You can learn a lot from reading, studying and talking with others. But there’s no learning experience better than going out in person, walking a golf course and meeting the people who maintain it.
I had the good fortune of visiting a trio of contrasting courses over a three-day span: Springdale Resort in Cruso, North Carolina; Augusta National Golf Club; and Pine Lake Country Club just outside Charlotte. Each course led to unique experiences to reflect on.
Springdale Resort
On a chilly Tuesday morning, our Golf Course Industry editorial staff met outside the rustic clubhouse for the start of a First Green event. A gorgeous view of the sun beamed off the Blue Ridge Mountains following a peaceful night of sleep in the villas. General manager and director of agronomy Jeremy Boone enthusiastically welcomed us and let us follow more than 70 sixth-grade students to six stations focusing on tasks and careers on the golf course.
Even after writing about the industry for almost a year now, I learned so much about all the aspects of golf careers. The students were engaged at each station, anxious to learn more and get hands-on experience.
The course is located in western North Carolina and Hurricane Helene devastation was still visible. The maintenance staff revealed the cleanup it required. This aspect made the visit even more meaningful, meeting students, teachers and staff members who have endured so much.
Augusta National Golf Club
“You don’t know how lucky you are.”
I heard those words many times during our southern road trip. We were fortunate enough to attend the Masters Wednesday practice round and Par 3 Contest. It was an experience I will never forget.
Stepping through the gates at Augusta National is like entering a new world. No phones. Every person is happy to be there. Blooming azaleas and dogwoods line the walkways. The Golf Shop line sat at a 50-minute wait and pimento cheese sandwiches were already being consumed.
When I stepped on the course, the turf took my breath away. No patch of damaged grass spotted. It was clear how much time and energy determined workers put into preparing the course.
Throughout the day I walked the course for the practice round, celebrity hunting by the clubhouse and watching golfers and their families on the par-3 course. Watching the golfers relax and have fun left a smile on my face. I even took time to call my dad from one of the phones, giving him a glimpse of the scene.
Experiencing the Masters in person, as opposed to on television, was educational and inspiring. I’m not sure it will ever sink in just how fortunate I am.
Favorite Masters food: The Georgia peach ice cream sandwich
Favorite golfer to see: Bryson DeChambeau
Favorite Golf Shop purchase: A 1,000-piece Clubhouse puzzle
Favorite scenery: Amen Corner
Pine Lake Country Club
I’ve worked on numerous stories covering construction and renovation, but observing a project in person was astonishing compared to sifting through progress photos. Superintendent Will Laine and I rode around the course in his cart as he explained every step of the process. His goldendoodle, Charlie, raced ahead of us.
I watched the contractors lay sod, move dirt, shape bunkers and mow greens. Laine explained his career journey and how he joined Pine Lake’s staff because of the project. Architect Jeff Lawrence accompanied us on the tour, explaining each of his decisions and additions. I could see the excitement on his face as he discussed his passion.
This trip was full of so many insightful and diverse educational experiences that I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. Each visit taught a variety of lessons. Consider the journey a success.
Kelsie Horner is Golf Course Industry’s assistant editor.
Tartan Talks 106
Few occupations require a professional to demonstrate an abundance of left and right brain tendencies like owning a golf course architecture firm.
Jeff Lawrence, owner of Lawrence Golf Design, describes the two-sided tussle on a Tartan Talks podcast. “You get caught up on drawing, designing and drafting,” he says, “but you have to keep that pipeline moving forward with client development.”
Once Lawrence engages a client, the multitasking doesn’t stop, as he bounces between his Greer, South Carolina, base and project sites to deftly handle massive and targeted renovations such as the one at Pine Lake Country Club (page 7). How does a day in the office look? What are his goals when he visits a site?
The episode with Lawrence, along with the entire Tartan Talks archives, can be found on the Superintendent Radio Network page of popular podcast distribution platforms.
People news
Dr. Jared Hoyle joined PBI-Gordon Corporation as the marketing manager for the professional turf and ornamental market. Hoyle is responsible for the development and execution of strategic marketing plans to grow PBI-Gordon’s professional product portfolio. The company also announced the launch of its new field development team. Brian Aynardi, Alan Estes and Kevin Miele will serve distributors and end-users across the country. … Joshua Tapp, an environmental professional with more than two decades of experience, is the new director of environmental programs for the GCSAA. Tapp will provide direction and program management for environmental and research programs. … Josh Del Bene joined AQUA-AID Solutions as its Florida technical manager. … Advanced Turf Solutions announced Scott Lund expanded his role as sales representative to provide demonstrations for Steel Green Manufacturing. … Pinehurst Resort’s Bob Farren, CGCS, will receive this year’s Distinguished Service Award from the Carolinas GCSA. … KemperSports and Touchstone Golf are joining forces. Touchstone Golf will operate as a division within KemperSports.
Course news
Explore the May 2025 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
