28 Oct 2022
With current events and a changing world, the cost of resources like fuel, electricity, water and inputs are rising, many are becoming more scarce, and there’s and there’s more consideration on their environmental impact. So what can be done?
GEO Certified Golfclub Anderstein, located in Maarsbergen in the Netherlands, is a naturally sandy course with abundant heather.
A specialist golf course maintenance company looks after Anderstein. Alexander de Vries, Project Manager, Golf and Sport at De Ridder, spoke to GEO Foundation about the reasons for changing the mowing patterns, the benefits delivered, and what the future holds for course maintenance.
How did the mowing patterns change?
Anderstein's fairways were traditionally mown in a diamond (cross-mowing) pattern, cut at two different angles, from left to right, then right to left, approximately 30 degrees from the centre line.
After every straight line, the machine had to lift the mowing units and make a wide and slow turn on the semi-rough before starting the next line. As a result, the amount of non-mowing turning time was high.
De Ridder implemented a two-tone mowing pattern earlier on other golf courses, which led to a reduction in mowing time and fuel consumption. The layout and natural profile of Golfclub Anderstein made it an excellent fit for adopting a new approach.
“The new two-tone mowing pattern is much easier. We divide the left and right sides of every fairway equally. Then we mow the first centre line up and down. After this, we keep on mowing the long straight line perpendicular to the centre line, up to the closing lap. Finally, the closing lap at the edge of the fairway cleans everything up,” Alexander explained.
“In the early mornings, we start with two machines on one fairway. This approach works quickly and means that golfers experience less interruption of play because of the mowers,” he stated.
Significant savings across the board
Sustainable golf practices can deliver a range of benefits. In this example, the new mowing pattern produced the following annual savings:
In addition to the benefits above, there are other less tangible advantages, including:
One simple switch in maintenance can make a positive difference in many areas.
How have golfers reacted?
After the initial adaptation phase, Alexander noticed the feedback has been nothing but positive: “Since the diamond pattern changed to the two-side (light and dark), golfers had to get familiar with it at first. Some thought we'd only mown half of the fairway (the light part). After explaining it, they saw the effect.
“Currently, we are receiving good feedback from golfers because the mowing patterns bring a lot of ‘visual peace’ to the fairway. The diamond pattern is a dominant pattern, with the two-tone pattern much less so. It fits the course well and adds to the natural look and feel of Golfclub Anderstein.”
Looking to the future
The current high fuel prices are a reason for De Ridder to accelerate decision-making around nature-friendly mowing patterns and the transition to electrical powered equipment. The fuel price rises have acted as a good incentive to speed up changes.
“In 2022, we are also working on the transition from fuel-powered to electrical hand machinery (backpack blowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, etc.) and further investing in electrical greenkeeping equipment transporters. On other golf courses that De Ridder maintains, we are investing in electrical GPS robotic mowers for their driving ranges,” says Alexander.
What advice would you give to other greenkeepers?
One of the great things about having an international greenkeeping community is learning from and being inspired by others.
Alexander has this advice for anyone looking to change the mowing patterns at their course: “Stop doing what you have always done and try something different.
"Don't base your discussions around why a new practice won’t work, but look at the possibilities that it could be successful,” he concluded.
The Sustainable Golf Highlights Hub features many proven examples of savings made by courses worldwide across nature, resources, climate and community. Have a browse to see how your course could benefit and upload your cost-saving stories.
