T H E S A M P L E C L U B

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1 T H E S A M P L E C L U B A N A L Y S I S O F G O L F C O U R S E E X I S T I N G C O N D I T I O N S Michael D. Vogt, CGCS, CGIA, LLC 1 P a g e

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 2 GREENS... 5 USGA METHOD OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION... 7 SOIL REMEDIATION ON TEES, GREEN SURROUNDS AND FAIRWAYS... 9 TEES FAIRWAYS SAND BUNKERS BRIDGES ROUGH BUDGET / EXPENSES PRODUCTION HOURS - ROUTINE TASKS FOR IN SEASON GOLF MAINTENA NCE LABOR 18 YEARLY MONTHLY LABOR ANALYSIS GOLF MAINTENACE BUDG ET FOR ALL TRANSITION ZONE GOLF COURSES GOLF MAINTENANCE BUDGET FOR ALL PRIVATE CLUBS NATIONWIDE THE SAMPLE CLUB, 2016 HYPOTHETICAL GOLF COURSE MAINTENA NCE BUDGET EQUIPMENT CONCLUSION Cover Photo-Hole-Number 18 1 P a g e

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendations in this report are based on best practices observed currently in the golf course management industry. It will be the management and ownership of to ultimately make decisions and execute based on its own best interest. The American Society of Golf Course Architects, several years ago, published a guide to help golf course stakeholder s understand useful life estimates for golf course feature assets (Figure 1). While each golf course can be dramatically different, these guidelines may be used as a general rule for feature asset replacements. Renewing or replacing golf course feature assets well after the useful life is most always more expensive than planning for renovation or renewal on a planned basis, prior to exceeding the assets complete normal life-expectancy. Often tired, old and poorly maintained feature assets may have an in impact on customer choice, when making a decision to play a particular course. Recent surveys indicate the most important factor in a golfer s decision to play a particular course is condition of feature assets. A sizable investment has taken place at over the years. This is a tribute to progressive management and is to be applauded. Figure 1 American Society of Golf Course Architects recommended golf feature replacement chart 2 P a g e

4 Executive Summary (continued) Overall the course presented very well during my visit. Greens appeared to be of good color and growing well with good population. Green surrounds have annual grassy weed breakthroughs, I can only speculate that during the spring application for pre-emergent herbicide, with activity against these weeds, the application was eliminated to encourage best rooting for new turf and turf repairs. Tees also appeared to be in favorable condition with several tees showing a recent cultivation. The tees are predominantly Bermuda grass with several tees being Zoysia turf. Fairways, although mostly renovated and repaired after substantial turf loss during the winter of 2014 / 2015 have Knitted- In well. There are exceptions in areas where recently installed sod has yet to completely establish. Sand Bunkers are in excellent condition. Beyond normal maintenance little needs to occur with regards to major renovation. The edges are well defined and a consistent depth of sand was observed. Equipment appeared to be in above average condition for the hours observed. Mowing patterns did not show any inconsistencies in height of adjustment or quality of cut. Quaintly and quality of equipment fleet appears to be adequate. Major golf course feature renovation or capital expenditures look to be minor in the foreseeable future. The major Bermuda turf renovation consisted of 15 semi-truckloads of sod and over 8,000 bushels of Bermuda sprigs. Bermuda Renovation Company Amount Agency $ 41,762 Davisson Golf $ 2,780 Modern Turf $ 45,628 Residex $ 5,094 Southern Sodgrass $ 25,338 $ 120,603 Table 1 Additional cost to renovate Bermuda turf Although Table 1 illustrates quantifiable extra cost from outside labor, sod, sprigs and fertilizers. Additional in-house labor was certainly utilized to install sod and sprigs. Although, efforts to maintain the healing-in process, required turf adjustments and continuous out of the ordinary care of sod and sprigs until a certain point of maturation, these tasks required extra labor supplied by the ordinary golf maintenance employee staff. 3 P a g e

