NGCSA

I was intrigued by a recent post on GCSAA’s “Forum” website.  The site allows members to express themselves on various issues ranging from turf, politics, and religion.  A member requested feedback on a very common issue that all superintendents have encountered…a golfer who was the last to play the course late one evening left a club on the 18th green.  The member, who knew he was the last to play, asked the superintendent if his staff had found the club the following morning.  Indeed, the course set-up employee had found the club and placed it in his utility cart.  When he went to retrieve the club, it was missing.  The golfer demanded the club be returned or replaced.

What would you do (WWYD)?  The forum feedback was equally divided on how the superintendent should handle the situation.  The responses included:
A. Fire the set-up guy – he took responsibility when he picked up the club.
B. The golfer lost it – it’s his responsibility.
C. It’s the superintendent’s liability – purchase him a new club.
D. It’s the facilities liability – replace the club.
E. Penalize the whole staff.

I was surprised how many of the respondents were so quick to come to assumptions and judgment to justify their actions.  In my opinion, the superintendent needed to be more assertive and find out more facts before rushing into a decision that may be harmful to the staff.  The superintendent did just that and was able to return the club to the owner.

The above example exemplifies how superintendents must be able to manage volatile situations.  It is imperative that we use common sense and be methodical in our ability to problem-solve.

Now, I would like to share with you an issue I’m currently attempting to resolve.  My Board President lives above #1 green.  (He’s a great Club President.)  His small acreage allows his daughter to own a horse.  Recently “Scooter” has escaped confinement and visits the “greener pasture” outside of his corral.  The horse leaves behind a lot of “droppings”.  And obviously…from his walks across #1 green….does not wear spikeless shoes.

Here are a few of my solutions.
A. Close the gate.
B. Make the Board President clean up the droppings.
C. Provide a bucket of oats to all staff members.  Scooter loves oats and can be easily enticed back into the gate.
D. Punish the horse.
E. Suspend the President.

WWYD?  Is there a more appropriate measure I’m not considering?  Do you think I’m putting my job at risk?  Is this a battle I can’t win?

Bill Bieck, CGCS
Heritage Hills GC
McCook, Nebraska