Assistant Superintendent Bootcamp Review

The 2001 Assistant Superintendent Boot Camp at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, CA, was a big success. The program began with a Sunday evening dinner and an opening presentation by Ted Horton, CGCS, President of THC Consulting Services. Horton provided plenty of helpful information on employment relations, covering everything from tips on recruitment to legal responsibilities with employees.

The next day began with a breakfast, followed by an array of superior speakers throughout the day, all addressing a variety of subjects. Bruce Williams, CGCS, of Los Angeles Country Club focused on the keys to success and the necessary skills for excelling in the industry. Helpful tips on resume writing and interview preparation were also covered in his presentation.

Next, Ted Horton, CGCS, spoke to the importance of Long Range Planning and How to Execute Golf Course Maintenance Improvements and Programs. He shared plenty of quality information on how to plan for future success. He also shared some personal experiences from his career, which the assistants were easily able to relate to in their own work environments.

The attendees and speakers got a chance to have lunch together in the large dining hall on the grounds at Asilomar. Immediately after lunch the program focused on the importance of communication and teamwork. It was well demonstrated through a skit performed by the management team of Corral de Tierra Country Club. Contributors included Superintendent P.J. Spellman II, PGA Head Golf Professional Gerry Greenfield, and General Manager Todd Meginness. Through role-playing they were able to display how a team can fail if weak communication channels exist. They were also effective in sharing how a team can succeed through teamwork and ongoing open communication.

The segment on Agronomic Updates- The Advances in Growing Turf brought together some of the nation’s experts. They including Kevin Morris, Executive Director with the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program, Dr. Randy Kane with the Chicago District Golf Association, and Dr. David Zoldoske, Director of the Center for Irrigation Technology at Fresno State University. Plenty of worthwhile information was shared and time was made available for attendees to ask pertinent questions of the speakers.

Dinner was followed by an informative presentation given by Gail Rogers, Director of Education for the Northern California Golf Association. With the topic, Golf: You Make the Call-A Rules and Course Marking Refresher, Gail held the attention of all those present.

The final day opened with breakfast and was followed by a detailed presentation by Association President Bob Costa, CGCS, & Director of Golf Course Management for the Lombardo Group. He spoke about the various public agencies and their specific functions and requirements. He also provided a series of practical tips on how to work successfully with governmental agencies.

The last component of the boot camp was a roundtable discussion titled: The Best Pieces of Advice I Ever Got. Multiple perspectives and good advice came from the panel of John Zoller, Project Manager of Tehama Golf Club, Jim McPhilomy, Director of Maintenance Operations at CordeValle Golf Club, Lonnie Stevens, Assistant Superintendent at Poppy Ridge Golf Course and Mark Mahady, President of Mahady & Associates. The roundtable was a perfect forum for sharing beneficial information with the attendees.

There was no question that after spending time at the 2001 Assistant Superintendent Boot Camp, that the participants left with plenty of practical up-to-date information that will help them in their careers for years to come. Each attendee also received a detailed pamphlet filled with material highlighting all the presentations.

A sincere thanks goes to all the speakers who participated in the boot camp. A special thanks is also extended to Mike McCullough, NCGA Director of Turfgrass Services, who did an excellent job coordinating the educational conference. For all the Assistants who did not get a chance to attend this year’s boot camp, you may want to consider it for 2002. It will be time well spent!