Great quote re turfgrass management

[Jeff_Mingay]

Ken Wright, the long-time superintendent at Devil's Pulpit and Paintbrush near Toronto, has been nominated for Golfweek's SuperNEWS Superintendent of the Year award. Ken has a stellar reputation here, in Canada; in fact, he's consider the best greenkeeper in our country.

Anyway, in the article announcing his nomination, Ken offers a great quote... a genuine classic:

"If these committee-governed clubs would just leave there superintendents alone for a while, they would get a better golf course in return. I would be tempted to ask the meddling type what they do for a living, and then suggest that maybe I could visit with them at their place of business for a few minutes and tell them how they could straighten out their problems."

[Steve Lang]

 

Here Here!!  proselytizing not withstanding !!..

[ChasLawler]

What if the super doesn't care or know about golf course architecture...or firm and fast?

[Craig Sweet]

What if the superintendent could careless about the cost of beer in the club house...or a dozen proV1's?

[JESII]

I wonder if there is a club on the planet (committee or dictator governed) in which the superintendent has free reign to do as they please...Craig, what do you think?

[Matthew Hunt]

When GCAs are making changes they should consult more with the supers.

[ChasLawler]

What if the superintendent could careless about the cost of beer in the club house...or a dozen proV1's?

Why should he?

[tlavin]

Ken Wright, the long-time superintendent at Devil's Pulpit and Paintbrush near Toronto, has been nominated for Golfweek's SuperNEWS Superintendent of the Year award. Ken has a stellar reputation here, in Canada; in fact, he's consider the best greenkeeper in our country.

Anyway, in the article announcing his nomination, Ken offers a great quote... a genuine classic:

"If these committee-governed clubs would just leave there superintendents alone for a while, they would get a better golf course in return. I would be tempted to ask the meddling type what they do for a living, and then suggest that maybe I could visit with them at their place of business for a few minutes and tell them how they could straighten out their problems."

This sentiment is correct, of course.  I wouldn't listen to a dirt doctor tell me how to cross-examine a neurosurgeon in court and I won't try to question him about what type of chemicals he's putting on the turf.  I will question him about philosophical issues (firmness, speed etc.) and practical issues (hole locations, tee placement) and scheduling issues as they relate to club events (aeration in particular).  Otherwise, I think you have to leave the super alone and let him/her succeed or fail on their own merits.

[SL_Solow]

The membership through its committee , in consultation with the greenkeeper, should set budgets and establish reasonable expectations for course conditions.  After that, the main role of the green chairman should be to keep the members away from the greenkeeper so that he/she may do the job.  Taking on the so called experts is the most important role of the chairman.  An employee can never win an argument with a member.  A chairman who won't stand up for a good greenkeeper should resign.

[Garland Bayley]

The membership through its committee , in consultation with the greenkeeper, should set budgets and establish reasonable expectations for course conditions.  After that, the main role of the green chairman should be to keep the members away from the greenkeeper so that he/she may do the job.  Taking on the so called experts is the most important role of the chairman.  An employee can never win an argument with a member.  A chairman who won't stand up for a good greenkeeper should resign.

And then you get supers getting on this site and saying why don't you guys talk to me more?
 

[SL_Solow]

The greenkeeepers know what I am talking about.  There is a difference between asking ordinary questions and confrontations caused by members who think they're experts.  The chaieman can act as a buffer to let the greenkeeper do his job.  I've been at it for 15 years and it works if you're willing to put up with the headaches.

[Steve Okula]

I'm a GCS at a private club. The members want to come out to enjoy themselves. They like a dense green sward, raked bunkers, manicuring, and greens that roll a little. Past that, they want a good meal and some social life.

I would say that 98% arent' really bothered about talking to the GCS or knowing all about what he does. But the 2% who do, are often the same ones who have strong opinions about how things might be better, and get themselves on the greens committee.

The best situation I ever had was under the rule of a benevolent dictator. I worked a resort course in Spain with excellent resources, and reported to a single owner. We met once a month for about 15 minutes and made all the necessary decisions, then he left and let me get on with it. Never a problem, except it was too easy. I got bored, and went up to a French club with a committee, just to keep life interesting.

[TEPaul]

I say a committee should talk to the super about "playability" and then leave him alone to figure out the rest. If after that he has the club playing on either dirt or a sponge all the time then I say a committee should feel free to talk to him again about "playability" but this time a "playability that has a light green sheen to it as often as possible.  

[Patrick_Mucci_Jr]

"If these committee-governed clubs would just leave there superintendents alone for a while, they would get a better golf course in return. I would be tempted to ask the meddling type what they do for a living, and then suggest that maybe I could visit with them at their place of business for a few minutes and tell them how they could straighten out their problems."

Jeff,

In general, I support the above statement, but, there are exceptions to the rule.

I think you have to ask, "why do superintendents get fired ?"

And then re-examine the issue from the perspective of those answers.

Micro management is probably the most problematic issue.

I recommend that you outline the objective, give him the budget he needs to accomplish the objective and then get out of the way.

I also feel that the best green committees are composed of one individual, the Chairman.