RJ Crow measures surface temperature of greens at Congressional Country Club
Image Credit: Dr. Mathias
The projected economic upswing can’t come fast enough for many graduating college students who are looking for jobs, but IAA students aren’t among them. While there may be a nationwide scarcity of available opportunities, the IAA takes great pride in the fact that its job placement rate is over 90%. Golf Course Management major RJ Crow is one of the IAA’s December graduates who has already secured full time employment.
Starting in January, the 28-year-old Eastern Shore native begins his position as assistant grounds superintendent at the prestigious Congressional Country Club in Bethesda. Last summer Crow interned at the club and helped prepare the course for the AT&T PGA Golf Tour.
“The pros expected the course to be meticulously maintained which kept the Congressional grounds crew and myself working around the clock to ensure the greens and fairways were in tip top shape,” says Crow. “When I tell people I’m in the golf management business, the first thing they want to know is if it’s as carefree a career as portrayed in the classic comedy Caddyshack starring Bill Murray?” RJ quickly tells them the golfing industry is a serious and demanding business that requires a passion for the game.
After teeing off for the first time at age 9 with his dad, young RJ fell in love with the links and continued caddying throughout high school. But in the years to come he followed a career path that led to retail sales. Ultimately he decided he wanted to get back to his first love--golf. Two years ago he enrolled in the IAA’s golf course management program and it didn’t take him long to find his calling.
“I learned so much from Dr. Kevin Mathias, both in the classroom and beyond”, notes Crow. “He would take us to compete at the Turf Bowl in Las Vegas and various conferences and workshops. As students we had the chance to form professional relationships which often leads to internships and jobs. The first lesson students are taught at the IAA is the more involved you are in your chosen field, the more likely you will find a job.”
RJ credits his IAA education, hard work, and networking for helping him get the job at the Congressional Club. With his first job lined up, Crow has now set his sights on becoming a superintendent at a million dollar course by the time he turns 40.
