William Baker

Golf Course BrokerWilliam Baker offers a comprehensive review of golf courses and provides support in making alterations as necessary to the course conditioning and course maintenance operations. The program involves reviewing both the problems, and the opportunities, that are directly related to the physical elements of golf courses and their infrastructure. Additionally, the efficiency and the effectiveness of the golf course maintenance will be measured and conveyed in periodic meetings and a detailed written report.

Operational corrective measures and training can be initiated while the assessment program is ongoing. This program is designed to improve the golf course from the ground up. It will also help Club officials and staff to understand what changes and improvements can truly be made without undue risk and unreasonable expense. It will define where the departmental resources and budget are actually being spent, and if that represents a good value.

William Baker, WBA Principal, has been active in the Green Industry for over three decades, frequently taking leadership roles in several of the Industry’s professional associations. He is a past president of four separate Industry-related associations and has served as an officer and director of others. Bill has authored over 50 articles for industry publications. He has participated as a guest speaker, trainer, and facilitator at numerous seminars and conferences.

He is a certified arborist, a certified golf course superintendent, a California licensed pest control advisor, and has served as an expert witness in the San Diego Witch Fire lawsuits. He serves as the Consultant for all Green Industry Certification Programs at University of California Extension at Riverside. He was instrumental in developing the original programs and has provided instruction in numerous classes. He develops one-day seminars, and training institutes that run from one to two weeks in length. He is also bilingual – English and Spanish.

Best Management Practices Programs (BMP) for Golf Courses

BMP programs are developed by Mr. Baker to mitigate adverse environmental impacts from either site development or turf and landscape management practices on golf courses.

Interim Certified Golf Course Superintendents

Mr. Baker  provides Certified Golf Course Superintendents on an interim basis.  He assists Clubs in their search for a permanent replacement

Operations Review & Recommendations

Mr. Baker assesses parks, golf courses, and other turf and landscape facilities for operation efficiency and the effective use of assets.

Irrigation Efficiency & Water Quality Management Programs

Mr. Baker provides water-use efficiency audits to turf and landscape facilities.  Determining the quality and suitability of the irrigation water for use on specific plant materials is a consulting segment offered with the water audits.

Mr. Baker received his Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Redlands, CA with a Major in Environmental Studies.  He is a Certified Arborist, Certified Golf Course Superintendent, Certified California Pest Control Advisers License Qualified Applicators License for Pesticides, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor and a Certified Crop Advisor.

Mr. Baker’s professional memberships include:
  • Southern California Turfgrass Council, Past President
  • Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Past National Delegate
  • California Golf Course Superintendents Association, Past President
  • Hi-Lo Desert Golf Course Superintendent Association, Past President
  • San Diego Golf Course Superintendent Association, Past President
  • International Society of Arboriculture
  • American Society of Agronomy
  • Irrigation Association
  • California Association of Pest Control Advisers
Mr. Baker’s superintendent positions include:
  • La Jolla Country Club
  • La Quinta Country Club
  • The Club at Morningside
  • The Lakes Country Club
  • Sun City West, AZ (7 golf courses)
  • Pauma Valley Country Club
  • Riviera Country Club
  • Escondido Country Club
  • Thunderbird Country Club