Sessions

Wednesday, Feb. 4

The First Tee Forum – Tour

1 – 3 p.m.

This forum will be held at The First Tee of New Orleans. Jimmy Headrick, executive director, and Tai Moran, regional manager for central plains region for The First Tee, will give an overview of the day-to-day programming at The First Tee facility located at the Brachtel Golf Course. Pete Carew, golf course superintendent, will provide a tour of the facility. Seats are limited. Registration is required, and transportation will be provided.

Management to Leadership – The General Manager Role

1 – 3 p.m.

This program, presented by the Club Managers Association of America, will explore the path for the golf course superintendent to move from serving as a department manager to becoming the leader of the club operation. New competency areas in the “management to leadership” model of leadership and interpersonal skills will be discussed, as well as answers to the following questions: How does the superintendent move into the general manager position? How does the superintendent access the education programs necessary for taking a greater leadership role in the club facility? Is certification as a club manager a realistic goal, and what are the requirements? This program provides a great first step, an overview and an exploration of the “management to leadership model” of club operations. The new “club governance” model adopted by CMAA will also be presented.

Speaker: Joe Perdue, CCM, CHE, Academic Advisor, Club Managers
Association of America; Associate Professor, University of Nevada Las Vegas

Trends in Contemporary Golf Course Architecture

1 – 3 p.m.

This popular session features the current president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Bruce Charlton, ASGCA, moderating a panel of leading ASGCA architects as they comment on today’s pertinent issues regarding new golf course design and remodeling. The panel will begin the session focusing on three topics. Have today’s golf course designs brought the industry into a new “golden age” of golf course architecture? How can design help golf be a more efficient and intelligent user of water? What can architects do to educate the golfing public about how the golf industry is dedicated to responsible environmental stewardship? Charlton will also invite attendees to direct questions to the panel.

What Does Ecosystem Service Value Mean . . . and Who Cares?

1 – 3 p.m.

Over the last few years, Forest Service research on the environmental value of trees and other woody plants has become accessible to the average user through the software suite known as i-Tree. With these tools, it is now possible for anyone to obtain an accurate dollar figure for the work done by these plants, such as purifying the air we breathe, cooling the spaces we live in, and more. This presentation will cover three questions that a superintendent might ask about i-Tree: How can you use these tools, what does it take to get an accurate estimate of the services, and what can you do with it once you have it to leverage and communicate that value to your members and the local community?

Speaker: Jerry Bond, Director, Urban Forestry LLC

Quality of Cut — A Turf Equipment Technician’s View

2 – 4 p.m.

This program, presented by turf equipment technicians with over 50 years of combined experience, will cover quality of cut issues, and how to diagnose an correct them. In addition, the do’s and don’ts of cutting unit setup, as well as tips and tricks of cutting unit maintenance, will be presented. Come join us for an interactive presentation that will answer your cutting unit questions!

Doing More with Less!

3 – 5 p.m.

Water for new golf course irrigation systems is becoming more difficult to obtain, and existing courses find increased scrutiny of their water use by regulatory agencies and the general public. The successful golf course superintendent of the 21st century will have to do more with less water. This session, presented by the Irrigation Association, provides anyone interested in new systems or maximizing water efficiency from existing systems, valuable information on design concepts, installation and maintenance techniques, and products that can improve turf quality while decreasing water use.

Moderator: Bob Dobson, Middletown Sprinklers

Use of Subsurface Drip on Golf Course Turf
Gregg Stanley, CGCS

More Sprinkler Heads Can Mean Less Water Use
Brian Vinchesi, Irrigation Consulting, Inc.
Bob Beccard, Aqua Engineering, Inc.

Selecting and Maintaining Sprinkler Heads for Maximum Efficiency
Paul Roche, Rain Bird Corporation

High Efficiency Nozzles
Update on the CA irrigation nozzle study conducted by the Center for Irrigation Technology

You Asked For It . . . You Got It!

3 – 5 p.m.

Presented in partnership with Gravely Turf, an Ariens Company Brand.

Join us for a dynamic session that will address the top challenges facing today’s golf course superintendent. That’s right; we ask you to help build this engaging session by telling us what challenges you face, and then we ask you to vote on those hot topics. The votes are then tabulated and speakers identified for the topics you select. The session information will be posted on this web site in December, as well as in the on-site conference program. Stay tuned to see what hot topics this session will offer!

Chairperson: Drew Thompson

Steering into 2020 with Multi-Course Companies

3:30 – 5 p.m.

