#ThankASuper Spotlight Series: Jeff Gerdes

At KemperSports, we know that the beauty and playability of golf courses and the overall golf experience wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of superintendents and their maintenance teams. In honor of International “Thank A Golf Course Superintendent Day,” we’re proud to once again present our #ThankASuper Spotlight Series—a celebration of the hardworking men and women who care for our courses and ensure our guests enjoy the opportunity to play the game they love.

Jeff Gerdes
Golf Course Superintendent
Bolingbrook Golf Club (Bolingbrook, IL)

# of years worked at current course: 24 years
Total years worked in the industry: 35 years

How did you get into the golf maintenance industry?

Playing golf with my dad and a love to work outside.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Enjoying a beautiful product at the end of the day.

What’s the most misunderstood part of the job?

We don’t have control over Mother Nature. We can do everything perfectly and the weather will dictate if it actually works or not.

What advice would you give to your younger self or younger superintendents just starting out?
Take time to enjoy the successes.

What are a few accomplishments you are most proud of at your course/in your career?
Hosting two LIV Golf events and developing assistant superintendents.

This past year, have you and your team worked/completed any exciting construction/renovation projects? If so, what was your team responsible for and how will it enhance the golf course/facility?
We have expanded a few green complexes, built two new tee boxes and enhanced a few fairways. We also worked with Enbridge Pipe Company to repair a 36-inch main crude oil pipeline.

What insight do you have about the future of the industry? Are there any innovative practices you’re helping lead to benefit the environment/your facility?
Automated products are all the rage but the human touch will always be needed. We are a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, KemperSports Green to a Tee champion, a waystation for monarchs and GEO Certified. Communicating all of that to the public and our community is paramount to our success.

What are some of the most helpful forward-thinking practices that have benefitted your facility?
Since Covid, we have used non-traditional mowing practices and efficiencies to save payroll and fuel.

What does the game of golf mean to you and how has that helped fuel the passion you have for your career?
I love spending time on the golf course with family and friends. It’s a game of honesty and integrity.