Austin Michael Cyrus and Tuck, his Australian Cattle Dog (photo: contributed)
BY AAGD STAFF
June 10, 2020 —Austin Michael Cyrus is living his life to make a difference, all while grinding on a path to being at the top of his profession. The First Assistant Superintendent at Charles River Country Club in Newton, Mass. developed his love of the game while working summers on a golf course. A specialist in agronomy, Austin has no qualms about getting his hands wet, dirty, or muddy, to get the job done. “I love everything from agronomics, the instant gratification, the feeling of putting an honest day’s work in, and what makes a golf course flourish,” said the former Dallas, TX resident.
Austin Michael Cyrus
After working a few summers at the course, and graduating from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, Austin wanted something more. So, he decided to make a career change and enrolled at Rutgers University to study Turf Management. Since graduating from Rutgers, his career has soared. “I’ve been fortunate to work on high caliber golf courses and tournaments all over the east coast, such as Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, NJ, The Country Club in Chestnut Hill, Mass, and now Charles River Country Club in Newton, Mass.”
Austin Michael Cyrus
Austin was first exposed to golf at a youth summer camp, since then, the well-studied industry professional has an in-depth knowledge of the science of soil management. Along the way, he has also gained some exciting experiences at Championship tournaments including The Northern Trust (2017) at Ridgewood Country Club and The PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club (2016). “These were two experiences every golf lover would dream of,” says Austin, who sports a wide smile, plays at a +15 handicap and describes himself as “charismatic.”
Austin Michael Cyrus shares his cart with a friend.
Fresh air and greenery are good for the soul but all work and no play makes for…well, we all know. So, “Outside of work you’ll probably find me watching or attending sports events, enjoying an ice-cold beer, thinking about the golf course, or taking a walk with my dog “Tuck.” A loyal Australian Cattle Dog which he adores. Austin’s Twitter reflects his indulgence of all things work and sport.
Dating back nearly 100 years, the Charles River Country Club is where Austin does his finest work keeping the grounds in top shape. The membership club has a long history rich in tradition and heritage. Its Donald Ross designed golf course opened in 1921. The members play the course at a par of 72 and a playing distance of 6,657 yards. The course rating is 72.7 with a slope rating of 131. In 2013, Charles River served as a host of the stroke-play qualifying rounds for the 2013 U.S. Amateur Championship.
Certified as a GCSAA Assistant’s superintendent and Certified Pesticide Applicator in the state of Massachusetts, Austin says his biggest challenge on the job is in trying to please all 300 club members. Working in golf course maintenance over the last six years, its an intensive field where he accepts the fact that “You can’t please everyone; so I try to find a middle ground.”
Austin Cyrus, ridding on some really big wheels (via Instagram)
Over the next five years, Austin’s goal is to amplify his skills even more and become a superintendent at a high caliber golf course.
Keep riding high and putting in the work Austin, your goal is bound to come to fruition.
