Meet Our 2018 Agronomy Team
March 19, 2018—
When Roger Brashear moved into the role of General Manager at the Club, he needed to make sure the void left on the grounds was dutifully filled.
Since coming on property in 2015, Roger’s agronomics implemented a thoughtful combination of meticulous planning and hard work. The golf courses have flourished under his expert care.
After all, with 225+ acres of turf on the property, one would fail without a strict process.
Three years later, the agronomy torch has been passed to one of our most familiar faces.
Brandon Arens started his career as an intern back in 2010. This summer will be his ninth on the team. In terms of life at The Prairie Club, he has seen it all.
Brandon will carry on the torch, assuming the role of Director of Agronomy heading into the 2018 season. Brandon knows this property extremely well and in recent years alongside Roger, helped keep the courses in the best conditions we’ve ever seen.
His hard work and knowledge have earned the trust of the entire team.
The Team
Brandon’s team starts with Jeff Wrage heading up maintenance on the Dunes Course.
Jeff grew up in Valentine and has been with the team officially since 2015. He will be responsible for the beast that is Lehman’s Dunes.
Wrage spent time with our team before we opened in 2009 and has a degree in Turfgrass, & Landscape Management from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.
You might see Jeff this summer driving around on his gator, sunglasses on, with his pup Elvis by his side.
On the Pines, we have a new face.
DJ Shallenberger joins us from Missouri to manage the Pines Course. DJ travels to Valentine after spending time at both Mission Hills and Leawood Country Club in Kansas City, MO.
He also has a degree in Turfgrass & Landscape Management from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, after starting his schooling at Missouri State in Springfield.
DJ’s co-captain on the Pines will be his dog Millie.
We’re proud of the team we have on the grounds in 2018. All indicators are pointing toward another pure season of golf at The Prairie Club.
****
A full feature on the maintenance process at The Prairie Club will be featured in this year’s second edition of Home on the Range, released later this spring. Stay tuned.