Many things about golf course maintenance can be surprising to golfers. But if you really want to see some jaws drop, show them the invoice for a few ball washers and benches. I recently heard from a supplier about how much they would charge to outfit 18 holes with one high-quality bench, garbage can and ball washer per hole. Care to guess? Well, if you tack on six water cooler stations the grand total was over $35,000. That’s a lot of money. Money that in most cases is better spent elsewhere.
Despite superintendents’ best efforts, the accessories that disappeared during COVID have mostly made their way back onto the course. With rising costs for almost everything, it’s worth evaluating how many accessories you really need and how to take care of them to make sure they last as long as possible. Here are some things to consider:
Ball washers are perhaps the most unnecessary accessory of all. They’re also costly to maintain and frequently require new parts. However, golfers get used to having them so removal can cause pushback. A good compromise can be placing them only a few holes.
Water cooler stations are among the most expensive and labor intensive of all accessories. Making your own custom stations in-house can save a few bucks and makes a good winter project. Since they tend to be large, consider putting coolers in out-of-the-way areas where they don’t detract from the appearance of the course. It also makes them easier to service without disrupting tee shots.
Benches are another accessory that courses can go overboard with, especially if most rounds are played with carts. If benches are needed, find spots for them that are easily accessible by golfers but won’t interfere with maintenance or create a cluttered appearance. Moving benches to mow or string trimming around them takes more time than golfers think.
Garbage cans are typically the one accessory you can’t go without. Fewer larger cans are usually better than many small cans, especially if you locate them strategically on holes where golfers are likely to have litter, like right after the halfway house. Consider putting them away from turf areas to lessen maintenance, improve aesthetics, and make them easier for staff to service. In-ground cans help with appearances but do your homework before opting for them. They can fill with water, become a tripping hazard, and potentially cause several other issues.
Club washers and shoe brushes are a big no-no on the course itself. They require a ton of upkeep and are often hit by equipment or golf carts and damaged since they are low to the ground. It makes sense to offer a few of them near the clubhouse or practice area so golfers can clean up before or after their round.
Maintaining turf, mulch or ornamental plantings around accessories requires significant labor hours and can lead to increased wear and tear. It’s generally better to have accessories located on hard surfaces like extensions of the cart path or pavers.
Protect your investment by keeping accessories painted and in good order. If you have the space, store accessories out of the elements during winter.
Superintendents have lots to consider when it comes to accessories. If food and beverage is a big part of your operation some extra garbage cans make sense, in hot climates a few extra water coolers are a good idea, and if most golfers walk having benches might be important. Still, keeping accessories to a minimum makes the course look better, reduces time-consuming maintenance and saves money.
Minimizing accessories is a great way to streamline maintenance and keep your tees looking stylish. For more strategies to simplify maintenance at your course, please reach out to a regional USGA agronomist.
Northeast Region Agronomists
Darin Bevard, senior director, Championship Agronomy – dbevard@usga.org
Elliott L. Dowling, regional director, East Region – edowling@usga.org
Brian Gietka, agronomist – bgietka@usga.org