During the past five years as an assistant superintendent at a few of the finest clubs in the country, I have been exposed to many management styles and learning experiences that have varied from the priceless to the down right frightening. I would like to share a few examples in the following article in an attempt to supply the young up and coming assistants in the industry with what I believe will be information that will help their careers begin in the right direction.
Over the last decade the amount of national and international institutions that offer turf management programs has increased at a rate that reflects the amount of golf courses that have been built around the world. I think we can all agree that both have reached a plateau and competition for jobs is tougher than a Bering Sea fisherman. Having the advantage over the next guy is paramount in everything from your home town to what you where to the interview.
I would like to start by focusing on what I believe could be the earliest steps an aspiring assistant can take. Starting at the collegian level, one would be wise to inquire with your head professor in regards to the option of taking classes involving Spanish culture, more specifically Mexican culture if your turf program does not already offer it. Over time the large percentage of golf course crew members have merged into a largely Hispanic percentile.
The ability for the assistant to not only gain the respect of their crew but understanding the best way to go about it will be key to his or her success. My suggestion: figure out who might be the senior or most respected crew member and for the love of Pete get him on your good side, whether it is buying him lunch or pulling him aside and giving him added responsibility throughout the completion of a project.
Secondly, I would like to point out that it would be nice to conduct yourself like Robert Duvall’s character in Apocalypse Now, but it's just not reality. It's important that your crew doesn't think you have the attitude that you are better than they are. It is crucial that you get in there with them and conduct yourself as an equal, in turn the crew will work as you work and see you are not afraid or to good to get in there and work with them.
In conclusion, I would also like to point out that you are not going to change your new course and crew to how you feel it should be in one day. Forward progress is slow and patience is the most important virtue a new assistant needs to posses. Talking with your superintendent and devising a plan for quarterly or annual progress that you both feel is attainable will help.
Until next time, I wish you all the success you are willing to work for.