The Corner Office With Tim Anderson

Tee Times introduced a new column last year where we try to provide readers with an insightful look into the thinking and personality of the people in golf industry leadership roles. They often have unique, inside perspectives and some surprising opinions about the state of golf. Fourteen questions, fourteen answers… a fascinating column for our readers and great exposure for your golf course. We hope you enjoy it.

This month we sit down with Tim Anderson, Bunker Hills Golf Club’s Director of Operations.

1. How long have you been in the golf business and how did you get your start?

I have been in the golf business for 18 years. I got my start as a golf shop worker at Bunker Hills the summer after college graduation on my way to a career as a high school English teacher. After a few months in the golf shop, I was hooked!

2. Was there an ‘aha moment’ when you realized this is a good gig?

The first time that I had to opportunity to work with the Minnesota State High School League on the State Championships was a major “aha moment.” I realized that a career in golf was similar to my career path in education as I would be able to work to enhance the lives of kids/junior golfers.

3. How would you describe your golf game?  

Infrequent and woodsy. I do not get out golfing as much as I used to, however, I do get my fair share of time in the woods, weeds and ponds when I do. As I get older, I enjoy each opportunity more and more.

4. Is there a pet peeve about the game you would like to get off your chest?

Slow play will always be an issue for me, specifically the time that some golfers spend over the top of the ball at address. I think that negative thoughts are more prevalent during address and pulling the trigger quickly is more beneficial to a successful tee shot.

5. Do you have any heroes in the game?

Dick Tollette. He provided me my start in golf and paved the way for so many in the golf business.  

6. Thinking back what is the most memorable moment in recent PGA history?

While the Ryder Cup was a fantastic event, the reappearance of Tiger Wood’s on the first page of leaderboards is reminding countless golfers why they decided to take up this crazy game. Hopefully it also is calling them back to the first tee early and often.

7. Is there a trend or pattern in the game of golf you would like to see changed?

360 yard drives on the PGA TOUR. Typical golfers do not see these types of results even though they have the same ball and many times the same drivers that the pros are playing. When you watch a TOUR event and see the ball roll out 40-60 yards, the magic of these driving distances are revealed. The extreme fast and firm conditions of tour event fairways provide unrealistic expectations for the viewing public and when we return to our home club, continue to hit it just out of our shadows.

8. What is your opinion about the health of the state-of-the-game?

I think programs like PGA Junior League and Drive, Chip and Putt are fantastic for the game of golf and will grow the game significantly. I also believe that enhancements to practice facilities and short courses makes the game more approachable to those with 21^st century time constraints.

9. What is the strangest player mishap or misstep to take place at your course?

I am sure most of the folks reading this have played in an event where a colored ball is used during the round and must be turned in at the end of the event in order to enter a drawing. During one of these events at Bunker Hills, one of these balls was hit on the roof of a building and we had to ask the golfer to come down from the top of his golf cart as he was trying to get on the roof to retrieve the ball at all costs.

10. What makes you most happy when considering the customers who play your course?
    I love when golfers come back for a second round. It means that the course may be “their place” and for me that is the best form of feedback and why I love my job.
11. Do you consider yourself a golf purist or wide-open to new rules and regulations?

I would consider myself a bit of both. A golf purist as I do not see foot golf or big cups as a cure to waning golfer participation and wide-open when it relates to the rules of golf. Nothing promotes exclusivity and keeps new golfers away from the course more than the daunting rules of golf. While rules are important, the new changes are a breath of fresh air.

12. Who do you consider the greatest golfer of all-time and why?

I believe that Tiger Woods is the greatest golfer of all time because of the depth and quality of the competition he has faced throughout his career.

13. Do you have a course in Minnesota or Wisconsin you consider highly underrated?

It will come as no shock that I believe that Minnesota has some of the finest municipal facilities in the country.  

14. The single best reason for spending 4 hours chasing a little white ball?

It all comes down to the company you keep and having the opportunity tee it up with friends, family and colleagues is a true blessing and time very well spent.