From the MTA president

The Rollercoaster Ride We Call Spring

Spring is a season of hope, renewal, and... chaos. For golf course superintendents, it’s less about the flowers blooming and more about the endless cycles of stress, sweat, and satisfaction that come with preparing a course for the season.

The “It’s Finally Here!” Moment (Early March)

After months of winter, the sun finally decides to show up, and you can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from every superintendent in Mississippi. You’re ready to dive in—bring on the mowing, the aeration, the planting! The season feels like a fresh start. Emotion: Hopeful excitement with a dash of overconfidence.

The “Wait, Is That a Snowstorm?” Moment (Mid-March)

Just as the grass starts to look like it might actually grow, nature has other plans. A cold snap. Snow? In March? The course is still recovering from winter, and now, Mother Nature throws a curveball. You stare at the forecast and wonder why you ever got your hopes up. Emotion: The first signs of dread, followed by a quiet, internal scream.

The “I’m a Genius!” Moment (April)

The turf begins to wake up, and for a glorious few days, you feel like a turfgrass mastermind. Your greens look perfect, the fairways are rolling smooth, and the golfers are coming back. Everything is working. Maybe you really are a genius. Emotion: Momentary euphoria, like you’ve unlocked the secret to the universe.

The “What Did I Do Wrong?” Moment (Late April)

After the brief high of perfection, a rogue rainstorm or frost hits, and suddenly, the course is looking like a muddy disaster zone. You start questioning your life choices. Did you forget to account for the fact that the grass doesn’t always listen to your plans? Maybe you should’ve stuck with accounting. Emotion: Despair mixed with a hint of professional regret.

The “Is it Too Late for a Nap?” Moment (Early May)

By now, the exhaustion sets in. You’ve been up early, fixing sprinklers, battling weeds, and just generally trying to keep the course from turning into a jungle. But the sun is shining, and there’s a faint glimmer of hope. Maybe everything will come together. Maybe you just need five minutes... or five hours... in the break room. Emotion: Tired, but somehow still hopeful.

The “Everything is Broken!” Moment (Late May)

You think you’ve got everything under control, but then you realize your irrigation system is malfunctioning, and the mower just broke down. And of course, the clubhouse staff is now asking about that one tricky spot on hole 12. You can’t fix everything at once—yet, here you are, trying. Emotion: Panic, followed by frantic problem-solving.

The “I Am One With the Turf” Moment (Early June)

After a few weeks of total chaos, something magical happens: the course actually starts looking amazing. The greens are rolling like a dream, the fairways are pristine, and you can breathe. For a split second, you become one with the turf. This is what it’s all about. You’re finally winning the battle. Emotion: Zen-like peace, like you’ve reached nirvana.

The “Please Don’t Let it Rain” Moment (Late June)

Just when you think you’re in the clear, the skies open up. Heavy rain, wind, and humidity arrive to test your fortitude. You start praying to the turf gods, hoping the course doesn’t turn into a swamp overnight. Can you please just get a few weeks without storms? Emotion: Frantic desperation mixed with a little bit of bargaining.

The “This is Actually Fun?” Moment (End of June)

Against all odds, the course pulls through. The rain has subsided, the golfers are happy, and you can finally look around and admire the results of your hard work. All the chaos, all the stress, somehow it’s worth it. You’ve survived another spring, and the course looks fantastic. Time to enjoy the fruits of your labor (and maybe even take a nap). Emotion: Relieved satisfaction, with a side of “Let’s never do that again” (until next spring).

The Bottom Line:

For Mississippi superintendents, spring is a whirlwind of emotions—chaotic, challenging, and often frustrating. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment that comes with preparing a course for a new season. Sure, it’s a rollercoaster, but who doesn’t love a good ride?

Reminder:

Don’t forget to register for the Mississippi Turfgrass Association’s Yard Dog Tournament on June 10th! It’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow turfgrass professionals and showcase your skills in a fun, friendly competition. See you there!

Scott D. Hampton

President MTASuperintendent Laurel Country Club