In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Randy Shults CGCS, who has worked at Tualatin Country Club for the past 34 years.

Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
Traditional, fun, walkable and peaceful.

What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility?
Club is 106 years old and Audubon certified.

What is your best 18-hole score at your facility?
I love to play, but am not known for my golfing ability.

What’s the biggest challenge your facility presents to you as superintendent?
Keeping a 106 year old facility updated to modern standards.

What led you down the path of becoming a superintendent?
I grew up working for my dad at Forest Hills GC in Cornelius for many years. Golf course maintenance is what I loved to do.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed or done as a superintendent?
The many construction projects I have had the privilege of working on. Our new range tee turned out fantastic.

Do you have a superintendent dog?
No. But, I love to bring my daughters dog, Lily, when she comes to visit from Montana.

Ducks, Beavers or other?
Beavers, have to support the turf program and their great research.

Grapes, hops or milkshake?
Grapes, an afternoon at one of Oregon’s great wineries is an afternoon well spent.

Tiger or Phil?
Phil, seems like a great family man.

Jack or Arnie?
Arnold Palmer, I love the old Penzoil commercials.

Excluding your current facility, what is your favorite golf course?
Really like 9 hole beach courses. Many memories with my dad at Agate Beach. Recently played Crestview GC it was really fun.

What’s your favorite tool in your tool box?
Soil probe

What’s your favorite major tournament?
The Masters

Let’s say there’s a three-day weekend coming up—what are you going to do?
A trip with my wife, the beach or visit one of the kids.

What would you invent right now to make your professional life easier?
A way to get all of the administrative stuff done and still spend all of your time out on the golf course.

If you could change a Rule of Golf to make your life easier, what would that be?
The maintenance crew has the right of way at all times.

If your owner decided to plow up your course and make it a farm. What crops would you suggest?
Hazel nuts are big right now. However, part of the property had hops on it way back when. That would be another good choice.

How much sand do you accidentally take home in your socks over the course of a year?
Lots, it somehow ends up in all of my pockets.

Who is your idol in the golf world?
All of the “old guys” that were superintendent when I got into the business. They were friends and mentors.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to become a superintendent?
Every workplace has an “a**hole,” make sure it is not YOU.

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