For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: December 16, 2024
Kennedy continues to lead Golf Course Management program after 25 years
Fennimore -
He was originally planning to become a veterinarian; however, more than 25 years later, Scott Kennedy continues to build the Golf Course Management program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. “It’s awesome,” said Kennedy. “I have students who love the game. All of my guys are placed with jobs already and they are still coming to class.”
Earlier this year, Kennedy marked his 25 years of service at the college. He currently lives in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and grew up in East Dubuque, Illinois. He graduated from Wahlert High School in Dubuque, Iowa. Kennedy got his love for golf from his parents, who played when he was younger. He played golf in high school, and was an all-state baseball player, as well.
After high school, Kennedy moved on to Iowa State University where his plan was to become a veterinarian. Following graduation from Iowa State, he took a part-time position at Eagle Ridge Golf Resort in Galena, Illinois. After some time there, his boss told him he played golf pretty well, and that he could do well in the industry. Kennedy took his advice and lined up an interview. He was hired at Innisbrook Golf Resort in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He fared well there and returned to Eagle Ridge, to work as the course professional, and later as the course manager.
After his second stint at Eagle Ridge, Kennedy moved to the Cherokee Country Club in Madison, Wisconsin. It was there where Kennedy’s professional trajectory took a different flight. By chance, his boss at the time was on the telephone with someone from the Prairie du Chien Country Club and they were looking for someone to manage their new 18-hole course. Kennedy took on that responsibility in September 1996. In August of 1998 he was asked to help start the program at Southwest Tech.
At the time, Southwest Tech officials posted the job for the instructor of the program and couldn’t find anyone to teach both the inside and outside golf operations. Kennedy was offered the job and began teaching in August 1999. He has been serving in that role ever since and is the only instructor the Golf Course Management program as seen. “We started in one room, room 509,” said Kennedy. “And we had to move things around every day and make a makeshift classroom. We built it on the fly.”
Graduates have gone on to successful careers at premiere courses across the country, including at the top 10 courses in the world. Oftentimes, Kennedy will come across Golf Course Management alumni. “It’s so much fun to see these students achieve and see where they can go,” he said.
The Golf Course Management program educates students on anything that happens on a golf course, including financials, irrigation, pro shop operations, food and beverage, cart fleet management, turf grass management, hospitality law, and more. “If it happens on the golf course we cover it,” said Kennedy.
“The type of students we get are special,” added Kennedy. “They are young and they keep me young.”
The college’s golf team was formed in 2004. In 2010, the team joined the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) and it continues to compete each year.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |