OGA-OGCSA Superintendent Spotlight – June 2020

In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Doug Hubert who’s worked at Mallard Creek Golf Course for the last 13 years.

Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
A beautiful golf course surrounded by acres of natural areas.

What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility?
We have an RV park that is popular with RV Golfers from around the country.

What’s your favorite hole at your facility?
No. 11, a short par 4 with high risk reward.

What’s the biggest challenge your facility presents to you as superintendent?
The soil is composed of heavy clay and rocks, which makes maintenance difficult.

Have you had a hole-in-one? When and where?
Three at the par 3 in Corvallis, but they really don’t count.

Favorite all-time professional golfer?
Tom Watson

Who joins you in a dream foursome?
My three boys: David, Scott and Logan.

What’s your favorite tool in your tool box?
Irrigation control from my phone.

What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Caddyshack

What’s your favorite sports team and why?
OSU Beavers – because my three sons and I are all graduates of OSU!

Let’s say there’s a three-day weekend coming up—what are you going to do?
A chance to sleep in, golf and a BBQ with the family.

What led you down the path of becoming a superintendent?
At 14, I started working at a golf course to be able to apply for the Evans Scholarship. I got hooked on the game/industry!

What’s the biggest change that has occurred while you’ve been in the industry?
The growth of technology in equipment and irrigation.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed or done as a superintendent?
A semi truck full of sheep crashing on the golf course, there were sheep intermingled with golfers over several holes.

Who is your mentor?
Tom Cook

What is a piece of advice you would give someone wanting to become a superintendent?
Make sure that you understand all the demands of the industry before you commit to the career.