A Decade.

Today marks the completion of my 10th year at Midland Hills. A decade. During my final-round interview, sitting in the board room of the clubhouse 10 years ago, I was a nervous Nellie, with big ideas, trying to sell my skill set. What I told everyone in that room that day was that I wanted to be part of a team that worked well together, with a common goal of improving the course, with short and long-term goals. We all had to take “the leap” that it was the right fit. As an Assistant Superintendent, I just needed someone to take a chance on me, to get me to the next level, to allow me to implement my philosophies, and execute my ideas. I will forever be appreciative to those members, and staff, in that room that day.

10 years have gone by fast. Really fast. So much has happened. Lots of ups, and a fare share of downs. I’ve made some mistakes, and I’ve taken chances and scored big. I’ve always thought that successes were great, and appreciated mostly by the masses, but during times of failures and losses, it was then that I’ve learned the most. Along the way, I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with so many great people. Most important, I’ve had great support. Support from Committees, Board Members, the Membership, and Tim Ivory. I’ve had (and currently have) fantastic Assistants, some of who’ve gone on to do great things past their time here, which I’ve taken an incredible amount of pride in. I’ve had two of the most amazing mechanics, that continue to blow my mind to this day, with their talents and ownership of maybe the most underappreciated aspect of Golf Course Management. I’ve lost count of all of the seasonal employees who’ve worked extremely hard trying to grasp why the consistent execution of the fine details are so important, when “it’s just a summer job.” I’ve had two goose dogs, I’ve been here so long! My relationships with the club’s Department Managers, and office staff, I believe, is second to none.

What many don’t realize is how slowly it takes to make real change to a golf course. Positive (and negative) evolution takes years. From an agronomic, and turf quality, standpoint, we have evolved an incredible amount. Most of the changes that have occurred with our percentages of turf stands have taken a full 10 years.  I’ve kept a notebook of goals, and those lists has evolved along the way. Most of the goals I’ve set are 4-8 years, because the reality is that you cannot flip a switch on something that is alive and breathing, and expect a transformation. We struggle to offset even the weather most days. It takes planning, implementation, and long-term training. A lot of what many consider changes happening on the course recently, is actually us just changing it back to the original way the course was designed, and intended to be enjoyed. The golf course was much better for every skill level player to enjoy, when Seth Raynor laid it out 99 years ago.

With the Master Plan being implemented this year, it will be written in our Board of Director minutes (which dates back to 1919) that we will embark on the largest (and most significant) golf course project since the founders of this club broke ground. This Master Plan process started, informally,  over 5 years ago, and has been a monumental effort by everyone involved to bring to fruition. Being a GCS, restoring a Seth Raynor golf course, with an architect that is considered one of the greatest minds of understanding Raynor’s intentions, in Jim Urbina, could be a once in a lifetime achievement. To be honest, I always had hope, but never really thought, that during my time, we would unlock the true potential that the golf course possesses. If you are a fan of history, you will be a large part of it, by supporting the changes that will take place 6 months from now.

Maybe one thing that hasn’t changed in my 10 years is the culture of Midland Hills. When I was hired, I was told by others that the one thing I’ll enjoy the most is the membership. Honest, humble, and genuinely kind people, that enjoy the game of golf, is what makes Midland great. For every decision that is made as a GCS, to the golf course, someone will appreciate said decision, and someone will not. Trying to make everyone happy can be a maddening goal in managing a golf course. Being able to do what I believe is best for the property on a daily basis, and for the long-term, without interference, but instead guidance and support, is a gift. The understanding, and patience, that change takes significant time to see results, isn’t a common theme many GCS get to experience. Everyone involved deserves credit for the direction of where this club is headed, it is greatly underappreciated in my opinion.

Life is short, and your career encompasses a large part of your life. There are personal sacrifices in any career path. But if you don’t enjoy what you do, you can never be great at it. Creating a culture in our department, which our employees enjoy their work, is one of my greatest accomplishments. Having a culture at Midland Hills that has allowed me to enjoy my job, is one of my greatest appreciations. It has created an environment that promotes creativity, expertise, trust, and understanding.

So after a decade, I still have plenty of big ideas, and I still have that book of goals. I feel like we’re just getting started.

Mike Manthey

32 Replies to “A Decade.”

  1. Chris Causey says:

    Mike,

    Congratulations on your many achievements!

    I read your blog religiously and really appreciate the time and attention you take to communicate with members. I appreciate the learning opportunity.

    Thanks for all that you do!

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thank you Chris!
      M.