5 Executive Summary (continued) Photo 1 number 6 fairway, June, 2015 Photo 2 Number 6 fairway September, 2015 Operating Funds seem to be slightly low for an upscale daily fee or semi-private facility in your region. In a survey conducted by the Golf Course Superintendents Association in 2015, nationwide semi-private course spent $496,044 in golf course maintenance not including purchased water or winter overseeding. In the same survey, nationwide, private club s spent $862,086 on golf course maintenance operating expenses. 1 Again, in that same 2015 survey, an average of all golf types of courses in the transition zone spent $604,867 on golf course maintenance, less water and winter overseeding expenses. Water accounted for an average of $41,744 and overseeding was reported at $16, GCSAA 2015 Maintenance Budget Survey, Pages 16-17, McMahon Group, Inc., Michael D. Vogt, Editor 2 GCSAA 2015 Maintenance Budget Survey, Page 23, McMahon Group, Inc., Michael D. Vogt, Editor 4 P a g e

6 GREENS Greens appear to be constructed at or near USGA specifications. Excessive organic matter in the root-zone was observed to be well above acceptable standards. Photo 3 illustrates an excess of organic material in the top 2 inches. Photo 1 shows the results of a mechanical process using a machine injects sand at high pressure through and below the organic layer allowing it act as a channel to conduct water and gas Dry-Ject sand breaking through organic matter layer movement through the organic layer to the root-zone below. The injection machine is a clean and efficient way to accomplish a channel through the dense organic layer. Another choice to remediate the organic layer is the vertical mower pictured in Photo 4, specifically, the Graden Contour Sand Injection (CSI) machine. This vertical mower slices a clean groove into the turf canopy into the rootzone and fills the groove with sand in a single pass. Photo 3 Typical green profile at provider will be performing the Graden sand injection in does not have a Graden CSI in inventory, although a service 5 P a g e

7 Photo 4 Grooves created by the Graden CSI Photo 5 Graden CSI after additional topdressing, brushing and rolling 6 P a g e

8 USGA METHOD OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION The USGA construction method makes use of a common principle of water movement in soil - a perched water table. This principle is graphically illustrated in a USGA Greens Section Record article, Water Movement in Soils. This means that water resists flow from a fine-textured soil into a coarser material below it until the upper profile has become saturated and gravity overcomes the adhesive nature of water for soil and the cohesive force of water molecules. 3 Thus, even a sandy surface mixture need not be droughty if there is an abrupt change in particle size between the root zone mixture and the drainage layers below. In effect, it made use of stratification (often called layering) for beneficial results. 3 Water Movement in Soils, Dr. Walter H. Gardner, Professor Emeritus, Washington State University, USGA Greens Section Record, March/April, P a g e

9 USGA Method of Greens Construction (continued) Upper sand layer of a USGA Specification Green Course choker sand layer, to perch water in sand above, until large pore space is full Drainage-rock layer, to remove water after above sand reaches capacity Figure 2 Typical USGA specification green profile Figure 2 is a cutaway of a properly constructed USGA specification green. I believe this is such a critical subject to stakeholders in the golf business, I include this short explanation in each of my agronomic based reports. Sand based constructed root-zones are living structures that change over time due to the presence of plants and microorganisms. These impacts include: Negative changes in hydrological properties due to the development of water repellency and pore clogging; Organo-mineral complexes that impact nutrient retention; Fluxes in microbial community structure that impact nutrient cycling and plant performance; Build-up of debris and shifts in plant community structure at the root-zone surface; Mechanical reinforcement of root-zone soil by the enmeshment of particles by roots and fungi, as well as biological exudates that bind particles. For these reasons, aeration, vertical mowing, sand topdressing and other cultural practices are critical to long lived heathy USGA as well as other construction specifications for green root-zones. 8 P a g e

