In the Hot Seat Q: Favourite Major? A: The Open Championship
Q: Lowest round ever and where? A: 68 at Bayview Golf & Country Club
Q: Favourite golf course? A: Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Scotland
Q: Best piece of turf equipment? A: Pro Core 648
Q: Favourite movie? A: Spaceballs
Q: Favourite course designer? A: Stanley Thompson
Q: Ultimate foursome? A: My Dad, my sons, Clay and Kyle
Q: Favourite meal? A: My next one
Q: Favourite band? A: Tragically Hip
who have helped me, both personally and professionally. My father, numerous fellow superintendents, and friends.” Thom graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1976 and would soon find himself at the reins in the Superintendent position at Islington Golf Course after Paul Dermott’s departure to Oakdale Golf and Country Club in March of 1977. After 10 successful years at Islington, Thom moved on to Weston Golf and Country Club in 1987 where he had one of many memorable experiences. “The year 1990 at Weston stands out because we hosted the Cadillac Skins Game with Arnold Palmer, the RCGA Men’s Amateur Championship and the Canadian Open President’s Day.” One would assume a season packed with premier events would be a tough test, but Thom briefly described his guiding principles in managing people, “I hope that everyone who has ever worked with me feels that I treated them with respect. I have also tried to use humor to maintain a relaxed, stress free work environment.”
What You Need to Know Predominate grass type: A4 greens, Penncross tees and fairways Predominant soil type: Sand capped Types of greens: USGA Course length: 7340 yds. Size of greens: 3 acres averaging 6500 sq. ft. Size of tees: 3 acres Size of fairways: 35 acres
Major Challenges
(L-R) Dan Ens, Jimmy Murphy, Meagan Nunn, Ryan Kerr.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have worked through what can only be described as the ‘Golden Era’ of our profession. Our profile within the golf business, our compensation levels, golfers’ appreciation for what we do, and expanded career opportunities due to course construction were all on the rise for the majority of my career.” At one of the many industry events I have been so fortunate to attend with
Thom over the years I was a mere audience to Thom and his good friend, retired superintendent Bruce Thrasher, who described their advancement in the golf industry as “catching the wave”. Sure, they found themselves in the industry during a time of growth but their success was borne out of their own dedication to furthering the profession. As Wayne Rath CGCS, the superintendent and property manager at Magna Golf Club stated, “Thom’s
“I honestly have never seen anyone rake a bunker, fix a divot or ball mark like Thom. The divots look like they were hand sewn back in. His bunker raking takes forever but done perfectly, and he fixes ball marks that Grisham from CSI couldn’t find. I think this is what makes Thom successful; his insistent, undying approach to maintaining the golf course at a meticulous level. Plainly put, this guy cares about and respects the game whole heartedly.” – Bert McFadden, Superintendent at The Georgian Bay Club
Shade, air movement, iron clogged drain lines. Continued on page 10 MARCH 2018 | ONCourse 9