The Core of Golf Course Maintenance: Passion, Leadership, and Teamwork

Golf course maintenance is a challenging but rewarding career for those with the right mindset. Over the years, I’ve learned that the people who truly thrive in this line of work often come with a built-in passion for the game of golf. This love for the sport not only drives them to stay in the industry but also inspires them to bring their best effort to every task. They understand how conditions affect play and take pride in creating a course that golfers will love.

But not everyone shares this passion—or the resilience it takes to succeed. The work is demanding. It starts early in the morning, often outdoors in tough conditions. Rain, wind, or cold don’t stop the job, and for some, the realities of the role are just too much. While I want to nurture new team members and help them find joy in golf course maintenance, the truth is, this isn’t a job you can do halfway. It’s a career for those who are all in.

My approach to leadership reflects this. I focus on building and retaining a strong core team. These are the people who make things happen—the ones I count on. My long-term mechanic, Scott, is indispensable, as are my experienced contract laborers, who I’ve worked with for years. Without them, assembling a new team every year would make this job unsustainable for me. These key individuals form the backbone of our success.

For those on the periphery—the newer or less experienced hires—it’s sink or swim. I give them the opportunity to learn from the core team and the chance to adapt to the demands of the job. But if they can’t rise to the challenge, they usually don’t last long. That’s okay because the strength of our operation lies in the people who are fully invested.

As a hands-on leader, I believe in working alongside my team. I wouldn’t ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. They see me on the course, active and engaged, not just handing out orders from the office. This approach earns the respect of the core team and reinforces the culture we’ve built—one of mutual loyalty and shared dedication to excellence.

At the heart of it all is the sport of golf. The revenue generated by active participants in the game supports everything we do, from staffing to equipment to budgeting. Beyond that, passion for golf fosters interest in the industry itself, potentially inspiring the next generation of superintendents and maintenance professionals. Unfortunately, that passion seems to be waning, and with it, a connection to the sport that sustains us.

As I reflect on these challenges and successes, I remain committed to nurturing the people who share my dedication and to delivering a course that reflects the pride we take in our work. For those who stay, who truly embrace the demands and rewards of this profession, there’s nothing quite like it.