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This year I was lucky enough to attend the 6th Annual Green Start Academy, which took place over a course of three days at multiple locations in and around Raleigh, N.C.
It is an inimitable seminar jam packed with the newest innovations, networking opportunities and leadership counseling. The program is hosted by Bayer and John Deere Golf, and targets top assistant superintendents, 50 to be precise, through an application process which includes an essay on a relevant issue of their choosing. Now I could write a short novel on what I took away from this great experience, but rather than sound like a court stenographer and relay everything that was said, I've narrowed it down to my top three.
I would have to lead with the very first night in Raleigh. All 50 of us, as well as key members of the program headed out to Sparian’s Bowling, Botique, and Bistro for a night of introductions, networking and of course a bowling tournament. This was one of the best opportunities to meet other assistants in a very relaxed environment and learn about where they came from and their career goals. It’s times like these you realize there are a lot of people in this industry, but in the same breath, how small the industry is. I found several assistants with ties to old courses I worked at, or people I know, and it’s that common link that allowed me to grow my network simply in the four hours we were there. Needless to say, Green Start got off to a great start and it really set the tone for the remainder of the seminar.
Secondly, we had the opportunity to listen to, and interact with, three accomplished superintendents from around the country. Featured were, Pat Finlen, director of golf maintenance operations at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, Calif., Bob Farren, director of golf maintenance operations at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, N.C, and Paul Grogan, director of golf maintenanceoperations at TPC Deere Run in East Moline, IL. Pat, Bob, and Paul gave a brief background on their careers and then fielded questions we had. It was very inspiring to hear these three gentlemen talk about their success and the channels they went through to get there. I know on a personal level for me, it showed that with hard work, good career moves, and a little bit of luck, I can one day be at that level in this industry. I want to take the time now to personally thank Pat, Bob, and Paul for dedicating their time to come and speak with us.
Thirdly, I think I have to make mention of the final speech given this year. Chris Carson, superintendent at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, N.J., gave one of the most enlightening and energetic presentations I have seen to date. His presentation entitled, “10 things I wish they had taught me in turf school,” really brought to life some the challenges we face and answers to our questions. Chris was able to deliver some of the most pertinent information in a fun, fresh way, and when he was finished, there was not a person in the room who didn’t have a smile on their face. This truly was worth the wait, and a great way to end the 6th Annual Green Start Academy.
To wrap up, I want to take the time to thank Bayer and John Deere Golf for this incredible opportunity. It truly is a token of their dedication to the next generation in golf course maintenance, and their hosting this event should not go unnoticed. I hope through this article, other assistants around the country will take note of what great things come out of this program, and try to participate. I had an absolute blast, and came back with an assurance that with some hard work, some patience, and a bit of luck, I too, can be a successful person within this industry.
Finally, I want to thank all of the speakers and everyone else who made this event such a great success and a unique stepping stone in the direction of accomplishment for all the attendee’s careers. The seminar may be over, but the contacts and memories I made in those three days in Raleigh, NC, will last for the rest of my life.
About the author:
Brian DeVries is assistant superintendent at Cascade Hills Country Club in Grand Rapids, Mich. He can be reached at devrie74@msu.edu.
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