GCSAA Chapter Resources - Community

Randall Pinckney, Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS president

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

I was born in Cortland, N.Y. and moved to Frederick, MD when I was 11. My wife Erin and I currently reside in Frederick.

How did you get started in the golf industry?

I began working on the maintenance staff at age 16 at the Holly Hills Country Club in Ijamsville, MD for Mike Legere, CGCS. I spent about five summers there doing various golf course maintenance jobs. I decided to pursue a career as a superintendent and received my turf education from Penn State University.

While attending college I worked at the Elks Club of State College in State College, PA for then superintendent, Dave Frye. After school, I worked as first assistant to Tom Dale, CGCS at West Winds Golf Club in Frederick. I left West Winds and was the first assistant to Dean Graves, CGCS at Chevy Chase Club in Chevy Chase, MD. My first superintendent’s position was at the Piney Branch Golf Club in Hampstead, MD. My current position is the golf course superintendent at Manor Country Club in Rockville, MD.

Why did you join your local chapter?

I was told by Tom Dale, CGCS that it was important to attend these meetings for my career. I was Tom’s assistant at the time.

Why did you become a leader in your chapter?

I was asked to serve on the board by a mentor, friend and past president of the Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS (MAAGCS). I had always wanted to help my local association and was glad to volunteer.

During your presidency you have placed the chapter’s focus on the membership. What do you mean by that? Why is it important?

Members are the core of any association. The MAAGCS has grown so much over the last 15 years – there are many more golf courses, chemical companies and equipment companies involved. Our jobs have gotten harder due to the expectations of golfers today. It is hard for superintendents to make meetings, and attendance at our events has declined over several years. The MAAGCS this year has focused more on education, benevolence and social opportunities. We have been proactive in calling our members and challenging them to make these meetings and social functions. Our meeting attendance has risen and our members are beginning to realize the benefits of being a MAAGCS member.

Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.