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1. Osborne Travis L

   
   7/11/2011 12:07 PM

   Im a recent graduate of the Golf Academy of America, and have recently enrolled in Penn States online program. I am wondering how I could get a job at a course when everyone wants you to have experience

   
   
   
   
2. Keith Lamb

   

   3 posts
   
   7/11/2011 1:07 PM

   Start at the bottom. Try for a entry-level position. That is how most of us got our start.

   
   
   
   
3. Sam Welch

   

   0 posts
   
   7/11/2011 8:07 PM

   alohakane said: Start at the bottom. Try for a entry-level position. That is how most of us got our start.

   
   Exactly. No matter your level of education you will have to get some experience. Make it very well known that you are there to learn and show it with your actions. You will have to weedeat, edge bunkers, rake bunkers, mow greens, etc. just like everyone else, but if you work hard and show a true interest the super you work for will help you out. And ask questions, why do we do this, why that. If you work hard and absorb as much as you can you can move up quick.

   
   
   
   
4. Wahlin Scott B

   
   7/11/2011 8:07 PM

   The most successful superintendents I know completely immersed themselves in the game. They became very good at it. They learned business to a master's level. They learned the architects to the Nth degree. They approached each job as a business decision, either we can improve together or you can go your own way. Identify the best superintendents, architects, clubs then find a way to get involved with them. I have made a wonderful living at the industry of golf, but I was never one of these guys. If you are, God Bless You and go get 'em Tiger.
   
   PS: It is not completely true that "I was never one of these guys". When I was an apprentice I was certainly one of these guys. I was an assistant/apprentice at a very high dollar equity club. Many years later they offered me the head job. I turned it down for unfortunate personal reasons, but I have no reasons to not recommend private equity clubs as a job source.

   
   
   
   
5. Osborne Travis L

   
   7/11/2011 10:07 PM

   First off I'd Like to thank you all for the advice. I have currently sent my resume to all to surrounding golf courses explaining that I'm an aspiring Superintendent looking for any opportunity as a part of their team, so far no luck. I Live in the San Diego Area if anybody could help me gain this hands-on experience I'm searching for. In the meantime any suggestions on any books or websites to further my knowledge? Thank you all again for your time and help

   
   
   
   
6. Ronald Conard

   

   4 posts
   
   7/12/2011 11:07 AM

   tosborne said: First off I'd Like to thank you all for the advice. I have currently sent my resume to all to surrounding golf courses explaining that I'm an aspiring Superintendent looking for any opportunity as a part of their team, so far no luck. I Live in the San Diego Area if anybody could help me gain this hands-on experience I'm searching for. In the meantime any suggestions on any books or websites to further my knowledge? Thank you all again for your time and help

   
   
   
   If you are willing to start at the bottom, print out your resume and go door to door so the superintendent knows what you look like and that you are serious. Just getting a resume in the mail usually doesn't fly too far with most supers. You're one in a million at that point.

   
   
   
   
7. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   7/12/2011 2:07 PM

   Don't be scared to venture out of your comfort zone. Assistant positions are very competitive these days. Don't be afraid to look at other areas of the country, even as a spray tech or irrigation tech. You need to learn those two traits first before you can move up.
   
   Being a Superintendent isn't like being a Golf Pro. I'm pretty sure anybody with a good business sense and dress appeal could be a Golf Pro. It takes real talent to be a Superintendent.

   
   
   
   
8. Baker Daniel

   
   7/12/2011 2:07 PM

   If your willing to move to the TX area, send me a PM. I know several respecable supers who pride themselves on teaching young talent.

   
   
   
   
9. Matthew Neff

   

   0 posts
   
   7/14/2011 7:07 PM

   [quote">Being a Superintendent isn't like being a Golf Pro. I'm pretty sure anybody with a good business sense and dress appeal could be a Golf Pro. It takes real talent to be a Superintendent.
   
   A couple other apparent requirements for being a golf pro: picking the worst possible days to shoot people off the back without asking/telling anyone (i.e. the greens staff) and thinking that golf course prep/set-up takes 10 or 15 minutes at most. But you're right Andy, they may be great at screwing things up for us sometimes but they do look good doing it.

   
   
   
   
10. Mark Van Lienden

    

    14 posts
    
    7/15/2011 6:07 AM

    Think about working for a builder as you get some experience as well as getting to try different parts of the country.

    
    
    
    
11. Nicholas Daak

    

    3 posts
    
    7/15/2011 10:07 PM

    If you want to feel good about yourself and your accomplishments, start low. I have seen a lot of "Interns" that worked at very high end courses and moved on to even better places, that never even picked up a shovel. Anyone can boss someone around.
    I have learned 80% of what I know from hands on. All after school and after working for a highly respected course.

    
    
    
    
12. Osborne Travis L

    
    7/15/2011 10:07 PM

    Ok... Maybe I put al this wrong. You guys are obviously thinking I'm wanting to jump right in to a Superintendent position and that is not the case. I am trying to start low, I have to be able to know how to do the project, before I can really be telling someone else how to do it. I have applied at all the golf courses in my area and it seems that they have the same staff every year and are not looking to hire anyone without any prior experience, but if no one will give me that opportunity, then I will never be able to go anywhere in this industry. I have a passion for the game and after going through the golf academy to be a head pro, I KNOW THAT IS DEFINITLEY NOT what I want to do and it is the turf side that my passion is really for. I am a very hands on, hard worker and have no problem working my way up. I'm just looking for my Golf course Superintendent Mentor. Thank you everyone again for your help and wish you all well, hopefully in the next few years you guys will now my name. My goal is to be one of the best superintendents this wonderful game has ever seen.
    
    Travis Osborne

    
    
    
    
13. Osborne Travis L

    
    7/15/2011 10:07 PM

    Thank you all for your comments and advice

    
    
    
    
14. Fleegel Timothy

    
    7/15/2011 11:07 PM

    Travis where are you located?

    
    
    
    
15. Wahlin Scott B

    
    7/16/2011 1:07 AM

    Head Superintendents need to be willing to move to stay in top jobs. I have been fortunate to have been able to spend my career in one state, but I have worked over the entire state in a number of jobs. Friends have gone to the islands, Hawaii, overseas and up north to keep top jobs. I raised my kids in this business and it's, "Go say good-bye to your friends' because we're moving again!"

    
    
    
    
16. Osborne Travis L

    
    7/16/2011 3:07 PM

    I am located in San Diego California if anyone can help me out. I am willing and able to relocate. Thnak you in advance for your help
    
    Respectfully,
    
    Travis Osborne

    
    
    
    
17. Wahlin Scott B

    
    7/16/2011 4:07 PM

    wahlins said: Head Superintendents need to be willing to move to stay in top jobs. I have been fortunate to have been able to spend my career in one state, but I have worked over the entire state in a number of jobs. Friends have gone to the islands, Hawaii, overseas and up north to keep top jobs. I raised my kids in this business and it's, "Go say good-bye to your friends' because we're moving again!"

    
    
    On the plus side of this, there are friendly faces wherever you go!