TURF CARE CENTERS:

The Heartbeato/Gol/TurfConditioning!Like a stone thrown into a pond, coursemaintenance activities originate and rippleout from the maintenance facility.by KEITH HAPP

GOLF COURSE maintenanceinvolves many different disci-plines, from agronomy and

business management to labor relationsand equipment maintenance. Whilethis list is by no means all inclusive, itdoes serve to illustrate the wide rangeof planning, scheduling, and instructionthat takes place each day in the main-tenance of a golf course. The manyfacets of daily course preparation haveone thing in common; each strategy,cultural practice or management tech-nique begins at the maintenance facility.With the day's golf schedule andweather patterns in mind, crew assign-ments are posted, equipment is allo-cated, and turf conditioning begins.

Quality conditioning does not justhappen; it is the end result of soundagronomic principles applied in thefield by well-prepared and educatedemployees. The maintenance facility,also known as the turf care center ormaintenance building, is the hub of allgolf course maintenance activity and isone of the most important componentsof course infrastructure. It is muchmore than just a building or buildingsthat house the turf maintenance equip-ment. Golfers typically do not see thebehind-the-scenes operations at a golfcourse, and the purpose of this articleis to examine the form, function, andimportance of an organized and well-planned maintenance facility.

LocationAs they say in real estate, you cannot

overstate the importance of "location,location, location!" This is equally im-

portant to a golf course turf care center.Unfortunately, many golf course super-intendents inherit their maintenancefacilities and must make the best ofwhat is sometimes a very bad location.Maintenance buildings that are locatedaway from the golf course can poselogistic challenges to the golf coursesuperintendent and maintenance oper-ations. Maximizing the efficiency andeffectiveness of course maintenancewhile minimizing golfer inconvenienceand aggravation remains paramount.However, when the building site is anafterthought, turf care operations suffer.

Centrally located buildings may offereasier access to all areas of the coursefor turf maintenance but may poseobstacles for delivery trucks. If a newfacility is to be built, this is one issuethat must be considered. Large trucksneed to have access to the maintenancecompound without interfering with theplay of the course. The turf manage-ment plan for the course should influ-ence the location as well as the size ofthe maintenance area. For example, ifouting play is a main source of revenue,then the building should be positionedto facilitate rapid completion of allcourse preparation activities.

Layout of the FacilityThe maintenance facility layout can

influence the efficiency and effective-ness of course maintenance. A well-planned layout has a positive effect onwhat can take place within the confinesof the operation. While the entrance tothe facility does not have to mirror thearchitecture of the clubhouse or pro-

shop area, it should .represent theoperation's standards and goals. Subtle,low-maintenance landscaping allowsthe complex to fit into its surroundingswhile remaining functional.

The building should have an ampleentrance area, preferably 16' to 20'wide, with the capacity to accommo-date large tractor-trailer deliveries.Limited space restricts delivery optionsand can increase operating costs. Forexample, if only smaller trucks can beused to deliver sand or gravel, the"'eostof acquiring a specified quantity ofproduct may be increased. Issues likethis can be avoided with proper plan-ning when the facility is expanded,repositioned, or initially constructed.When large trucks can maneuver easilyin and out of the facility, economies ofscale can be achieved.

Allocating generous space for em-ployee parking is important for anefficient and well-organized facility.Course employees should be able topark their vehicles safely where theydo not block or interfere with workactivities or deliveries and where theywon't be competing for space withcourse patrons or members.

The courtyard is an important stag-ing area for daily operations. Eachmorning, equipment is prepared andpositioned for its eventual use on thecourse. Staging the equipment allowscrew members to exit the compound inan efficient and orderly fashion.

This orderly exit also coincides withequipment maintenance schedules.Regular preventive maintenance sched-ules are prepared according to equip-

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An organized and well-managed parts room aids preventive maintenance of golf courseequipment. Allotting adequate space for repair improves maintenance efficiency andminimizes equipment downtime.

