19th Hole: Charlie Fultz
Charlie Fultz
General Manager // Superintendent // Heritage Oaks GC, Harrisonburg, Va.
Charlie, what can I get you?
You’re going to laugh … I need a fatty Dr. Pepper. I don’t want a 12-ounce can, I want that big bottle, I call it the “fatty” Dr. Pepper. I have an addiction to it, I always have a 12-pack in the fridge.
Tell me about Heritage Oaks.
We’re a Bill Love design. I’ve got to talk to Mr. Love several times over the last couple years, and he said it’s one of his favorite tracks. He took a really old flood plain in a rock quarry and laid out a gorgeous 18-hole golf course. And I’m happy that we’ve increased rounds each of the last four years that I’ve been general manager.
Do you have a family and what do you do for fun?
I have two sons, ages 26 and 21. I’m still playing drums. I’m in a band — Shotgun Shiver. I’m generally playing two to three times a month, pop and rock. And if I’m not drumming, I’m hanging out with my girlfriend, Jane. She’s a kindergarten teacher. We’re enjoying the dating scene at a young 54; she’s fantastic. And I just purchased my great grandmother’s house, and I’ve been doing some renovations to it. That’s all kept me busy.
Are you a sports fan? Who do you root for?
That’s a sensitive question. For 29 years and counting, I’ve been a Dallas Cowboys fan. I miss the days of Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin! I’m also a Philadelphia 76ers fan, and they’re even worse because they’re all hurt. And I’m a Los Angeles Dodgers fan, and they just buy their way into the World Series.
Talk about a sensitive question… I first met you years ago when we worked together on an article for Golf Course Management magazine. Do you mind talking to me about what your new article for them is about?
Over the last year and a half or so, I had a lot of personal life issues. Some health issues with one of my sons, some legal issues with my other son, some health issues with my father. And life hit me all at one time. I did not know how to handle that much. My article is about realizing there’s a point where maybe you need outside help. It’s called “I need help,” and it’s about me going to counseling and trying to figure out what was going on with my life and finally admitting that my ADHD was not manageable. I finally started medication, and I realized that and counseling together have made life a lot better.
What’s the best thing about having your job?
I have the best office window in the business. There’s nothing like watching the sun come up over the mountains in the morning. Now, I don’t like still being there when the sun is starting to set, but you see the deer start to come out, the turkeys come out of the woods, and you realize this is a pretty good gig.
As interviewed by Seth Jones, Feb. 4, 2025.
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