Page 25 - GM summer French 2025

Role of Golf
Technicians
Chris (left), together with a group of Equipment Technicians from other
golf courses, gathered in his shop to learn from the Bernhard Rep about
grinding cutting units.
MANAGING TURF WITH SCIENCE
During the growing season, turf needs
a good environment and additional
nutrients to be strong enough to
endure the everyday stresses. To help
promote turf health and manage
weeds and pests, a controlled
application of fertilizers, herbicides,
and pesticides is added to the
management plan. This requires math
knowledge to create the concentration
solution; the chemical compatibility
knowledge so there isn’t an incapability
issue; and the chemical formulations to
know how the chemical will affect the
turfs appearance.
What soil composition your turf
grows in is critical for turf vitality.
Knowing the soil composition, pH
levels, and nutrient contents helps in
making informed decisions about
fertilization and amendment programs.
Luckily no one was injured in this incident, but it is a reminder that
accidents can occur at your course; and Equipment Technicians have
to know how to handle it safely.
Understanding turfgrass science
is fundamental for an Equipment
Technician. This includes knowledge
of what type of grass species is on
your property. Different grass species
have varying requirements and
characteristics. For example,
Bermudagrass thrives in warm
climates and provides a durable
playing surface, while hardier
bentgrass is favored in cooler climates
for greens due to its fine texture and
tolerance to close mowing.
Efficient water use is also
essential for maintaining turf health
and sustainability. Turf requires the
correct level of moisture to thrive
which is crucial for preventing
overwatering or drought stress, both
of which can damage the turf.
Techniques like evapotranspiration
monitoring and using wetting agents
help optimize water usage. Diagnosing
irrigation problems; repairing leaks
and breaks; and changing irrigation
spray patterns all require someone
with knowledge to help use water
more efficiently.
IT TAKES AN ARTISTIC EYE
While science provides the foundation,
there is also an artistic side to
maintaining a golf course. This involves
mowing stripes and patterns, aesthetic
landscaping, and playability consid-
erations. It is so nice to look out over a
golf course and see the contrasting
shades of green as the mowers
complete their directional patterns.
Some courses will switch the
directional patterns to get a more
interesting pattern and reduce
machine tire wear on the turf playing
surface.
GreenMaster • CGSA •
25