Loch Lloyd Country Club superintendent Grant Suderman near the picturesque No. 18 at the club in the Village of Loch Lloyd, Mo. Photo by Roger Billings
Grant Suderman, a native of Garnett, Kan., who grew up 50 miles south of the Kansas City metropolitan area, has made a significant impact on some of the most renowned golf courses in the region.
Now serving as the superintendent at Loch Lloyd Country Club in the picturesque, gated community of the Village of Loch Lloyd, Mo., Suderman oversees the stunning fairways and natural landscapes that have made the club host for several PGA Tour Championships and attracted legends like Gary Player and Dave Stockton in the 1990s.
Throughout his career, Suderman has crossed paths with some of the biggest names in golf, including stars like Tom Watson and Jim Colbert. As a GCSAA Class A superintendent and 14-year association member, Suderman exudes gratitude for his journey. He takes his role and responsibilities seriously, continually striving to exceed expectations and provide exceptional playing experiences for golfers of all skill levels.
As a senior at Kansas State University, Suderman served as the GCSA Club president and spent time on the crew at Colbert Hills Golf Course in Manhattan, Kan. That course, named for Colbert, an eight-time PGA Tour winner and 20-time PGA Tour Champions circuit victor, was just one of the many prestigious venues where Suderman honed his skills. He also worked at Sykes/Lady Overland Park (Kan.) Golf Club and interned at Aspen Glen Club in Carbondale, Colo.
A major milestone in Suderman’s career came in 2011, when he accepted an internship at Kansas City Country Club in Mission Hills, Kan., where eight-time major champion Watson learned to play. Loren Breedlove, Suderman’s mentor and former supervisor, recognized Suderman’s potential early.
“The hard work, and, more than anything, you could tell his professionalism as a student. He wasn’t afraid to talk, asking questions and finding the answers to questions,” says Breedlove, a 43-year association member who retired in 2022. “He’s polite, courteous, ready to help anybody out.”
Following his graduation from Kansas State, Suderman officially joined Breedlove’s crew and spent seven seasons polishing his skills and learning from the best. A highlight from his time at Kansas City CC was being part of a full-course irrigation installation, renovation of greens and the addition of tees throughout the property done by Tom Watson Design in 2013.
“This experience was great for me. Not only did I learn at a young age how to do it all, but it also gave me experience on how to manage it,” Suderman says. His experience at Kansas City CC helped propel his career and opened the doors to further opportunities.
Loch Lloyd Country Club is a short drive to downtown Kansas City, Mo. Photo courtesy of Loch Lloyd CC
Five years ago, Suderman accepted a position at Loch Lloyd CC under Director of Agronomy Jeff Steen, CGCS, 24-year GCSAA member who is now vice president of golf for Big Cedar Lodge/Bass Pro Hospitality in Ridgedale, Mo. While it was difficult to leave Breedlove, Suderman knew the time was right, and he was ready to take on the responsibilities of a superintendent. He often reflects on a quote that Breedlove had hanging in the break room from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Grace Hopper: “The most dangerous phrase in the English language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’”
“When this position opened, it was something I really desired,” Suderman says. “I worked really hard to hone my skills and get to this level. Loch Lloyd is a beautiful course, and it gives me the opportunity to showcase all that I’ve learned while continuing to provide high-quality conditions for our members and guests.”
Suderman credits his work ethic to his parents, mother Lynnette, a former school secretary, and father Glenn, a former teacher and coach. “Everything they did was 100%. I saw how much they put into their jobs, and that gave me my work ethic,” he says. “It was the attention to detail and a desire to be the best that resonated with me.”
Suderman is supported by a talented staff, including lead assistant Travis Boeve and assistants Andrew Tenholder, a nine-year GCSAA member, and Gavin Bright, a three-year GCSAA member. Boeve, a three-year association member, praises Suderman’s leadership. Boeve says, “We kind of read each other’s mind. I like the way he takes care of the crew. He pushes them, but he’s fair.”
The future looks bright for Suderman, 36. Alongside his wife, Blake, and their son, Tatum, they joyfully welcomed daughter Briar this summer. Driven by a desire to continually enhance his craft, Suderman is currently working toward earning Certified Golf Course Superintendent status. His vision for Loch Lloyd CC remains unwavering and ambitious.
“We continue to evolve and be the best we can. I want this to be the best course in the Kansas City area,” Suderman says.
Howard Richman is GCM's associate editor