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Solid Fundamentals:

• Planning
• Execution
• Personnel Management
• Time Management
• Big Picture Planning with Attention to Detail
• Communication

Planning

When it comes to planning, I always consider all angles in my head and on paper prior to beginning a project. The greater the preparation, the better the outcome.

My fertilizer and chemical planning is a great example of this fundamental. My program is based on current soil tests and on data gathered from previous seasons. Each November I'm able to break down every application for the upcoming season. Being able to plan an entire year in advance saves money for my program because I can take advantage of early order discounts. By saving that initial 8-10%, I can either add extras into the program or use that money elsewhere in the overall budget.

Execution

No amount of planning is successful without proper execution. Solid execution can be as simple as having all needed materials in stock or properly training employees in advance. When project-time rolls around, I can be confident that each member of my team is prepared for their role and that they have the proper tools or materials at their disposal to get the job done.

Personnel Management

In order for a crew to be efficient and task-oriented they need to feel satisfied and content. A positive work environment can have a positive trickle-down effect on overall job satisfaction for a crew. I strongly believe that being productive and having fun can go hand in hand. Achieving this balance can be as simple as stopping and asking a crew member how their day is going. I've also been known to occasionally supply food as a thank you to my team after a golf outing has gotten underway.

Time Management

As budgets shrink and crews become smaller in our industry, time management is a priority. Productivity hinges on getting people where they need to be in a timely and efficient manner. Prioritizing tasks and keeping the team on schedule directly impacts the health and look of the golf course. Strong time management also leads to less labor hours and better budget numbers.

Big Picture Planning with Attention to Detail

It is essential to develop long range plans (1-5 years) and short term goals (less than 1 year). If properly planned and executed these goals can lead to great success for your golfing facility.

However, just as important are the little things that can get overlooked. Simply providing great overall playing conditions aren't enough. You must also pay attention to quality control maintenance for patrons. Attention to detail requires you to ask yourself questions such as: Are all the tee markers lined up down the center of the golf hole? Are the hazard and O.B. stakes straight and freshly painted? Is there litter on the ground where someone missed a garbage can? Are there a small limbs on the ground around the tree line? Are the drains cleaned so as to allow proper runoff and drainage of water? Is the grass around the tee signs and benches freshly trimmed? The list can go on and on and on.

A recent visit by a vendor exemplifies this well. Rather than commenting on the list of the big-budget improvements I was making, he simply said, "Your course looks very clean." I take great pride from that statement.

Communication

Good communication is the best tool for being efficient, and it is 100% free of cost. Good communication is essential in order to plan, execute, and get crew members where they need to be.

It is also essential to communicate well between other departments within the company. For example, I keep the pro shop staff abreast of projects I'll be completing. In return, they keep me up-to-date on outings and other events that could impact maintenance work planned for the course.