By Maulana Dotch, PGA/LPGA
As the PGA of America General Manager of Hermann Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas, I’ve had the privilege of blending my passion for golf with a leadership role that requires me to focus on three key areas: Managing Operations, Building a Strong Team and Serving the Public. Every day, I work to ensure that our course runs smoothly, our staff feels supported and our community has a welcoming and enjoyable experience.
Managing Operations: Managing Hermann Park Golf Course is more than just overseeing daily operations – it’s about creating a space where everyone can enjoy the game of golf, regardless of their experience level. Since we are a public golf course, our doors are open to everyone – from first-timers to seasoned players – and my goal is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and welcomed.
Every day is different at Hermann Park, but a smooth operation is always the goal. Managing tee times, ensuring the pro shop is fully stocked, overseeing food and beverage services and keeping the grounds in top condition all require coordination and teamwork. I rely on a mix of hands-on oversight and technology to keep things running efficiently. With a full slate of regulars and new visitors, making sure everything is in sync helps ensure each guest has the best possible experience.
Managing a public golf course means balancing financial sustainability with affordability. A big part of my job is keeping the course financially healthy while making sure it remains affordable for the public. This includes setting prices for rounds of golf, organizing tournaments and offering discounts. We want to be accessible to as many people as possible, and balancing that with our financial goals is always a priority.
One of the biggest draws of Hermann Park is our location. Improving and maintaining our beautiful course is a top priority. From daily upkeep to larger projects like upgrading irrigation systems or replanting greens, ensuring that the course looks and plays well is critical. The course’s condition reflects directly on every golfer’s experience, and I work closely with our maintenance team to ensure that we’re always at our best.
Building a Strong Team: One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is working with a talented and dedicated team. With 40 staff members, I’m always thinking about how to hire, train and retain individuals. Finding the right people is essential. I look for staff who are not only skilled and passionate about golf but also share a commitment to providing exceptional service. Some roles, like maintenance, require specialized knowledge, but others, such as working in the pro shop or as a course marshal require a customer-first attitude. Training is all-inclusive, focusing not just on specific tasks but on how to handle customer interactions and resolve any issues that arise. This helps create a team that’s not only efficient but also welcoming.
I believe that an empowered staff is a happy and productive one. I focus on open communication and giving my team the tools they need to succeed. Regular meetings, goal setting and celebrating successes all contribute to a positive work environment where everyone feels invested in the course’s success. I also encourage my team to take ownership of their roles, which helps create a sense of pride in the work they do every day.
Keeping good employees is a top priority for me. High turnover can be disruptive, so I strive to create an environment where staff want to stay and grow. I find that when employees feel valued, they’re more committed to their work and to the golfers we serve.
Serving the Public: Hermann Park Golf Course isn’t just a place to play golf, it’s a hub for the community. From beginners to seasoned players, our course welcomes everyone, and it’s my job to ensure we maintain that sense of openness and accessibility.
As a public course, we pride ourselves on making golf accessible to everyone. This means keeping our greens fees reasonable and offering discounts for seniors and students. We also provide rental equipment, making it easy for new players to try the game. For me, the cost must not become a barrier to entry for anyone interested in learning or enjoying golf.
One of the things I emphasize with my staff is that every guest interaction matters. From the moment a golfer walks through our doors to the time they leave, we aim to make their experience memorable. Whether they’re a regular or it’s their first visit, our goal is to provide a welcoming, friendly atmosphere where they can relax and enjoy the game. Everyone on the team knows that their role impacts the overall experience.
One of the most exciting parts of my job is the chance to connect with the community. Through events like charity tournaments, junior clinics and women’s golf programs, we engage people who may not otherwise have an opportunity to play golf. As the founder of Journey Through 18, a nonprofit dedicated to providing girls access to golf, I’m particularly proud of how Hermann Park supports initiatives that grow the game and make it more inclusive. Hosting these programs helps us contribute to the future of golf while fostering a stronger community.
At the end of the day, what drives me is knowing that I’m helping to create a space where people can come together, enjoy themselves and connect through the game of golf. Whether it’s seeing the smile on a young golfer’s face during a clinic or watching a long-time member shoot their best round, those moments remind me why I love what I do.
Managing Hermann Park Golf Course is both challenging and rewarding. It requires juggling a lot of responsibilities, but it also offers endless opportunities to make a difference for the people who work here and for those who play here. By focusing on strong management, building a talented and motivated team and ensuring that we’re always serving the community, I hope to keep Hermann Park Golf Course a place where everyone feels welcome and excited to play.
