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Member Spotlight
“If it doesn't grow in the cracks of the sidewalks, don't try to grow it.”
— Buddy Williams favorite advice!
While studying Business at a Junior College in Rockville, Maryland, Buddy Williams joined the team constructing a nearby public golf course (Redgate Golf Course). “I was hooked! The superintendent there presented career opportunities available in the industry. I stayed on at Redgate for a year or so, learning the maintenance business from the bottom up.” Buddy learned irrigation repair, maintenance, the finer arts of fertilizing, spray tech, the mechanical side of grinding reels and many other aspects of the business. He asked so many questions he felt sure he was an annoyance—not you, Buddy!—but from there he went on to attend the University of Maryland, Institute of Applied Agriculture Turf and Golf Course Management.
From those early years, Buddy Williams has had a long and illustrious career in the turfgrass industry. Allan MacCurrach, first PGA Tour Agronomist, recruited Buddy to join the PGA Tour in the beginning of the TPC Network. “I started at TPC Avenal where we pioneered Meyer zoysiagrass. We were host to the Chrysler Cup which was a Senior Ryder cup format and the following year the Kemper Open.”
Buddy was then transferred to TPC Prestanica in Sarasota, Florida to finish construction and host another two Chrysler Cups. From there he was moved to TPC Southwind in Memphis, another zoysia course with bentgrass greens. “I had eight months to ready the course for the Federal Express St. Jude Classic, which was already a year behind scheduled date. It turned out to be one of my biggest challenges. Not to mention the tournament was held the first week of August on Penncross greens.”
In addition to Allan MacCurrach, Ricky Huey, Vice President of golf course management with The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, was a huge mentor to Buddy. “Ricky was by far the best boss I ever worked with,” Buddy says. “His insight, easy going personality and the ability to put things into perspective makes a huge impression. You knew Ricky always had your back. Thank you, BIG CHEESE!”
Shifting to his work with GreenPoint Ag, Buddy says, “Moving to the ‘other side of the desk’ was, at first, somewhat of a shock. I won't go into details, but I was treated differently and had to knock down a lot of walls. On the other hand, I was able to forge a lot of new relationships and enjoyed seeing most of my customers. There is a myth that taking customers to lunch and playing golf is all sales reps do. This couldn't be farther from the truth. There are a lot of moving parts on that side of the industry and people you must rely on to get the product to the customer on time. Fierce competition is another challenge that at times has become ridiculous.”
While he profited from his time as a sales consultant, Buddy’s first love was the golf course industry. He learned early how impossible it was to please everyone, and how important communication with the membership was, as well as being available and visible 24/7. “It is necessary to find the squeaky wheel and address concerns before they get out of hand. Complaints usually come from the vocal minority. You never want reasons to become excuses. The greatest challenge is delivering a very playable and consistent product every day within budget.”
After many years of working in the field, Buddy observes that the current Superintendent has so much technology available that it takes a lot of the guess work away. This results in more pressure to produce consistent conditions. “Expectations have skyrocketed. You are still dealing with Mother Nature (and she will have her way). Also, high prices in every aspect of the business, coupled with the availability of many products, puts pressure on the managers. Visiting and talking with people in the industry, I have seen a more negative attitude towards the profession in the past few years. Added to that the labor shortage and quality of potential employees really handcuffs all turfgrass managers. The job is hard enough without this added burden.” Fewer turf students want to go into the golf business. There are also issues in filling slots in sports turf, Park and Rec, among others. I am not sure I blame them. Any career in turf is very challenging.”
Buddy decided to retire at the end of 2023. During his retirement Buddy hopes to continue with good health, spend time “playing golf with my friends and, of course, my wife.” He plans to travel as much as possible. “We went to Ireland in 2021 and will definitely return again soon.” Buddy also has a few consulting jobs lined up. “I look forward to doing some mowing at a local course. I need to have a task every morning.”
Additionally, having the down time retirement allows has rekindled Buddy’s passion for golf. “I actually went and bought a game. The new technology in equipment is incredible.” Unfortunately, Buddy had two back surgeries in 2023. He is looking forward to a complete recovery which will add to his enjoyment of the game. Bird hunting is another hobby that he enjoys sharing with his 30-year-old son, Seth. And while his tournament bass fishing passion has long since disappeared, he still likes to fish in private ponds.
Buddy’s wife, Renee, works part time for a busy doctor’s office in Auburn. “She has been my rock and inspiration. She has been behind me the past 34 years, which has been no easy task. In short, the most incredible mother and wife there could ever be. We met in Memphis at TPC Southwind where she was an Assistant Golf Pro. After her successful career on the Memphis State Golf Team, I can’t say I have ever beat her, but she is by far my favorite player!
The Williams have three children. Their daughter, Emily, is a school teacher in Idaho. The military took daughter, Shelby, and her husband, Dylan, to Alaska the past 10 years. They blessed Buddy and Renee with two grandchildren, River (three) and Willow (one and one half). Buddy says, “Visiting Alaska has been an incredible experience. It is by far the most beautiful place on earth. We just found out that Dylan was accepted to Aviation school at Ft. Rucker in Enterprise, AL and needs to arrive in March. The Williams’ son, Seth, is an Auburn graduate working as a computer engineer for the Department of Defense at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. He recently became engaged to Julie, who has a five-year-old son, Hudson.
Buddy has been a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association for over 42 years, as well as a member of the Alabama GCSA and Alabama Turfgrass Association nearly 30 years. Buddy had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors twice. He has been a speaker at the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, presenter with the ATA and was recognized from the PGA Tour as one of the best Ten Percent conditioned events in 1997 for the Nike Tour Championship.
Buddy, it has been a pleasure and honor to have you as a part of our Association. We hope you will continue to favor us by attending meetings! Best wishes for your retirement! You’ve earned it!
