This post is written by Steve Diehl, Assistant Superintendent at Candia Woods.
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision, the ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”
Andrew Carnegie
Seeing as this is my first blog I wanted to write something sort of out of the realm of what others have posted in the past. However, I came up short on what to discuss until recently when I was hand watering on the seventh green.
A member took time out of his round to compliment me on the condition of the golf course. I thanked him for his compliments adding that it all is due to our dedicated crew and their attention to detail. Instead of writing about cultural practices or turf in general I am focusing on the backbone of the golf course, the maintenance staff.
Over the past eighteen years this is the fourth course I have been the Assistant Superintendent at and I can honestly say that the crew we have now is the best I have ever been a part of managing. Most of our staff is part time and retired from various professions including teachers, postal worker, Navy, phone tech and a firefighter.
Additionally, we have a gentleman who commutes from Wells, Maine three days a week. I am sure that there are not too many courses in the state with this type of committed individual. Aside from our part time employees we also have two younger men who are the backbone of the more demanding and physical labor associated with course maintenance.
Our mechanic who recently came on board this spring has been a valuable asset to the course filling big shoes as our previous mechanic of fifty years retired. In the shop and out in the field his assistance is tremendous.
Without the loyalty and commitment of our staff I am sure members and guests would have a totally different golfing experience. In the morning before heading out of the shop we meet briefly and go over the objectives of the day and individual assignments. The atmosphere in the break room
is quite interesting to say the least as the crew poke fun and jest at each other.
However, as the equipment leaves the shop and work begins these individuals are focused on the task at hand. Whether it is mowing the different playing surfaces, raking bunkers, setting pin locations or any other of the numerous tasks our personnel are prepared for the job. To make objectives easier to attain all staff are cross trained on equipment in the event of an absence.
Without our team my job would most likely be harder and more stressful, something which I can do without during the hot summer months. At the end of the day though I can go home feeling satisfied with the work accomplished and sleep soundly knowing that the team coming through the door in the morning is the best individuals I have ever managed. I am proud to have them represent Candia Woods.
