how many employees are needed to maintain a golf course

by Kenna Von 10 min read

As a result, private facilities employ on average 10 full-time and 12 seasonal maintenance workers, while public courses have an average of six full-time and a dozen seasonal workers. What percent of your operational budget is labor costs and non-turf overhead (insurance, administrative, workers compensation, etc)? Operating expenses.

Full Answer

How many employees does it take to maintain an 18-hole course?

Sep 01, 2017 · Out of necessity, maintenance budgets were frozen or cut at many golf courses while the cost of many inputs – e.g., plant protectants, water, equipment – continued to rise. The maintenance budgets at some courses still remain lower today than they were 8-10 years ago, testimony to the long-term effects that changes in demographics and the ...

How many people work on a golf course?

Apr 06, 2015 · GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE PLAN PRESENTED BY: GILL DESIGN, INC. NOVEMBER, 2014 MEADOWBROOK GOLF COURSE City of Rapid City, South Dakota 122 North 2nd Street, River Falls, WI 54022 • telephone: 715-425-9511 • info@gilldesigninc.com

Does a golf course need a staff?

Oct 19, 2020 · Running a golf course requires a sizable team of employees. Golf Course Industry reports that the average course’s maintenance staff consists of 17 employees, which includes six year-round employees, ten seasonal employees, and one part-time employee and / or independent contractor for odd jobs. This doesn’t take into account additional employees that …

How much does it cost to maintain a golf course?

Feb 03, 2010 · SAMPLE Golf and Country Club Golf Course Maintenance Standards. Mission Statement: To prepare, preserve and maintain the golf course as the major club asset and to afford the opportunity to provide enjoyment to its members and guests. To protect, understand and fulfill the golf course architect's vision and goals for a firm, fast and fair golf ...

How many employees does it take to run a golf course?

As a result, private facilities employ on average 10 full-time and 12 seasonal maintenance workers, while public courses have an average of six full-time and a dozen seasonal workers.Feb 10, 2012

How is a golf course maintained?

What Is Golf Course Maintenance? Golf course maintenance refers to maintenance activities done to keep course resources in good working condition. It includes repairing and replacing club assets, mowing and chemically treating turf, eliminating ball marks, improving playing conditions, and more.

Who is responsible for taking care of a golf course?

A golf superintendent is the one who is responsible for the routine maintenance and management of a golf course and golf facilities. Golf courses are very natural ecosystems that need constant care and attention to remain healthy, safe, and attractive to golfers.

How much does Augusta National spend on maintenance?

Membership is believed to cost between $100,000 and $300,000 and annual dues were estimated in 2020 to be less than $30,000 per year.

Is it hard to maintain a golf course?

As you can imagine, it takes a lot of work to maintain all the different components. Surprisingly, much of that work occurs before golfers even arrive at the first tee. Golf course maintenance teams start their day at the crack of dawn so they have time to prepare their course for golfers with little disruption.Sep 21, 2018

What does every golf course need?

Golf Course Maintenance Equipment: 10 Tools Every Manager NeedsMowers. Golf course mowers are the first thing that you need for course maintenance. ... Utility Vehicle. ... Hydraulic Lifter. ... Handheld and Backpack Blowers. ... Grinders. ... Portable Soil Moisture Meter. ... Hoses and Nozzles. ... Chainsaws.More items...

What are golf course workers called?

Starter – As a starter, you maintain the tee times and make sure players start promptly. Ranger – This job allows you to travel the course to monitor play and help golfers. Golf Course Maintenance –You will take care of all aspects of the course's grass as you look after the golf course.

How much do greenkeepers earn UK?

Currently, an average greenkeeper's salary in the UK is £20,000 per year, around £10.26 per hour, some £6,000 less than the average salary in the UK which, in 2021, stood at £25,971.Feb 12, 2022

What does a greenskeeper do at a golf course?

A Golf Greenskeeper performs various golf course maintenance activities, including mowing, trimming, and edging. Lays sod, plants trees, and seeds turf. Being a Golf Greenskeeper repairs ball marks on greens, tees and fairway divots.

Is it profitable to own a golf course?

Buying a golf course is often a passion play. But with the right business savvy, it can also be a profitable enterprise.Aug 4, 2021

How many groundskeepers work at Augusta?

Get there early enough you will find more than 60 people working on the course, mowing, raking, edging, etc.

Is buying a golf course a good investment?

Value creation, just like any other real estate deal, is the name of the game when you invest in a golf course. It's a tough business; 1% to 2% of golf courses close each year, while 25% of them don't turn a profit.Dec 21, 2021

Due to the spread of the coronavirus, is this business essential?

