Jeff Bollig

Dave Braasch set his sights on a course-maintenance career at age 16, and then fast-tracked through turf-science school, internships and assistant positions to land the grow-in opportunity at the Janesville, Wis. club, where he’s remained for 19 years. 

By his own admission, Sean Sullivan, CGCS, the Golf Course Superintendent at The Briarwood in Billings, Mont., is a “curious tinkerer.”

From the age of 15, working on a golf course and learning how to care for turf has always been an integral part of Brian Ray’s life. And that’s a big reason why he’s had notable career stability, with superintendent duties at Long Beach (Ind.) Country Club for his entire professional tenure.

A long and winding path took Dennis Petruzzelli to his current position at Oronoque CC, but the one constant every step of the way has been the special feeling he’s never lost about the allure of the golf course. 

After working on a landscaping crew as a teenager, Brandon Haynes vowed to “never dig another hole in my life.” And when he started his first job at a golf course, he thought greens were artificial surfaces. But from there it’s been nothing but an enjoyable ascent to a “job I love” at California’s Oak…

After 20 successful years as a course superintendent, Jeff Eldridge tried his hand as a tax-service franchisee—but the pull of the turf quickly brought him back to the industry and eventually his current position at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. 

Stuck in a rut as a bus company supervisor, Joe Wachter parlayed a chance meeting into a career change that then went full circle, to entrust him with care of the historic golf course at Glen Echo CC.

Charles Demske has spent 25 of his 30 years as an active contributor to the De Pere, Wis. course, his family’s business where he is now Superintendent and co-owner. In addition to a spectacular setting for golf, the property offers a wide range of year-round outdoor attractions, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, hiking and photography,…

Jennifer Torres first developed her love for being outdoors in the earliest part of the day while growing up on a small family dairy farm. After serving in the military, working as a “cable gal” and running a day-care center, she found the perfect profession to take her back to her roots.

In addition to caring for a 96-year-old golf course that has ties to Tom Bendelow, Jeff Sexton’s duties at Evansville (Ind.) CC also entail tending to over 13,000 annual flowers and more than 200,000 honeybees.

Just three months into the already daunting task of being only the seventh Superintendent to care for the 121-year-old Detroit Golf Club’s Donald Ross courses, Jake Mendoza learned he had a year to get ready to host a PGA Tour event.   

Nathan Neumann has executed major course renovations at each step in his 19-year career, culminating with this year’s overhaul of the historic MacKenzie/Maxwell design at Oklahoma City G&CC. 

His Nebraska roots run deep, but Brian Woster has found a rewarding new home in Idaho, at Circling Raven GC.

After caring for Salem CC’s Donald Ross course for 38 years and three major tournaments, Kip Tyler is keeping the options wide open for his post-retirement activity (or inactivity).

Brotherly love between the Superintendent and his General Manager helps to ensure special care for the golf course at San Juan Oaks GC.