Do you remember the first time you reported to work on a golf course? The crispness in the air, the smell of the freshly cut grass, and the joy of watching the sunrise over the course. I first experienced the euphoria at Groveport Country Club outside of Columbus, Ohio. I worked for superintendent William Risch (41-year GCSAA member) and assistant superintendent Mark Brewer (31-year GCSAA member). I remember being anxious because I didn’t have any experience and I really wanted to make a great first impression.

After a few days of instruction and plenty of weed eater operation, I was going to solo on mowing greens for the first time and, let me tell you, I was ready! I was very proud of the laser lines I was laying down on the practice green. Mark came by after about 10 minutes to check on me and I was feeling pretty good. No scalped collars and lines that were tight. I stopped to make sure I was doing okay and Mark sort of smiled as he walked up to the green. He asked me if I was getting much grass and I reported not really anything. Mark then suggested that I engage the reel and maybe I would get some clippings. Yepper, I mowed half the green without engaging the reel, but my lines sure were straight (at least I took the transport wheels off prior to mowing…I have seen that more than once in my career).

I eventually grew into a pretty solid employee and was promoted to night irrigation duties after the individual who was doing this decided to fill the rain gauge full of water after a few tenths of rainfall so he could call it a day. Bill had other rain gauges around the course, so it was obvious that we did not receive 6 inches of rain.

Fast forward 33 years and I found myself with the same feeling of excitement as I volunteered to assist Alan Brown (20-year GCSAA member) as he hosted the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-ball Championship at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla. I knew most of the other volunteers, so I felt a little more comfortable and waited to hear my assignment from Josh Urbanec (5-year GCSAA member). I was hoping that I could shake off the 11 years of rust and be able to perform at the highest level. I was assigned the task of mowing the walkways on the course. I was instructed to start at hole 1 and work my way through 18 and mow from tees toward the fairway. This seems easy enough. However, it was 4 a.m. and raining and I had only been on the course once prior. I followed others out toward what I believed was the first hole and commenced mowing. The rain in my lights coupled with the darkness that enveloped the course made for a challenge. I followed the cart paths and worked my way around the course as I struggled to discern golf course features and what side of the hole the cart path ran. I found myself around the course well enough but could not find the maintenance building when I finished up on 18. With assistance, I did eventually return to the maintenance area.

I have to relay that Alan, Josh, and the team at Timuquana had the course dialed in and ready for the event. I certainly did not want to blemish what they had worked so hard to present. I enjoyed my three days working on the course and fondly recalled from my past the enjoyment of being on the course as the sun settled for the evening and a feeling of accomplishment as everything fell into place.

I know we all entered this business in somewhat a similar fashion and were gratified by mowing straight lines and enjoyed presenting a top-quality golf course. Long before there were budgets to propose, committee meetings to attend, and member issues with which to contend, we enjoyed the simple things like being outside and appreciating the beauty of the golf course. My time at Timuquana helped me recall the beginnings of my career in the golf industry and appreciate the work that superintendents and their staffs perform on a regular basis. I have enjoyed many blessings over my 33 years in the industry and count my time at GCSAA and working with our members as some of my fondest experiences. However, the old superintendent in me or should I say the crew member really enjoyed getting back to my roots and working on the course. Thank you, Alan and Josh, for the opportunity to work with you and reminding me of how great this profession truly is.