It’s a worthy exercise to wake up in the morning and reflect on things we take for granted. Friends. Family. The smell of fresh-cut grass. Speaking of which: When was the last time you expressed gratitude to your local greenskeeper?

This week would be a good time. Tuesday was Thank a Superintendent Day.

To mark the occasion, we asked David Jones, superintendent at Indian Springs Country Club, in Broken Arrow, Okla., and a longtime member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, to tick off the many hidden tasks he and his cohort handle beyond dispatching gophers and mowing turf.

Critters

Armadillos, beavers, skunks, gophers, moles, you name it. Animals of all kinds take up residence on courses, biting through wires, digging up greens in their search for grubs, and wreaking all kinds of headache-inducing havoc. The Carl Spackler approach is out of the question, but you’ve got to do something. “Depending on where you are, you might be allowed to hunt them,” Jones says. “If not, you’ve got to trap them. They’re pretty much a constant no matter what you do.”

Fungus Among Us

Fairy ring may sound romantic. It’s anything but. It’s one of myriad diseases supers deal with, from snow mold mold and brown patch to necrotic ring spot. And then there’s pythium, the Voldemort of fungal invaders that, Jones says, is most likely to affect bentgrass. “It’s the nightmare of nightmares,” he says. “Once it gets in there, it pretty much wipes out a green. And there are three or four types of it, so you’ve also got to figure out which one you’re dealing with.”

Equipment Repair

A well-maintained course requires well-maintained equipment, which in turn means sharpening blades, replacing rotors and repairing hydraulics leaks, among many other workshop duties. At clubs without the budget for any equipment manager (which is most), all of these duties fall on you know who.

Vandalism

Stolen flagsticks. Broken rakes. Delinquents on motorcycles doing donuts on greens. The depth of disrespect and stupidity can be astounding, and the worse part is, the scofflaws rarely get caught red-handed. But when they are, it’s often thanks to a superintendent and their staff. “We once followed cart tracks to a garage in the neighborhood, and sure enough, there was bentgrass in the tires, so the kid couldn’t even deny it,” Jones says. The boy was put to work on the maintain crew until he’d made up for the damage he’d done.

Algae

Not just in ponds. It also gets on greens, creating overly soft conditions. No matter where it shows up, getting rid of it is crucial. “But you’ve got to be very careful with what products you use and how you use them,” Jones says. “You don’t want to kill fish or cause any other harm to the environment.”

Irrigation Upkeep

Broken pipes. Jammed sprinkler heads. It’s never-ending. “There’s always something that needs fixing,” Jones says. “We call it ‘irritation,’ not irrigation.”

Ball Washers, Trash Bins, Signage, Etc.

At any given time, somewhere on the course, something needs cleaning, emptying, straightening or repairing. Those duties comes under the super’s purview, too.

Golfers

That’s right. Not gophers. Golfers. A peculiar species inclined to believe that when the greens are sanded, it means that the super is out to get them. Their gift for grousing and blamed-casting is unparalleled, and it underscores a point: a head greenskeeper’s job requires the patience of Job.

A Day in the Life of a Superintendent

While the duties of a superintendent may seem daunting, they are the unsung heroes of the golf course. The International “Thank A Golf Course Superintendent Day” is a day to acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts of these professionals. In conjunction with other global superintendent groups, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) leads the initiative, representing more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries worldwide. Golfers are encouraged to engage on social media using the hashtags #ThankASuper or #ThankAGreenkeeper. This day serves as a reminder to recognize the year-round dedication of superintendents and their teams.

What Makes Them Tick?

Carlos Arraya, the general manager and chief executive at Bellerive Country Club in St Louis, provides a valuable perspective on the superintendent's role. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the intricate factors beyond surface aesthetics that contribute to a successful golf course. “They’re judged right or wrong on a couple of things,” Arraya says of supers. “Are the greens fast? Are the bunkers good? Is the golf course manicured? I think there’s so many other things that go ahead of that. As we continue to celebrate them, the role of the superintendent, we [should] magnify a little bit deeper – more than what’s on the surface.”

Arraya advocates for building personal relationships with superintendents beyond just Thank a Super Day. He suggests a shift from the traditional view of supers as invisible course maintainers to acknowledging their role and expertise. This shift fosters a more productive and understanding relationship between golfers and superintendents.

A Superintendent's Perspective: A Personal Journey

A golf writer decided to take on the role of a superintendent for his daughter's wedding reception, turning his backyard into a pristine haven. This personal experience provides a unique perspective on the challenges and intricacies of the superintendent's job. His journey highlights the long hours, physical demands, and unpredictable nature of the role. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities involved in maintaining a healthy lawn, from dealing with pests and storms to managing irrigation and equipment. He learned the importance of sun protection and gained a deep respect for the dedication and skills required to maintain a pristine golf course.

The Importance of Appreciation

The dedication of golf course superintendents often goes unnoticed. But their tireless efforts contribute significantly to the enjoyment of the game. Taking the time to thank a superintendent for their work, whether through a simple gesture or an engaging conversation, can make a lasting impact. This gesture acknowledges the hard work and dedication they put into maintaining the courses we love.

The Takeaway

The next time you step onto a pristine golf course, take a moment to appreciate the hard work of the superintendents and their teams. Their dedication goes far beyond mowing the grass; they are the unsung heroes who ensure a pleasant and memorable golfing experience. Their work is a testament to their passion for the game and their commitment to providing the best possible playing conditions.