#ThankASuper Spotlight Series: Ryan Tully

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.

Ryan Tully
Superintendent
Janesville Golf – Blackhawk & Riverside Golf Courses (Janesville, WI)

 # of years worked at current course: Seven years
Total years worked in the industry: 30 years

How did you get into the golf maintenance industry?
I was influenced by my older brother, who was already in the golf industry working on a grounds crew.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
Every day is a different challenge.

What’s the most misunderstood part of the job?
How much effort actually goes into maintaining the course trying to meet lofty expectations of golfers.

What advice would you give to your younger self or younger superintendents just starting out?
Listen carefully, watch and learn.

What are a few accomplishments you are most proud of at your course/in your career?
Working on the grounds crew for the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach as well as overseeing bunker renovation projects at Harborside International Golf Center in Chicago and here at Riverside.

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?
The bunker renovation project of all the greenside bunkers at Riverside. I was responsible for overseeing the grounds aspect and still keeping the course open as an 18-hole course throughout the entire project. All the new greenside bunkers have helped elevate the course to a more championship level and cement the continuation of high-level amateur events being held here.

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?
For the future, the use of robotic mowers in certain areas – rough, range, etc. Also, as course and grounds costs go, the price of playing will need to continue to increase. Environmental benefits have been achieved by increasing native grass areas, which reduces the need for mowing and results in less gas being used and less fertilizer and chemicals being applied.

What are some of the most helpful forward-thinking practices that have benefitted your facility?
Creative budgeting, efficient staffing and the ability to change cultural practices with ever-changing conditions.

What does the game of golf mean to you and how has that helped fuel the passion you have for your career?
Golf is a time to be with friends enjoying nature. Golf helps fuel my love of the outdoors and it’s important to me to be a part of creating a place of community, awareness of nature and camaraderie.