Presented in partnership with NGCOA

Don’t miss this panel discussion on the current role of superintendents at today’s multi-course facilities, their responsibilities and accountabilities in helping to make the facilities successful. Then, journey with the panel as they look ahead to 2020 and beyond, and the changes that may be in store for agronomic practices, business models and the number of golf courses managed by multi-course companies. How will these changes impact multicourse facility superintendents and their future career paths? It’s sure to be a lively and informative discussion you won’t want to miss!

Thursday, Feb. 5

Innovative Superintendent Session I

6:30 – 8:20 a.m.

Whether you want practical information you can use immediately or you’re looking for new innovations and ideas, this session has it all! Enjoy breakfast at 6 a.m., then join us to learn something new from your peers.

Chairperson: Dwayne Dillinger, CGCS

Environmental Planning and Your Golf Course
Robert Cook, CTP

Communication Through Your Web Site
David Kuypers, P.Ag

Integrated Plant Management: Anticipating Problems
Justin Ruiz, CGCS

Uniform Granular Applications with Rotary Spreaders
Steven Phillips

Hit the Easy Button — Organize Your Office
Larry Balko, CGCS

Opening Session

9 – 10:45 a.m.

Presented in partnership with TYCROP Manufacturing Inc.

The GCSAA Education Conference hits a high note Thursday morning with the always popular Opening Session. GCSAA’s most coveted honor, the Old Tom Morris Award, will be presented at this session. The winner of the award will also headline the event as the featured speaker or panelist. This event is certain to stir your emotions in the same manner as recent featured speakers such as Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, Charlie Sifford, Nancy Lopez, Greg Norman, Jim Nantz and others.

Other GCSAA top awards that will be presented at this session are the Leo Feser Award, Excellence in Government Relations Award, GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards, President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship, and the Distinguished Service Award.

The Changing Face of Golf Forum

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Join us as Renee Powell, LLD, the second of only three African American women to ever play on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour share her experiences as she pursued her dreams in the golf industry. She will also share insight and advice on how the game of golf can be brought to more diverse audiences.

Renee got her start at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, which was built by her father after World War II and is the only course in the world designed, built, owned and operated by an African-American.

Powell is also a recipient of the PGA of America’s First Lady in Golf Award, and earlier this year was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland – the first female golfer and only the third American to receive the award.

Moderator: Sean A. Hoolehan, CGCS

Environmental Session: A Focus on Water

12:30 – 2 p.m.

This session will examine the use of water by the golf industry, innovative conservation methods, current and future issues of utilizing recycled water, and expose future technology for measuring water needs and scheduling irrigation. It will begin with an overview of water use and conservation in the golf industry from the GCSAA Environmental Profile Project. A panel of speakers will discuss a variety of environmental and economic issues related to the future use and protection of water resources.

In The Moment . . . The State of Public Golf

1 – 2:30 p.m.

Exceptional experiences are essential tools for success! This is an opportunity for those within or curious about the public/municipal arenas to discuss challenges and hear topics pertinent to their facilities. Join us for an engaging session that provides networking opportunities and the ability to hear peer-to-peer experiences regarding this environment. A question-and-answer period following the panelist presentations will provide for additional discussion.

Chairperson: Todd A. Lupkes, CGCS

Creative and Affordable Environmental Stewardship Programs
Christopher S. Gray Sr.

Increasing the Municipal Profile
Brian M. Zimmerman

Challenges in Working with the Union
James N. Ward, CGCS

Career Forum: Balancing Personal Priorities with Business Responsibilities

1 – 3 p.m.

Managing stress is one of the greatest challenges to the superintendent family. Come to this session and gather tools to give you command of your work/life balance. Leading golf industry guru Henry DeLozier, a partner in the international consulting firm Global Golf Advisors, and Laura Jenkins, a financial advisor for UBS Financial Services, partner to provide superintendents (and their spouses) who attend this forum with specifics to reduce anxiety at work and at home, including worksheets and educational pieces to begin an action plan.

• Use this information to take charge of yourself and your family, both from an emotional and financial standpoint
• Take ownership of your career growth and advancement
• Put your financial house in order

Speakers: Henry B. DeLozier, Global Golf Advisors & Laura Jenkins, UBS Financial Services

Assistant Superintendent Session and Reception

1:30 – 5 p.m.

