Dan Haubein, GSC Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club 2007–Present
SUPERSTAR What makes your business a “standout/outstanding?” Pelican Pointe G&CC is a 27-hole semiprivate residential golfing community that is situated roughly between I-75 and the Gulf of Mexico in Venice, Fl. Since this is a residential-golf community, homesites border many holes, but every hole is also bordered by a waterway, wooded native area, wetlands, preserves and a 100-acre Hatchett Creek Conservation area lies within the confines of the golf course which provides ample cover for a diverse wildlife population giving the course a natural feel.
Where are you from? Born Bangkok, Thailand (spent most of my formative years in Hawaii and Jacksonville, Florida)
How has PN helped you be successful (favorite products, programs, technical assistance, etc. )? Water quality is a big problem and the use of KaPre Exalt has helped during the dryer periods of the year releasing nutrient tie up flushing sodium from the root zone promoting a healthier plant when rain fall is at a minimum. Wilson Randolph and Glen Thompson have introduced other great products into our program like agra-rouse, Prudent 44, Pennamin Ca, Vibrant Green & Red just to name a few. Turf programs change throughout the year and they have the products to help adjust to those changes.
How did you get into the golf business? I was working for a grocery store chain Food Lion at the time and enrolled in a managers trainee program. One day while playing golf with a few high school buddies, they mentioned they had been working at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra and job openings on the crew where available. At the time, I didn’t know how big-league TPC Sawgrass really was, but the idea of working outside and playing free golf sounded great. The rest is history.
Who is your mentor and why? I had the privilege of working and learning from many great individuals. Brad Tucker, Chris Neff, Larry Weber, and Ramon Perez just to name a few. Thank you, gentlemen. But two men that really gave a young kid a shot where Mitch Clark and Dan Stonionis. Mitch hired me as an Asst. Superintendent during his first Head Superintendents Job during a growin. Needless to say, I grew up quick and learned what hard work really was. Dan was a General Manager
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that gave a 25-year-old his first head Superintendent position. Unfortunately, both men have since passed. I am very grateful to them for the opportunity to succeed in life. RIP Mitch & Dan. What advice would you give to someone starting out in the field? Leadership is a position of trust. Control your emotions and choose words wisely. Have passion for what you do, your actions are a mirror image on your club, course and staff. Be open-minded, respect and learn your staff. I would never ask anyone to perform a task that I haven’t done or wouldn’t do myself. Continue to educate yourself and those around you. Communicate.
Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 1
