As we all get in to the Christmas spirit, often we find ourselves reflecting on the previous year - memories, accomplishments and challenges. I imagine it's a similar experience when you come to the end of your professional career, and I wanted to get some thoughts from a soon-to-be retired superintendent.
Mike Larsen, CGCS, has been the golf course superintendent at Woodmont Country Club in Maryland for 31 years. He is set to retire on Dec. 31, and we sat down to reflect on his career in the golf industry.
Q) What is one thing that made you successful over your career?
A) Surrounding myself with quality people. Attracting, training and retaining a quality staff.
Q) What is one thing that has made you successful in regards to being at one club for so long?
A) Staying current with advances in the turf industry. Staying proactive with current developments, science and business trends.
Q) If you had one piece of advice to give to a graduating turfer, what would it be?
A) You know, we have a lot of freedom with this job, and 80 percent of success is showing up. You have to be there everyday, leading your staff, setting the example. You have to give authority to your assistants, but there is a lot of decision making that you're the one that gets paid to do, and it's unfair to put it on your assistants. You have to be there, and you have to be visible. Also, if you make a mistake, admit it! Communication is key these days. Let members know what is going on, and if you make a mistake, own up to it.
Q) What is the most memorable work-related moment from your career?
A) I don't know that there's any single thing. One of the things I've enjoyed the most is hosting the sectional qualifying here for the last 27 years. It's been nice to hear the comments from the tour players and the quality golfers who play all over the country. It's nice to hear they enjoy the tournament and like the playing conditions.
Q) What's been the biggest challenge of your career?
A) Like everyone else, member expectations. Everything has changed: Equipment is better; superintendents are better trained; fertilizers are better; control materials are better; irrigation systems are better. We take advantage of all those advances, but I think that we are our own worst enemy sometimes in that player expectations go up, and they never go down. The nicer we make our golf courses, the more critical the members become.
Q) What's the craziest thing you have ever seen on a golf course?
A) Well, we had a broken water line near the pump house one day - the pump house sits in this valley. We were injecting wetting agent, and because of the leak, the whole valley filled with foam. It was UNBELIEVABLE! Filled the whole valley up. Thirty feet deep in some places! I didn't take a picture, but, OH MAN! Had to see it.
Q) What's the most rewarding moment in your career?
A) The people I've been able to meet and work with in the business - my staff. We have a terrific staff with very little turnover. They are the ones who deserve a lot of the credit. They get it done every day and on a day-to-day basis. Different departments within the club here, everyone gets along. It's a nice work atmosphere - being able to work for a great club who trust their professionals to do their job.
Q) Why did you decide to get your certification and become a CGCS?
A) Well, I think it's just another step in your professional development. I think too, that it means a lot to a club that is looking for a superintendent. It signifies that you have gone through the training and that you think it is important to advance your career.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
The importance of mentoring
We've all had those one or two mentors who poured their personal and professional knowledge into us (and continue to do so) as we develop throughout our careers. They taught us the ins and outs of the business, showed us how to be successful, and provided references on our resumes. The impact of their tutelage on our respective journeys should not be undervalued.
Likewise, there are probably a few people whose influence may not have been as constant, but it did make an impression - they are the ones who offered that one piece of advice that's always stuck with you. Regardless of the route traveled, we can look back with 20/20 hindsight and identify those instances and people that positively influenced our careers. We realize that they surely did know what they were talking about, and we breathe a sigh of relief that we were smart (or lucky) enough to take their advice.
I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I spoke to the turf club students at PSU and Delaware Valley College. I was delighted at their engagement as they asked questions about my background and sought advice on several different fronts. I want to be an open book for these guys; and as I told them, "Don't ever hesitate to pick up the phone." These interactions are a reminder of the mentors who influenced me - people who went out of the way to invest their time on my behalf.
Opportunities surround us to become a mentor, or simply an uplifting voice and a supporter of students and fellow superintendents. We should invest in those opportunities, just like the mentors who took time to invest in us. For example, you could contact turf professors about getting involved with an internship program. Ask your staff what new things they are interested in learning about each season. Set a good example by thanking staff for their hard work and asking how their families are doing (this goes a long way). Contact your local turf club and offer to be a guest speaker. Take time to network with students at GIS and local conferences. Go out of your way to invite students and assistants to chapter events. And the list goes on.
