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Scope of Work
Site Evaluation:
Topping the list of the determining factors as to whether a parcel of land is suitable for use as a golf course are physical and chemical properties of the soils and the quantity and quality of water available for irrigation. Drainage, soil chemistry and environmental issues such as weather patterns and micro-climates will affect plant establishment and maintenance.
Utilizing laboratory data, On Course will evaluate soil conditions in the context of the larger environmental issues to recommend optimum construction techniques that are site specific. Based on analyses of water quality, physical characteristics of the soil and soil chemistry, On Course will provide site suitability input and make informed grass selection recommendations. |
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Soil Engineering
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Fairways:
In most cases, the native soil of a proposed golf course site is adequate to support the desired performance level of highly maintained turf grass. In many cases, however, different materials will need to be imported to place over the existing terrain as a more desirable medium for physical and chemical support of fine turf. On Course provides an evaluation of the native soils to determine whether or not they are conducive to plant growth and maintenance at a high level.
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If the native soils are determined to be unsuitable, On Course will locate and analyze candidate materials to identify the optimum materials for performance and affordability. On Course’s analysis yields not only recommendations for what material to use but also for the depth at which the fairway “cap” should be installed.
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Greens & Tees:
The greens are the heart of the golf course from the player’s perspective and tees are usually next on the priority list. The engineering of a properly balanced root zone mix specifically tailored to the variety of turf grass specified for greens and tees is critical to establishment, early maturation and successful long term management of these highly visible playing surfaces. On Course will submit for testing all locally available materials and create a recipe for the optimum root zone mix based on physical and chemical analyses.
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The goal is to achieve a balance in which the greens rapidly drain excess water but maintain sufficient, evenly distributed moisture to sustain the turf grass. This carefully engineered balance will ensure that the turf growth system will be functional on a high quality level for decades to come.
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Pre-plant & Grow-In Fertility Programs:
Integral to any successfully engineered root zone is the chemical or fertility component designed to work in concert with the high performance physical characteristics built into the mix. On Course conducts chemical and biological testing to determine what inputs, and in what form, are needed initially with a pre-plant program to ensure strong establishment and then longer term with a grow-in plan to optimize performance for the near and distant future.
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Growing Media for Recycled Water:
The On Course commitment to a well-drained, highly oxygenated growing medium takes on even greater importance as more and more golf courses are required to use re-cycled irrigation water. On Course espouses a “high flow root zone” approach that addresses the current and future challenges of mandated irrigation sources.
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Quality Control:
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Throughout the production of any engineered soil mixes, an On Course agronomist will oversee all aspects of the process. By comparing production samples of each mix to reference mixes prepared in the laboratory, On Course will ensure adherence to specifications prior to delivery to the site.
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Maintenance Consulting:
On Course Agronomic Consulting provides regular course management advice for some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. Based on the same scientific approach as that employed in new course consulting, On Course conducts regular physical, chemical and biological analysis to provide informed and actionable maintenance plans that ensure optimum conditions for the life of the golf course. |
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Site Visits:
A qualified On Course agronomist will be on site as many days as necessary during specific stages of the evaluation and construction processes according to the scope of work agreed upon. Our ideal is to be involved from start to finish, from planning to completion and beyond.
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Reporting:
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Specialized reports pertinent to each of the various phases and management objectives will be provided in writing detailing relevant information including analysis, interpretation of laboratory data, findings and recommendations. These documents will be presented to the client and designated team members in a timely manner. On Course agronomists are also available, as needed, for telephone conferences and trouble shooting via internet communication.
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