Welcome to Pleasant View

What is Eric's role at Pleasant View Golf Course?

Eric has been our Mechanic and Assistant Golf Course Superintendent since 2015. He has been working at Pleasant View GC since the summer of 2006, when he started as a seasonal Grounds Crew employee. Eric usually arrives to work at 5am each day. He generally starts his day by helping with the morning jobs; such as mowing and rolling. The rest of his day is usually spent working on equipment in the shop or the clubhouse. He also takes part in the training of new staff members and plays a role in the budgeting of equipment upkeep and replacements in the Maintenance Department. He also enjoys working on course improvement projects and is always willing to lend a hand wherever it’s needed.

What is his background? What did he do before Pleasant View Golf Course?

Eric grew up in Ashton, Wisconsin. He attended Springfield Elementary School, St. Peter’s Catholic School, Glacier Creek Middle School, and then graduated from Middleton High School. Eric grew up in the country, next door to his aunt and uncle’s family farm. From a young age he learned to appreciate hard work. On the farm, he started out by taking care of calves, driving tractors, etc. As a kid, Eric enjoyed playing and biking in the country with his friends and being outdoors.  After graduating from high school, Eric went to further his education at MATC, where he earned an Associates Degree as an Automotive Technician. After receiving his degree, he worked at Middleton Ford for two years; and later at Crown Equipment Corporation, fixing forklifts, as a Field Service Technician for six years. Soon after, he took on a full-time management role in March of 2015.  

How did Pleasant View Golf Course come into Eric's life? 

During Eric’s senior year of high school, two of his friends suggested that it would be fun to work on the Grounds Crew at Pleasant View GC over the summer. At the time, Eric didn’t know what or where Pleasant View GC was. They all applied together; one of his friends lasted one day, and the other never even started. Eric enjoyed the work right away. He liked that he got to work outside and his existing skillset from growing up on a farm translated over well. He didn’t have any problems arriving to work before the sun came up, something that most people have a hard time adapting to, as he was used to waking up early to do farm chores. Eric worked on and off at Pleasant View GC seasonally, until he was hired in his current role in 2015. 

Aside from working at Pleasant View Golf Course, what are his other interests/passions? 

Eric still enjoys helping on his family farm; and restoring old tractors and equipment in his free time. He spends much of his time with his nephew; his wife, Shelbi; and his newborn son, Carter. In the winter time, he has a local snow removal business that he runs. He also enjoys going snowmobiling. 

What does he feel is Pleasant View Golf Course’s most unique characteristic? 

Eric feels that the overall lay of the land and the topography of the golf course is Pleasant View GC’s most unique characteristic. He also relishes in the peace and stillness of the early mornings, while watching the sun come up over the golf course. I’m sure he has seen a lot of great sunrises. 

Where does Eric see Pleasant View Golf Course going in the future? 

Eric envisions the overall product and experience that Pleasant View GC offers continuing to improve. He predicts certain layouts of the golf course changing to add some excitement, and looks forward to working on any future course improvement projects.  

If he could choose three people who have influenced him the most, who would they be and why?

Eric isn’t a golfer, but the three people who have influenced him the most would be: his dad, as he taught him the value of having a good work ethic; his mom, because she taught him to care about everything he does; and Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation (the TV show), as he bases his life around his “Pyramid of Greatness.”

What's in Eric's cart? 

Eric doesn’t have his own cart because he’s always running around fixing others’ he says. He carries three things with him wherever he goes while he’s at work, he says, “A hammer for when things don’t move and they should; and welder and duct tape for when things move and they shouldn’t.”

What does the future hold for Eric? What are his aspirations? 

Eric would like to stay local and eventually get a place with some land in the country to raise a family on. Eric would also like to take on greater responsibility around the course as opportunities present themselves. 

Do his co-workers have any nicknames for him? If so, what are they?

“Ric”, “E”, “Meinholz” 

What has been Eric's favorite course project that his crew has done? What has been his least favorite?

Eric’s favorite project that he’s worked on was putting in the new tee on 9 Woods. It turned out really nice and he’s proud of it. His least favorite project is raking and fixing traps after they wash out in storms. 

What is his role at Pleasant View Golf Course?

Chris, widely known as “Schwabie,” is our Clubhouse Manager. Schwabie has worked in every department at Pleasant View GC throughout his time with us. He plays a large role in the Food and Beverage Department operations. Schwabie arrives to work each day at 7am and opens up Goat Hill Grill. He takes care of most of the ordering and stocking of all the products in the Food and Beverage Department. Schwabie usually starts his day by taking an inventory and assessing ordering needs. He then meets with sales reps and places orders for the upcoming week. He also plays a large role in the daily food preparation for Goat Hill Grill, as well as the planning for catered events and outings. Schwabie is also responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the clubhouse and ensuring it is up to safety and fire inspection codes.

What is his background? What did Chris do before Pleasant View Golf Course?

