What Do Sports Managers Need to Know About Golf Course Renovations?
Working in golf management can be a fulfilling and exciting career path. By managing a golf course, you’ll have the opportunity to network with industry professionals while putting your organization and leadership skills to work. And, of course, being able to drop in for a quick nine before or after work is always a bonus.
Still, being a golf course manager comes with significant responsibility, including keeping the grounds beautifully updated and well-manicured. So, how can golf managers know when it might be time for a full-blown renovation?
Why Renovations Are Essential for Golf Courses
Investing the time and money to renovate golf courses is essential for a number of reasons — from addressing everyday wear and tear to maintaining a competitive edge.
Addressing Wear and Tear
Even with routine care and maintenance, golf course components can deteriorate over time. Turf may become worn beyond repair, bunkers may lose their shape, and drainage issues may occur. Renovations can address these common sources of wear while modernizing dated facilities.
Player Experience and Staying Competitive
At the end of the day, managing a successful golf course hinges largely on the player experience. With renovations that not only keep a course looking its best but also deliver an enjoyable experience to players, courses can set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive market.
Planning Golf Course Renovations
In planning a renovation of any size, there are a few key steps to take in the golf course renovation process.
Setting Renovation Goals
First, course managers and decision-makers should meet to discuss the goals and objectives of the renovation. These could be as simple as improving the aesthetics of the facility or enhancing the player experience — but it’s important to agree on goals ahead of time before getting into the next stages of the renovation project.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Cost is another central factor in planning golf course renovations. Aside from the initial expenses of the renovations, course managers should plan for long-term maintenance that may be needed to keep the facility in tip-top shape. Likewise, course managers need to budget for any lost revenue due to downtime during the renovations themselves.
Collaborating With Golf Course Architects
Hiring a golf course architect is one of the wisest choices course managers can make during a renovation. Specifically, knowledgeable and skilled golf course architects can assist with aspects of the project such as Master Plan development, construction oversight, and project management. This allows course managers to focus on other important aspects of the business while being sure that renovations are in capable hands.
Key Aspects of Golf Course Renovations
While each golf course renovation project is unique, there are some common components of a golf course that may need to be upgraded or replaced.
Greens and Fairways
Over the years, even well-maintained greens and fairways may need to be replaced to enhance the player experience. Poor drainage, compaction of turf, and even shady areas can have a negative impact on these essential parts of the course.
Irrigation and Drainage Systems
A golf course’s irrigation and drainage systems are among its most critical components, but even these may need to be replaced or renovated over time. Updated systems can ensure that fairways and greens are protected from water-logging and soil erosion — and that turf stays full and green (even in areas that don’t receive as much sun).
Bunker and Hazard Redesign
Bunkers and hazards are a pivotal part of the player experience on any golf course, but these can erode or be otherwise damaged. Through renovating these features, course managers can provide just the right level of challenge to golfers.
Clubhouse and Facilities Upgrades
Of course, golfers don’t come to a course just to play. They also like to kick back, relax, and share a sense of community with their fellow golfers. This is where having updated, modern clubhouses and facilities can make all the difference. If your facilities have seen better days, this should be addressed as part of a larger renovation project.
Sports Managers in Golf Course Renovations
Sports managers play a crucial role in overseeing golf course renovations from start to finish, with numerous specific duties and responsibilities throughout the process.
Overseeing the Project From Planning to Execution
Some common tasks that can serve as a checklist for golf course managers during a renovation include:
- Creating initial goals and objectives
- Engaging stakeholders
- Conducting initial golf architect site visits
- Estimating costs, budgets, and timeframes
- Developing and approving Master Plans
- Overseeing construction plans and designs
- Bidding and negotiating contracts
- Managing final observations and re-opening
Collaborating With Stakeholders
As part of the renovation process, course managers might also be responsible for meeting with stakeholders and other decision-makers within the facility. This may entail providing stakeholders with regular updates on the project, as well as training staff to adapt to any course or facility updates due to the renovation.
Align Renovation with Long-Term Strategic Goals
Ultimately, a successful golf course renovation should align with a facility’s long-term strategic goals and objectives. Nobody understands these goals better than a course manager, so it is their responsibility to ensure that all renovation and maintenance plans will support the facility in achieving those goals. If improving the player experience is a long-term objective, for example, then renovations should include items to enhance playability — such as optimizing the course layout and ensuring accessibility for golf carts.
Common Golf Course Renovation Questions and Concerns
Explore answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about golf course renovations below.
How Often Should a Golf Course Be Renovated?
The timeline for golf course renovation largely depends on the size of the course as well as its features and local climate. In general, though, most major components of a golf course (including irrigation systems, fairways, and greens) should be renovated about once every 10 to 15 years.
How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Golf Course?
This depends on the size and scope of the renovation, but most projects can be completed anywhere from six to eighteen months. From there, however, it may take some time for renovated components to be fully established. For example, according to the USGA, it typically takes about three years for renovated playing surfaces (such as greens) to mature.
When Do You Bring in a Golf Course Architect?
It’s ideal to bring in an experienced golf course architect after your team has established a budget for the project and decided on your basic goals and objectives for the golf course renovation process.
What Is Included in a Master Plan?
A Master Plan for a golf course will usually include a scaled drawing of the course that highlights both the existing course and improvements included as part of the renovation. In addition to the scale drawing, a Master Plan may also include a written document with cost estimates and other details.
Learn More in a Golf Management Program
A great deal goes into planning and executing golf course renovation projects. From scheduling the closure during non-peak times to staying on schedule and on budget, golf course managers are often responsible for coordinating these massive projects along with other job duties.
If you’re up for this kind of challenge, a career in golf management may be suitable for you — and the right education can help build the foundational skills and knowledge you need to break into the field. At Keiser University College of Golf, we’re proud to offer both an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Golf Management. Far from your typical golf academy, our school offers state-of-the-practice training facilities and courses taught by PGA and Master certified instructors. Learn more about our golf degrees, or start your online application today!
Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
Sources
https://collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu/programs/bachelor-science-golf-management/
https://collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu/programs/associate-of-science-in-golf-management/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onjK1YOApQU