10 SOIL REMEDIATION ON TEES, GREEN SURROUND S AND FAIRWAY S Calcium is an important constituent in the soil. We all know how critical the correct nutrients within the soil and turfgrass are for turf survival during the more stressful periods of time. Calcium (Ca) is one of the nutrients to help with this task. Its nutrient carrying capabilities within the turfgrass are critical. Its responsibility within the soil is major. Calcium Improves Soil Structure in heavy clay soils, such as is present at ; Calcium may be used to flocculate the clays in the soil. Flocculation is the process where smaller clay particles are broken up and then held together in fewer but larger particles. These particles generally allow more air space between them which means more air and water movement down through the root system. Better infiltration and conductivity results in less water on the surface. Calcium Helps plants absorb Nutrients better. In a simplified manner, Calcium is a nutrient carrier in both the soil and the turfgrass tissue. In the soil it helps control the water movement and conductivity which means it can deliver more nutrients from the soil solution. In the turfgrass, calcium helps regulate water and nutrient uptake by the roots and the movement throughout the plant. Calcium aids cell division and cell wall formation and is critical for respiration during high heat and humidity periods. Calcium helps bind organic matter to Clay. The value of organics is increased when Calcium levels in the soil are correct. Microbial populations favor a correct Ca: Mg (Magnesium) ratio. In soil tests, this is exactly what is happening when we see high levels of organics and low levels of available Calcium. Furthermore, a minimal response to organic fertilizer inputs can be seen in these situations of low soil Calcium. Calcium can decrease the Sodium content in the soil. Because Calcium is divalent (double positive charge), and atomic weight of the Calcium molecule being 40 and sodium being 23 with a single charge, sodium can be replaced on the soil colloid by Calcium. The sodium is then ionized in the soil solution, which then can be flushed. When the available Calcium reaches its target range and is in balance with other nutrients, the result on the turfgrass and soil is very significant. Disease, algae, thatch, localized dry spots, watering and color uniformity can be greatly affected. New Granular Products are sold today were the availability of the Calcium is significantly improved. Now some manufactures pulverize the Gypsum or Limestone and then bind the powder with an organic water soluble binder into very small beads. Upon application to the turf, and after the first watering, the product disperses into the soil. The exposed surface area of the Calcium is greatly enhanced over the old chunks and rocks of older products. More surface area means a faster break down into the soil. Liquid Calcium applications are very fast in delivering the available Calcium to the turfgrass when applied correctly. Don t let the low application rates fool you. The liquid Calcium products are usually complexed for foliar uptake or chelated for staying in the soil solution for uptake by the turfgrass roots. Since most liquid Calcium products can only contain a maximum of approximately 8% total Calcium, the addition of bulk granular Calcium to the soil might be required per a soil report. 9 P a g e

11 Soil Remediation On Tees, Green Surrounds And Fairways (c ontinued) The second part of the soil remediation strategy is the use of a high quality compost. Applications of thick layers of compost without soil incorporation will result in a build-up of organic matter at the soil surface that may cause rapid drying of turf roots and form a layer that restricts rooting into the soil. The best way to incorporate compost into the soil is through aeration. A good method of incorporation is to apply the compost first, followed by Very little rooting below 1 inch several passes with an aerator equipped with hollow-tines and a heavy drag mat moved across the area or vertical mowing the area. The drag mat Photo 6 Heavy clay soils on approaches and green surrounds and vertical mower will breakup the cores and mix the compost with the soil, dragging some of the soil compost mix back into the holes. This operation is best performed during times when turf is actively growing. Aeration and dragging can be stressful to the turf during hot, dry weather. 4 This should be considered a multiple year program, it may have to be performed at least once per year annually for the foreseeable future. 4 Using Composts to Improve Turf Performance, Research Fact Sheet, Pennsylvania State University, Peter Landschoot, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Science 10 P a g e

12 Soil Remediation On Tees, Green Surrounds And Fairways (c ontinued) Some guidelines for a good quality compost: Color: Size (surface applications): Size (incorporated): Odor: Moisture content: Organic matter: Ash content: Appearance, Size, and Odor Brown to black ¼ to ⅜ inch ¼ to ½ Earthy Physical Appearance 30 to 50 percent Chemical Properties Greater than 30 percent Less than 70 percent Carbon : nitrogen ratio: Below or equal to 30:1 Nitrogen: Phosphorus: 0.5 to 3.0 percent ph: 6.0 to 8.0 Metals: Greater than 0.2 percent Determined by state and federal agencies Soluble salts: Depends on turf species, type of salt, concentration, and application method. Consult test lab or other expert to determine how this will affect the turf. *Use this information only as a general guide. Some composts have properties that do not fall within these guidelines yet are acceptable in certain situations. Others, though they may fit these criteria, may have serious drawbacks. Table 2 Compost guidelines Proper soil balance and a decrease in soil compaction will increase the efficacy of weed control products, especially goose grass and other annual weed species that favor compacted soil. 11 P a g e

13 TEES Tees are all generally in good condition - level and well maintained. Signs of a recent aerification were observed during my visit, tees may receive up to three aerifications per year at. The front 2 tees on number 1 show just how well Zoysia turf performs in your area. Photo 7 Number 1 blue tee at With heavy clay soils at your course, a plan of action was discussed with Vice President of Agronomy, Kevin Smith and Golf Superintendent, Mark Shaw, this action plan is sound and bears mentioning. These programs perhaps will allow better turf growth and may even allow your turf to survive winter in better condition. The specifics of this plan can be read in detail on pages 10 through 12. The walk-on for the 13 th tee consists of 2 lava rock walkways. Normally these semi-hardscapes just end up moving wear areas to the sides and top of the tee and tee bank. In addition, rock and turf mowers should not cross paths if possible. Photo 8 Walkway to 13 tee 12 P a g e

