The Pellucid Perspective - May 2015 - (Page 10)

ADVERTISEMENT Strong Relationships with Superintendents Maximize Course Performance and Profit Challenging, complex and daunting, golf course management has phenomenally high stakes. But a strong relationship with your superintendent can help lighten burdens and boost business performance. At Duke University Golf Club in Durham, North Carolina, the strong relationship shared by Ed Ibarguen, general manager, and Billy Weeks, head golf course superintendent, has contributed to a successful club and a mutual partnership that pioneers transparency and respect. Today's superintendents are plant scientists, entomologists, workforce managers and trainers, public relations officers, technology experts, agronomists and more. With diverse backgrounds, they deliver value through: * Maximizing plant health and executing preventative turf maintenance. Plant health is driven by the demand for highperforming playing surfaces plagued by abiotic and biotic stressors. From root zone aeration to managing oxidative stress, superintendents implement preventative practices that ensure long-term success. * Employing effective water management. With the volatility of weather, water maintenance is an ongoing challenge for turf health. * Solving challenging problems throughout the course. Problems range from club house issues and member complaints to high material costs and turf health challenges. * Strategically assisting with course redesign. Greens renovation can disrupt goings-on. Superintendents' practical maintenance perspective during redesigns can help prevent heartache and spur cost savings over time. * Superior labor management within budget. On average, labor accounts for roughly 55 percent of a maintenance budget. As a result, work force management is absolutely critical. Great superintendents ensure that each staff member is deployed to full capacity without burning out. According to Ibarguen, the key elements to a successful business relationship are respect, trust, and a willingness to listen. "Billy and I deeply respect each other's knowledge, experience, 10 The Pellucid Perspective and skill sets," Ibarguen said. "We trust each other to a fault - regardless of the circumstances. That honesty has paid and is paying dividends in balancing the needs of our people with the priorities of our golf facility." Ibarguen added that he and Weeks share a similar vision of what they want their facility to be, but they sometimes have different perspectives on how to get there. In those situations, Ibarguen said it's essential to take the time to listen to the other person's perspective prior to determining the appropriate path of action - whether it's daily operations, capital improvements, or budgets. "The bonus in our relationship is that I sincerely like Billy Weeks as a human being," Ibarguen said. "He is everything I would want in a friend and trusted confidant." Weeks agrees that appreciative and frequent dialogue with your general manager and crew is invaluable. "We do our best to ensure that we are always on the same page and that we have the same expectations on the playing field," Weeks said. "I don't do his job, and he doesn't do mine. Ed has given me all the tools I need to put out a good product, and he can trust that the dollars he gives me will be spent as wisely and as efficiently as possible." GCSAA recently launched "Thank A Superintendent" to spotlight the unsung heroes of golf. Through strenuous but rewarding work, superintendents help amplify the beauty and performance of an expertly maintained course and the enjoyment of a smooth game. For more information, visit www.gcsaa.org/thankasuperintendent. ©2015 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.us. May 2015 http://www.gcsaa.org/thankasuperintendent http://www.BayerCropScience.us http://www.BayerCropScience.us

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Pellucid Perspective - May 2015

TOC
Third party tee time space battles heat up
NGCOA draws flak on owners’ message board
GPS Industries, Club Car forge rare GPS success story
“Paces” of play a healthy alternative for golf?
Flying Tee aims to top Topgolf with debut facility
April golf weather impact: Put another month in the “plus” column
Denver: Profits not Rocky Mountain high, but better than most
ClubCorp reports outstanding first quarter results
The Players, on and off the course

The Pellucid Perspective - May 2015