The Unsung Heroes of Golf: A Spotlight on Superintendent Day
September 10th marks International “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day”, a day established by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) to honor the dedication of golf course superintendents. At Redexim, we strive to recognize and support these unsung heroes every day of the year. Maintaining the quality and playability of golf courses is no easy feat, but superintendents like Matthew Hughes of Ocotillo Park Golf Course make it look effortless with their skill, passion, and, of course, the right tools.
How “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day” Came About
The GCSAA created this special day to highlight superintendents’ vital role in the golf industry. Typically celebrated around the 13th of September, this day underscores the early mornings, late nights, and the wide range of expertise required to keep golf courses in peak condition.
From managing large teams to mastering turf care, irrigation, pest control, and environmental concerns, superintendents develop a skill set that takes years to master.
Their work ensures that golfers can enjoy pristine greens and fairways day in and day out. If you play golf, thanking a superintendent is important, not just on September 10th.
Feature: Matthew Hughes, Ocotillo Park Golf Course Superintendent
Matthew Hughes is the golf course superintendent for the City of Hobbs, where he manages Ocotillo Park Golf Course along with other recreational facilities in Hobbs, New Mexico. With over 25 years of experience in the turf industry, Matthew has honed his expertise through roles in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada before making his mark at Ocotillo Park.
When asked about his start in the industry, Matthew fondly recalls, “It’s always been turf.” His passion for turf management began at just 12 years old when he jumped on a mower to help at his grandfather’s house. Today, Matthew oversees a team of 63 employees, ensuring the golf course offers both affordability and exceptional playing conditions.
Although Matthew dedicates much of his time to the course, his 13-year-old twins and wife are the center of his life. His love for the outdoors and commitment to turf management are evident in his meticulous care in maintaining the course and athletic facilities for the City of Hobbs.
Ocotillo Park and Redexim
Over a decade ago, a Redexim sales representative reached out to Matthew to explore how Redexim’s solutions could enhance the maintenance of Ocotillo Park. Starting with sweepers, Matthew quickly recognized the value Redexim equipment brought to his operations. Today, his maintenance regimen includes the Speed Seed 1500, Speed Brush, Vibra-Sandmaster, SpeedClean 1700, and Verti Top 1800. What stands out most to Matthew is the durability of Redexim’s equipment.
“A lot of companies have sweepers, but they just don’t hold together. Our guys are tough on equipment, and we expect them to get their job done. If something from Redexim breaks, we can get parts really easily, and the price point is right where it needs to be.“
Matthew Hughes, Golf Course Superintendent for the City of Hobbs
Redexim’s reliability allows Matthew and his team to focus on what they do best—maintaining a top-notch course—without worrying about equipment failure.
Additionally, the range of products offered by Redexim simplifies the purchasing process for superintendents like Matthew. With limited time to manage multiple vendors, having a trusted partner that provides comprehensive turf care solutions is invaluable. Matthew says he calls on his representative often and has found solutions recently for his synthetic turf.
How Redexim Supports Superintendents
Redexim is renowned for its extensive range of turf care solutions, from aeration and seeding to sweeping and deep soil maintenance. The Redexim equipment is not just easy to maintain and durable but also essential for critical tasks like deep tine aeration with the Verti-Drain, topdressing, and overseeding.
Redexim understands that superintendents are the backbone of course maintenance, and our tools are designed to support their efforts in promoting healthy turf growth and creating aesthetically pleasing golf courses.
Matthew Hughes’ commitment to his work is evident in his daily dedication, and we at Redexim are proud to play a small part in helping him maintain that enthusiasm. “There’s not a day I don’t love coming to work,” he says, and we believe that having the right equipment is a key part of what keeps that passion alive.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a golfer, work in the turf industry, or know a golf course superintendent, take a moment to recognize and appreciate these unsung heroes on “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day”. At Redexim, we remain committed to supporting superintendents by ensuring they have the tools to maintain the high standards that golfers expect. Learn more about the Redexim line of equipment here, and contact your local Redexim representative to discover how we can support your turf care needs.