MASTER PLANS
– THEY CAN SAVE CLUBS MONEY –
Benjamin Franklin is attributed with coining the adage ‘ Failing to plan is planning to fail ’ and in regard to managing a golf course it is no more relevant than it is in todays ’ golf business environment . Most managers and their facilities appreciate the value of a master plan in developing feasible and sustainable programmes for the development of the golf course , however these plans should also provide strategies for saving and making money .
The Master Plan must recognise the needs and objectives of the facility and its users , including a core group of course users and managers to develop the Master Plan is imperative . However , utilising the expertise of a golf course architect or similar autonomous professional is critical to providing an independent and analytical eye to the issues and outcomes . All the parties then must work together to create a plan that is owned by the course users and course management to ensure its longevity and likelihood of long term implementation .
So apart from the Master Plan providing guidance for the future development and / or restoration of the golf course and its ’ facilities , how can the document provide a positive economic return to the club ?
MAKING THE COURSE MORE ATTRACTIVE TO CURRENT AND FUTURE GOLFERS
Some Master Plans are focused on making the course “ better ” and often this “ better ” is having it rank higher in the latest course ratings . While for many courses this is important and may be a way of attracting new users , or increasing fees , is “ better ” the only reason for changing the course ? With courses now looking to attract users from the smaller segments of the market is it time to ensure your master plan reflects the needs of these segments . Making sure that the course is playable by slow swing speed golfers , or golfers with mobility issues , or juniors , or people who are time poor maybe just as important as where the course ranks .
REDUCING MAINTENANCE COSTS
The scope for the Master Plan to make positive changes in this area is virtually unlimited . The process of developing a plan should look at the size of the various areas being maintained , water use , age of irrigation system , maintenance equipment , agronomic issues , environmental issues , current and possible construction methodologies , turf species being used , turf species available , current maintenance standards .
IDENTIFYING AND EVALUATING NEW IRRIGATION WATER SOURCES
Water is now a much larger part of a golf courses budget that it used to be . Looking for alternative sources and evaluating the implications should be part of the master plan . With alternatives such as effluent , desalination , sewer mining , storm water harvesting and ground water recharging the options and implications to every golf course requires careful consideration on a total facility scale .
CREATES AN EFFICIENT PROGRAMME
Ensuring developments and reconstructions happen in the right order can save substantial waste of funds . While replacing an aging irrigation system could save
14 I GOLF MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA I WINTER EDITION 2017