One of the first things you notice about a golf course is the condition of the lush fairways, smooth greens and perfectly manicured landscapes. What you might not be thinking about is the hard work that the dedicated grounds crew puts in behind the scenes to make this exceptional setting possible.
Oakland County Parks operates five golf courses, and the grounds crews are at the heart of all of them, working seven days a week to create a phenomenal experience for everyone.
An early start to the day
Long before the first golfer arrives for their tee time, the grounds crews have already begun their day. They may have mowed the greens at Glen Oaks Golf Course, raked the sand traps at Lyon Oaks Golf Course, managed the watering system at Red Oaks Golf Course, fixed divots at Springfield Oaks Golf Course or cleared away fallen leaves at White Lake Oaks Golf Course.
The crews’ day starts early so every golfer has optimal playing conditions without service disruptions. The work they do is essential to course operations, and no detail is too small as they prioritize assignments, manage unexpected maintenance tasks and plan around the weather to keep the grounds in peak, pristine form at all times.
Dealing with weather challenges
No two days are the same for the grounds crews. With each sunrise comes changing weather that directly impacts the courses’ care. Heavy rain means constantly assessing for damage. Muddy spots, flooded bunkers and wet soil can interfere with turf health, and golf carts can easily tear soaked grass.
Hot, humid conditions increase the risk of turf diseases. During dry periods, resources must be carefully managed to maintain healthy turf while conserving water. High winds can blow debris onto the courses and create safety hazards. Temperature fluctuations bring grass growth into focus, especially during spring and fall, when early-morning frost can pose a challenge.
The grounds crews’ years of experience, combined with careful planning and constant adjustments, keep the golf courses looking beautiful every season, in all types of weather.
Working throughout the seasons
Summer is when play is in full swing and countless hours are spent watering, raking and monitoring. While you might see the grounds crews most often mowing the golf courses, much work is done out of view of the public, and you might be surprised to learn that maintenance occurs year-round.
As golf season winds down in midfall, the grounds crews work tirelessly to prepare the golf courses for winter. They need the turf to be healthy so it can weather the conditions and emerge strong in spring. Autumn is also a time for leaf removal and grass aeration.
Over winter, the crews maintain and service equipment, sharpen reels and blades, perform work on the courses that cannot be done during golf season, attend trainings, plan future improvements and order supplies for a smooth spring opening. Spring is about bringing the grounds back to life by clearing winter debris, making any needed repairs, hiring new seasonal staff and nourishing turf for healthy growth.
A passion for golf
Many members of our grounds crews got into this line of work because of their love of the game. They understand the role that course conditions play in creating an enjoyable golf experience each and every day.
The crews constantly hone their craft, attending workshops throughout the year, looking for ways to enhance the grounds’ aesthetics and continuing to make Oakland County Parks’ five golf courses shine.
For more information about the courses, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Check out the grounds crews’ work in person by reserving a tee time up to seven days in advance.
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