Golf
“
Is there any position in the world of business where any one individual is required to have such a vast array of both knowledge and skills?
are not cutting their grass outside of its comfort envelope, and those that do so very quickly end up with a lawn dominated by moss and weeds that would not be tolerated on a golf course. They fail to note that they do not have to take account of two hundred people per day walking over their lawn, taking the odd swipe with a sharp implement as they pass and creating major problems of wear and tear due either to compaction, sward damage by golf clubs or simply foot- fall pressure. They see grass as grass and make little
attempt at having a homogenous sward; they have little knowledge of the impact of cutting and rolling on a daily basis; of the need to accurately predict nutrient and water requirements; of the need for that dreaded term ‘consistency’; of the need to keep pests and diseases at bay. If they did consider the basic requirements for sound golf course maintenance, they would quickly understand that this is a demanding job that requires years of experience and education if it is to be done properly. Finally, whilst most golfers enjoy rigid start
times in their own profession, and any request for a change to an earlier start time is normally accompanied by some payment, members of golf course greenkeeping staff are expected to be absolutely flexible with
regard to start and finishing times. A right to some sort of a social life or time
off to deal with family affairs is rarely acknowledged. Acceptance of a three-day week in the non-growing season is now commonplace here in Ireland, as is working weekend overtime for time in lieu. The impact of applying for social assistance on individuals who have worked tirelessly throughout the growing season has a huge impact on morale but, again, is rarely considered when decisions are being made. If all of this were not enough, performance is critically monitored by upwards of two hundred golfers on a daily basis. One wonders how such golfers would fare if their own performance at work were monitored to the same extent. Therefore, it is clear, from the above, that
greenkeeping is a job that requires extensive knowledge of agronomy, that these requirements are not common knowledge and, consequently, not recognised or appreciated by golfers in general and that those involved must be willing to put their social life on hold at various times of the year. Stress is now a word that figures
prominently during conversations revolving around work, it is becoming more and more prevalent in the age we live in, where
increasing productivity and keeping wages as low as possible exercise many minds in business. One could be forgiven for believing that greenkeepers have little to worry about in this regard. However, in the United States, the USGA
recently commissioned an independent psychologist to report on stress in the greenkeeping profession. The report concluded that greenkeeping, in many but not all golf clubs, was akin to living in an abusive relationship where many golfers blamed the greenkeeper for their bad golf, and the greenkeeper responded by working even harder to improve the condition of his golf course in the vain hope that golfers might offer some praise for the condition of the golf course. Yet, the complaints kept coming. He also
advised that, where there was a serious problem with some part of the golf course and a greenkeeper was filled with apprehension as he inspected the problem each day, that this was clear evidence that the relationship between the superintendent and his employers was abnormal and abusive. Many would feel that this represents compelling evidence that things need to change in the industry. All greenkeepers are aware of the re- occuring critical remarks, “there is not
Air 2G2 Self Propelled Aerator
• 180cm Working Width • 10” or 7” Working Depth
• 19HP Kholer Petrol Engine • 55Ltr 2 Stage Compressor
“Provides improved growth in the root zone and better drainage with no surface disruption, so play can be resumed immediately after use.”
Milton Common, Thame Oxfordshire ....... 01844 278843 Hinckley, Leicestershire ........................... 01455 638960 Shefford, Hungerford, Berkshire .............. 01488 648552 Midhurst, West Sussex ............................ 01730 819981
38 I PC JUNE/JULY 2014
www.farol.co.uk e-mail:
sales@farol.co.uk
FarolLtd @FarolLtd
Call us
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