It is becoming increasingly obvious that the need for communication in the golf industry is becoming more and more necessary. I was asked the question a week ago "What is the biggest challenge facing superintendents in the next 10 years?" I had several thoughts that came to mind, like decreased budgeting, communication, and increased regulatory pressures. So, I reached out to 2 superintendents i respect a lot Dan Dingman at Birmingham CC and Bob Randquist down at Boca Rio. Both responded in much the same way, increased water and pesticide restrictions are on, or near the top of their lists. If you think about it, this problem really encompasses all of the problems listed above. With the loss of pesticides like MSMA, and what is sure to be the loss of PCNB, we as superintendents and assistant superintendents are forced to communicate with members the reasons why their golf courses aren't as weed or disease free as they could be. Pesticides are going to become more and more expensive, while budgets stay the same or decrease. This being said, the need for good communication skills are more needed now than ever. We have to be able to explain in a rational and level headed manner these points. We as superintendents and future superintendents tend to be a proud group of people that don't like to admit we have problems. Going forward it is necessary to use every means at our disposal to accurately and honestly explain our issues.
I learned alot from Bob Randquist this summer, but the most important thing i learned was to do things the right and moral way. "Just be honest with your membership, Rodney. I have always been honest to these people here and they know if i say it i mean it." This has stuck with me most after my time at Boca Rio. I look forward to getting back out on a golf course and working and out of a classroom for a while. As for now, i will continue to hone my communication skills, with the intention of becoming the best assistant superintendent and superintendent i can be in the future.
