I know that it is very common for people to recite what one may be thankful for on Thanksgiving.  Well, with tomorrow being a little busy, I chose to post today about all that I am thankful for.  I have been very blessed in 2012.  Many significant events took place this year in all aspects of my life; from the golf course to home and everywhere in between.

Before 2011 was even over, I learned that Stow Acres Country Club would play host to the 2012 MA Four-ball Championship in May.  I knew the start of the season would be a whirlwind, but I was extremely excited for it.  It would be the biggest test for me and my staff in the five years that I have been a Superintendent.  I am very thankful for the lessons that I learned preparing for this one event.  It taught me things that I will carry for the rest of my life.  (read more here: MA Four-ball Championship) Shortly after the tournament was over, we would begin fighting the onset of a drought here in Stow, MA.  It would last multiple weeks through most of June and July and it would certainly test the skill-set of my turf management team.  The use of wetting agents through this drought helped keep our turf in great shape, but it also landed us a video deal with GCSAA.tv.  In late July, I was asked to assist in a promotional video for Precision Laboratories.  I am extremely thankful for this opportunity as it allowed my club and my name national recognition and speak about a product that I love so much.  It was not only this one particular event of a drought that I am thankful for my staff but really the entire 2012 season.  The work that this team put in on day-to-day basis was extraordinary.  The core team members knew the game plan each week and carried it out with the true precision and ease.  A Superintendent is truly nothing without his core team.  I am extremely thankful for all of you.

The chaos of the summer season would end quickly and drove us straight into a consistent comfortable weather pattern that never really seemed to deal the “questionable wilt watching days”.  We saw plenty of rain and help from the sky.  This allowed to lock in to a pretty standard routine of cleaning the golf course and carrying the normal cultural practices without too much hinderance from weather.  I am extremely thankful for this as it allowed me to mentally relax before my new family blessing.  Greens aeration was completed on October 23 and on November 1 my son, Bennett, was born.  This really was a breathtaking experience even though it was our second child.

Although I have listed many golf experiences that I have been thankful for in 2012, none of them outweigh how thankful I am for my family.  My wife, Gloria, is a true rock of our household.  She continues to amaze me everyday even after 6 years of being together.  Her strength, drive, determination, thoughtfulness, and ambition sets such an amazing role model for our children.  After only 18 days of giving birth, she is already back in the Zumba studio.  Her drive is exceptional and something to marvel at.  I am a truly blessed man to have this woman as my wife and as the mother of my children.  I am thankful that she is able to raise our kids, Emma and Bennett, while I am here grinding it out on the course.

I am thankful for so many things in 2012, but mostly the health, happiness, and life that my family and I are able to live.  Thank you!