A McPherson, Kan., man with more than 20 years of golf course maintenance experience has been tapped as the new superintendent of the Heritage Park Golf Course.
Ethan Shamet began in the position on July 6, filling a position which has been vacant since former Superintendent Steve Stout retired in late January.
“I heard from friends that work for JCPRD how great it was to work for JCPRD,” Shamet said. “I also wanted a new challenge in my line of work and once this job opened up, I knew this is what I wanted to do. Being out in nature instead of at a course surrounded by homes was another plus to the Heritage Park Golf Course. I heard about the crew during my interview, and they were right. They all work hard and get the job done.”
The course superintendent is responsible for supervision of the operation, maintenance, and personnel at
Heritage Park Golf Course. The position is responsible for managing the equipment needs of the golf course, ensuring the irrigation system is operating efficiently, ensuring proper and effective agronomic practices on the course, overseeing the operation and maintenance of the shop facility, and effectively coordinating course operations with the pro shop staff.
For now, Shamet says he is learning the course.
“Coming in right in the middle of the summer, it’s hard to change anything up,” he said. “Plans in the future will be getting rid of the Poa (turfgrass variety) on the greens, finishing up sod work in the fairways, and adding drainage throughout the course. Once we get to the fall, we will start making a list of improvements for next year.”
Prior to coming to HPGC, Shamet previously served as superintendent of the Prairie Highlands Golf Course in Olathe, and had previously worked as superintendent at the Falcon Lakes Golf Course in Basehor, Kan., and at the Deer Trace Golf Course in Linn Valley, Kan. His work history also includes servings as assistant superintendent at the Golf Club of Kansas in Lenexa (now Canyon Farms), and at the Indian Hills Country Club in Manhattan, Kan.
Shamet holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture specializing in turf management from Kansas State University. He is a member of the Heart of America Golf Course Superintendents Association where he served as president in 2018-19, and has been on the board of directors since 2013.
With his wife Kathy and their three children, Shamet lives in south Overland Park and spends much of his spare time chasing the children at their sporting events. He enjoys “watching my kids play sports, from softball, to baseball, to soccer, and basketball, and I love cheering on my Wildcats, Chiefs, Royals, and LA Clippers!”
Another recent personnel addition brings JCPRD’s first female golf pro to both of its golf courses. Lexi Clary of Olathe is available for lessons for juniors, women, men, and groups at either the
Tomahawk Hills or Heritage Park golf courses. She is an LPGA-certified teaching professional with certifications in Incremental Golf, Titleist Performance Institute, and the American Development Model, and can be reached via the Heritage Park Pro Shop at (913) 829-4653 or at (573) 873-6457.
“I love the game of golf and I truly enjoy teaching and seeing my customers and students excel in their level of golf through understanding the game, and working through swing analysis and the other various aspects of golf to get you to your goals,” Clary said.