14 FAIRWAY S It is truly miraculous that fairways are in the condition there in today. In just a short three months acres of fairway turf has been transformed from thin turf and bare soil to a full population of 419 Bermuda. It s admirable to note the rapid recovery, however, a problem is only solved when the cause is identified and a proper course of action is taken. For this reason I would be remiss if I did not mention a variety of Bermuda that may hold the promise of less winter kill from an abnormally severe winter temperatures. The Bermuda grass variety, Latitude 36 is pushing the boundaries of Bermuda grass use in cold climates. Developed by Oklahoma State University, Latitude 36 has been engineered for the transition zone with excellent cold tolerance, spring dead spot resistance, and earlier spring green up. I believe that Latitude 36 is a very good choice for fairways, tees and green surrounds / collars for golf courses in your geographic area. Perhaps it would an experiment worth taking on to install a section of Latitude 36 to evaluate its varietal significance to. I believe the collar on 5 and 13 green is Latitude 36, it looked very good at the time of my visit, also, Superintendent Shaw seemed to speak well of the variety. The prefect scenario would be to aerify, work calcium and compost into soils, then place Latitude 36 in the area for evaluation. It might be interesting to sod an area that receives poor sunlight, in a particularly low area with a marginal amount of topsoil in the profile. In Photo 9 I have attempted to capture long Bermuda runners in fairway turf. Many high quality courses vertical mow Bermuda fairways several times per year to encourage dense more upright growth for a better ball-lie. Photo 9 Excessive horizontal turf growth in fairway turf Excessive organic matter accumulation essentially acts as a sponge that absorbs and retains moisture and, in turn, contributes to the persistence of wet, soft surface conditions. Excessive thatch can also result in poor-quality mowing and increased scalping damage. Furthermore, thatch layers can cause shallow rooting, reduce drought tolerance, harbor various insect and disease pests, and tie up pesticides (thereby reducing their effectiveness). 13 P a g e

15 Fairways (continued) Increased incidence of hydrophobic localized dry spots is also observed when excessive thatch layers dry out. Management and control of thatch is a critically important and an ongoing concern. Cultural management practices such as core aeration and verticutting are the primary means of physically controlling thatch and organic matter accumulation. Due to the disruption associated with aeration and verticutting, these practices are never popular with golfers, but they are absolutely necessary. Fortunately, over the past few decades, improvements in fairway aeration equipment have been made. The advancements in aeration technology allow a greater number of holes per square foot to be produced at increased depths, significantly improving the effectiveness of aeration. Aeration equipment that brings more soil material to the turf surface improves the dilution of organic matter and increases the rate of natural microbial degradation. Nevertheless, even with the improved effectiveness of new equipment, two to three core aeration procedures on Bermuda turf fairways annually are still recommended. Deep vertical mowing, or verticutting, bermudagrass fairways on an annual basis is also strongly recommended. Verticutting brings a large quantity of organic debris to the surface that can be removed with sweeping or vacuuming operations. It also aids in maintaining a very dense turf canopy by cutting stolons and shallow rhizomes, which results in the formation of new shoots. Additional benefits of vertical mowing are grain control and improved surface smoothness. In addition to standard, tractor-mounted fairway verticutting equipment, flail mowers set up with straight blades offer another verticutting option that has been used at some golf facilities. A third option that continues to gain popularity is the use of fairway mowers set up with vertical mowing reels. This equipment setup is not suited for deep verticutting; however, by conducting lighter treatments, perhaps on a monthly basis throughout the growing season, very similar results can be achieved. Light verticutting also generates less material compared to the amount of material produced by one or two deep verticuttings. Based on experiences over the years, both core aeration and verticutting are necessary practices to prevent excessive thatch and organic matter accumulation with bermudagrass fairways. 14 P a g e

16 SAND BUNKERS Sand bunkers at in in excellent condition. Some satining of the sand has occurred due to water runoff from the bunker lip. I would recommend not changing any maintenance to sand bunkers, they are as good as I have witnessed this year. Photo 10 Seven-inch profile from typical sand bunker Photo 11 Good edging and sand placement within hazard 15 P a g e

