GOLF COVID-19 How was your club aff ected by Covid-19?
We went down to two staff in the fi rst lockdown. Then, when it ended, we saw a rapid increase in the amount of golf being played, resulting in 145 new members and an average of 1,150 rounds per week. We were then back up to full strength of four staff . Of course, this wasn’t ideal with the level of play we had, as it gave us very small cutting windows to work with and we started at 5.00am most days ready for a 7:30am start sheet. Fast forward a few months and the club have invested in two new greenkeepers and another two machines.
Were you or your staff furloughed at any stage?
I was not furloughed and I am incredibly grateful to my employers. It is a tragic time for all aff ected by what is going on, and my heart goes out to them. We have had all staff furloughed at various stages, but I am hopeful we will get back to normal soon.
How did this aff ect you, both personally and at work?
I have not been aff ected by COVID and I have been pretty busy on a construction project at home. My staff getting furloughed and the loss of revenue for the clubhouse are the main negatives. However, the boom in golf is a great positive and the industry in general in my opinion, so all my focus and drive comes from the positives.
Were you able to continue working on the course?
Yes, we did just about manage to keep the place tidy, as we didn’t quite have the early fl ush of growth given our location. When this fi nally started, we had no option but to call in another team member to help us keep up.
Other than the governmental restrictions in place at the time, did your club/facility place additional restrictions on you?
No, but I did implement health and safety procedures where we were only using
specifi c machines - each allocated to one staff member and we sanitised machines and washed hands more often than usual.
Did club members/players off er any assistance?
We have a member who helped by walking his dog on the course at night, limiting criminal damage.
What condition was the course in once you were able to return full-time?
It was in particularly good condition; we struggled once play came back initially, as the tee sheet was so busy continually halting progress. We adapted by varying start times to suit the needs of the business.
Have any projects been put on hold as a result of reduced income to your club?
Our plan for a new headwall in the river is the project that has been put to the side temporarily. This suits us as it requires lots of fi nance, planning and dealing with local authorities.
Have you still been able to purchase sundries such as fertiliser, topdressing, hire in machinery/contractors etc.?
My budget hasn’t been aff ected dramatically. We have to be sensible though and prioritise tasks appropriately, without just spending money unnecessarily.
Have there been any positives arising from the current situation?
The increase in members has been the most signifi cant positive for us as a club. As a team, I would say we always look at the positives daily and this has brought us all together. The most notable positive during a lockdown is no golfers on the course, meaning we can fi nish projects that had been started before lockdown.
Has your mental health suff ered?
Mental health in greenkeeping and the whole turf industry is a challenging topic. I recently lost someone I know well through suicide. Very sad. I had a tough upbringing and was in care homes for a while, so this taught me resilience from a young age. With the industry itself, expectations are rising, and greenkeepers salaries are not. Most are underpaid and not fully appreciated for what they produce daily and often in brutal weather conditions too. Sometimes, all it takes is a pat on the back, for any green’s chairman reading this.
I like to set goals and write down achievable targets. You have to believe you can progress and move forward fully. After all, we are a product of our environment - whether that be at home or at work and, therefore, I try to create the right work environment for my staff , so I know I am doing my bit towards their progress and wellbeing. I am lucky to have a good network of staff , friends and family that help keep my mind busy and inspire me to reach my goals. Life is too short to be negative and bitter; one thing I continue to work on is becoming a better me today than I was yesterday.
I would like to add: I will always be on the other end of the phone, or go for a coff ee or a pint with anyone who feels like they are struggling to deal with their mental health ... or anything else for that matter.
24 PC February/March 2021
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132
