Greetings to all the members of Kenmure Country Club. As we embark on another exciting golf season, I am thrilled to reintroduce myself as your Director of Golf Maintenance. Many of you may already know me, but for those who don't, allow me to share a bit about my career background, my personal interests and my past experience with Kenmure Country Club.
My journey with golf began at a young age, as I grew up living next to a golf course as the son of a golf course superintendent. In my early years the school bus always dropped me off at the golf maintenance building where my Dad worked. I started working summers in high school at that very same golf course, where I learned the ropes of golf course maintenance by push mowing, weed eating, and raking bunkers. Since then, I have been immersed in the world of golf course maintenance for most of my life.
In terms of my education, I initially pursued a degree in Computer Science from UNC-Asheville, but my true calling was in turfgrass management. I went on to earn a turfgrass management degree from Penn State University in 2001, where I graduated in the top four of my class. I am also a proud member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for the past twenty years, achieving Class A status.
I have been a part of the Kenmure Country Club team since August of 2006, when I was asked by the former owner of the course to step in as the Director of Golf Maintenance, replacing the outgoing Superintendent. However, my connection with Kenmure goes beyond my professional role. My father was the Golf Course Superintendent at Kenmure from 1985 to 1990, and I have fond memories of visiting the club as a child, swimming in the outdoor pool right after its construction was completed. I even had the privilege of shaking hands with Greg Norman on the patio of the clubhouse in 1987, an experience that left an indelible mark on me.
As the Director of Golf Maintenance, my key responsibilities revolve around ensuring the impeccable condition of our golf course. This includes recruiting, training, and managing the maintenance staff. Overseeing the procurement and application of chemicals, fertilizers, and other treatments to the golf course. Managing the irrigation system to optimize water usage, and making critical decisions that impact the quality and consistency of the playing surfaces on the golf course. The safety of my team members while operating equipment on the course has always been a top priority for me.
As a turfgrass professional with a lifelong passion for golf course management, I have been fortunate to visit and experience some very old and renowned golf courses. I have toured the operations of esteemed clubs such as Chicago Golf Club, Baltusrol, Oakmont, and Augusta National. Additionally, I had the opportunity to do a weeklong golfing tour of Ireland, playing at prestigious clubs like Lahinch, Ballybunion, Killarney, and Portmarnock. I also gained valuable experience working on the Grounds Crew at Augusta National as part of my college internship and volunteering on the grounds crew of Merit Club during the US Women's Open. These experiences have enriched my understanding of golf course management at its highest levels.
As I reflect on my career in the golf industry, I am grateful for the various leadership roles I have held and the unique experiences and challenges I have faced. One significant challenge was in 2004 when Broadmoor Golf Links, where I was the Head Superintendent at the time, was hit by a devastating flood. The entire course was flooded, and some of the greens were submerged for over twelve days. It was a massive task to clean up the course with limited crew and volunteers, and we had to reseed and regrow several greens. Similarly, in 2022, Kenmure Country Club faced a challenging situation when a combination of factors led to the death of turf on many of the greens. Managing the course amidst such devastation was a formidable task, but it taught me resilience and perseverance.
What motivates me to work in the golf industry is the deep-rooted love I have for golf courses, which I developed at an early age as the son of a golf course superintendent. Overseeing a well-maintained facility fills me with a sense of pride and allows me to honor my past. I also cherish the serene beauty of early mornings on the golf course, which makes it a truly enjoyable place to work.
As the Director of Golf Maintenance of Kenmure Country Club, I have always been committed to implementing initiatives and projects that improve the overall experience for our valued members. Over the years, we have undertaken various projects to enhance the quality of the golf course and make it a place that our members can be proud of.
One of the key areas of focus over the years has been addressing drainage issues on the fairways. We have installed miles of new drainage and piping to ensure that the fairways are dry and playable even after heavy rain, improving the overall playability of the course. Additionally, we have carried out bunker renovations, restoring the edges, fixing drainage issues, and replacing sand, ensuring that our bunkers are well-maintained and in top condition. In the past we have also made significant improvements to our tee boxes, increasing their size, ensuring a level surface, and carefully selecting their location to enhance the golfing experience for our members. These initiatives have been aimed at maintaining high standards and improving the playability of the golf course, ensuring that our members enjoy the best possible experience every time they step onto the course.
