The 19th Hole: Dane Gamble
Dane Gamble
Greenkeeper Emeritus // Bridger Creek GC, Bozeman, Mont.
Dane, what can I get you? Got to stay local… a Bozone Amber, from Bozeman Brewing Co.
What teams do you root for? Montana State is a big part of our community here, so I root for them. Growing up in the Twin Cities, I also root for the University of Minnesota, the Twins and the Vikings.
How long have you and Margaret been married? For 36 years, but we also dated for seven years. I told her it’s like watching grass grow, sometimes it takes a long time.
And how many kids? We’re empty nesters now, we have two grown children. Everyone lives here in Bozeman, including our two grandchildren, 3-year-old Isaac and 6-week-old Louis.
When was the last time anyone saw you without a beard? 1975.
Think of all the money you’ve saved on razors over the years! And I’ll tell you a secret… my wife cuts my hair. I can’t even imagine how much I’ve saved in razors and haircuts over the years… enough to buy you a couple of those Bozone Ambers.
You’re the superintendent at Bridger Creek, but also a co-owner of three other golf courses. How do you find the time? Thankfully, I’ve passed the true superintendent duties over to Wes Easton, who has been here since the inception of the course. At the other courses, I have very good managing partners and general managers. My role is more of a CFO and an agronomic resource. But I’m a throwback, I like to go by greenkeeper. I am the one handing out titles here… maybe I should go by “greenkeeper emeritus.”
What’s your favorite piece of equipment in the shop? I certainly like our FieldScout TDR for managing greens. It informs us and directs us. I also like our greens rollers for how it affects ball roll.
What’s the best thing about living in Bozeman? Our access to recreational opportunities; golf, hunting, skiing, fishing, pretty much any endeavor you want.
So, which one do you prefer? Big game hunting, mostly elk.
You’re on Jeopardy! What’s the Final Jeopardy category you shoot the works on? Financial management. I’ve been a student of personal financial management for some time. But I clearly must not be that good at it if I’m still working.
What food are you looking forward to this fall? Hopefully, freshly harvested elk steaks, but we’ll see.
Good luck, I hope you get one. That’s really what it comes down to — luck.
As interviewed by Seth Jones, Sept. 13, 2017. main photo by: grant b. gannon