FEATURES
In Your Own Words
Getting Into the Industry

Idaho
“I am very interested in the field. I have owned a lawn and landscape company for the last 12 years and want to explore different options. I am looking into taking a horticulture class and maybe a turf management class. I just want to know if these courses would help me get into the field.”

Minnesota
“I think any education relating to turf and horticulture will help. Most turf management courses will also have intern programs set up with different facilities. I also believe that networking is one of the most important things you can do. Get to know the local supers and staff. See if they’ll let you hang out for a day or two; you may not like the job. Seeing that you’ve been in the lawn and landscape business for 12 years though, I’m thinking you don’t mind grass and dirt.”

Idaho
“How did you get in the field? Do you enjoy the field?”

Minnesota
“I love it, even the bad days. There’s nothing like making the golf course look good, but even better is when you realize that you’re taking care of a living, breathing entity. It sounds weird, but the golf course becomes your baby (for me, anyway), and you try to do everything you can to keep it healthy.

“I started back in the ‘80s as just a regular worker. I worked at a course for seven years then decided I needed something year-round, but I always knew I’d come back to the golf business some day. When my wife and I moved a few years ago, I saw an ad in the paper for the local golf course. After working there for a month or so I was made the superintendent/head groundskeeper and just can’t see myself doing anything else.”

Idaho
“We have several golf courses in the area, and I think I would like the challenges and rewards of the job, I just have no idea what the pay scale is. Is it a salary or hourly position, any ideas on pay?”

Minnesota
“Superintendent salaries range from almost nothing (that’s where I fall in the scale) to six figures plus. I think the median salary is around $70,000 to $80,000. The big courses, at least 36 holes, will pay the most. Those guys can easily make $100,000-plus a year, but they usually have a lot of experience and education behind them. And, a hell of a lot more headaches. As far as salary versus hourly, that all depends on the course.”

Pennsylvania
“I am salary. A private club usually pays more than public clubs, depending on experience. I have 10 years’ experience all at the same club, therefore, I am on the higher end of the pay scale for assistant supers in my area. I see a lot of assistant jobs starting at $32,000, depending on experience.”

Oregon
“Grass care is usually the priority for knowledge. I’d say put emphasis on understanding how soil is put together for your reading and classes. You have to visualize that because you can’t see it. Great confusion in that category for many folks until they learn about it.”

Texas
“I started off in the landscape industry as well, then moved over to playing fields, and now I am on the golf course. The thing I would suggest is look at going back and getting an education in turfgrass. I say this because I have found it difficult, especially in Texas where I am at, to go anywhere unless you have a degree, regardless of experience. I am currently working towards my bachelor’s in turfgrass through Texas Tech.”

“In Your Own Words” is contributed from the forum at www.superintendentsite.com. Visit them, and join in the discussions.