In the Hot Seat with Hendren — Chris Zugel

Who’s in the Hot Seat – Chris Zugel
Occupation – Golf Course Superintendent
Course – Whistling Straits
Location – Kohler, Wis.

What is the best industry event you’ve ever been to?

The Wee One at Pine Hills in Sheboygan. It’s a tribute to Wayne Otto, CGCS. There have been eight of them and I have been to every event but one. The Wee One charity benefits members of the golf industry that have an illness or death in the family. They have great food and it’s an all-around great time benefiting a great charity.

Days, weeks or months – when was the last time you really got mad at someone on your crew?

I would have to say months since its been the offseason for a while up here. I have been a calm individual as of late.

Which politician, local or national, is the most deserving to be thrown out on his ear?

It depends on the day. Politics have become more of a soap opera than anything. I don’t know if it would be wrong to say all of them.

How often do you worry about being fired?

It depends on the day and what I’m doing. There is always some risk in what I do on a daily basis. To answer your question, I never worry about being fired but there is the possibility every second of every day.

What sports team do you love to root against?

The Yankees. I am a Red Sox and Brewers fan. I am really just a home town guy and there is something about the Yankees.

What is the most overrated movie of all time?

Well, I have a six and three year old so I generally watch a lot of Phineas and Ferb. I actually can’t remember the last movie I watched.

What is the one golf etiquette violation really gets to you?

When rakes are left out of the bunker. Our bunker rakes have a sticker on them that ask people to return the rakes to the bunker after use and people don’t regardless that the instructions are printed on the rake. It really makes me scratch my head.

Do you remember a rookie mistake you made when you first started out? What was it?

The first time I mowed with a walk behind greens mower I left the wheels on. Actually, this happened twice when I first started out.

Thanks to Chris for being the first of many to be in “The Hot Seat”. If you would like more information on the Wee One Foundation visit www.weeone.org. If you have an industry person you would like to subject to “The Hot Seat” shoot me an email at hendren_89@hotmail.com !

— Matt Hendren