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G.O.A.T Knowledge Equals G.O.A.T Power
By Pat Jones
Phil Cuffare’s journey to Oakland Hills CC and the opportunity to host multiple championships was shaped by some of the industry’s greatest minds. Learn how he has taken their advice to new levels and achieved incredible agronomic results.
When Phil Cuffare came to Detroit six years ago to interview for the job of a lifetime – overseeing one of the best Donald Ross courses on the planet – he stood on the hillside overlooking the massive property, and a member of the hiring committee asked him what he saw. Cuffare said, “I see a U.S. Open.”
He was right, but that wasn’t even the tip of the iceberg. Oakland Hills will host eight USGA championships over the next quarter century, including two U.S. Open Championships and two U.S. Women’s Open Championships.
What could possibly prepare any turf pro for that kind of challenge? Working for and with some of the G.O.A.T.s of our industry, including Paul R. Latshaw, Paul B. Latshaw, John Zimmers and Jeff Corcoran. Much of what he knows was learned under Corcoran during his years at Oak Hill CC in Rochester. “Jeff isn’t just a mentor, he’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met,” says Cuffare.
Oakland Hills Country Club director of agronomy Phil Cuffare
Cuffare has a staff of 50 overseeing 36 holes. The famed South Course was just redone a few years ago by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner and it’s spectacular. The North Course, another fine Ross design, will eventually get a makeover too.
He and his wife, Jen, work together every day. She’s his administrative assistant and, presumably, one more voice telling him to be patient. Their two sons, Cash and Jordan, are a huge part of his life and visit the course often. We caught up with him this summer as his team was a wee bit busy with a few projects.
Why is Oakland Hills such an amazing place?
The South Course is a very special golf course. One of Donald Ross’ best designs...some would argue it’s his very best. It’s also a unique piece of land. The championship history and list of past winners is incredibly special. Finally, I look at how amazing our members are and how Detroit has made a great comeback as a city and a sports town. We feel like we’re part of that.
The USGA seems to agree.
We’re fortunate to have a lot of championships coming here. I’ve always looked at our jobs as being stewards of the game of golf. That’s part of the reason that USGA keeps coming back here to OHCC. Our job is to keep it a special place for the members and those events.
Looking back on everything that’s happened since you came to Detroit, what lessons have you learned?
I’ve learned patience. It’s become an asset to me where it probably wasn’t before. Looking back over six years, I’ve tried to balance patience with making things happen or sometimes just letting things evolve on their own.
How important is that patience and how do you let go of the anxiety?
It’s a balancing act, no question, because I’m wired pretty tight. Some things are just going to take time…like our clubhouse project. Also building a staff, building a culture, letting our South Course mature and getting our North Course into really good shape. And accepting that this stuff just doesn’t happen overnight. I tell my staff, there’s a time to press the gas and a time to pump the brakes. Knowing the difference all comes with experience. I also believe in letting people grow around you. Not forcing them to grow but letting them grow and mature and develop. That takes time. I feel like I sound like my dad now. (Laughs)
Okay, who’s on your list of G.O.A.T.s you’ve worked with?
First, Mr. Latshaw, then his son, Paul B., John Zimmers and, last but not least, Jeff Corcoran. I’m lucky to call all of them close friends.
Tell us what you’ve learned about Jeff Corcoran over the years.
I’ve learned that Jeff is a natural leader who leads by example. That’s it in a nutshell. He’s always taught by example and leads you to some great places and ideas if you follow him.
I started learning from him in 1998 when I worked at Oak Hill and he was the East Course super. I was an intern on the dumb end of a squeegee and, even then, I wanted to be around him. Good things happen when you’re around Jeff Corcoran.
What he’s done is taught me how to be a leader. How to lead situations, people, my family, my membership. He’s the best at it. No question in my mind.
Now he’s consulting with us and it’s the best thing ever. It’s been absolutely phenomenal. I was nervous when he came to look at our program but game-planning with him and banging ideas off each other again has been fantastic.
With a million projects going on, how do you keep everything moving in the right direction?
I remember the Six P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
Also, you cannot procrastinate in a situation like this. If you put it off, you’ll forget it. Time management is big. You need to be direct and tell people what you want. Big-picture thinking like how do you solve for X immediately and will it be the result you’re looking for?
And like Nick Saban says, we get all the right people on the bus and all the wrong people off the bus and then we get the bus going in the right direction. When you surround yourself with great people who are working toward a common goal you’re going to win.
Finally, you need positive people because it’s really easy to be negative. The easy stuff in life is quitting, being negative and being lazy. The hard stuff is winning, being successful, being consistent and doing things the right way.
What are some of your leadership and management mantras?
Paul B Latshaw says, “The smallest of details lead to the biggest results.”
Also, another Nick Saban: “Mediocre people don’t like high achievers, and high achievers don’t like mediocre people.”
But my all-time favorite is Jeff Corcoran: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
How does plant health matter to you?
The plant health benefits of those BASF products are through the roof. Insignia® [SC Intrinsic brand fungicide] makes turf look better, for sure. I look at vigor, color, turgidity and it just seems like nothing much hurts that treated plant. And when you look at the finished product, it’s noticeably better for a longer period of time.
Sounds like those products have been foundational to your program.
Honestly, if I were at a public course somewhere with a limited budget, I’d still choose those products first. In fact, if you only gave me three sprays for the whole year, I’m putting all my money on BASF. I’d be all in with Insignia [SC Intrinsic brand fungicide], Lexicon [Intrinsic brand fungicide], Xzemplar® [fungicide].”
What’s your advice for young people coming into the business today?
You want to find people who have your best interests at heart. Go work for them for 4-5 years. Trust them, listen to them and let them help you succeed. I don’t think that part of that process has changed.
And it’s not just name clubs. There are phenomenal superintendent mentors at every level. My message is you need to go places and learn a lot. If you’re going someplace where things are easy, you’re probably not going to learn that much.
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