WESLEY FOSTER, Golf Course Turfgrass Professional
Wesley started mowing greens for Tim Rickets and Eric Kleinsorge at the Midland Country Club in 1995. Now, after 20 years in the industry, he has the experience and the knowledge to achieve any goal, on or off the turf. He is always looking for new challenges and opportunities and is open to new ideas and practices.
Wesley attended Michigan State University to obtain his golf turfgrass certificate. While at Michigan State University, he had the opportunity to work at a few local clubs, such as The Brookshire in Williamston, Michigan, as well as the Lansing Country Club, in Lansing, Michigan. In the evenings he managed a pizza chain as the shift manager in charge of a young team of high school and college students.
It was through Michigan State University that Wesley did an internship with the Bel-Air County Club in Los Angeles, California. This was his first experience at a high-end club, while living on site. He had a great learning experience and thanks Brian Sullivan, GCSAA for the opportunity.
After his time at Michigan State University, Wesley worked at Apple Mountain Resort. There Wesley was fortunate to work with other departments and experience the other sides of hospitality. This included banquet setup, building maintenance, and housekeeping. He also worked on the ski hill working with ski lifts, tow ropes, and snow makers. Through these different experiences he learned many different ways of acomplishing similar goals.
In his twenties, Wesley took over a struggling Germania Town and Country Club, and ran with it. He constantly shaved the budget year after year and found a way to win the Best of the Best in 2008, 2009, 2010 utilizing resources wisely and taking ownership as a team. Despite its closing at the end of 2010, it now has a new purpose as part of the Shiawassee Wildlife Preserve.
"Though important, an eye for detail is not all that matters. It is the attention to those details that set people apart."
When Wesley's time at Germania ended he came back to Midland Country Club where he first started, only in a different capacity. For the next few years he worked as an assistant superintendent. During the renovation there was not a set program to deal with any unforeseen problems. Wesley was available for any reason as an educated and experienced “Turf Guy”. While most clubs in the area where struggling, Midland was going through a renovation. There are lessons to be learned through a renovation and those experiences are invaluable.
At GlenArbor Golf Club Wesley thrived at a high paced club with great expectations. He takes pride in his work ethic and an ability to think creatively to solve problems. His passion shows and he is always looking for creative and proactive avenues for improvement. GlenArbor helped Wesley reach a level of professionalism that he will continue throughout his career. He learned from great mentors and has always remained teachable and evolving.
After four years in Westchester New York, Wesley Moved to work with a young superintendent on Long Island at the Huntington Crescent Club. There he worked long hours with limited resources and made the most out of difficult situations. When the season was over, the board of directors decided to make management changes and brought in a new management team.
Wesley Joined the management team at the Siwanoy Country Club in 2017. There he continues to be passionate about new opportunities to grow. Siwanoy is proving to be a good atmosphere and progressive in their approach to maintaining the best experience for members and Understanding "The Human Element".
Wesley has proven to be an asset wherever he has been. There has been progress because he will go out of his way and do the right thing. He believes that a positive attitude and thirst for knowledge will help you have a successful career and a more fulfilling life.