8/25/2014 10:08 AM
It can be tough, especially with smaller crews who have more pressure built up on them as the season progresses and then the weather takes a turn for the worst.
The one suggestion I might have is try changing up some of their jobs when possible. We have taken to trimming trees on the hotter days until we have to start hand watering. The guys get a break when somebody has to dump, they can work in some shade. I have also stayed away from them when working on this, kind of letting them take ownership of it. I will give them what the end result should be, and check on their work while I'm taking soil moisture readings, and if I see something I don't like, or needs done differently I will go mention it, but basically let them take charge of themselves.
We also have weedeated very early for shorter periods of time, this past weekend we spent time edging irrigation heads, yardage blocks, and the like, of course the timing worked as we always try to do that before holidays.
We did get lucky on our bunker repair and sod replacement projects that the weather was in our favor, but that was also a break from the routine.
I would also like to hear of other ideas, this year hasn't been so bad, and I think I have gotten better with myself avoiding burnout, trying to get away from the course a little more, and as school has started again, getting involved with our band program allows for some break time as well. I do take advantage of coming back in the evening to check on things and give the puppy a break from our evening walks, but that also I think has helped burnout by getting out and walking her.
Mel
Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO