As the 2022 golf season gets into full swing, Drumlins Country Club Golf Course Superintendent Peter McPartland is up with the sun, leading his crew and tending to the greens, with his puppy, Bogey, by his side.
“Pete is most certainly an MVP here at Drumlins,” says Drumlins’ Director Chris Myslow. “It is difficult to imagine the vision and diligence that it takes to maintain 36 golf holes over 200 acres. On a daily basis, I receive incredibly positive feedback from our members. It is a pleasure to come to work every day and see Pete’s work.”
We caught up with McPartland to learn more about his role at Drumlins, his philosophy on hard work, his passion for golf and how he provides a best-in-class experience for Drumlins members and the Syracuse University community.
Prior to coming to Drumlins 13 years ago, I was an assistant superintendent at the Tuscarora Golf Club. I also completed an internship in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and spent many summers at Beaver Meadows Golf Club. I received degrees in golf course management and turf management from SUNY-Delhi.
During the golf season, seven days a week starting at sunrise, the grounds crew is out mowing ahead of any golfers. After mowing, we go into more detail work: trimming bushes, raking bunkers, performing irrigation work, etc. Each day is different and although every grounds crew member is prepared to follow through with their tasks, the weather can dictate what is accomplished.
Bogey, a 7-month-old black lab, is our course dog. He was gifted to my family from some of the members here at Drumlins. He follows in the “pawprints” of our former course dog of 11 years, Bunker. Their jobs include patrolling the course, chasing away wildlife that can damage turf, and, of course, greeting the players.
My proudest moment is being able to bring Drumlins to where it is today. The condition of the course has changed greatly since I began, and targeted improvements to the grounds have positively impacted membership and play. The weather is always our biggest challenge, and there is no way around it, you just adapt!
My goal for Drumlins is for the club to become a showcase for the University community. Our membership sees and appreciates the natural beauty of Drumlins and we would love to share it with a broader population.
Like most jobs, there will always be challenges. I believe you have to do what you can with what you are given and always move forward.
I enjoy spending time with my wife, Kim, and our childrem, Eli (8) and Madelyn (5). You will often spot Eli and me riding through the course on weeknights or weekends, checking on conditions! I often look forward to the slower pace of winter after the golf season grind!
Are you ready to enjoy the Syracuse summer on the greens? As of this year, Syracuse University faculty and staff are eligible for a 10% discount on a Drumlins Country Club membership. Learn more about the available options at www.drumlins.com.
