After all of these years, I have to wonder how much I really understand about the Superintendent’s world. Recently, a Superintendent, and friend of mine, was “released” after more than a dozen years at a privately owned club, which by all accounts was very well maintained. Apparently, a couple of the owners decided that an obvious cost saving action would be to delete the line on the balance sheet called, Superintendent Salary. Somehow, they came to the conclusion that simply, and only, keeping the turf mowed would suffice for the golfers and hopefully allow the track to keep operating profitably. Of course, we are all aware of the precariousness of job security in this industry, and I have to admit that if a club is forced with having to shut down or make drastic cuts, it is understandable. I honestly don’t know how dire the situation is at this particular course, but I do know that I came to understand just how risky this move could be if continuing to operate is the plan.
There is some question as to whether the crew that is still employed has any idea how to start up the irrigation system. All of the pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer applications were calculated by the “too expensive” Superintendent. And what about record keeping? Does anyone remaining have any idea what all is required? Will someone be able to spot disease before it overtakes the course? Will golfers truly be interested in playing a course that is not going to be maintained beyond “cutting the grass”?
So what went wrong that these owners, not stupid people by any means, have so little understanding of their Superintendent’s responsibilities, that they determined he was not necessary. Is it his fault? Tough for a Superintendent or anyone for that matter to boldly lay out just how valuable he/she is to the operation. Wouldn’t it seem obvious anyway? Or did he do his job so well that it looked pretty easy? Is it a lack of education on the part of the GCSAA? Could more be done to create awareness?
Have you provided your club with a list of your daily and seasonal responsibilities? Maybe you could provide this at review time and ask to be judged based on how well each was managed. Subtle way to make the point.
Out of Bounds 