Superintendent Spotlight
By Casey Richards
There’s something primal in every person who enjoys the roar of a classic truck engine firing up — although maybe not at 4 a.m.
Just ask neighbors of Dan Marco, golf course superintendent at Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale. Marco drives a baby blue 1967 Ford pickup he’s named “Olde Blue” to work on days when weather permits.
“I get a couple looks from them here and there,” Marco jokingly says of his sleep deprived neighbors.
Marco purchased Olde Blue in 2015 after his wife got him interested in old trucks. In addition to being Marco’s faithful transportation to Ruth Lake, it serves as a vessel of family fun when he is able to be away from the golf course.
“It’s an escape from work — I love work, but sometimes you need an outlet,” Marco said. “Having an old truck and driving around with the kids, doing homecomings with them, letting the kids drive the truck, getting everyone in the bed — it’s always been fun for me.”
The classic truck’s dependability is matched by that of Marco, who is primed to hit the 20-year mark with Ruth Lake in March. After growing up in Joliet and attending the University of Illinois, Marco had stints at Medinah Country Club and Riverside Golf Club before coming to Ruth Lake in 2001, where he has been ever since.
“Everyone knows the golf business can be slightly volatile, but [the membership] has been very supportive to me over the years,” Marco said. “I couldn’t ask for better people to work for.”
While the Ruth Lake staff and membership appear to be keen on Marco, he is quick to admit that he is not the most revered Ruth Lake employee. That designation belongs to Marco’s Labradoodle Desi, who Marco calls his “shadow.”
“Members love him. Staff loves him. He’s probably the most popular employee at the club,” Marco cracked.
During his stint at Ruth Lake, Marco has been part of two major renovation projects. The first, which Marco claims “totally transformed the course,” came in 2004. Arthur Hills overhauled the original 1922 William Langford design by completely re-doing five holes and rebuilding eight greens.In 2019, Marco participated in a complete bunker renovation and practice facility expansion with the help of golf course architect Drew Rodgers.
A constant throughout the change has been Ruth Lake’s reputation for featuring some of the best putting surfaces in the Chicago District. These pristine greens are maintained by John Deere greens mowers purchased through distributor J.W. Turf. In total, Marco estimates his shop features 30 pieces of green and yellow equipment.
“We’ve been able to build a really nice relationship with J.W. Turf and John Deere,” Marco said. “We really like their greens mowers and how they follow the contours of the green. That’s what got John Deere in here initially.”
A dependable truck. A supportive employer and family. A loyal dog. Top-notch equipment. Every ingredient required for longevity as a golf course superintendent is present for Marco at Ruth Lake Country Club. Nonetheless, Marco takes none of it for granted and is continuously striving to hone his craft two decades in.
“You always have to improve,” Marco said. “My goal is to act like the next day is my first day and keep it going here at Ruth Lake.” ●
BONUS CONTENT: Check out YouTube.com/CDGAGolf for an exclusive interview with Marco and a look at Ruth Lake Country Club.
