Ben Anderson had his first tournament volunteering experience at the BMW Championship in Delaware. Photos courtesy of Ben Anderson
Editor’s note: The following story originally appeared in the March-April 2023 edition of Through the Green, the publication of the Georgia GCSA.
Success can mean different things to different people. For some, success implies financial stability and material wealth. For others, it may be personal fulfillment and happiness. Whatever success means to you, it is most likely something you strive for
continuously. This article explores what success is to me, how I have worked to achieve it, and what I am doing to promote success. Hopefully, it can provide a blueprint to anyone looking to pursue CGCS certification but don’t yet know where
to start.
Over the past decade, I’ve been lucky to work for three highly respected directors. Each encouraged me to exert myself and make myself uncomfortable by setting lofty goals. Setting measurable goals is my first key to success. It is always important
to know what you are striving for so you can take the proper steps to achieve it. Goals need to be professional and personal. Knowing where you and your family want to be is critical. Over the past six months, I have achieved Certified Golf
Course Superintendent (CGCS) status, started a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA), volunteered at the BMW Championship in Delaware, attended the Syngenta Business Institute (SBI), and attended the Golfdom Summit.
Becoming a CGCS was a long-term goal of mine. I began working towards certification as an assistant superintendent, completing sections from the old portfolio that used to be required. My thought process for starting so early was to take advantage of
the time I had at that point. GCSAA has improved the CGCS process by making it more accessible, helping those working for it maintain a work-life balance. GCSAA makes Class A one of the requirements to apply for certification, but you can begin preparing
for the certification at any point as an assistant or superintendent. With the portfolio no longer in play, more emphasis is placed on the course attesting and the exam. Through the course attesting process, I was able to identify deficient areas
around our maintenance facility and on the course, and immediately addressed them.
When I decided to apply to an MBA program, there were many factors I considered, including cost, time commitment, potential benefits, and how it would help me in my current role. Ultimately, my biggest deciding factor was that I wanted to broaden my knowledge
rather than feel limited to one specialty for the remainder of my career. The school I chose had an affordable program with a flexible curriculum. It allows me to take multiple courses during the slow season and one or no courses during the busy times
of the year. So far, I have dedicated five to 10 hours per week per class, which seems like a lot, but given the fact that I can complete the program in one to two years, it is a sacrifice I am willing to make. Programs with a flexible, self-directed
pace are also helpful for those with families.
Anderson is also an alumnus of the Syngenta Business Institute, and recommends the event as a valuable professional development opportunity. Photos courtesy of Ben Anderson
I previously attended Green Start Academy as an assistant superintendent and saw how incredibly helpful the education was. When I became a superintendent, attending the Syngenta Business Institute was on my list of must-do’s. Syngenta partners with
Wake Forest each year to put on an interactive program for the 24 superintendents from around the country to improve their business management skills.
Each year at the institute, professors from Wake Forest University's School of Business lead interactive classes, providing ideas and tools to help superintendents with daily management and long-term planning. These classes and presentations are geared
directly toward our industry and were the most engaging classes I have been a part of, leaving me craving to learn more.
“At the Syngenta Business Institute, we focus on the business aspect of superintendents’ responsibilities, and really aim to build on their skills of leadership and employee management, which is just as important as managing turf quality,”
says Stephanie Schwenke, Turf Market Manager at Syngenta. “We offer this program to 24 superintendents as a commitment to our customers and their development in the industry.” Superintendents in the four-day educational program learn about
financial and employee management, negotiation skills, effective communication techniques, managing generational differences, and other topics.
Each year at the institute, professors from Wake Forest University's School of Business lead interactive classes, providing ideas and tools to help superintendents with daily management and long-term planning. These classes and presentations are geared
directly toward our industry and were the most engaging classes I have been a part of, leaving me craving to learn more.
Volunteering at a PGA tournament was something I had yet to accomplish in my career. My experience at the BMW Championship in Wilmington, Delaware left me wanting to volunteer again as soon as possible. I would recommend to everyone in this profession
volunteer at a tournament at least once. It offers a completely different perspective working behind the scenes while helping prepare a course that millions of people are watching around the world. While my week in Delaware was exhausting, it was
well worth all the sleep I lost.
Getting buy-in from your family and employer is critical when thinking about taking on additional education or travel. My first conversation before starting my MBA, certification, or applying to professional programs was with my wife, who has inspired
my continuing education. My next conversations were with my director and GM. I wanted their feedback on whether these opportunities would benefit me. Both my GM and my director saw these opportunities as ways to give valuable knowledge or skills back
to the club.
Balancing graduate school with my certification efforts while attending the Syngenta Business Institute and Golfdom Summit — all while working full time — may seem daunting, but it energized me. While attending the Syngenta Business Institute
I learned how different cultures communicate, and how the hierarchical structure is viewed through different cultures. I was excited to return and implement what I learned, and immediately applied it to our daily meetings.
I’m frequently asked, “What is next?” or “Why are you doing these things all at once?” Everyone is different in their approach to things, but I have always been under the impression that if you get more things knocked out
at once, you’ll have more time to enjoy the things you are working so hard to attain. That belief stems from one of my favorite quotes from Benjamin Franklin: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” My number
one goal in life is to improve each day. While I’ve had a hectic six months, it was a lot of fun. Given the option to do it again, I would.
Ben Anderson, CGCS, is the south course superintendent at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta, Ga., and a 14-year GCSAA member.