Two economic realities will dictate the fiscal viability of the nation’s private golf club community for the coming year(s): first - how heavy a financial hit the private golf club community takes this fall when it invoices for 2010 member dues; and second – how heavy a tax hit the nation’s achieving class (i.e., the core of private club members) will have to absorb should pending tax-generating legislation (universal medical care, global warming and a first time ever VAT, or national sales tax) be voted into law by Congress.

I say again, “90% of the jobs that might be lost in a bad economy can be saved by knowledgeable superintendents taking the appropriate initiatives…

Because the golf industry can not expect to escape cleanly from the above economic entanglements, superintendents have little choice but to go on the offensive to minimize the risk of job loss to the lower salaried. Restating what I said in an earlier blog message, “90% of the jobs that might be lost in a bad economy can be saved by knowledgeable superintendents taking the appropriate initiatives” translates into the following:

Offensive Initiative: First, adopt the central theme of the main body of my earlier 2009 blog messages; i.e., “The best thing superintendents can do to keep their jobs is to take the lead in re-shaping course maintenance budgets to reduce operating costs without sacrificing significant course quality; then, specifically put into practice the seven “Job Securing Tips” recently published via this blog. (FYI – another dozen or so additional “Tips” will be forthcoming in the coming weeks.)

Defensive Initiative: Commit to either updating your previously prepared personal web site, or preparing your first web site now. In either case, your web site should emphasize (with the use of graphics when possible) that you have the experience to maintain a quality golf course in a proven highly cost-efficient manner. Because up to half of all interview slots go to candidates submitting personal web sites, you do not want to be caught “naked” should you lose your job unexpectedly; i.e.- having to compete for your next job against uniquely difficult odds. Always be ready to move on job-wise 24/7 in this economy, whether this be at your employer’s initiative, or your own. Do not take your job for granted under any circumstance.

Without question, a newly hired golf course superintendent will have better job security than most incumbent superintendents…

More Offensive Initiative: With a new or updated web site in hand, stay tuned to the job market and always consider applying for another job while still holding your present job. (Review the following two earlier applicable blog messages before applying for your next job: (3/20) “Stress Free Job Interviews,” and (4/30) “Don’t Waste Your Cover Letter.”)

Should you apply for another job, your cover letter should make several points: first, that there are no such things as being “over-qualified” or making a “lateral move” in this economy because every job presents its own set of unique challenges that will test the best of superintendents; and then, that you would expect your salary to fit comfortably within revised economy-driven budgets. Without question, a newly hired golf course superintendent will have better job security than most incumbent superintendents.

Superintendents, want to help your assistant(s) on their career path? Print out these Career Corner posts and responses on an ongoing basis and assemble them in a hard copy binder for your assistants and crew.

This is the third blog message I have dedicated to the subject of maintenance facility law and order within the past two months. (See Tips # 3 and #6 within the sidebar archive.) Why have I made this ongoing commitment to this one subject – because I firmly believe that what you see in the maintenance facility is what you will get on the golf course. In today’s difficult economy where employers will continue looking to replace higher with lower salaries for some time to come, a loosely maintained facility will too often become the final straw that will cost many unsuspecting superintendents their jobs.

To successfully address this job-threatening challenge, a repeating mechanism is needed that would both educate the remaining uninitiated (yes – still in the majority) and remind those who have recently seen the “light” to stay the course.

…an annual chapter-based contest to identify “The Best Managed Maintenance Facility Of The Year” would effectively help to realize these two educational goals…

Accordingly, I suggest that the concept of an annual chapter-based contest to identify “The Best Managed Maintenance Facility Of The Year” would effectively help to realize these two educational goals. The recommended guidelines that would be used to conduct these yearly contests follow:

1.   A “Maintenance Facility Guidance Committee” would initially be formed within each chapter to define contest rules and regulations. Once formed, this Committee would also be asked to promote the annual contest and the concept of sound maintenance facility structure throughout the chapter membership.

2.   The contest would be open only to clubs/courses with working superintendents who are chapter members. Golf course superintendents wishing to have their courses participate in this contest would submit the applications for their respective clubs/courses to the chapter secretary.

3.    Judging panels would be appointed by chapter Boards that would consist of a combination of +/- three members selected from the following: former chapter presidents, retired member golf course superintendents and at least one mandatory company sales rep because they visit maintenance facilities every week.

4. It will be important to announce, manage and conclude the contest within a workable annual schedule. Click here to see a suggested model contest schedule.

5.   To insure the contest would receive the serious attention it would need to realize its stated educational goals – the awards to be given to contest winners must appeal to the mass of chapter members. Click here to see a suggested “awards” program.

Certainly, chapters are invited to fine-tune the above listed contest guidelines to better suit their separate needs.

No longer will the sloppy maintenance facilities of some drag down the professional image of many…

Effective “Best Managed Maintenance Facility Of The Year” contests will sustain an important educational process, enlighten the golfing public, save superintendents jobs and elevate the image of an entire profession. No longer will the sloppy maintenance facilities of some drag down the professional image of many.