Efficiency and organisation are crucial to maintaining high standards for head greenkeepers.
Strathaven Golf Club, managed by head greenkeeper Stephen Hunter and his team of six, implemented TurfKeeper one year ago to streamline their extensive administrative tasks.
TurfKeeper is an advanced turf management system designed to simplify the complexities of course maintenance. Integrating task planning, stock control, machinery management, health and safety documentation, and reporting into a user-friendly platform has transformed how Stephen operates.
The system is accessible from desktops and mobile devices, allowing staff to check schedules and updates while on the course.
Strathaven Golf Club, located in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, is a well-established and picturesque parkland course renowned for its excellent playing conditions and welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 1908, the club offers an 18-hole course set amid rolling countryside, providing an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities. With a strong focus on course presentation and maintenance, Strathaven GC continually invests in innovative solutions to enhance turf care and overall efficiency.
Before implementing TurfKeeper, the team had to meet with Stephen or find him on the course to confirm tasks. Now, they simply check the online planner on their phones, eliminating wasted time and improving workflow efficiency.
Stephen Hunter comments, “It saves time. Staff don’t have to waste time tracking me down to find out what tasks to do—they look at the online planner, and it shows them.”
TurfKeeper has simplified task scheduling and made it more efficient. Stephen can plan full days and copy recurring tasks, ensuring consistency and reducing administrative burden. Stock management is more precise, eliminating the need for presumption when ordering supplies. “It gives accurate stock levels – no guessing, Stephen confirms.”
In addition to daily operations, TurfKeeper plays a crucial role in machinery management, keeping track of service history, repairs, and part replacements. The system also simplifies health and safety compliance, storing chemical records, risk assessments, and maintenance logs in one place for easy access during audits.
He continues, “When we have a Health and safety audit, I simply show them the records. It holds all of our chemical records and risk assessments—everything is there. It ticks all of their boxes and really speeds up the process.”
One of TurfKeeper's most valuable aspects is its reporting functionality. Stephen can quickly generate reports to justify decisions or respond to management queries with accurate, up-to-date data. “The reporting facilities are excellent—one of the best bits. It provides instant justification for decisions or requests. I can pull off information and give it to management if they have any questions. It’s all there in black and white.”
The installation and set-up processes were seamless, thanks to TurfKeeper Product Manager Kevin Scarce, who provided thorough training over three sessions.
“Kevin was very thorough and very good. It was so easy to set up and use it. We experienced minimal problems, and Kevin was always on the end of the phone.”, adds Stephen.
TurfKeeper has been a valuable investment, providing tangible improvements in efficiency, organisation, and compliance for Strathaven Golf Club. “I have absolutely no complaints. It was money well spent, and I don’t even think it was expensive. It has paid for itself several times over, just in the time it has saved on our administrative tasks.” concludes Stephen.
TurfKeeper has proven to be more than just a software solution; it is an essential management tool ensuring Strathaven Golf Club operates smoothly and effectively daily.
