Rusty Oetker: More Than 35 Years in Sports
Turf Management

Growing up on a farm in Iowa, Rusty Oetker planned to study agronomy at Iowa State University, his sights set on corn and soybean production. But he found a new opportunity for employing his knowledge of optimizing plant growth: turf grass management.

A college friend’s father owned a golf course in Marshalltown, Iowa, and for the next seven years after earning his agronomy degree, Rusty served as the course’s superintendent. It’s there he cultivated a deep understanding of the daily concerns and challenges of those responsible for maintaining golf courses and other athletic and recreational grounds.

Knowing the demands on a golf course superintendent’s time and attention, he attends to the technical details of assessing the many variables that affect the condition of a golf course – which can make or break a course’s ability to attract and retain a faithful following of golfers.

From his assessments, he develops easy-to-follow, actionable recommendations that guide golf superintendents and managers of other outdoor recreational facilities to success.

His more than 35-year career in sports turf management includes the following highlights:

• Bachelor of Science in Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Golf Course Superintendent, 7 years
• Technical Representative for The Scotts Company, servicing over 170 golf courses, 12 years
• Independent Agronomist with Soil Horizons, 16 years
• Servicing over 200 golf courses and counting

What motivates Rusty Oetker?

Helping his clients get the greatest return on their maintenance dollars.

Rusty enjoys being a part of the team – helping golf course, park and athletic field managers meet their goals through his assessments and recommendations.

He enjoys seeing his clients reap the rewards of healthy, well maintained turf:

• Improved aesthetics, functionality and safety
• Increased membership and participation by golfers, and other recreational and competitive athletes
• Optimal financial performance

Need a speaker?

Rusty enjoys sharing his expertise and insights in sports turf management.

He is available to speak to:

• Golf course staff on the essential elements of turf management
• Professional associations on topics such as USGA green construction, interpretation of soil and water tests and how to assess overall health of soil and turf.

Professional Organizations

• Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association
• Intermountain Golf Course Superintendents Association
• Central Ohio Golf Course Superintendents Association
• Brookside Society of Professional Consultants