Peer review

As golf course superintendents, we all know the pressure of preparing the golf course for a big event, whether it’s the annual member-guest, a corporate outing or just daily play on a Saturday. We are always pushing ourselves, our teams and our properties to be the best they can be. Now imagine preparing for the same event — except all the participants are experts in your field!

This is something I find unique to our industry, the opportunity to host your peers at your property to see your operation and the results it produces firsthand. I can’t think of any other industry that is comparable in that regard. It’s like Take Your Kid to Work Day, except your kid is 100 golf course superintendents! Just the thought of it may induce anxiety among some. However, I have found it to be extremely gratifying.

Throughout the last four years, I have hosted my local chapter for our trade show event. Despite the anxiety at first, it has become an event that I look forward to. Superintendents often say that “we’re the only ones that notice” many things on the golf course, and to prepare for an event where everyone is noticing those things certainly can put you in a vulnerable position. The challenge with hosting your peers is you can’t hide behind anything. Your work is out in the open to be admired, judged and criticized.

But what you will find is contrary to that belief. In fact, most of the feedback I have received after our events are things I don’t even think about that others noticed. We get so wrapped up in the little problems and blemishes on our properties that it can be difficult to see the big picture. There isn’t any judgment because we all know what it takes to do what we do; we can all relate with our struggles and successes. Inviting your peers to your property shines a light on your team and tells them that you are proud of the product they produce. It can offer a glimpse into the camaraderie of our industry and inspire them. Nobody expects it to be perfect … except maybe us!

These events are held to help support chapter initiatives, network with local peers and, most importantly, provide a day away from the normal grind to enjoy someone else’s hard work. It’s a great opportunity to meet industry partners and other superintendents. As someone who is a bit introverted, I find it difficult to introduce myself, but I don’t have to — other superintendents will go out of their way to introduce themselves, thank me for hosting or just talk shop. Those conversations are often thought-provoking and can provide unique perspective for the operation.

I’ve learned more about myself and my peers. Building relationships locally can be critical in your success as a superintendent. We all have similar problems and challenges. Having a strong local network can help you get through difficult times and celebrate successes.

Something often overlooked is how these events happen in the first place. They can’t happen without the dedication of our local associations and their boards of directors. These positions are voluntary and often require time outside of work to plan and execute. Offering your property to your local chapter for a day is a great way to give back the industry and provide some respite from your daily routine.

I would encourage any superintendent — whether you’re at a 9-hole municipal course or a top-100 private club — to inquire with your club about the possibility of hosting a superintendent event. It’s beneficial to yourself, your club and this great industry we’re all lucky to be a part of.

Jesse Sutton, CGCS, is the golf course superintendent at Fox Run Golf Course in Ludlow, Vermont. This is his first Turfheads Take Over submission.