36 Hole Operation Cancel The title field is required!

1. Steven Chernosky

   

   4 posts
   
   9/22/2011 7:09 AM

   This is a question for the guys out there that oversee a 36 hole operation. I am curious how you break up responsibilities among the assistants, if you let them do the daily scheduling or if you do it and they oversee it?? I am trying to find the best feedback I can on as many aspects of operating a multiple course facility so that I can operate as efficiently and effectively while delegating enough responsibility to the assistants so that they are able to have a big part in the success of the clubs.
   
   Any advice or feedback will be greatly appreciated.
   
   Steven Chernosky, GCS
   Sterling Country Club at Houston National

   
   
   
   
2. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   9/22/2011 7:09 AM

   Steven,
   
   We run a 54-hole facility here. Two seperate shops - one for an 18 hole course and one for the 36 hole operation. One assistant on the 18 hole course and one on the 36 hole operation. Although all three courses are right next to each other(almost touching), it is nearly impossible for me to run the daily operations and see each employee and hole on a daily basis. Therefore, the assistants run the daily duties and handle 100% of the assignments as well as performance reviews, hiring, firing, disciplinary action, etc... We have weekly supervisor meetings in which the head mechanics, irrigation techs, assistants, crew leaders and myself attend. This outlines our goals for the upcoming week. I don't care how or when items get handled, but we do work out the basics or when is the best time to accomplish the tasks. My position is more of a long term planner and to oversee the general operation.
   
   I've always felt you have to have a lot of trust in your staff and hold them accountable. I don't micro-manage nor do I set up the daily schedule. I don't believe in handing out job assignments behind my assistants backs. This information should come from one source. If I see an issue, I tell the assistants and let them handle it. It is hard for me to be 100% absorbed in the daily duties when I am not 100% involved. Unfortunately, I am often tasked with duties outside of golf and much of my time is spent doing such.

   
   
   
   
3. Neidhardt John J

   
   9/22/2011 8:09 AM

   We have a 63 hole Golf Complex and 10 acre Soccer Complex run out of a single maintenance facility. I have 2 Assistants, Irrigation Supervisor, IPM Specialist, and a staff of 20. Neither of my assistant's or any staff member is responsible for any one course. We work together on all of them. We meet every morning and determine priorities daily, coordinate equipment use and they assign our agreed tasks. We each maintain separate project punchlist's for upcoming issues. Both Assistant's are trustworthy and equally capable of any decision in regards to irrigation or pesticide applications. Our Assistants are empowered to train, hire and fire. Both of our assistant's value their position and appreciate the freedom that they have. It is very important to empower them at such at a large facility.
   During our slower months, we will close down a different 18 holes every Tues/Wed/Thur and take care of cultural practices or dedicate heavy staff to groom the vacant course that day while there is no play and they can make some time without golfers.
   I try to handle all purchasing and budget issues, administrative work, scheduling close days, Clubhouse issues, and project planning.
   
   John Neidhardt GCS
   Jekyll Island Golf Resort
   Jekyll Island, Georgia
   JNeidhardt@Jekyllisland.com

   
   
   
   
4. Brian Lentz

   

   0 posts
   
   9/27/2011 7:09 PM

   We have a 54 hole facility with 36 run out of one shop and the other 18 from another location about a half a mile away. The 36 hole facility is where my office is located. We have an assistant on each of these two courses. I handle all daily assignments, fertilizer and chemical application assignments on these two courses. My assistants manage the crew on the course, they also assist where needed such as spot spraying, irrigation repairs,and projects.
   On the other 18 the assistant there handles all daily assignments, he also has a second assistant to help monitor the staff and work on projects. I take care of all ordering and long range planning for all three courses but coordinate with the assistants.
   I like to be hands on, I'll often run the fertilizer spreader for the wall to wall apps in the spring and fall at least on one of the courses. There's plenty of time to be in the office, being on the course and being hands on helps me keep a finger on the pulse of the club. Everyone has a different management style and that often isn't determined in a week. Don't be afraid to try different styles to see what works best for you and the club.
   
   Brian Lentz
   Lakewood Ranch G&CC
   Fla.

   
   
   
   
5. Bruce Williams

   

   0 posts
   
   10/11/2011 7:10 PM

   At LACC we had 36 holes and all worked out of the same building. There was a group of 3 mechanics that worked on all equipment. Each course had a supt. and first and second asst supts. We also had interns on each course and rarely did they change from one course to the other. There was one office manager and he did all the purchasing and HR.
   
   Each property is different and that worked best for us.
   
   Started off with just a few with turf degrees and left there with as many as 13 on the staff with turf or landscape degrees. I am proudest of building a great team at that facility!
   
   Bruce