Golfer “thanks his superintendent,” calling him a quality guy who does great work
Lawrence, Kan. (June 30, 2015) – Murray Calhoun knows the golf course at the Country Club of Columbus (Ga.) like the back of his hand. The 71-year-old member plays the Donald Ross-designed course three times a week, and he appreciates the work of certified golf course superintendent William Smith.
But when Calhoun took a few minutes to “Thank a Superintendent” at his own club, he ended up winning a promotional sweepstakes offered by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
“I can’t even remember what I wrote about him,” said the stunned winner of a trip for two to the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits Golf Club in Kohler, Wis., in August. “It isn’t hard to say nice things about William. He is a quality guy who does great work.”
Calhoun, who still works as a Realtor, learned of the campaign through a membership email from the club’s head pro Brian Stubbs.
“We have a great relationship, and I knew we would have some members who would take the time to show their appreciation,” said Stubbs, who has been the head pro at the Country Club of Columbus (CCC) since 2002.
Calhoun admits that he didn’t write the note with the intent of winning a sweepstakes, but rather to thank his superintendent. In fact, when he got the call to tell him he won the random drawing, he thought it was a hoax. But when he became convinced, he was ecstatic.
“I can’t believe this,” Calhoun said. “It’s like a dream come true. I don’t go all over the country to play. I just stay here, but in the next two months I will have the chance to play at Bandon Dunes (Ore.) Resort with a great friend and attend the PGA Championship with my wife.”
Some of his golf friends might be glad to see him get away for a time because Calhoun carries a 3.3 handicap index and has shot his age three times this year. His father introduced him to golf and CCC as a youth, and now Calhoun’s son is also a member.
“You always know you have a game here,” says Calhoun. “We have about 40 members who play every weekend in our group. We are proud of our course. It has small, turtle back greens that Ross is famous for. The course is not overly long, but you have to be a good chipper.”
“I was flabbergasted that one of my members had won the trip,” said the 61-year-old Smith, who is a Class A GCSAA member in his 26th year at CCC. “I do my best to present the best conditions I can every day, and Mr. Calhoun is always one who is cordial and thanks me for what I do on a fairly regular basis.”
GCSAA received more than 1,100 entries for the sweepstakes, which ran in April and May. The sweepstakes is part of a larger commercial campaign that includes top professionals like Jack Nicklaus and Rory McIlroy encouraging golfers: “If you love golf like I do, thank a golf course superintendent.”
“Superintendents do their best to provide great playing conditions within the realm of keen environmental stewardship,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “We wanted to give golfers the chance to recognize and thank a superintendent for contributing so much to the game they love, and we gave them the chance to attend one of the game’s major championships.”
The “Thank a Superintendent” campaign will enter its second phase this fall, when GCSAA will introduce another sweepstakes.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org