Southern Hills needs new Superintendent

[Craig Van Egmond]

The super for Southern Hills has resigned this month and the hunt is on for a new one. Anybody?  They are coming off a huge remodel , all new grass, greens, bunker etc. and are hosting the 2007 PGA Championship, so no pressure there.  

I played the last fall and the course was in amazing shape for only being open for a short while.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Craig,

I know the absolute, best man for the job.

Fortunately, he's not available.

[Anthony_Nysse]

Wow-
  John Szklinski is a great superintendent and came over shortly before the 2001 US Open, though I can't remember where he came from....

Tony Nysse
Asst. Supt.
Long Cove Club
HHI, SC

[Craig Van Egmond]

Tony,

      John did do a great job there, it had to be a long couple of years though. Certainly not a low profile position.

[Anthony_Nysse]

Pat-
  Thanks for the consideration......

Tony Nysse
Asst. Supt.
Long Cove Club
HHI, SC

[Brad Klein]

John Szklinski was at Desert Forest GC in Carefree, then 1994-1999 at Desert Highlands in Scottsdale before going to Southern Hills.

[Troy Alderson]

Craig,

I know the absolute, best man for the job.

Fortunately, he's not available.

Pat,

You must be talking about me, but I am available.  Weren't you aware?  

Craig,

Anymore info available yet?

Troy

[Craig Van Egmond]

Troy,

          The have hired a nationwide search firm to find their new superintendent.  Here's an article from the Tulsa World:

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsStory.asp?ID=060628_Sp_B1_Cours50937

[RDecker]

It's nice to know that the super is only the third or fourth most important person at the club... that should certainly make the job easier.

[mikes1160]

Boy that's a telling quote.......Mr. Sidokaris, who takes care of the most important asset at Southern Hills?

[jg7236]

Wow, John Szklinski resigned, why??  John is a great guy!  I had the pleasure to working with him while I was the Assistant Super for Landscapes Unlimited while we remodeled the golf course for the 2001 US Open.  I learned so much from John.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Maybe the leadership at SH has changed over the last decade.

How many superintendents have they had in the last 10 years or so ?

Leave Nick alone, he's a Jersey boy by way of Shackamaxon.

[Chris Neff]

Hey Pat!

I do believe they have only had two superintendents in the last 25 years! Bob Randquist was there for a while before he went to Boca Rio. Then I do believe John took over for him after he left.

Chris Neff,GCS
Timuquana CC

[Steve Okula]

To quote from the article;

<"in the golf course hierarchy structure, the superintendent is your third- or fourth-most important person in the organization," said Southern Hills Country Club general manager Nick Sidorakis.>

As a superintendent, I can understand why a guy would resign the position if he has to work with a GM whose values are so skewed that the GCS at a major venue is the "fourth" most important position in the facility. Presumably, Sidorkas considers himself of first importance, but who else is ahead of the GCS? The accountant? The golf pro? The chef?

[S. Huffstutler]

I can only guess at the reasons for the resignation, but the GM's remark is certainly telling. A place like that is a pressure cooker and to be only 3rd or 4th in line after.....I guess the night barman, would cause me to have second thoughts, too. I know they all think it, but I can't believe this GM actually said it.

Steve

[peter_p]

Management Team
Nick Sidorakis, CCM, General Manager
Robert Lupo, CCM, Clubhouse Manager
John Szklinski, Golf Course Superintendent
Dave Bryan, Head Golf Professional
Frank “Pancho” Walthall, Head Tennis Professional
Mark Southard, CPA, CHAE, CHTP, Controller
Devin Levine, Executive Chef
Mark Kirby, Operations & Security Manager

    Waddabout the lifeguard and webmaster. The clubhouse is 47,000 sq ft for 950 members. And parking lot security should be up there too, what with the murder.
    I'd guess the pro and superintendent are downlisted because they don't have the CCM pedigree.

[Troy Alderson]

Management Team
Nick Sidorakis, CCM, General Manager
Robert Lupo, CCM, Clubhouse Manager
John Szklinski, Golf Course Superintendent
Dave Bryan, Head Golf Professional
Frank “Pancho” Walthall, Head Tennis Professional
Mark Southard, CPA, CHAE, CHTP, Controller
Devin Levine, Executive Chef
Mark Kirby, Operations & Security Manager

    Waddabout the lifeguard and webmaster. The clubhouse is 47,000 sq ft for 950 members. And parking lot security should be up there too, what with the murder.
    I'd guess the pro and superintendent are downlisted because they don't have the CCM pedigree.

Peter,

Looks like the superintendent and head pro are 4th/5th behind the GM, CPA, and Clubhouse manager.  Why the superintendent and head pro are not equal to the clubhouse manager is a mystery.  Maybe the clubhouse is worth more than the golf course.

Troy

[John Gosselin]

Take away the golf course at any club such as SH and what do you have? Would it still exist?

I can't believe a GM would make a comment like that in private much less to the media.

[Craig Sweet]

Grow it, mow it, and shut up....

All to common....

[Steve Okula]

I'm going to take a liberty, and copy the following post from the GCSAA forum written by John Szklinski .

"This is the first time as a member of the GCSAA that I've visited the forum section. Before yesterday when I talked with Bruce R. Williams CGCS at L.A.C.C., I didn't even know it existed. My General Manager, the gentleman that I've worked for over the past 7.5 years, is an incredible individual. The pleasure I've had working for him as well as what he has taught me, I could not have experienced anywhere else. I am in debt to him and this club for the opportunities they have provided to me and my family. SHCC is truly an incredible place that I will miss.

Plainly stated the 3rd or 4th comment is generous when you consider the Board of Governors, Green Committee, Green Chair, Club President, General Manager and Golf Professional. I'm honored to be in the 3rd or 4th position in the company of such exceptional people."

I stand corrected regarding my earlier post about Mr. Sidorakis. According to Mr. Szklinski, he is a stand-up guy. Plus, I have to trust a man with a nice Polish name.