Among my most memorable rounds of golf are the foursomes that included a golf course superintendent. And, while I first must say these rounds are memorable because of the pleasurable company, the other truth is that I always scored well. After all, no one has better local course knowledge than the superintendent. And I’ve never met one who is not generous, in many ways, with his or her time and expertise.
Like Jason Miller at Aspen Glen Club in Carbondale, Colorado.
Jason, who earned a Master of Science degree in turf management from the University of Arkansas, helps members play better golf through better knowledge of course management. On a regular basis, Jason offers his “Behind the Ropes” program to share his experiences as a volunteer on the golf course crew at Augusta National Golf Club during April’s annual playing of the Masters Tournament. He talks about the strategy behind bunker edging, cuts of rough, fairway mowing, pin placement ...
The renowned private club in Georgia has golf course maintenance “down to a science,” says Jason, who has been selected for several years to serve among the nearly 100 superintendent volunteers dedicated to course preparation and upkeep for the Masters. Perhaps most impressive, Jason says, is the attention to detail, which he brings home to Aspen Glen where unique maintenance challenges can include herds of elk, rodents, and other “varmints.”
Jason, who carries a 12 handicap, plays golf with members every week during the season and that helps him focus on the playability of the course for members.
“My philosophy is to change things up,” he says of the Aspen Glen course, where, on any given day, you are likely to find six difficult pin placements, six moderately difficult placements, and six easy ones. He also is dedicated to matching practice facilities to course conditions.
So, how about a tip to have more fun on the course? “Play from the correct tee for your ability,” Jason advises.
Final question: Are those Augusta National greens as fast as they look on TV?
Jason answers in a word: “Yes.”
Patricia Baldwin
Editor in Chief
privateclubs@clubcorp.com
SUPER VOLUNTEERS. Many of the golf course superintendents within the ClubCorp family give generously of their time and expertise. For example, Todd Abrahamson of the Neuse Golf Club in Clayton, North Carolina, worked some tough hours at the Wachovia Championship last year, but he says the results are worth it. Two Texas superintendents — Mike Rhoden of Willow Creek Golf Club in Spring and Steven Chernosky of the Clubs of Kingwood at Deerwood in Kingwood — volunteered at the Shell Houston Open. Mike says the players are down to earth and “actually take time to talk.” And, talk about “above and beyond,” when Bo Van Pelt’s caddie came down with a stomach virus, Steven picked up the bag for the second round!
Photography by Lisa Means and Jackie Daly