In This Guide

• Mountain Terrain Challenges
• Seasonal Adaptation Strategies
• Green Management for Undulating Surfaces
• Bunker and Hazard Preservation
• Environmental Stewardship in Course Care
• Equipment and Technology for Mountain Courses
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What Our Visitors Say
• Conclusion

Mountain Terrain Challenges

Mountain golf courses face maintenance hurdles that simply don’t exist for their flatland counterparts. The dramatic elevation changes that make mountain golf so visually stunning and strategically interesting create significant maintenance complexities.

Water Management on Slopes

On mountain courses, water rarely stays where it falls. Rain and irrigation water quickly flow downhill, potentially causing erosion in some areas while leaving others dry. This requires thoughtful drainage design and constant monitoring. At Burlingame, we’ve implemented a comprehensive water management system that includes:

Strategic placement of catch basins at the bottom of slopes to collect runoff

Specialized irrigation zones that account for natural water movement

Regular soil moisture testing across elevation changes to ensure consistent hydration

Microclimate Management

Within a single mountain golf course, you might encounter several distinct microclimates. North-facing slopes receive less sunlight and retain moisture longer than south-facing areas. Low-lying areas may collect cold air at night, while elevated sections experience stronger winds.

Understanding these microclimates is essential for proper turf selection and maintenance scheduling. Our maintenance team maps these variations and adjusts their approaches accordingly, sometimes treating areas just yards apart with completely different protocols.

Mowing Challenges

Safe and effective mowing becomes considerably more difficult on steep terrain. Specialized equipment and techniques are necessary to maintain consistency while protecting both staff and turf. Our approach includes:

Training operators in specific mountain mowing techniques

Using specialized equipment with enhanced stability features

Implementing careful mowing patterns that work with the terrain rather than against it

The uneven topography also means equipment wears differently, with mower blades requiring more frequent adjustment and replacement to maintain cut quality across variable slopes.

Seasonal Adaptation Strategies

The dramatic seasonal shifts in mountain environments require maintenance teams to constantly adapt their approaches throughout the year. Unlike courses in more moderate climates, mountain facilities must be ready to pivot their entire maintenance program as conditions change.

Spring Transition Management

Spring in the mountains brings unique challenges as snowmelt and frequent rain combine with cool soil temperatures. This period requires patience and precise timing. Key considerations include:

Careful monitoring of soil temperatures before applying early-season treatments

Gradual lowering of mowing heights as turf growth stabilizes

Targeted aeration to address compaction from winter conditions

During this period, our maintenance teams often work with “split shifts” – treating lower elevation holes that are ready for spring practices while still providing winter care to higher elevation sections that thaw more slowly.

Summer Intensity Management

Summer brings intense UV exposure at higher elevations, even when air temperatures remain moderate. The combination of strong sunlight, potential drought, and increased play creates stress for turf systems. Our summer adaptation includes:

Adjusted mowing heights to provide additional leaf surface and stress tolerance

Carefully timed hand-watering of stress-prone areas during peak heat

UV-protective treatments for particularly exposed greens and tees

Fall Preparation

Fall preparation is critical for mountain courses, as the window for winterizing turf can close quickly. The dramatic temperature swings common in autumn require maintenance teams to be especially vigilant. Our approach focuses on:

Strategic application of late-season nutrients to build winter hardiness

Adjusted aerification timing to allow for healing before dormancy

Protective measures for areas prone to winter desiccation

Winter Protection Protocols

Winter brings extended snow cover, freeze-thaw cycles, and the threat of ice damage to mountain courses. Our winter protection program includes:

Application of protective covers on putting surfaces most vulnerable to winter injury

Snow management practices that protect turf while maintaining playability when possible

Regular monitoring of conditions beneath snow cover to detect and address issues early

By anticipating seasonal transitions and having specific protocols in place for each phase, mountain course superintendents can minimize disruptions and maintain consistent quality throughout the year.

Green Management for Undulating Surfaces

The undulating greens that make mountain golf so challenging for players create equally significant challenges for maintenance teams. Dramatic contours, multiple tiers, and varying exposures within a single green require specialized approaches to achieve consistent playing conditions.

Precision Mowing Techniques

Mowing undulating greens demands exceptional skill and specialized equipment. The risk of scalping high points or leaving excess length in depressions is constant. Our greens management includes:

Daily adjustment of cutting heights based on growth rates and stress levels

Use of walk-behind mowers rather than riders on greens with extreme contours

Alternating mowing patterns to prevent grain development and wear patterns

Our maintenance team pays particular attention to collar transitions, where the slope change between green and surrounds creates a high risk of scalping damage.

Targeted Irrigation Management

Water application on mountain greens requires precision that goes beyond standard irrigation practices. On severely contoured surfaces, water applied uniformly will still result in dry high points and soggy low areas. Our approach includes:

Individually programmable sprinkler heads to adjust water delivery based on specific needs of different sections

Hand-watering protocols that target moisture deficits on elevated portions

Moisture meters to verify consistent hydration across the entire putting surface

During periods of heat stress, our teams sometimes apply light syringing to cool surface temperatures without adding significant moisture to the soil profile.

