The perfect green chair

In this era of AI, robotic mowers, GPS spray units and cell phone-controlled irrigation systems, wouldn’t it be ideal if we could create the perfect green committee chairman?

What characteristics would this person exhibit? First and foremost, they would love the game, love their golf course and want to make both better. They would care about their fellow golfers and want to ensure everyone has a fun and fair experience. They would want to be fiscally responsible but not so cheap that they risk the condition of the course by counting every penny and wondering if that 20-year-old triplex can make it another year or two. And they would have both respect and admiration for the work you and your team do every day.

Yes, they’re allowed to have an ego. But one that wants to hear plaudits from their buddies for keeping the course in great shape, not one that screams, “Look how smart I am!”

From my 35-plus years working with green committees and serving on one at my own club, I’ve learned two important lessons. First, no matter why they agreed to — or lobbied for — the job, they now know that having a seat at the table means being a target for every suggestion, criticism, inquiry and comment, good, bad or ludicrous.

Second, most who want the job know nothing about agronomy, what is needed to improve the golf course or how to achieve it. Why would they? Playing golf is a far cry from maintenance.

What other traits should the perfect chairperson have? A stiff upper lip, the ability to leap in and out of golf carts gracefully, a sense of smell, adequate hearing (and an even better ability to listen), and a basic understanding of golf agronomy and architecture. And enough self-knowledge to know they’re not the expert, you are.

Low or high handicap? Doesn’t matter. But they should remember that one person’s golf skills should not dictate course conditions or setup.

It would be nice if they brought some expertise appropriate and relevant to the committee: Financial acumen, construction experience, landscaping or environmental insights. Some HR experience would be good, too. Not for managing you and your staff, but to deal with members and golfers.

The head honcho also needs to have time. Chairing a committee is a major commitment. Properly running the green committee means regularly driving the course, listening to members, and interacting with you and your team.

Sometimes I think the perfect chairperson would be an amateur meteorologist, with a healthy respect for Mother Nature and an understanding of the damage rain, hail, snow and heat can do to turf.

Like a good CEO, you want a “big picture” person with the ability to get into the weeds. They should understand that …

• Green speed and hole locations are important not to help someone’s game but to help protect the golf course.
• Comparing your course to the fancy, over-budgeted club down the street isn’t only unfair, it’s unwise.
• An updated irrigation system is more valuable than bird boxes and flowers on the first and 10th tees.
• Quality turf requires sunlight penetration, which means trees planted in the 1960s probably need to be thinned out if not removed altogether.
• If you say, “we don’t do that here,” or “we can’t do that here,” they ask why and respect your answer (but properly challenge you when there’s a reason to do so).
• There is nothing wrong — and a whole lot right — with admitting they don’t know something. Asking questions is the best way to learn.
• Sometimes you must make unpopular decisions.
• The decisions made today may not affect them now but will impact future generations of golfers.

As to what you don’t want?

• A multi-course member who doesn’t understand why what works in Florida in January won’t work in New York or Colorado in June.
• Someone whose barometer of good maintenance is their own backyard.
• The mid-handicapper who thinks their good enough to play in the U.S. Open, or that your course can host one.
• Someone who’ll be quick to go behind your back.
• Anyone who thinks you can be easily replaced.

Mission possible? Maybe. Have faith and hope that your green chair has the same in you … and your abilities.