While sitting down and having dinner with Troy and Kim Russell and Thomas and Camy Jefferson in Bandon the other night, we discussed 2020 and the new phrases that have evolved out of everything going on. Phrases like, “the new normal,” “unprecedented times,” “social distancing,” and “stay home, stay safe,” just to name a few. I, for one, get tired of hearing these phrases over and over. I feel like there’s no escaping everything that is going on around us. As I was venting my frustration, Kim said, “a word that we should all be focusing on instead is perseverance.” Just then, it all made sense. Forget about all of the words reminding me of all the bad that is going on around us this year, and focus instead on the positive and how we, as a society, can persevere — if we put our mind to it.

I had just finished delivering $29,285 to crew members in the Rogue Valley because of a highly successful GoFundMe campaign and what struck me the most was how all these individuals displayed perseverance. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to lose everything but literally the clothes on my back. I was expecting them to be down and out, but instead they were holding their heads high. If they were to dwell on their terrible situation it would only paralyze them. Instead, they held their heads high and knew that they had to move on. The overall success of the campaign and then the attitude of those that received the funds totally restored my faith.

Let’s look what we have overcome since this pandemic started. When we thought our season was all but over, we persevered and made sure we could play golf safely. Now we’ve experienced one of our most successful seasons in recent memory. We have also been hit with wildfires, unexpected snowstorms, and hurricanes, but like always, we as golf course superintendents have risen to the challenge and continue to persevere.

And finally, if anyone has persevered this year, it is Ken Benoit. Ken just rode his bicycle across the entire country to promote the GCSAA BMPs. He called it Connect to Protect. He had endured all kinds of challenges. Early on it was his Achilles tendon, then he had to endure a snowstorm, and then there were rotten drivers who almost ended his trip. It was so amazing to me to be at Bandon Dunes as he rode his bike down the path to the Pacific Ocean to dip his front tire in the water. My hat is off to you, Ken. You have inspired an industry!

Over the next three months, let’s focus on perseverance rather then those other phrases I'd rather to not repeat. Let’s end 2020 on a positive note!