Pinehurst Resort Hosts 19th Green Start Academy for Golf Management

Welcome to Pinehurst: A Golfer’s Oasis

Picture this: you’re cruising through the winding roads of North Carolina, anticipation building as you get closer to the stunning Village of Pinehurst. Just a short drive off Route 1 onto Route 501, you can’t help but marvel at the charming golf courses and resort-style setups almost beckoning you to stop and play a round.

Before you know it, an hour and twenty minutes later, you finally arrive at Pinehurst – a place that radiates golf history and embodies the sport’s bright future. This isn’t just any spot; Pinehurst Resort recently hosted the 19th Green Start Academy, a pivotal training program for aspiring assistant superintendents. Sponsored by the big players like Envu, John Deere, and Rain Bird, the event represented a golden opportunity for around 50 turf management hopefuls.

The Right People Make All the Difference

During the two-day gathering, it became crystal clear that in any business, especially in golf management, being personable is a game-changer. The most respected people in the room were seasoned mentors from esteemed venues like Oakland Hills Country Club and The Olympic Club, ready to impart wisdom and guidance. And folks, it was evident that those who approached these industry giants with eye contact, a friendly demeanor, and a firm handshake quickly earned their esteem.

One major takeaway? Those you think are the busiest or the hardest to approach are often just the ones who are most willing to connect. As one mentor, John Zimmers, wisely said, “Everybody needs a mentor or a friend.” This stands as a glowing reminder to reach out and build those connections. Who knows? The next industry leader could be just an email away!

Communication is Key

As conversations rolled on at the Academy, one undeniable theme emerged – communication is crucial. The mentors threw some pretty hard truths out there. Phil Cuffare impressively noted, “You won’t get the job if you can’t communicate.” And Zimmers wasn’t shy about calling out the challenges most face: he mentioned sending emails to his mentoring group only to find that very few received a response. This isn’t just talk; it’s a reality check.

In an age where digital communication is the norm, the importance of crafting thoughtful replies is more crucial than ever. A simple “thank you” email after an interview can make a world of difference, and it’s shocking how few people do so.

Respect Goes a Long Way

Another valuable lesson took place during the opening sessions when Zimmers pointed out that some attendees were wearing hats indoors. “If you want to learn and take the next step,” he advised, “it’s really about fundamental things. Hats are not acceptable indoors.” Yes, business norms are changing, but respect for tradition in iconic places like Pinehurst remains paramount.

It’s about being mindful of where you are, especially when you’re surrounded by influential figures. Attending the event requires a touch of professionalism, and basic etiquette can go a long way. “Err on the side of professionalism all the time,” Cuffare emphasized.

Pinehurst’s Gold Standards

The grandeur of Pinehurst continues to impress, especially with the recent openings of the USGA Experience and the World Golf Hall of Fame. Both attractions serve as a salute to golf’s storied past while embracing its ever-evolving present. Attendees made swift stops at the new exhibits, eager to soak in everything they could about the science and technology of the game. After all, this knowledge is priceless in their pursuit of becoming top-notch superintendents.

The expansive and beautifully manicured Cradle Short Course proved to be a hit. With over 65,000 documented rounds each year, it’s no wonder that it’s regarded as a golden gem in the heart of golf. Surrounded by friends enjoying drinks while putting away on the Thistle Dhu Putting Course, participants couldn’t help but feel the buzz – Pinehurst is thriving!

The Road Ahead

As the Academy wrapped up, optimism echoed through the conference room. “The opportunity in front of you is unlimited,” Zimmers reflected. “If you make the effort, it will change your life.” And let’s be honest, the scope of potential careers in golf management is tremendous.

So, if you’re still pondering whether to hit that reply button or adjust your hat before stepping inside, just remember the wisdom shared by seasoned experts this past week in Pinehurst. Embrace those connections, respect your surroundings, and who knows? You may just be the next big name in golf!