OGA-OGCSA Superintendent Spotlight – May 2018

In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Sean Hoolehan, who is in his first year with The Retreat & Links at Silvies Valley Ranch.

Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
Simply Amazing!

What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility?
The 12th green on the Craddock course is fondly refered to as “The Butt Crack”

What is your best 18-hole score at your facility?
75

What’s the biggest challenge your facility presents to you as superintendent?
Being Reversible creates some confusion training new staff members.

What led you down the path of becoming a superintendent?
My love of the game!

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed or done as a superintendent?
I was interviewed live at Augusta National on the Golf Channel during the Masters.

Jack or Arnie?
I have been fortunate enough to have met them both. I could not choose.

Tiger or Phil?
Phil

Ducks, Beavers or other?
Beavers due to my loyalty to the OGCSA and the Campbell Family

Grapes, hops or milkshake?
“Ella” IPA from Prodigal Son Brewery in Pendleton

Excluding your current facility, what is your favorite golf course?
Wine Vally, in Walla Walla, the location of my only hole-in-one

What’s your favorite tool in your tool box?
Ruger 10/22 with a scope

What’s your favorite major tournament?
The Masters

Do you have a superintendent dog?
Yes. Rory – a Yellow Lab. He is our chief squirrel chaser.

Let’s say there’s a three-day weekend coming up—what are you going to do?
Playing golf and cooking some Silvies “Heritage Naked Beef” on the grill.

What would you invent right now to make your professional life easier?
I’m not saving lives, I really dont have it bad enough to complain about anything.

If you could change a Rule of Golf to make your life easier, what would that be?
Walking only!

If your owner decided to plow up your course and make it a farm. What crops would you suggest?
Forage for goats!

How much sand do you accidentally take home in your socks over the course of a year?
7.7 lbs. Not really but I’m busy on the McVeigh Gauntlet right now and every thing is 7 there.

Who is your idol in the golf world?
Col. John Morley, who was the founder and first-ever president of GCSAA