When the going gets tough, teams get going

I ask that you indulge me a bit as I talk about one of my favorite subjects — the Penn State football program.

I have always marveled at its success. Sure, there have been a few down moments, but for more than 40 years Penn State football has been the model of consistency under coach Joe Paterno. What strikes me most about the program when compared to others is the relative absence of superstars. Sure, there have been several All-Americans and a Heisman Trophy winner, but for the most part when I think about Penn State football, I think about teamwork.

Teamwork has been on my mind for some time now. Regardless of the setting, whether it is at home, work or play, when the going gets tough, the common thread that allows one to persevere is teamwork. For years, GCSAA has espoused the mantra that the success of a golf facility is the byproduct of a high-functioning team. It takes the commitment, energy, talent and singular focus of all at the facility to achieve success.

Such a perspective is even more vital in today’s challenging times. That is why GCSAA pursued partners to conduct the Golf Industry Show. The goal was to create a team atmosphere where facilities make decisions with the input and understanding of how each functional department is affected. Working with our GIS partners, we were able to put aside our own agendas to achieve a shared goal. It is something I urge you to consider as you and your teams work to navigate your facilities through these difficult times.

But teamwork is nothing new to GCSAA members. So as much as this is a pep talk in the manner of Joe Paterno, it is also a thank you and recognition of your efforts. Every day there are inspiring stories of GCSAA members banding together for the common good. I think of Steve Sarro leading a group of members from the Rocky Mountains to lend aid to the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina. I marvel at the passion of Dan Quast, CGCS, and the numerous other volunteers who have created the Wee One Foundation in honor of Wayne Otto to assist those in the industry with medical hardships. I swell with pride at the selflessness of Dave Buckles and his team as they saved life and property when wildfires engulfed homes near his facility in San Diego.

There is one more team that I would like to recognize. That is the GCSAA team headquartered in Lawrence. Anyone who has come in contact with staff knows of its talent and dedication. It was almost a year ago that Steve Mona announced his resignation to take over as chief executive of the World Golf Foundation. That announcement triggered a succession plan that required a team effort to ensure a solid transition.

Last month, Mark Woodward assumed the duties as GCSAA CEO. That process has been practically flawless. Behind the scenes, the GCSAA team kept focused on the task at hand with an eye toward the future. This was especially crucial during an interim period of four months between Steve’s and Mark’s tenures. It is reassuring to know we have great teammates in Lawrence.