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Written by Josh Mahar, CGCS
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Friday, 16 July 2010 10:32 |
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Airborne . . . that was my thought when I teed off at Nebraska Golf Day. The tee was pretty wobbly as it went into the ground and I managed to somehow place the ball on it. Luckily my drive went straight, not long, but looked good for the spectators. Relieved, I pondered why it should matter so much that I could hit a golf ball. Surely that would not be the only recollection people would have of this day. Perhaps it was personal pride that made me want to hit a good drive for the gallery, but more importantly was that I wanted to demonstrate that superintendents are golf guys too. Too often, our knowledge of the game is discounted by golfers. They consider us grass guys, but don’t realize that, first and foremost, we are golf guys that know and understand all the intricacies of the game. But somehow the ability to hit a golf ball instantly gives you more credibility with golfers. That fact (although never stated) unfortunately probably gives the golf professional more clout with some of your club’s members. How can we overcome that? It is simple and often acknowledged that the superintendent needs to play the game-especially with your members, patrons, and bosses. This allows them to see you as a golfer, not as a guy/gal who just works at their golf course. Golfers relate to each other as only those who play the game can understand and appreciate. They share stories of their best rounds, bad lies, and winning a skins match on the 18th hole. Be a golfer-it will enhance your status as an authority about the game.
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Written by Josh Mahar, CGCS
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 15:19 |
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Nebraska GCSA has been managed by Kissel/E&S Associates for nearly a year now and from my perspective it has been a great thing for our association. We have seen improvements in the association including a revamped newsletter, enhanced communication through emails and notices, and better organized monthly meetings. Those things are all critical to serving the membership, but Kissel’s work doesn’t end there. Many other behind-the-scenes’ duties facilitate Nebraska GCSA’s mission. A prime example was Nebraska GCSA’s exhibit at the Nebraska Golf Expo in Omaha. Kristin Crawford and Katy Post made sure we did this event right. They were consumed by the fact that we wanted to promote our profession and enhance our image. With only volunteer help our presence at the Expo would not have been polished or impressive. An executive director has the time and energy to devote to causes that fulfill our mission. This is one example of Kissel’s diligence but there have been so many more since their hiring. They have responded to Omaha’s overtures to shut down a public golf course, challenged the Nebraska Corn Board’s advertisement attacking golf courses, and networked with the NGA, PGA of Nebraska, and Nebraska Dept. of Tourism to promote golf in the state. Also they are able to provide a great conference room for board meetings, consistent financial reporting, and always want to “help us any way they can.” In a nutshell, their mantra is we do our job (of managing our association) so you (members) can do yours. Hopefully you met Kristin and Katy at Nebraska Turfgrass Conference so you can put a face with the name. Let them know you appreciate their work, because as President I sure do!
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Written by Josh Mahar, CGCS
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Wednesday, 18 November 2009 10:53 |
By all accounts, Ryan Krings, Bill Kubly, Anne Streich, Steve Merkel, and Arbor Links crew hosted a fabulous September meeting. It was our best attended meeting of the year which I hope bodes well for the coming year. The Education and Meeting Committee worked hard to provide entertaining and educational opportunities throughout the year. For those who were not able to attend a meeting, ask someone who did and they will relay that all meetings this year were both fun and educational. Again, thanks to Ryan for putting together such a great meeting.
As my term as President comes to a close I want to take the opportunity to dole out thank-yous to those that have helped the association and myself during the past couple of years.
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Written by Josh Mahar, CGCS
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Friday, 21 August 2009 09:14 |
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I have never been very good at training new employees to mow and will pass it off to my staff if possible. My wife informs me that I can’t give instructions just once and expect someone to learn that way. I guess that is a shortcoming of mine which doesn’t bode well for a new employee under my tutelage. But whether it is me or my staff doing the training, our new employees learn to mow greens first. Some of you may be questioning my sanity to put a new hire on the most critical mowing operation right out of the gate, but it has worked for us. Why? I am not sure but maybe it is the trial by fire method that encourages the quickest, most advanced learning curve? That same trial by fire training engrossed me last spring when I became President of Nebraska GCSA. I knew as much about the association as the first day employee knows about mowing a golf green, but I climbed on and gave my best effort. Much like a new operator, I struggled to “find the controls” as I started out. Was it overwhelming? Yes. Did I make mistakes? Yes. But by the 6th hole the novice mower (and myself) were quickly adapting to a new venture. Follow along as I relate what that journey has meant for me.
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Written by Josh Mahar, CGCS
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Thursday, 13 August 2009 14:40 |
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Golf Course Superintendent/PGA Professional Relationships
“Can’t We All Just Get Along”
I may be ostracized from the Superintendent ranks for this opinion but feel it is an important issue in our careers. I am going to try to convince you that working constructively with your pro is a benefit to you. It is my belief that if the superintendent and pro are on the same page concerning the direction of their club, the facility will be more likely to prosper. I happen to be in a situation whereby the pro respects my contribution to the operation as much as I do his. If you are not in that type of situation then it will be harder to see my point, but open your mind as you read on.
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President's Message
