Cutline Is King: A New Resource for Equipment Managers!
In the vibrant world of golf courses, equipment managers play a vital role. They are the unsung heroes ensuring that courses worldwide are in tip-top shape. And now, with the release of a fresh new book titled “Cutline Is King,” there’s a resource designed specifically to help them—and you—understand the importance of cutting units better.
Meet the Man Behind the Book
Mike Rollins is the brain behind this book, and he has quite the story to share. Growing up with a passion for mechanical repair, Rollins studied film and media at the University of Florida. While he initially feared he wouldn’t return to his beloved mechanical world, his career took a delightful twist when he secured a position as a regional sales manager at SIP Grinders, a company owned by his wife Anne’s father, Mark Pilger.
A Journey Through the Turf
Flash forward to 2020, and Rollins attended the Michigan GCSA Conference and Trade Show, just before the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19. During the months that followed, he dove deep into training, learning all about equipment before visiting the Atlanta Athletic Club to shadow certified turf equipment manager, John Patterson. This experience opened Rollins’ eyes to just how critical the equipment manager’s role is on a golf course.
“It was right then and there that I realized a golf course doesn’t exist without the equipment manager,” he recalls. “If that equipment isn’t functioning, the golf course is left in the dust—it’s just a fact.” To put it simply, without these heroes, golf courses would struggle to maintain their lush, green appeal.
A Presentation Sparks an Idea
As Rollins immersed himself in learning about cutting units, he was asked to present at a Michigan Turfgrass Foundation show. “I didn’t have a presentation,” he laughs, “But I had a ton of information. So, I compiled everything into what would become “Cutline Is King.”” What started as a few slides quickly blossomed into a detailed presentation that has now evolved into a book.
Rollins combined valuable insights from his mentors, Pilger and Patterson, along with his own field experiences while visiting different golf courses around the globe. This hands-on approach means that the book is incredibly relevant, as it draws from real-world challenges faced by equipment managers every day. “Different setups work for different environments,” Rollins states proudly.
Knowledge is Power
One of the core beliefs Rollins holds is that sharing knowledge is paramount. He is inspired by a class he took on “Viral Communications,” where he explored how bits of information can be transformed into something new and beneficial. This philosophy now underpins his work. “When you share information, even if it’s just one takeaway for someone, you empower them, and that knowledge spreads further,” he explains. “It’s like the saying, a rising tide lifts all boats.”
In the spirit of sharing, “Cutline Is King” is available as a free download. The response has been overwhelming, with nearly 1,400 downloads since its release on November 17. Rollins plans to make physical copies available in the near future.
What’s Inside the Book?
The book encompasses essential techniques, experiences, and tips for mastering cutting unit tracking. Rollins aims to present this information without a commercial tone; it’s genuinely about enhancing the industry and supporting equipment managers everywhere. He emphasizes, “It’s not about me; it’s about pushing this industry forward.”
In sum, “Cutline Is King” is a must-have resource for anyone involved in golf course maintenance and management. With its rich content and practical advice, readers are sure to gain valuable insights that may just change the way they approach their jobs. So, if you’re in the turf industry, don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to boost your knowledge and optimize your practices!