A properly equipped maintenance facility includes a hydraulic lift in the mechanic'swork area. This investment allows equipment repair and servicing to be performedrapidly and efficiently.

An open storage area can be used to house materials and equipment that needs to becovered but not completely enclosed.

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ment needs on the course. Having fullknowledge of course maintenanceschedules allows the golf coursemechanic to prepare the equipmentwithout delaying routine maintenancepractices.

With sufficient courtyard space, thecost of outsourcing certain procedurescan be minimized. For example, whenample space is available, composting,an environmentally friendly operation,can be performed near the turf carecenter. Branches, leaves, and otherdebris collected from the course can beprocessed on site, rather than having tohaul the waste to a landfill.

Adequate courtyard space also isconvenient for calibrating spray equip-ment. Weekly calibration of sprayequipment is not unusual, and havingsufficient courtyard space provides agood classroom for new employees tolearn the science and mechanics ofcalibration. And, after the spray equip-ment is used and washed, spray distri-bution patterns and volumes can beevaluated before equipment is parked.If necessary, nozzles can be replacedbefore the next application is made.

Having room to properly train em-ployees on maintenance equipmentprovides them with a high level of con-fidence before they transfer their newskills to the course. Teaching properturning and maneuvering techniquesreduces the potential for turf damageon the course. Even the simplest equip-ment operations can and should beexplained, with the maintenance com-plex courtyard being the ideal site.

Even the positioning of above-groundfuel storage units affects the traffic flowof maintenance operations. While thisissue is governed to some extent bylocal and state regulations, there may besome degree of flexibility available inpositioning the fueling station. The fuelstorage area should facilitate refuelingprocedures without interrupting othermaintenance operations. For example,topdressing should not be stored nearthe refueling station for risk of con-tamination. Many superintendents havepositioned refueling stations near wash-down containment areas, providing anadded measure of hazard control. Re-fueling tanks can be positioned wherefuel consumption can be monitored, atask often delegated to the golf coursemechanic.

Adequate courtyard space also pro-vides the opportunity to construct stor-age bins to contain and separate com-monly used materials. Bunker sand,topdressing sand, topsoil, drainage

The lunchroom serves many purposes. In addition to functioning as a break room,this area can be used tor meetings, providing instructions to the crew, and postingwork assignments.

gravel, and mulch are examples ofproducts frequently used during theseason. Providing easy access allowsthe bins to be serviced without inter-fering with the golf course maintenanceflow. The storage bin concept keepsproducts in close proximity to dailyoperations, which also aids inventorycontrol. Product waste can be mini-mized as distribution and allocation ofspecific materials is monitored. Ofparticular importance is the fact thatthe storage bins eliminate the need tostockpile products in parking areas atthe clubhouse, pool, or tennis courtfacilities.

Trafficflow through the maintenancecomplex should also be considered.Establishing directional flow helps re-duce the risk of accidents and disrup-tions. Directional flow also helps estab-lish a pattern for equipment service.When a project or task is completed, astandardized process for rehousing theequipment can be put into action. Forexample, some operations have em-ployed a cleaning process that involvesboth pressurized air and water. The firstphase of the cleaning process usespressurized air to remove grass clip-pings. The dry clippings then can becollected and deposited in a compost-ing site or dispersed over a selected areaof the course. The odor associated withthe handling and disposal of clippingdebris is greatly reduced when moistureis minimized, and grease seals andwheel or axle bearings are less apt toexperience accelerated wear. Aftercleaning with air, the machine is thenexposed to a second cleaning processusing high-volume, low-pressure water.The machine is washed to remove theremainder of the debris and clippingresidue before it is refueled and re-turned to the storage area.

