GOLF


Recent woodland project


clean the pumps, and a trench of pipework underground to another holding pond 6 metres above the Mersey, where it will then exit into the river.


We are currently working with Dobells Profesessional Tree Care to thin out trees which are healthy enough to have reductions, without impacting other areas such as wildlife and other trees in the immediate surroundings. Shade and air fl ow are a major issue at Northenden and something we are keen to develop a long- term strategy for. We have the Forestry Commission on site regularly, as we have many species of protected trees. We have varied skill levels across the team and I am a big believer that all staff should be given the opportunity to progress and master each job on the golf course. We have recently enrolled two staff members on to their level 3 greenkeeping qualifi cations and one member of the team has just completed his PA1 and PA2. I think this type


of progression through education avenues, increasing staff ’s leadership opportunities and overall skills are important things to off er a team if you are keen to progress as a group.


The current team of six includes: Scott (32); 1st Assistant, Steve Preston (54), thirty years’ service; Assistants; Sean Doyle, ten years’ service; Steve Darby (50), four years as a greenkeeper, fi ve years as the club’s handyman; Adam Barton (29), 3 month’s service (previously my deputy at Swinton Park) and Luke Johnstone (31), 3 month’s service. We also have additional help from a long-standing member who, now and again, clears ditches etc. which is a particularly good help. All staff have appraisals twice per year and have the opportunity to present their training requirements so that I can set them goals and targets. I can then adjust my training budget accordingly, if it’s realistic to do so. I report all budget plans to the club’s


directors monthly. However, I am fully responsible for setting out yearly categorised plans, keeping track of how it is spent every month, along with a monthly expenditure sheet.


As with most courses, renovations are worked into the overall budget. For us personally, we are incredibly fortunate as we have a full membership and have the 500-Club Charity where members pay £5 per month and can win cash prizes monthly. The remaining money goes into the course, which proves remarkably successful for projects and renovations. This all helps improve communiction with members, whilst I also send out a blog four times per year. We use emails for day-to-day communication and have our Twitter feed for the hardier members - who like to know that little bit more. I also play regularly at the club, so I listen to what members have to say and take their opinions on-board.


Changing weather patterns (due to climate


It has become a very fast-paced industry; one that requires serious


evaluation and a voice from those with the best communication


avenues, e.g. BIGGA etc


Left to right: Scott Gardner, Adam Barton, Steve Darby, Luke Johnstone, Sean Doyle and Steve Preston


18 PC February/March 2021


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