OGA-OGCSA Superintendent Spotlight – August 2018
In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Terry Martin, who has been superintendent at Agate Beach Golf Course for nearly 40 years.
Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
A nine-hole family owned public golf course.
What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility?
Built by Frank Stenzel in 1931, he also developed Glendoveer.
What is your best 18-hole score at your facility?
67
What’s the biggest challenge your facility presents to you as superintendent?
Storms in winter, wet conditions to dry windy summers.
What led you down the path of becoming a superintendent?
Being raised in family business, enjoyed working outside.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed or done as a superintendent?
Visiting courses in Scotland and Ireland.
Tiger or Phil?
Tiger
Jack or Arnie?
Arnie, met him at Bay Hill!
Ducks, Beavers or other?
More of a Duck.
Grapes, hops or milkshake?
Hops
Excluding your current facility, what is your favorite golf course?
Forest Hills GC in Hillsboro, my family’s old course. Also Tokatee is special.
What’s your favorite tool in your tool box?
Range finder
What’s your favorite major tournament?
The Masters
What would you invent right now to make your professional life easier?
Eradicate daisies, crane flies and fungus.
If you could change a Rule of Golf to make your life easier, what would that be?
The USGA is doing a good job of simplifying the rules. Pace of play is always an issue.
If your owner decided to plow up your course and make it a farm. What crops would you suggest?
Marijuana seems lucrative. Maybe cattle!
Let’s say there’s a three-day weekend coming up — what are you going to do?
Go fishing out in ocean or fly fish somewhere.
How much sand do you accidentally take home in your socks over the course of a year?
I live by the beach! Lots of sand.
Who is your idol in the golf world?
My grandfather and my parents,Bill and Ramona. Also golf professionals Bobby Litton, Al Mundle and Bill Houston.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to become a superintendent?
Be able to take criticism and maintain your humor.
