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 Gus Nelson is the manager at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. The certified course superintendent is primarily responsible for course maintenance and special projects. One of those projects - a new clubhouse - is scheduled to be completed in October or November. How did you get involved in the golf business? I was studying agriculture at UC Riverside and a professor suggested turf and golf. I liked to golf, so I took his advice. Then, during college I joined the construction crew at Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Course. What's the biggest challenge you face in your job? An ongoing effort to remind people that the mission of municipal courses is to provide the public with affordable and accessible recreational golf. There are many who want to change our mission to provide a more upscale experience. Others are interested in generating more revenue to be used elsewhere. Change in either direction would come at the expense of affordability and accessibility and would be contrary to our basic mission. It's important for munis to stay in their niche and not venture into the upscale arena typically occupied by private industry. Without an affordable entry point into the game, how can participation in the game grow? What's been the key to your success? Focusing on the mission. What do you like most about your job? Golf courses are beautiful places, but at the end of the day it's always the people you encounter that you remember most. How often do you get out to play golf? Not very often anymore. Kids' activities dominate my free time now. What's your home course? San Clemente, of course. What's your handicap? I'm one of the 80 percent or so of golfers who don't carry a handicap. How old were you when you started playing golf? About 11 or 12 at Fairmont Park in Riverside. How did you become interested in the game? It was fun just spending time with my dad. Getting to golf was like ice cream on the cake. What are your favorite courses in Southern California? San Clemente, Coronado and Torrey Pines North. What's your personal motto on the golf course? It's supposed to be fun. What is your most treasured golf possession? My Accu-Roll putter, a reject from my dad's garage. Topspin isn't just for tennis, you know. SG |
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