Scott Anderson
This time of year there’s a noticeable change in the population of Sun Lakes. Snowbirds have returned to their homes, traffic has thinned out, and the temps have risen. One thing that remains constant over the summer is Scott Anderson’s commitment to maintaining the grounds of Cottonwood/Palo Verde Golf Courses. Not only is it his responsibility to manage the golf courses, but also the communal areas. Scott’s hours shift a little, starting as early as 4 a.m. in order to “beat the heat”, but maintenance still has to be carried out regardless of the weather. Scott comes from North Dakota and learned he was meant to be on a golf course at a young age. He worked at the Minot Country Club four summers before relocating to Arizona to obtain his B.S. degree in Agriculture-Turf Management in 1994.
There is a crew of 37 men maintaining the property at Cottonwood/Palo Verde. No reduction in personnel or hours occurs during the summer, but some adjustments are made due to course closures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Projects done during the summer include aeration of greens, tees, and fairways, drainage issues, transition work, sodding, irrigation, bunker repairs, etc. Scott felt his biggest challenges are Mother Nature, water/water quality, and homeowners’/golfers’ expectations. His answer to “what do you like best about your job?” was: “My TEAM! When the team is prepared, working together, communicating with each other, being unselfish, doing their portion of the work to lighten the load of others, meeting expectations, having healthy attitudes, consideration, and respect … there is a JOY in seeing what that produces in the field.”
Scott has been Director of Agronomy at Sun Lakes since October 2019 and has been committed to making the courses as playable as possible because he wants everyone to enjoy their round. When the leagues have special events planned, he is more than willing to work with the chairperson to make whatever adjustments need to be made. On ladies’ day, he adds pink cups on the greens to let us know he encourages the women to have a fun time. Scott’s been working with CLGA to add ball washers and trash cans at the forward tees.
Fun facts about Mr. Scott Anderson: married a Canadian, has been a teacher of turf management/agronomy at ASU and Chandler Academy of Golf, and GHIN of 8.3!
Please let’s do our part in maintaining our courses. Driving carts where they’re meant to be, fixing divots/ballmarks, and picking up our trash all help to keep it a beautiful place to live and play!
Summer play continues for the league and there is an open invitation to all women golfers in Sun Lakes to come join us for our weekly games on Thursday morning. Sign up at the Cottonwood Pro Shop by noon on each Tuesday and pay for the game Thursday morning. CLGA is hoping to promote interest in joining the CLGA in the fall. If more information is needed, check the website at www.cottonwoodwga.azgolf.org.