After an illustrious decades-long career in the City of Columbus’ golf department, Superintendent Keith Kline is officially retiring on top May 1, 2023.
Kline, who was named Superintendent of the Year of the Nebraska Chapter Golf Course Superintendents Association of America last December, said it has been a wild ride that he has most enjoyed.
“It has been fun,” Kline said. “I need to thank everyone for all their friendship and fun.”
Kline started with the City on May 5th, 1986, as an equipment operator with the Parks/golf department, and later transferred to Quail Run Golf Course upon its opening in 1991. He has been the City’s golf course superintendent for the last five years, having earned his Class A Superintendent status last September.
He has enjoyed his time with the City, though acknowledged the historic flooding of 2019 that ravaged much of the area including Quail Run, presented a lot of challenges that required him to step up in a time of crisis like a superhero.
“The flood did so much damage it’s surprising it looks as good as it does,” Kline said. “I had some of the best seasonal employees during the rebuild. They did such a great job helping bring the course back. When Landscapes Unlimited came in to do the reconstruction my knowledge of the course helped them put things back to the way they were before the flood.
“I knew where all the underground valves and drainage were. Without my knowledge of the course, they would have had a hard time finding things buried under the silt and sand.”
Kline also noted his appreciation to City Property Director Doug Moore and City Administrator Tara Vasicek for their help and support over the years.
Moore said Kline has been an excellent employee and superintendent, noting his appreciation to Kline for his commitment.
“He has done a great job and is someone who has been extremely dedicated, so we’re looking for someone who has a lot of those same qualities,” Moore said. “Quail Run is a very established course, and despite all the work that has been done, there’s still a lot of work to be done. We’re still working back from the flood.”
Those interested in applying for the position can do so on the City’s website or by clicking the link, https://tinyurl.com/42rfue37\.
Kline said he will look back fondly on his time with the City of Columbus and offered some advice for his successor.
“I am proud to be associated with two of the nicest courses in the state,” Kline said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Between all the City departments giving us a hand when we need it to all our vendors helping with their vast knowledge of turf, things will work out.”
(ABOUT THE PHOTO: City of Columbus Golf Course Superintendent Keith Kline on Feb. 27, 2023, poses for a photo at Quail Run Golf Course.)