What You Can Do to Help Your Golf Course This Winter

We don't know about you, but in our local area, the autumn has been rather pleasant, with many dry days, surprisingly warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, but those enjoyable conditions are merely the proverbial calm before the storm, as the depths of winter hurtle alarmingly towards us.

For golfers, it's a frustrating time of the year, when many of us will pack away the clubs until spring, but for those keen players who relish the opportunity to get outdoors and engage in some exercise, social interaction and escapism, the golf season never really ends, although you will have to adapt during the months ahead.

But to make the most of the winter and to ensure that our beloved golf courses are looking their best once the embrace of springtime arrives, there are things we should all aspire to do when we're out for a round.

The relationship between golfers and greenkeepers should be a collaborative and mutually supportive one, and that is especially true during those months of the year when growth is low, temperatures are cold, and rainfall is substantial, when we all have to work together to protect the fairways and greens on which we play.

Here are some ways that all golfers can help their courses throughout this winter season.

Carry Your Clubs if Possible

Despite the creation of winter wheels, especially when the underfoot conditions are soft and damp, excess traffic of trolleys can cause significant wear to the ground, which could consequently require reseeding to repair turf damage. Carrying your golf bag removes the impact of that traffic - and you may even take this opportunity to deploy a pencil bag, which we heartily recommend.

However, if you do require a trolley, then absolutely follow any mapped-out routes and avoid ropped-off areas when playing, your greenkeepers will be hugely grateful.

Repair Pitchmarks & Replace Divots

This goes without saying - it applies all year - but with surfaces being typically softer than they are in the summer, pitchmarks are far more likely to appear during winter, meaning that it's essential that you and your playing partners repair your own and any others that you see on the greens.

Likewise, replace divots on the fairways if you can, as that will help to maintain the condition of the short grass for when the peak season resumes, meaning that the integral areas of your golf course will be in a strong position going into the spring.

Use Fairway Mats When Required

There is no doubt that hitting off winter mats isn't the same as having that connection with the turf, but many courses will ask that you use them on the fairways during the coming months and we suggest that you follow those rules. While it may be an inconvenience and frustration, it's only for the good of the golf course that these policies have been implemented.

Use Temporary Tees & Greens

We don't like to see temporary tees or greens either, but during winter, your expectations should be managed appropriately, therefore when they are introduced, stick to them when required, as often clubs will make that change when conditions are frosty or substantially wet underfoot.

Understand Why Decisions Have Been Made

If your course has been closed due to the weather, it's happened for good reason, likewise, if certain holes have been ropped off. Respecting these decisions and other maintenance projects that are likely to have been implemented during winter will only build up trust between golfers and greenkeepers for the betterment of the long-term health and quality of the golf course.

Support Your Golf Club Financially

Needless to say, visitor revenue will dramatically fall during winter, meaning that any boosts you can offer would be massively appreciated. If your club still maintains catering facilities throughout the quieter periods of the year, try and use them, and if you have a club shop, consider supporting that too for much-needed essentials and potentially even Christmas gifts.

Winter golf can be a rewarding endeavour - but it also comes with compromises. Embracing those while working alongside greenkeepers and club staff can make it enjoyable and help to set the venue up for a memorable and successful year once the better weather returns.

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