Course & Grounds

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.

Regardless of the size or age of their maintenance buildings, golf course superintendents find that cleanliness, ample space, and accessibility help them maximize the work spaces where they start and end their days.

The latest irrigation technology helps golf course superintendents save water, time and money.

With a complete, $12 million renovation of its 18-hole course, the Diablo, Calif. club has recreated its early-20th century design to secure a position of prominence for years to come.

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,…

The Sioux City, Iowa property was seeing damage done to its course by waterfowl. After Director of Golf Scott Harmelink realized the birds’ flight pattern took them dangerously close to Sioux City’s airport, he worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to address the issue. Also, Champions Run in Omaha, Neb. hosted a First Green…

The East Hampton, N.Y. property installed a four-acre pond for irrigation before adding an all-organic farm that serves a dual purpose—fresh produce for Executive Chef Ian Scollay and an interactive component for the Junior Activities program. Also, Farmington CC in Charlottesville, Va. places weather-resistant, easy-to-read vinyl stickers on each mower to improve operational efficiency.

By investing in programs that support turfgrass management students, golf course properties and their superintendents can earn as many dividends as the blue-chip interns they mentor.

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.

Advances in mower technology are helping golf course superintendents run their maintenance operations more efficiently and cost-effectively.

For superintendents, creating the best possible golf course conditions begins with training, retraining, retaining and rewarding a quality maintenance staff.

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.

More golf course superintendents are learning how to enhance their properties while also gaining traction on their own career paths by taking full advantage of the continuing-education opportunities that are tailored to their profession. 

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.   

Superintendents must take a year-round, balanced approach to properly maintaining the trees on their properties while also protecting the health of golf course turf and staying mindful of strong emotions that golfers, memberships and the local community can have.