In the Spotlight...

Paul Jamrog, Rhode Island GCSA president

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where you were raised, went to school, etc.

I was born in Springfield Mass., and grew up in Chicopee, Mass. I started playing golf at 12 years old and had a pretty good junior golf record. I wanted to stay in the business, so I attended Stockbridge School at the University of Mass. My first two superintendent positions were for municipalities in Melrose, Mass. and Stoneham, Mass. I moved back to Western Massachusetts to take a position at The Orchards Golf Club (Donald Ross design) in 1984. I spent ten years at The Orchards. During this time we were recognized by the USGA and held the USGA Girls Junior Championship in 1987. I worked closely with now USGA Executive Director, David Fay. I then moved to Metacomet CC in 1994 and remain here today. It’s another Ross course that is known for its greens. I’ve always been interested in the old style of course architecture. Both The Orchards and Metacomet are wonderful Ross designs that have been restored to certain extents by Ron Prichard, GCA.

How did you get started in the golf course industry?

A cousin of mine was a golf course superintendent and suggested the profession.

Why did you decide to become involved with your local GCSAA chapter?

I had been a board member of the New England Chapter when I moved to Rhode Island in 1994. At the time I was due to move into the Vice President’s position, but resigned for lack of time. After settling down for several years in the Rhode Island GCSA, I felt it was time to get back involved.

A common issue chapter’s face is recruiting people to run for their board of directors. How do you feel the Rhode Island GCSA is doing in this area?

I feel we keep a good balance between so called “veterans” and younger superintendents on our board. Fortunately, up till now we've been able to fill positions when needed.

What is your favorite program or service that the chapter offers its members?

We are a close knit group and run very good social events each year that are well attended.

Anything else?

In the past, we’ve conducted a budget and salary survey called the “Caranci Survey” – after former superintendent, Tony Caranci. The survey has gathered course budget and superintendent salary information from members in our chapter. This year’s survey not only includes the members of the Rhode Island chapter, but the GCSA of New England and GCMA Cape Cod members’, too. We’ve also expanded the survey to include questions such as rounds played, heights of cut and speed of greens. We’re also noting things such as number of times we mow a week. The information will be available only to the superintendents who filled out the survey. Our chapter views this as an excellent tool for our members.

Share your stories by e-mailing them to Leann Cooper.