Superintendent takes pride in local golf course

Local Golf Course Superintendent Takes Pride in
Optimizing Ball Roll over 8,712,000 square feet of Turf at Sparta Golf Club
Timothy V. Burtrum knows what it takes to make a great playing surface for golfers at all playing levels. As a former competitive golfer, he understands the complexity and challenge of playing the game. As a professional turfgrass manager with over 25 years of championship course management experience, Burtrum is well suited to provide firm, fast, and impeccable playing conditions as the new Golf Course Superintendent at Lake Mohawk Golf Club in Sparta.
With higher standards that accompany a Member-Owned Club, the Lake Mohawk course is inspected and scrutinized more than daily by Burtrum and his staff. Each day he takes soil moisture readings and monitors for turf disease and wilt from multiple locations on the greens, tees, and fairways. He is also responsible for any preventive and corrective actions needed to keep the course in top playing condition despite fluctuating weather conditions and the various drainage and terrain profiles. It is a challenge he embraces.
“I take great satisfaction in creating perfect golfing conditions for our Members," he said. "With a staff of 10, we work hard year-round to maintain the course in tip-top condition and ready for enjoyable play by our Members and their guests. My personal reward is going out in the evening to inspect the course."
Burtrum’s work ensures the course provides enjoyable golf at the highest levels. How fast the ball gets down the fairways is determined through the art and science of monitoring and watering. Likewise, he is responsible for the crew that maintains the beautiful outdoor aesthetic of the Course and the gardens within the Club itself. He also determines course set-up through exact pin location to keep things interesting for our Members who play regularly. Working with the private Club he is used to reporting to the volunteer Committees which direct the Club’s not-for-profit operations.
“Keeping the members happy is my top priority," he said.
Player commitment was immediately noticeable to him.
“Unlike public or semi-public courses, players here have ownership and take pride in their golf course. They fix ball marks, repair divots, and re-rake the bunkers when they find themselves in one. Because it is literally their Club, our Members enjoy leaving the course at the end of a great game just as they found it. Public players can be less caring when they know they may never return to that course. We don’t see that here.” said Burtrum.
“There is a strong sense of family here. It makes for a very enjoyable environment as you watch Members’ children and grandchildren learning the skills, rules, and traditional etiquette of the game.” said Burtrum.
Lake Mohawk Golf Course features 18-holes and plays a PAR 70. Members play a full 18 - or 9- holes, enjoy the practice greens, and driving range with never a wait or no tee time needed. It’s situated on beautiful Lake Mohawk over 120 acres in a Parkland setting.
“The scenery and nature here are beautiful. We have open fields, water features, and forest areas, which all keep us busy. We have been here since 1928 and the course keeps improving.” he added.
Burtrum is a native of Davison, Michigan and currently resides in Hamburg, NJ. Burtrum earned his Turfgrass Management degree from Michigan State University and his associates at Mott Community College, also in Michigan. He enjoys the outdoors and winter sports almost as much as golf on a great course.
Lake Mohawk Golf Club welcomes new applicants to the private golf and social club and is located at 471 West Shore Trail in Sparta.. For information about memberships call Joseph C. Fulco. CCM, CCE, General Manager/COO at 973-729-9200 or jfulco@lakemohawkgolfclub.com.
Photo files attached. Images below are for reference.
Golf Course Superintendent Tim Burtrum of Lake Mohawk Golf Course.
Expert turf inspection and hand watering of the course by Lake Mohawk Golf Club staff.
Beautiful gardens add color to the lake-side golf course at Lake Mohawk Golf Club.
Burtrum and his staff are responsible for the turf and decorative plants around the parkland style 18-hole golf course, including theses stunning peonies from last spring.
Lake Mohawk Gold Club was founded in 1928. It now offers an elegant modern Clubhouse, Pro Shop, full-length driving range, practice greens, and profession lessons from PGA instructors for Members and their guests.
Frequent soil testing ensures by Lake Mohawk Golf Club staff ensures a perfect playing surface no matter what the weather conditions.