GCT talks to Dennis Kitzelman Superintendent of Fremont Golf Club

Dennis was born and raised in Fremont Nebraska and has been an employee of the Fremont Golf Club for 46 years. He has been a member of the National Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for 23 years. He has been a member of the Nebraska Golf Course Superintendents Association for 28 years. He holds a 04-Pesticide Applicators License for the State of Nebraska. He enjoys golfing, volleyball, and being with friends and family. 

How did you get your start in the golf industry?

My brothers would not go and apply so I did and got the job I was 15 years old.

Can you tell us a few things about your early life, where were you born, what high school, first jobs?

I was born in Fremont Nebraska graduated from Fremont senior high. My first job was a busboy at a local restaurant for six months then I started at the golf course and a local theatre

Can you tell us a little about your family, how you met your wife, kids’ names?

I met my wife playing volleyball something we both enjoyed. My kids names are Brenda Jamie and jesse

Where did you go to school for turfgrass management?

I did not attend any college to learn about the turf profession I learned from the superintendent’s that I worked for over the 35 years as an assistant I was promoted to the head postion 14 years ago.

Who was your earliest mentor in the industry and how did he inspire you?

Doug Petterson and Tom Athy, Mick Reifert were the superintendent’s that I worked for. All three are certified turf professionals. I did not think at that time I would stay working at the golf course and regret not using them to learn more about turf! All of them had great work ethic and helped me in everyway they could.

What is your favorite part of the job, least favorite?

The crew has always been my favorite part of the job helping them learn new skills and hopefully the same work ethic that I learned from my old bosses. meetings are my least favorite.

Related: A Golf Course Superintendent’s Most Valuable Resource: The Human Resource

Do you collect anything? Hub caps, license plates, signs…

I don’t have any collections.

What do you like to do away from work? If you have time to yourself what do you like to do?

Golf and throw darts are my favorite pass time.