#ThankASuper Spotlight Series: Matt Sinclair

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.

Matt Sinclair
Superintendent
Goldeneye Club (Lake Geneva, WI)

# of years worked at current course: 2.5 years
Total years worked in the industry: 11 years

How did you get into the golf maintenance industry?
My turf career began as a summer job while in college. After a few summers working as seasonal help, I decided to shift gears and start my full-time career in turf.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of this job is starting and ending every day seeing the fruits of me and my team’s labor along with working outdoors every day.

What’s the most misunderstood part of the job?
The most misunderstood aspect of the job is a tough question to answer as there are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes. However, if I had to pick one, I would say that there is a lot more to maintaining quality turf than just getting rain and utilizing fertilizer. Although well-timed rain is a necessity, excessive moisture along with high temperatures can lead to a multitude of disease issues.

What advice would you give to your younger self or younger superintendents just starting out?
I would advise anyone starting in the industry to network, make connections and ask questions as much as possible. Also, as important as it is to strive for perfection, sometimes it is necessary to look at everything you are accomplishing and understand that not everybody has the resources of the courses that you see on the PGA Tour. Finally, communicate fully and transparently with everyone involved in your club. Honest and thorough communication goes a long way with clientele, management and employees.

What are a few accomplishments you are most proud of at your course/in your career?
I am most proud of the day-to-day progress that has been made in improving the playability and quality of the property. In addition to this, I am extremely proud of the growth of the club, especially within my staff both professionally and as people.

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 completed a large amount of tree and brush removal that has improved turf health and playability immensely. Also, artificial tees on two holes were regraded and replaced, leading to a higher quality playing surface and better aesthetics.

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?
I believe that the industry is trending towards more electric and automated equipment, along with more data collection tools to help superintendents fine-tune their operations. I do my best to emphasize following best management practices that allow us to achieve high quality turf with minimal inputs. In addition to this, the removal of invasive species in unmaintained areas along with the introduction of natives grasses, forbs and flowers (especially pollinator friendly blends) is one way that we have helped benefit the environment at our facility.

What are some of the most helpful forward-thinking practices that have benefitted your facility?
The most helpful forward-thinking practices include:

• Focusing on high-traffic/high-use areas
• Starting with the greens and working our way back from there
• Focusing on playability first and aesthetics second

What does the game of golf mean to you and how has that helped fuel the passion you have for your career?
The game of golf to me is the best “lifelong” recreation activity that I can think of. You can start playing at a very young age and with all the advances in equipment continue playing throughout your whole life. Along with this, it is a game that, regardless of skill level, anyone can have a competitive match by utilizing their handicap. These two aspects make golf a game full of people from all walks of life and skill levels who are able to make the game whatever they want it to be for them. This fuels my passion for my career because unlike many other professions, the product that I am working to provide can be enjoyed by any demographic.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
The greatest aspect of the turf industry is that 99 percent of people in the industry truly want what’s best for everyone else. Although neighboring clubs are technically competing for membership and play, everyone is still willing to help each other out. I know that at any time, I can call at least a dozen people with a question, and they will be more than willing to help me find a solution.