You don't have to be a certain age or a certain experience level to be an influence on someone - simply a desire. After all, you never know the impact you might have.
Likewise, there are probably a few people whose influence may not have been as constant, but it did make an impression - they are the ones who offered that one piece of advice that's always stuck with you. Regardless of the route traveled, we can look back with 20/20 hindsight and identify those instances and people that positively influenced our careers. We realize that they surely did know what they were talking about, and we breathe a sigh of relief that we were smart (or lucky) enough to take their advice.
I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I spoke to the turf club students at PSU and Delaware Valley College. I was delighted at their engagement as they asked questions about my background and sought advice on several different fronts. I want to be an open book for these guys; and as I told them, "Don't ever hesitate to pick up the phone." These interactions are a reminder of the mentors who influenced me - people who went out of the way to invest their time on my behalf.
Opportunities surround us to become a mentor, or simply an uplifting voice and a supporter of students and fellow superintendents. We should invest in those opportunities, just like the mentors who took time to invest in us. For example, you could contact turf professors about getting involved with an internship program. Ask your staff what new things they are interested in learning about each season. Set a good example by thanking staff for their hard work and asking how their families are doing (this goes a long way). Contact your local turf club and offer to be a guest speaker. Take time to network with students at GIS and local conferences. Go out of your way to invite students and assistants to chapter events. And the list goes on.
You don't have to be a certain age or a certain experience level to be an influence on someone - simply a desire. After all, you never know the impact you might have.
Monday, November 18, 2013
A 'Grass Roots' initiative
As professionals in the turf industry, we search for ways to communicate to the public what it is that we do, how we steward our environment, and especially, how turfgrass benefits our society, economy and health. We all know these things, but how do we tell others? Well, one new communications vehicle is officially on the road to support this ambition -- the turfgrass exhibit at the National Arboretum in Washington D.C.
The new exhibit, coined 'Grass Roots,' broke ground on Friday, Nov. 15, with about 120 people (8 or so of them superintendents) in attendance. Colien Hefferan, Ph.D., director at the arboretum, gave opening remarks, thanking the many contributing partners and describing the initiative as a "beautification of science."
Arboretum Assistant Director Kevin Morris then outlined the five components of the exhibit, expected to be completed in spring 2014:
1.) Outdoor interactive area
2.) Web-based information
3.) Workshops, symposiums, product demos
4.) National greenscape corridor
5.) Personal 'Grass Roots' stories
Frank Rossi, Ph.D. at Cornell University, presented an educational lecture detailing the history of America's love for lawns. "Can we sustain this love affair," Rossi asked the crowd. And the answer was an emphatic yes. To support his theory, Rossi presented science-based information detailing turf's role as a carbon sink and water filter in the context of golf, lawns, landscapes and athletic fields. However, if we are going to sustain, Rossi said, we must do it smartly -- starting with educating the public. Come full circle and there you have it, the unveiling of a turf exhibit on a national stage.
The National Arboretum worked with partners at the USDA and National Turfgrass Federation (of which GCSAA is a sponsor) to provide the financial support for the development of the Grass Roots exhibit. The display aims to explore the economic, environmental, recreational, and aesthetic benefits of turf. Furthermore, all statements and information will be scientifically based, and donors of the project are welcome to host visitors, events, and suggest workshops.
Geoffrey Rinehart has been hired to coordinate the development and maintenance of the project, and will oversee the exhibit on a full-time basis. Which is an important component to assure the presentation of the exhibit be maintained at a standard in which we expect of our beloved golf courses. The all-inclusive exhibit will display a real-life par-three complete with a tee, green, and fairway. Likewise, a green roof, a rain garden, sports fields, lawn games, and both cool- and warm-season grasses will be showcased -- and that's only half of it. Imagine an interactive center for displaying responsible fertilization practices, proper water use and re-use techniques, maintenance demos, and recreational lawn games. Twenty-yard dash anyone? Just check out the exhibit.
