KNOW YOUR GOLF SUPERINTENDENT

Ramesh KR Wankhade

Current Golf Course

Kalhaar Blues and Greens

Email Id

15th August

Date of Birth

21st September

Years in Current Golf Course

01

GII. Why did you choose Golf Course Superintendent as a career?

RW.     After joining Bahrain Golf Club in the year 1992, my interest towards the game increased and at the same time respect for the people involved in the maintenance of the course also increased. This made me eager to learn more in this field and pursue my career in the same.

GII. What type of ‘on the job training’ have you had in the field

RW.     I got my first on the job training in Bahrain Golf Club where I have learnt basics of golf course maintenance and golf construction. After that I was trained with R.N.A Constructions of DLF Golf Course as a Turf Officer. On the job learning was an important aspect for me as it gave me practical exposure on the field rather than just the bookish knowledge.

GII. What type of education, classes, seminars, or other training you have in the field of Turf Grass management?

RW.     I have attended seminars given by USA Golf Superintendent Mr.John Parham and got major training under Mr.Hamish Macculum about Golf Management. Toro and Jacobson training seminars were also very important in turf grass management.

GII. Describe the different challenges you face as a Golf Course Superintendent. What seems to be the biggest challenge for you and why?

RW.     Being at the position of golf superintendent itself comes with many challenges. Management of budget and manpower and building good co-ordination are the basic which we face everyday. Condition of the green should support the tournament properly. For me, the biggest challenge is the satisfaction of the members and players about the play course.

GII. What would you do to further your knowledge of proper Course Maintenance?

RW.     There is always a scope of improvement and learning new techniques and methods. Discussions with professionals of same field, attending seminars, workshops and visiting new golf courses helps to further enhance my knowledge of proper course maintenance.

GII. How are challenging situations handled involving Golfers who have concerns or complaints regarding the tee marker and Cup locations?

RW.      It is quite challenging as when Golfers complaint regarding tee marker we need to relocate the marker and recheck the cup position. When we meet Golfers routinely and get to know their complaints about tee marker or cup location, we can easily handle such situations.

GII. What is your opinion of Golf Courses in relation to the Environment?

RW.      Environment plays a major role in relation to golf courses as different golf courses are situated in different regions and face unique environmental conditions. The flora and fauna of the region all depends on the environment. Environmental pollution may cause huge damage to the flora, fauna, water bodies and climate. Thus environment has a major affect on the golf courses.

GII. If your course uses effluent water, what process is used to prepare it for use on the course?

RW.     The first stage is primary treatment where the solid particles are removed. In the second stage of treatment the effluent water is processed to be free of solids and foul odour. Tertiary treatment is the final stage where removal of non biodegradable pollutants takes place and the resulting output can be used in the golf courses.

GII. What have been the most rewarding aspects of your profession?

RW.      In any profession the most rewarding aspect will always be the respect and recognition that one gets from their colleagues and seniors. Apart from this, hardwork and dedication towards your responsibilities and self satisfaction is of utmost importance.

GII. Knowing what you do now, if you had a chance to start your career over, would you again choose the Golf Course Superintendent? If yes, why?

RW.      Yes , of course because after working for so many years in this field I feel so much attached and passionate about it that even if I got the chance to start my career over, I will still prefer to be Golf Superintendent.

GII. Best practice which you would like to share with other Golf Courses Superintendents.

RW.    Taking proactive steps to avoid any kind of damage like pest and bacterial attack. Top dressing and timely repair of pitch marker should be given proper care.

 

Age when you started working

25 years

First Golf Course you worked for

Bahrain Golf Club

Favorite Golf Course in India

kalhaar Golf Club

Favorite Food

Chicken Biryani

Favorite Drink

lemon Tea

Favorite Sports Magazine

Golf Digest India

Favorite Pro Event

Indian open

Favorite Golfer

Jyoti Randhawa

Favorite Golf Set

Titeliest Golf Set

Favorite Car

Volvo