Avoiding burnout at Greenville Country Club

Working long hours and weekends during the season always has been part of a superintendent’s job description, but it can take its toll on home lives. In GCI’s Career Change study, “The profession requires too many hours (early mornings, late nights, weekends, etc.),” was the No. 1 reason superintendents selected as the reason they’ve considered changing careers (44 percent).

At Greenville Country Club in Greenville, N.C., the maintenance staff has found a simple, but effective way to keep its managers feeling refreshed.
The golf course superintendent, Chris Parham, and assistant superintendent, Buckley Brockmann, work only every third weekend, thanks to an arrangement they have with a former assistant superintendent, who decided to go back to school to pursue a new profession.

“It’s a fortunate situation,” says Brockman. “We have a knowledgeable former staff member who was interested in some part-time work. It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes in our home lives. My wife loves it, and it’s a better quality of life for my family and Chris’ family.”

Parham, who’s been at Greenville for 12 years, says such a set-up may not work for every superintendent, but he recommends others try to find a similar solution. Surrounding yourself with the best candidates is the first step, he says.

For example, he’s been able to bring two turf students on board as staff members. When his former assistant moves on and can no longer cover every third weekend, the turf students are candidates to step into that role.

“It’s different scenarios for different folks – what works for me may not work for someone else,” Parham says. “But I’m a firm believer of life outside of work, and this helps me enjoy life and spend more time with my family.”