19th Hole: Andy Eick

Andy Eick (Photo: Joseph Perry)

Andy Eick

Director of Facilities & Agronomy // Mohawk Golf Club, Schenectady, N.Y.

After 18 holes, what can I get you?
An ice-cold Labatt Blue. I grew up near Buffalo. Labatt Blue is as common as drinking water in Western New York.

Tell me about Mohawk Golf Club.
It’s an old, old club up here. It was established in 1898, and it was actually the General Electric Club. The main headquarters of GE was in Schenectady, and the higher-ups and managers formed the club. It’s an old Devereux Emmet property, a beautiful layout. It’s a great walking course with rolling terrain and a Tudor-style clubhouse.

Do you have a family?
Yes, I’ve got two girls: Avery, 13, and Charleigh, 11. I’ve been married to my wife, Natalie, for 15 years; we’ve known each other since nursery school. My kids are hysterical. They’re big into sports — field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. And, we have two labs, Shelby and Louie.

You’re a big live music fan … what concert would you travel for once shows start back up?
Ween, Dead & Company, and a band called Rebelution. I did see a concert in 2020. It was a drive-in: Dark Star Orchestra in Cape Cod. You had to stay in your little car lot to hang out. It was a neat setting and venue. A bunch of fog was rolling in, so it was misty and eerie. It was refreshing to see live music.

What’s your expectation for the 2021 golf season?
I think it’s going to be great. Seeing the industry reenergize and rebound was awesome last year. You forget how much kids’ sports factor into the golf industry. Families that have so many practices a week and games on weekends, you can’t justify being a member somewhere. With kids not having those sporting events, they started picking up golf.

If I’m ever in Schenectady, what do I have to do?
It’s a rich history here. The main headquarters for General Electric originated here. It’s a huge facility. The other thing, if you’re a history buff, is the Stockade District. The original Dutch settlers of Schenectady came here in 1661. It’s a cool part of Schenectady with these old row houses and a lot of old places you can tour. A couple times, it was almost completely demolished due to the French and Indian War.

What teams do you root for?
Purdue basketball and football. I was a freshman when Drew Brees was a senior. I played four years of rugby at Purdue. And, obviously, the Buffalo Bills. I have season tickets. I live in the Albany area, but I travel the four hours to go home and see my mom and dad, see my sisters and brothers and then go to the game.

Who usually goes with you?
There’s usually a fight in the house. The girls are big fans. But, we have enough tickets between our friends and my brothers and sisters, so at any given time, we can have everybody go. It becomes a tradition.

As interviewed by Seth Jones, Feb. 18, 2021.