The "Prep Guy"We posed some questions to Jim Nicol, CGCS, from Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Jim is a busy man – a new maintenance facility and the PGA Championship on the horizon… but that didn’t stop him from taking a little time out to answer some questions for us.
Jim Nicol and his crew are starting to gear up for the 2009 PGA Championships… It may sound like a long way off, but Jim likes to be prepared. He has plenty of experience gearing up for majors as well, having hosted the 2002 PGA Championship and the 2006 US Amateur. It has been said that at Hazeltine National Golf Club, "what you see is what you get", it is all in front of you challenging you to execute or be penalized. In simple terms, Hazeltine National Golf Club is the union of natural surroundings and the gift of timeless design. It is no wonder that Jim is proud of his course and his profession. We asked Jim for his views and opinions on a range of topics… 
- What made you pick "Superintendent" as a career choice?
I grew up caddying, playing golf and hanging around the pool. I was given the opportunity to hand-mow 10 greens for 50 cents a green every morning at the age of 14. I worked full-time during the summers and after graduating from high school. Late one fall I witnessed the Superintendent get into his car to begin his annual trip to Florida for the winter. At the time, the opportunity was there and I decided I could adapt to this lifestyle.
To date, I have not spent a winter in Florida. - Best moment in the profession?
During the 2002 PGA Championship play was suspended for the day on Thursday during a thunderstorm that dropped 4 inches of rain and really strong winds. The course was ready for a 10:30AM restart on Friday thanks to the crew, volunteer fire department and friends. We discussed options for many different scenarios during the previous winter and the effort paid off. - Funniest and/or ridiculous comment from a golfer/member?
I tend to forget these moments! - Favorite make of reel grinder?
Express Dual 3000. - US Open or The Open?
The venues are unique and they way they are presented is a wonderful contrast in style of play. I couldn’t choose… - Easier to remember - Dual Express or Express Dual?
Express Dual. - Tiger or Jack?
Arnie or Bobby? - Walker, Ryder or Presidents Cup?
Walker Cup. - UGSA spec, California spec or push-up greens?
Deal with what you are given. - 18th hole or 19th hole?
18th hole. - Favorite make of bedknife grinder?
Anglemaster 3000. - Monty Python or Saturday Night Live?
Saturday Night Live. - Hamburger or Fish & Chips?
A hamburger – cooked medium rare, with a thin slice of raw onion and topped with a Nicol’s Pickles slicer (made by my exceptionally talented wife, Barbara).
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