Today's Golf Course Superintendent

Today a superintendent's duties are multifaceted. Technology has taken the industry from grazing livestock and horse-drawn mowers to electronic equipment. The golf course superintendent manages labor, time, materials and finances in a manner that is compatible with the environment, meets financial goals and serves the customer. The professional superintendent is responsible for communicating to other management team members, owners or board of directors, green chairs and committees, golfers, vendors, suppliers, golf professionals, golf course architects and others in the golf industry. Additionally, the superintendent is called upon to educate community groups and the media about golf course and turfgrass management in today's changing world. The superintendent usually reports to the golf course owner, a general manager or green chairman. When a city owns the golf course, the superintendent may report to the Director of Parks and Recreation. In managing the golf course, the superintendent coordinates operations with the Club Manager and Golf Professional. Golf course superintendents generally earn a good living. Those who complete a rigorous certification program administered by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America generally earn higher salaries and have a greater opportunity to advance in the profession. It is not unusual for superintendents to earn a six-figure income. From pre-teen years through high school, young people begin thinking about career choices. Those having passion for being outside working with nature, people, technological equipment, and making decisions concerning the environment may consider becoming part of the exciting world within the golf industry as a superintendent. To find out more about the profession and see if this is the career for you, contact a superintendent at a nearby golf course and consider working there.

http://www.gcsaa.org