What Does the Golf Course Maintenance Team Do All Winter?

 As the golf season winds down and colder weather settles in, you might wonder what the Brickshire Golf Maintenance team does all winter. Without golfers on the course and with grass growth slowing, does the team take a break? The answer is no—winter is one of the busiest times of the year for us. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps us busy during the offseason.

Monitoring the Course

Even when the course is quiet, it still requires regular attention. The maintenance team performs routine checks to ensure the course remains safe and in good condition. We inspect for debris, damage, or other issues that could impact play or require repair before spring. Special attention is given to shaded greens and areas prone to frost delays, as these are key factors in preparing for next season.

Battling Leaf Cleanup

One of the most time-consuming tasks during late fall and early winter is leaf cleanup. This is a daily battle that consumes a considerable number of man-hours. Fallen leaves can smother turf, clog drainage systems, and create unsightly areas on the course. Our team works diligently to clear leaves from greens, fairways, and other critical areas. Hopefully, by Christmas, we’ll be finished with this process—if the trees cooperate and drop all their leaves.

Tree Management

This winter, we are continuing our focus on tree management, particularly on removing trees that block sunlight on shaded greens. Using the Sun Seeker app, we’ve identified trees that cause significant shade at various times of the year. These trees don’t provide architectural value to how the course is played but do reduce the amount of sunlight needed to grow high-quality putting surfaces. By removing these shade-producing trees, we aim to improve turf health, minimize frost delays, and enhance overall playability. Frozen or firm ground during winter makes this work safer and more efficient, allowing us to use heavy equipment without damaging the turf.

Equipment Maintenance

Keeping our equipment fleet in top shape is essential for delivering the best playing conditions during the golf season. Winter allows our equipment manager to focus on preventative maintenance and repair. From sharpening mower reels to replacing worn parts, this work ensures our machines are ready to hit the ground running come spring.

Bunkers and Cart Paths

Winter is the perfect time to tackle projects that are difficult to manage during the busy season. This includes edging bunkers and adjusting sand depths to maintain consistent playability across all traps. We’ll also be edging cart paths to ensure they look sharp and professional for the upcoming season.

Course Accessories and Landscaping 

Winter is also the time to refurbish course accessories like tee markers, 150-yard posts, and on/off posts (new for next season) so they look their best for the season ahead. We continue bush hog mowing native areas to maintain their appearance and control overgrowth while manually brush blading areas that are unsafe for tractors. Additionally, we prune ornamental grasses and plants around the clubhouse to ensure a tidy and inviting look for the spring.

Greens Drainage Exploration and Repairs

Maintaining excellent putting surfaces also involves taking a closer look at drainage. This winter, we’ll be exploring greens drainage outfalls, identifying any issues, and making repairs as needed. Proper drainage is crucial for healthy turf and high-quality playability.

Planning for the Future

The offseason gives us time to reflect on the past year and plan for the upcoming season. We analyze what worked, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to enhance course conditions and operations. This winter, we’re finalizing plans for expanding predictive nitrogen applications to tees and fairways, implementing stronger nematode control, and exploring options like HCT Water Solv to address salinity issues caused by effluent water usage.

Personal Development

On a personal note, I am actively working towards earning my Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation. This certification, currently held by less than 20% of superintendents in the U.S., represents the highest level of professional achievement in our industry. It requires passing rigorous exams, demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills, and completing peer-reviewed projects. I’m also committed to continuing education programs that focus on new industry trends and research. By staying updated on the latest advancements, I can bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to Brickshire Golf Club, ensuring we remain on the cutting edge of golf course maintenance practices.

Recharging the Team

Perhaps the most important part of winter is giving our team a chance to recharge. The golf season demands long hours and a high level of commitment, so we use this quieter time to rest, spend time with family, and prepare for the challenges ahead. Supporting our team’s well-being is vital for maintaining morale and ensuring we’re ready to deliver our best when the season starts again.

Looking Ahead

Winter may seem like a downtime for golf course maintenance, but it’s actually one of the most critical times for preparation, repair, and planning. Everything we do now sets the stage for another great year at Brickshire Golf Club. So, while you’re enjoying the holidays and the winter season, know that we’re hard at work ensuring your golf experience in 2025 is the best it can be.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Brickshire Golf Maintenance team!