As I reflect on the unique features of Kenmure Country Club that set it apart from others in the area, I can't help but feel enthusiastic about the future. One of the key aspects that make Kenmure special is its beginner-friendly layout, with manageable distances and fewer hazards, making it a perfect course for those who are new to golf. However, for those seeking more challenges, the course can also be played longer from the back tees, bringing additional hazards into play. The front side of the course is open and provides safety for missed tee shots, while the back side tightens up, offering a taste of mountain golf with tighter tree-lined holes and elevation changes. The overall beauty of the course is further enhanced by the bountiful landscape areas and the antebellum mansion that has been converted into a full clubhouse, adding to the unique charm of Kenmure.
Looking ahead, my goals and aspirations for the golf course and its members are centered around further improvements and enhancements. I am committed to increasing the speed and firmness of the greens while reducing the amount of thatch, ensuring that the putting surfaces are of the highest quality. Additionally, I am focused on building a highly qualified and professional staff to assist in maintaining the course to the highest standards.
I recognize the importance of effective communication with our members, and I am working on increasing our communication efforts through blog posts, email communications, and regular meetings to keep our members informed about the course's progress and future plans. I value feedback, suggestions, and concerns from our members and ownership, and I am committed to addressing them in a prompt and professional manner.
To stay updated with the latest trends, developments, and best practices in the golf industry, I utilize various sources of information. I participate in video webinars and continuing education programs offered by my professional association. I actively engage in online research through articles, blogs, and social media platforms. I also maintain a network of friends and associates in the industry whom I consult with regularly to exchange ideas and insights.
As for my leadership style, I believe in leading by example and being fair-handed with my team. I encourage their personal growth and development both on and off the course, and I value the chain of command to ensure consistent decision-making. I aim to inspire and motivate my team to deliver exceptional service to our members by setting high standards, fostering a positive work environment, and recognizing and rewarding their contributions to the success of the golf course.
In future years I have a career goal to increase my involvement in the local community and my initiative to give back and promote careers in Turf Management. I have recently reached out to our local community college to educate students about topics in turfgrass maintenance. I hosted a field day where I gave a talk and demonstration on sprayer calibration and understanding chemical labels. I am also aspiring to teach a Turf Agronomy Intro class at the community college in the future, with the aim of introducing students to possible careers in Turf Management.
When it comes to my personal hobbies and interests, I am a self-professed computer nerd and have always had a passion for working with new technology. I enjoy books, games, and movies related to Sci-Fi and High Fantasy settings. I am also a big fan of live music and have an extensive collection of vinyl records. In my free time, I indulge in gardening and take pleasure in growing various vegetables such as cucumbers, onions, garlic, and heirloom tomatoes. Additionally, In the past I had the unique hobby of breeding freshwater tropical Angelfish and selling them to fish stores and online.
Family is a significant part of my life, and I am grateful for the support and inspiration they provide. I live in Hendersonville with my wife Holly and our dog Emma. Holly is a licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent and has a passion for gardening, cooking, and bartending. My parents live in Burnsville, NC, where my dad has been the Golf Course Superintendent of Mt. Mitchell Golf Club for the past forty-seven years, and my mom has been a Realtor and Accountant for the golf course until its recent sale in 2023. I also have a brother who lives in Brevard with his wife and two children. He had a successful career as a Golf Course Superintendent and eventually becoming the General Manager at his club for many years. He currently works as a Realtor in Brevard.
In conclusion, I chose to reintroduce myself to the Kenmure membership because I believe that despite my long tenure as the Director of Golf Maintenance, many people may not be aware of my background and level of experience. I am genuinely excited about the new opportunities that KemperSports and the new owner will bring to the membership, and I am committed to leading the golf course in a positive and upward direction. I am eager to work towards improving the quality and condition of the golf course. As we embark on this journey together, I look forward to creating a strong sense of connection and excitement among the members about the future of Kenmure Country Club.
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