In Bounds by Jack MacKenzie CGCS
Upon reflection, televised PGA event. Late nights, early, early
over the span of my career and in particular recent experiences, it is quite apparent the physical product you, the consummate professional golf course manager, are able to produce is based solely upon the magnitude of the available resources. Yet the elevated expectations that you place upon yourselves and your staff’s abilities, be it 3 or 150, is a relative constant. As Superintendent at the nine-hole Lost Spur Golf Club back in 1984, it was my ultimate desire to provide the players an exceptional golf experience; my goal and that of my two coemployees. Guest days meant evening work, earlier mornings and no visual or audible impact upon play. Clean curbs, fresh paint and cut grass met expectations and although my crew was small and our hours limited, we achieved all that we could with appreciation of our finite resources. At Dellwood Hills and North Oaks Golf Club it was no different, just a magnitude of greater proportions. Entry fees were higher and tee prizes larger, yet the Green Staff’s intent remained the same…provide the players with the finest quality conditions within budgetary limitations. Late nights, early mornings and maximizing the staff available provided a destination upon which most golfers never knew was maintained tee to green for their pleasure just hours before. The crews kicked butt and relished their efforts in producing the best product they could. During my stint as a volunteer at TPC Twin Cities during the 3M Championship, I was very impressed with the magnitude of resources available to create conditions worthy of a
mornings using floodlights and coordinating the available staff, both employed and volunteer resources, created optimum conditions and met player expectations. Unbeknownst to the golfers, the course was a behind-the-scenes beehive of activity, out of sight and out of mind. In June, time at the US Open in San Francisco emphasized the magnitude of resources put into a course in preparation of a gigantic event. My son, his apartment my crash pad for the week, left for work at 2:30 in the morning and returned home as late as 10 pm. Along with the full time crew of 45 and a volunteer staff of over 150, he worked tirelessly to produce an exceptional playing surface worthy of a Major. The intensity of maintenance was over the top… yet not unlike what you produce at your club for your ‘Big Events’. Utilizing the resources you have available you create conditions that typically exceed player anticipation. Truth be told, your retentive behaviors and big demands upon yourself and crew, no matter what the size, combine to maximize your resources and meet the highest of expectations…yours! Having had the opportunity to travel, volunteer and reflect upon the industry, I boast with professional pride when discussing the amazing attributes each of you posses. No matter the magnitude of resources, your enthusiasm, mental capacity, logistical talents, physical stamina and managerial skills are very similar in nature. Big budget, little budget, 3 crewmembers or 150, local or televised…you just want to produce the very best playing conditions possible. Not for the golfers but for personal pride. You, Superintendent and your staff, ROCK!!!!
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