When the Directors of Ludlow Country Club in western Massachusetts became concerned about a downward trend in membership, they had only to look at nearby golf courses being maintained by IGM to see the problems with Ludlow’s playing appeal. In turn, they recently signed a five-year contract with IGM to restore the golf course to a higher standard.
Ludlow Country Club is an 18-hole, Donald Ross designed course built in 1921, that was suffering from a lack of consistent, professional maintenance practices. IGM, a comprehensive golf course maintenance provider, is well-known in the western Massachusetts golf community, and manages the maintenance for three nearby courses and a fourth in the state. IGM’s professional agronomic experience and knowledge of the Massachusetts climate made the company an ideal fit for Ludlow Country Club.
IGM quickly brought in veteran superintendent Frank Kulig to oversee the maintenance operations. Kulig said his immediate focus is on hiring and training a crew, repairing turf equipment as well as the irrigation system, and getting the turf grass mowed to the desired height to improve green speeds. “Right now, we are also preparing the course to close for the winter. We will top-dress the greens and apply appropriate chemicals to protect them.” Ludlow typically re-opens in April, “depending on Mother Nature.”
While the course is closed, Kulig and the IGM team will be working on a routine maintenance plan, as well as long range goals for the golf course for the upcoming three to five years. IGM Executive Vice President Greg Plotner said, “Our commitment is to partner with Ludlow Country Club and improve the playing conditions on the course by following sound agronomic practices. We believe that the programs we will instill for the golf course will ultimately allow the Club to achieve their financial goals.”
To discuss IGM’s complete services or to request a maintenance proposal, please contact Greg Plotner, Executive Vice President, 407-589-7200, or click here.