Have you heard the term Greens Chairman? This is a specific person on a private club’s board who is basically the liaison / spokesman / lobbyist / boss for the Superintendent. There can be a Golf Chairman for the Pro, and Clubhouse Chairman for all things Food and Beverage. The case I’m about to make to could be made for all Chairmans, but let me simply point out the problems with many Greens Chairmans.
For the next two years, it will be Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson got the appointment because he raised his hand, or he got the appointment because no one else raised theirs. Mr. Johnson last took care of grass when he moved from his house to a condo 14 years ago. Mr. Johnson has no turfgrass degree. Mr. Johnosn used Weed Man to take care of his lawn. A sprinkler system was something the kids ran through on hot summer days. Drainage is what he has in the back of his throat after a bad cold. Mr. Johnosn likes fast greens. Mr. Johnson loves trees, hates aerification, thinks the tees could be more level, has no idea what’s under a green, and sometimes stops by the maintenance building at 6:00 in evening and wonders where everyone is? Mr. Johnson is not unrealistic. He has a couple pet projects he would like to see done before his two years are up, and someone totally different implements their influence.
Here is the minimum my counterparts in the private club world are asking for. Any club “should” require a Greens Chairman to know “something”. They should be required to read certain books, attend some seminars, work on the crew, I don’t know…. something. Golf has to be the only business on earth where we take people who don’t know shit about anything, and put them in charge, but only for two years. As soon as Mr. Johnson has a handle on it, Mr. Smith takes over.
Sir Nick: I have and will always continue to read your ramblings which actually inspire me to better appreciate GOLF! Your tenacity for everything related to the subject guides those who appreciate your efforts, to view GOLF from another perspective, not just what we all think that we already know. Your insight and command of details truly supports every aspect of GOLF, not just playing the game two to three times a week, but actually having the opportunity to learn about the course, the positives and negatives of each shot that needs to be made, including from the “tall grass!”
I sincerely appreciate you my friend and will take every opportunity this coming season to stop in, play a round and talk with the Golf Course Owner Guy.
Thanks buddy. I don’t get to see you as much as I used to. I’m glad you are still out there following along. Hope you and the Mrs are doing great!