17 BRIDGES Patches on deck Most bridges are presumed to be in good condition structurally. Some patching was observed to strengthen or conceal broken or split deck boards. A re-decking program may be considered in the future to keep these bridges in the best condition. Photo 12 illustrates temporary deck patch on bridge. Photo 12 Patching of deck boards on bridge structure ROUGH Areas in the rough, especially along cart paths and shade areas, which have been converted to pine straw give the appearance that turf will not grow in those conditions, or that staff and management have given-up. I am quite certain a fescue of a certain variety will thrive in these conditions and be more aesthetically pleasing and provide a better area to play from. Behind the fairway bunker on 6 is an area of fine fescue that is thriving, attractive and may be played out of. Tall fescues may also be a substitute for Bermuda in areas of challenging warm season growing conditions. Photo 13 Cart path with pine straw along number 8 Perhaps remediating the soil, as described earlier in this report was accomplished better success may be achieve growing turf in these areas. 16 P a g e

18 Rough (continued) On more than one hole I saw portable roller base sprinklers used to supplement water in the rough. Additional sprinklers should be considered in areas on steep slopes. It is important to understand high volume sprinklers may sound like an appropriate choice it s a low volume head that should be installed for light frequent water as not to allow runoff. Photo 14 Temporary roller base sprinklers used to augment water in rough BUDGET / EXPENSES Labor accounts for better than 63% of s budget of actual golf course maintenance expenses. The national average for golf maintenance labor is 57% of total budget. My estimate for total hours required to present an average private club or exceptional semi-private type of golf course would be roughly 24,000 hours per year. Hours during high season would be substantially higher than shoulder and winter season. In my estimates in Chart 1 and Chart 2, I did not recognize overtime, as I have only estimated total hours needed. In charts 1 and 2, I have estimated hours needed to increase level of maintenance from current to a high end semiprivate or average private club level of maintenance. It should be mentioned that only with a standard of maintenance document we may only just estimate hours necessary achieve that level in maintenance. The hourly totals are estimates based on industry standards for a semi-private club with warm season turf and cool season greens. 17 P a g e

19 PRODUCTION HOURS - ROUTINE TASKS FOR IN SEASON GOLF MAINTENANCE LABOR GOLF EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Input Your Typical Season length, Above Red Cell For MONTHS, Then Above Blue Cell For WEEKS. 38 Months WEEKS 10 MONTHS Weeks Task (Routine Golf Course Maintenance ) Detail Weekly Monthly Yearly Hours Per Task Total Hours Administration Record Keeping and Employee Management Bunkers Rake ,900 Hole Cups/Set-Up Tees and Greens 7 6 1,596 Mowing Greens 7 4 1,064 Approaches, Tees, Par Fairways ,824 Rough ,040 Courtesy Cut / Intermediate Clubhouse Grounds Trimming String Trimming, Flymo, Rotary Applications Fertilizer Herbicides Pesticides / Fungicides Repairs Repair and Maintenance Equipment 5 8 1,520 Irrigation Trim Heads Divots Fairways Tees Hand Water Greens ,520 Roller Base Aerification Greens Tees Fairways Select Rough Areas Top Dress Greens Tees Leaf Removal Task (Special Projects ) Detail Weekly Monthly Yearly Hours Per Task Total Hours Sod Work Total Man Hours Required ,051 Chart 1 High and shoulder season routine tasks and hours required 18 P a g e

20 YEARLY MONTHLY LABOR ANALYSIS Chart 2 Hours required to maintain golf course to private standards, 23,808 for the 2016 calendar year, no overtime was considered 19 P a g e

