Wiley - Tournament Management: A Superintendent's Guide to Preparing a Golf Course for Competition

Overview

Designed for turf care professionals who shoulder the challenge of hosting competitive golf, Wiley's Tournament Management: A Superintendent's Guide to Preparing a Golf Course for Competition translates field knowledge into practical steps you can apply on the ground. This guide covers the full arc of tournament readiness, from the first scouting visit to post-event recovery, blending proven agronomy practices with insights tailored toward major championships, regional events, and member-guest formats. It presents clear, actionable guidance you can adapt to your course and climate, helping you approach each event with confidence and clarity.

What you will learn

The book breaks down core surfaces and surface management into a practical workflow. You will find detailed guidance on greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, and rough, with specific attention to cup-cutting, surface smoothing, pest control, and fertilization windows before and during play. Real-world checklists accompany the techniques, so you can align resources, timelines, and crews before the first tee shot.

• Pre-tournament planning and course inspection targets
• Scheduling aeration, fertilization, mowing regimes, and surface textures
• Bunker restoration, sand checks, edge maintenance
• Rough height control and weed/disease scouting
• Cup-cut strategy and hole location planning
• Pest management and environmental safeguards
• Staff roles, vendor coordination, and safety planning

During the tournament

During play, the guide offers on-site workflows to balance performance with course sustainability. Expect practical tips on moisture management, mowing windows, and field-of-play responses that fit the pace and standards of professional events. The book also covers vendor coordination, staff roles, and safety considerations to help events run smoothly.

• On-site grooming and pace-of-play coordination
• Real-time moisture monitoring and turf recovery planning
• Bunker sand checks and edge restoration during play
• Adaptive cup-setting decisions and hole location planning
• Record-keeping, post-round notes, and data-driven improvements

Who should read this guide? It is crafted for superintendents, agronomists, course managers, and allied professionals who prepare courses for competition, maintain them during play, or support event operations. While it outlines practical steps and best practices, results can vary with weather, resource availability, and course conditions. The emphasis remains on clear, adaptable strategies you can apply to improve readiness and consistency across events.