A great leader knows how to get the most out of their team. Eric Materkowski is an expert in building strong team cultures that increase productivity and create supportive and innovative work environments on the golf course.

Eric received his Turfgrass Management degree from Ohio State ATI and has been a golf course superintendent for 28 years. He recently finished his 10th year as Golf Course Superintendent at St. Clair Country Club. Before St. Clair, he was the Golf Course Superintendent at Wildwood Golf Club, Green Oaks Country Club, and Armco Golf Club. 

Getting Involved in the Industry

Eric has served in various roles on the board of the Greater Pittsburgh Golf Course Superintendents Association since 2006. Being part of the board forced him to learn fast and embrace new opportunities. 

Relationships and networking are essential in the golf industry, and a board position is a great way to make new connections. Don’t underestimate the value of having someone to call and ask questions when you feel stuck.

Bringing the Best Out of Your Team

At St. Clair, everyone on the team has designated roles but is encouraged to work together. Eric advises anyone in a leadership position to create a welcoming team environment. 

Get to know the frontline workers and groundskeepers, and encourage assistants to do the same. Not only does this promote a better working environment, but it will give you more confidence to advocate for your team in board meetings.

Be patient with new hires. A great training and onboarding program goes a long way toward avoiding mistakes, so make sure groundskeepers have all the information they need before going out on the golf course. Lastly, remember that you were in their shoes once. Everyone has a first day. 

Get to know your new hires and interns, and be as involved as possible in the hiring process. Recruiters and GMs value a leader who knows how to build a great team.

Enjoy this episode with Superintendent Eric Materkowski…

Soundbytes

6:04-6:41 “It starts with a good membership that’s supportive and wants to see their golf course be really good. So it starts there. And then I think it’s just working with the right group of people, having the right team here, giving them the results they expect. If we have a goal, exceeding their expectations a little bit. When they see you really care and you put the time in, and again having a great team around you, it’s pretty easy for them to support you.”

27:30-27:48 “I think it’s really important if the schedule works out that people go out and play and appreciate their work. And I think it gives us some credibility when we’re setting up the golf course everyday if we have an understanding of the game. I don’t think you need to be a three handicap, but you need to understand the game.”

Quotes

“Everybody had a first day, so treat everyone with respect.”

“No pressure, no diamonds.”

“I like to pour my energy into the golf course.”

“I think it’s really important if the schedule works out that people go out and play and appreciate their work. And I think it gives us some credibility when we’re setting up the golf course everyday if we have an understanding of the game.”

“There was a lot of work that went into that before me that made our job a profession and a career, and I think it’s important that people remember that. Superintendents didn’t always have offices, let alone a computer.”

“It’s come a long way and I think it’s important to remember that and do our part to take it to the next level.”

“To be successful in this business, in my opinion, you need to enjoy being a superintendent.”

Links mentioned in this episode:

St. Clair Country Club: https://www.stclaircc.org/  

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-materkowski-926365a