Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of traveling all over the western United States representing the USGA Green Section. As I get ready to start a new chapter in my professional career, I wanted to reflect on a few things I have learned during my time as a consulting agronomist. I thought about a top ten, but that was too cliche. Five didn’t seem like enough, so I settled on eight. Which, unfortunately, is a number I am too familiar with while playing golf. In no particular order, here are the top eight things I learned while working for the USGA:

1. Turfgrass professors and researchers are unsung heroes in our industry. Teaching and conducting trials are a labor of love. Support your local university turf program – they need it.
   
   
2. Canadian people really are friendly – and smart. I always enjoyed my time north of the border. Some of the most innovative golf course maintenance practices I learned came from Canadians.
   
   
3. Good superintendents are excellent communicators. In the absence of regular, concise and accurate communication, golfer perceptions can go south in a hurry. Control the narrative.
   
   
4. Deer do not like human waste. At least that’s what a golf course board member told me when discussing how to keep deer off greens. His suggestion was to put dirty diapers around every green. True story.
   
   
5. Remember that it’s just golf, we’re not saving lives here. Do your job well and keep things in perspective.
   
   
6. It would seem that bears really don’t go to the bathroom in the woods. I saw more bear scat on golf courses than I’ve ever seen in the woods.
   
   
7. Even though I now have triple-platinum-covered, diamond-studded status with airlines, hotels and car rental agencies, being on the road a lot can get old. I missed my wife and kids. I can empathize with those in our industry who are constantly on the move.
   
   
8. The USGA is filled with people who genuinely care about the game of golf. They take working “for the good of the game” seriously.
   

I am grateful for my time representing the USGA. I have met some great people, visited some incredible places, and learned so much more about how to take care of a golf course. It has been a fun ride. Isom out.

West Region Agronomists:

Brian  Whitlark, regional director – bwhitlark@usga.org

Cory Isom, senior consulting agronomist – cisom@usga.org

Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service

Contact the Green Section Staff