With an ongoing war in Ukraine, unrest in the Middle East, lingering inflation and economic uncertainty, Washington politics run amuck and there and it is no wonder more than 1 in 5 of all adults in the U.S. receive some sort of mental health therapy and the number of people questioning their own mental stability is at a record high.
All that said, there are always things to be positive about. We asked a few people in the golf industry what about the business they are thankful for this year.
Dave Schlagetter
Indian Hill Club
Winnetka, Illinois
"When I step back and look at the big picture, I owe all I am to the game of golf. Golf provided for my family and put my kids through college. For the last 40 years golf has given me all the essentials of food, shelter, clothing. Golf has given me the opportunity to meet people and experience a life that would never have been provided me without it. I am a lucky guy and truly thankful for the game of golf."
Kevin Ross
ONCOURSETurf
Loveland, Colorado
"I'm thankful for the amazing reception I receive from superintendents throughout the U.S. and world when I contact them. Whether it's about touring their golf course, video work, permission to use a photo or just stopping to say hello, I'm always welcomed with open arms. I've even had some supers offer overnights with my Airstream in the clubhouse lot. It's an amazing community of amazing people, and I'm thankful for that."
Paul MacCormack
Fox Meadow Golf Course
Stratford, Prince Edward Island
Yes, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving, although it is the second Monday of October.
"If I had to reflect on something I am thankful for within our industry, it would be the people. I feel so blessed and fortunate to work and communicate with such a good group of folks. It may sound cliche, but it's true."
Steven Neulip
Etowah Valley Golf & Resort
Etowah, North Carolina
"A great, tight-knit industry that readily provides support, shares knowledge and has people that are always willing to help one another. Even if they are direct competitors. The relationships that I have developed over the last 40 years. Support organizations and companies that support the golf and turf industry."
Fred Gehrisch
Highlands Falls Country Club
Highlands, North Carolina
"I'm thankful for my staff for supporting me and making the transition (from director of golf course operations) to general manager and being on board with the changes I'm making. More than that, I didn't realize until this year the demands of the job and how it affected the lives of those at home. I'm thankful for my wife, Lynn, supported me through it all. Being the spouse of a workaholic is not easy. And she helps me even when I think 'What am I doing, doing this?' She keeps me grounded."
Sam MacKenzie
Olympia Fields Country Club
Olympia Fields, Illinois
"I guess you could say I'm thankful the 2023 BMW Championship went as well as it did for all of us involved and it now is in the books. Add to it all of the various construction projects we did this year and I am looking forward to this winter more than most."
Kevin Breen
La Rinconada Country Club
Los Gatos, California
"I am thankful for the record number of rounds of golf being played and for those committed to working in this great industry that keeps those players coming back."
Rob Golembiewski
Atticus LLC
Columbus, Ohio
"I am thankful for the 35-plus years spent in this amazing industry. More so, I am grateful for all the fantastic people that have come into my life because of the turf industry and the special friendships that have resulted and continue to this day."