The 19th Hole: Glenn Samuelson

Superintendent //  Cheyenne Mountain Resort & CC, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Photo: Seth Jones

Glenn, thanks for taking the time. What can I get you?

A dark porter or a stout… do they have Guinness or  maybe Newcastle?

What did you think of your first experience at the Masters?

It was everything I expected and more. The turf, the course, the place… simply incredible. Even the practice facility is overwhelming, it’s so beautiful. But you know what the best part was? Just being there with my friends (see photo # 3 in this month’s Golfdom Gallery). I’m so glad I got to meet you, but being there with the guys I was with? That’s what made it great.

You’re new at the course, only a few months now, right?

Yes, a few months now. I worked up in the Vail Valley for the better part of 20 years. I was lucky, getting to build, grow-in, maintain and operate those courses for 15 years, and I never had to move.

You’re a Colorado native… so are you a Colorado Buffalo, or a Colorado State Ram?

I grew up as a CU fan. My dad had season tickets, he took me to every Colorado football game as a kid, and I loved it. But then when I went to school, I went to CSU. I’m a Ram, but when the two of them play, I’m totally torn in half.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen on the golf course?

It’s always about wildlife to me. Bears. I’ve seen them in my shop, on cart paths, in trees. I love seeing wildlife, it brings it all together for me. As far as playing the game, my dad played golf for 85 years. I saw him make his first hole-in-one when he was about 70. He played into his late 80s. He died when he was 95, about 3 years ago.

He was 95? Wow, there are some good genes in the Samuelson family!

I had a great-aunt who lived to be 107! My grandmother lived to be 95. My grandfather lived to be 90. I’m looking for a long go here.

Did your dad have a secret to long life? Clean living? A cup of coffee everyday?

Definitely a cup of coffee. He took things slow and steady. His whole life was built for longevity. It took him forever to drink a cup of coffee, to have a meal, to play a round of golf. He lived life at a pace like he knew he was going to go for a while.

Fill in the blank: When I’m having a bad day, _______ is sure to make it better.

A smile from one of my three daughters (Kaytlyn, 21, Hana, 15, Grace, 12). It’s simple, but one smile from one of those three makes a lot of things go away.

As interviewed by Seth Jones, April 29th, 2014.