All about greenkeeping

Q&A with Herman Mashaba, Golf course superintendent at Elements Private Golf Reserve

When did you realise that turf management was the industry you want to pursue?

I realised quite early in my career that turf management was where I belonged. I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors, working with my hands, and seeing the results of good turf care. Once I joined the golf course industry, I quickly knew this was the right path for me

What path did you follow to become a golf course superintendent?

With dedication and patience, I worked my way up to where I am today

My journey started at entry level, working on the course and learning the basics of mowing, irrigation, and bunker work. Over the years I studied further, attended industry training programs, and gained experience under other superintendents. With dedication and patience, I worked my way up to where I am today.

What is the best and worst part of being a golf course superintendent?

The best part is seeing the course in top condition and knowing golfers are enjoying their round because of the work we do. The worst part is dealing with things outside our control, like extreme weather, machinery breakdowns, or limited budgets.

What are the differences in grasses (fairway, rough, greens) at Elements to other parts of the country

At Elements we grow mostly warm-season grasses that can handle the heat and dry climate. Our greens are bentgrass, which requires a lot of attention because it’s more sensitive. Other courses in cooler or coastal regions may use completely different grasses that suit their local climate.

Does one need different machinery on course for different types of grasses around the country?

Yes, to some extent. While most golf courses use the same core machinery – mowers, tractors, sprayers – the cutting heights and attachments vary depending on the grass species. For example, bentgrass greens require precision cutting at very low heights, which needs specialised equipment.

How big a difference does climate and location play in golf course maintenance?

Climate is everything in turf management. It dictates what grasses you can grow, how much irrigation is needed, what pests you deal with, and how often you can perform maintenance. A coastal course in Durban has completely different challenges to one in Limpopo.

Do you think it should be mandatory for each golf course to close one day per week for maintenance?

Ideally, yes – even half a day per week helps. Closing gives the turf team time to do essential work without the pressure of golfers on the course. Unfortunately, not every club can afford to do that because of revenue needs, but it makes a big difference in quality.

Do maintenance staff ever come into conflict with golfers and how do you deal with this?

At the same time, we try to educate golfers about the importance of maintenance

It happens now and then, especially when golfers don’t understand why work is being done. We train our staff to be respectful and step aside when golfers are nearby. At the same time, we try to educate golfers about the importance of maintenance.

How important is it for golfers to repair their divots and pitch marks immediately vs only a couple of days or week later?

Course condition is a shared responsibility between maintenance staff and golfers

It’s critical that golfers repair them immediately. A divot or pitch mark repaired right away recovers in days. If it’s left, it can take weeks – and sometimes never fully heals. Course condition is a shared responsibility between maintenance staff and golfers.

People always complain about inconsistent bunkers, how difficult is it to maintain consistent bunkers and do you implement general checks and how?

Bunkers are one of the toughest areas to keep consistent. Rain, wind, and players all affect the sand. We rake and check them daily, but consistency is difficult to achieve 100% of the time. At Elements we have guidelines for sand depth and firmness, and the team checks them regularly.