Golf maintenance losing a key employee
By Todd Mathews
Golf course superintendent

If you have ever checked in to play to golf or dine in the 19th hole, you have probably seen Colin Kearns working on what is called “Club grounds.” Colin was hired in 2005 to take care of the club grounds. He will be moving to Minnesota soon in order to be close to his grandchildren. Colin has done an outstanding job and will be sorely missed.

“Club grounds” is a very important job which entails numerous daily tasks (The club grounds to do list often has over 100 items on it). Colin usually begins around 5:00 a.m. by cleaning up the trash in the parking lot, blowing debris from the lot and the cart parking area, picking up trash around the buildings, and tending to the cigarette butt receptacles. On any given day Colin’s chores include: Mowing grass at 5 different locations, pruning shrubbery, watering and fertilizing annual plants, edging side walks, cleaning the pavilion, mulching, tending to the range tee, pulling weeds, and many other various tasks.

The golf maintenance department was fortunate to find a replacement for Colin. David Goodyear, a P.O.A. member, will be assuming the club ground duties. David was able to start about 2 weeks before Colin’s departure. This enabled him to receive valuable training on the intricacies of the job. He has learned from Colin the daily routine, how to operate numerous pieces of equipment, and basic operating procedures.

The club grounds supply the first impression of the golf operations to the members and guests. First impressions are very important and that is why the “club grounds” job is so important.