In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Forrest Goodling who’s worked at Gearhart Golf Links for more than eight years.

Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
Links-style golf, a fun track, oldest course west of the Mississippi.

What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility? 
It’s 128 years old

What’s the biggest challenge your facility presents to you as superintendent? 
Sand-base soils dry out very fast in the coastal breeze, sand blowing out of the bunkers daily!

Excluding your current facility, what is the top golf course you’ve played? 
Cypress

Who joins you in a dream foursome?
Myself My two sons, (Taylor and Brendan), and Mike Cortner

What’s your favorite sports team and why?
Blazers, when they won the championship

What is your go-to club in the bag?
Putter

What’s your favorite tool in your tool box? 
My sprayer

On your last day, what is your meal of choice? 
A medium New York filet, mashed potatoes and tons of gravy, cold Bouy beer

Country, Rock or other?
Country

What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Open Range

Let’s say there’s a three-day weekend coming up—what are you going to do? 
Play golf, work in the yard, ride our horses, take a nap, bbq and have a couple of drinks

What led you down the path of becoming a superintendent? 
My Dad, Jopell Goodling, was the Superintendent at Broadmoor Golf for 52 years, I started working w/dad when I was 15, loved it

What’s the biggest change that has occurred while you’ve been in the industry?
Growth regulators, precision of sprayers, Irrigation systems. Computerized mowers.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed or done as a superintendent? 
Crashed into a tree at Portland Golf, in a jet ranger helicopter while filming a DVD for the course.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to become a superintendent? 
It’s a great job, long hours, and really dosent pay all that great, the benefits are good.