To quantify current career conditions for superintendents,Golf Course News commissioned an independent online survey of 4,000 readers in December 2003. The survey generated a 13.7 percent response. Three out of four superintendents say their jobs have become more difficult because of a combination of slumping course revenue, budget pressure and ever-increasing golfer expectations. Following are key questions and responses from the survey:
1. Compared to three to five years ago, has your job become more challenging or less challenging?
More challenging 73%
Less challenging 2%
No response ..............................25%
Reasons why the job has become more challenging (specific responses):
• Increasing golfer expectations 20%
• Tighter budgets .....................19%
• Rounds down/greatercompetition for revenue 16%
• Slump in the overall economy 11%
• Job title/increasing responsibilities 10%
• Course maintenance problems 6%
• Labor shortages/issues 5%
• More regulation/environmental issues 4%
• Other 9%
Reasons why the job has become less challenging (specific single responses):
• New course ownership
• Dealing with employees better
• Better tools and equipment
• Learning more
• More money in the budget
• New technology
2. How secure do feel your present position is?
Very secure 41%
Not secure 40%
Somewhat secure 11%
Not sure 7%
No answer 1%
3. As a superintendent have you ever been terminated or quit for budgetary, technical performance or personality/political reasons?
No 63%
Yes 37%
Main reasons for "yes" responses:
Personality/political 23%
Budget 7%
Technical performance 2%
Other* 11%
*Course bankruptcies, taking new jobs, promotions, etc.
4. Has a close friend who was a superintendent ever been terminated or left a position for technical performance, budgetary, personality/political reasons, or to take a job outside of golf?
No 4%
Yes 96%
Main reasons for "yes" responses (Note: multiple responses allow total to exceed 100%):
Personality/political 83%
Technical performance 70%
Take job outside golf 52%
Budget 43%
5. Did your formal training to be a superintendent prepare you adequately in terms of people skills?
Yes 51%
No 46%
No response 3%
6. How long have you been working in your current job as a superintendent or assistant superintendent?
Average: 8 years
7. How many years have you been working in the golf industry?
Average: 19.5 years
Explore the February 2004 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.