Nothing cold about this experience

The Links of North Dakota proves that whatever assumptions you may have about winters in North Dakota are true.

Crafted by Mother Nature and architect Stephen Kay’s creative mind — only 7,000 cubic yards of soil were needed to construct the layout — the course rests off the shores of Lake Sakakawea. North Dakota, renowned for its unforgiving winters, presents significant challenges such as winterkill and desiccation. The bitter cold and biting winds can wreak havoc on turf, especially greens that require extra care and protection. So why would my wife and I stay in North Dakota? One thing that keeps a young and hungry superintendent such as myself here is the people I work with.

In mid-November 2021, I originally told The Links of North Dakota ownership that I wouldn't be accepting the offer to become its superintendent. That was short-lived, because something was telling me to at least see the property. When I arrived and toured the course, I immediately fell in love with the layout. It didn't take long when I told Tom Powers, “I'm your guy” and accepted the job. I then drove 11 hours back home and was ready to throw everything into the job — even in the dead of winter. I quickly learned the people around me were equally excited.

The culture and people of The Links had a significant impact on my approach to the job. What can I say? The ownership is unlike anything I’ve experienced. Tom and Cheryl Powers and John Kazmer are some of the most hard-working people I’ve met. They are always working inside and outside of the clubhouse, whether it's cleaning bathrooms or covering greens on the course.

The agronomy team I work with has been top-notch, and we only continue to improve. Alfonso, Josue, Samuel and Alan are some of the most talented guys who we’ve trained and watched grow. Entering my second year, I recruited these guys to join our team. They had zero golf maintenance experience, but they arrived with a profound ambition to learn.

They’ve been trained to mow everything, change cups, roll greens, start and shut down the irrigation system, and everything in between. What truly sets Josue, Alfonso, Alan and Samuel apart is not just their individual skills, but their exceptional teamwork and camaraderie. They complement each other’s strengths and work seamlessly together, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.

Their bond is evident in the way they approach their work. Whether it’s brainstorming solutions to a challenging problem, celebrating a job well done, or simply sharing a laugh during a long day, their positive attitude and enthusiasm are infectious. This dynamic boosts morale, and enhances productivity and the quality of their work.

They have not shied away from learning a single thing. Plus, they are determined to learn more every day. The quartet makes my job fun throughout the day. The conversations, carne asadas, and their drive and dedication to make the course as perfect as possible inspires me every morning.

One member of our team, Jack, has even earned the nickname MVP. Jack is an elderly man who is near and dear to me. He has taught me to be a better mechanic, and I have learned many other priceless things from him. Jack works just as hard as anyone else — if not harder. His ability to diagnose and repair complex mechanical issues keeps equipment running smoothly while also significantly enhancing the efficiency of the maintenance team.

Jack’s methodical approach means that every machine he touches is fine-tuned to perfection, contributing to the overall health and aesthetic of the course. Whether it’s a delicate adjustment or a major repair, Jack handles each task with precision, ensuring that everything functions flawlessly.

One of Jack’s defining characteristics is his quiet demeanor. He’s a man of few words, preferring to let his work speak for itself. This reserved nature might be seen as a stark contrast to the often vocal and dynamic personalities found in the world of sports and maintenance, but it’s precisely this quiet confidence that makes Jack stand out.

In the clubhouse, our general manager/head pro Zach McArthur is the most talented professional I’ve ever worked with. His ability to see someone’s swing and immediately have a game plan to adjust it to make improvements is quite impressive. We both were hired around the same time, and I immediately recognized his work ethic, inside and outside of the clubhouse. Our first spring we had a rocky start with a late ice storm and loss of power, with no way to start the irrigation pumps. Zach jumped in and helped with tank-watering greens until power was restored. Last year, when the VFD drive went out, Zach and his intern, Eli, joined our crew in hand-watering greens from around 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for a few weeks.

Even with the night shifts, we found a way to have fun working as a team, while also smoking some meat and maybe drinking a few beers. Likewise, during early fall, when staff is thin, our agronomy team helped clean carts after tournaments. All in all, the clubhouse staff and agronomy crew understand and appreciate that it will take us collaborating as a team to make The Links of North Dakota special.

While The Links stands out as a remarkable golf course with its breathtaking views and meticulous design, it is truly the people behind the scenes who make it exceptional. The dedication of individuals like Josue, Alfonso, Alan, Samuel, Jack and Zach brings the course to life, ensuring every detail is handled with care and expertise. Their collective passion and commitment transform the course into a pristine and inviting sanctuary for golfers.

It’s the unique blend of their skills, hard work and unwavering enthusiasm that elevates The Links of North Dakota from a mere venue to a truly extraordinary golfing experience. The state of the course is a testament not just to its natural beauty but to the remarkable team that upholds its excellence every day.

Gustavo Rodriguez is the superintendent at The Links of North Dakota in Ray, North Dakota. This is his first Turfheads Take Over contribution.