Reflections

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.