Reflecting their elevated professional status, superintendents are now getting in on the ground floor to provide brains, and leadership, for golf course construction and renovation projects. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor SUMMING IT UP Superintendents now routinely take the lead in course renovation projects—but their higher profiles bring a need for expanded expertise. No two construction projects…
Thrill of the Chase By Joe Barks, Editor
Hard work is said to be its own reward—and earlier this year for Michael A. Chase, Jr., CCM, that’s exactly what it had to be. As the 2012 Rising Star recipient for the Excellence in Club Management (ECM) Awards co-sponsored by the McMahon Group and Club & Resort Business, Chase, Clubhouse Manager of The Loxahatchee…
Keeping Pace with Change at The Country Club of Virginia
Combining always-sharp visions of how to get members engaged with consistent delivery of what keeps them coming back has kept this property at the forefront of the industry for over 100 years. As in many top service organizations, the ongoing training and direction of the staff of The Country Club of Virginia (CCV), located…
Making the Most of the Middle
Superintendents’ ability to select and use their maintenance equipment effectively often hinges on their relationships with local dealers and distributors that serve as manufacturers’ go-betweens for sales and service. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor SUMMING IT UP Strong relationships with local equipment dealers and distributors help superintendents build trust with national manufacturers and brands. To…
Issues That Aren’t Going Away
The demographics of our market work against us because as we age, the less we are willing to change anything, and that stands foursquare in front of any attempts to remedy the situation. As this is being written, the “fiscal cliff” is being debated, and no one knows where that will end up. Since…
Vote of Confidence
By Joe Barks, Editor Established in 1863 by six officials of the U.S. Treasury Department during the height of the Civil War, the stated objectives behind the formation of The Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington, D.C. included “mutual improvement and social purposes.” With the club on the verge of its 150th anniversary, those…
Finer with Age
Traditions drawn from the unique Donald Ross course at Monroe Golf Club are now matched with equal elegance inside its clubhouse. Many clubs honor their connections to legendary golf course architects by naming rooms in their clubhouses for them. But these sometimes prove to be gestures made in name only, with little carried through from…
Back on Solid Ground
New leadership, activities and an exciting new spirit have made The Club at Mediterra a player again. By Joe Barks, Editor As the weather began to cool last year and the leaves began to turn, they started to make their way to their club in southwest Florida from points throughout the North and other parts…
Behind the Big Digs
Reflecting their elevated professional status, superintendents are now getting in on the ground floor to provide brains, and leadership, for golf course construction and renovation projects. SUMMING IT UP Superintendents now routinely take the lead in course renovation projects—but their higher profiles bring a need for expanded expertise. No two construction projects are alike; each…
Golden Touch
The surname “DiOrio” has an indirect connection to the Italian world for honor. But there is nothing indirect about the sense of honor that Damon DiOrio has always felt, and openly displayed, both for his position as Chief Executive Officer of Charlotte (N.C.) Country Club, and for his chosen profession as a club manager. The…
Worth a Listen
My immediate takeaway was just how much “assistance” this impressive group of assistants promises to provide to the future well-being of our industry. Last month, I had the privilege of spending two picture-perfect early-fall days at the 280-acre research facility and training center operated by Bayer Environmental Science in Clayton, N.C., outside of Raleigh. I…
Worth a Listen
Last month, I had the privilege of spending two picture-perfect early-fall days at the 280-acre research facility and training center operated by Bayer Environmental Science in Clayton, N.C., outside of Raleigh. I was there, with 50 of the industry’s best and brightest assistant golf course superintendents from some of the leading club properties throughout the…
Managing Seasonal Workers: It’s Now A Year-Round Job
Summing It Up • Mixed signals are being sent about future U.S. immigration policies for temporary-visa workers from Mexico, a primary source of seasonal help. • Many club managers are now looking for new ways to find temporary help from other parts of the world. They are also renewing their efforts to attract more help…