In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Russ Vandehey, CGCS who has been with The Oregon Golf Club for the last 22 years.


Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
Big, open, fun, spectacular, spactious, hilly course.

What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility?
The water leaving the golf course is cleaner than when we pull it out of the Willamette River.

What’s your favorite hole at your facility?
No. 11 – the view of the Willamette River is spectacular. 

What’s the biggest challenge your facility presents to you as superintendent?
The hilly terrain makes it a challenge to mow most of the year.

Do you have a superintendent dog?
Yes – Chewy, which is short for Chewbaca. Named by my son, Charlie. He is a mini-Australian Shepard who specializes in chasing the geese away each morning.

Your interning for a different position at your facility (for a day), what would that role be?
Head Chef – I like to eat.

Favorite all-time professional golfer? 
Lee Trevino

On your last day, what is your meal of choice? 
Rocky road ice cream

What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Caddyshack

What’s your favorite sports team and why?
OSU Beavers because they wear great colors.

Country, Rock or other?
Sinatra and the Big Band sound.

Who joins you in a dream foursome?
Pete Rose-competitive, Donald Ross-golf history, Ronald Reagan-Civics history, Bill Murray-some good laughs.

What led you down the path of becoming a superintendent? 
I followed my brother into the profession.

What’s the biggest change that has occurred while you’ve been in the industry?
This will show my age, but, automated irrigation systems. A drunk night waterman is never as good as the computer.

Who is your mentor? 
Harvey Junor – past Superintendent at Portland Golf Club.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to become a superintendent? 
Managing stress levels is manditory.