Fifty-three assistant golf course superintendents convened in the Raleigh, N.C., area last week to hear about industry suppliers and research, to listen to top superintendents speak and, probably more importantly, to learn from each other.
For the third year in a row, Bayer Environmental Science and John Deere have hosted Green Start Academy, a two-day educational program for assistant superintendents. In addition to giving tours of their facilities, respectively located in Clayton and Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Bayer and John Deere arranged for an array of experts to speak to and interact with the assistants.
Scott Welge, director of marketing for Bayer Environmental Science, said the assistants who were chosen for the program represent the “crème de le crème.” Though he declined to specify the number of program applicants, he said each of the 53 Green Start attendees was chosen based on a nomination (typically done by his or her superintendent) and his or her responses to several essay questions. A panel of five top superintendents then selected the attendees.
Top of mind for attendees as they networked with their peers and listened to industry experts was how to take the next step in their careers and, during that process, how to maintain work/life balance.
Bruce Williams, director of golf and grounds management for Los Angeles Country Club, emphasized the importance of the non-technical side of golf course management. He schooled the assistants on communication techniques, both verbal and nonverbal.
Williams, who followed a non-traditional path to becoming a superintendent by first studying English and speech pathology, emphasized a superintendent’s need to “sell” himself every day. That includes learning to speak the language of the people he works with by making a business case for replacing equipment or doing renovations – and presenting it in a professional manner.
In a nonverbal sense, Williams says that means always keeping a coat and tie in the closet in his office in case he’s invited to an impromptu meeting. Similarly, Williams recommends always keeping golf shoes and clubs on hand in case you’re invited to play. While you don’t have to have top-of-the-line gear, he says your shoes should be clean and your clubs shouldn’t look like they just came out of the junk yard.
“Look like you want to be invited,” Williams said.
In developing a more professional image, superintendents need to remember the little things, he said, estimating that about 70 percent of superintendents’ problems are people-related – from employees to members to city council members.
“If you don’t understand the power of a thank-you note, shame on you,” he said.
In terms of moving up the career ladder, Williams emphasized the importance of image and networking.
“Look at the people who are where you want to be, what they did to get there, how they operate and carry themselves,” Williams said.
Avoid some of the common faux pas he sees, like applicants with baggy pants, earrings or cocked hats and unprofessional e-mail addresses.
“It’s very competitive and you have to remember you are the image you portray,” he said. “You have to give me every reason in the world to hire you.”
Next week: More from Green Start Academy, including tips from Bob Farren, grounds and golf course manager for Pinehurst Resort & Country Club.
