Retiring on your own terms

In early May, while making site visits in Denver, two of the superintendents that I had intended on visiting had just retired. Jeff Danaher was the superintendent at Aurora Hills Golf Course for 27 years, and Barry Dunbar was at Springhill Golf Course for 44 years, 33 of those as the superintendent. This was music to my ears. Here are two superintendents who dedicated their careers to their properties, and when it came time to retire they did it on their own terms.

On the other side of the coin, I have seen a 30-year golf course superintendent who had given almost his entire career to one property be un-ceremoniously let go and told he had fifteen minutes to pack his belongings – all because a new management company was moving in.

I am pleased to announce that one of Oregon’s finest, Bob Senseman, CGCS, will be retiring sometime this month. Bob plans on sticking around just long enough to help make sure that Nolan Wenker, CGCS, is fully oriented and ready to take over the reins at Oswego Lake Country Club.

Bob Senseman, CGCS, and close friend Russell Vandehey, CGCS, at the Oregon GCSA annual meeting

This year the Oregon GCSA honored Bob with the Hall of Fame award. The Hall of Fame award was established to recognize and honor members’ lifetime work and service to our industry. Selecting the 35-year GCSAA member was a simple choice for the Oregon board.

After graduating in the early 80s, Bob stepped right into a superintendent role at the Rippling River Resort just below Mt Hood. From there he sought out warmer weather and moved to San Louis Obispo for a spell. Apparently, Bob hadn't gotten enough rain while he was in Oregon, so he moved back to manage Columbia Edgewater. We all thought this was Bob’s resting place, but he soon got the itch and was romanced by the USGA to take on the agronomist role in the Northeast region. Eighteen months later, Bob found himself back in Portland, where he finally settled down for good at Oswego Lake Country Club in 1995.

Bob served on the Oregon GCSA Board of Directors and was president in 1993-94. He also continues to serve on the board for the Oregon Turfgrass Foundation.

Bob has mentored many, including me. What impressed me most was his selfless attitude and willingness to help his peers. I can remember having an issue with one of my greens at Stone Creek, and when I called Bob to ask his advice, he didn’t hesitate to get in his car and come out and take a look.

Nothing thrills me more than to see a member retire on their own terms, and sending Bob off at the Oregon GCSA’s annual meeting could not have been a more fitting tribute. Thank you, Bob, for all your service and our continuing friendship. I wish you many bugs on your teeth as you spend time with your Harley and your friends on the many back roads of the West!