Any Superintendents here? Turfgrass Management Certificate?

Hey all,

I have been thinking about this for about a year now, and I figured this would be as good a place as any to start.

I am 31 years old, currently working a finance job in Chicago. The money is good, I love Chicago, but after 6 years into this job, I began to realize that I don't like it very much. The hours are great and I get to play lots of golf when weather permits, but there is just nothing fulfilling about sitting in an office and staring at numbers all day. As I said, about a year ago I decided to start thinking about a new career, and with golf being the only thing I am actually passionate about, always loved geeking over golf course maintenance and architecture since I started playing the game at around 10 years old. I am thinking that being a Superintendent would be a really great job. Obviously I know I won't jump into a dream job at Cypress Point or Augusta or anything, but the end goal would be to work at great golf course that I would feel proud to be a part of.

Are there any Superintendents lurking around here that have any advice to offer? I have been looking at schools that offer a 2-year Turfgrass Management degree, and also golf specific schools as well, but I am not sure the best route to take if I really want to make the leap and give this a go.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

Bob

I went back to school at NC State when I was about your age. I already had a 4 year degree, so I was advised to enroll in the 2 year program. School was so much easier at that age. I was a lot more focused, and graduated with a 4.0 in a year and a half. I absolutely loved the work. I got married at 39, and became a dad at 41. My wife was an established exec. with a large apparel company, and I was fairly new in my new career, so I became a stay at home dad. Like I said, I really enjoyed working on the course. The money wasn't great, but working outside was fun, as was the free golf. Back when I went to school, golf was booming, and there were a lot of jobs. Since then, there are a lot more courses closing than opening.

Thanks for the input. I know the money is not great, but I just can't continue to be cooped up in an office. I would happily trade money for doing something that I actually loved, but you make a great point about the current popularity of the game. I'm thinking I might try and get in contact with a local super and see if I can shadow them for a couple days to see if it is something I would enjoy

Spending some time shadowing a superintendent is a good idea. I have a turfgrass degree from Clemson. Like many college students, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I entered college, so I chose turfgrass because golf was the only thing I was passionate about at the time. After a couple of summer internships I was beginning to question my path, but I was so far into it, I didn’t want to change course at that point and finished my degree. Then I went to work at a prestigious course that hosts a PGA tournament each year. After about 5 months I was honest with myself and realized I just liked to play golf, not work on a golf course. There is a HUGE difference. Yes, the free golf was great, but the longer I was there the less I found myself wanting to play. I left the business and have been doing something totally unrelated for 26 years. You may find you love it, but being passionate about golf does not mean you will be passionate about the work.

I went to school with quite a few guys that felt as you did. Most of them either didn't do well in school, or didn't last in the business. I really enjoyed the work, and golf, but there were times when the work demanded so much time, I didn't really want to play. Another thing the OP needs to consider is, is that he'll be working every other weekend. As an assistant, I had to work 12 days in a row before a day off. It's a bit like being a farmer. When things are growing, you're working.

Young fella - if the money is good, the hours are in your favor and the work is not difficult ...... stay and COLLECT.

you are considering trading that for a role where the pay is mediocre, the hours are endless and the work is difficult, impossible, unrewarding and stressful.

As far as your dissatisfaction with your current role, well that’s work. It isn’t usually fun. But you say the money is good and the hours are favorable- you have the vast majority of the world beat. I hope you realize this before making a mistake.

Sage advice right here.

There’s supposedly a pretty good superintendent (Worked pga tournament us open and then Seminole? Somewhere on the beach in Jupiter area) on here that had the question thread in courses, BNGL you could try and message but he hasn’t responded to his thread in awhile so idk.

mallrat is very knowledgeable and helpful! As is hoganfanjames. I’m kinda in the same boat as you except I’m still in school and have no clue what to do. I volunteered at bay hill this week which was cool to see the behind the scenes work!

Wise words to listen to here.

I made a similar career change at your age, many moons ago...................I'll just pass on these words. 'The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence".

I agree with what is said above. But if you're really into it, like completely into golf courses, and willing to give whatever it takes to make the best course possible. sometimes the grass is much greener on the other side of the fence, and you'll never look back. Ignore the noise, and you can make it into a truly lovable career.

I am a GCSAA Class A Superintendent in Florida. I've been doing this for 29 years. First of all, you have got to love this job if you wish to be successful. My days start at 530am, usually not home till after 4. I'm at work on weekends and holidays. In Florida, there is no down time/winter season, it is balls to the wall 365. However, the good things: even though I don't play as much as I like due to working hours, I can play at some of the most exclusive clubs. Salaries at high end private facilities exceed $100K, with some exceeding $200K. I get to work outdoors with great people, and have met/played with some very big names in golf and business. I get free admission to tour events, including The Masters.

My advice, if you want to pursue this:

A) Get a four year business degree, and then a two year turfgrass degree, or turfgrass certificate. Growing grass is going to be number three on priorities behind managing people and money.

B) Move to Florida. There are far more opportunities and golf courses, especially high end private ones. We are all looking for qualified Assistants.

C) Make sure wife understands the demands of this job.

D) Feel free to PM me with any additional questions.