Role of the golf course superintendent

Though considered a sporting event or leisure activity by most, the game of golf has multifaceted applications in science, technology and psychology, among others. Because of their role in the game, superintendents can provide useful information on numerous subjects.

The nature of the superintendent's job

You could call a golf course superintendent a jack-of-all-trades. Depending upon his/her situation, he/she may be part scientist, environmentalist, horticulturist, personnel manager, instructor, meteorologist and accountant, to list just a few.

Course etiquette

While it is one thing to learn the proper grip, stance and swing, it is another to know what should be the expected demeanor of golfers. Superintendents can provide answers and instruction on a variety of golf course etiquette issues, including:

• Ball mark and divot repair
• Golf bag positioning at various positions on the course
• Golf car rules and how are they determined
• Bunker raking
• Frost delays
• Golfer obligations to the course and others on the course
• Alternative vs. metal golf spikes

Golf course conditions

Whether they play at a professional tour course or a small, rural community nine hole facility, golfer's have an interest in the condition of their course. When a new golf course opens and the public is interested in the layout and how it plays. Who better than the golf course superintendent to discuss the issue?

Working with mother nature is a constant challenge. Providing optimal playing conditions during prolonged periods of drought or rain dictate mowing schedules, pattern and heights, and the application of chemicals to combat disease and promote healthy turf. Course maintenance practices require the understanding of golfers, therefore some knowledge of these activities will be to the benefit of all. Core aeration, topdressing, overseeding, syringing and frost delays are just some of the cultural practices employed to improve the quality of a course. While these maintenance activities are undertaken at times to cause the least possible delay, they are nonetheless crucial to protecting the golf course.

Tournament coverage

Regardless of the type of golf course, it is likely that it will be host to some form of tournament play, ranging from a city four-ball championship to a PGA Tour event. Superintendents are key players as they generally oversee infrastructure issues such as traffic flow, parking, course roping and marking, and construction of temporary facilities for concessions, merchandise and scoreboards. If the event draws large crowds and is to be televised, the superintendent becomes the contact for the construction of bleachers and television towers, and cabling for power and telephone.

For larger events, such as those sanctioned by the PGA and LPGA tours, the PGA of America and USGA, the superintendent works closely with the various administrative staffs to deliver desired conditions. Often, the planning for larger tournaments will be years in the making. In recent years, courses hosting major events have undergone renovation or restorations to meet the competitive requirements for today's professional golfer.

Golf course construction, grow-in, renovation and restoration

The process of transforming a tract of land into a golf facility requires the input of many individuals. The superintendent is often the key player in the development from the time the first spade of soil is turned until the first drive takes place on the No. 1 tee. Regardless of the ownership and management arrangement, the superintendent is often the first person brought on board to oversee what is called the "grow-in." Working with the golf course architect and the golf course builder, the superintendent assists in creating a facility that will serve the needs of the consumers, yet be an aesthetic and environmental asset.

Mature golf courses often undergo renovations or restorations as a means to improve conditions for golfers. The passing of time and effects of weather may necessitate rebuilding bunkers, or the desire for better drainage could be the reason for a conversion from "push up" greens to those built to USGA specifications. Developments in turfgrass science have produced new grasses that may be more suitable for the facility based on traffic and climate. The superintendent, again, is the point person in leading the project from the idea stage to completion.

Environmental stewardship

The educational background of golf course superintendents makes them uniquely qualified to serve as a community’s environmental steward, both on and off the course. That education usually entails a college degree in agronomy, turfgrass science or horticulture, combined with continuing education through GCSAA or other outlets. Superintendents and their assistants who apply chemicals must be licensed by various government/regulatory bodies and are subject to inspection.

On the course, superintendents can show how their work activities make the environment safe for golfers, adjacent landowners and wildlife in the area. A quick tour of a golf course will reveal many of the latest innovations in environmental stewardship such as the use of effluent water for irrigation, composting, hazardous material storage units and wildlife/wetland habitats.

Off the course, superintendents can be community consultants on environmental issues. There are numerous examples of superintendents who assist local recreation/parks commissions with athletic fields and provide local media with lawn care tips for distribution to the general public.