enjoy.
http://www.cunninglyclevergolfoperator.com/wordpress/index.php/2010/12/cart-paths-their-role-in-sucessful-golf-course-operations/Cart Paths-Their Role in Sucessful Golf Course OperationsPosted by Chuck Ermisch on Dec 21, 2010 in Design | 0 comments
Cart paths. The third largest budget item in new construction and two-thirds of the most annoying statement that most golfers dread seeing: “CART PATH ONLY!”. Love them or hate them they are a part of golf and a major part of the design process.
For most players cart paths are annoying. They are inconvenient, difficult to drive on, and source of a new “logo” on their golf ball at least once a round. But in reality cart paths are an essential part of running and operating a successful business from the construction of the course well into its maturity. Cart paths and location must be thought through and incorporated into the original design concept in order for them to perform the function that they are needed for.
With that said, did you know that a majority of the golf course architects today will not design the cart path system because of liability hazards? It amazes me how such an integral part of the on-going success of a facility can be left out. It also amazes me that during the construction the cart path system and the drainage portion of the budgets are the first to get reduced. Cart paths and drainage are actually two of the top five components of a successful facility.
So, why do cart paths have such a negative connotation to them? Why are they the item that is typically most ignored, scrutinized, modified, and neglected? Here is my look at the top 4 reasons that golf cart paths are important and should be viewed as a positive.
First and foremost, golf cart paths are the lifeblood of the golf course circulation system. They lead people from hole to hole and keep traffic patterns confined for ease of maintenance as well as safety factors and concerns.
Secondly, golf cart paths allow the golf course to remain open to cart traffic after large rain events or in the months that the turf is not growing. Those of us in the Midwest understand that we have about 4 months out of the year that really aren’t conducive to enjoying the game but we get the occasional good day where we want to get out and hit the ball. The golf cart path is the only reason we get to enjoy our golf courses on a year round basis.
Third, golf cart paths are crucial in the maintenance of the golf course as they provide an avenue for the equipment to travel and transport when it is not actually performing the task it is designed for. They are especially essential in the seeding and grow in of the golf course when there is a tremendous amount of water being poured onto the facility to help germinate seed. This is especially true with the seeding of the greens as they must constantly be watered, fertilized, and monitored. Without the golf cart path in place it would be impossible to do the work needed without tracking mud and other items onto the green surface that would negatively effect the successful germination of the seed.
Finally, cart paths, if designed and located correctly are a great source of assisting in the drainage of a golf course. They can be located between mounds and in areas where water is designed to run-off. Proper curbing and guttering is crucial if this design intent is to be met, but a good cart path system can assist in sheet flow of water and diversion of water to and from designed features.
Architects Tip for enjoyment of the game: If you are ever faced with the situation where the course is requesting that carts remain on the path, please adhere to their requests. This means that all four tires are to remain on the cart path at all times. Most of us get frustrated by this local rule and drive off the path in areas where we feel it isn’t wet but unfortunately we end up leaving ruts or turning the grass into a nice shade of brown. Golf is a game of dignity and respect and as a player we are to adhere to these principles in every aspect of the game and we are to always respect the course we play on to keep it in pristine condition.
When we are faced with cart path only, expect that the round may play a little longer than normal. Also, take a variety of clubs out to your ball if it is in the middle or the other side of the fairway from where your cart is. GPS systems or golf yardage books will assist you in knowing your distances so take advantage of any of these items that may be offered.