I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to volunteer at John's Island Club – West Course from October 1-4 as they hosted the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship. I worked alongside John's Island staff, superintendent volunteers, assistant superintendents and industry partners.
Longtime GCSAA members Greg Pheneger (29 years), John Curran (22 years), and Barry Balavender (15 years), had the golf courses in excellent shape for the event hosting 256 golfers on both the West and North Courses over the first four days. The field would be cut in half and then match play for an additional four days on the West Course would eventually determine the champion on Thursday, October 8.
The best part of the event was the illustration of how our industry pulls together to support one another. There was in excess of 40 volunteers to assist the effort. Two volunteers came from as far away as Scranton, Pennsylvania. FGCSA President David Dore-Smith brought two interns with him from across the state in Naples, despite the major renovation underway at his own facility. As the first president of GCSAA, John Morley, identified, "No life is, or can be, self-existent. We depend upon each other." This was evinced throughout the week during the championship.
This experience reminded me of several reasons I entered the golf industry and joined GCSAA in the first place. I love the sense of camaraderie that exists within our profession. In most endeavors in life, the entity that is competing for the same market share that you are looking to attract would never garner your support. In our profession, however, superintendents from the same golfing market came together to ensure that their colleagues at John's Island had every opportunity to conduct a successful tournament.
I also truly enjoyed the opportunity to work in one of the greatest office settings: a golf course! I have been several years removed from the experience of waking up before dawn and riding a golf course from memory. Fortunately, I have been out on the West Course a number of times in the past and I did not end up driving into any of the 27 acres of sand on property. I came close, but was able to avoid the embarrassment! I also enjoyed the last glimpses of sunlight as it cast the shadows across the golf course. To me, this is the best time of day to be out on the course.
The experience of working outside among friends, sharing a common goal of creating the best golfer outing, and knowing at the end of the day you are a part of a greater fraternity of exceptional individuals who are there to assist you as you toil in the same fashion they do, rejuvenated my zeal. It is an honor to work alongside the outstanding individuals who are a part of the golf industry as a regional GCSAA representative. Thank you for the privilege!
