There is no question I am surrounded by great people on my staff! In particular, my two assistants are second to none. Christian recently started working on completing his bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Science via the Penn State World Campus. Christian already maintains an associate's degree in Turf Management from Horry Georgetown Technical College. That is no easy task; working a 60 hour work week and going home to do nothing more than study. He is determined and committed to this industry and it shows by how hard he works for Highlands CC and then, this financial commitment to better himself through more education.
Chad Stockton, my other assistant and partner in crime, earned a 2 year certificate in Turfgrass Management from Penn State two years ago. Again, the life-work balance these guys have is impressive.
While the education is extremely important in this business, work experience, attitude and work ethic is what gets folks to the top like most professions. At HCC, I have worked tirelessly to develop an assistant program that develops these good people to make them ready to be Superintendents. Experiences like participating in green committee meetings, scheduling, spray programs and the freedom to manage the crew are things I focus on that are rare at many Clubs. As I get older, watching these guys grow professionally means more to me than anything. It gives me great satisfaction. In my 12 years as golf course superintendent, 3 assistant superintendents have left HCC for Superintendent positions.