What have I learned after 20 years? The first lesson I'm going to talk about took 19 years to really sink in. It is: "Watch what you say and really watch what you put onto the internet". Last summer I stirred up the pot with a local columnist in defense of my profession. Long story short, sometimes a phone call is the best method of discussing a topic. I hope the membership at the Royal Mayfair will feel comfortable to do that with me when necessary. I can take the good with the bad (as most superintendents can).
The second lesson I've learned is: "The weather can lay waste to the best laid plans". We all realize a thunderstorm or a drought can affect the condition of a golf course but in this part of North America winter is the great equalizer. The first time your course suffers from ice damage or disease you begin to question everything you do. This was the first real acid test of my career . Of all the adversity a superintendent is faced with I think dead greens top the list. How you react and recover is a lesson in itself. Again, to make a long story short. Been there. Done that.
The third lesson: "To find a balance between profession and family is paramount". The demands for time that come with being a golf course superintendent are very high but even more so for that six months of intense work that comes with a short golf season. Something has to give and that usually means less leisure time. Having kids reinforces this. Summer holidays? Difficult. A spouse who is also a superintendent? A whole topic in itself. I know, we all make choices in life. Even so we adapt although it took a few years to figure out how to develop some kind of balance. We're very fortunate to be able to lean on each other when it seems there is not enough time to complete anything. My family knows that this summer is going to be a stressful one.
The fourth lesson: "No matter what I do on the golf course someone isn't going to like it". This one can drive you crazy. It doesn't matter what golf course you work at. Public or private. One owner or hundreds (read that as shareholder). You accomplish tasks that you truly believe raises maintenance to another level or you embark on a path that will lead to a better club in the future but there is always a certain percentage that will not be pleased. My goal is to try and keep that group in the low percentages. I was once told by a very wise person that I wasn't unique. It didn't matter what profession you were in. Its the same everywhere so I shouldn't feel special. His point. Quit whining and do your best. Gulp.
The fifth lesson: "Remember who you work for". Basically I remind myself constantly that even though the golf course is "my canvas" it doesn't belong to me. I have worked for 1 owner, 10 owners and many shareholders over the years. I am fortunate they have had the trust in me to look after their investment. Even though the course isn't mine I will treat it like it is. I want the best conditions that all the variables can deliver. Sometimes it takes longer than we would like but we will get there.
The sixth lesson: "I have more to learn in the future".
I could go on and on but the five I have discussed always seem to rise up and demand someone (myself) take notice. Until next time.
