Eric Richardson, Director of Grounds at Essex County Club in Manchester Massachusetts, may be the hardest working turf manager in the golf industry. He has taken on one of the most iconic golf courses in the industry and improved it, bringing it back to the original Ross design and exposing rock outcroppings not seen in decades. Tree removal was an ongoing focus.
Eric had big shoes to fill at Essex, as he is one of only a few superintendents to hold the title in its over 120-year history. On that list of former superintendents is the architect Donald Ross. The Essex Club's history is rich and the house that Ross lived in during his time there is still on the property. However, the real story here is the amazing changes that Eric and his team have made for the better.