Getting Back to properly taking care of a golf course??? Cancel The title field is required!

1. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   4/24/2019 10:04 AM

   Wasn't sure how to phrase this so I'm taking a shot that some may read it and have suggestions.
   
   I have been at my current course for 24 years now as a Superintendent. I've seen it grow from 168 members to 550 with a waiting list. with the growth came extra budget that allowed us to care for our course properly. larger crew and more chemicals and proper programs!
   
   fast forward to right after Hurricane Katrina when golf went downhill in our area and has continued to spiral back to around 150 members and we are back to no funds to continue to keep up our course. my crew has now become 4 guys including myself. everything we do is done with the thought of either saving the club money or begging donors to help us out.
   
   I really do miss being able to take care of a golf course properly and have even begun to look elsewhere.
   
   My question is, Has many of you stepped down into Assistants roles in order to get back into the groove of doing it right? As I look at positions I know I will most likely have to move and have a few leads as a Superintendent lined up. But I also wonder if becoming an Assistant at a high-end club under a certified Superintendent may be a great option. There's always something more to be learned in our business. I have many strengths but being honest I could learn more about water conservation. possibly different types of turfs. working in a larger Maintenance facility.
   
   What experiences have you dealt with when you changed jobs? anything you wish you would have done different? if you stepped down, how did it work out for you?
   
   any advice?

   
   
   
   
2. Corey Eastwood

   

   80 posts
   
   4/24/2019 10:04 AM

   James
   Although it seems to be a good idea it will be hard to find that job. From my experience very few superintendents would hire a long term superintendent. Not sure if it's insecurity or wanting to mentor their assistants in their methods of course maintenance. It might also be that they feel that you would be just using them for a short term.With the employment situation as it is now in the industry, assistants are now staying many years before they can move up. Make sense.
   IMHO

   
   Corey Eastwood CGCS, Stockton Golf & CC, Retired
   
   
3. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   4/24/2019 4:04 PM

   I have seen the same thing that Corey described, but given the current labor market, particularly in golf maintenance, I would think superintendents are more apt to hire a seasoned ex-superintendent to fill an assistant position. Assistants superintendent positions are difficult to fill and finding that quality person seems to be even more difficult to find. Therefore, I believe you have more opportunity today to step back in position than you would have had 5-10 years ago. Personally, I would have no qualms with hiring an ex-superintendent
   
   I would encourage you to put out the feelers while maintaining your current position. It doesn't hurt to look and you may find the opportunity you seek.
   
   Good luck.

   
   
   
   
4. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   4/25/2019 8:04 AM

   Thanks for the input guys. I agree with both points. I have been placing feelers out and see the issue with the job security or the current Superintendent already. Although the position paid enough and had great benefits which I would of been very happy just being the second guy for however long. When I was an Assistant, I was a very dedicated Assistant. I never once considered the position over me. I knew when my time came I would find it elsewhere and was perfectly happy with that.
   
   I've had the headache now and would be perfectly happy letting someone else take the headache while I did what I loved most.
   
   I do see some positions where Assistants are basically second Superintendents though because of multiple golf courses. That would work for me also.
   
   Thanks guys