What it takes to be a modern golf course superintendent

Tech-savvy superintendents are in high demand, but the range of skills needed is more expansive than ever before.

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As sure as Bob Dylan sang “the times they are a-changing,” the requirements for a good superintendent have changed along with them.

Once upon a time, sticking a knife in the turf and following your gut was all it took to figure out when to water the greens and how much fertilizer to apply.

Nowadays that’s only a fraction of the job a modern golf superintendent has to tackle on a daily basis. Not only that, but the technology with which they do it has also continued to advance, providing a whole new world of data — data that is irreplaceable, but also broadens the responsibilities at the same time.

Much of that technology is affordable and easy to use, but some of the cutting-edge tech in the industry can leave some courses in the lurch until it’s adopted by more people and eventually becomes more affordable. In such cases, courses have to get by with the equipment and supplies they already have and make more out of less.

While a great love of golf and a desire to work outdoors is still important, it’s no longer enough for superintendents just to know their way around turfgrass. The superintendent needs to be well versed in environmental and fiscal sustainability, and to be able to deal with booming club memberships and exponential increases in rounds played.

“Golf itself is challenging, so why shouldn’t working on a golf course be challenging,” said Justin Sims, director of grounds and facilities at The Alotian Club in Roland, Arkansas.

But, overcoming challenges and seeing the results of your labor is a major reward, he said.

The golf course superintendent wears many hats these days: master gardener, business manager, mechanic, tech expert, hydrologist, meteorologist, diplomat.

“You have to have your head on a swivel,” Sims said.

Successful superintendents have business acumen, said Bob Farren, director of golf course maintenance at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

“The number of superintendents managing million-dollar budgets is growing every day,” he said. “And, it’s important to understand that as much as 60% of this will be payroll or investing in people. Leadership and engagement skills are much more important now than 30 years ago.”

The superintendent’s job is a very visible position and requires interaction with many people, from line employees to club trustees.

“Communication and resource…