Schwabie grew up in Middleton. He went to Northside Elementary, Kromrey Middle School, and graduated from Middleton High School. Growing up, Schwabie enjoyed playing basketball, golf, and bowling. When he was young, he made up a game that he used to play in his yard where he would hit a baseball on the ground with a baseball bat. His dad noticed his interest and asked Dewey Stendahl for advice. Dewey suggested getting Schwabie involved in golf lessons at Pleasant View GC. In high school, he did well on the golf team, with his team winning the state championship in 1997. After high school he went to Madison College and earned his Associate Degree in Business Management. Through college he had part-time jobs at various local businesses; such as, The Shoe Box, Office Depot, Hilton Garden Inn, etc.. He then worked at PDQ (now Kwik Trip) and has been there part-time for the last nine years. 

How did Pleasant View Golf Course come into his life? 

Soon after starting golf lessons with Ted Donker, Schwabie started working at Pleasant View GC as a freshman in high school. He began working in the Golf Department, parking carts and picking range balls. Since then, he has worked in multiple roles across each department at Pleasant View GC. He has taught junior lessons; worked in the Golf Shop; helped in the Maintenance Department, and now in the Food and Beverage Department. Shortly before the new clubhouse was built,  Schwabie took over the Food and Beverage Department. He has been working in the Food and Beverage department ever since. 

Aside from working at Pleasant View Golf Course, what are his other interests/passions? 

Schwabie is a hard worker who likes to stay busy. He has worked two or more jobs at the same time since he bought a house in 2003. When he is not working at Pleasant View GC or Kwik Trip, he is usually spending time with his family. He enjoys helping his neighbors, working on outdoor projects, cooking and mowing the lawn. In the summertime he likes to take trips to nearby campgrounds, visit family out of state and have bonfires. In the wintertime he enjoys having more free time to relax and spend with his five year-old daughter.

What does Chris feel is Pleasant View Golf Course’s most unique characteristic? 

Schwabie has thought all along that the variety of scenic views from the different parts of the course serve as Pleasant View GC’s most unique characteristic. He often looks back and remembers how far Pleasant View GC has come since before the grow-in and all of the improvements. He remembers when the property used to be primarily rural. He enjoys finding bits and pieces of the old Pleasant View around now and then. He says if you look hard enough, you can still see it.

Where does Chris see Pleasant View Golf Course going in the future? 

He sees Pleasant View GC continuing to be a social, scenic, affordable, and a challenging multi-use course for all people. 

If he could choose three people to be in his foursome who have influenced his passion for golf the most, who would they be and why?

He would first choose Ted Donker, who has been a mentor and coach of his since Schwabie was 13 years old. He remembers fondly the times they used to take Mondays off of work to go play at another golf course. 

Dewey Stendahl would also be in his foursome. “Dew was Dew,” he said. "He was good at what he did and took everyone under his wing." From a young age, Schwabie learned a lot from working alongside him with the junior golf program. He feels lucky to have been taken under Dewey’s wing. 

Finally, Tiger Woods would be the final influencer in Schwabie’s foursome. Schwabie feels that Tiger revolutionized the game of golf and molded it into what it is today. Tiger’s mentality always inspired Schwabie to get out and play. 

What's in his bag? 

Schwabie doesn’t golf much anymore, as “his clubs are in his garage collecting dust,” he said. One of these days we’ll get him back out there. He doesn’t talk about it often, but Schwabie used to be quite the golfer. The photo of him and his team taken when MHS boys golf won the state title in 1997 still hangs in the clubhouse today.

Schwabie is often one of the first ones to arrive each day and get things opened up. He comes to work each day equipped with the following: his winter hat and sweatshirt, even in the middle of summer, he wears it on the cold mornings he spends in the freezer putting orders away; his infamous sunglasses, with which he calls himself “Keanu Reeves” when he wears them; his car keys; a Kwik Trip muffin or two, usually chocolate chip or blueberry; and his strawberry kiwi energy drops. 

What does the future hold for Chris? What are his aspirations? 

Schwabie plans to retire and slow down. He’s not sure what retirement will look like for him, but he’s looking forward to finding that chapter of his life after how hard he’s worked. He plans to stay local and continue to raise his daughter. 

Is there anything that he misses about “old Pleasant View?” What does he not miss? 

Schwabie often reminisces about “old Pleasant View.” He remembers fondly old staff members that influenced him throughout his time here. He remembers the “Saturday morning skin games” and the “twilight games” they used to play on the old course. His favorite hole on the old course was hole 8, as he had two eagles on it. He sometimes misses the old clubhouse and the simplicity of it. He doesn’t miss how the roof always leaked after a rainstorm or the lack of temperature regulation.  

Do his co-workers have any nicknames for him? If so, what are they?