21 GOLF MAINTENACE BUDGET FOR ALL TRANSITION ZONE GOLF COURSES Average 18-Hole Maintenance Budget for the Transition Region 2013 Actual 2014 Actual 2015 Budget Line Items Labor $366, % $367, % $392, % Power Irrigation $10, % $10, % $11, % Utilities Maintenance Building $10, % $11, % $11, % Equipment Lease Expense $28, % $30, % $44, % Repair / Maintenance Equipment $29, % $28, % $31, % Fertilizer $28, % $27, % $47, % Herbicides $10, % $10, % $11, % Fungicides $35, % $33, % $34, % Insecticides $4, % $4, % $5, % Growth Regulators $3, % $3, % $4, % Wetting Agents $3, % $3, % $4, % Fuel and Lubricants $26, % $25, % $25, % Small Tools $2, % $2, % $2, % Equipment Rental $1, % $1, % $1, % Irrigation Repairs and Maintenance $7, % $8, % $9, % Refuse / Waste Removal $1, % $1, % $1, % Sand / Soil $11, % $11, % $12, % Seed / Sod / Sprigs $6, % $8, % $6, % Continuing Education / Travel $2, % $2, % $2, % Dues / Subscriptions $1, % $1, % $1, % Service Agreements $3, % $4, % $4, % Golf Course Accessories $4, % $4, % $4, % Office and Building Supplies $1, % $2, % $2, % *Water (22% Purchase Water) $50, % $41, % $50, % *Overseeding (14% Overseed) $15, % $16, % $15, % *A verages fo r Water and Overseeding o nly include respo ndents that indicate they purchase water o r o verseed. Table 3 Transition zone golf course maintenance budget 5 5 GCSAA 2015 Maintenance Budget Survey, Page 23, McMahon Group, Inc., Michael D. Vogt, Editor 20 P a g e

22 GOLF MAINTENANCE BUDGET FOR ALL PRIVATE CLUBS NATIONWIDE Private-Nationwide 18-Hole Maintenance Budget Line Items 2013 Actual 2014 Actual 2015 Budget Labor $512, % $520, % $539, % Power Irrigation $15, % $15, % $17, % Utilities Maintenance Building $16, % $19, % $18, % Equipment Lease Expense $38, % $39, % $47, % Repair / Maintenance Equipment $37, % $37, % $39, % Fertilizer $43, % $45, % $47, % Herbicides $10, % $10, % $11, % Fungicides $45, % $44, % $45, % Insecticides $6, % $7, % $7, % Growth Regulators $5, % $5, % $5, % Wetting Agents $5, % $5, % $6, % Fuel and Lubricants $35, % $33, % $33, % Small Tools $4, % $4, % $4, % Equipment Rental $2, % $3, % $3, % Irrigation Repairs and Maintenance $12, % $11, % $11, % Refuse / Waste Removal $3, % $3, % $3, % Sand / Soil $18, % $18, % $21, % Seed / Sod / Sprigs $10, % $11, % $11, % Continuing Education / Travel $3, % $3, % $3, % Dues / Subscriptions $1, % $1, % $1, % Service Agreements $8, % $8, % $8, % Golf Course Accessories $6, % $6, % $6, % Office and Building Supplies $2, % $3, % $3, % *Water (28% Purchase Water) $87, % $89, % $92, % *Overseeding (14% Overseed) $28, % $27, % $26, % *A verages fo r Water and Overseeding o nly include respo ndents that indicate they purchase water o r o verseed. Table 4 Private - Nationwide 18-hole maintenance budget 6 6 GCSAA 2015 Maintenance Budget Survey, Page 17, McMahon Group, Inc., Michael D. Vogt, Editor 21 P a g e

23 Budget / Expenses (continued) It would be nearly impossible to assume all expense factors could be evaluated in a 2-day visit to. Although, we can certainly look to industry averages, hours and equipment needed to carry out certain job tasks. Considering the preceding narrative with regards to changes in several management practices; I have attempted to construct a golf maintenance operating budget that may be helpful in forecasting proper golf maintenance costs for 2016 (Table 5, Page 24). This budget is not a replacement for the local knowledge or forecast that may be submitted by the Vice President of Agronomy, Smith or Superintendent Shaw. Although it may point to fundamental changes that may be beneficial to improved golf course conditions. Changes reflect increases in: Salaries and Wages $14,867 5% for exempt employees 4% for hourly employees Topdressing Sand $7,800 Additional Topdressing on greens and tees Chemical Applications $18,700 Split apps of Pre-emergent weed control and soil amendments Seed / Sod / Sprigs $7,000 Latitude 36 sod Irrigation R&M $8,950 Addition of sprinkler heads in poorly irrigated areas Landscaping / Pine Mulch $8,000 Compost for soil remediation Soil and Water Tests $4,250 Physical and chemical soil teste and water teste 2x annual Total increase over 2015 $69, P a g e

