Rafael Barajas, CGCS, a member of the GCSAA Board of Directors, has never shied from hard work—and his efforts have paid off in helping him reach the pinnacle of his profession.
Sometimes a chance is all someone needs to succeed. Just ask Certified Golf Course Superintendent, who oversees golf course maintenance operations at Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights, Calif.
Barajas came to the United States from Mexico as a teenager, and his first job on a golf course developed into a love for the game—and an opportunity to advance in his field. While he lacked a formal education, he made up for it with a work ethic that has propelled him to an influential position in the golf course industry.
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As the only Hispanic member of the Board of Directors of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Barajas is now a prominent figure in a business that relies on a workforce comprised heavily of Hispanic and Latino immigrants. He has played a leadership role in a number of other professional organizations as well, and is always ready to “pay it forward” to help others advance in their careers.
Barajas recently spoke to C&RB about his path to success.
Q: What brought you to the United States?
A: My parents wanted to provide their children with opportunities that were not available to them, and us, in Mexico, so in 1978 we moved to Southern California.
Q: How did you get into the golf course maintenance business?
A: I needed a job and my older brother, who was working at a golf course at the time, helped me get a job in 1980 at Sunset Hills CC in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Q: What attracted you to it?
A: I grew up on a farm, so working outdoors was only natural. I appreciate the beauty of a golf course, and value the fact that it can provide many recreational, economic and environmental benefits. I fell in love with the game of golf, so learning and playing the game was instrumental in my decision to remain in the golf industry.
Q: How did you move up the ladder to become a superintendent so quickly, even though you had no formal education in turfgrass management or agronomy?
A: I became a golf course superintendent rather quickly through hard work and dedication. I realized I was at a disadvantage by not having a formal education and understood that if I wanted to continue advancing in the industry I fell in love with, I needed to work extra hard to compete for jobs with others who were fortunate to have a formal education. I understood that I needed to continue my professional development by taking the many seminars available through my local, state and national associations.
Q: Why did you decide to become a certified superintendent?
A: I have always felt that you have to be the best you can be, and achieving certification was only natural for me. In my mind, it was my way to get my formal education without spending several years in college.
Q: How has certification enhanced your professional development?
A: Being certified, along with continuing with my professional development, has afforded me many opportunities. I would not be where I am today had I not achieved certification.
Q: How important has it been to your professional development to be a member of the GCSAA Board of Directors and an active member of other turf organizations?
A: It has been very important for my professional development. I have grown professionally and personally. I am able to see things from a different perspective, and I feel I am a better businessman and professional due to my role as a director of the GCSAA.
Golf Course Operations Profile Hacienda Golf Club Club Website: www.haciendagolfclub.com No. of Holes: 18 Designer: William Watson Type: Private No. of Members: 400 Year Opened: First nine – 1920; second nine – 1923 Golf Season: Year-round Annual Rounds of Golf: 35,000 Fairways: Common Bermuda/Rye grass Greens: A4 Bentgrass Annual Budget: $1.8 million Staff: 27 Key Staff Members: Tomas Magaña, Assistant Superintendent; Gene Marshal, Equipment Manager; Veronica Barajas, Administrative Assistant Irrigation System: Toro Lynx; 1,528 heads Water Source and Usage: Potable Equipment: Leases and owns Toro, Jacobsen and John Deere equipment Technology: GPS mapping, etc. Maintenance Facility: Metal buildings with lockers, conference room, storage facilities, washpad, etc. Aerating and Overseeding Schedules: Aeration in May and October; overseeding in October. Upcoming Capital Projects: Bunker renovation in 2014 Duties and Responsibilities: Responsible for the maintenance of the golf course and clubhouse grounds, any capital project on the golf course and major capital equipment purchases.18-hole equivalents |
Q: Has your Hispanic heritage created advantages for you in your course maintenance career?
A: I guess the fact that most of my staff is Hispanic and the fact I am fluent in Spanish has been a plus. I am able to communicate with them in their “lingo.” I am fortunate not to rely on a translator, and I believe communication in our operation is greatly enhanced as a result. I think this helps our operation be more productive, and creates a good work environment for our staff.
Q: Has your heritage ever posed any roadblocks in your career advancement?
A: Perhaps, but I focus on the many positives this industry has to offer. I respect the opinions of others, and remain focused on being a positive force in our industry. I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and to set aside obstacles and excuses, in the interest of growth and making a positive difference.
Q: How important are Hispanic workers to the golf course maintenance business?
A: Some statistics indicate that up to 80 percent of staff members in our industry are Hispanic/Latino. The data is powerful and speaks for itself.
Q: Do you have advice for other superintendents about the most effective ways to attract, train and keep the best available workers of Hispanic descent on staff?
A: One of the most effective ways to attract employees is by word-of-mouth. If you are looking to fill a position, just ask your staff members to recommend someone they know, and you will probably get a good worker to fill that position. To retain employees, one must provide the resources to get the job done, a good work environment, and treat employees the way you’d like to be treated.
Q: Do you actively try to help Hispanic workers advance in the industry?
A: I feel my role is to help anyone who would like to advance in his or her career, as part of giving back to the industry. I’m fortunate to have been able to touch many people in the industry by giving them advice, reviewing their resumes, providing letters of recommendation, and just listening.
Q: Why are you so passionate about golf?
A: Golf is a great sport that provides many economic, recreational, and environmental benefits to communities. On the economic side, golf provides jobs for communities and generates tax income. One of the unique recreational benefits of golf is that the game can be played by young and mature persons—a 5-year-old can play the game and so can an 80-plus-year-old. A golf course is a piece of land with many environmental benefits, and it serves as a natural habitat for wildlife.
Q: How does being a golfer yourself help you in your career?
A: Early in my career I started playing the game of golf and immediately fell in love with it. I became an avid player due to my competitive nature, and learned that a player will relate to you if you play the game, especially if you play at a higher level than they do. I know the members at Hacienda appreciate the fact that I play the game and can see the golf course from a player’s point of view. The fact that I am a low-handicap player has afforded many opportunities to participate in tournaments and events that would otherwise not have been possible.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a golf course superintendent?
A: I enjoy many aspects of my profession as a golf course superintendent. To begin with, I get to work outdoors; my “office” is 100 acres-plus of paradise. I also have an opportunity to interact with many great individuals, both within the membership as well as among my co-workers, and I have the opportunity to help others in advancing their careers. I have a great responsibility to execute projects for the club, and most importantly, I get to play the game I love.
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