North Carolina Turfgrass – Julie Holt, Content Director, TheTurfZone.com

What company do you work for and what is your title?

I am the Golf Course Superintendent at Falling Creek Country Club in Kinston, NC. 

How many years have you been in this position?

I have been at Falling Creek for almost 3 years now. 

How did you decide to pursue a career in turfgrass management?

It started in high school when I was trying to think of a career path that would allow me to work outdoors. My original idea was to work in landscaping, until I fell in love with the golf course. 

What path led you to your current position?

I got my Turfgrass Management degree from North Carolina State University. Before going to school, I spent a summer at Kinston Country Club as an intern just to gain a bit of experience in managing turf. After graduating, I remained at KCC before accepting the Assistant Superintendent job at the Emerald Golf Club in New Bern, NC. From there, I spent some time as the Production Manager for U.S. Lawns of Greenville, NC, but I inevitably realized that managing a golf course was my true calling. I was rehired at KCC where I became the Superintendent. After spending 4 years in that position, I decided to make the move across town to Falling Creek Country Club where I am today.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is being able to see the sun rise every morning. To me, there is nothing better than seeing a beautiful sunrise on a job that you love.

What inspired you to become a part of TCNC? 

I was inspired to become part of the TCNC because of all the good things it does to help promote our industry. With its many educational opportunities and its activism within the green industry, it made me excited to join this great association. 

Why did you decide to join the Board of Directors?

I decided to become involved with the Board of Directors because I just wanted to try to contribute and give back to the industry that has given me so much joy over the years. 

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the turfgrass industry right now?

I think the biggest issue facing the turfgrass industry right now, along with many other industries, is a lack of employees. Finding and keeping quality employees these days has become a struggle.

Do you have a mentor in the industry?

Dean Baker has been my mentor for my entire career. He was the superintendent at KCC that hired me out of high school and was instrumental in my development as a turfgrass manager and my love for golf. I had the honor of serving as his superintendent when he became the General Manager for KCC. Dean is one of kindest and most knowledgeable turf managers I know and I am extremely thankful to have him as a mentor and as a friend. 

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy grilling, playing golf, and spending time with my wife Bethany and my 2-year-old son Huff.

What would your advice be for people entering the turfgrass industry now?

Advice that I would give people entering the turfgrass industry would be: 1. Find the career path that you love. For me, it took getting out of golf to realize just how much I loved it and how important it was to me. So don’t be afraid to search and find what truly makes you happy. 2. Do not let your work get in the way of your other obligations. It is very easy for one to let their work consume them and miss out on time that could be spent with family. The turf will be there tomorrow.

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