manager, for historical reference and filed in the Club Manager s Office THE SYSTEM The irrigation programme for the Golf Course is the sole responsibility of the Course Manager, and in his absence, the Deputy. The irrigation system is commissioned for use in March and de-commissioned in October. Maintenance of the system is the responsibility of the Course Manager in conjunction with qualified irrigation engineers. It is widely accepted that over-watering through the growing season is of major detriment to the year round quality of sports turf, especially in the winter period when the Golf Course still demands play. 11. FINANCIAL CONTROL Reviews of expenditure, compared to budget will be made by the Club Manager and Course Manager, and variances will be reported to the Ground Committee and the Management Committee via the Finance Committee. Prior to August each year a ground budget forecast for the following financial year is required. This will show an accurate monthly cash flow forecast of the annual expenditure for normal course maintenance and will be prepared by the Finance Committee, following consultation with the Club Manager, Course Manager and Ground Convenor. The Finance Committee will include the ground budget within the overall club budget and submit this to the Full Board of Directors for approval in August. 15

16 Proposals for significant improvements to the course, such as new features, rebuilding or re-modelling of features, shall be budgeted for separately to the normal course maintenance budget, and a separate course development budget shall be prepared for approval. 12. ECOLOGY & PEST CONTROL It is an important part of the Policy to preserve the natural habitat of birds, animals and flora on the Course. Any protected species found on the course shall be reported to the Course Manager and the Club Manager and recorded. Woodland maintenance will be carried in such a way that it has as little an impact on the natural habitat as possible and encourage wildlife. Certain animals such as squirrels, rabbits, moles - do damage to the Course, and have to be culled. Trees that affect the Course, particularly when overhanging teeing grounds and preventing the growth of grass or heather, or the safety of golfers by obscuring visibility for playing shots safely, may need to be pruned. On some occasions felling may be necessary. This work has to be implemented under the control of the Course Manager, who always has to recognise the need for tree preservation and to ensure that any tree preservation order is respected. Tree planting will take place where and when necessary, with professional advice sought when conditions require. The Ground Committee must approve the felling of any trees. Care is taken to encourage seasonal flora and fauna, such as blue bells, and daffodils, together with birds and water creatures in ponds and water courses. 13. PROFESSIONAL ADVICE Notwithstanding the confidence that the Committee has in the technical knowledge of the Course Manager, it is policy to seek independent opinions from an independent advisor on the Register of Independent Professional Turfgrass Agronomists. 14. STAFF TRAINING Training is an essential element in achieving a well-trained and motivated staff. DGC is committed to help and encourage training and education through approved colleges. All permanent green staff are encouraged to obtain National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ s) in Greenkeeping to the maximum of their individual abilities. Staff are also encouraged to become members of BIGGA, and to attend discussion groups organised by this Association. The annual department budget will include provision for BIGGA subscription fees and educational courses as directed by the Course Manager. 15. COMMUNICATION DGC is committed to provide comprehensive details of the course and regularly updated information for members and visitors via the Club s web site designated course information notice boards and the voice recorded course information option on the club s automated telephone system (option: 1). 16

17 16. COURSE DESIGN ALTERATIONS Any major plans to alter the course to be ultimately approved by the Members. End. 17

18 APPENDIX I GROUND CONVENOR OUTLINE JOB DESCRIPTION General The role, through the assistance of the Ground Committee, is one of supporting, liaising and monitoring the Course Manager and the Club Manager, to ensure that the key requirements of the course policy document are being implemented with the objective that the course is presented in the best possible condition for members and visitors. The Course Manager is responsible for the management of the course and interference should be avoided. Specific Duties Have regular meetings to review progress and listen and discuss any problems or concerns the Course Manager and Club Manager may have. Discuss and identify training needs for the Ground staff. Agree programmes in line with the policy document. Ensure that as far as possible specific tasks identified as a result of specialist advice from an agronomist or ecologist are done within the agreed timescale. Assist the Club Manager and Course Manager with annual budget proposals, if required. In communication with the main committee/board, remain impartial and report the facts. Ensure that communications with members such as course bulletins are produced on time. Whilst having due regard for the overall financial requirements of the club, ensure that the Course Manager has the resources (staff, equipment and consumables) to meet the aspirations and conditions laid down in the CPD. 18

19 APPENDIX II GROUND COMMITTEE MEMBER ORGANISATION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE The Convener Generally the Convenor is an elected Director of the Club and appointed by the Club Chairman and invited to serve on the Management Committee of the club for a twelve month period. A minimum term of two years in the post is preferred for continuity. The Sub-Committee Members of the ground committee are chosen by the Convenor. Both high and low handicap members should be represented as should both genders. Good representation does not, however, require large numbers. A small group of three to five members is preferred to make decisions. Serving on the committee is good training for future convenors. Therefore, committee members should be given work to do, not only to help share the burden but also to increase their knowledge. Persons with particular expertise (e.g. horticulture or soils) often make useful committee members. Meetings The frequency of ground committee meetings can vary. Some clubs prefer to meet annually or twice a year. Other clubs feel monthly meetings are required. Unless some special condition exists, meetings held four times a year (spring, summer, autumn and winter) usually suffice. One meeting would probably decide the proposed budget, another would look at any Autumn/Winter programme and the other two would be assessing the current state of the course and work in hand. When a meeting is called, it should be well-organised and to the point. Committee members are willing to work, but they do not like to attend a meeting merely for the sake of attending a meeting. Course Policy Document In conjunction with the Course Manager, Club Manager and appointed Agronomist, to agree on the course policy to be followed on a day-to-day basis. The Committee will set out in the Course Policy Document their ideals for what they would wish the course to obtain, but leave the Course Manager and Club Manager to decide on a dayto-day basis its implementation. Machinery Replacement Plan To see that the agreed plan for the replacement of machinery is updated annually. 19

20 Members To be available for members queries and to explain details and reasons for work being done on the course and when necessary hold meetings with the membership to give greater explanations. All members of this committee are expected to acquaint themselves with sufficient facts so they can explain to members. The Course Manager will be encouraged to write reports on the work done on the course and other details to give to the membership. Closure of Course/Trolley, Buggy Ban The DGC Course Policy Document sets out the guidelines and personnel involved in such decisions. Members of the Ground Committee are expected to familiarise themselves with both the agreed decision taking policy and any decisions taken, so that they can inform the membership of the reasons why. Minutes of Ground Meetings These are to be circulated to all members of this committee and the Management Committee 20

21 APPENDIX III MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE - GROUND POLICY DECISIONS 1. Adoption of the Course Policy Document 2. Approval of capital expenditure on new machinery 3. Course alterations (based on a Golf Course Architects recommendations) 4. Approval of the Ground budget 5. Annual staff wage and salary review 6. Staffing levels 21

22 LIST OF AUTHORS Peter Jones M.Sc., MBPR, Consultant Agronomist, Peter Jones Associates Ltd. John K. Mort, M.Sc., B.A.(Hons.), MAAT, Club Manager, Didsbury Golf Club Stewart Pugh, Course Manager, Didsbury Golf Club (BIGGA member, City & Guilds - Sports Turf Management) Michael T. Campbell, Director, Didsbury Golf Club. 22