course maintenance
Course maintenance covers all greenkeeping work that keeps the course healthy and playable.
Behind every good course is a team of greenkeepers that mows, waters and tends daily. Regular measures include mowing greens, fairways and rough at different heights, raking the bunkers and moving the hole position. Larger interventions are aeration and a verticutting of the greens, topdressing with sand as well as fertilising and reseeding. This work follows an annual rhythm of growth, weather and play load.
For you as a player, the maintenance shows directly in your game. Example: after spring aeration the green is full of small holes and sand traces and your putt jumps unevenly. Two weeks later, the surface rolls smooth and fast again, faster than before. It is similar with verticut fairways: briefly stripey, afterwards denser and firmer. Anyone who knows the connection perceives the brief disruption as an investment in the summer.
The typical mistake is annoyance about sandy greens without seeing the purpose. Without aeration the soil compacts, water stagnates and the grass suffers. Another misconception concerns the winter green: it is not a punishment but protection of the main greens in the cold or wet phase. When an area is marked as ground under repair, this serves exactly that maintenance — you then drop without penalty and leave the area alone.
FAQ
Why are the greens suddenly full of small holes and sand?
That is aeration, one of the most important maintenance measures of all. Aeration loosens the compacted soil so that water and air can reach the roots again. The greens play unevenly for one to two weeks but roll smoother and faster afterwards than before.
Why do I have to switch to the winter green in winter?
The winter green is not a punishment but protection: in frost and wet conditions, the pressure of play would permanently damage the main greens. The alternative surface absorbs the load so that the real greens start the season healthy in spring.
What do I do when an area is marked as ground under repair?
Then the area is part of ongoing maintenance work and must not be played. You take relief without penalty and drop the ball at the nearest point outside the marking. This way you protect the freshly worked spot and lose no strokes.