1. When did you decide that this is what you wanted to do?
After obtaining a position on the course grow-in staff in 1999, I very quickly determined that my career path was going to be that of a Golf Course Superintendent. The training, leadership, and example set by my superiors on the grounds staff at that time made it a simple choice that my future was to be on a golf course.
2. What education did you obtain to be superintendent?
I am a graduate with honors of the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School, 2000-2001.
3. What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the ability to consider 550 acres of spectacular property “my office.” The challenges posed each and every day when one’s main ally or adversary can be Mother Nature keeps the day to day from becoming routine. Having these qualities alongside a staff that is second to none, is amazing.
4. Describe a typical day for you?
The typical day begins with a meeting with the Assistant Superintendents to discuss the day’s tasks. My Director of Grounds, Paul Ramina and I have discussions and meetings throughout each day to prioritize daily assignments and discuss course conditions. My morning is generally spent monitoring the grounds staff, scouting for disease and pest activity, and assisting in any tasks underway. Unfortunately a great deal of my day is spent on paperwork and administrative duties, but my focus is to spend as much of my time on the golf course as possible.
5. What is your advice to golfers in general trying to play this course?
Keep your drives straight to take advantage of the generous fairways, make sure practice your short game for your second shots, and above all else, listen to your caddy for the reads on the greens!
6. Since you know golf courses from a different view, are there any secrets you use when playing?
I love to play golf, unfortunately my practice time is very limited. I always try to remind myself that the Highlands Course doesn’t have a water feature until Sybase Tournament Hole 18, so at least I won’t throw my bag into the pond until my second to last shot!
7. What tips can you give residents in the area to maintain their lawn in the middle of summer heat?
In doing what we do, we encounter this question quite often. Unfortunately, it is a very difficult question to answer, yet everyone asking it seems to expect a simple one. What is it they say, a mechanic’s car is always in the shop………
8. Will the greens be playing faster than ever when the LPGA Tour comes to town?
Our green speed should be very close to what we provide our membership on a daily basis.
9. What ways do you contribute to environmental conservation efforts?
We are extremely responsible in the judicious, educated application of plant protectant materials. We are similarly judicious in our water management in order to minimize the inputs of those materials. We have a considerable acreage of native, lower maintenance areas, for natural beauty, assistance in containing runoff into waterways, as well as habitat for wildlife. Reduction of our carbon footprint is becoming an important focus for us as a department, and energy conservation, recycling programs, as well as alternative fuel sources are all being implemented for future.
10. What comments do you think the LPGA pros will have about the course?
My hope is that the LPGA pros will find a fair test of match play golf, with conditions that equal or exceed the best they have experienced, on an aesthetic setting that will take their breath away.