Lighting the Way: How a Simple Fix at the CC of Virginia Elevated Efficiency and Team Morale

At the Country Club of Virginia (CCV), innovation doesn’t always come in the form of high-tech turf equipment or elaborate renovation plans. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and as impactful—as a flashlight and some tape.

Adam Kerr, Superintendent of the James River Golf Course at CCV, helped lead an initiative aptly named “Out of the Darkness and Into the Light.” The idea was born out of necessity: improve visibility for maintenance crews working in the predawn hours, especially during tournament preparation. The solution? Attaching LED flashlights to the ends of backpack blower nozzles.

“Working in the early-morning hours before the sun rises makes it difficult to see,” Kerr explains. “We needed a way to ensure the playing surface was clear of debris before mowing, and to better see what needed to be blown after mowing was complete. We were often going over the same areas multiple times, missing debris that could damage turf or affect play.”

The club’s maintenance team had long felt the pressure of delivering pristine conditions ahead of early tee times, particularly when preparing for professional events. Hosting a PGA TOUR Champions event for the past nine years raised the stakes even higher.

“TV cameras don’t miss anything,” Kerr says. “A blemish on the turf is shown over and over again. We needed a better way to ensure the course was tournament-ready from the first light.”

A Simple, Effective Solution

The fix was straightforward. “We taped a small LED flashlight to the end of every backpack blower nozzle,” Kerr says. “This allowed the crew to see exactly where debris was and ensured clippings were fully dispersed.”

Though basic in design, the solution had an immediate and measurable impact. It was first deployed during a PGA TOUR Champions event three years ago and has since become standard operating procedure for early morning maintenance.

The team encountered only minor obstacles. “Originally, we placed the light in the middle of the blower nozzle,” Kerr recalls. “But we quickly realized that putting it at the end gave the best visibility.”

That adjustment helped improve both accuracy and comfort for operators. With targeted lighting, crew members could blow more efficiently, reduce rework, and conserve energy for other critical tasks.

Tangible Results Across the Board

Since the lights were added, Kerr and his team have seen major gains in productivity. “We’re now able to focus our energy on specific areas instead of wandering aimlessly through the dark. The time we save each morning is invaluable,” he says.

While the turf quality hasn’t necessarily changed, the playing conditions have improved. Fewer clippings remain on fairways, and there’s far less chance of turf damage from hidden debris.

Although the innovation didn’t significantly alter long-term tournament outcomes or member satisfaction (the course already enjoys a high standard of care) Kerr notes a noticeable effect on team morale.

“Whenever someone new sees us using the lights, there’s a spark of excitement,” he says. “The person using the blower feels more effective and proud of their contribution to the course. That feeling spreads across the team.”

In an era when labor shortages and staff retention are ongoing challenges for golf course superintendents, simple improvements like this can go a long way toward making a difference.

CCV’s “Out of the Darkness and Into the Light” initiative is a perfect example of practical innovation. It’s low cost, high impact, and rooted in a deep understanding of real-world challenges.

For other clubs facing similar early morning maintenance hurdles, Kerr’s advice is clear: “Don’t underestimate the power of a small, well-placed idea. Sometimes the simplest solutions shine the brightest.”

The Goal: Improve early-morning visibility for the maintenance team to ensure debris-free playing surfaces before mowing, especially during high-stakes tournament prep.
The Plan: Attach small LED flashlights to the ends of backpack blower nozzles, allowing crews to clearly see and efficiently clear debris in the dark.
The Payoff: The team became more productive, reduced turf damage, and boosted morale with a simple, cost-effective solution that enhanced overall course prep.