In the Spotlight...

Scott Turtinen, Minnesota GCSA executive director

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I was born in Morningside, Minn., and moved to Wayzata at age 4. I lived in Wayzata through college, and still live in the Wayzata School District. During high school, I played varsity hockey and golf. I caddied and painted houses from 7th grade through 10th grade. I began refereeing hockey games as a sophomore in high school and continued through college. I refereed more than 100 games per winter. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with an emphasis on graphic arts, advertising and marketing.

I served on the board of directors at Wayzata Country Club and held the position of Green Chairman. I married Laurie Hunt in 1984. We first met in 4th grade, but didn’t date until October 11, 1975 — the first night of Saturday Night Live. We have three children: daughters Melissa, 20, Abbey, 17, and son Alex 13.

How did you get started with the Minnesota GCSA (MGCSA)?

In 1989 the superintendent at Wayzata Country Club, Jim Lindblad, approached our firm, Turtinen Communications, Inc., to see if we’d be interested in managing the MGCSA’s business affairs. Jim knew we were the business office for the Trans-Mississippi Golf Association and produced a regional golf publication called, The Minnesota Golf Scene. At that time, the Minnesota Golf Association (MGA) oversaw the business affairs of the MGCSA. However, both associations were growing to the point where the MGA needed the MGCSA to find a company to operate the association. We met with the MGCSA Board of Directors, and worked out an arrangement that continues to this day. I work with my brother, Jeff, and our dad, Ralph.

What is your role and responsibilities with the MGCSA?

We handle the business office tasks of the association. We organize monthly meetings, maintain a member database, produce correspondence, keep financial records, and produce Hole Notes, a monthly publication for the membership.

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

I enjoy working with golf course superintendents on all the different tasks that come up. I get a lot of satisfaction working with our Hole Notes editor, Jack MacKenzie, CGCS, producing our magazine each month. The monthly meetings are worthwhile and enjoyable. It’s fun to network with the membership and meet new members.

Anything else you would like to share?

At my home course in Wayzata, I enjoy talking with superintendent, Bob Distel, about things that can be done to make it easier for the grounds staff to manage the course. Drainage was an issue. Since then, almost everything has been slit and wet spots are minimal around the course. I continue to learn quite a bit about the complexities of maintaining a course in the North.

The research side is interesting. Government regulations are eliminating many products used on golf courses, which make research as important as ever to help maintain conditions golfers expect. I’d like to see the golfing public become educated on golf course maintenance and realize that it is not an exact science. What may work one summer or winter does not guarantee the same methods will work the following year. It amuses me that golfers love to play the light brown, crusty turf of St. Andrews, but when they return to the United States they want their course lush and green. Just remember, brown is good, green is bad.

Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.