Randall Martin knows what makes a good superintendent. As president of the Golf Course Superintendent division, John Sibbald & Associates, an executive search firm specializing in private clubs and resorts, Martin has helped countless premier clubs hire superintendents. What’s more, he’s served as a green committee chairman at a private club for more than a decade.
“Today, more than ever, clubs recognize the importance of having a good golf course superintendent,” Martin said. There is more competition between clubs than there has been in the past, and they recognize that they need to have a good golf course to attract new members.”
So what makes a superintendent attractive to a club looking to hire? Martin shared these 11 key qualities during a presentation at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Show, Feb. 9-14, San Diego, Calif.
1. Agronomy Skills. “Obviously the clubs are looking for someone who has good agronomic skills, which means at least a two-year degree in turfgrass management or a related field,” Martin said. Plus, he added, clubs are looking for “someone who is a Certified Golf Course Superintendent and has kept up with the certification requirements and agronomic advancements.”
2. Strong Leadership Abilities. “Do whatever you can to improve your leadership and management skills by taking the necessary courses or working under someone who has an excellent reputation for leadership and management,” Martin said.
3. Good Written & Communication Skills. “If you can’t clearly communicate and sell your plans for the golf course to the general manager, the green committee and the membership at large, you are going to have a problem. Also, you need to communicate regularly to the membership, in writing, so that they know what’s going on,” Martin said.
4. Strong Character/Decisiveness. Martin explained that, “most of the clubs I’ve worked for are looking for a superintendent for guidance in setting up a long-range plan for the golf course. So, they want someone with the strength of character to standup and say what the course should be doing and what the priorities should be. Obviously you have to be tactful, but the clubs are looking for a strong individual, not a Mr. or Mrs. Milk Toast.”
5. Team Player. “Clubs are looking for someone with a reputation of working well with a golf professional and other staff members,” Martin added.
6. Approachable. “[Golf courses] want someone who is visible on the golf course when the members are around. Someone who the members feel comfortable with and can express their feelings. If a member has a legitimate concern and you handle it in a timely manner, that individual will become one of your most ardent supporters,” Martin said.
7. Sound Financial and Administrative Skills. “You have to be able to put together a detailed budget and handle the administrative details. In other words, the paperwork is important.”
8. Experience With Improvements. Further, Martin pointed out that, “At some point most clubs will renovate some part of their course, so you have to have experience doing in-house projects, as well as hiring outside contractors and supervising them.”
9. Related Experience. “When a club’s search committee reviews your resume they are looking for similarities between your experience and their facility i.e. experience in the same weather zone, similar type of grass, private vs. public, etc.”
10. Association Involvement. Martin encouraged superintendents to active in their local and national associations and hold an office if possible. “Clubs look favorably on superintendents who have been recognized by their peers,” he added.
11. Golf Skills. “Something that I hear now that wasn’t as important a few years ago,” Martin said, “is that clubs want the superintendent to play golf and see the golf course from a player’s perspective. It’s not necessary to have a single-digit handicap, but it is important to play the game.”
