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Legacy: First days as a Golf Course Superintendent

Creating a legacy as a golf course superintendent or in any industry in this day and age has become increasingly difficult. The average tenure of a golf course superintendent in 2016 is about 7 years. In 2016, it isn’t uncommon for someone to work 5 to 6 jobs in their lifetime. Millennials are increasing looking to change careers several times.

The TOUR Championship is just a few weeks away. East Lake Golf Club has held 15 TOUR Championships, the most of any other golf course since it’s genesis in 1987. Ralph Kepple, CGCS golf course superintendent at East Lake Golf Club has hosted every one of them.

We sat down with Ralph to talk about his legacy in the industry. I believe you will be surprised how Ralph’s career began. Many put East Lake Golf Club agronomy in that 1% club; high budget, large staff, nearly unlimited resources. This is not the case. In fact, course you see today and the resources at Ralph’s disposal are far from where he began.

This is Part 1 of our 8 part series with Ralph Kepple. I think you will be surprised not only with Ralph’s beginnings, but what he finds important.

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