Maintenance facility designers offerthe option of installing a washdownpad that collects all rinsate and debris.Dave Alexdrowicz, superintendent at5t. Clair C.C. in Pittsburgh, Pa., hadconsiderable input into the design ofthe turf center at his course. Daveinsisted that air lines be installed in thecourtyard area to facilitate machinerycleaning. He also installed a washdownpad to collect the remaining debrisfrom mowers and other equipmentused on the course. Their containmentfeature recycles the water used to washmachinery. Particulates are collectedand then deposited in the compost pile.Rinse water is filtered, treated, and re-used when the next piece of machinerymust be cleaned.

The washdown facility ensures thatequipment is properly cleaned beforeit is stored. Life expectancy of theequipment is maximized, and equallyimportant is the fact that dirt, debris,and other trash are not tracked into themaintenance building. Once theequipment is cleaned, it is fueled andpositioned for the mechanic to adjustand prepare for the next use.

Maintenance Building FeaturesThe components of a maintenance

building include but are not limited tothe following:

•Administrative offices for the super-intendent, assistant superintendent,

mechanic, irrigation specialist, andhorticulturist.

• A lunch/break room that offerssufficient capacity to accommodate theentire crew.

• Locker room/restroom facilities formale and female employees.

• Parts room for the most frequentlyused repair items.

• Grinding room to properly preparecutting equipment.

• Paint room with proper ventilation.

• Fertilizer storage room.• Pesticide storage and containment

unit.• Heated work area for mechanic and

equipment maintenance activities.• Unheated equipment storage area.• Hand tools storage room/area.While the pesticide and fertilizer

storage areas are components of theturf care center, they are often designedand positioned as. stand-alone struc-tures. Regulatory guidelines governthese storage units. Environmental andworker safety concerns must be highpriority issues when the maintenancefacility is designed, renovated, updated,or expanded.

The building or building complexshould be large enough to house all ofthe equipment necessary to meet agro-nomic and playability demands of thegolfers. Undersized buildings only serveto frustrate operational efficiency andcan lead to a more frequent need toreplace equipment. Expensive equip-ment that has to be stored outside andexposed to the weather will wear muchmore rapidly. Additionally, an under-sized building makes it much moredifficult to stage equipment for daily

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Figure 1An example layout of agolf course turf care center

EntranceRoad

~

CompostStorage

Topsoil

Bunker Sand

Courtyard

use. For example, it is not uncommonto hear complaints about having tomove equipment in and out just to getat the required machinery, which isblocked in. This bogs down the flow ofmaintenance procedures and hampersthe mechanic when regularly scheduledpreventive service is needed.

The maintenance building has severalthings in common with the clubhousefacility. The clubhouse exists to meetthe needs of the golfers, while themaintenance building exists to meet theneeds of the course. The clubhouse canbe a valuable recruiting tool to attractgolfers, and the maintenance buildingshould serve a similar role. Ultimately,course conditioning, which is directlyimpacted by the maintenance facility,is what keeps the golfers coming back.When a professional atmosphere is per-petuated, the goals of the maintenanceprogram can be attained and in manycases surpassed. The environment inwhich employees work is a critical partof the work experience, and a profes-sional work environment is a public

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relations tool for employee recruitingefforts. The environment should pro-mote a sense of responsibility andpride in the place of employment, andmeeting employee needs signals thattheir work is appreciated and will berewarded.

Office SpaceThe superintendent's and assistant

superintendent's offices should belocated away from the equipment stor-age area to insure a quiet workspace.There is an ever-increasing need tohave an office with a secretary tohandle daily business and record keep-ing, and office size should reflect thisneed. Invoices must be processed andmaintenance logs must be kept up todate. Business meetings with suppliers,for example, can be conducted in asetting that minimizes interruptions.

Computers are often used for recordkeeping and planning procedures. Thesemachines need to be stored in anenvironment that does not jeopardizelife expectancy. Dust and heat do not

Topdressing

Mulch

DrainageGravel

mix well with computer components.Air conditioning may be looked uponas a luxury by some, but it serves avaluable role with the increased useof computers to operate irrigation sys-tems. A computer malfunction couldjeopardize turf health and playingperformance.

