At the Turn: Parker L. Ferren, CGCS
Photo: Parker L. Ferren
Parker L. Ferren, CGCS
Director of Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance // Copperleaf GC, Estero, Fla.
After 18 holes of golf, or 9, in this case… what are you drinking? Diet Coke. Need to recaffeinate before going home to the fam!
Tell me about your family. I’ve been married to my wife Amber for 10 years. We have two beautiful daughters — Emily and Mackenzie — and a Golden Retriever named Sonny.
What should I know about Copperleaf? Copperleaf was designed by Gordon Lewis and built about 25 years ago in Bonita Springs — halfway between Naples and Fort Myers in Southwest Florida. Copperleaf maintains its designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary with an operational emphasis on environmental sustainability. We have a beautiful golf course and a great membership.
How did you get into the business? I grew up playing competitive golf and have been in love with the game since my early childhood. I’ve always wanted to do something in the golf business and was fortunate to have had some great opportunities and mentors who pointed me in the right direction.
What is your favorite tool to get the job done? My computer(s). I’m a bit of a nerd, but spreadsheets are my greatest tool to stay organized.
What sports teams do you root for? What is your all-time favorite sports moment? The Florida Gators and the Atlanta Braves! Winning the World Series in 2021 was a good one.
Aside from visiting your course, if I were in your area, what is one thing I would have to do? Hertz Arena is only 10 minutes away and there are always good sporting events or concerts going on. The Florida Everblades (ECHL) also plays there. Minor league hockey is affordable and a blast to watch. They are actually back-to-back ECHL champs.
Who would be in your dream foursome? Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and my dad. Tiger and Rory have both elevated the game in so many ways. And gotta have Pops in there too!
Fill in the blank: I expect the 2024 golf season to be _______. Busy. It is no secret the game of golf continues to grow and evolve. We put out over 50,000 rounds of golf each year at Copperleaf. Somehow, that number keeps growing. New courses are being built, new faces are playing the game and the industry is back on the rise.
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