Golfdom, April 2013

A NICE CHAT everything from changing cups to cutting fairways to waxing skis so people could ski on the golf course things that probably people dont hear about much today G How do you think that job has changed over the years AP Well I suppose its more of a supervision job now Some supers get out in the dirt and do the job physically a lot are more signal callers I suppose you could say they direct and supervise more than they do the work itself Theres a combination of types Some like to drive the mowers some use the shovels and then others would rather be supervisors and study the new techniques for greenkeeping G What do you look for when youre hiring a superintendent AP Details A lot of what I look for in a super is if hes paying attention to the details of maintaining a golf course That is very important to me and something I watch constantly Simple little things like where they turn the mowers and how they turn the mowers whether it be a greens mower or a fringe or a tractor trailer mower whatever How careful they are theres a lot of damage that can be done just by maintaining a golf course G Is there any equipment or new products in the maintenance shop that have caught your eye lately AP Its amazing to watch golf course maintenance equipment evolve over the years Our Jacobsen mowers have become so flexible that even one machine can be used on many different parts of the golf course This helps our superintendent Matt Beaver and his crew to get more done in less time Overall I think Jacobsen is doing very well with the various types of new equipment that theyre integrating into our industry G What can you tell me about Matt Beaver the superintendent at Bay Hill Lodge Club AP He has been here about 10 years and is doing an excellent job Hes a great young man and someone Im particularly interested in helping him and keeping him doing the things that hes doing so Wayne Flannagan left and Craig Shelton the two assistants at Bay Hill Its good to have someone around who has your back Beaver says of the duo well now And he will continue to do well I think well I know the course is about as good as its ever been G Those are my questions thanks so much for your time Mr Palmer and especially for the kind words about Mr Graffis AP Of course my pleasure PHOTO BY SETH JONES April 2013 Golfdom 33 Golfdom com Matt Beaver superintendent at Bay Hill Club Lodge started out as an intern at the course 12 seasons ago After graduating from Iowa State University he moved to Orlando to work on the crew After working his way up he became the head superintendent when the position opened up three years ago Golfdom Matt weve talked to a few of the Tour players and theyre raving about the course Brandt Snedeker said Its as primo as Ive ever seen it and Charley Hoffman called it the best Ive ever seen it What do you attribute this success to Matt Beaver The weathers been helpful Any time you get the weather in your favor it sure helps And I think that since 2009 when we did the renovation when you do a renovation you always have a few issues here and there and as you tie those up you learn a few things you get better and better G Youve had several international guys helping out this week how did that come about MB Yes weve got Stuart from Ireland and two kids that came down just for the tournament as part of the Ohio State program Ping from China and Ty from Viet Continued on page 34 A lot of what I look for in a super is if hes paying attention to the details That is very important to me ARNOLD PALMER