It seems the ‘good ole boy network’ is alive and well, in relation to the hiring of Bob Fenwick as golf course manager at Superior National at Lutsen (SNL). Nothing against Bob personally, but how this decision was made raises serious questions about EDA practices.
Good paying jobs for young people who go away to college and want to return are few and far between. This has been an issue of great concern for our elected officials for years.
Why then, were two young family men with ties to the community who both studied golf course management in college, overlooked in favor of a 64-year-old, who to our knowledge has no experience in golf course management, was released from his last managerial position, and in whom the voters didn’t feel confident enough to re-elect?
How did they come up with salary and benefits of $75,000? The website payscale.com lists wage averages for similar jobs. The national average is $28,440 to $59,205 for a golf course manager. With 20 plus years experience, it jumps from $43,238 to a high of $78,611. The golf course committee said they wanted more of an account manager. That salary tops at $39,165. Even a director of development ranges from $31,587 to $51,882.
Whatever happened to probationary salary? Or a smaller salary with commission as an incentive or bonus for great performance?
We think the real problems at SNL need to be addressed from the top down. We have customers from Winnipeg, avid golfers who come at least twice a year to golf at SNL because of the outstanding course. They say SNL has much potential but little is done to upgrade the offerings such as the limited food service and choices in the foods served. They also told us they had not been treated well by current management. Hospitality training is needed from top to bottom.
Good marketing would also go a long way—$75,000 could buy a nice bit of advertising. SNL needs more golfers, not a high paid lobbyist. There is no free money anymore…especially for golf.
SNL is a crown jewel that is in need of some polishing and some creative thinking. SNL must pay its own way and not through additional taxes; we are taxed enough already!
How about creating legacy holes where wealthy golfers can assume some of the maintenance expenses by having the hole named after them? I’m sure if creative folks put their heads together, they could come up with more excellent ideas. We have been business owners and taxpayers in Cook County for 39 years. SNL needs to learn how to do more with less, like the private businesses in Cook County do.
David and Cathi Williams
Bear Track Outfitting Co.
Grand Marais
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