2016 Mohawk Golf Club

“Wee” Course Internship

Mohawk Golf Club Information

Mohawk Golf Club was established in 1898. The golf course was designed by Devereux Emmet in 1904. It is a beautiful 18 hole parkland golf course with a 9 hole “Wee” course. Mohawk Golf Club has a deep and rich tradition in the capital district of Albany, NY and will be the site for the 2016 New York State Amateur.

Objective

To provide the turf student with the opportunity to manage their own real world golf course. They will be responsible for putting together an agronomic plan, management plan, short and long-term plan and budget. In conjunction with the planning, they will be in charge of the upkeep of the irrigation system and application of all products. The “Wee” Course is a valuable asset to Mohawk Golf Club as it serves as a place for the membership and juniors to play and practice. It was established in 1957 and consists of 9 Par 3 holes, with the longest being 165 yards and the shortest at 80 yards.

Management Plan

The objective is to develop a management plan that fits the course objectives and expectations. This will consist of normal course maintenance (course set-up, mowing and agronomic applications), determining the amount of employees needed, and cost. Along with this; personal management goals will be included with own expectations and management philosophies. Size of property and guideline of expectations will be sent to successful candidate.

Agronomic Plan

The main goal is to develop a sound agronomic plan with the help of the superintendent consisting of all fertilizer and pesticide applications and cultural inputs. The agronomic plan will be scheduled on a calendar with the use of the products provided. The student will develop their own personal objectives, including fertility and pesticide rates and timing, and management philosophy. List of products and pricing will be available when candidate is hired.

Long and Short Term Plan

The internship goal is to look at the property and develop some long and short term projects that could be completed to help improve the “Wee” Course. This will help in developing a vision and the thought process of improving a golf course. A superintendent needs to have the ability to see what needs to be accomplished in the short-term, while setting long-term goals. Some examples are listed below:

• Tree Removal and Pruning • Green and Tee Expansion • Building Bunkers for certain green complexes (currently have none) • Rough Renovations • Nursery construction • Course Beautification

Budget

There will be a budget for maintaining the “Wee” Course. The objective will be to develop an operating budget that is realistic to achieve, and subject to extreme weather or unusual circumstance, manage expenses to be at or less than budget. The budget will consist of five operating line items (listed below):

• Labor (cost of maintenance) • Chemicals (cost of applications) • Fertilizer (cost of applications) • Special Greens Maintenance (aerification, topdressing and misc.) • Irrigation (repair and upkeep)

Conclusion

This internship has the ability to provide an interesting and unique experience. The amount of learning will be determined by the student and the amount of effort that he/she puts in. The superintendent will be used for guidance and direction. Communication between the superintendent and intern will be important as the intern implements their programs. The intern will be given the responsibility to ensure that the agronomic plan is being carried out.

Compensation and Benefits

• $10.50/hr plus OT • Housing will be available offsite • Uniforms will be provided • Golfing privileges

Contact Information

Andrew Eick

Golf Course Superintendent

Mohawk Golf Club

Email: aeick@mohawkgolfclub.com