Golf course equipment manager Heath Bronkema also races cars, sings and coaches soccer
Lawrence, Kan. (May 24, 2016) – It seems Heath Bronkema has been trying to ditch his day job for more than 25 years. He has gotten close to making it big in racing and singing, but for the past eight years he still happily returns each week to his job as the equipment manager at Kalamazoo (Mich.) Country Club.
“I love my job,” said the 44-year-old Bronkema, who met his current boss at a band rehearsal. “I had to figure a lot of things out on the fly here, but I have enjoyed it. In fact, it’s pretty cool.”
Bronkema, a seven-year member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), had grown weary of running his own construction company before joining the staff at Kalamazoo CC. But outside of work, Bronkema has never slowed down.
On Fridays, he races his stock car at the Kalamazoo Speedway. Another 150 nights a year, he plays lead guitar in the Bronk Bros. band, which has opened for country music headliners Kenny Chesney, Charlie Daniels and the Oak Ridge Boys.
“One of my coolest experiences was having the Oak Ridge Boys standing to the side of the stage watching us play. When we were done, they came up and told us we did a nice job and that we were great entertainers,” said the self-taught guitarist.
Bronkema’s younger brother, Brian, sings lead on most of the country tunes the band plays. But when they turn to hard rock 80s, like Ozzie Osborne and Bon Jovi, Heath takes over. All-the-while, GCSAA board member and drummer John Fulling, a certified golf course superintendent at Kalamazoo CC, handles any beat with ease.
“We have been close to a record deal,” said Bronkema, who discovered he had a good voice after being talked into singing karaoke tunes at a friend’s wedding reception. “But we’re really hoping that a national act will pick one of our original songs and make it a hit.”
Bronkema’s first love, however, is racing. At first it was motorcycle racing, and now it’s stock car racing. He was skilled enough to be a professional motocross rider, with more than 100 victories and five state titles in 20 years. He toured the Northern Midwest and raced in the Pontiac Silver Dome and the Hoosier Dome.
But just when he was gaining sponsors and closing in on being able to race full-time in 1995, he broke his ankle and was never able to compete again at the highest level.
“I was winning this race in Pennsylvania, and there was only one more lap to go when I got caught up and twisted my foot almost backward,” said Bronkema. “My friend, Terry, and my dad drove me six hours to home before I had it looked at and had surgery. I had to get a plate and screws in there. I was down for several months. I tried to get back on the bike, but it just bothered me too much.
“I have racing in my blood. I grew up with motorcycles, and it’s just what I know,” said Bronkema. “I have been smart enough to not do anything stupid, but I have always been someone who jumps in with both feet. That’s the way I think people should live.”
Nicole, his wife of 21 years, is glad that her husband has added two more wheels to his hobby to help keep him grounded. She’s even more at ease when he makes time to coach his daughter’s youth soccer travel team, which he has done for the last six years.
In his first stock car race of the season, in April, Bronkema was pleased with his sixth place finish among 17 cars that were modified to run hotter than his stock orange and black Buick, sporting No. 79.
“It’s mostly a matter of time and money,” said Bronkema, who, along with his father and a friend, do all of the engine work and car maintenance. “I cut my teeth working on engines, and I want to race, so I’m going to get out there as many Fridays as I can and go after it. I want to be competitive.”
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
