By Anthony L. Williams, MG, CGCS, CGM
Turf Pirate's Journal
( Origins )
Ahoy! Turf Pirates and welcome to another thrilling episode of a Turf Pirates Journal. I trust that you are all well and working through the various levels of opportunity that are on the prevailing winds. There is no doubt that we are all sailing in uncharted waters but in times like this it’s our basic skills that provide the direction and the ability to succeed even when the odds are against us. Remember
Sonny and Francis Williams (Anthony’s parents) on the family farm with Grandpa’s house in the background circa 1957. Note the classic front porch where tales are told and wisdom passed down!
this year’s Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike was an 80 to 1 shot and ran an inspiring race that shocked the world. In that light, we Turf Pirates often talk about our origins where we came from and various sundries in many levels and sorts such as where we were born, the first golf course we worked on, the first course we were superintendent at, the first type (or color) of equipment we used, tournaments and events held etc. These are all part of the tapestry that makes us who we are and it often becomes our refuge in times of trial. I was fortunate to grow up in rural Georgia (see the picture of my Mom and Dad on our family farm in Indian Creek Georgia circa 1957) where my Dad (Sonny turns 93 this month) and Grand Dad (Ira) taught me the finer points of Agronomy and Agribusiness not to mention how to plow a horse and mule (shout out to Pete the work horse and Kate the 52
mule). Honor dictates that having
we work together again someday.
mentioned plowing horses and mules
I will keep you guys posted should
that a spirited Gee (right) Haw (left)
that reunion actually happen but the
Whoa (stop) Back (back up and center
moral to the story is to remember
the row) be delivered for my ABAC
where you came from and the folks
friends many of whom are legendary
that shaped your life and career.
Turf Pirates. One such person gave
You see Turf Pirates all instinctively
me a call the other day, he was an
know that to get where you want
intern and supervisor for me about a
to go you have to be at peace with
zillion years ago. He said he was just
where you’ve been. It’s tough to
calling to see how things were going
last 4 decades in the turf business
and said two things that stuck with
but of all the legendary turf pirates
me. He said, “thanks for allowing
I have met they all say this; a good
me to develop my unique skills and
foundation is necessary no matter
choose my road (turf or trees) and
what you are building. So how about
he closed the call with “I hope that
it Turf Pirates call those folks that
we work together again someday”.
shaped who you are and how you
That made my day! In a world full
do business and tell them thank you
of entitlements and uncertainty
and wish them well. Then take a
it’s nice to have relationships that
fond look at how far you have come
stand up in good and bad times and
and don’t forget to leave the porch
across time itself. I also hope that
light on for the next generation. Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3
