Checklist: Winter preparation of track
Track, Irrigation Systems, Machinery and Chem Room Safely Through Winter
Winter damage often occurs in autumn — in what was not done. Go through the list in good time before the first frost set responsible parties in the table at the bottom and sign off as points are closed.
§The Course
- 01☐ Mowing heights raised gradually on greens and tees towards end of season
- 02☐ Autumn aeration carried out while grass is still growing
- 03☐ Final fertilisation adjusted — no heavy nitrogen fertilisation late, which gives soft, disease-prone grass
- 04☐ Fallen leaves removed regularly — wet leaves suffocate grass and promote fungus
- 05☐ Enhanced monitoring for snow mould (Microdochium nivale) in cool, moist periods — prevention according to IPM principles
- 06☐ Dew removed from exposed greens (dew swiping/cutting) so blades dry faster
- 07☐ Winter flags, mats and any winter greens prepared; worn areas reseeded before growth stops
- 08☐ Signs and barriers ready for frost closure of greens
§Watering system
- 01☐ System emptied and blown through with air so no water pockets can freeze pipes and sprinklers apart
- 02☐ Pump station winterised according to supplier's instructions
- 03☐ Ventilation shafts and meters checked and frost-protected
- 04☐ Control set to winter mode — automatic programmes deactivated
- 05☐ Frost protection documented with date and initials
§Machines and workshop
- 01☐ All machines cleaned thoroughly — grass residue holds moisture and starts rust
- 02☐ Cutting units inspected; sharpening/re-lapping scheduled as winter work
- 03☐ Oil, filters and lubrication according to service plan; damage and wear noted for workshop list
- 04☐ Batteries on power tools stored and charged according to manufacturer's instructions
- 05☐ Fuel and fluids handled according to instructions — no half-empty containers in freezer room
§Chemical room and fertilizer storage
- 01☐ Plant protection products stored locked and frost-free in original packaging
- 02☐ Stock list updated — residues and expired items scheduled for proper disposal
- 03☐ Spray log kept current — ready for Greendata reporting 1 January–1 March
- 04☐ Fertiliser stored dry and separate from flammable liquids
§Responsibility and follow-up
| Assignment | Responsible | Deadline | Performed (date/init.). |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Course Prepared | |||
| Watering system frost-protected | |||
| Machines winterized | |||
| Chemical room and storage in order |