Special

There are, technically, about 15,000 “superintendents” in the United States. At every one of our facilities, there’s someone in charge of the maintenance and playability of the golf course. Over 30 years of doing what I do, I’ve found that if you dig deep enough, you’ll probably find a great story about that person.

You don’t have to dig deep to find a great story at Stone Mountain GC. Even the most cursory of looks will immediately reveal special things going on at this business/resort course on the outskirts of Atlanta. And all of it comes back to one special person: Anthony Williams.

I won’t rehash all of the awards he’s won or all of the lives he’s touched in wonderful ways…I’ll let you read our cover story and get the full picture for yourself. Instead, let me share with you the tribute I was asked to write when Anthony was named the Georgia GCSA Superintendent of the Year last December:

“The first time I met Anthony Williams a couple of decades ago I walked away thinking how impressed I was with the things he was accomplishing environmentally at Stone Mountain. The next time we met, I learned what a fine speaker and communicator he was. Later, I was awed by the fact that he found time to write and publish a book! After that, I found out about his remarkable accomplishments in martial arts. Then I watched in person one day as he joyfully taught a group of giggling children about turf and wildlife. But, best of all, after many times together over many years, I have learned what a fine human being he is. Anthony could have been successful in any vocation. We’re so lucky he chose this one.”

Anthony has been a leader at his facility, an innovator within Marriott Golf, a committed association supporter, a cheerleader for sustainability, a rock-star communicator and someone who meets adversity with enthusiasm and grace.

He faced plenty of adversity last year when first his wife and then Anthony suffered major heart ailments. Yet, when I ran into him briefly at GIS – just a few months after he’d been hospitalized – he was cheerfully asking me how I was doing and thanking me for something small I’d done. He’s just one of those outward-facing people who’s all about what he can do for you.

At this stage in his career, it’s getting less likely that Anthony will ever host a major or decide to run for the GCSAA board. But, those accomplishments pale in comparison to what he’s done as an ambassador for the profession. He is the Johnny Appleseed of goodwill towards turfheads…and because of that, we are honored to help tell his story.