The golf course is the most valuable asset at any golf club, placing it at the heart of the business operation.  The approach to managing should be outlined in a course policy document that provides clear aims and objectives, thereby ensuring consistency in both policy and management approach.

No two courses are the same, and a prescriptive approach to management will seldom allow a course’s full potential to be realised.  An integrated and site-specific attitude, based on best practice, will consistently deliver the best results with the available resources.

The performance of the main playing areas are usually the priorities in terms of time and budget allocation. Presenting good greens is a desirable target to achieve, but it may not be enough to guarantee the future stability and success of the business.  

Golf has the added responsibility to play an active and positive role in protecting and enhancing the natural environment.  

For the operation of any golf course to be considered truly sustainable, and in order to gain wide-spread public support and approval, positive interaction with the local community is essential.  

Effective communication at all levels of your operation helps people understand and appreciate the positive contributions that a well-managed golf course can offer.  The language used in communication should be tailored to its target audience.

Communicating successfully can bring a multitude of benefits, such as:

• avoiding misunderstandings and confrontations
• developing greater co-operation with agencies that can affect the way you run your business
• highlighting the potential for collaboration and participation in joint initiatives
• gaining the support of your membership or customers as well as the wider non-golfing community.

By adopting a sustainable approach to managing your golf course, you will be taking an important step towards ensuring your continued security and success in light of growing economic, environmental and social pressures.