In the Spotlight...

Jack Mackenzie, Jr., CGCS, Minnesota GCSA director and editor of Hole Notes

Tell us about your background. Where you were born, raised, etc.?

I was born in White Bear Lake, Minn. I started on the White Bear Yacht Club grounds crew in 1976, and have NEVER regretted my vocational choice.

How did you get started in the golf industry?

When I was 17, I was invited to a fertilizer seminar by my superintendent, Bill Peitz. The information sparked my interest. A lunch conversation with Dr. Don White from the University of Minnesota about the turf program hooked me for life.

Why did you decide to join the Minnesota GCSA Board of Directors?

I joined the board to become the editor of Hole Notes. There was a great opportunity for improvement and I wanted to make the changes.

The Minnesota GCSA's publication, Hole Notes, consistently has articles written by superintendent members. Any tips for fellow editors on how to recruit writers? What should the superintendents choose as topics?

• Find a topic your potential writer is interested in and just ask.
• Let members use plenty of pictures.
• Don’t be afraid to be a pest about getting members to write. However, if they change their minds and say no, then back away.
• Try to provide a nice magazine - a publication your chapter is proud to share with anyone.

What does the Minnesota GCSA do well? What would you say is one of the chapter's strengths?

Education is first and foremost on the list of accomplishments for the Minnesota GCSA. Our state seminars are second to none and always provide good and relevant information.

Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.