Welcome to 2023

Another year in the books and what a year it was. We’ll remember 2022 as a year that many of the world’s biggest stories reverberated across nations far from home and rolled up on our own doorsteps: record-breaking heat waves, droughts and floods … the continuing spread of coronavirus variants … inflation spikes. And then, as the year came to a close, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé gave the world reason to cheer.

Economic signals continue to suggest volatility in interest rates and inflation, climate change continues at its concerning pace and rising health risks cast a pall on spirits. It’s a sobering outlook, especially considering we won’t have Messi or Mbappé to lift our spirits.

But what we can do, it seems, is to take the advice of sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella and “make our next shot our best shot.” In other words, plan for success and move ahead with positive energy. Here are four ideas to get 2023 off to a successful start.

Stay focused

Prioritize what’s most important and formalize how and when you’re going to accomplish each objective, as well as where it fits in the budget. Use your agronomic plan to establish and sustain the standards and practices you consider critical for the results you have promised ownership and management. Expect labor to be up 5 percent to 7 percent, fuel-related costs to continue to be highly volatile, and increased fuel surcharges for fertilizers, plant protectants and supplies.

Put people first

Results reflect the quality and passion of your team. Recruit team members who are committed to a career, not just a job. Then become a knowledgeable, fair and inspiring supervisor. Your team wants to learn from you so they can make themselves more valuable; teaching should be one of your 2023 resolutions. And don’t overlook opportunities to learn from them. Hire a veteran when you have the chance. They know how to get the job done and will add strength to your team.

Don’t forget your influence over your employees’ families. Your control over a team member’s earning power, career growth and sense of self-worth also affects families. Schedule family days throughout the year when spouses, sons and daughters are invited into the shop for a meal and to see how much their loved one is respected outside the home.

Update agronomic practices

Volatile economic conditions and the highly competitive labor market require that agronomic plans take on even greater creativity and flexibility. Identify your Plan B options in advance of any Plan A failures. Know the answers to these questions:

• Where can I find extra funding for course improvements if necessary?
• How can I ensure excellent conditions for primary playing surfaces if disaster strikes?
• How can I best empower my team for greater results?

Heed warning signs

Most golf-related trends indicate sustained participation and utilization metrics as managers find greater efficiencies and fresh solutions to age-old challenges. So, what could go wrong? Three warning signs for course managers to watch:

• Fatigue and stress. Get enough rest. Eat well. Exercise more. You have a team that’s relying on you to be at the top of your game, day in and day out.
• Impacts to cash flow. Plan for disruptions at your club or course brought on by changes in cash flow that can undermine confidence and force uncomfortable budget discussions. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.
• Re-emerging threats to public health. We’ve seen the effects of pandemic-driven participation spikes in the last few years. Will it happen again if we have another widespread health crisis? Be alert to the first signs of changes in consumer behavior and the surge in labor demands that can follow.

There is every reason to believe that golf course superintendents and course managers will enjoy a productive and satisfying 2023. Especially those who plan for it.