Our 10 Commandments

As superintendents, we pride ourselves on the kinship and brotherhood inherent in our profession. We see ourselves as protectors of the earth, combining science with a spiritual belief in Mother Nature. We put our trust in ongoing education, devote long hours to protecting our “babies,” and do all this for our fellow man — in this case, golfers.

But is it possible we’re being a little bit “holier than thou?” We talk a good game, but do we really practice what we preach? Yes, the GCSAA promotes lots of great programs, and once a year, at the national conference, we profess unity with an “all for one, one for all” vigor.

Are we really as supportive as one another — as well as our craft, our courses and our creed — as we think?

With a nod upstairs, I’ve created the superintendent’s version of the 10 Commandments. This has been done with the utmost humility, plus a little sense of humor. You don’t have to be religious to get the point. All I’m asking is take a read and give them some thought. And let me know what you think.
 

1. Thou shall have no other gods before me

Our ultimate higher authority? Nature. That means our turf gods — Old Tom Morris, Joe Duich and Franny Fern Davis — have to take a step back.
 

2. Thou shalt not make idols

While it’s tempting, and often easy, do we really want to put Augusta National, Chambers Bay (this year; last year it was Pinehurst No. 2), Billy Payne, Mike Davis and such others above practicality? It’s difficult not to want to emulate championship venues and the perfect conditions we see on television. But you should be most concerned with your course and your people (both those you employ and those who employ you). Worry about your own and spend less time comparing them to others.
 

3. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord in vain

In this case, golf. The sport has been very good to us so we should praise and appreciate it rather than damn and condemn it. That’s not to say everything is perfect, but at the end of the day, it’s a pretty good gig. If you’re not satisfied with your job, do some soul-searching; perhaps it’s time to explore other avenues. But remember: Once you’re out, it’s very difficult to return to the fold.
 

4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy

Even the Lord took a day off after creating the world. While most of us work on the Sabbath, since that’s when many golfers come to play, we still need to take care of ourselves, taking time off to recharge our batteries. Golf is still just a game and doesn’t need the macho attitude of superintendents who brag about taking days, weeks and even months without taking time off. This is a great job, but it’s also a tough one, and if you don’t take care of yourself, it really can kill you.
 

5. Honor thy father and mother

Appreciate all those who got you where are you are—parents, spouse, kids, friends and colleagues—and give thanks to those who keep you there. Listen to the words of wisdom of those who have gone before you. Even if much of that knowledge comes from an earlier, simpler time, it still applies today.
 

6. Thou shalt not kill

Except, of course, for unwanted insects, fungi, invasive weedy grasses… Our job is about both killing and giving life, which means we need to be extremely careful. Read all labels, talk to your crew, measure twice and cut once, as carpenters say, to avoid unintended consequences. But in the end, we are all about life in the form of healthy, vibrant turf. As the late, great Dr. Joseph Troll of the University of Massachusetts said, “Healthy grass is happy grass.”
 

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery

Keep your eyes on your course and don’t let them wander. Isn’t your plate full enough?
 

8. Thou shalt not borrow

We’re all offered deals, kickbacks and the like from suppliers, members and others. If you run a side business or are laying the groundwork for your next venture, be careful. Make sure your current employers are sufficiently aware of what you are doing. Ask yourself if you are engaging in a conflict of interest, and if you’re still giving 100 percent to those who pay your salary. Sneaking around, lying, being secretive can come back to bite you.
 

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness

It’s true in all industries, and certainly in ours. Rumors, tale-telling, gossiping are rampant. And where do they get us? Nowhere. Rather than spreading innuendo and falsehoods about other supers or other courses, why not support your friends and neighbors? We have a code of ethics and we should all try to live up to it. Of course, we’re only human and it is human to kid around and have fun, sometimes at others’ expense. But don’t let it go too far and negatively affect someone’s opportunity to make a living. And one more thing about rumors: They tend to backfire.
 

10. Thou shalt not covet

Be thankful for what you have and make it the very best it can be, every day, with the resources and tools you are given. Take a good, long look at your situation and I’ll bet you’ll conclude that things aren’t too bad. That’s no reason not to want to move up the ladder and do better for yourself and your family. But not at the expense of someone else.

Tim Moraghan, principal, ASPIRE Golf (tmoraghan@aspire-golf.com). Follow Tim’s blog, Golf Course Confidential at http://www.aspire-golf.com/buzz.html or on Twitter @TimMoraghan