The struggling economy of recent years impacted decision makers across the country, in many cases limiting or even forestalling planned renovations at both public and private golf courses. Those plans may be moving to the front burner in 2011, notes the America Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).
Just as a house built during the 1980s and 1990s needs a new roof or replacement windows, so too golf courses designed and constructed during the game’s growth 20-25 year ago are in need of well-designed updates to continue serving players for decades to come. A properly renovated course also has a positive economic impact on the club because it is reduces maintenance costs.
A one-page flyer developed by ASGCA and other allied golf associations, “Golf Course Items Expected Life Cycle,” (free download available at www.asgca.org) provides a detailed look at how long specific components of a golf course should last before the need for replacement. The time is fast approaching for many courses developed in the ’80s and ’90s. For example, even items which have the longest “life expectancy”-greens, concrete cart paths, irrigation systems-are typically not designed to last more than 30 years.
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