#ThankASuper Spotlight Series: Shaun O’Connor

Pictured above, center in red.

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.

Shaun O’Connor
Superintendent
Timbers at Troy (Elkridge, MD)

# of years worked at current course: 17 years
Total years worked in the industry: 19 years

How did you get into the golf maintenance industry?
When I turned 16, I needed a job. The Timbers was my local course just down the street, so I stopped in and applied for a position on the cart staff. They weren’t hiring for that role at the time, but I ended up getting a call from the superintendent. I had grown up doing landscaping, so it turned out to be a perfect fit.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
No two days are ever the same. Managing turf to produce the best playing conditions within your budget—and constantly battling Mother Nature—is a unique challenge. She wins a lot, but we always bounce back and do what we do best: grow grass and recover to get the course back to 100 percent.

What’s the most misunderstood part of the job?
You can do everything by the book—spray correctly, fertilize properly, manage water effectively—and still have issues. If Mother Nature decides to dump rain for weeks or bring on a drought, there’s often nothing you can do to prevent the impact.

What advice would you give to your younger self or to new superintendents?
Trust your gut. Sometimes doing nothing is actually the best option. It’s tough to wait things out, but patience is key—and you need to clearly communicate that with management and guests. Also, build strong relationships with other superintendents. You’re not alone in facing challenges, and sharing knowledge goes a long way in this industry.

What are a few accomplishments you’re most proud of?
We didn’t have major construction this past year, but we’re currently planning a fairway drainage project that will begin this winter. Some of the work will be contracted out, and some of it will be handled in-house. It’s a big step toward improving course playability and long-term sustainability.

What insights do you have about the future of the industry?
Autonomous mowers are the next big thing. Many clubs already use smaller robotic mowers for rough areas, and it’s only a matter of time before fairway and tee mowers follow. With staffing challenges across the industry, these innovations won’t replace jobs but will allow existing teams to focus more on detailed, high-quality work.

What forward-thinking practices have helped your facility?
Know your property—and know your limits. Sometimes that means taking equipment off the course, raising cutting heights or limiting cart traffic. These measures may inconvenience players in the short term, but they help prevent long-term damage and preserve course quality.

What does the game of golf mean to you?
Working at the course sparked my passion for playing the game. Golf is something you can enjoy for a lifetime, no matter your skill level. Even one good shot can keep you coming back. I’ve also introduced my family to golf—my kids love coming out to hit balls or play a few holes. Watching them grow up around the game and the course atmosphere is truly special.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Just a big thank you to everyone who supports superintendents and golf course maintenance crews. It’s a tough job but incredibly rewarding—and it’s made better by the community around the game.