In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Ken Nice who’s worked at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort for the last 21 years.

Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
A golf resort with multiple golf courses

What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility?
There are six miles of hiking trails and a complimentary 9-hole par 3 course both open to the public.

What’s your favorite hole at your facility?
Hole No. 4 at Pacific Dunes.

What’s the biggest challenge your facility presents to you as superintendent?
High winds and heavy play throughout the whole year.

You are interning for a different position at your facility (for a day), what would that role be?
I’d love to caddy for a day.

Do you have a superintendent dog?
Yes – Mia, a 13-year old Papillon.

What is your go-to club in the bag?
7 iron

Favorite all-time professional golfer?
Ben Crenshaw

What’s your favorite tool in your tool box?
Leatherman

What’s your favorite sports team and why?
Oregon State Basketball

Let’s say there’s a three-day weekend coming up—what are you going to do?
Road trip to various paddle board locations

What led you down the path of becoming a superintendent?
Pat Doran

What’s the biggest change that has occurred while you’ve been in the industry?
The advancement in wetting agents

What would you invent right now to make your professional life easier?
A nematicide that works longterm

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed or done as a superintendent?
Being involved with the creation of the Sheep Ranch

Who is your mentor?
Tom Cook and Jim Seeley

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to become a superintendent?
Keep an open mind and learn from everyone you can.