New Insights from The New England Turfgrass Foundations annual Conference and Trade Show.
When Pat Jones suggested I attend the New England Turfgrass Conference in Providence, RI, I didn’t hesitate. A conference focused on grass health might seem like an unusual fit for a social worker, but I followed his advice—it was an amazing learning experience!
From regional association leadership to chemical, turf, and product representatives, every conversation revealed new insights into the fascinating world of turfgrass management. The discussions highlighted how complex and demanding a greenskeeper’s job truly is—both socially and occupationally. They must navigate the high expectations of customers, managers, and board members while facing tight budgets, staff shortages, and an unpredictable climate. These professionals are skilled and knowledgeable, yet workplace stress is a major barrier to their success.
After speaking with Andrew Ingham, Executive Director of the New England GCSAA chapter, it became clear that additional support for stress management, leadership consulting, and staff well-being is needed and missing. Within ten minutes of our conversation, he invited me to give a talk on the unique benefits of behavioral health support in the workplace. Superintendents are eager to learn how behavioral health expertise can help manage the increasing stress of a job that has historically accepted grueling hours, and high performance expectations.
I also had the opportunity to speak with Joe Dise from Golf Safety, who highlighted the mechanical and environmental hazards superintendents and greenskeepers face daily. We had an excellent discussion about the undocumented yet likely impact of mental health and substance use on workplace incidents involving dangerous machinery. OSHA policies defer to employers on how to investigate intoxication-related incidents, making behavioral health expertise an essential but overlooked tool for workplace safety.
Perhaps the most eye-opening conversation came at the end of the conference with Brad Jakubowski. Brad, a respected Penn State agronomy professor and nationally respected speaker, gave me a glimpse into the future of golf course maintenance. He emphasized that the next generation of superintendents is no longer willing to accept the grueling seven-day workweeks, long hours, and broad responsibilities that have traditionally come with the job. Work-life balance is now a priority, and young professionals are expecting more PTO, flexible work schedules, and clearly defined roles. The question is: Will clubs and owners adapt, or will the industry continue to navigate finding and retaining talent?
My role as a consultant and behavioral health expert isn’t to change the system overnight—but to support these professionals in managing stress, avoiding burnout, and staying in the field long enough to see the transformation that is may be coming. Without reform, the golf industry may no longer be able to provide or even pursue the Augusta-like conditions that players and members have come to expect.
How is your club preparing for the workforce shift in golf course management? Let’s start a conversation.
#GolfIndustry #TurfgrassManagement #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkforceEvolution #Superintendents
