#ThankASuper Spotlight Series: Jordan Kalasky

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.

Jordan Kalasky
Superintendent
Heritage Shores Golf Club (Bridgeville, DE)

# of years worked at current course: 5 years
Total years worked in the industry: 17 years

How did you get into the golf maintenance industry?
I started as a summer job and simply fell in love with it.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
Seeing my team develop in their abilities and confidence.

What’s the most misunderstood part of the job?
There’s no magic wand to fix everything.

What advice would you give to your younger self or younger superintendents just starting out?
Find core staff members you can rely on.

What are a few accomplishments you are most proud of at your course/in your career?
I had the privilege of volunteering for the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont. At Heritage Shores, we’ve improved the overall conditions, leading to increased rounds and revenue.

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? 
While we haven’t completed any major construction or renovation projects, there’s a lot in the planning phase. We started a fairway grass reduction project at the end of last year, which will allow us to reallocate resources to address other items on the golf course.

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?
I’m encouraged to see younger faces at industry events. It tells me that there is still people out there that find this type of work enjoyable.

What does the game of golf mean to you and how has that helped fuel the passion you have for your career?
The game of golf is where I have made a lot of lasting connections and where I like to spend time with my dad. This has fueled the passion for my career because of all of the interesting people and places that this profession has brought me.

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)
• Brett Niner, Blue Mash Golf Course (Laytonsville, MD)
• Drew Matera, Whiskey Creek Golf Club (Ijamsville, MD)
• Steve Kuretsky, Cantigny Golf (Wheaton, IL)
• Dave Groelle, Royal Melbourne Country Club (Long Grove, IL)