In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Gary Early who’s worked at Salmon Run Golf Course for the last 4.5 years.

Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
Challenging short course cut through a forest with a stream and no houses.

What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility?
During certain times of the year, Salmon are seen actively spawning in the stream that runs through the course.

What’s your favorite hole at your facility?
Hole 15

Have you had a hole-in-one? When and where?
Salmon Run, #4 (1999); Kenai Golf Course, #10, (2017)

Do you have a superintendent dog?
Yes – Maddie (but she is really my wife’s dog). Maddie is an 8.5 year-old Patterdale Terrier. She’s our gopher-getter.

What’s your favorite tool in your tool box?
A ball mark fixer

On your last day, what is your meal of choice?
Potato Salad and Patty Melt

What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Quigley Down Under

Country, Rock or other?
Country Rock

Who joins you in a dream foursome?
Fred Couples, Paul Azinger, Phil Mickelson.

Favorite all-time professional golfer?
Fred Couples

What led you down the path of becoming a superintendent?
I’ve always loved golf – it’s one of my passions. When our home course got in trouble, in disrepair, I wanted to resurrect it.

What would you invent right now to make your professional life easier?
A spray that would make elk stay away – that they won’t get used to.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed or done as a superintendent?
Watching a giant sink hole open and eventually take out a hillside.

Who is your mentor?
Brant Hathorn – he’s always there when I have questions.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to become a superintendent?
Don’t expect any days off.