Golfdom, April 2013

Ive been a superintendent for more than 20 years and we always seem to have dollar spot issues I didnt have those issues this year while using Daconil Action and I know others did Im definitely going to use Daconil Action again IVE SEEN A LOT OF GROWTH IN MY TEAM IN THE LAST YEAR AND THATS AS MUCH THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT AS IT IS MINE Josh Lewis 22 Golfdom April 2013 Golfdom com PHOTO COURTESY JOSH LEWIS Josh Lewis AGE 30 COURSE Chambers Bay University Place Wash NUMBER OF HOLES 18 BEEN A SUPERINTENDENT FOR 1 year How did you get the job at such a young age There was a certain amount of good fortune involved but also hard work and dedication trying to continually learn and being taught by some very good mentors like Chris Gaughan Ken Nice and Paul Chojnacky I was the first assistant at Chambers Bay When the superintendent position became available General Manager Matt Allen told me Feel free to make the changes you feel are necessary and the chips are going to fall where they may Whats your biggest accomplishment One of the first things that comes to mind is the progress weve made with the staff at Chambers Bay Weve got a very strong group of people Ive seen a lot of growth in individuals and as a team in the last year and thats as much their accomplishment as it is mine Did you have insecurities about being so young I dont think it was a youth thing There are going to be things youre not perfectly comfortable with right off the bat like budgeting but you have teaching and mentoring to rely on It helps to have a trusted person in your speed dial Where do you see yourself in 15 years I dont know for sure Its yet to be determined if the U S Open which Chambers Bay is hosting in 2015 or other majors are things I can see myself being a part of perennially I guess well know after June 2015 Right now were super excited and enjoying the ride What advice do you have for aspiring superintendents It really does come back to networking and staying involved Go to meetings go to association events and get to know people regionally and nationally Youre only as good as the people you surround yourself with Brian Palmer AGE 29 COURSE Shoreacres Lake Bluff Ill NUMBER OF HOLES 18 BEEN A SUPERINTENDENT FOR 3 months How did you get your job at such a young age From working at a big club like Merion Golf Club where I was the assistant before coming here and working for a superintendent like Matt Shaffer I heard about this job from a colleague of mine I went through the interview process and one month later I had the job What is your biggest accomplishment Overseeing construction of the practice green on Merions West Course and having a part in Merions practice facility and U S Open preparations were big But getting this job is my biggest accomplishment Its a dream job really When I got it the first thing I did was call my father He was a superintendent in central New York for 25 years He couldnt wait to scope out the piece of property I have Did you have insecurities about being so young I really dont have any Fortunately I saw quite a bit in my time at Merion and Im ready to go Ive been groomed for this for a while now Kelly Kressler Southmoore Golf Course Bath PA Continued from page 20 Continued on page 24