24 THE SAMPLE CLUB, 2016 HYPOTHETICAL GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE BUDGET THE CLUB AT STONEY CREEK HYPOTHETICAL 2016 BUDGET LABOR January % February % March % April % May % June % July % August % September % October % November % December % Totals Salaried Labor $ 8,561 1% $ 7,732 1% $ 15,386 3% $ 8,285 1% $ 8,561 1% $ 8,285 1% $ 8,561 1% $ 8,561 1% $ 8,285 1% $ 8,561 1% $ 8,285 1% $ 8,561 1% $ 107,620 Hourly Labor $ 10,559 2% $ 9,828 2% $ 13,499 2% $ 14,414 2% $ 18,426 3% $ 22,823 4% $ 24,502 4% $ 25,050 4% $ 22,370 4% $ 18,893 3% $ 15,241 2% $ 11,204 2% $ 206,810 Payroll Tax $ 1,912 0% $ 1,756 0% $ 2,888 0% $ 2,270 0% $ 2,699 0% $ 3,111 1% $ 3,306 1% $ 3,361 1% $ 3,065 1% $ 2,745 0% $ 2,353 0% $ 1,976 0% $ 31,443 Health Insurance $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 860 0% $ 10,320 WC $ 702 0% $ 644 0% $ 1,060 0% $ 833 0% $ 990 0% $ 1,142 0% $ 1,213 0% $ 1,234 0% $ 1,125 0% $ 1,008 0% $ 863 0% $ 725 0% $ 11,540 Total Labor $ 22,593 4% $ 20,821 3% $ 33,693 6% $ 26,662 4% $ 31,535 5% $ 36,220 6% $ 38,443 6% $ 39,066 6% $ 35,705 6% $ 32,066 5% $ 27,602 5% $ 23,326 4% $ 367,733 DEPARTMENTAL EXPENSES Bunker Sand / Topdressing $ 3,500 $ 5,500 $ 3,500 $ 3,500 $ 2,000 $ 1,500 $ 3,500 $ 1,500 $ 24,500 Chemicals $ 2,500 $ 12,500 $ 6,500 $ 6,500 $ 6,500 $ 5,000 $ 4,000 $ 2,500 $ 6,000 $ 52,000 Cleaning Supplies $ - Contract Services $ 750 $ 6,700 $ 5,750 $ 3,600 $ 16,800 Drainage R&M $ 500 $ 300 $ 300 $ 300 $ 1,400 Dues and Subscriptions $ - Equipment R&M $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 2,500 $ 2,500 $ 2,000 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 1,000 $ 21,500 Equipment Rental $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 2,000 Fertilizer $ 600 $ 1,450 $ 11,450 $ 2,000 $ 6,400 $ 3,250 $ 1,850 $ 4,450 $ 750 $ 900 $ 850 $ 150 $ 34,100 Fuel / Oil / Lubricants $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,250 $ 1,300 $ 3,500 $ 3,000 $ 3,700 $ 3,700 $ 4,000 $ 2,000 $ 1,500 $ 1,000 $ 26,950 Seed / Sod / Sprigs $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ 10,000 Irrigation Electricity $ 375 $ 400 $ 400 $ 850 $ 1,100 $ 1,200 $ 1,400 $ 1,400 $ 1,200 $ 1,000 $ 500 $ 400 $ 10,225 Irrigation R&M $ 2,500 $ 3,000 $ 2,000 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 500 $ 12,500 Irrigation Water $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 360 Landscaping / Pine Mulch $ 2,000 $ 4,500 $ 4,500 $ 3,000 $ 500 $ 500 $ 15,000 Licenses & Permits $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 300 Miscellaneous Expenses $ - Office Supplies $ - Operating Tools & Supplies $ 250 $ 250 $ 300 $ 300 $ 400 $ 400 $ 400 $ 300 $ 200 $ 200 $ 100 $ 3,100 Soil and Water Test $ 5,000 $ 500 $ 5,500 Tee and Green Supplies $ 500 $ 500 $ 750 $ 750 $ 250 $ 250 $ 250 $ 750 $ 200 $ 4,200 Training $ 100 $ 200 $ 500 $ 200 $ 550 $ 400 $ 1,950 Travel $ 200 $ 200 Uniforms $ 1,500 $ 500 $ 2,000 Expenses Total $ 4,955 $ 11,330 $ 47,480 $ 32,930 $ 33,680 $ 33,680 $ 22,330 $ 19,130 $ 16,130 $ 14,880 $ 5,380 $ 2,680 $ 244,585 Monthly Totals $ 27,548 4% $ 32,151 5% $ 81,173 13% $ 59,592 10% $ 65,215 11% $ 69,900 11% $ 60,773 10% $ 58,196 10% $ 51,835 8% $ 46,946 8% $ 32,982 5% $ 26,006 4% $ 612,318 Table 5 A proposed golf maintenance budget for 23 P a g e

