Joe started out as a labourer at his local golf course in the UK, before taking on a superintendent role and later furthering his career with a move overseas to sunny Texas, where he worked in several roles at Austin Country Club. He currently works as a superintendent at Balcones Country Club, also in Austin, Texas.
What inspired you to pursue a career in turf?
I took a job as a labourer at a golf course near where I lived. I didn’t really know what to expect, but after learning about how detailed turf care is, and how it’s not just mowing and watering grass, I was hooked. I was fascinated by how many different moving parts there were to maintain a golf course. I knew that this was something I wanted to learn more about and pursue as a career.
How did you find your current job?
I was asked by my superintendent if I wanted to apply for a superintendent job that had come up at a course down the road, called Balcones Country Club. He was made aware of this job by an agronomist who we both knew. I was shocked at first and didn’t really know what to think, as I had never even begun to think about taking that next step as a superintendent. But having the backing and confidence from my superintendent that he thought I was ready was a big confidence boost, so I applied and got the job.
What is your favourite part about working in sports turf?
I enjoy the visual reward you get from this job. At the end of a long day, you can see the hard work that you have put in. It’s not documents on a computer but instead, bunkers edged up and raked, or fairways striped up. There is also a great sense of comradery between everyone who works on the course.
What’s the most challenging problem you’ve faced while working on sports turf, and how did you handle it?
At the moment I’m dealing with an aging hydraulic irrigation system. We’re constantly dealing with leaks and breaks. In the Texas summer, the temperature regularly reaches 41 degrees. This presents a challenge in keeping the correct moisture levels in the turf. To combat this, we must be very quick with any repairs and make sure our pressure levels don’t spike, causing more breaks. I would say the best way to handle these situations, or any stressful situation, is to not panic and try and keep a level head as much as possible. It’s easier said than done, but if you can remove yourself from the problem and analyze it, you’ll have a much better chance of figuring it out.
If you could switch roles with any grounds/ greenkeeping team for a day, whose job would you want to try and why?
I would like to see what it would be like to work on a cricket pitch. I’ve always found it interesting how they prepare the strip and how much maintenance goes into such a small area.
How do you unwind and relax after a challenging day of work?
I like to come home to my family and spend time with my daughter. With such a busy and demanding schedule, I try to make every second count. It can be hard to switch off sometimes. But I think it’s very important that while you’re away from work, try not to think about it too much. Creating a good work-life balance is key to this career, as we all know the long hours and early mornings can take their toll.
Share a funny or unexpected moment that happened during your career.
Getting to chat with Danny Willett at the 2023 Genesis Invitational. It was great to chat with such an accomplished English golfer. We talked about a golf course that I used to work on called the Brabazon at the Belfry, which he sponsors for the British Masters.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your current job role?
I love being able to provide the best possible conditions on a golf course that I’m proud to work on. Getting feedback from our members on how the course has never looked better and that they’re excited about the improvements to come is extremely rewarding.
What’s one piece of greenkeeping equipment you couldn’t live without, and how does it make your job easier or more enjoyable?
Our Toro Pro Core is probably one of my most valuable pieces of equipment. We deal with a lot of compaction here with our old greens, so I use that piece of equipment very regularly to help combat this.
Who has had the biggest impact on you in your career role and why?
My former superintendent Bobby Stringer helped me and guided me for the past five years. He has been a great mentor to me and helped me in securing my first superintendent role. When I first moved to Texas, I didn’t know much about warm-season grasses. Coming from a cooler climate and only having to deal with cool-season grasses, I was apprehensive to learn all I could about warm-season turf. With his help, I am now very confident in my knowledge of Bermuda grass and all other warm-season turf.
What advice do you have for new people looking to join the industry?
Don’t worry if you have little to no knowledge of turf grass. One of the great things about this job is you learn the most out in the field. If you’re hardworking, punctual, and have genuine interest, you can go very far very quickly. I started out ten years ago not knowing a thing about turf management. I learned most of what I know through just working on a golf course. Employers want hard-working people who always show up. Knowledge of turf can be easily taught, whereas a good attitude is a lot harder to come by. If you’re interested in turf management, I recommend that you just visit your local course or any other field that includes turf management that interests you, and see about working a summer there. You’ll learn in this time whether or not it’s right for you.
Finally, what message or insight would you like to share with others about the role of organizations like International Greenkeepers for Hire in connecting professionals with opportunities abroad?
Being a part of organizations like International Greenkeepers for Hire or BIGGA or GCSAA is a must if you want to further your career. I often feel like these organizations are underused, they provide a wealth of experience and knowledge through their membership. This line of work is not something you can do alone, and having the support and help of a great organization like International Greenkeepers for Hire will only benefit you. I believe training or working overseas is vital to becoming a successful Turf Manager, there are so many different techniques and practices out there. Understanding and experiencing these will only make you more valuable as an individual.
IGFH Members, We’d Love to Hear From You!
Interested in being interviewed for our Meet the Members feature? We interview turf professionals based all over the world, with a special interest in those who have travelled overseas for work.
Email Laura at: editorinternationalgreenkeepers.com with a brief introduction to yourself, your experience, and your current job role.