IN THE HOT SEAT

Q: Favourite sporting event?

A: Fifa World/Euro Cupbig Portugal fan!

Q: Favorite piece of turf equipment?

A: Toro 4500

Q: Favorite tool in the toolbox?

A: The Welder

John’s passion for equipment repairs and maintenance began at the early age of 14. His first job was in a motorcycle shop disposing of used oil, cleaning tools, and overlooking the mechanics making engine repairs. He started spending endless hours in his garage tinkering with small dirt bikes, broken engines, and restoring old machines to their former glory. This fulfilling hobby helped expand his skill set and he began offering small engine services to family and friends (at a fraction of the cost of an established shop) which enabled the purchases of more toys to tinker with.

Now in his fifth year at The Oakville Golf Club, John feels his biggest accomplishment was transitioning from the automotive sector to golf course equipment manager. He stated, “While there are similarities between the two types, there are many differences that require a unique skill set such as turf quality management, irrigation systems, and

What You Need To Know

Predominate grass type: Bent/Poa

Predominant soil type: Clay

Types of greens: 3 original 102 year old push-ups, 2 California sand based, 2 USGA sand based, 2 Modified soil push-ups.

Course length: 3123

Size of greens: 80,000 sq. ft.

Size of tees: 40,000 sq.

Size of fairways: 14 acres

Major Challenges: Not having our own reel and bedknife grinders has been challenging in keeping our quality of cut to the highest level. Delayed and shortage of delivery of parts and equipment and rising inflation costs.

Q: Favourite Season?

A: Fall

Q: What are some tools that you hope to have in the next 3years?

A: A Plasma Cutter and a Bedknife & Reel Grinder

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Gran Torino

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Lasagna

Q: NASCAR or Formula 1?

A: NASCAR

Q: Favorite Extreme Sport?

A: Downhill Mountain Biking

Q: Favorite Band?

A: Blink 182 specialized machinery. Going into the golf field also requires building new relationships and a network with other golf course EMs/ mechanics.”

John’s typical day starts with checking in with the superintendent and turf staff to discuss the schedule for the day and to prioritize tasks based on course needs. John places a priority on preventative maintenance to ensure all equipment is functioning properly and to avoid breakdowns and downtime.

He emphasized that “this allows the staff to complete their work safely and efficiently”. His biggest challenges are dealing with the recent shortage of parts due to the pandemic, and working under time constraints to perform maintenance and repairs once a machine breaks down. In addition to his equipment responsibilities, John helps with winter snow clearing, clubhouse repairs, general tasks and projects on the course, and tending to the team’s Border Collie (Ivy). As with

“John is perpetual motion; he is always on the go. Always looking to maintain, repair or organize our equipment or his shop. John will not be beaten by any challenging piece of equipment and can be quite the MacGyver when he needs to be. He is always willing to help with various tasks and projects on the course and has proven to be a valued leader on our team.”

– Ryan Scott, Immediate Past President, OGSA & Superintendent, Oakville GC

When asked how equipment managers can assist in maximizing the productivity of the grounds staff, John responded with the following:

1. Communication! Communication! Communication! “My coworkers know they can come to me with any issue that arises and by working together and keeping everyone in the loop, we can produce a solid team.”

2. Provide training and support to the grounds crew

3. Regular maintenance of all equipment to prevent breakdowns.

John expressed some excellent advice for those that are considering a career as an EM.

• Learn as much as you can and take advantage of any training opportunities or resources that become available

• Be organized and keep detailed records

• Be flexible

• Don’t wait for equipment breakdowns to perform inspections

• Build a network of golf course mechanics to help solve problems

Family time is spent with his wife and daughter hiking, exploring beaches across Ontario, jet skiing, tubing, and walking their American Bulldog named Blue. They are big dog lovers and one day hope to acquire a larger property to expand their pack. To take his mind off of work, John regularly works out at the gym, seeks out quiet and uncrowded places to hike with Blue, and not surprisingly tinkers with engine-powered toys. Their favorite place to travel for vacations is Portugal/Europe.

John adamantly believes his strong work ethic, passion for the trade, reliability, and willingness to take on challenging projects has helped him get to where he is today. He stated, “The expert in anything was once a beginner. As golf course mechanics, we may face new challenges and situations that require us to learn and adapt. By staying curious and open to learning, we can continue to improve our skills and expertise.”

Working with equipment managers, from all walks of life and different personalities over the past 45 years, has led me to believe that golf course superintendents may be only as good as their EM! ■

CONTROLLED-RELEASE FERTILIZER YOU CAN COUNT ON. PREDICTABLE

Using our proprietary POLYGRAPH® software, your Harrell’s Golf Specialist can help you dial in just the right prescription for your turf’s POLYON® controlledrelease fertilizer needs

Reliable Space

POLYON® fertilizer’s durable prill preserves the nutrients within the substrate and ensures a proper rate of release, providing consistent greening all season long.

Durable

POLYON® fertilizer’s original reactive layers coating process creates a durable, uniform adhesion between the polymer coating and the heated urea substrate.

Sustainable

POLYON® fertilizer offers a reduced environmental impact. With more efficient nutrient uptake, significantly less environmental loss and fewer applications required, you get more with less!

The Original Reactive Layers Coating

Providing consistent, reliable predictable results for 30 years

For more information about POLYON® Fertilizer and the POLYON® Guarantee, visit nutrite.com and oscturf.com

Nutrite Toll Free

1-800-265-8865

OSC Toll Free

1-800-465-5849

Contact your OSC or Nutrite

Sales representative today!