KENNETH GOKEY
Venice,FL
Summary
- Specialize in maintaining high quality warm season turfgrass and course systems in remote locations under demanding conditions.
- Experienced managing the administration of multi million-dollar budgets.
- Directed preparations and recovery programs following direct passage of several hurricanes.
- Vast experience performing course renovations and construction with multinational crews and limited local resources.
- Approachable, hands on and results oriented, team spirited leadership.
- Extensive experience managing pump stations, deep wells and distribution systems.
- Successfully hosted numerous televised events including Tokyo TV Hitachi Challenge and MBC Korean programs.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR OF AGRONOMY
BAKERS BAY GOLF & OCEAN CLUB
03.2022 - 05.2024
- Responsible for providing exceptional turf and landscape conditions at one of the most demanding and recognized private clubs in the Caribbean
- Implemented best practices to maximize irrigation efficiencies
- Oversaw golf car repair and maintenance responsibilities of over 600 golf car fleet
- Gained valuable knowledge of large-scale Reverse Osmosis water production and utilization for growing turfgrass
- Developed long-range course improvement plans, agronomic & cultural program schedules.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
DIRECTOR OF GOLF
ONWARD GOLF RESORTS
01.2008 - 02.2022
- Integrated two golf courses under one ownership group at Onward Golf Resorts
- Developed business and agronomic programs to unify both courses under one management system
- Trained 20 member staff to adhere to new expectations and developed staff to assume new responsibilities
- Oversaw completion of Onward Talofofo Golf Club renovation, new TifEagle greens, 60 bunkers, irrigation lake, and pump stations
- Continue duties as Golf Course Superintendent at Onward Mangilao Golf Club.
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
ONWARD MANGILAO GOLF CLUB
04.1997 - 01.2008
- Direct all administrative and management aspects of golf, landscape, and engineering departments
- Strategic planning to fulfill operational needs in remote location
- Achieved Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status
- Converted Tifgreen 328 greens to TifEagle while course was open by maintaining temporary greens
- Converted ocean fronting greens to Sea Isle Supreme to great success
- Completed emergency renovations following numerous typhoon events, including extensive greens, landscape, and facilities recovery projects
- Designed, installed, and maintained new Rain Bird pump stations at each property
- Converted irrigation system from Toro NW 8000 to Toro VP with Site Pro operating system
- Oversaw completion of new locker room facility featuring Japanese onsen style hot baths
- Hosted successful 5-year run of Hitachi Challenge, televised promotional tournament featuring top Asian women golfers.
ASSISTANT GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
PORT MALABAR COUNTRY CLUB
- Responsible for daily course operations and 15 member staff
- Developed agronomic programs to improve push-up style Tifgreen 328 greens to members' expectations and satisfaction
- Conducted hiring and firing practices and developed budgeting procedures to improve membership understanding of actual expenditures.
- Improved turf quality by implementing effective pest and disease management programs.
Education
Associate of Science - Golf Course Operations
Lake City Community College
Lake City, FL1993
Associate of Applied Science - Ornamental Horticulture
Brevard Community College
Cocoa, FL1990
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Facilities Management
- Process Improvements
- Logistics Management
Professional Development Industry Leadership
- Golf Course Superintendents Association of America 1990 to present
- Golf Course Superintendents Association of Guam 1994 to 2012; Past president & voting delegate
Professional References
- Thomas Trammell, CGCS, Owner TBT Turf Services, 772-643-3460
- Dan Husek, Director, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 808-896-7060
- Trip duPerier, Member, Bakers Bay Golf & Ocean Club, 210-213-3896
Certifications
- Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Certified Golf Course Superintendent 2012-Present
- Yamaha Motor Sports, Kakegawa, Japan Eagle Golf Car Service Certificate
- Pool & Hot Tub Professionals Association Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO)
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF AGRONOMY
BAKERS BAY GOLF & OCEAN CLUB
03.2022 - 05.2024
DIRECTOR OF GOLF
ONWARD GOLF RESORTS
01.2008 - 02.2022
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
ONWARD MANGILAO GOLF CLUB
04.1997 - 01.2008
ASSISTANT GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
PORT MALABAR COUNTRY CLUB
Associate of Science - Golf Course Operations
Lake City Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Ornamental Horticulture
Brevard Community College
Similar Profiles
Shenece FawkesShenece Fawkes
Purchasing & Logistics Supervisor at Bakers Bay Golf & Ocean ClubPurchasing & Logistics Supervisor at Bakers Bay Golf & Ocean Club
Robert RussellRobert Russell
Park Services Attendant at Bakers Bay Golf and Ocean ClubPark Services Attendant at Bakers Bay Golf and Ocean Club
Jessica PerkinsJessica Perkins
Office Assistant at Ocean Beach and Bay ClubOffice Assistant at Ocean Beach and Bay Club