Golfers Face the Superintendent’s Wrath in a Day of Twists, Traps, and Laughs
Golfers at the 3rd annual Superintendent’s Revenge Tournament faced creative course challenges designed by Superintendent Ben McBride, turning frustration into laughter and fellowship across San Vicente Golf Course.
Seventy-two golfers teed off at the San Vicente Golf Course with equal parts excitement and dread during the Superintendent’s Revenge tournament held on Friday, Oct. 24, with a 1 pm Shotgun start time. Each hole offered its own mischievous surprise, from tricky placements to obstacles only a creative superintendent could dream up. There were challenges and laughter, and players were reminded that the events are less about the scorecard and more about fun and giving the superintendent a well-deserved moment of payback.
Golf Course Superintendent Ben McBride had some tricks up his sleeve to keep players on their toes. His job as superintendent is to maintain the playability of the San Vicente Golf Course. He is responsible for the daily preparation and maintenance of the course and surrounding landscape to ensure the best possible playing experience for golfers while maintaining healthy turf, trees, and plants. But the Superintendent’s Revenge Tournament is his chance to challenge the golfers and get back at them for the challenges he experiences maintaining the greens after they play it hard.
Matt Brumbaugh, head golf professional, said that the superintendent had set up the course to be diabolically difficult. The Superintendent’s Revenge had 18 holes, and the pin placements were tricky. Instead of the pin and hole being placed on a level green, they were placed on slopes and dips. In addition, McBride had the greens rolled and double cut, which produced an extra-smooth, fast, and firm surface. It made the greens faster than players expected, causing the balls to roll farther and break differently.
Tee Box placement was done strategically to create awkward-approach shots on the fairway. The tee box placement was a secret weapon for the superintendent, adding fun, surprise, and challenge, keeping the golfers guessing and testing their skills.
Brumbaugh said players got a kick out of the Revenge, and there were prizes for the championship, the open flight, closest to the pin, and raffle prizes. He enjoys watching the enthusiasm with which the players embrace complex setups. People know what they are in for, and he relishes their eagerness for the difficult shots.
The players were ready and up for the challenge. One player, James Billburg, from Chula Vista, said a good friend is a member at the golf course and invited him to play. His goal was to have a good time and a lot of smiles.
Meanwhile, serving up hot dogs and snacks for players was First Assistant Tournament Director Fred Arcaina. His goal for the tournament was to see people having fun while golfing, and he said there were players there from all over San Diego. “It’s a fun golf course and a hidden gem,” said Arcaina. He added that the staff at the golf course is phenomenal and works as a team. As for the Superintendent’s Revenge, Arcaina said it’s a secret, and it features tricks golfers have never seen before.
“I like to golf in this tournament because it’s a challenge and I like to support San Vicente Golf,” said John Rathbun.
Dan Nidzicko had heard many stories about the tournament's complicated nature. He has lived in the San Diego Country Estates for 5 years and is a member of the golf club. This was his first Superintendent’s Revenge, and he was looking forward to the unique challenges the day brought.
“I know it's super difficult,” said Eric Weiss. He has lived in San Diego Country Estates his whole life, and this was his first Superintendent’s Challenge. He is not a member of the golf club but enjoyed the day out with his work buddies.
“I am doing this 100% next year,” said Glenn Brown, “The only thing that would stop me from playing is if I died. And then my son would take on my legacy!”
When all golfers finished playing, they were eligible for a raffle drawing for numerous valuable prizes, including a golf bag and brand-name putters.
The Superintendent’s Revenge had clever setups and left players challenged, entertained, and already looking forward to next year. By the end of the day, golfers had survived challenging pin placements, double-cut greens, and trick tee boxes, and they all left with smiles and a newfound respect for the superintendent’s efforts to keep the course polished and flawless.
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