As the wise Dalai Lama once said, “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.”
We’re nearing the end of a challenging summer, and the atmosphere on golf courses is filled with excitement as pre-season football begins. Conversations with course superintendents and club officials have brought to light the secrets behind employee retention, ranging from cultural fit to compensation packages.
But there’s a hidden gem, a priceless treasure that often goes unnoticed in benefit plans and salary structures—the power of appreciation.
Appreciation is the key that unlocks the full potential of your golf course maintenance team. The average golfer might not fully grasp the intricacies and unwavering dedication required to maintain a top-notch golf course. Lack of appreciation can lead to mediocrity, discontent, and even the unfortunate trend of employees seeking greener pastures.
Now, let’s delve into what drives these golf course superintendents and their teams. They dream of creating a truly memorable golfer/member experience, where players can fully appreciate the meticulous maintenance, excellent playing conditions, and overall beauty of the course.
But that’s not all. They constantly seek recognition for their expertise in turfgrass management, agronomy, and environmental sustainability. These professionals stay up-to-date with cutting-edge research, trends, and technology, all to achieve optimal playing conditions, course aesthetics, and overall health.
It’s not just technical expertise that drives them; they aspire to be highly skilled and respected professionals in their field. Effective leadership, teamwork, collaboration with stakeholders, and strong relationships with club management are all part of their vision.
Let’s not forget their dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Implementing eco-friendly practices is a core value of superintendents, and they hope to inspire others in the industry to minimize water usage, reduce chemical inputs, and promote biodiversity.
Their unwavering dedication often comes at a personal cost, sacrificing their own health, family time, and wellness. Yet, they yearn for acknowledgment from golfers, club members, and industry peers alike.
It’s not an easy job. From weather fluctuations and budget limitations to disease control, they face countless hurdles and occasionally require temporary closures or maintenance practices like aerification.
So, how can golfers and club officials supercharge their golf course maintenance team with appreciation? I’ve got some straightforward tips for you:
👉 A simple “thank you” or expressing appreciation directly to the golf course superintendent when you encounter them on the course can work wonders.
📜 Sending a handwritten note or an email to the golf course superintendent is a thoughtful gesture. Let them know how much you appreciate the excellent course conditions and the effort they put into maintaining it.
📱 Take to social media! Post a positive review or shout-out on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to raise awareness about the hard work of the golf course superintendent.
🏌️ Respect the golf course rules and policies to maintain the course’s integrity and lighten the workload for the superintendent and groundskeeping staff.
⛏️ When you’re on the course, be considerate by repairing divots, fixing ball marks on greens, and properly raking bunkers. It’s a small gesture, but it means a lot to the hardworking team.
Remember, a happy and motivated staff is more likely to maintain a high level of course conditions. Let’s celebrate the passion, dedication, and commitment of the golf course maintenance teams who provide us with unforgettable golfing experiences.
About The Author
Tyler Bloom is the founder of Tyler Bloom Consulting. A former golf course superintendent and turf professional, Tyler’s love of all things golf began at the age of six when he stepped onto the course for the first time.
Tyler has an Executive Certificate in Talent Acquisition from Cornell University and a degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University. With 20 years of experience in the golf and turfgrass industry, Tyler has worked directly with reputable club leaders at some of the most prestigious clubs to place over 100 professionals in executive and management level positions throughout the United States.
Are you ready to build a top-performing team that drives results? Our proven framework, methodologies, and implementation is based on our personal track record of developing world-class teams. In addition to talent acquisition, we provide leadership development and ongoing consultative services for the golf course and club industry. Our team has personally coached and mentored dozens of future golf course superintendents across the United States.