No. Under current guidelines across multiple states, this business is not classified as essential while emergency orders are active.For more inform...

What are the costs involved in opening a golf course?

The costs associated with opening a golf course are significant. The largest upfront expense is usually land, as courses can require 200 acres of l...

What are the ongoing expenses for a golf course?

The ongoing expenses for a golf course business largely consist of maintenance fees for the course and any buildings on the property. In 2016, the...

Who is the target market?

A golf course’s ideal customer is an affluent golfer. Such a person enjoys the sport, and they have the money necessary to go golfing regularly.

How much can you charge customers?

According to Golfweek, most privately owned golf courses charge an average of $40 per round with a cart on the weekend. Weekday prices tend to be s...

How much profit can a golf course make?

In 2015, 69 percent of golf courses broke even (24 percent) or earned a profit (45 percent). The profitability of these courses varies greatly, dep...

How can you make your business more profitable?

Golf course businesses can add additional revenue streams and increase profits by hiring golf pros who offer lessons, putting in a pro shop that se...

Is this Business Right For You?

Anyone who is well-versed in a variety of aspects of business and enjoys golfing themselves may be qualified to run a golf course. It’s important t...

What happens during a typical day at a golf course?

During the golf season, there are lots of day-to-day activities that must be done. A few include: watering and mowing fairways, roughs and greens c...

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful golf course?

Business owners that build a golf course from scratch should be familiar with golf course design. Even if they hire a golf course architect to actu...

How many bunkers are there in an 18 hole golf course?

Three recognized golf course equipment vending companies were contacted to provide a quote on a maintenance fleet that they thought would be necessary to maintain an 18-hole golf course with approximately 60 bunkers, 3 acres of greens (average size be-tween 4,000 SF and 6,000 SF), 3 acres of tees (46 tees), 35 acres of fairways, and the rest comprising out-of-play areas, and acreage for parking, clubhouse, maintenance, etc. We also asked the companies to estimate replacement cycles, and to recommend which pieces would be appropriate for purchase versus a lease option. These propos-als are included in the Appendix. GDI did additional research, consulting with two 18-hole golf course superintendents each with 30+ years experience in the industry, and a fourth equipment vendor with equipment sales and lease package experience. Their recommendations are the basis for recommendations herein.

Why is mowing important in golf?

Mowing patterns, color, and contrast are very important in defining the boundaries of a golf hole, separating playing surfaces, and helping the golfer to read the golf hole.

What is Meadowbrook Golf Course?

The vision for Meadowbrook Golf Course is to restore the golf course to it’s former award-winning position as one of the top public golf courses to play, offering playable golf conditions for golfers of all abilities as well as being able to deliver a challenging venue for tournament play. In order to provide the golf conditions that realize the vision, the City of Rapid City and Meadowbrook Golf Course Maintenance staff must first de-fine a maintenance standard policy that outlines standards and expectations. Further-more, based upon expectations, adequate funding must be allocated to secure appro-priate equipment, and hire and/or educate professional and seasonal staff. The first step in developing this maintenance plan and budget was to clearly define maintenance standards and expectations, starting with the most labor-intensive task.... mowing.

How does mowing affect golf?

Mowing heights and mowing direction can affect turf color and appearance, and thus affect the legibility of a golf hole.

What is the green speed on a stimp meter?

Green speed as tested with a Stimp meter will be 9 - 9.5 for daily play, and up to 10-11 for certain tournament events. Adjustments will be made as needed on Hole #11.

How tall is rough grass?

Rough will be comprised of bluegrass/fescue mix that will be maintained at pre-ferred height of 1.5 inch height of cut (HOC) for daily play. If fairway definition is insufficient, GDI recommends rough height be increased to 1.75 to 2 inches.

How long does it take to edge a bunker?

At a club with a comparable design/type of bunker, it takes 2 laborers 1 day to edge 10- 13 bunkers. At the club with a comparable bunker design, it takes two (2) laborers three (3) weeks annually to edge all 101 of their bunkers.

How to market a golf course?

Golf course businesses can be effectively marketed through social media and online advertisements directed at area residents. Pur chasing advertisements on local sports radio stations is another effective way to raise awareness of a course.

What is a CO in golf?

A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met. If you plan to lease a location: It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO. Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a golf course.

Why is it important to have a clear plan?

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What is net 30?

The term "net-30," which is popular among vendors, refers to a business credit arrangement where the company pays the vendor within 30 days of receiving goods or services. Net-30 credit terms are often used for businesses that need to obtain inventory quickly but do not have the cash on hand.

Why is it important to record expenses?

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

What is a strong brand?

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

What are the objectives of a golf course?

