renovation revival

makeover helps older semiprivate course keep pace with new layouts

Bill Shaw’s dream in the 1960s was to build a premier course affordable to average golfers, and he was well positioned for the challenge.

A longtime road contractor in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Shaw had equipment and construction experience. He also saw the rapid growth of the city and wanted to protect a piece of land that had belonged to his family since 1885.

Shaw’s vision became a reality with the opening of Shaw-Nee Slopes, a semiprivate 18-hole golf course.

But times change. Today Shaw’s three daughters operate the facility, and they recognized the need for an extensive master plan. Shaw-Nee Slopes needed to upgrade its facilities to remain competitive with some newer courses, as well as older courses that had completed renovations.

The first project was solving a major drainage problem on five holes that was caused by an underground spring. James Smith was brought in three years ago from an Ontario golf course architectural firm to coordinate the work. Upon completion, Smith was offered the opportunity to manage the entire renovation project.

“A major renovation is always a daunting concept for the owners of a golf course,” Smith, 27, says. “It’s best to start small and gradually gain their respect and trust. Then it’s easier to propose larger projects.”

Surrounded by homes, safety comes first

Safety was one of first issues addressed. Shaw-Nee Slopes is a tight, 6,500-yard layout on 125 acres. The 4th green didn’t accept many golf shots because it was shaped like a dome. Balls from pulled shots and missed greens would frequently roll onto a neighbor’s property, and residents were concerned about the safety of their children.

“We have a responsibility to deal with that,” Smith says, “and can provide a safe environment without having to put up tall fences around the entire course. We lowered the green and made sure there were enough bunkers and mounds to catch golf balls and keep them in play. At the same time we’ve speeded up play because golfers can find their balls more easily. We didn’t close the hole because we relocated the new green and kept the existing one open.”

The renovation project is extensive. Par three No. 7 was made the signature hole by reconstructing the water hazard, rebuilding old bunkers and adding new ones. The surrounds of the 10th green were rebuilt and three bunkers were added to the hole that previously had none. The driving range was reconstructed and a short game facility was added with practice areas for chipping, putting and sand shots. The entire first tee complex was renovated to make it more attractive. Tennis courts were removed and a comprehensive landscape plan was initiated for the clubhouse.

New maintenance facility

A new maintenance facility solved several issues. It got maintenance equipment out of the elements, gave golf cars a permanent home with the correct electrical system and made the entire area better organized and more visually appealing. An expanded practice academy provides another revenue stream. Smith estimates its construction cost will be recouped the first year.

Open during renovation

“It is a challenge to upgrade the course without shutting it down and at the same time promote the project in a positive way,” Smith says. “We offer course tours to explain the goals of the project and show the progress. Members may have to use a temporary green or tee, but they understand the renovation is necessary. We overwhelm them with positive images about how the course is changing and becoming more exciting from a playability standpoint. The objective is not to completely dismantle the course, but rather to achieve a design suited to golfers of any handicap.”

Planning, cost justification and equipment acquisition

With a comprehensive plan, owners are more comfortable about decision-making, and equipment purchases are easier to justify.

“We knew we had to improve our agronomic base, which meant acquiring a $30,000 aerator,” Smith says. “We showed the owners what was happening to the root structure. Then we showed them the cost of new equipment would be offset by increased play.”

Most of the work is being done in-house using Shaw’s dozer, backhoe, skid-steer loader and trencher. With experienced people operating the equipment, Smith estimates the cost of the project is reduced by 50 percent. He adds that it is very important to develop good relationships with local suppliers.

“Careful planning is the key to renovating and maintaining a course while keeping 18 holes open,” Smith says. “I just can’t say it will take a week to rebuild a green and bunkers. I have to know how many hours it will take to install drainage and how many people are required. And what will they do when they’re finished? It’s critical that the staff understands the next step so they can keep moving to different projects. Sometimes taking an hour to walk through a project with five staff members to explain exactly what’s happening is worth its weight in gold. If I’m not there, they know what to do.”

Electric Greens Mowers to the Rescue

Shaw-Nee Slopes recently acquired two Jacobsen E-Plex triplex electric greens mowers, primarily to address noise issues with the course’s neighbors.

“We’re granted exemptions to noise restrictions,” superintendent James Smith says, “but we still need to respect the privacy of our neighbors. We could start mowing at 5:30 a.m., but we wouldn’t do it if we knew the people who lived next to our course wouldn’t like it.”

Smith keeps meticulous, detailed records of the total labor time for each job. In fact, it’s in a spreadsheet form that basically determines his annual budget.

“By transitioning to electric greens mowers,” he says, “not only can I start at 5:30 a.m. and not disturb anyone, but I save eight labor hours a day. That equates to fence lines being trimmed more regularly. We used to walk-mow greens with four people at three hours each. Now two people do it. We’re getting more productivity from the people we have.”

The E-Plex delivers Jacobsen’s famous precise, quality cut, and that’s especially pleasing to Smith.

“If the decision were made again,” he says, “there’s no question we’d choose the E-Plex. The mower is fantastic for this golf course. Only Jacobsen offers one.”

The Jacobsen E-Plex uses eight 6-volt batteries and has a quiet 3.5-hp electric drive motor and a transport speed of up to 7.5 mph. At times, one mower has cut all 18 greens and the practice greens.

“With electric mowers,” Smith says, “we don’t have to start in the middle of the course because of noise issues. We can start on outside holes and get the job done in a very reasonable manner in terms of routing.”

Shaw-Nee Slopes finds electric greens mowers have reduced labor and maintenance costs, and savings are realized not having to buy petroleum products. There are no emissions and no worries about fuel spills or hydraulic leaks.

“The E-Plex mowers are much easier for our technician to troubleshoot,” Smith says. “Any issues we’ve had have not been a problem. Weight is distributed evenly so compaction is no more severe than with a walk-behind mower.”

More and more superintendents realize the importance of dealer service. Smith wants a dealer who can get equipment when he needs it and be there if problems arise.

“One thing I like about our Jacobsen representative,” he says, “is that he promotes his equipment instead of finding fault with competitive equipment. I want someone to show me the benefits of their equipment and not deny anything that might be a concern. He’s just an honest businessman, and that’s what makes us feel very comfortable dealing with him. If I call he’s here in two hours and that’s vital.”