Staff

John Vickers Class "A" PGA Pro.
Proshop Owner / Hillcrest manager.

Bud Andersen
PGA Professional.

Guy Begay
Assistant Golf Professional.
PGA Apprentice.

Lisa Wright
Teaching Professional.
PGA, LPGA Class A Member.

The Hillcrest "Greens Keeper" Team
Our superintendent since 1977, Rick Kern calls it the Grow It and Mow It method. He further endorses the golf industry’s – golf course turf management description… ‘Cultural Practice.’

Rick mentions, ”It’s the scientific aspects of our turf-grasses… a comprehensive reference in diagnosing and solving practical problems in the real world of course management”. The range of subjects includes the spectrum of grass species and cultivars, ecology, physiology, soils, microenvironments, ‘cultural practices’, entomology, pathology, pest management, and equipment.

All of this is handled on a daily basis by the accomplishments of Rick’s outstanding team… Ken Kirby (well respected long timer, since ‘85), Will Herz (’96) and Bob Niggli (’03), along with their staff of a half-dozen assistants.

Kern says, “The aspects of our turf quality are affected by mowing… the basics include density, texture, color, root development, and wear tolerance.” Will Herz also notes, “Failure to mow properly usually weakens or stresses the turf. Other factors include mowing heights, frequency of cuttings, and shade versus full sun-grown turf, mowing equipment, time of year, root growth, moisture and temperature.”

What are some other schedules that take place on the course? Greens are cut and rolled routinely and sand traps are raked daily. Mowing with headlights, under the pre-early dawn darkness, is quite common… as it also prevents interference of play. Bob Niggli spearheads equipment maintenance.
 
Deep tine airification (hydrojeting), along with the replacement of older turf with new, updated Kentucky Blue Grass, is on the immediate horizon. Keep an eye out; you’ll be seeing a few changes taking place regarding course turf/tree/flower management.

Be sure to say hi to one of the guys and talk a little ‘Cultural Practice’ with them. Our capable green-keepers continue to deliver one of the best ‘Diamonds’ of public golf courses in the land.