In the modern world of golf course management, many crucial decisions are made based upon laboratory results.  Laboratory results influence golf course design, construction, and maintenance.  They play a critical part in developing and maintaining a high quality golf course, and they can have a major impact on the profitability and playability of a course.

Although the cost of laboratory testing is relatively small, the cost of picking the wrong laboratory can be very high.  Laboratory results influence the placement of irrigation systems, fertilization programs, selection of construction materials, and design of turf systems.  If erroneous, improper, or incomplete laboratory data is used during these important tasks, it can cost a golf course thousands of dollars.

It is obvious that obtaining quality laboratory data is important, but how do you know if you are getting good data?  All laboratories are not alike, and the data generated by various laboratories is not always equivalent.  Golf course managers have to be very careful when selecting a laboratory.  It is imperative that high dollar equipment and maintenance decisions are based upon high quality, accurate, laboratory data.

 The following four, rather broad, categories should be considered when picking a laboratory for golf course design, construction, or maintenance.

    Insurance
Although often overlooked, insurance coverage is perhaps the most telling indicator of laboratory quality.  If a laboratory does not have professional liability or errors and omissions insurance, it should probably be avoided.  Typically, a laboratory will have $1,000,000 in professional liability insurance.  This type of coverage not only provides protection to the laboratory’s clients, but it also indicates that the lab is a stable, ongoing business concern.  A laboratory with adequate insurance should always be used whenever major construction is being performed.

    Accreditation
Accreditation/certification is the item that is most often thought of when one considers laboratory quality.  The American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) accredits laboratories that are involved in the golf industry.  A2LA will perform semiannual audits at the laboratory’s facilities, to verify that it has the equipment and personnel necessary to perform USGA related testing.  While this accreditation does not ensure that a lab is the best in its field, it does indicate that the lab has the capacity to perform the required test.

 Only use a laboratory that is accredited for all of the testing that needs to be performed.  Often a laboratory will be certified for only a couple tests, or in a field totally unrelated to turf management.  When selecting a lab, a copy of their accreditation should be reviewed to verify that it is up to date (certificates have an expiration date), and that it is complete.

    Staff Credentials/Experience
A quality lab will be headed by an individual(s) with a long history in the sports field industry.  Further, the staff will be comprised of individuals with scientific degrees and backgrounds in sports turf management.  Most laboratories will have the resumes of key staff readily available.  They will also have a list of clients and references.

 Resumes and client lists should be reviewed very closely.  There are only a few labs that have experience in the golf course/sports field industry.  Always choose a lab that has experience working on courses in your part of the country, and that are of similar design to your course.  An experienced lab can provide you valuable information that will make your course more durable and lucrative.  A lab lacking in experience and/or education must learn while working on your course.

    Knowledgeable Customer Service Personnel
Laboratories are similar to many other service industries, in that most of the time service personnel answer customer’s phone calls.  Therefore, it is very important that the lab has knowledgeable customer service personnel.  Knowledgeable individuals such as a lab manager or a consultant should answer any questions directed towards the lab.  A quality lab will have personnel available at all times that can interpret and explain results to their customers.

    While picking a quality laboratory won’t guarantee a beautiful, durable, golf course, it can have a profound affect on the quality and profitability of your course.  It’s not difficult to find a good lab, and if a little time is spent up front selecting a quality lab, a lot of headaches can be avoided in the future.  Just pay attention to the four key items discussed in this article, and you should have no problem finding the lab that is right for your facility.

    This article was printed in the September 1998 issue of Boardroom Magazine for Private Club Directors.

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