#ThankASuper Spotlight Series: William Rupert

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.

William Rupert
Golf Course Superintendent
Bear Creek Golf Complex (Chandler, AZ)

# of years worked at current course: Four years
Total years worked in the industry: 40 years

How did you get into the golf maintenance industry?
My grandad was a club manager, and my stepdad was a golf pro, both in the Seattle area. I gravitated towards being more outdoors and the golf maintenance yard was always more appealing to me.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
The sunrise.

What’s the most misunderstood part of the job?
We just ride mowers around.

What advice would you give to your younger self or younger superintendents just starting out?
Don’t make work your hobby.

What are a few accomplishments you are most proud of at your course/in your career?
I’m grateful here at Bear Creek for how we have been able to raise the standard of the daily presentation of both courses. Our team here has created an expectation of course conditioning that has increased the reputation of Bear Creek Golf Complex, and in turn, increased rounds and revenue.

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?
This past year we really didn’t have any projects. The three previous years we completed an irrigation renovation on each course and a lake bank rehab on our irrigation lake. All three projects had an immediate impact on turf coverage and quality.

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?
My insights are probably a bit myopic towards the Desert Southwest and the future of the industry. We face some very real challenges approaching with dwindling water allotments and the ensuing prioritization. Time will tell where golf stacks up.

What are some of the most helpful forward-thinking practices that have benefitted your facility?
Brighter headlights so we can start even earlier…

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 introduced me to golf course maintenance and thus the business of golf. For me, the introspection required to practice the varied disciplines of the game have helped mold me into who I am, for better or worse.