Role and Responsibilities
The golf course superintendent manages labor, time, materials, and finances in a manner that is compatible with the environment, meets financial goals, and creates a positive experience for the members and golfers who frequent the course.
Golf Course Maintenance and Staff Supervision
Every day, the golf course superintendent assigns major maintenance tasks to staff in a way that minimally impacts golfers. However, minor tasks, from daily repairing of divots, ball marks, dew removal, and picking up trash, are equally important in getting the course ready for play.
In the long term, golf course superintendents must schedule seasonal/yearly watering, fertilizing, topdressing, seeding/sodding, drainage, verticutting, and other primary maintenance duties to ensure the health and beauty of the course.
When extreme weather hits — from heat and drought to torrential rains — the superintendent must decide what action to take. The cure depends on the illness and the unique conditions. Sometimes inaction — patiently giving damaged turfgrass time to heal on its own — is best. Other times, a more proactive approach — from resodding to covering greens over winter — is warranted.
A balanced approach to turf management keeps plants and players happy
Communication and Relationship Management
The superintendent reports to the Golf Club's General Manager. In addition to his or her supervisor, the superintendent must also communicate effectively with ownership, golfers, vendors, suppliers, golf professionals, golf course architects, and others in the golf industry. The superintendent may also educate community groups and the media about golf course and turfgrass management in today’s changing world. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for golf course superintendents to successfully manage all of these relationships.
Experience with Bermuda Grass Greens is highly preferred.
