Natural Resources: Golf Course Manager
Natural Resources
Golf Course Manager:
Kevin Ginoza
by Mike Yoshiura
"When I graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the competitive aspect and the industry aspect began to split. I realized my competitive days were numbered, but I still wanted to be a part of the industry aspect," said Kevin Ginoza, who grew up on the island of Oahu, but now calls Kona his home.
Kevin, 30, is the golf course manager at the Makalei Golf Club in Kona. After graduating from Aiea High School in 1993, he moved to the Big Island to play golf for UH-Hilo — and Ginoza hasn't even thought twice about moving back home?
A Twist of Fate
"As far as moving from the Big Island back to Oahu, it has never come up. I met my wife here in 1995 so it was an easy transition for me. My wife was born and raised in Hilo, and moving is something we haven't discussed. I made the transition from city life (Honolulu) to Hilo life, which I really do enjoy. There's less traffic, you're outdoors a lot, and as a whole, there's a more homely feel."
A Smooooth Transition
The first year of college is usually the tell tale of things to come. For some freshman, adjusting to the college workload and getting acclimated to a brand-new environment is a difficult transition. "When I went away to Hilo, my coach told me that (the) first year is the key year. If you can survive that first year away at school, you'll survive the rest of the way. The first couple of months were different, but it worked out really well. Thanks to golf, we were always busy so it was a good adventure, and being in a new environment was a learning experience."
Climbing The Ladder
Ginoza graduated with a master's degree in sociology and a minor in business. After graduating from UH-Hilo in 1998, he moved to Kona to work as an apprentice assistant at the Waikoloa Resort. "I worked at that position for two and a half years, and I achieved my PGA status. I eventually moved into a head professional position at the King's Course, and a little over a year ago I was approached about this position (at Makalei)."
When asked how he uses his sociology degree on the golf course, he said, "The only relationship a sociologist has with a golf course manager is they're constantly looking at trends. Right now you're looking at a more business background. You have your basic business foundation with some minor accounting skills tied in."
Professional Status
To pursue a career as a golf course manager, Kevin had to relinquish his status as an amateur golfer, and obtain official certification from the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA). Achieving professional status can take anywhere from two to three years of self-study, and a trip to Florida for testing. "In Hawaii there are approximately 80 PGA members, and you can be anything from a teaching professional, to a director of golf, to a tour player, or even a representative for a product line."
"One Would Think…
…if you work at a golf course you're going to play golf all the time. It's totally opposite. For myself, I get out maybe once a week, if I'm lucky. I'm working right here at a golf course, and you would think that it would be as easy as walking out there, but it doesn't work out that way. If I do play it's usually on Sunday because I work six days a week. I put in almost 60 hours a week dealing with the day to day issues here at the golf course."
Golf Is Great!
"I enjoy the field, and I like being a part of the industry. I grew up playing golf so I always knew the basic foundation of it. Now, it's developed into the business side of golf. It's not really a benefit that comes along with work, but it's something that I enjoy."
Advice To Teens
"If anything, definitely look towards the future and set a goal. Don't wait for things to happen. In life you're going to deal with people that you don't necessarily want to deal with, but you need to learn how to deal with them. The key to finding success in life is learning time management and interpersonal skills."