#ThankASuper Spotlight Series: Steve Kuretsky

In honor of international “Thank A Golf Course Superintendent Day,” we are proud to highlight the unsung heroes of the golf industry and KemperSports family: our incredibly hardworking and outstanding superintendents and course maintenance teams.

Steve Kuretsky
Director of Agronomy
Cantigny Golf

# of years worked at current course: 17 years
Total years worked in the industry: 35 years

How did you get into the golf maintenance industry?
I started at 16 years old with a summer job and never looked back.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
Getting on the golf course early in the morning before anyone is out there. It’s very peaceful.

What’s the most misunderstood part of the job?
You have to be an expert in so many areas, such as working with people, agronomics, budgeting, and laws and regulations just to name a few.

What advice would you give to your younger self or younger superintendents just starting out?
I’m constantly learning and have never stopped since I first started. You have to use all the assets at your disposal to improve yourself as well as trust other people’s experience to help you develop.

What are a few accomplishments you are most proud of at your course/in your career?
We’ve been lucky enough to earn many top rankings from leading publications for our public golf course over the years, aided by the premier playing conditions. Also, helping keep net income in the black during my tenure.

This past year, have you and your team worked/completed any exciting construction/renovation projects? If so, what was your team responsible for and how will it enhance the golf course/facility?
We are currently growing in our nine-hole Hillside Course. The Lakeside and Woodside Nines will follow in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Building upon a 35-year legacy of championship golf surrounded by natural beauty, Cantigny Golf is currently undergoing a major multi-year renovation to all three of its acclaimed nine-hole courses. Learn more here and watch the video below where Steve shares insights into the ongoing project and what it means for the future of Cantigny.

What insight do you have about the future of the industry? Are there any innovative practices you’re helping lead to benefit the environment/your facility?
How golf is perceived by the public is important to me. We have been an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since the 90s and have earned recertification twice.

What are some of the most helpful forward-thinking practices that have benefitted your facility? 
Communication is probably the most important between departments. Golf, food and beverage, and grounds need to communicate well to make a good team.

See below for our full series of #ThankASuper spotlights:

• Fred Parcells, Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West (Jersey City, NJ)
• Cody Woods, Lake of Isles (North Stonington, CT)
• Michael Bostian, Waverly Woods Golf Club (Marriottsville, MD)
• Jordan Kalasky, Heritage Shores Golf Club (Bridgeville, DE)
• Brett Niner, Blue Mash Golf Course (Laytonsville, MD)
• Drew Matera, Whiskey Creek Golf Club (Ijamsville, MD)
• Dave Groelle, Royal Melbourne Country Club (Long Grove, IL)