Golf Course Superintendent Appreciation Week!! Day 1

Thank a golf course superintendent day 2021 is September 14th.  The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America outlines some kind things to do here.  I want to celebrate golf and the superintendent this coming week.  Its been a long two years with some struggles, some success, some tears, and some laughter.  2021 is in the books and my hat goes off to the men and women who care for our green spaces that we chase the ball around on.  Behind the successful Golf Course Superintendent there is always a great support system.  I had mine for sure...Kristin and Mollie McKone, Joe Williamson, Don Powers, Joel Purpur, Mario Genovesi, Brian Baker, and many many more. 

Before I focus on the golf course superintendent, I wanted to say "thank you" to a very special person.  In 2004 I took on a job at Briar Ridge Country Club a 27 hole private development with a fixture of a golf pro.  The golf course needed some intense cultural work.  Typically, when a course needs additional cultural practices, which mean disrupting play, its an uphill battle.  Players or members don't want any disruption but they want conditions to improve.  Briar Ridge members were used to playing any of the three courses at a whim and there was always space to jump on the course.  

The Golf Professional at Briar Ridge was loved by the entire membership "not a problem" was a phrase I admired and couldn't stand at the same time.  Jack Sudac was and is one of the most accommodating and genuine people I have ever met.  He was a guy you wanted behind the counter and running your events.  I learned early in my career, that it didn't matter what the golf course was like if you didn't have a good front-man.  Jack was an outstanding ambassador....and had my back....most of the time (he is human after all and we may have had some conversations that bordered on disagreement).

My ability to be successful at Briar Ridge Country Club was due largely in part to the cooperation that I had with Mr. Sudac.  We would close 9 holes regularly and we really worked the surfaces.  His trust and belief in me was outstanding.  In the first year we used the Graden machine in two directions in the spring and punched surface holes with the GA-24 6 times.  

I know this, golfers don't like holes.....the best supporters of the superintendent stop talking to him for a week following aerification......true story, I think it may even be subconscious.  Not only did we poke holes and put a ton of sand down, we were closing 9 holes all the time.  I am sure I fielded some questions that year, but certainly didn't hear the grumbling and moaning like Jack did.  He probably took a ton of heat for me and I can never repay him for that.

Jack Sudac and I spent a ton of time together, golf trips, club events, sporting events, and other shenanigans.  Among other things, he taught me how to run and score events, play good member golf, and run a business.  

Next weekend is the Jack Sudac Invitational at Briar Ridge Country Club, yeah, they love him and its no wonder why.  He is attentive and accommodating, almost to a fault.  

When I arrived at Briar Ridge, we had a ton of M.D.'s, many of which had very difficult names.  "Doc'....was often heard around the golfshop.  "O.K. Doc.......Not a problem Doc........Absolutely Doc......"  you get the point.  The name Erwin has found many workarounds and Jack coined me "The turf doctor," a name I continue to use on twitter which I had set up to communicate with members.  This year I relocated to Michigan and when I renewed my plates, I went with a dedication to my dear friend, whom I miss very much.

Jack, I want to kick off Golf Course Superintendent Appreciation week by saying "Thank You," to you.  Your faith and guidance paved the way for me to have over a decade of success at Briar Ridge where I met many great people and I am happy to say friends that remain to this day.  As different as we may be....superintendents as "task people" and professionals as "people people"  we need each other to operate a successful entity.  I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to work with one of the best.  

To Jack Sudac and all the Golf Professionals who help with the success of the Golf Course Superintendent by giving their trust and support,

Cheers "you ass," LOL

Turf