Jonesy (mike & Scout)
former Certified Golf Course Superintendent, Artist, Outdoorsman, Naturalist and Dog Lover
I started maintaining a golf course when I was 12. My confidence grew through the Future Farmers of America (FFA). As I became an American Farmer and State Proficiency winner in Turf & Landscape Management, and Outdoor Recreation winner in Illinois. I was also the runner-up to Star State Agri-businessman all due to my work on the golf course. I knew I would grow grass for the rest of my life.
My first purchase from those earnings on the golf course was a camera. Of course it couldn’t be just a small pocket camera. My Mother reminds me of having to travel an hour from our small farming community to purchase this 35mm camera for a 12 year-old. These small-town values of setting goals, having a work ethic, honesty, and purpose has made me who I am. Thanks Mom and Dad!
My experiences at night on the golf course has profoundly influenced me. I have found solace and peace as the night sky brought the golf course into a completely different perspective from the day. It took time, but I discovered that I could bring this perspective to others through my passion of photography. These two core passions have come together as a special niche with my art as a Superintendent and as a photographer. I now want to share it with you and others.
My hope is you will feel the same amazement of the night sky when the stars become Stellar.
My entire life has been centered outdoors with golf
Mike’s Biography
Michael Jones, CGCS is a retired Certified Golf Course Superintendent as recognized by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). He retired and is now working as a photography artist out of Newnan, Georgia under the business name Stellar Shots Photography.
He completed his Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture, specialized in Turfgrass Management from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
He worked at Olympia Fields Country Club – North Course upon graduation to gain valuable working experience at one of the countries premiere golf clubs. His first Superintendents position was at South Bend Country Club in South Bend Indiana. Followed by his longest tenured position at The Lochmoor Club in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan of 15 years. Mr. Jones then spent 9 years at Effingham Country Club just East of St. Louis. He progressed in his amateur photography skills in this position by communicating to the membership and doing numerous Industry presentations. He wrapped up his Golf Course Maintenance career at Purdue University. Growing in one of Pete Dye’s last golf courses, the Ackerman-Allen course. His last work position before officially retiring was as a Sales Specialist for BASF chemical company selling turf products to the golf and turf market.
He has had several pictures printed in a number of Golf Association Newsletters. The Golf Industry has an Annual Calendar that is printed of Golf Course Dogs. Mr. Jones has had four (4) different dog photos printed and recognized over his 35 year career in this forum.
