Experience

DIRECTOR OF GREEN AND GROUNDS (2011 - Present)

Responsible for management of 18 holes at a private championship golf club.  Annual maintenance budget of $2,000,000 with 18,000 rounds for 465 members.

Accomplishments

• Managed an extensive golf course renovation including recontouring greens and fairways, re-grassing all greens to Pure Distinction, construction of five new tees, and renovation of all bunkers utilizing the Better Billy Bunker system.

• Assembled a tiered management team to provide mentoring and encourage learning and professional development among employees.

• Incorporated new maintenance practices and efficiencies throughout the operation to achieve the number one goal of firm and consistent greens.

• Assessed equipment fleet needs and negotiated a value-added equipment lease program.

• Incorporated an aggressive aeration and cultural program to reduce thatch and improve firmness.

• Performed a complete rough renovation by removing undesirable species and incorporating more resilient varieties to withstand Omaha's harsh weather conditions.

• Assessed imminent needs of the irrigation system including major course-wide repairs and relocation of the mainline and installation of a new pump station.

• Implemented an extensive tree management program to raise canopies and remove dangerous limbs and trees to increase safety and improve overall tree health throughout the property.

• Coordinated a plan to ready the golf course for the 2013 and 2021 U.S. Senior Open Championships. Determined staff, volunteer and equipment requirements then worked with vendors to help fund department needs.

• Developed a close, respectful relationship with USGA championship and agronomy staff.

Golf Course Superintendent (2003 - 2011)

Responsible for management of 18 holes at a private, seaside golf club with 10 grass tennis courts.  Annual maintenance budget of $1,225,000 with 14,500 rounds for 285 members.

Accomplishments

• Produced written standards to ensure consistent and proper care of the facility.

• Revamped irrigation program by reducing water usage and instituting a hand-watering program to increase green speed and improve consistency.

• Enhanced turf conditions with routine soil and tissue testing then implemented appropriate nutrient and plant protection programs.

• Established an overseeding program to introduce desired cultivars throughout golf course.

• Developed comprehensive equipment program, improving the fleet by replacing aging, inferior equipment with models that provided significantly improved results.

• Improved golf course and tennis court conditions through extensive topdressing, aeration and overseeding programs.

• Coordinated and oversaw the renovation of a new chipping green and 10 grass tennis courts including demolition, construction, seeding and maintenance.

• Provide supervision and leadership to full-time and seasonal staff through training and encouragement to ensure strict standards are met daily.

• Developed and maintained a comprehensive record-keeping program for annual maintenance and capital improvement budgets, plant protectant applications, payroll, and employee records.

• Managed the planning and construction of a new maintenance facility with environmentally-friendly chemical storage and equipment wash areas.

• Coordinated the development of a long-range master plan that mitigated chronic drainage issues.

Golf Course Superintendent - Gold Course (2000 - 2003)
Assistant Superintendent - Blue Course (1999 - 2000)
Second Assistant Superintendent (1998 - 1999)

Responsible for management of 18 holes at a 36-hole private golf club located in the transition zone for over 2,000 members.  Annual maintenance budget of $2,900,000 with 60,000 rounds.

Accomplishments

• Coordinated the Gold Course renovation by Arthur Hills working with architect, contractors and authorities to ensure construction of new tees and bunkers, recontouring of fairways while converting from ryegrass to bentgrass and installation of a Toro irrigation system. Gold Course subsequently ranked number five in Maryland by Golf Digest.

• Raised daily maintenance standards by using lightweight walking greens mowers, hand raking bunkers and implementing an intensive rough mowing regimen.

• Formulated and administrated annual maintenance and capital improvement budgets.

• Directed and implemented maintenance programs to ensure stringent club standards were met daily.

• Managed both push-up and USGA-style bentgrass/annual bluegrass greens to meet members’ expectations of playability and consistency.

• Oversaw health and nutrition of turfgrass focusing on soil conditioning, proper watering techniques and routine tissue testing.

• Provided leadership, support and training to full-time and seasonal employees.

• Developed rigorous internship program for university enrolled turf students ensuring exposure to all facets of golf course management.

Assistant Golf Course Superintendent (1995 – 1998)

Assist golf course superintendent in management of new 18-hole golf course and 26-acre practice facility for 250 golfing members within a 425-acre private community.  Responsible for operation and management of department during the transition of superintendents.  Annual maintenance budget of $600,000 with 14,000 rounds.

Accomplishments

• Supervised construction of 19 greens to USGA specifications.

• Assisted with the layout and installation of the irrigation and drainage system.

• Aided in the pre-plant fertilization and seeding of bentgrass greens, tees and fairways.

• Assisted in the planning, development and construction of maintenance facility.

• Directed the research, planning and construction of pesticide storage facility.

• Responsible for daily assignment scheduling and supervision of 20-member staff to ensure the course was maintained to strict daily standards.

• Responsible for scheduling, record keeping and inventory, calibration, and application of fertilizers and plant protectants.

• Assisted superintendent in formulating operational budget.

• Prepared departmental employee manual and equipment operating procedures.