Kevin Bednarik: Health, Family, and Golf
The Importance of Technology and Work-Life Balance for a Course Superintendent
Kevin Bednarik, assistant golf course superintendent for The Club at Carlton Woods, has been working with golf courses since he was 16. He loves the sport, he knows the land, and he appreciates an environment that values work-life balance. In times of pandemic and uncertainty, see how Spiio is just one of the ways Kevin can keep the course thriving.
Kevin Bednarik bought a car in high school and needed cash. He often went golfing with his dad and got to know the superintendent of the local golf course, who helped him get his first job there as soon as he was old enough. He thoroughly enjoyed the work, and when he found out, through his boss’ recommendation, that he could study golf course management and grounds operation at a nearby satellite campus of The Ohio State University, he readily took the opportunity.
After his studies, Kevin got his start at a course close to home in northeast Ohio. In 2011 he was asked by a colleague to join him in moving down to work at a course in Texas. Up for the change of pace, Kevin accepted and began work as an assistant golf course superintendent in the Houston area. He bounced back to Ohio and returned again to Texas, accruing nine years of experience in the position.
Kevin is currently proud to work with The Club at Carlton Woods, which boasts two pristine golf courses that have been showered with accolades and consistently ranked among the top courses not only in the Houston area, but nationwide.
Fazio – Club at Carlton Woods – Hole 5
Spiio and The Club at Carlton Woods
Always committed to the highest quality in their courses, The Club at Carlton Woods recently acquired ten Spiio sensors for each of their two courses. Originally, Kevin says, the Spiio was “an extra tool” to help the Club and the course superintendents provide top care for the courses and also communicate more effectively with clients: “We use it to show how we’re managing soil conditions, and it helps them understand why we’re doing what we’re doing.”
“We use it to show how we’re managing soil conditions, and it helps them understand why we’re doing what we’re doing.”
Kevin Bednarik
However, most recently COVID-19 has intensified the value of the Spiio sensors for Kevin and his team at Carlton Woods. “It allows us to access information remotely by phone and assess irrigation needs, which are especially important as we approach summer,” he notes. They’ve been able to pinpoint, for example, the best times to water during the middle of the week to create optimal conditions for their clients visiting on the weekends. Kevin says of Spiio, “I think they’re heading in the right direction. They’re only going to advance from here.”
Fazio – Hole 13 – Club at Carlton Woods
“It allows us to access information remotely by phone and assess irrigation needs, which are especially important as we approach summer,”
Tools like Spiio and commitment to quality have ensured that the courses at Carlton Woods remain well cared for and ready to return to normal use. With restrictions relaxing, Kevin—and Carlton Woods as a whole—are thrilled to see more people out and using their clubs. They are very excited as they look forward to June 1st, when they can call back the half of their staff currently furloughed.
Fatherhood and Work-Life Balance
Kevin reports that he really enjoys his work at the course. He loves golfing. He has enjoyed learning how to manage the warm, snowless climate of southeast Texas and the southern soil that comes along with it. He’s also enjoyed learning to manage a diverse staff, and he’s been grateful for the support from his colleagues, especially as he has recently become a father. At Carlton Woods, “There is a director and there are two assistants per course, and I can take off and focus on family and know that I don’t have to worry about the course.” It’s been good for him to have a reliable team with him as he navigates the work-life balance needed to get through those first few sleepless months and to be present for the milestones that come almost daily with a new baby. And with the word “pandemic” surrounding everything right now, he’s especially thankful that everyone at home is healthy.
“There is a director and there are two assistants per course, and I can take off and focus on family and know that I don’t have to worry about the course.”
Kevin Bednarik