~ Winter Issue 2006-2007 ~
Director of Golf
THE
INTRODUCTION...
To those of you who do not know me, let me take this opportunity to
introduce myself and give you a little of my history. I am Mike Sussman and I
was born in Brooklyn, New York. When I was a small child my grandfather taught
me how to play golf. As the usual story goes, I was hooked
on the game. My family and I moved to Florida and I always dreamed of a career
in the golf business.
Both my parents instilled top-notch work ethics in me as I grew. My
grandparents taught me life's values… and so… my dream came true!
My first job in the golf industry began at Silverthorn Golf and Country
Club in Brooksville, Florida. At Silverthorn I picked the range and lifted
lots of golf bags from the bag drop and brought them to customer's cars.
Those were tough working days... but it taught me so much! One of the most
valuable lessons learned during those days of being out front with the
customer is the importance of communication between customers and staff. We
had lots of fun and good times back then - as many of my old friends and
members of Silverthorn recall, such as Russ and Doris Pearce.
My second job took me to the Dunes Golf Club, where I was hired to work in
the golf shop. As luck would have it, the pro left and Mr. Jim Cocchi gave me
the position of golf shop manager. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Cocchi as a
boss for my first management position. He has been in the area for a long time
and made a lot of very good connections for me. Through his hard and good
teachings I had made a decent name for myself in the golf business.
I stayed at the Dunes for approximately 8 years, until their present
closing. I’ve learned a great deal. Thank you, Mr. Cocchi, once again for
all you taught me of management and the golf industry.
In late October, I started speaking to an old friend, Mr. John Gravely. He
offered me a position that was perfect at Oak Hills. I accepted and here I am.
The
only sad thing about this whole story is that my grandfather, Eddie, passed
away in 1993. He did not have the opportunity to see how successful I have
been. But I know he looks down on me every day. Love ya, Pop! Thanks for
everything!!!
GOLF SHOP NEWS FROM MIKE...
The leagues have all settled in and everyone seems to be happy!
Ladies, if you are interested in joining the Ladies League, please contact
Karen Stacy at (352) 592-3300. They are always looking for more members with
handicaps of all ranges. They play on Thursday morning at 9:00 Sharp!
For the gents interested in joining the Men's League, please call the Golf
Shop at (352) 683-6830. Any staff member at the Golf Shop can help you. There
are leagues on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
I run the Monday and Friday morning leagues. They have a very Special Slush
Fund that you can ask about.
Monday and Friday leagues start at 8:00 A.M. sharp. All leagues go out in
shotgun style.
ATTENTION: League Members
- Please always call ahead if you would like to play.
- Please be here in enough time so you do not hold anybody up.
- IF YOU CANNOT PLAY - PLEASE CALL.
We soon will have a Friday Party. See Mike for the details. Our master
chef, Don Jones, will be doing all the cooking again... so it will surely be a
delicious day with lots of Food. Cash, Fun and Beer, Beer, Beer!!!
We are planning a party for Monday as well. It will probably be in early
February.
I hope everybody is seeing the improvements at Oak Hills. We have new
carts. The golf course is in fabulous shape. Thanks to Karl Rothert, our
course superintendent.
Keep looking for future improvements. If anybody has suggestions for me,
please let me know. I will do my best to address and deal with them.
Never lay up. Hit it long and straight!
Mike Sussman
Email Mike Sussman at mikesussman@teetalk.net
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