As I hold a 100-year commemorative coin in my hand and reflect on an amazing week in Orlando at the recent GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, I am reminded of the powerful impact each of us in this industry has on each other’s careers and lives.
As GCSAA founder Col. John Morley famously declared, and is engraved on the 100-year coin, “No life is, or can be, self-existent. We depend upon each other.” How does this relate to career growth and advancement? I believe it is the conduit through which professional and personal growth happens, and ultimately jobs are secured. What does this mean for you as you consider your next career step toward your dream role? I have three tips for maximizing this gift we were given 100 years ago, when 60 greenkeepers met in Toledo, Ohio, to live out Morley’s visionary quote.
Network inventory. Start by listing current contacts who support your professional growth, identify gaps in your network and set goals for reaching out to new individuals who align with your aspirations. Who in your current network can help you achieve your next career milestone? Who would you like to connect with to unlock new opportunities? Be purposeful to align your network goals with your career and life ambitions. Contemplate how you can support others in the golf industry and foster a growing network of professionals along the way. For example, if you have a goal of being part of the leadership team at a golf facility that hosts professional tournaments, then your network inventory should include men and women with that experience to facilitate your growth and understanding in that arena. Set specific goals like attending industry events, connecting with mentors and volunteering at professional golf tournaments to both advance your career and help others succeed.
Regardless of your network goals, I encourage you to view everyone you encounter, not just colleagues, as someone you could potentially enrich and support as a professional and person, and create a meaningful relationship. An idea that I recently learned of is formal mentorship programs being created at golf facilities matching golfers/members with assistant superintendents seeking to learn more in the areas of leadership and business management. What a phenomenal idea. Take that idea to your general manager as an innovative way to benefit you and your team in growing your network and capabilities.
Skills inventory. The second area that is greatly impacted by Col. John Morley’s vision becoming a reality for us is the ability to readily gain skills through the vast resources of GCSAA and its members. Think of those 60 greenkeepers 100 years ago. Who would they seek out or where would they go to gain skills in turf management, leadership, financial acumen and professional growth? As I write this career column today in 2026, we have a wealth of opportunities learning from more than 21,000 members worldwide, along with education through a wide range of avenues.
Take an honest assessment of your skills in relation to your career goals. What skills and qualities do the people in your dream job possess? Which skills and capabilities do you need to improve to successfully conduct a job search and ultimately thrive in that role? Who can you seek out and where can you get those skills? Make a plan. Maximize all the resources that Morley sparked 100 years ago — chapter meetings and networking events, conferences, webinars, e-learning, certifications and on and on. Make a commitment today to take action in improving at least one skill during 2026.
Camaraderie. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, catch the spirit of Col. John Morley and treasure the unique and profoundly satisfying relationships awaiting you with your colleagues. The golf industry presents distinct challenges and rewards — and having shared experiences creates a foundation for friendship and understanding that only those in your role can grasp. Have the courage to reach out to your peers and lean into creating authentic friendships to help support one another and live out Morley’s vision from 100 years ago.
Carol D. Rau, PHR, has been a career consultant and speaker with GCSAA since 2005 and specializes in golf and turf industry careers. Rau is a frequent speaker at national, regional and local GCSAA conferences and teaches GCSAA webinars.