Man behind the scene

Why a golf course superintendent?

I love working outside, I enjoy teaching others what I have learned and it is so exciting growing grass on the edge!

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

You are always learning, and I love growing grass. I suppose the politics, I survive in that environment rather well, but it is an enormous challenge.

Are you a cat or dog person?

Dog, one Border Terrier ( Bailey) and two Boston Terriers (Tillie and Tootsie)

Beer or wine?

Beer Victory Summer Love

What would you say are the three most important elements in successful golf course management?

Hard work, dedication, leading up, down, and sideways within 60 seconds!

How do you keep your staff motivated?

Teach, and let them make mistakes. I am a delegator, not a micromanager.

What’s the best bit of professional advice ever tossed your way?

If you don’t love it, leave it.

What did you learn that they never taught you in college?

College teaches the science, you need a mentor like Paul Latshaw to teach you championship conditioning.

Related: A Superintendent’s 5 Predictions About the Future of the Golf Industry

So, a big greasy double cheeseburger for lunch, or some sort of tofu ball?

A Double Cheeseburger with bacon. I always joke with my guys that my diet won’t kill me stress will!

What achievements are you most proud of?

My wife Renna agreed to marry me.
Paul Latshaw threw me a life ring and I was smart enough to grab it.
That Merion chose me to be their Superintendent.
That I have helped 40 plus young men become Superintendents and well over 100 become Assistants.
That the winner of the US Open was +1.

Name your top superintendent influences.

Paul Latshaw, Bill Templeton, Jack Mortland, John Zimmers, Paul B. Latshaw.

Few people know I like to…

I like to be by myself in the wilderness hunting, or in the high grass on Lake Okeechobee when the sun is rising and the bass are hitting on topwater lures!

Do you collect anything, and why?

Antique fishing lures, I dream of what it must have been like to fish when there was no one for miles.

Worst place you have ever slept?

The Third Yellow Mule in Montana 20 below zero in a sleeping bag that was rated for zero!

What are your favorite things to do away from work?

Hunt, reload, shoot, tie flies, fish, garden, read, travel, backpack, snow shoe.

If you had to choose between a day of fishing or answering these questions, which would it be?

I always enjoy answering your questions Ken, sorry fishing would be first and foremost.