Labor of Love

Written by: Cam Schultz

Here is a list of quotes I've heard over the past year from various club personnel:

"Yeah, I do work 7 days a week in season, but they're only half days... 9 am to 9 pm!" -General Manger from Michigan

"If you want to play a lot of golf don't be a golf pro; be an accountant. I've played 2 rounds this year." -Head Professional from Georgia

"I came into the shop at 4 am to fix the #!@& greens mower since the big group goes off early today." -Superintendent from Nebraska

Early morning. Late evenings. False perceptions. Little appreciation. Higher expectations. Lower pay. Why do it then? Because it's a labor of love.

A love of stewardship

Carefully managing so many things isn't for everybody.  Not just anyone could memorize every square foot of their course like a superintendent does. General managers that dive into finite details of a board meeting don't just grow on trees. The sous chef that pours her heart & soul into a special occasion meal? She isn't just going to give her guests the "norm". The thousands of club professionals relish the fact their patrons expect the best. Stewardship and hospitality go hand in hand.

A love of innovation

Building an interactive fitness center, golf-boards to "surf" your way to par, the executive chef hosting cooking classes, reducing water usage for the course. Those that love their career strive to enhance their club with innovation.

A love for community

A group of people in the same place that have a particular interest in common. Sounds like a very fitting definition to me for a country club.  That transcends for those professionals in the business that also gather with their respective peers to gain insight, education, and comradely. Our company is a prime example of how people can gather together to help one another.

In fact those 3 loves – stewardship, innovation, community – are also what fuels VGM Club to do what we do. Along with this month's featured supplier partners, we want to say thanks to all that put in the long hours and make the clubs and courses across the USA run.