Most evidently, “Schwabie,” of course. I have probably only heard him called, “Chris” a handful of times in the entirety of the time I’ve known him. He calls himself, “Luckie,” yes, with that spelling too, and I still to this day don’t know why. The Food and Beverage staff has a handful of nicknames for him, but the crowd favorite is probably “chupacabra,” or “chupes” for short, which is a folkloric monster that eats goats. 

Bill works in the Maintenance Department as a Crew Leader and Irrigation Specialist. Bill generally arrives to work each day around 5:30am to open up the shop, which he enjoys as he is an early riser. He then gets the machines out and ready for use. Bill’s typical responsibilities include: changing cups, maintaining sprinklers, working on the irrigation system, leading staff in projects on the course, trimming trees, edging traps, and mowing. 

What is his background? What did he do before Pleasant View Golf Course?

Bill’s father met his mother during the Vietnam war. Bill was born in Vietnam and after his father finished serving his tour, his father went through a lot to bring both Bill and Bill’s mother to the U.S. They moved back to Grand Haven, Michigan, where Bill’s father grew up. Bill spent his childhood in Grand Haven and graduated from high school in 1990. He then attended Northern Michigan University for a few months and decided that college wasn’t for him. He began working miscellaneous jobs. He said, “I’ve done everything from grinding camshafts to making fiberglass antennas for military vehicles to later working in the restaurant industry for many years.” Bill’s parents later moved to Columbus, Wisconsin, and Bill followed them there. He worked at Oscar Meyer for some time and met many people in the food industry. From there, he got a job at Captain Bill’s restaurant, starting out as a dishwasher. He ended up staying in the food industry for 15 years, working second shift and eventually managing banquets at various local restaurants; such as Club Tavern and Morales. Bill and his parents later moved to Cross Plains, Wisconsin and Bill decided to apply at Pleasant View GC. 

How did Pleasant View Golf Course come into Bill's life? 

Bill got a job at Pleasant View GC in 2001. He originally applied as a way to encourage himself to get out and golf more. He started out as a Crewman, struggling with the schedule change of working early mornings. He grew to love his job as he has a natural appreciation for the outdoors. “It was a big change from working in the kitchen for 15 years,” he said.

Aside from working at Pleasant View Golf Course, what are his other interests/passions? 

Bill and his wife do a lot of kayaking. His favorite places to kayak are Devil’s Lake, Lake Wingra, Fish Camp Park, and the Yahara River. He also enjoys fishing, golfing, and cooking for his family. His favorite thing to cook is comfort food--chicken pot pie, spaghetti, baked cookies, etc. In the winter time, Bill enjoys relaxing with his family; watching movies, spending time with his dogs, and playing video games. 

What does he feel is Pleasant View Golf Course’s most unique characteristic? 

“It’s gotta be our staff,” he said. Bill believes that people enjoy coming to Pleasant View GC for our staff. He enjoys when he’s working out on the golf course and a guest approaches him and takes interest in the work that he’s doing. He enjoys getting to know the regulars. Bill believes that we have the friendliest staff who know our guests, which makes Pleasant View GC more unique than the rest. 

Where does Bill see Pleasant View Golf Course going in the future? 

In the future, Bill envisions Pleasant View GC turning heads. He believes we do things in a uniquely different way that works for us and our business. He believes we will influence other golf courses in a positive way. He admires the fact that we as a public facility are able to compete with the local country clubs.

If he could choose three people to be in his foursome who have influenced him the most, who would they be and why?

Bill would first choose Jack Nicklaus. Bill likes Nicklaus’s theory on golf: if you’re not a pro golfer and you’re trying to improve, don’t always leave yourself in a bad lie--when you become consistent, then you can begin playing those tougher lies and learn from them. 

Bill would also choose his father, who taught him to always be patient--something that he still works on. “Fishing helps,” he said. 

Bill would choose the Dalai Lama as his final player, as he would be curious to learn his point of view on some things.

What's in Bill's cart? 

Bill’s cart stores all of the irrigation tools and tools for electrical repairs. He also has a chainsaw; materials to change cups; a valve tool; a wire cutter and stripper; waterproof wire nuts; solenoids; materials to change and repair sprinkler heads; shovels; jugs of water; and boards to shovel sut and dirt onto. 

What does the future hold for Bill? What are his aspirations? 

Bill believes that the future holds a lot of potential for him. He hopes to keep growing from all that he has learned at Pleasant View GC and the people who have influenced him here. He always aspires to be better at his job and continue to grow in his role. He plans to stay local with his family. 

Do his co-workers have any nicknames for him? If so, what are they?

“Billy,” most obviously. Most know him at Pleasant View GC as “Billy,” however I learned that outside of work, everyone simply calls him Bill. “Babutchis”, “B-Butch”, and “Hawaisian” are also popular among his co-workers. 

What has been Bill's favorite course project that his crew has done? What has been his least favorite?

Bill’s favorite project was the construction of the new 9 holes, which took place when he first joined the Pleasant View GC team. His least favorite, that he shares with many of his co-workers, is the fixing of the sand traps after a rainstorm.