A Turf Pirate’s Journal Five Smooth Stones
David verses Goliath is a well told story and theme amongst Turf Pirates especially when faced with an underdog situation or incredibly difficult circumstances (Turf Pirates often face challenges BTW with budgets, weather, events, equipment, staff or members just to name a few). However, while many folks are familiar with the basic story of David the Shepard boy with his sling and stone standing in faith against the giant Goliath with armor and steel weapons and how David ultimately won the day. It is told a bit differently around the campfires of the Ancient and Honorable Tribe of Turf Pirates. We focus a bit more on the fact that when David went down to the creek side before the moment of truth he gathered FIVE SMOOTH STONES. You see Goliath had four brothers. David prepared to face them all and in that light Turf Pirates understand that 50
you must see the whole of the challenge if it is to be overcome. The number and type of stones were all important. You see smooth stones fly faster and more accurate which is important when facing giants. David had a lot of experience protecting his father’s sheep from wild animals with the very same sling and Shepard’s pouch (you must have a place to store the stones) in comparison, how many stones and how large a pouch do you need when presenting next year’s budget proposal? See the comparison now. You see battles small and large are fought in mind, spirit and body and you must have clarity, you must be trained and tried. You must be willing to act with skill and persistence. You must ultimately pay the whole price for success, nothing is free. Turf Pirates embrace these truths with the appropriate energy and effort. We do not stand down from challenges but we
By Anthony Williams MG, CGCS, CGM
strive to be prepared in all situations to grow our skills and resources before the moment of need. I have been a part of five televised golf tournaments in my career, and I figuratively gathered my five stones in advance of each one. My archery friends know that it is the worst feeling ever to run out of arrows (or stones) before you run out of targets (this is especially true when it comes to bears, live or Archery Shooters Association ASA 3D targets). Shout out to John and Barry Clark with Pro Green Turf. It is necessary when cultivating turf at the highest level under extreme circumstances to gather the resources and wisdom to wield as needed to create a legacy of success. You may ask why Turf Pirates place such demands on themselves and by asking the question it requires an answer. The legends of turf choose the hard road. The turf industry is not easy and many times unfair but that is the allure and reward. Many are called but few are chosen, David answered a higher call with skills he had developed with his hands, mind and spirit, he was ready and worthy. He answered the call. When pressed turf pirates do you have the combined skills and collected stones to meet the challenge? When you ask a turf pirate if he is ready for the day, member guest, PGA event, certification test or corn hole tournament with the staff and they hold up five fingers. It means that they are ready and they are connecting generations of readiness and faith. They have gathered their five smooth stones, have you? Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 5
