Tim Recognized by Golf Course Management

Tim has be recognized in the October 2009 issue of Golf Course Management for his recent Master Greenkeeper certification from the The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association. Golf Course Management is the national publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

"Chicago superintendent walks the walk in pursuing
professional development."

The latest American superintendent to attain Master Greenkeeper status from the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association recently reflected on the foreign version of GCSAA's Certified Golf Course Superintendent designation.

Tim Anderson, superintendent at Naperville Country Club on Chicago's west side, became the 49th Master Greenkeeper registered by BIGGA this past spring, nearly five years after he earned CGCS status. The 23-year member of GCSAA is just the 14th Master Greenkeeper superintendent in the U.S.

"It shows commitment to the industry, continuing education, keeping current, professional development ... all of those things," Anderson says. "you're investing in yourself, really."

Anderson says the Master Greenkeeper process is a lot like GCSAA's certification program, with similar peer reviews, membership and education requirements and exam preparation materials. BIGGA even accepts the transfer of many GCSAA education units.

One BIGGA requirement, a course attestation by a Master Greenkeeper, turned out to be a no-brainer for Anderson. Bob Maibusch, CGCS at nearby Hinsdale Golf Club, is a good friend and a Master Greenkeeper himself, so he was able to perform that duty.

Anderson says the major difference between the two certifications is the exam. When he took the GCSAA certification test is was mostly multiple choice and, at that time, open book. The BIGGA exam, on the other hand, entails two days of essay questions. BIGGA allowed Anderson to take the test in America at the Chicago Golf Association's Golf House, with Luke Cella, executive director of the Midwest Association of GCS, serving as moderator.

A Kansas City native, Anderson has been the superintendent at Naperville CC since 2005, returning to the club where he was an assistant in the mid-1990's after a nine-year stint at Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort, Ill.

Noting that the superintendent profession today is highly competitive, he sees great value in achieving the dual titles of CGCS and MG.

"Anything that you do to enhance your professional development helps you down the road," he says. "Whatever profession you're in, people who have long tenures and successful careers are those who focus on continued professional developemnt and education."