Managing Variable Sun Exposure

Mountain greens often feature sections with dramatically different sun exposure due to their orientation and surrounding trees. This creates variations in growth rates, disease pressure, and stress tolerance within a single green. Our management includes:

Shade mapping to identify problematic areas that receive inadequate sunlight

Selective pruning or removal of trees that create excessive shade on critical surfaces

Different fertility programs for sections of greens based on their exposure profiles

Multi-Level Drainage Solutions

Proper drainage becomes exponentially more complex on undulating surfaces. Water pools in depressions, creating soft spots and potential disease issues, while ridges may become excessively dry. Our solutions include:

Subsurface drainage systems designed specifically for contoured surfaces

Surface drainage channels strategically placed to move water off the playing surface

Regular core aeration and deep-tine aeration to improve percolation through the soil profile

By addressing these unique aspects of green management in mountain environments, maintenance teams can provide consistent, high-quality putting surfaces despite the natural challenges of the terrain.

Bunker and Hazard Preservation

Bunkers and hazards on mountain courses face distinctive challenges due to their positioning on slopes and exposure to extreme weather events. Proper maintenance of these strategic elements is essential for both aesthetics and fair play.

Erosion Control in Sloped Bunkers

Mountain bunkers are particularly vulnerable to washouts during heavy rain events. When water cascades down slopes and into sand traps, it can quickly compromise their integrity. Our maintenance approach includes:

Strategic placement of bunker liners that anchor sand while allowing proper drainage

Creating properly designed entry and exit points for water flow

Regular rebuilding of faces that receive the most erosion pressure

After significant rain events, our teams immediately assess all bunkers, prioritizing repairs based on severity and the strategic importance of each hazard to the hole design.

Sand Selection for Mountain Conditions

Not all bunker sand performs equally in mountain environments. The ideal selection balances playability, drainage, and stability on slopes. Key considerations include:

Angular sand that provides better stability on steeper faces

Proper particle size distribution to balance drainage with resistance to washouts

Color that harmonizes with the natural mountain environment while providing visual contrast for players

At Burlingame, we’ve found that slightly heavier sand with good angular structure performs best for our bunker faces, while we can use a somewhat finer material in flatter bunker floors.

Water Hazard Management

Water features on mountain courses require specialized care to maintain water quality and bank stability on uneven terrain. Our management program includes:

Natural buffer zones around water features to filter runoff and prevent nutrient loading

Bank stabilization techniques that withstand fluctuating water levels

Aeration systems to maintain oxygen levels in deeper water bodies

Regular monitoring of water quality parameters to ensure ecosystem health while maintaining aesthetic appeal

Winter Protection for Hazards

Freeze-thaw cycles can be particularly damaging to bunkers and water hazards. Our winter protection protocols include:

Preparing bunker edges to channel snowmelt away from sand areas

Adjusting water levels in ponds to accommodate ice formation without damage to structures

Early spring assessment to identify and address winter damage before the playing season begins

With proper maintenance techniques specific to mountain conditions, bunkers and hazards can remain consistent, fair challenges that enhance the strategic value of the golf course while contributing to its visual appeal.

Environmental Stewardship in Course Care

Mountain golf courses exist in particularly sensitive ecosystems where maintenance practices can have significant environmental impacts. Responsible stewardship requires balancing exceptional playing conditions with protection of the natural beauty that makes mountain golf so special.

Water Conservation Strategies

Water management in mountain environments presents both challenges and opportunities. While rainfall can be abundant, capturing and using it efficiently is crucial. Our approach includes:

Collection systems that capture runoff for irrigation use

Soil moisture monitoring technology to apply water only where and when needed

Drought-tolerant turf varieties in rough and transitional areas

Regular irrigation audits to ensure efficient distribution and minimize waste

These practices not only conserve a precious resource but also reduce energy costs associated with pumping water throughout the property.

Wildlife Habitat Preservation

Mountain courses often serve as important wildlife corridors and habitat islands. Maintaining this ecological function while providing excellent golf requires thoughtful management. Our program includes:

Preserving native vegetation in out-of-play areas

Creating enhanced habitat zones around water features

Maintaining nesting boxes for native bird species

Timing maintenance activities to minimize disruption during sensitive nesting or migration periods

These practices help ensure that the rich biodiversity of the mountain environment continues to thrive alongside the golf experience.

Reduced Chemical Approaches

The sensitive nature of mountain watersheds makes judicious use of inputs particularly important. Our integrated management approach includes:

Soil testing to apply fertilizers only at rates and formulations actually needed

Cultural practices that naturally reduce disease pressure

Spot treatment rather than blanket application of control products

Buffer zones around water features where applications are further restricted

By focusing on prevention and precision, we maintain exceptional playing surfaces while minimizing potential impacts on the surrounding environment.

Erosion Control and Soil Preservation

Protecting soil resources is particularly critical on mountain sites where topsoil may be thin and vulnerable. Our soil management includes:

Vegetative buffers that slow water movement on slopes

Careful management of cart traffic to prevent compaction and wear

Soil-building practices that improve structure and resilience

Prompt revegetation of any disturbed areas

These approaches help ensure the long-term sustainability of the property while reducing maintenance inputs over time.

