JIM OSBORNE
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT,
josborne@cordilleraranch.com
210.336.9000
NAME
Jim Osborne
HOMETOWN
New London, Iowa
FAMILY
Father – Ronald Osborne, Mother – Karen Osborne, Brother – Evan Osborne, Sister – Emily Hymes. All of my family is still located in Iowa .
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Iowa State University in 2005.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOUR FIELD?
When I left high school I really had no clue what I wanted to do. I started working on a general studies associate degree from a local junior college. During my summers I was spending time working on the grounds maintenance staff at Burlington Golf Club in Burlington, Iowa. I found it very enjoyable, I was able to be around golf, as well as be in the outdoors. During my time there I began to realize how much went into the maintenance of golf courses, and in turn started figuring out what type of school work I needed to get involved with in order to advance further in the profession.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CORDILLERA RANCH?
I came on with Cordillera Ranch in December of 2010, it is hard to believe that I am approaching two years already. Prior to moving here I was in Birmingham, AL for little over five years, and had short stops in Wisconsin and Georgia during and immediately following college.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF WORKING IN THE HILL COUNTRY?
It’s quiet! Growing up in a rural farm community with a population of 1,900 and ending up in Birmingham, AL with a very diverse 1+ million people was a bit of a shock. The big city was fun for a while, but it has been nice to get back to a bit more peaceful setting. Living in Boerne has allowed the best of both worlds; the quiet of the Hill Country, and the city right down the road if I get an itch.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/ INTERESTS?
I love the game of golf. I enjoy both playing and watching golf. I am a sports enthusiast, and a big Iowa Hawkeye fan. I also enjoy running to keep healthy and relieve stress.
FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT THAT YOU HAVE ATTENDED?
Probably working at both the 2004 PGA Championship, and the 2005 Masters were a couple of the neatest experiences. I also attended the 2010 Fed-Ex Orange Bowl and the 2010 BCS National Championship within 48 hours of each other.
FAVORITE QUOTE?
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful” – Herman Cain
FAVORITE MOVIE AND WHY?
I can’t put my finger on a specific one, but I am definitely a comedy guy. Pretty much anything that Adam Sandler, or Will Farrell have had their hands on will entertain me.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
I would have to say the economy, and more specifically the golf economy. When I went through my schooling and graduated the golf industry was thriving as was the market as a whole. Since that time things have gone south. It has made superintendents jobs much more difficult as budgets have been cut and expectations have risen. It has also affected me personally in regards to career advancement. As more and more golf courses close their doors, there are fewer positions available and more qualified people available to fill them. Things are beginning to look better, and I am fortunate to have a fantastic situation with Cordillera Ranch.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Waking up every day and knowing that there will be a brand new set of challenges ahead of you, and laying down at night knowing that you overcame those challenges.
