Troon venues delighted golf courses are back

By Alistair September 2, 2020 08:59 Updated

Troon has welcomed golfers back to its courses across the world and has said its agronomy teams have been working relentlessly, behind closed doors, to ensure that golf courses have been ready.

Commenting on the effects that Covid-19 has had across clubs in the Middle East, Clinton Southorn, Cluster Director of Agronomy at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas links Abu Dhabi, said: “It is incredible how quickly things can change and it is apparent that no one has all of the answers. During these unusual times, I have learnt that it is very important to have efficient and positive management programmes in place. Constant communication within the department and entire facility has been key to ensuring the correct changes and measures have been made across all three Abu Dhabi Golf Clubs.”

Similarly, Jamie Faulkner golf course superintendent in India, commented: “You can definitely do more with less if given the time, which is what we had. Even though we had to act fast on coming up with the right action plan, we were able to execute the plan effectively as we had time.

“Despite the reduction in team numbers, we were able to cover a surprising amount of work, and due to how well the team have looked after the course in this time, the committee have pushed to close the course every Monday for maintenance.

“This will now allow the course to have a resting period every week and enables us to complete more essential culture and maintenance practices.”

The PGA National Czech Republic at The Oaks in Prague found the benefits of top-end software whilst working from home. With a limited team on the ground, those who were unable to be at the club were able to help with remote access by retrieving current golf course statuses via the software, including moisture levels, weather stations and irrigation system control.