Looking at the current national averages, the golf course maintenance industry has gained significant ground when compared to the numbers we reported in the 2019 article “Labor by the Numbers.” However, golf course maintenance still lags behind similar industries. The obvious solution is to offer higher wages, but anyone familiar with golf course maintenance budgets knows this is easier said than done. Labor typically makes up the largest portion of a golf course maintenance operation budget, so a hefty budget increase would be necessary to accommodate wage increases for new hires. You also have to consider the wages being paid to current agronomic team members. If new hires are offered higher compensation, it can be expected that more-experienced employees would be in line for a raise as well.
A “do more with less” philosophy has been in place for far too long in golf course maintenance. With golfer demands and expectations increasing every year, something must give. For playing conditions to continue meeting expectations, the proper funds must be provided to account for increased labor costs and the rising cost of materials and equipment. For more information on golf course maintenance budgeting, reach out to your regional USGA agronomist.
Central Region Agronomists:
Zach Nicoludis, regional director – znicoludis@usga.org
Paul Jacobs, agronomist – pjacobs@usga.org
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service
Contact the Green Section Staff