A day in the life: Tim Hales

We arrive at 6am in the summer and 7am in the winter. The first thing we do is have a coffee and discuss what we’re going to do for the day ahead, then it’s straight out onto the course for set-up.

The morning tasks will include changing holes, raking bunkers and getting everything ready before the golfers arrive.

How many people are there in your team and do you share tasks?

We currently have three full time and one part time team member. We do predominantly share the tasks, but there are some tasks which people tend to have full time because of their competence on certain machines. In general though, sharing tasks is important for us a small team.

How do you motivate your colleagues?

I always try to lead by example and am still out on the tools as much as everyone else. Being a small team, I think it is important to empower them as individuals, encourage them to use their own initiative and trust them to do the tasks – not micromanaging.

What aspects of your job give you the greatest satisfaction?

One of the most satisfying things in this industry is visibly being able to see what difference you are making. When you’re cutting a fairway or green you can see what you’ve achieved, which would be difficult to appreciate in an office job working in front of a screen.

And the least satisfaction

The weather. Not necessarily being out working in it, though I don’t expect the team to work in the driving rain, but more its ability to ruin plans. Last winter, for example, was so wet that lots of the jobs we had lined up were put on hold and meant we didn’t really achieve what we had hoped to over that period.

Have you attended any courses recently, and if so, what did you take away?

Being a small team we’re always busy, so I don’t get to attend much in the way of courses. However I do always try to attend BTME in Harrogate and enjoy sharing ideas and experiences over a pint with likeminded individuals.

What is your favourite season of the year and why?

Spring is always my favourite time of the year. The golf season is fast approaching, the course starts coming to life and the gloom of the preview few months starts to lift.

Are you witnessing evidence of climate change and, if so, how has your job had to adapt to changing weather patterns?

I’ve been working in the turf industry since 1997 and would certainly say we’re seeing fewer dry, cold winters and more wetter, warmer winters. As a golf course we can occasionally sit wet which causes issues, particularly when you have a limited timeframe to get things done.

Have you had to overcome any course issues with disease and / or pests?

This year we have seen a pretty sizeable increase in disease pressure, due to the warmer temperatures and overcast conditions. Thankfully, we haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary in the way of pests.

What piece of equipment would you say is the most popular and frequently used by you and your team?

Currently, our GKB Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) is our most frequently used piece of equipment. When I joined the club we had some areas that hadn’t been aerated as much as they could have been so we’ve been working the DTA hard on the fairways and tees to improve these areas given the higher levels of rainfall we’re experiencing.

We have a fleet of machines from GKB and have been impressed with them all but especially the DTA which is well built and smooth to operate – compared to some other models, it cuts through compaction like a sewing machine!

With a growing focus on sustainability, do you deploy any sustainable practices in the management of your course?

We’ve recently invested in new machinery on our mowing fleet which will use less fuel and hopefully mean less to go wrong?! We also utilise an organic fertiliser programme and are conducting more overseeding to try and reduce our fungicide applications.

What do you do to support wildlife?

We are mindful of what we’re using machinery-wise and by way of pesticides, and are actively encouraging wildlife through things like nesting boxes around the course. We see quite a diverse array of wildlife, particularly red kites, kestrels and birds of prey.

What are the technological developments that you feel have been the most important in your career to date?

I’d say advancements in machinery, their improved fuel efficiency and how user-friendly everything is to operate now. GPS in the next step and something I would like to have a look at in the future.

Fertiliser and seed technology has also come a long way as well, all of which is equipping us with the tools and techniques to take our standards to the next level.

Do you use social media professionally and what do you think this contributes to the industry?

I do have an X account, but I can’t claim to be an active user of social media.

Occasionally I’ll have a look and it can be quite interesting to see what other golf clubs are up to.

How would you improve the greenkeeping industry?

Awareness, specifically member and player awareness of what greenkeepers do day to day. We’re so much more than grass cutters, greenkeepers wear multiple hats as agronomists, managers and operators.

What advice would you give to a young greenkeeper starting out today?

Take all opportunities as they present themselves, speak to people and learn from their experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

How do you spend your leisure time?

I’m a sporty person so a lot of my free time is spent either playing or watching golf and cricket. I am also an avid Formula One fan.