The 19th Hole: Todd Fyffe

Superintendent // Westmoreland Country Club, Wilmette, Ill.

What are you drinking?

It’s a Half Acres’ Daisy Cutter — try one! When I was living in Chicago, I had a short walk through an alley to get to the brewery. Now I live on the course, but when I was an assistant, it was right there, so it became my favorite.

I’m coming off the high of attending Game 1 and Game 6 of the World Series in Kansas City. What’s the biggest sporting event you’ve been to?

There are two. I was in attendance at the Ohio State/Michigan game in 2002, a 14-9 OSU win. After that OSU went on to win the national title. I was also able to work during the 2003 ALCS, Red Sox vs. the Yankees at Fenway Park, Game 4 and 5. I was an intern on the grounds crew for the Red Sox that summer. Both of those games were amazing rivalry games.

So you’re a Red Sox Fan. Who else?

Ohio State football and Blackhawks hockey. Ever since I’ve moved to Chicago I’ve tried to be a Bears fan, but I haven’t fully committed yet.

And you’re married, with children?

I’ve been married for six years, and we have two kids — a daughter named Rowan, she’s 3 and loves coming over to the shop to look for Lucy, the shop cat. And our son Henry is 1.

Read any good books lately?

Basically, no. My latest book purchase is, “Plant Microbe Symbiosis: Fundamentals and Advances” (by Naveen Kumar Arora.) It’s definitely a tough book, but it’s got some really good technical information on understanding how microbes communicate with the plant. Unfortunately I don’t have time to read the actual good stuff.

Tell me some advice that has stuck with you.

When I was the interim superintendent, Mr. Paul Latshaw Sr. told me how critical my first season was. He said, ‘If you fall during your first season, you might not have another opportunity at the superintendent position.’ It set me in place. I asked myself if I was really ready for this, and if I wasn’t, I needed to get ready.

Definitely good advice from a turfgrass legend. OK, I like Daisy Cutter but I want to switch it up. Is there a house drink?

Yeah, it’s called Rum Stone Sour. It’s our signature drink, it comes in a pretty cool copper cup. Sometimes people take the cups as souvenirs, so even if you have a couple, make sure your cup stays here and doesn’t end up in your golf bag.

Photo: As interviewed by Seth Jones, November 3rd, 2014.