Andy Jorgensen said: Ben,
We run 54 holes down here in Florida with myself, two first assistants and two 2nd Assistants. Part of our company philosophy is the well being of our employees, regardless of position. Taking time away from work is part of that well being and can do wonders for rejuvenating and energizing employees. Therefore we allow employees to take time off when they want or need to. If my Assistant takes time off, I fill his shoes and vice versa. I have the philosophy that cross training is important and that everybody on staff should be able to do all jobs. It is also important to remember that nowadays everybody is a phone call away.
A few years ago I had a conflict arise with a family vacation for myself and aerification. After deciding I was going to reschedule the vacation and informing my boss, her reply was "take the vacation. If the assistants can't handle it by now either you aren't doing your job or they don't need to be here." I may be the only Superintendent to ever take a vacation during aerification. And guess what, the staff performed flawlessly.
I missed our second day of aerification this year due to our son's last year with his high school winter drum line championships (which was an awesome trip and we so lucky to have been part of it, memories that we as a family and with our band family we won't forget). We borrowed a guy from one of our other courses and the guys got it done.
I guess the one question to ask, how is the rest of your staff set-up? Full timers, foreman, etc. Can these other full timers help oversee set up along with what seasonal staff you have? And one or two management positions can oversee that weekend?
Andy makes great points, cross train, and maybe give your staff more responsibility, if they have been there for a while they should know the routine. My guys have been taking care of my course while I have been missing time with medical treatments, with my most important contact making sure we stay on our chemical applications.
Mel