In those days, it was a major coup if we could get Golf Digest or another major sticks-and-balls publication to print a little tiny item about the election of the new GCSAA president in their news section. One mention of the host superintendent in a story about a major championship was cause to pop a bottle of bubbly and celebrate. It was frustrating, because we had such a great story to tell. But, we stuck with it tenaciously…always trying to get more mentions of superintendents in stories and hoping that one of the big four books (Digest, Golf, GolfWorld or GolfWeek) would throw us a bone.
I have a crystal-clear memory of speaking with the publisher of one of those big glossy magazines who was not only lauding the role of the superintendent (and happily disparaging golf pros) but also talking endlessly about how golfers needed to be educated about the environment and the whole brown-is-beautiful concept. So, sensing an opening, I said, “Well, you should do a big feature on that or start publishing pictures showing a little brown here or there.” He looked at me, smiled and said, “Oh, Pat, no way. Golfers don’t give a @$#@ about that stuff.”
My how times have changed…
Now, thanks largely to the diligent efforts of GCSAA – particularly during Steve Mona’s long tenure – there are daily articles about superintendents, maintenance, environmental positives and even touchy subjects like green speed and frost delays. Just set up a daily Google search for “golf & superintendent.” It’ll warm your heart to see how much attention is being paid to your brethren across the nations.
I’ll be the first to say that the association’s longtime communications guru, Jeff Bollig, has quietly done a fabulous job of staying on top of the media and constantly reinforcing our profession’s key messages. The chapters, after years of hit-or-miss efforts, have finally begun to build productive, ongoing relationships with local golf writers and even broadcasters.
In short, our story is finally becoming part of the public face of golf.
Need more proof? Check out this remarkable online piece adapted from the November issue of Golf Digest (http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2009/11/photos_course_superintendents) which features a ton of superintendents literally voicing their ideas about everything under the sun. Yes, many are industry superstars and it would have been nice to hear more from the rank and file folks, but just consider if something like this would have ever seen the light of day even five or six years ago. Personally, I think not.
Have we reached the finish line and achieved our image goals? Not even close. But, as Lennon & McCartney wrote way back when, you have to admit it’s getting better…better all the time.
