Alex Stuedemann points out features of PRO Golf digital maintenance program. ProGolf, developed by Deere & Co., creates efficiencies in equipment and staffing availability . CREDIT CRAIG COOPER
Green fairways, well-groomed white sands and predictable bounces. All would be goals this week for TPC Deere Run. But Alex Stuedemann knows from years of experience in turf and golf course maintenance that perfection when prepping a PGA Tour event course is as fleeting as the next rain drop. “The weather is always a challenge,” […]
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Green fairways, well-groomed white sands and predictable bounces. All would be goals this week for TPC Deere Run.But Alex Stuedemann knows from years of experience in turf and golf course maintenance that perfection when prepping a PGA Tour event course is as fleeting as the next rain drop. “The weather is always a challenge,” said Mr. Stuedemann, the director of agronomy for the TPC golf network and a former superintendent of TPC Deere Run, Silvis. “Wind can dry the greens, heat can damage greens, and water, too much or too little, can always be a factor.”The 400 acres, 78 bunkers and three water hazards of the TPC Deere Run golf course property can add to the maintenance challenge. With a digital assist from Deere & Co.’s PRO Golf course maintenance software, the staff maintaining the TPC Deere Run layout will be swinging for optimum tournament playing conditions when John Deere Classic championship play begins Thursday, July 4.“The PRO Golf software Is a one-stop-shop. It is all digital and available to the entire team regardless of where they are on the property,” Mr. Stuedemann said. “PRO Golf creates great efficiencies in equipment use and best use of available staff.”“Basically, we are working on golf courses of hundreds of acres in size and you can’t always make it back to your facilities to get your next assignment, to draw on a whiteboard, or talk face-to-face,” he said of the TPC chain of golf courses. “Being able to get your next assignment from wherever you are on the course makes a huge difference.”“PRO Golf is also a morale boost for staff. They are informed and personally involved in decision making,” he added.Digital assignment boards, also available at a website, allocate staff and specific pieces of equipment. PRO Golf helps prevent overuse of certain equipment or available staff. It serves as a digital recordkeeper by capturing real time information on the placement and use of equipment and staff. The program not only makes assignments, it has a notes function and instructs users what pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) are required for the task.With a rain forecast, Mr. Stuedemann said preparation begins early.“If it is going to rain tomorrow, what can we get done today? ProGolf helps the staff plan and react as conditions require,” he said.Mr. Stuedemann said PRO Golf is used by 15 TPC courses which host PGA events. Pinehurst No. 2 recently used PRO Golf for the U.S. Open. The software tool is available to the golf course industry.