25 EQUIPMENT The equipment fleet appeared to be in good condition. Additions to the fleet may include a set of vertical mower reels for one of the fairways mowers and a deep vertical mower for greens that will place sand into the vertical slices (Graden CSI). It has become good practice to replace machinery based on age, hour meter reading and repair cost. In 2013, slightly over 62% of all courses spent between $20,000 and $112,000 on equipment replacements and over 16% spent nothing on equipment during that same period. 7 Photo 15 Equipment fleet stored neatly at maintenance facility Page 26, Table 6, is an industry average life span for the golf maintenance fleet, by my observations, your equipment may last longer. Years in yellow may be considered by industry averages to be at or near the end of the useful life. 7 GCSAA 2014 Golf Course Equipment Survey, Page 11, McMahon Group, Inc., Michael D. Vogt, Editor 24 P a g e

26 Equipment (continued) The Club Stoney Creek - Equipment Inventory Year Manufacturer Description Industry Average Useful Life Replacement Year 1991 John Deere Tractor John Deere Tractor Golf Lift Ford 555 Backhoe E-Z Go Golf Carts Maint E-Z Go Golf Carts Maint E-Z Go Golf Cart (Ball Picker) Clauson Sod Cutter Toro 3100-D 27 In Cut Toro 3100-D 27 In Cut Toro Multi-Pro W-Accessories Dakota Topdresser E-Z Go Golf cart Maint ClubCar CarryAll ClubCar CarryAll E-Z Go Carts( Bev Cart) E-Z Go Carts (Drink Cart) Toro 11 Blade Cutting Unit Toro Pro Core 648 W/Rear Roller Kubota MX5040 Tractor W/Turf Tires Toro Trap Rake W/ Rake and Push Blade Toro 3150 Tee Mower W/11 Blade Reel Toro 3150 Tee Mower W/11 Blade Reel Buffalo Blower Tow Behind Toro Workman 3100 W/Bed Toro Workman 3100 W/Bed Toro Workman Sprayer Club Car Carry all Club Car Carry All Stiener Rotory Deck mower Toro 5510 Fairway Mowers W/11 Blade Reels Toro 5510 Fairway Mowers W/11 Blade Reels Jacobson Eclipse 322 gasoline hybrid 15 blade reels Jacobson GP400 Greens mower 15 Blade reels Peerless 7000 Reel Grinder Peerless Ideal 6000 Bed Knife Grinder Tru Turf Greens Roller Toro 3280 GM W/Deck Turf Co Blower Tow Behind Greensgroomer Brush Table 6 Industry average equipment life span, yellow years may be appropriate for replacement 25 P a g e

27 CONCLUSION is maintained in fine fashion, to a very high standard. In consideration of dollars spent and the size of labor force I would consider the course above average for semi-private golf courses in your category. The transition to semi-private will entail finding the correct level of maintenance for your number 1 attraction - the golf course. A course that s enjoyable to play and has the good bones is already in place. A fine tuning of several agronomic features will ensure a reliable well turfed playing surface for the more demanding clientele. Durable, cold tolerant warm season turf, mitigation of the organic layer on greens, and soil improvements by way of aerification and applications of compost and calcium would be a great beginning to top quality turf. Water will become an issue in years to come and a plan to maintain a reliable source is in your best interest now. When speaking of water I would be remiss not to mention having the ability to apply water in the best most efficient manner. Currently staff fills the irrigation retaining pond form a fire hydrant adjacent to the pumping station in critical low water situations, when creek flow to pond is limited. Also, water is transferred from pond-to-pond with a system that includes portable trash pumps. Perhaps a simple piping scheme could be used to gravity feed water to the irrigation holding pond? Equipment inventory appears to be suitable and in good working order. The need for a machine that would vertical mow fairways and deep vertical mow and sand greens would be beneficial. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience with any question or comments. Respectfully Submitted, Michael D. Vogt, CGCS, CGIA, LLC 26 P a g e

28 -End of Report- 27 P a g e