Crew Update Sept 2023

 I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the 2023 golf maintenance crew at Kenmure Country Club. This year has presented us with various challenges and opportunities, leading to some notable changes in the crew's composition.

Staffing Changes and Rebuilding

Before delving into individual performances, it's important to note that 2023 has been a year of restructuring. In February, the team was reduced to just myself and our mechanic. However, by March, we successfully rehired four of our previous seven contract labor employees. This provided immediate relief, as these individuals were already trained and could seamlessly transition back into their roles.

New Staff Members and Successes

While we were fortunate to retain some familiar faces, the quest to rebuild a solid management and backbone staff presented its share of both triumphs and setbacks.

Brad: Our first new hire was Brad, a semi-retired individual from Queens, NY. Brad previously worked in the food service industry but sought a new direction in golf maintenance. His enthusiasm and quick learning skills have already led to improvements in course setup, which includes tasks such as moving tee markers and changing cups.  He has also contributed greatly to landscape maintenance and mowing fairways.

Ricky: A recent high school graduate, Ricky joined our team with a personal goal of physical fitness in preparation for a military career. Not only has he lost over 30 pounds, but his work quality has consistently improved since he started.  Ricky is very friendly and always has something interesting to talk about.  He has learned a lot about golf maintenance this year and I hope that he sticks with it.

Holly: My wife Holly joined us after Mother’s Day to manage our horticultural endeavors. With her expertise in gardening, Holly took charge of planting and maintaining all flora around the club and entrance. She personally installed most of the annual flowers you see around the club and continues to care for them.

Austin: A Brevard native and college graduate with prior experience in National Park services, Austin has been in training to become our spray technician. He will soon complete his training and acquire his pesticide license.  Austin has also learned a great deal about golf course irrigation and has been able to troubleshoot and fix problems on his own.

Lynden: Primarily tasked with operating the large rough mower, Lynden has evolved from a work-in-progress to an exemplary employee who is reliable and proficient in his role.

Challenges and Learning Experiences

Not all hires were successful; we faced challenges with an Assistant-in-training and an initial horticulturalist who did not meet expectations. Despite their enthusiasm during the hiring process, they struggled to excel in their roles, leading to their eventual departure.

Overall Progress and Future Outlook

On balance, the year has yielded more successes than failures. Our team has weathered the challenges of a hot and laborious summer, and as we transition into the fall, we will focus on training for tasks like aerification and overseeding. The question that remains is the long-term commitment of our new hires; this will become clearer as we move into the off-season.

Recent Acquisitions and Hiring Plans

We recently hired two new contract labor employees to replace two that departed in late July, alongside the loss of two college employees in early August. These new hires are currently undergoing training on various tasks. Additionally, we are launching a hiring campaign for part-time weekend staff.