As a member of the maintenance staff at three different superb golf courses in the region, it was essential to ensure the courses were maintained to the highest standards, offering a top-tier experience for golfers. This position involves a diverse set of responsibilities, including turf management, equipment maintenance, seeding, driving range upkeep, and course setup, all of which are critical to the course’s overall operation.

Turf Management and Mowing

A primary responsibility during my time at the courses was the management of turf, particularly the greens and tees. Often beginning at 5:30am, mowing these areas was a daily task that required precision and expertise, as these are key to the course’s playability. I ensured that the grass was cut to the appropriate height, varying according to season, weather, and specific course requirements. Proper mowing patterns, such as alternating clockwise and counterclockwise mowing of the finishing cut, was implemented to minimize turf wear and maintain the course’s aesthetic appeal. For example,

Beyond mowing, I helped monitor the health of the turf, identifying signs of disease, stress, or damage, and take corrective actions as necessary. This often involved applying fertilizers, pesticides, and other treatments to keep the grass healthy and vibrant.

Seeding and Turf Repair

Seeding was another crucial aspect of the role, particularly when it came to repairing divots and other damaged areas on the course. The maintenance team oversaw the seed and sand mixture process, ensuring that the correct volumes were used. This included preparing the soil, distributing seeds evenly, and ensuring proper watering to encourage growth.

Repairing divots was an ongoing task that required attention to detail and timely intervention. The maintenance coordinated with staff to promptly repair divots on the greens, fairways, and tee boxes, ensuring that the playing surface remained smooth and consistent. This not only improved the playability of the course but also enhanced its overall appearance.

Equipment Maintenance and Management

Maintaining the equipment used on the golf course was another critical responsibility. Although we has an on-site mechanic, I assisted with the regular maintenance and repair of all machinery, including mowers, tractors, and irrigation systems. Timely repairs were essential to ensure that the equipment operated efficiently and safely, providing a precise cut and reducing the risk of damage to the turf.

By keeping the equipment in top condition, we ensured that the course was maintained with the highest level of care, which is particularly important on a luxury course where the quality of the playing surface is paramount.

Driving Range and Course Setup

My role also managed the upkeep of the driving range, ensuring that it was in excellent condition for practice. This included mowing the range, maintaining the turf, and ensuring that the hitting areas are properly aligned and well-maintained. The driving range is often the first impression golfers have of the course, making its upkeep a crucial part of the team’s duties.

Daily course setup was another key responsibility, especially for tournaments and special events. We set up the course in a way that provided a fair and challenging experience for golfers. This included positioning tee markers, pin locations, and ensuring that bunkers and hazards were in optimal condition. I worked closely with the superintendent to ensure that the course is prepared to meet the specific needs of each event.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Our team was also responsible for implementing sustainable practices to minimize the environmental impact of maintenance activities. That included monitoring water usage, using eco-friendly fertilizers, and managing wildlife habitats on the course. We often had to move the beaver dens. Prioritizing sustainability helped preserve the natural beauty of the course while reducing its ecological footprint.

In summary, the Golf Course position was a wonderful opportunity to be one with nature daily, and it was vital to the operation of a luxury golf course. Through meticulous turf management, diligent equipment maintenance, seeding, repairing divots, managing the driving range, and overseeing course setup, our team ensured the course remained in top condition, providing a world-class experience for golfers.

Specifics:

Virtues Golf Course, near Columbus, Ohio, formerly and more prominently known as the Longaberger Course, on of the top 100 courses in America in 1996-1998 ranked number 36. With 8 miles of cart path in mountainous terrain, and 5 tee boxes at each hole, this was a substantially more difficult course to work than the average course. I worked there from March 2020-October 2021.

Bent Tree Golf course in Sunbury, Ohio just outside of Columbus, Ohio. 2021-2022. Also worked at OakHaven golf course in Delaware, Ohio, just 25 minutes North of The Ohio State University.