Superintendents of the Mid-Atlantic GCSA chapter will play a key role in supporting the exhibit by offering their expertise in management, assistance with turf equipment maintenance, and possible labor support. Not only is this a great way to get involved, but it's also a great way to embrace an industry initiative that will benefit the livelihood of us all. Grass Roots is the name, and how could it be any better?
For more information and to show your support, follow @Grass_Roots_NTF on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, and check out the webpages linked above.
The new exhibit, coined 'Grass Roots,' broke ground on Friday, Nov. 15, with about 120 people (8 or so of them superintendents) in attendance. Colien Hefferan, Ph.D., director at the arboretum, gave opening remarks, thanking the many contributing partners and describing the initiative as a "beautification of science."
Arboretum Assistant Director Kevin Morris then outlined the five components of the exhibit, expected to be completed in spring 2014:
1.) Outdoor interactive area
2.) Web-based information
3.) Workshops, symposiums, product demos
4.) National greenscape corridor
5.) Personal 'Grass Roots' stories
Frank Rossi, Ph.D. at Cornell University, presented an educational lecture detailing the history of America's love for lawns. "Can we sustain this love affair," Rossi asked the crowd. And the answer was an emphatic yes. To support his theory, Rossi presented science-based information detailing turf's role as a carbon sink and water filter in the context of golf, lawns, landscapes and athletic fields. However, if we are going to sustain, Rossi said, we must do it smartly -- starting with educating the public. Come full circle and there you have it, the unveiling of a turf exhibit on a national stage.
The National Arboretum worked with partners at the USDA and National Turfgrass Federation (of which GCSAA is a sponsor) to provide the financial support for the development of the Grass Roots exhibit. The display aims to explore the economic, environmental, recreational, and aesthetic benefits of turf. Furthermore, all statements and information will be scientifically based, and donors of the project are welcome to host visitors, events, and suggest workshops.
Geoffrey Rinehart has been hired to coordinate the development and maintenance of the project, and will oversee the exhibit on a full-time basis. Which is an important component to assure the presentation of the exhibit be maintained at a standard in which we expect of our beloved golf courses. The all-inclusive exhibit will display a real-life par-three complete with a tee, green, and fairway. Likewise, a green roof, a rain garden, sports fields, lawn games, and both cool- and warm-season grasses will be showcased -- and that's only half of it. Imagine an interactive center for displaying responsible fertilization practices, proper water use and re-use techniques, maintenance demos, and recreational lawn games. Twenty-yard dash anyone? Just check out the exhibit.
Superintendents of the Mid-Atlantic GCSA chapter will play a key role in supporting the exhibit by offering their expertise in management, assistance with turf equipment maintenance, and possible labor support. Not only is this a great way to get involved, but it's also a great way to embrace an industry initiative that will benefit the livelihood of us all. Grass Roots is the name, and how could it be any better?
For more information and to show your support, follow @Grass_Roots_NTF on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, and check out the webpages linked above.
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| The final blueprints for the exhibit - expected completion in spring 2014 |
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| The ceremonial breaking ground at the site of the future green roof display |
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| About 120 attendees listen to opening remarks at the National Arboretum |
Thursday, October 31, 2013
This is advocacy
Advocacy. You hear about it. You hear about its importance for the sustainability of golf. You hear about it as one of the four pillars of the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). But what is it? What is advocacy?
Advocacy is a few things, but one thing in particular is government relations. That is, advocating (or lobbying) to government officials on behalf of our members, and our industry, so that we are not the recipients of unfair legislation, authored by people who really don't know much about us. Not that their lack of knowledge is necessarily their fault; that's where we come in. It is our responsibility to educate them about our industry, and why golf is important to our economy, our communities, and our environment.
This past Tuesday, I had the opportunity to spend the day on Capitol Hill with four superintendents; Chava McKeel, our associate director of government relations; and our D.C.-based lobbyist, Bob Hellend. Through the course of the day, we visited the staffs of three senators and two congressmen; one congressman directly; and the chief of staff for the House immigration committee. Wow - what an experience. The purpose of these visits, was to advocate about the importance of H-2B work visas in the golf industry.
