What Does It Take to Become a CGCS?

The Certified Golf Course Superintendent designation is the highest level of professional certification in our industry, held by less than 2% of all superintendents. It is a rigorous process that ensures a superintendent has demonstrated expertise in agronomy, business management, environmental stewardship, and leadership.

To be eligible, a superintendent must:

✅ Have at least three years of experience as a golf course superintendent.

✅ Hold a Class A membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

✅ Complete four key components of the certification process:

1. Leadership and Communication Attesting – Demonstrating management and leadership skills.

2. Examinations – Passing comprehensive tests on agronomy, business management, and environmental management.

3. Education and Experience Portfolio – Documenting professional development and course management strategies.

4. Onsite Course Attesting – Having two CGCS-certified superintendents evaluate course conditions and maintenance practices.

The Course Attesting Process

On Friday, I will be hosting Jeff Whitmire, CGCS (Williamsburg Club) and Trevor Hedgepeth, CGCS (Kinloch Golf Club) at Brickshire Golf Club for my onsite course attesting. This is the final step in the certification process, where experienced, certified superintendents evaluate my work firsthand, ensuring that the course meets the high standards required for certification.

During the attesting process, they will assess:

✔️ Overall course conditions – Greens, fairways, bunkers, and roughs.

✔️ Turf health and playability – Agronomic programs, fertility, and maintenance practices.

✔️ Environmental stewardship – Water management, resource conservation, and sustainability efforts.

✔️ Facility management – Equipment maintenance, staff organization, and budget considerations.

A Lifelong Goal

Achieving CGCS status has been a goal of mine since my time at Horry Georgetown Technical College, and to be on the verge of accomplishing it is incredibly rewarding. This designation not only reflects dedication to excellence in golf course management, but also a commitment to continual learning and improvement.

I’m looking forward to this final step and sharing the results soon!

Pin Locations – More Than Just a Target

 When you step onto the green, all eyes are on the 4.25-inch hole—the ultimate target of every golf hole. While pin locations might seem like a simple part of course setup, they significantly impact playability, pace of play, and overall golfer experience. A well-placed hole goes unnoticed, but a poor pin placement can quickly become the talk of the clubhouse.

How We Select Hole Locations

At Brickshire, we follow the industry’s best practices to ensure fair and balanced hole locations:

• Distance from the Edge – Holes are placed at least a little over a flagstick length from the edge of the green. If a bunker or steep slope is nearby, we allow extra room to prevent unfair conditions.

• Surface Slope – The area two to three feet around the hole should be relatively level to ensure putts roll fairly.

• Avoiding Old Hole Plugs – We rotate hole locations to help old plugs heal, maintaining a smooth putting surface and preventing turf stress.

• Straight and Vertical Cuts – Holes are cut as vertically as possible to ensure putts react properly.

• Balanced Placement – Pin locations are rotated throughout the green to provide variety and fairness.

Challenges and Why It Matters

As green speeds increase, viable pin positions decrease, making thoughtful selection even more important. We also ensure old hole plugs are properly leveled and hydrated to blend in quickly. A well-placed hole enhances strategy and enjoyment, while an unfair or inconsistent one leads to frustration.

Next time you’re lining up a putt, know that there’s more thought behind that pin placement than you might expect!

Improving Course Conditions with Better Traffic Management

 

At Brickshire, our goal is to provide the best possible playing conditions for members and guests. Our maintenance team takes great pride in keeping the course in top shape, but maintaining healthy turf is a shared effort. One of the biggest challenges we face is managing cart traffic, especially in high-use areas.

 To help preserve turf quality and improve playability, we’re introducing a new traffic management system this season using enter and exit posts. These posts will guide carts to enter and exit fairways at designated points, helping to distribute wear more evenly and protect sensitive areas.

 

How It Works

• Golfers should enter fairways after the first post and exit before the second post.

•The posts will resemble our black and white 150-yard markers but with reversed colors—black on top, white on the bottom—for easy visibility.

• This simple adjustment will go a long way in keeping fairways in great shape throughout the season.

           

 

Why It Matters

 Cart traffic has a significant impact on turf health. By following these new guidelines, we can reduce wear patterns, prevent unnecessary damage, and ensure the course remains in top condition for everyone to enjoy.

 We appreciate your support in this effort and look forward to a great season ahead. Thank you for helping us take care of Brickshire!

 

Sunlight and Turf: Why Tree Management Matters

In our ongoing efforts to enhance the playability, aesthetics, and safety of Brickshire Golf Club, we are proposing a strategic tree management program. This initiative focuses on removing select trees that adversely affect turf health, contribute to extended frost delays, and pose safety risks.

 

Enhancing Turf Health and Playability

 Trees that cast excessive shade on key greens impede sunlight penetration and air circulation, creating environments where turfgrass struggles to thrive. This lack of sunlight leads to weaker Bentgrass, increased disease susceptibility, and greater stress during summer months. By thoughtfully removing specific trees, we aim to:

•            Improve Sunlight Exposure: Adequate sunlight is essential for robust turf growth. Increased exposure will strengthen the Bentgrass on greens, making them more resilient to stress and reducing the need for chemical interventions.

•            Enhance Air Circulation: Better airflow helps moderate soil and canopy temperatures, further promoting healthy turf conditions.

 To precisely identify which trees are obstructing sunlight, we have utilized the Sun Seeker app. This tool provides detailed information about the sun’s path throughout the year, allowing us to pinpoint trees that cause excessive shading during critical periods. By analyzing solar angles and paths, we can make informed decisions about selective tree removal to optimize sunlight exposure on our greens.

 The USGA emphasizes that strategic tree removal can lead to improved playing conditions and restoration of the course’s intended design.  

 

Reducing Frost Delays and Increasing Revenue

 Excessive shade contributes to prolonged frost retention on greens, leading to frequent and extended frost delays. These delays not only disrupt play but also result in significant revenue losses due to reduced available tee times. By removing trees that block morning sunlight, we can:

•            Decrease Frost Delays: Quicker frost melt allows for earlier course openings, accommodating more golfers each day.

•            Increase Revenue: More available tee times directly translate to increased daily revenue and improved member satisfaction.

 The USGA notes that shade extends frost delays by preventing sunlight from melting the frost, and pruning or removing trees that shade primary playing surfaces can improve the course’s overall health and reduce the duration of frost delays.  

Observations over the past two months have shown that our most shaded greens retain snow cover longer during winter weather events, further emphasizing the need for increased sunlight exposure.

 

Ensuring Safety for Golfers and Property

 Dead or structurally compromised trees pose significant safety hazards, including the risk of falling branches or entire trees, which can cause injury or property damage. Proactive removal of these hazardous trees will:

•            Protect Members and Guests: Ensuring a safe environment is our top priority. Removing dangerous trees mitigates the risk of accidents on the course.

•            Prevent Property Damage: Addressing compromised trees reduces the potential for damage to nearby homes and course infrastructure.

 Preserving Course Aesthetics and Heritage

 While tree removal is sometimes necessary, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty and character of Brickshire Golf Club. Our approach includes:

•            Selective Removal: Only trees that negatively impact turf health, playability, or safety are targeted for removal.

•            Enhancing Vistas: Thoughtful tree management can open up sightlines, showcasing the course’s natural landscape and design features.

 Balancing tree management with course aesthetics ensures an improved playing experience while maintaining the course’s unique charm.

 We understand that tree removal can be a sensitive topic. Please know that this proposal was developed after careful consideration and with the best interests of our members and the course in mind. We are confident that these efforts will lead to a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable environment for all.

 Thank you for your continued support as we strive to enhance the Brickshire experience.