In retirement, I have had three public-facing part-time work experiences. The first was behind the counter in the Pro Shop at World Woods Golf Course in Brooksville, Florida and the second and third were as a Range Attendant at Pinehurst Country Club and the Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC) in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
At some point, I came to the conclusion that I have turned into a bit of a curmudgeon as I am no longer capable of mustering a compassionate response to the occasional rude, self-centered and/or entitled patron.
Recognizing my abundant inadequacies and needing to distance myself from the masses, I proactively solicited David Court (Director of Golf Course Maintenance/World Woods Golf Club) and Ron Kelly (Director of Agronomy/CCNC) for a more isolated existence on their Grounds Crews.
During my three-years on the Grounds Crew at World Woods, I paid my dues by performing a number of mundane tasks including, but not limited to, filling and leveling divots on the driving range, collecting trash and chain-sawing downed limbs, where my performance and my level of commitment were evaluated prior to being rewarded with more meaningful assignments. Over time, I was trusted to mow rough, mow fairways, mow greens, and cut cups.
Having moved to Pinehurst nearly four-years ago, even with three-years of Grounds Crew experience in my back pocket, I was once again required to pay my dues at CCNC by picking up debris (broken limbs/pine cones…the quantity of pine cones is unfathomable), filling fairway divots, backpack blowing greens as well as other menial tasks. After eight-months of diligently performing those assignments, I was finally provided the opportunity to make a more significant contribution to the golf course by mowing rough, mowing fairways, tractor blowing fairways, cutting cups, and mowing their pristine greens.
I have a text exchange with my Superintendent (Brandon) on the Cardinal Course the evenings prior to my shifts (Monday and Tuesdays) to determine my next day’s assignment. I begin my work day anywhere between 4:45-5:15 in the morning, with nary a co-worker in sight. It is not unusual for me “not” to see another person until I return to our Shop around 9:00- 9:30.
So, in the end, other than having to deal with some unsavory winter weather conditions, I have gotten what I asked for; distance from patrons, solitude, minimal interaction with my co-workers, worthwhile endeavors and stunning sunrises. Not a bad gig for a burgeoning introvert!
Thank you for following Bad Golf Guy! The back nine can only get better!
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