When I learned that Burhill Group had partnered with Carr Golf Maintenance for the upkeep of its golf courses, it sparked my curiosity about the reasons behind this decision.
I considered what advantages this collaboration might bring compared to relying solely on its in-house greenkeepers.
Burhill Group‘s Challenge
Burhill Group operates a variety of venues, each featuring unique course styles, soil profiles, usage levels, and maintenance histories.
The management of Burhill Group concluded that to enhance and maintain consistent course presentation standards across the aforementioned environments, they should implement a coordinated, specialist-led agronomic approach.
They expect this strategy to not only improve their overall quality but also ensure that all their venues meet the highest standards of excellence.
Carr Golf Maintenance has proven expertise in managing extensive maintenance programs and a multi-club workforce.
Their experience allows them to effectively coordinate standards across multiple sites, moving beyond ad-hoc, one-off advice to a more cohesive approach.
Through this partnership, Carr Golf Maintenance will serve as a central technical hub, focusing on machinery procurement, fleet support, and maintenance guidance.
This collaborative effort can lead to significant reductions in equipment expenses, minimize downtime, and streamline vendor negotiations, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency.
Expected benefits
- Course Quality & Playability: Introduces structured agronomy plans and monthly performance review cycles –> Improved playing surfaces and greater consistency across venues.
- Member & Guest Experience: Enhanced course presentation and reliability –> Increased satisfaction, improved retention, and visitor conversion.
- Staff Development: On-site coaching, technical support, and shared best practice –> Higher skill levels, greater pride in work, reduced staff turnover risk.
- Cost Efficiency: Centralised fleet, procurement, and maintenance guidance –> Reduced equipment downtime and improved long-term asset planning.
- Governance & Visibility: Clear KPIs, reporting dashboards, and benchmark scoring –> Better oversight, faster correction of issues, strategic decision support.
Carr Golf Maintenance will deliver:
- Course audits and agronomic development plans.
- Monthly site visits with progress review reports.
- Standard operating procedures for greenkeeping teams.
- Advisory support for machinery procurement & maintenance strategy.
- Staff training, mentoring, and an embedded culture of continuous improvement.
Burhill Group states that this model supports and enhances existing greenkeeping teams, rather than replacing them, thereby maintaining continuity and local knowledge.
What draws me to Carr Golf Maintenance?
- Carr Golf Maintenance focuses on coaching and capability building, rather than replacing staff.
- They don’t just “advise” — they implement audit frameworks, condition scoring systems, monthly reporting, and improvement plans.
- Because they apply uniform standards and methodologies, the definition of “excellent condition” becomes the same across all venues. For any multi-site operator, brand strength, price integrity, and member trust depend on reliable and predictable course quality.
- Long-term agronomic stewardship & sustainability: Protects the asset for the long term, lowers future maintenance costs, and aligns with environmental and regulatory expectations.
- Proven ability to deliver fast, visible wins: Carr Golf Maintenance typically prioritises:
- Greens firmness & trueness
- Approaches/collars consistency
- Fairway definition and presentation
- These are high-impact, member-visible improvements that build trust quickly.