In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Ryan Barker who is Superintendent at Tetherow Resort. 

Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
Challenging and unique to the Central Oregon area

What’s your favorite hole at your facility?
No. 2 – Par 5

What hole on your golf course is hardest to maintain (and why)?
Driving Range – Bowl shaped with challenging subsurface / drainage.

Outside of your own, what is your favorite golf course (and why)?
Gamble Sands – Just a fantastic layout.

Have you had a hole-in-one? When and where?
Yes, No. 7 at Woodlands GC – Sunriver Resort

Who is your favorite all-time professional golfer?
Phil

Which movie can you watch that never gets old?
Step Brothers

Ducks, Beavers or Neither?
Oregon Ducks

What’s your dream vacation?
Somewhere with no cell service

What led you down this career path?
Summer job at Hillcrest CC in Boise, Idaho

What tool do you use the most on the job?
Green Keeper App

What’s the biggest change that has occurred while you’ve been in the industry?
Technological advances

What would you invent right now to make your professional life easier?
Controlled weather environment

Who is your mentor in the golf industry?
Kevin Hicks

A piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to pursue this line of work:
Be patient and take in as much advice as possible along the way.