  2. Dan Kelly says:

    Thanks for a great 10 years, Mike — and here’s to many, many more, for all of us.

    The course gets better every year.

    I, for one, can hardly wait to see the transformation from 2020 to 2021.

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Appreciated Dan, and I agree, a year from now, the anticipation will be immense!
      M.

  3. Patrick Gray says:

    Mike, I for one are greatly appreciative of the wise board members who hired you. You have done a phenomenal job in the last 10 years. The course last year was the best I’ve ever seen it. I have really enjoyed working with you the last 2 years as President and I can’t wait to see the results of the Master Plan. Congratulations on 10 wonderful years and I hope to see you out on the course for the next 10 or 20 years!!!

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Appreciate that Pat! I’ve enjoyed your years on the BOD and the direction you’ve steer the ship in.
      Best,
      M.

  4. Rob Etten says:

    Congrats on your 10-year anniversary, Mike! Your contributions and leadership are certainly key factors on why Midland is thriving. You’ve built a great team and accomplished many great things. Here’s to a fantastic restoration process, and AT LEAST another 10 years together. All the best!!

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thank you Rob for being a big part of what makes MH great!
      M.

  5. Michael Bilski says:

    Thanks to you and your staff for all the great work to date. Greater things ahead I am sure.

    Thanks again for all you guys do to make it a great club!

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thank you Mike for the support!
      M.

  6. David Jansa says:

    Mike, Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary. Thank you for all the wonderful work you and your team do to make our golf course awesome!

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thank you Dave!
      M.

  7. Brian Gorecki says:

    Mike – as always, eloquently written with great thought and insight. We are lucky to have you. Looking forward to our big changes.

    All the best – Brian

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Brian!
      M.

  8. Rolf Haugen says:

    Thank You so much Mike — you are so appreciated!

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thank you Rolf!
      Appreciated,
      M.

  9. Richard Neuner says:

    Mike, I always enjoy your comments but this time more than ever. Reflecting on a decade of commitment and achievement always brings a deeper dimension and a better perspective. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day and fail to see the big picture. That’s never your problem.

    We’re very fortunate to have you at Midland Hills. I very much hope that you’ll make this home for a long time to come, a dog always at your side.

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Richard!
      Reflection is a great exercise, it’s not done enough. We try to reinvent ourselves and our operation with the goal of constant improvements!
      M.

  10. Timothy Walsh says:

    Mike, congratulations on your 10 year anniversary and Thank You for the passion and vision you bring to work each day! I appreciate the effort and contributions you have made toward our overall team success at Midland Hills and enjoyed our time working together.

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Tim,

      Thanks for the note. I appreciate all of the support and guidance you’ve offered over the past 10 years, I’ve learned a ton!
      M.

  11. Paul Kirkegaard says:

    Mike- What a great letter! Thank-you for sharing your thoughts with all of us. Congratulations to you and to all the members of MHCC for ten years of making the club better every year. I have really enjoyed what you are your talented and hard-working staff have done to make our club fun to be a part of.

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Paul,

      We have a talented team that makes me look good!
      Thanks for the kind words as always.
      M.

  12. Ken Majkowski says:

    Mike,

    Congratulations. You are a true asset to Midland Hills. I am really excited to see the result of the renovation, but equally excited to see the course continue to evolve over the next 10 years.

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks for all the support over the years Ken!
      Appreciated,
      M.

  13. Chef Tim Conners says:

    Hey Mike, Congratulations on your 10 years… and once again, a great Blog Posting… Well Done!
    Which I am learning, is just like almost everything else you do.

    It’s a pleasure to be associated with you!

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thank you for the kind words Chef!
      M.

  14. Michael Rode says:

    Congrats Mike! Time fly’s when you’re having FUN! I appreciate your passion and commitment to our favorite playground! I’m looking forward what you can do over the next 10 years.
    Rode

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thank you Mike.
      Exciting future lies ahead!
      M.

  15. Robert Gauthier says:

    Been a member almost 20 years, course keeps getting better and staff is very helpful and friendly. This fall I got to know the course staff while walking the dogs, what a great bunch-my dogs like you guys too!
    Congrats on a great 10 years

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Robert,
      Thanks for the note. We have a great group, very lucky indeed.
      M.

  16. Randy Sayers says:

    Mike, congratulations and thank you! You’ve been a wonderful part of the Midland Hills family. There was a certain amount of serendipity that day 10 years ago.

    1. Mike Manthey says:

      Thanks Randy! It’s been a blast, and I feel very fortunate to work for great individuals like yourself.
      M.

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