Successful golf course superintendents have to have certain rules to live by and must find ways to maintain that success. There are tried and true methods to succeed as a golf course superintendent. This line of work can be advantageous while also both physically and mentally draining. There are some critical rules to be an effective and successful golf course superintendent. Here is some insight into the main principles of this career and best practices.
Strong Communication
Good communication is vital. It can be helpful to practice listening, ask questions, and rephrase what is said to you. Active listening will help cultivate sincere relationships, improving communication among all parties.
With email, always review your message before sending it to make sure that what you are trying to get across is precise and intended. It is also advised to keep the message concise and to the point. Before replying to an email, read the entirety before responding. If the shared information is sensitive or you have to correct a behavior, it is best to have a phone call.
It is always better if counterparts and staff feel that the superintendent is approachable, honest, open-minded, empathetic, and respectful.
Establish Accountability
After team members have been trained, their performance should be monitored to hold them accountable to meet standards. Superintendents should manage and guide them as necessary.
Even with experienced staff, holding them accountable is part of everyday duties. This includes holding yourself accountable, such as staying true to the mission and staying on track with expectations. The staff can only be as good as the superintendent, as they set the tone and level of standard for the golf course. With poor performers, you must re-assess your leadership.
Create Balance
This demanding career transcends professions and is not for the light of heart. After what sometimes may be a 14-hour workday, it’s important not to take the stresses of the workplace home. Work/life balance might be tricky for superintendents. However, the following day’s tasks cannot be tackled with the same effort if work is not scaled healthily. Making a list of priorities can be helpful, and personal life must have a place there.
Organization and Planning Skills
Superintendents can succeed in learning to plan, establishing systems, and expecting difficulties to arise. How will obstacles be handled?
It is important to maintain an agronomic plan that covers:
- Cultural practices
- Fertility matters
- Schedule for chemical applications
- Labor requirements
- Property upgrade needs
- Equipment maintenance program
It is advised to have plans in the works for growing capital and budgeting. All these planning efforts can come from historical data and information gathered over time, which highlights the importance of good record keeping. Tee to green insurance will be your safeguard when things do not work out as planned.
The Power of Humility
A good leader will take responsibility when things go awry and ask for help when needed. Superintendents should reach out for help from various coworkers. Not one individual can do it all and asking for help makes us better. It is important to admit a lack of knowledge and strive to learn from one another. Everyone can benefit from the reminder that vulnerability is a sign of strength.
Agronomic Skills
It is beneficial to have continued education in turfgrass management and a desire to keep learning about this ever-evolving business. However, while a formal education is valuable, remember that not all answers can be found in books, and nothing truly triumphs over experience. Combining classroom education with experience is important. Nothing will be quite as beneficial as spending the time on the grass and growing it. Agronomic knowledge is helpful to this role and is roughly 10 percent classroom and 90 percent experience.
Strong Work Ethics
Is adequate time being invested to get the jobs done correctly ?It is not advised to cut corners, as that will backfire in the long run. A strong work ethic plays a huge role in the success of superintendents. Superintendents should weigh out circumstances and make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Engagement
It is in your best interest to be friendly to all members and golfers. A wave and smile can go such a long way. Superintendents can find more success and advancement in their careers by being engaged. Do your best to connect with memberships, players, and guests by establishing rapport with them and assisting other managers to do the same within the facility. This will grow support and, therefore, success.
About T2 Green Insurance
T2Green insurance provides the best customized and comprehensive protection for your club, resort, or golf management business. Our niche expertise and sole focus is ensuring this class, while our industry professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional results so that you can feel confident with your coverage. T2Green offers specialized coverage options that are unique in the industry. With our exclusive program unlike anything else on the market, you can feel peace of mind with protection that is tailored to your club’s unique needs. T2Green is driven by innovation and responsiveness in both coverage solutions and customer service. We understand the challenges that are presented in varying locations and seasons to write policies for clubs from coast to coast and everywhere in between so you can operate with confidence, no matter what conditions arise. Reach us at 844-223-9005 with any questions or so we can begin tailoring a package that works best for your club.