Equipment and Technology for Mountain Course Maintenance

Maintaining a mountain golf course requires specialized equipment and technology solutions that address the unique challenges of the terrain. From mowing steep slopes safely to managing microclimates, the right tools make the difference between struggling and succeeding.

Specialized Mowing Equipment

Standard golf course mowers often prove inadequate on the extreme slopes of mountain courses. Key equipment considerations include:

Low center of gravity mowers designed specifically for slopes

Remote-controlled units for the steepest areas where operator safety is a concern

Articulating decks that better follow ground contours without scalping

Stability enhancement features such as wider tires and adjustable weight distribution

At Burlingame, we’ve found that investing in purpose-built equipment for mountain terrain pays dividends in both safety and quality outcomes, even though the initial cost exceeds that of standard equipment.

Precision Irrigation Technology

Water management on variable terrain requires advanced irrigation technology. Our system incorporates:

Individual sprinkler head control to address microclimates

Soil moisture sensors placed strategically throughout the course

Weather station integration that adjusts irrigation based on evapotranspiration rates

Flow monitoring that immediately detects leaks or breaks in the system

This technology allows us to apply water with precision that would be impossible with conventional timing-based systems, resulting in better playing conditions and reduced water usage.

Specialized Aeration Equipment

Aeration on mountain courses presents unique challenges due to rocky soil profiles and access issues on steep terrain. Our specialized equipment includes:

Portable aerators for difficult-to-reach areas

Variable-depth units that can be adjusted for thin mountain soils

Core harvesting attachments that remove cores from putting surfaces without damaging surrounds

Deep-tine machines that can penetrate compacted layers below the root zone

These specialized tools allow us to maintain healthy soil structure despite the challenges of our mountain environment.

Data Collection and Analysis

Modern mountain course maintenance relies heavily on data to make informed decisions. Our technology toolkit includes:

Drone mapping to monitor turf health across the property

Digital record-keeping systems that track inputs and outcomes

Soil testing protocols that identify specific deficiencies rather than guessing at needs

Growth models that help predict maintenance requirements based on weather forecasts

By leveraging these technological solutions, maintenance teams can work more efficiently and effectively, producing better results with fewer resources and less environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are mountain golf courses more expensive to maintain than courses at lower elevations?

Mountain courses face several factors that increase maintenance costs. The specialized equipment required for steep terrain is more expensive to purchase and maintain. The labor requirements are higher due to areas that cannot be maintained with ride-on equipment. Weather variability often requires more intensive management of playing surfaces, and shorter growing seasons compress the time available for recovery from aerification and other maintenance practices. Additionally, transportation costs for materials are typically higher due to remote locations.

How do mountain courses deal with the shorter growing season?

Mountain courses employ several strategies to maximize turf health during the compressed growing season. These include carefully selecting cold-tolerant turf varieties, using growth covers to extend the season on both ends, implementing aggressive fertility programs during peak growing conditions, and carefully scheduling disruptive maintenance practices to allow adequate recovery time. Many courses also reduce play during the shoulder seasons to minimize stress on recovering turf.

What makes green management different on mountain courses?

Mountain greens typically feature more dramatic contours, multiple microclimates within a single putting surface, and more extreme exposure to elements like wind and UV radiation. These factors require more hand-watering, more frequent monitoring of moisture levels, and often different mowing patterns than flatter courses. Mountain greens also typically use different grass varieties selected for cold tolerance and ability to withstand winter conditions rather than heat tolerance.

How do mountain courses prepare for winter?

Winter preparation for mountain courses is comprehensive. It typically includes applying protective fungicides to prevent snow mold, installing covers on putting surfaces, adjusting soil chemistry to improve cold hardiness, lowering mowing heights gradually to reduce the risk of winter desiccation, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent ice formation. Some courses also implement snow management plans to reduce the duration of cover on putting surfaces.

What Our Visitors Say

Maintaining Mountain Excellence

Mountain golf course maintenance presents unique challenges that require specialized knowledge, equipment, and approaches. From managing dramatic elevation changes to adapting to extreme seasonal variations, the maintenance team must constantly adjust their practices to provide consistent, exceptional playing conditions. Additionally, the maintenance team must ensure that the course remains accessible and safe despite potential weather challenges, such as heavy rainfall or snowfall. This involves using specialized equipment that can navigate steep terrains and protect golf gear in mountain climates from harsh elements. By proactively addressing these issues, they can enhance the overall experience for golfers and maintain the integrity of the course.

At Burlingame Country Club, we’ve embraced these challenges as opportunities to showcase the natural beauty of our mountain setting while providing our members and guests with a golf experience that rivals any in the region. Our commitment to environmental stewardship ensures that we preserve the stunning landscapes that make mountain golf so special, while our technical expertise allows us to deliver tournament-quality conditions throughout our playing season.

Whether you’re managing a mountain course, considering membership at one, or simply curious about what makes these spectacular venues different, we hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the art and science of mountain golf course maintenance.

For more information about Burlingame Country Club or to schedule a visit to experience our mountain golf excellence firsthand, please contact our membership office today.