Assistant Superintendent Larry Wilk and Superintendent James Brown

James Brown comes to us with a background rich with experiences from notable golf courses such as Wolf Run, the Brickyard, Coffin, and Fort Harrison. James’ Agronomy degree is from Purdue, which we don’t hold against him since his bachelor’s degree is from I.U.

James is a key ingredient to our success. Few people realize how crucial a role the superintendent plays because he operates behind the scenes.

A superintendent finds and maintains the balance for the course. This requires constant vigilance. A putting green can be seriously damaged in just a few days under the wrong conditions. The best superintendents never let it get that far.

The superintendent has to keep the entire course maintained, and preferably without inconveniencing the golfer. That requires mowing, raking, and watering a huge amount of property while avoiding golfers.

The best superintendents are able to do this with a minimal amount of fertilizers, disease retardants, and pesticides. This is good for the natural wildlife, and for the grass. The best grass is watered just the proper amount so there is not an environment for disease. Not only does this use less water, it uses less chemicals to treat disease, and allows for healthier grass and wildlife.

This delicate balance is achieved by a superintendent who loves his job, and knows how important it is. We certainly do.

There is an artistry to properly growing grass on 218 acres. Protecting it from the natural predators, nurturing it, all the while letting hundreds of people walk and drive on it daily. It’s a delicate science. We have complete confidence that James will help Purgatory be the spectacular golf club it is destined to be.