12/1/2012 8:12 AM
Gentlemen
I'm sorry gentlemen, but wearing Dri-fit slacks and polos everyday driving around in a golf cart is not a bad thing. This does not mean that getting down and dirty at times is impossible though. Any given day I could be digging a hole with the crew, help rake a bunker, pruning Palmettos in a snake infested native area or hand watering greens. Besides one of my mentors once told me to "work harder and smarter"-Jooge. We should never be above the work our crews do. Never ask you crew members to do something you are not willing to do first or do with them. Spending a little time every day with your crew will help them build trust and confidence in you. Do not get me wrong though, our jobs are to see the things that they do not and to be one step ahead of what the golf course requires. Having your head deep in hole all day does not allow this to happen but spending half an hour in the hole does.
Until the day I'm retired, which is about 40 years from now, I plan on wearing slacks and polos and driving my cart. Thank god for Southwest Florida and slacks.
Cooper Hayes
Lead Assistant Superintendent
Naples Grande Golf Club
Naples, FL