In the spring issue of Pro Shop Magazine, my column on “Hiring Practices for Golf Course Superintendents” seems to have struck a nerve with readers as a number of clubs have contacted me with questions. I’ve been asked for the Q&A information sheet offered in that issue so it could be used as part of an interview process, if necessary.
It seems that when the time comes to hire someone to be basically on call 24/7, or at least be responsible for things that are more under the control of Mother Nature than in the hands of any one qualified individual, the search can be an onerous one today.
There is much to consider for both the golf club and the individuals applying for the position. In general, smaller clubs and 9 homers are more inclined to hire up-and-comers looking for their first superintendent’s position. Established clubs and private clubs often get many applications or expressions of interest.
From an applicant’s position, the golf courses that are owned by a municipality are attractive as benefits and pensions are usually standard.
According to our readers, from people who applied for the job, the question was: “Do you want a working superintendent or administrative superintendent?” The answer was usually: “Of course, we want a working superintendent!”
One reader stated: “As far as the actual interview, we really did not know what to ask in order to determine whether or not the person sitting in front of us actually knew their chemistry. We were unaware of the importance of the science.”
One person who contacted me was actually an assistant superintendent who wanted to be ahead of the curve and know about the technical questions, so he could prepare himself for such an event.
All the comments were supportive in nature.
Today, golf courses in general are making decisions on the cost of things versus the investment in staff. There are a lot of qualified, energetic young candidates out there, willing to work long hours to get established.
Some clubs are weighing the cost of an administrative superintendent, and many of them are asking themselves: “Do we really need a golf professional or just a qualified teaching professional?”
Here in BC, teaching professionals are using golf clubs as a workplace to give lessons and work out a deal with the club to do so. This way, members have access to a teaching pro who may work from different clubs on different days. Sign of the times.
This belt-tightening touches superintendents and professionals, and impacts overall costs to operate various aspects of management. Some management groups are operating with regional superintendents who oversee assistants at two or three, or more, group owned facilities.
The profession of golf course superintendent has evolved from the days when all that was required was just cutting grass. Today, knowledge of the science of sand construction is necessary. Environmental pressure is real and challenges many who are trying to maintain the highest of standards while dealing with nature in a changing climate.
At the end of the day, being responsible for any golf course property requires endless hours, and careful and strategic planning. Knowledge of business, budgets, managing people, and yes, the science associated with keeping something alive. In reality, every day, we cut the grass to within millimeters of death hoping it stays alive, and try to prop it up with a caring bedside manner much like a nurse looking after a patient.
Every day, 24/7 the mental clock is ticking. Did that head stick on again? How hot is it going to be tomorrow and the next day? Where is the plant in the growth cycle? And, we want the same green speed at 2pm as we get when the greens mower leaves the surface after the morning cut.
Clubs must be careful with hiring decisions and never sell short the importance of an engaged, qualified senior manager who feels the pulse of the property each and every day.
The Hiring Practices paper I discussed in the past issue touched on only one aspect of competence. However, there are many more qualifications to consider.
