Top 12 skills to get a super job

For an increasing number of golf courses, hiring a superintendent is no longer a matter of comparing candidates against a wish list. Premier courses recognize that star performers are a must, says Randall Martin, president of Sibbald & Associates, an executive search firm specializing in golf and resorts.
“Today, more than ever, clubs recognize the importance of the golf course superintendent, Martin says. “There is more competition between clubs than there has been in the past, and courses recognize that they need to have a good golf course to attract new members.”
Speaking at the GCSAA Show last February, Martin says there are 12 qualities employers look for in superintendent candidates that can do it all:
1. Agronomy skills. “Clubs are looking for an individual with good agronomic skills. This means at least a two-year degree in turfgrass management or a related field, a CGCS who has kept up with the certification requirements and agronomic advancements and someone that has produced a good product.”
2. Strong leadership abilities. “Do whatever you can to improve your leadership and management skills by taking the necessary courses or working under someone who has an excellent reputation for leadership and management.”
3. Good writing and communication skills. “If you can’t clearly communicate and sell your plans for the golf course to the general manager, the green committee and the membership at large, you are going to have problems. You also need to be able to communicate regularly to the membership, in writing, so that they know what’s going on.”
4. Strong character and decisiveness. “Most clubs are looking for a superintendent for guidance in setting up a long-range plan for the golf course. So, they want someone with the strength of character to stand up and say what the course should be doing and what the priorities should be. Obviously you have to be tactful, but the clubs are looking for a strong individual, not a Mr. Milk Toast.”
5. Team player. “Clubs are looking for someone with a reputation of working well with a golf professional and other staff.”
6.  Approachability. “Clubs want someone who is visible on the golf course when the members are around, someone who the members feel comfortable with and someone they can express their feelings to. If a member has a legitimate concern and the superintendent can handle it in a timely manner, that member will become one of the superintendent’s most ardent supporters.”
7. Sound financial and administrative skills. “You have to be able to put together a detailed budget and handle the administrative details. In other words, the ability to do paperwork is important.”
8. Experience with improvements. “At some point, most clubs will renovate some part of their course, so experience in doing in-house projects, as well as hiring outside contractors and supervising them, is important.”
9. Related experience. “When a search committee reviews a resume, they are looking for similarities between the candidate’s experience and their facility – similar weather zone, same type of grass, a private or public course, managing a Hispanic work force, or similar factors.”
10. Association involvement. “Be active in your local and national associations and hold an office if possible. Clubs look favorably on superintendents who have been recognized by their peers.”
11. Play the game. Playing the game was not important just a few years ago, but that has changed. Clubs want a superintendent who plays the game and sees the course from a player’s perspective. It’s not necessary to have a single-digit handicap, but it is important to play the game.”
12. Know what you want. “I’ve had candidates tell me they really weren’t interested after they were selected for an interview by the search committee. That doesn’t go over well with the committee or with me. Do your research about the club to determine that you really are interested in the opportunity before you apply. People in the golf business tend to have long memories.”

Randy Martin is president of the golf course superintendent division of Sibbald Associates, a St. Louis-based executive search firm specializing in resorts and golf clubs. Martin can be reached at rmartin@sibbaldassociates.com.