
Our next member has adapted to the Turf Lifestyle beautifully and is an inspiration for the rest of us. Maybe someday Amanda’s book will be featured in our Book Club!
We hope you enjoy getting to know Amanda a little better!
Name: Amanda
Location: We moved to Orlando, FL in January of 2013.
Husband’s Course: My husband is the head superintendent at the Country Club of Orlando.
How do you make time for each other during the busy season?: Our busy season has recently changed due to a move from Atlanta to Orlando. So, we’ll be taking vacations during the summer now. The busy season is rough, without a doubt! While each couple has to figure this out for themselves, we are big believers in date nights. It’s normally just dinner out, but when we don’t have to cook and clean up we sit and talk a lot more, and that’s really nice! We also try to get out of the country once a year together for vacation. When we get there, the phones go into the hotel room safe and don’t come out until we leave; I think it’s critical to disconnect from the rest of life and connect with just each other during that time. Date nights and trips are much-needed investments in our relationship.
What is the most difficult part of being married to a Man of Turf?: I’m sure this is a common theme, but it’s the hours. I have a career and work some long hours too, so it’s less of an issue during the workweek. The hours are an issue on weekends and over holidays. Through the years, weddings, baby showers, birthday celebrations, family events, etc. have coincided with his weekend to work or tournaments, and it’s difficult for me to figure out what to do. Most of our friends and family are in North Carolina, and it takes some time and planning to get back. I’m always thinking, “Do we have to miss it? Do I go by myself? Is it something I can make up to someone or reschedule with them?” It’s really upsetting to miss some of the big things for those you love! You don’t really get that time back and it’s a significant sacrifice.
What is the best part of being married to a man of turf?: Few people really enjoy their jobs, and Kasey does. He gets excited telling me about research he’s working on in partnership with universities, improvement plans for the course, and even the scientific names of trees and flowers when we’re at a park. Also, he’s one of the youngest superintendents in the country to host The PGA Championship (during his time at Atlanta Athletic Club). It’s easier to get behind someone and their dreams when you see them really enjoying the work and excelling.
Is the job ever a source of tension in your house?: Sure, around the hours and moving. However, when working on courses growing the best grasses for their climatological region, he’s able to work about 10 fewer hours a week than he used to (unless it’s the week of a tournament or aerification). We’ve moved from North Carolina to Georgia and now to Florida. Leaving behind family, dear friends, church communities, and jobs is extremely difficult. On the other hand, the nature of this job is a part of our life journey together and it’s full of adventures that we can share.
What do you do for you? How do you make sure you’re taken care of? I’m currently working remotely as a communications consultant with a Fortune 500 company, and this work is really fulfilling. Moving can be challenging for my career, but I’m proactively doing what I can to make sure my career is mobile.
I have a lot of interests outside of work, too, and making time for those really helps. I’ve been a part-time Pilates instructor for 8 years, and enjoy being active. I’m involved in church, read everything I can get my hands on, and spend a lot of time on the phone catching up with family and girlfriends. At some point, I’d love to get my Ph.D., get back to piano and voice lessons, and write a book.
If you’re a member of the Wives of Turf and would like to have your story of life on the course featured here please email wivesofturf@me.com for more information.
All of the spotlight posts are member written from a list of questions they were sent.