IN THE HOT SEAT Q: Favourite sporting event? A: Fifa World/Euro Cup big Portugal fan!
Q: Favourite Season? A: Fall
Q: Favorite meal? A: Lasagna
Q: Favorite piece of turf equipment? A: Toro 4500
Q: What are some tools that you hope to have in the next 3years? A: A Plasma Cutter and a Bedknife & Reel Grinder
Q: NASCAR or Formula 1? A: NASCAR
Q: Favorite tool in the toolbox? A: The Welder
Q: Favorite movie? A: Gran Torino
Q: Favorite Band? A: Blink 182
Q: Favorite Extreme Sport? A: Downhill Mountain Biking
John’s passion for equipment repairs and maintenance began at the early age of 14. His first job was in a motorcycle shop disposing of used oil, cleaning tools, and overlooking the mechanics making engine repairs. He started spending endless hours in his garage tinkering with small dirt bikes, broken engines, and restoring old machines to their former glory. This fulfilling hobby helped expand his skill set and he began offering small engine services to family and friends (at a fraction of the cost of an established shop) which enabled the purchases of more toys to tinker with. Now in his fifth year at The Oakville Golf Club, John feels his biggest accomplishment was transitioning from the automotive sector to golf course equipment manager. He stated, “While there are similarities between the two types, there are many differences that require a unique skill set such as turf quality management, irrigation systems, and
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Predominate grass type: Bent/Poa Predominant soil type: Clay Types of greens: 3 original 102 year old push-ups, 2 California sand based, 2 USGA sand based, 2 Modified soil push-ups. Course length: 3123 Size of greens: 80,000 sq. ft. Size of tees: 40,000 sq. Size of fairways: 14 acres Major Challenges: Not having our own reel and bedknife grinders has been challenging in keeping our quality of cut to the highest level. Delayed and shortage of delivery of parts and equipment and rising inflation costs.
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John preparing mainline pipe for Z-pipe connection.
specialized machinery. Going into the golf field also requires building new relationships and a network with other golf course EMs/ mechanics.” John’s typical day starts with checking in with the superintendent and turf staff to discuss the schedule for the day and to prioritize tasks based on course needs. John places a priority on preventative maintenance to ensure all equipment is functioning properly and to avoid breakdowns and downtime.
He emphasized that “this allows the staff to complete their work safely and efficiently”.His biggest challenges are dealing with the recent shortage of parts due to the pandemic, and working under time constraints to perform maintenance and repairs once a machine breaks down. In addition to his equipment responsibilities, John helps with winter snow clearing, clubhouse repairs, general tasks and projects on the course, and tending to the team’s Border Collie (Ivy). As with
John is perpetual motion; he is always on the go. “Always looking to maintain, repair or organize our equipment or his shop. John will not be beaten by any challenging piece of equipment and can be quite the MacGyver when he needs to be. He is always willing to help with various tasks and projects on the course and
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has proven to be a valued leader on our team.
– Ryan Scott, Immediate Past President, OGSA & Superintendent, Oakville GC
