loosestrife was gone from the property. At TPC of Michigan, I worked for John Kulka. At that time, we hosted the Ford Senior Players Championship. I learned that working on a golf course wasn’t always easy. Along with picking up a lot of agronomy skills at TPC, it taught me mental toughness and how to push through fatigue or anything else to get the job done. My first summer there was the hardest summer of my life, but I kept coming back for more. I spent seven years there before leaving for my first head superintendent position. That was at Bird Creek in Port Austin. I remember going to that interview to gain more interviewing experience. I wasn’t sure if I was interested in the job but by the end of the interview I wanted to work for the people interviewing me. I wanted the opportunity to show them how good their course could be. Then it was on to Saginaw Country
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THINGS PEOPLE MAY
NOT KNOW ABOUT ME
Club. I have been at SCC for 12 years. The membership at SCC was welcoming to both me and my family from the start. The Club has been supportive of everything we have tried to do since I arrived. I have a really strong staff at SCC. They make my job easier every day. I’ll never forget the phone call offering me the position here; it still brings a smile to my face whenever I think about it.
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HOW HAS YOUR JOB AT YOUR CURRENT COURSE PROGRESSED? I think the first three years at a new position are probably the most challenging but they can be the most rewarding if done right. I remember being at work a lot. It takes time to create the culture and work environment that leads to great results. Until everyone begins to work toward the same goals and objectives, it is hard to not be there. My wife has always
been amazing when it comes to allowing me to do what I need to do to provide for our family. With an incredible staff the job has gotten easier, but we are always looking for new things to make the golf course better or satisfy another goal of the membership.
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WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? To continue to support our membership through education, advocacy and leadership on all issues facing superintendents and their staff members. WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION? I became a Founders Society member in 2019 and I have many friends that are on the MTF Board. I really
1. I owned a screen printing and embroidery business with a couple of longtime friends. 2. I’ve been hit by a boat, which led to some days in the hospital as a kid. 3. My nickname growing up was Buddha, the nickname was originally given to me by a grade school basketball coach after James “Buddha” Edwards. There are people I went to HS with who still probably don’t know my real name. 4. I missed a 3’ putt on 18 to shoot 69, that was a very long time ago. 5. I’ve had kids born in 3 different cities. Course Conditions
| Issue #47 - Q2 2020
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