Page 24 - GreenMaster Fall 2024

u FEATURE u CHRIS WHITTAKER, CTEM, THE WINSTON GOLF CLUB
A Touch The classic parkland style of The Winston Golf Club in Calgary, thrills, challenges and delights golfers as they maneuver along
Nose Creek which bisects the entire property.
CHARTING A NEW PATH
When anyone considers a change in careers, there is a certain amount of apprehension that comes with facing the unknown. After working as a Red Seal Endorsed Automotive Service Technician (RSE) for over twenty years, I was burning out, mentally and physically! The work started to become repetitive, and my body was taking longer to heal after injuries. A long-time friend and golfing buddy, who had moved on from the Winston Golf Club, knew of my desire to change my career outlook and suggested that I speak with the Course Superintendent, Cory Brown.
Shortly after, while waiting to talk to Cory, I watched golfers proceed down the first fairway. The serenity of the course, the background noise of the wildlife, the occasional cheer of a great shot, was just what I needed. I had not been on a golf course for over a decade, family priorities usually occupied most of my free time. Cory and I talked about the course, how the turf was maintained, and the equipment that the course used to keep it looking so good. I knew I had the technical experience to help him with his equipment maintenance and repair.
ACHIEVING MY CERTIFICATIONS
I started my employment at the end of the 2017 golf season and Cory said I was going to the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA) Property Managers Conference in Canmore, AB. I had only been at the golf course for a month, and I was heading to a conference?! I did not know much about the operation of a golf course, but this was like drinking from a fire hose! Tee mowers, reel mowers, rotary mowers, greens mowers, height of cut, speed of traction unit, speed of reel... there was so much information that I knew nothing about.
I needed information from a technician’s viewpoint, and I needed it now. I joined the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) as an Equipment Manager (EM). There are additional benefits that go
24 • CGSA • GreenMaster