The four superintendents in attendance all shared a similar message - that these work visas are important for the sustainability of their businesses - their tax-paying, job-sustaining businesses. One superintendent in particular, Ken Flisek of The Club at Nevillewood in Pittsburgh, Pa., shared that his club is the largest employer in the township. That's a lot of jobs. That's a lot of economic vitality. If the H-2B wage requirements are altered, that could mean laying off local (American) employees, cutting benefits, or not offering raises. Again, all of which affect our local, American employees. That's an important message, and a strong one, that we can share with our Congressmen and Senators to educate them about our industry.
We don't know what will happen with the H-2B laws in the upcoming months - time will tell. But we did our part. We went, we advocated, we shared our message, and now it is up to them. All we can do is continue to do our part, continue to advocate, and hope that our message is coming across as effectively, strongly, and efficiently as possible. After all, if we don't stand up for ourselves, who will?
This is advocacy.
Advocacy is a few things, but one thing in particular is government relations. That is, advocating (or lobbying) to government officials on behalf of our members, and our industry, so that we are not the recipients of unfair legislation, authored by people who really don't know much about us. Not that their lack of knowledge is necessarily their fault; that's where we come in. It is our responsibility to educate them about our industry, and why golf is important to our economy, our communities, and our environment.
This past Tuesday, I had the opportunity to spend the day on Capitol Hill with four superintendents; Chava McKeel, our associate director of government relations; and our D.C.-based lobbyist, Bob Hellend. Through the course of the day, we visited the staffs of three senators and two congressmen; one congressman directly; and the chief of staff for the House immigration committee. Wow - what an experience. The purpose of these visits, was to advocate about the importance of H-2B work visas in the golf industry.
The four superintendents in attendance all shared a similar message - that these work visas are important for the sustainability of their businesses - their tax-paying, job-sustaining businesses. One superintendent in particular, Ken Flisek of The Club at Nevillewood in Pittsburgh, Pa., shared that his club is the largest employer in the township. That's a lot of jobs. That's a lot of economic vitality. If the H-2B wage requirements are altered, that could mean laying off local (American) employees, cutting benefits, or not offering raises. Again, all of which affect our local, American employees. That's an important message, and a strong one, that we can share with our Congressmen and Senators to educate them about our industry.
We don't know what will happen with the H-2B laws in the upcoming months - time will tell. But we did our part. We went, we advocated, we shared our message, and now it is up to them. All we can do is continue to do our part, continue to advocate, and hope that our message is coming across as effectively, strongly, and efficiently as possible. After all, if we don't stand up for ourselves, who will?
This is advocacy.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Welcome to the Mid-Atlantic page
Welcome to the Mid-Atlantic regional page and my blog. I hope to connect and engage you with GCSAA, other local chapters within the region, and share appropriate news pieces affecting our industry.
In this blog, I plan to share information pertaining to agronomic reports and trends; updates on government relations, advocacy and outreach efforts; and relevant stories from around the territory and the world of golf in general. This will, at times, be a first-person narrative discussing significant things I'm seeing, hearing and doing in the region. However, if you have an important news piece or suggestion, I welcome you to share ideas with me so that everyone may benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience contained within the Mid-Atlantic.
I also encourage you to check back frequently, for this entire page has been tailored to our region. Your feedback and engagement is welcome - I would enjoy hearing what everyone has to say about the usefulness of this tool and the content presented here. Start conversations, share ideas, post and tweet pictures and contact me if there is anything I can do for you or your chapter.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck this fall.
In this blog, I plan to share information pertaining to agronomic reports and trends; updates on government relations, advocacy and outreach efforts; and relevant stories from around the territory and the world of golf in general. This will, at times, be a first-person narrative discussing significant things I'm seeing, hearing and doing in the region. However, if you have an important news piece or suggestion, I welcome you to share ideas with me so that everyone may benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience contained within the Mid-Atlantic.
I also encourage you to check back frequently, for this entire page has been tailored to our region. Your feedback and engagement is welcome - I would enjoy hearing what everyone has to say about the usefulness of this tool and the content presented here. Start conversations, share ideas, post and tweet pictures and contact me if there is anything I can do for you or your chapter.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck this fall.
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