A
chart listing golf course components and their expected
life cycles is available from the American Society of Golf
Course Architects (ASGCA). The chart has two important planning
applications for golf clubs: to anticipate both capital
expenditures and disruptions to play caused by unexpected
component failure.
“An actual list of golf course components—from
tee boxes and greens to cart paths and irrigation systems—and
their life expectancies will help every golf club avoid
unexpected expenses because they’ll know how long
components should last,” explains ASGCA President
Tom Marzolf. “And, of course, anticipating when components
need to be replaced rather than waiting for them to fail
will allow clubs to keep layouts open and operating smoothly.”
The chart, compiled by ASGCA and reviewed by seven of the
other Allied Associations of Golf (CMAA, GCBAA, GCSAA, NGCOA,
NGF, PGA and USGA), is particularly important for long-term
planning. Marzolf recommends that clubs prepare master plans
that look at budgeting and planning over the long term in
order to smooth operations and avoid unnecessary new goal-setting
that can occur when new boards are appointed and club leadership
changes.
Marzolf notes that when the chart was launched at the 2006
Golf Industry Show, it was well-received by superintendents,
club managers and owners attending the show.
The one-page chart may be obtained by calling ASGCA at
262/ 786-5960, via e-mail,
or by writing to ASGCA, 125 N. Executive Drive, Suite 106,
Brookfield, WI 53005. You can also download the chart in
Adobe Acrobat format below.
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, including Donald
Ross and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the American Society of
Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised
of 180 golf course designers located throughout the United
States and Canada. Members are actively involved in the design
of new courses, the renovation of existing layouts, and issues
affecting the future of the game.
