I find it wonderfully ironic that my first column for Golf Course News online coincides with the first GCSAA Show…oops, I mean GIS Show…that begins to redefine what the event, and to some extent our industry, represents. As Crosby, Stills & Nash sang three decades ago, there’s something happening here. In this case, “what it is” is pretty clear: There’s a convergence going on in our business that represents an interesting double-edged sword for superintendents. The new, conglomerated GIS is circumstantial evidence that decision-making and authority in our happy little industry is beginning to change. The important thing isn’t that your owner will be at the show this year. That only impacts a few of you out there. It’s also not that important that your club manager will be at the show starting in a few years. That too only impacts a few of you. What really matters is that the newly merged show is a symptom of the sea change that’s occurring right now.
There’s a new dynamic at work that reflects both the current economic climate in golf and the longer-term changes that have been happening in our business for some time. I’m worried that the growth in responsibility – power, if you will – among superintendents is beginning to erode as owners, general managers and directors of golf begin to take a much more active role in the golf course maintenance decision-making process. In short, the superintendent is only as important as his purchasing power and that sole authority is being diminished gradually by these changes. For some of you, this will represent disempowerment. The less authority you have, the less you “matter” in the scheme of things. For others of you, this will represent an opportunity to grow and be part of the larger management structure at your facility. Think about it what it means to you…it might be the most important self-assessment you ever make.
On that happy thought, I want to invite you to come to a new place to discuss ideas along these lines that are shaping – or reshaping – our business. It’s a new forum for topics related to the business of golf and how it impacts superintendents, owners, developers, architects, builders and everyone else. I’m very happy to serve as your host at this new online “coffee shop” where we can chat about the things that matter most to us and the future of our happy little industry.
I’ll be in Orlando at the big show all week. If you’re attending, I’ll see you there. Otherwise, I look forward to chatting with you on the forum and to sharing whatever meager thoughts I have in each issue of the print version of Golf Course News.
Also, don’t forget to come visit our team in Orlando at booth 3963. It’s a great chance to meet our folks and get to know more about Golf Course News.
Regards…
Pat