I realize the year isn’t over yet, but I found myself
looking back at all that has taken place in 2023. Maybe I just
wish it was closer to the end of the year, but I put my thoughts down on record
anyways.
As we approach the end of another golf season, a moment of
reflection feels not only appropriate but necessary. The year began with a
significant shift as Kenmure Country Club transitioned to new ownership and
management under KemperSports Management. This change was met with a range of
responses across the club. While some departments were hesitant to alter their
longstanding practices, I found the change invigorating and was eager for a new
direction.
However, the early months presented their own set of
challenges. A lack of decisive leadership from the existing management and some
conflicting guidance from KemperSports made for a difficult start. Precious
time was lost, time that could have been put towards constructive planning and
adaptation.
During this period, my role as the Golf Course
Superintendent remained largely the same in terms of daily responsibilities,
but expanded in scope. Without an assistant superintendent, I found myself more
involved than ever in training and directing daily activities. This was
particularly challenging because the beginning of the year also saw a
near-complete overhaul of our maintenance team. Long-standing staff members
left, and I found myself rebuilding the team from the ground up. Despite these
challenges, I’m proud to say we’ve assembled a small but committed and reliable
team.
Effective leadership has been paramount in navigating these
challenges. Key leadership qualities that have proven invaluable include the
ability to lead by example, keep a cool head in stressful situations, and,
importantly, greet each day—no matter how early—with enthusiasm.
Thankfully, the introduction of our new General Manager,
Dave Ford, marked a turning point. His extensive experience in golf club
management and his commitment to principles like cleanliness, friendliness, and
expertise have guided us toward a positive and productive work environment.
Winter brings its own unique set of tasks. From tree
trimming to drainage improvements, every day of good weather offers an opportunity
for improvement. It’s worth noting that our new team members, having known only
the Kemper era, have been instrumental in helping establish this new phase in
the club's history.
This year has been transformative for me personally as well.
The challenges and the subsequent successes have reaffirmed my love for this
course and my role here. Looking ahead, I'm excited to announce that I will be
teaching an Intro to Turfgrass Management class at Blue Ridge Community College
in the spring of 2024. This will not only help me further hone my public
speaking skills but also allow me to share my extensive knowledge and
experience.
To anyone navigating similar workplace changes, my advice is
straightforward: keep a positive attitude and be ready to adapt. We’ve been
fortunate to benefit from an ownership committed to investing in our future,
making it easier to embrace these changes.
I look forward to a productive end to this year, and going into next season with a strong crew and a plan for success. We have plenty of room for improvement and I look forward to making Kenmure great again one step at a time.
