By Dave Waymire CGCS, American Golf

This edition of Turf Pros is a look back to an earlier article written on our Association’s most cherished and respected superintendent, Ron Nolf. The following article was from a couple of years ago, so some of the facts may be dated. But Ron is Ron and everyone knows you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Okay, bad analogy, Ron learns new tricks all the time!

Using the word “character” to describe Ron Nolf is like calling Tiger Woods a “golfer”; it just doesn’t do him justice. Ron is another of our veteran superintendents of the association who is known for his classic sense of humor and an extraordinary outlook on life. “No golf course is worth so much stress that it affects your health and family. We have to remember, it’s only grass.” Amen!

Mr. Nolf graduated from Penn State’s two-year turf program in 1971 and went right to work as superintendent at Martingham Harbourtowne Inne and Country Club, a Pete Dye course under construction in St. Michael, MD. He may very well be the first superintendent to use reclaimed water and was in charge of the city’s sewer and water treatment plant. Ron originally applied for the assistant’s position there but was awarded the superintendent’s position instead because the resident superintendent was in the Caribbean building another course with Pete Dye and did not want to return. Who could blame him?

Ron grew up in Nazareth, PA, and in his youth helped with his father’s business cutting meat and skinning deer. After high school he studied business at East Carolina University, and then returned to work for his dad. With help from Alice (his wife of 35 years), Ron got a job as a laborer at Saucon Valley CC in Bethlehem, PA, giving him his first taste of the golf course maintenance business. Dave Miller, Course Superintendent, was instrumental in getting him accepted to the Penn State program.

Six years at Martingham was followed by relocation to Southern CA. Ron packed up his family, (Alice, son Chris and daughter Jennifer) and headed West. The position he moved for fell through, resulting in unemployment for several months. Finally, he was hired as a consultant at Ojai Valley Inn and worked with Dave Sexton. Ron became Dave’s assistant after one year. After two years he left for San Diego where Vista Valley begins.

In March 1979, Ron accepted the superintendent’s position at Vista Valley. After 20+ years, he is number one in tenure in the San Diego area.

One of Ted Robinson’s first designs, Vista Valley is short but tight. Ron’s ability to grow grass is evident throughout. He has a staff of 20 that is led by assistant and son Chris. Ron also is fortunate to be one of the few to have an office assistant, Deli.

Surviving the floods and burned down shop was nothing compared to what happened in 1988. A stroke while he was out on the golf course reminded him that the job is not life and death and now believes that you should just do the best job you can and make it fun.

Ron is a singer as well. Back when he was singing, he was in a Gospel quartet and sang backup for Barbara Mandrell. He also performed for Toto star Dave Paitch at a party in Hollywood.

Ron’s dedication to the profession is reflected in his accomplishments over the years. He has served fifteen years on the SDGCSA Board of Directors, including a term as President, a Distinguished Service Award and 1998 Superintendent of the Year honors.

Mr. Nolf would like to be remembered as a good husband and father, an honest man, strong in faith and faithful to his family and friends. Those of us who know Ron may add witty, genuine, honorable and a true gentleman.