How to Build and Maintain an Affordable Golf Course

Written by: Sports Spot

A round of golf at a prestigious public course can be affordable for those in the upper-middle income bracket, but where will the average golfer find time to enjoy the finer things? The answer is at affordable courses, and here are the secrets groundskeepers use to build and maintain them.

Designing the Course

Slopes that are steeper than a three to one ratio (where the elevation changes one foot by every three linear feet) can require specialized mowing techniques. More affordable courses have slopes that are gradual and easier to maintain using a riding mower. Sites that require a lot of earth moving also require costly equipment. Some machinery is to be expected, but less is better.

 

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Bunkers vs. Hollows

Displacement of sand due to rains or winds can cause costly repairs. A sand pro is needed to smooth out the bunker, and edging the grass surrounding a bunker requires specialized work.

For this reason, affordable courses are opting for grassy hollows that are contoured. These deep, grassy slopes are easier to maintain and provide a challenge equivalent to sand bunkers.

Greens

A top dresser is used to distribute sod evenly over the greens, but the USGA warns not to cut costs during installation. Removing the intermediate layer is ok, but maintaining a good mix of sand and gravel beneath the top soil helps promote stronger roots and oxidizes the soil.

Final Thoughts

A cheaper course is not one of lower quality. These greens keepers work hard to create challenging courses that are attractive, with elements that do not tax their labor force.