It is not uncommon to provide sepa-rate office space for a horticulturist,irrigation technician, and mechanic.The golf course mechanic, in particular,has many duties in addition to the up-keep of equipment. Parts must be in-ventoried and a complete maintenancehistory of each piece of equipment mustbe kept. This allows repair and main-tenance costs to be tracked, which inturn helps to manage future capitalequipment expenditures. Machinerycan be replaced before repair costs be-come burdensome.

Mechanic's Office and Work AreaThe mechanic's area varies depend-

ing upon the scope of the equipmentused to maintain the course. A well-

organized repair shop offering sufficientspace for work on multiple pieces ofequipment enhances the efficiency ofthe operation. Breakdowns will occur,and often at the worst times. With suf-ficient space, preventive maintenancecan be performed and, when necessary,unscheduled repairs can be completed.Equipment of all sizes should be able tofit into the shop area. A hydraulic liftis an excellent investment, and attach-ments can be purchased so that eventhe smallest of machines can be posi-tioned, lifted, and serviced.

Locker RoomThe locker room should offer ade-

quate personal storage space for full-time and part-time employees. Thedesign should provide sufficient spaceto change clothes before work beginsand, if desired, clean up after the work-day is complete. Locker rooms oftenare placed next to or are incorporatedinto male and female restrooms. Thesize of the locker rooms can varydepending upon the crew size, but thereshould be locker space for full-time,part-time, and seasonal employees.

Lunch/Break RoomThe lunchlbreak room is an essential

component of the building design andshould be a clean area, away from theequipment storage sector of the build-ing. Employees should be able to

• Weather Satellite Dish

Ventilation

prepare warm or cold food. A sink,coffee pot, vending machine, and re-frigerator are needed components.

A television and VCR often are foundin this area of the maintenance buildingto facilitate training and instruction ofnew employees. Videos can be used toprovide basic instruction and guidanceon new procedures and the operationof new equipment. There are videosavailable that detail all elements of golfcourse maintenance, including basiclanguage skills. Diverse crews havediverse needs, and no need is moreimportant than communication.

Other educational and planningsessions also can be conducted in thisarea of the building. It is not uncom-mon to host a Green Committee meet-ing in the lunch/break room. After turfcare programs are discussed, committeemembers can tour other areas of theturf care center.

Fertilizer StorageFertilizers and pesticides should be

stored separately and housed awayfrom employees and maintenanceequipment. This minimizes the chanceof spills or waste while inventory con-trol is easily facilitated and safety ismaintained.

Pesticide StoragePesticides should be housed in a

stand-alone storage unit to minimize

Diagram 2

environmental impact and help ensureworker safety. Regulatory agencies canprovide input on the standards andspecifications for these containmentbuildings.

ConclusionWhat used to be known as the main-

tenance barn or maintenance shed isnow an active center for learning andteaching. A turf care center evolves intoa facility that meets the demands ofthe course, satisfies the desires of thegolfers, and fulfills the needs of the golfcourse maintenance crew. Developingand sustaining a good work environ-ment is critical to the inner workings ofthe maintenance operation. Employeewelfare and safety cannot be over-looked and are issues that are vital to asuccessful operation. A clean workingenvironment allows the total invest-ment in golf course maintenance to besustained. The turf care center, as theheart of the operation, protects theoperation's primary asset, the golfcourse.

KEITH A. HAPP is an agronomist in theMid-Atlantic Region, visiting courses in thestates of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Mary-land, Virginia, and West Virginia. Keith hasa sub-regional office located in Pittsburgh,Pa., bringing him closer to courses in thewestern portion of the Mid-Atlantic Region.

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The golf course maintenance building encompasses many components, which ultimately impacts the efficiency and effectiveness ofthe operation.

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