Bice named Nebraska GCSA’s Superintendent of the Year

Eric Bice, superintendent of Elks Country Club in Columbus, Neb., was named the Nebraska Golf Course Superintendents Association’s Superintendent of the Year.

The Columbus Telegram reports that Bice has a long history with the Elks Country Club, going back to 1997 when he worked at the course in the summer mowing greens and raking bunkers. He grew up playing golf and was a member of his high school team, but he told The Telegram he did not expect to have a career in golf.

He earned a degree in commercial agriculture at Hastings Community College and has spent 23 years at the Elks Club, the last eight years as superintendent.

Bice was nominated for the award by Elks Golf Professional Mike VunCannon, and David Honnens, CEO of the Nebraska Section PGA, added a letter of recommendation.

“It’s a big honor. I’ve been doing this a long time, and you don’t do it for awards or recognition,” Bice told The Telegram. “It’s like being an offensive lineman — people don’t know you’re there until there’s something wrong. There have been lots of years of hard work, but it’s also been rewarding, so I’m grateful.”