At the 20th Green Start Academy at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, assistant superintendents learned how to advance their careers with advice from industry speakers.Photo by Howard Richman
Noah Felderman was right where he wanted to be for a few days in the first week of December.
Felderman, an assistant superintendent at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club in Aurora, Colo., was in The Village of Pinehurst at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. He was among the fortunate 50 who applied and were selected to participate in the Green Start Academy, which is sponsored by Envu, John Deere and Rain Bird.
“I have been an assistant for two years. I thought it would take a few years to take the next step. That’s why I’m here,” says Felderman, a four-year GCSAA member.
It was good timing. This year, the Green Start Academy, held from Dec. 2-4, celebrated its 20th anniversary. It’s a world-class training opportunity for aspiring assistant superintendents, who gather to learn skills that could develop them into the turf industry’s future leaders.
Those assistants encountered some of the industry’s current top professionals, including superintendents, who were there to serve the Green Start Academy as mentors, oversee hands-on workshops and join in networking events. The mentors delivered extensive insight over the academy’s three days. For instance, this piece of wisdom from John, CGCS, director of agronomy at Grandfather Golf & Country Club in Linville, N.C.: “Ask for more responsibility. ‘How can I help?’ ‘What can I do?’” says Cunningham, a 29-year GCSAA member.
A few other thoughts from the mentors:
- Emulate your mentor and put your own spin on it.
- Understand what’s in your numbers when it comes to finances.
- Make a lot of allies who will support you if you support them.
- Get in the habit of stopping by the golf shop every morning and establish that relationship.
- Get feedback from the locker room and even the kitchen staff.
- If you don’t make a mistake, you’re not growing.
- Bring in speakers to talk to your team.
- Plan early and stay organized.
- Give ownership to the team you oversee.
- Find a solution, not an excuse.
- Getting ideas from other clubs is always a good idea.
Carol D. Rau, PHR, is the Career columnist for GCM. She spoke at length to the Green Start Academy attendees. She offered many valuable thoughts and ideas, including to describe your role to others.
“You’re in the golf industry, not just turf,” Rau says. Describe to others what you do and elevate your story, she says. “Describe your role as part of your organization and how you are driving success for the overall facility, not just your maintenance department.”
Three days of learning simply weren’t enough for Nathan Sogard, assistant superintendent at Wicker Point Golf Club in Alexander City, Ala. Sogard says he devoured the networking experiences and content. He was left wanting more even as he prepared to return to his workplace. “Even just the people I met in the first two hours was amazing. Crazy,” says Sogard, a four-year GCSAA member. “I wish it was more than two days.”
Howard Richman, GCM associate editor.