Objectives: The course will be maintained such that excellent playing conditions exist for both the championship and the average golfer. The golf course should play near championship standards, within weather limitations, on a continued basis and at championship standards for certain events.

What is the mission of the Golf Course?

Mission Statement: To prepare, preserve and maintain the golf course as the major club asset and to afford the opportunity to provide enjoyment to its members and guests. To protect, understand and fulfill the golf course architect's vision and goals for a firm, fast and fair golf challenge for all levels of player abilities.

How often should I mow my tees?

Tees will be mowed at .437 of an inch during the spring and lowered to .375 of an inch on or about Memorial Day. Tees will generally be mowed four days a week depending on growth.

Where is the GCSAA located?

From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan. , the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries.

What is the goal of maintenance?

The goal of maintenance is the least amount of interference and inconsistencies as possible . Environmental stewardship and resource management will impact selecting and applying products to the golf course.

How high should I cut a rough?

The rough will be maintained at a height between 2.25 and 2.5 inches with rotary mowers. The primary or intermediate cut of rough (area roughly 15' around fairway) will be maintained at 1.75 inches and be mowed two times a week.

Quality Golf Course Maintenance Equipment

It never hurts to find ways to do your job better, whether it’s better techniques to save time or better golf course maintenance equipment to make things look beautiful and consistent, such as materials by TurfTime Equipment.

Golf Course Lawn Care Tips & Tricks

Along with the ability to access useful equipment like top dressers and groomers, people interested in better ways how to maintain a golf course can try some of these other strategies.

What is a golf professional?

Golf Professional Job Description. Golf professionals, commonly called golf pros, are members of the Professional Golfers' Association. Most golf pros coach individuals and small groups to help them improve their technique. They oversee and implement golf workshops, summer camps for children and golf tournaments.

Why do golfers hire caddies?

Golfers hire caddies to carry their golf bags and perform basic tasks. Caddies assist their golfers by handing them clubs as needed and storing them back in the bag after shots. Before each hole, a caddy must clean the golfer’s ball and clean the clubs throughout a game.

What does a greenskeeper do?

Greenskeepers maintain greens, fairways, roughs, and sand and water traps. They install and repair course fixtures, such as tee markers and benches, and at times move holes on greens . Greenskeepers prune hedges, trim trees and tend flowerbeds.

How much do golf caddies make?

According to the ZipRecruiter career website, golf caddies earn an average annual salary of around $35,000.

How does a caddy work?

Using an automatic rangefinder, a caddy calculates the distance between a ball in play and the green. Caddies who don't carry rangefinders calculate the distance mathematically, using distance markers located along fairways. At the green, a caddy must remove and replace the flag stick as the golfers make their putts.

Do golf courses employ workers?

From Pebble Beach to Key West, public golf courses and private clubs employ a lot of workers. Golf course positions range from entry-level jobs to skilled professional roles. Although you likely won't earn a fortune as a golf course employee, you can enjoy working outdoors in one of America’s most popular sports.

Why do you need a sprayer on a golf course?

Sprayers are needed on a golf course to apply liquid fertilizers, plant growth regulators, and other plant protectants or pesticides. With today’s evolving technology, the precision to apply products thru a sprayer has never been better. A high quality sprayer is most important on a golf course to save both money and the environment.

Why is aeration important in golf?

Aeration Equipment. Aerating a golf course is an important step in the process of “ turf management ” to keep the green looking good, and more importantly performing well. The aeration process helps relieve compaction as a result of all the foot traffic. It allows air and moisture into the turf, creating a smooth and firm putting green ...

What is a fairway mower?

In some turfgrass species, a fairway mower can also be used to mow roughs when set at a higher height of cut. Trim Mower – Trim mowers are designed to mow around obstacles on the golf course such as bunkers, trees, greens complexes, and water features.

What is a backpack blower?

Backpack Blowers. Backpack blowers, also known as leaf blowers, make quick work of removing leaves, grass cuttings, and other debris from a large area. There simply isn’t a more efficient way to keep a large course free of debris than using a blower.

What is a green roller?

Greens Rollers. Used in combination with mowers, Greens rollers improve the quality of the green and putting surfaces. They do this by rolling over the green, which helps to create a smoother surface. This simple process enhances the turf quality and increases the speed at which a golf ball travels.

What tools do you need to cut trees?

Specialist tree cutting tools are a requirement for this, such as chainsaws and loppers.

What is the most common type of lawn mower?

Or more accurately, several different types of mowers. Some of the most common – and important – mowers include: Riding Greens Mower – These mowers are typically used to mow greens in a quicker, more economical fashion.

image