Thanks and Respect

Clearing Greens of Slush

“Respect is earned not given" is one of the oldest management sayings.

After nine years with the Greywolf Golf Course, Chad Thomlinson has decided to leave for another opportunity.  He will be taking over as General Manger and Director of Golf at the Highwood Golf Club, in High River Alberta.  Chad spent nine years at Greywolf, one as Associate Professional and five as Head Professional.  In 2009, Chad earned the position of Director of Golf.

Delivering Sod to #8

Chad’s met the challenges that Greywolf presents head on.  He did this while supporting his team of managers, supervisors, and staff.  He fostered an environment where staff shared ideas, celebrated success, and resolved problems as a team.  There was no job that Chad would not do, whether it was working on the grease trap or constructing a float for a parade.  He worked with and alongside the staff.   I personally will not forget the support Chad gave me when there were challenges with our greens in 2009.  He earned my respect then and continued to earn it every day we worked together.

Managers Winter Meeting & Product Testing

I wish Chad, Lori, Ruby and Mable all the best in their new endeavor.

Thanks Chad. 

My Year in Social Media

It has been a little over a year since I started this blog.  In that year I have become a social media convert.   I was thinking of this fact as I was sending tweets from a social media seminar at the 2012 Canadian International Turfgrass Conference in Calgary.

I first started this blog after seeing a colleague’s blog (Tim Foley at the Kimberly Golf Club).  I thought starting a blog would be a good way to begin a conversation about what goes on behind the scenes in our turfcare department.  It would inform members and guests about our maintenance practices.   I could clearly see the utility of writing a blog.

After one year the end results are favourable (In my opinion, and blogs are usually about opinions).  This blog is cheap and easy way to communicate with Greywolf’s guests.   I would encourage all superintendents to start a blog, especially if you are at a club with a membership.  You can incorporate pictures, video, web links, and voice clips into your blog.  It is instantaneous, timely, and free depending on your blogging platform.  If you are writing a newsletter you are essentially blogging anyway, so why not go digital.