This week, we caught up with Hayden Stuthridge. Hayden has been working as a golf course superintendent and gave us an insight into his thoughts of the industry, what challenges he faces in his role and who he’d most to have a round of golf with.
What golf course do take care of and how long have you been there?
I’ve been a golf course superintendent at Windross Farm Golf Club for the past 10 months.
What inspired you to pursue a career in golf course maintenance, and how did you get started?
My friend’s father had a business monitoring sports fields. In 2015, Glen Woodward hired me, and my passion for all things turf was evident. I spent four years working for him before my love for golf led to a change over to golf course maintenance in 2019
What are the biggest challenges you face in maintaining a golf course?
Mother nature often provides curve balls for us in the industry. The golf course can go from great condition to less than desirable in less than a moment’s notice with weather events, disease or pest outbreaks. Our job is to catch or prevent things like this happening.
What trends or changes do you see shaping the future of the golf industry?
The demand for world-class courses will rise with Te Arai being so accessible to club or board members. I see this as a good thing for our industry, as a bit of competition generally brings out the best in others.
If you weren’t working in the golf industry, what would you be doing?
Some sort of turf salesperson, it’s my great passion.
If you could play a round of golf with three people dead or alive, who would the be and why?
Tiger Woods with Steve Williams on the bag, Brian Palmer and Ryan Fox.
Have you ever had a hole in one?
I’ve never had a hole in one, or even close to be honest. One day!