Presented in partnership with Syngenta Professional Products and The Toro Company

Hear from golf course management professionals who will share their expertise in interviewing, budgeting and various other practices that will help you with career success. We’ve recruited an excellent panel consisting of a first-time superintendent, a newer superintendent who has hired an assistant, a veteran superintendent who has hired and trained many assistants, and a well-known general manager who also has hired numerous superintendents. Learn tips that will help you transition from assistant to superintendent at whichever facility type you’re targeting.

You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from fellow assistants, as they share innovative practices that you can implement at your own facility. Ample Q & A time after the presentations is planned, with a networking reception following.

 Assistant Superintendent Presenters:

Template for Becoming Engaged in Your Chapter
Alexis Wenker

Dealing with the Politics
Tavis Horton

Interviewing Tips 101
Dan Schuknecht

Superintendent Panelists:
Michael Heustis
Greg Boring
George Carroll
Sandy Clark, CGCS

Research Solutions: Science for Your Course

2 – 4:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gather practical information to take back to your facility, learn leading turf management research information and find answers to common golf course problems. This session is designed to feature current research findings, including three GCSAA research projects funded by The Environmental Institute for Golf, as well as research-based topics shaping the industry. There will be an opportunity for a five-minute question-and-answer period at the end of each presentation.

Chairperson: Paul McGinnis, CGCS

Assessing Golf Course Water Management Options Under Drought Emergency
Dale Devitt, Ph.D.

Physical Water Conditioner Effects on Turfgrass
Bernd Leinauer, Ph.D.

Energy Efficiency Management for Golf Courses
Andrew Staples

Turfgrass Reestablishment Techniques Following Winterkill
Kevin Frank, Ph.D.

New Application Techniques for Golf Weed Management
Shawn Askew, Ph.D.

Friday, Feb. 6

Innovative Superintendent Session II

6:30 – 8:20 a.m.

Looking for innovative topics that will enhance your job and your organizational performance? Join us at this early morning session for innovative approaches to your course management. This is a great opportunity to gain essential tools and tips that will enhance your facility.

Chairperson: Kirk Hardin

Wetland Restoration
Charles Anfield, CGCS

Teamwork Through Food, Fun and Fellowship!
Fred Biggers, CGCS

How to Build Successful Sodded Greens
Mark Prieur

Full Exposure – Successful Community Outreach Programs
Kevin Breuker

Wildlife Tours
W. Craig Weyandt

Golf Industry Show General Session – The Speed of Trust

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Produced by GCSAA, NGCOA and CMAA

The highlight of this year’s Golf Industry Show General Session will be a compelling keynote by Stephen M. R. Covey.

What element do you consider to be most crucial to the success of your team, your golf facility, your business or your organization?

In his best-selling book, The Speed of Trust, Stephen M. R. Covey tells us it is trust that has become a critical leadership competency in today’s business world. He has demonstrated time and again that trust is no longer considered a “soft skill,” but rather a “hard-edged” economic driver that can be learned and measured. As the cofounder and CEO of CoveyLink Worldwide, Covey has become one of the most sought-after advisers on trust, leadership, ethics and high performance.

As the former CEO of the Covey Leadership Center, Covey directed it to become the largest leadership company in the world. It was through his strategic direction that his father’s book, Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, became one of the two most influential business books of the 20th century, according to CEO magazine. Under his guidance, the company nearly doubled its revenues to $110 million while increasing its profits by 12 times. Harvard-educated,

Covey orchestrated with Franklin Quest to form the FranklinCovey organization.

You’ll quickly experience the passion in which Covey delivers his message. His infectious style will keep you rapt with attention from beginning to end.

Chapter Editors Session

9 – 11 a.m.

Learn new ideas and techniques from your peers on how to enhance your chapter’s printed and/or electronic publications. Bring a copy of your chapter’s publication and get ready for plenty of opportunities to share what makes your chapter’s publication a valuable and effective communication tool.

USGA Green Section Education Program — It’s All About the Economy!
Good Ideas to Help You Tighten Your Belt

10 a.m. – Noon

Moderator: Ty McClellan, Agronomist, Mid-Continent Region

Water, Water Everywhere
Darin Bevard, Senior Agronomist, Mid-Atlantic Region

Be aware: The hidden costs of overwatering can cost you in more ways than one.

Overcome Your Infatuation with Base Saturation – Does It Make Sense to Apply All That Calcium?
Brian Whitlark, Agronomist, Southwest Region

Base saturation is being used to make fertilizer and soil amendment recommendations and define where calcium applications may be helpful for turf growth. Understand these ratios to ensure that unnecessary applications are avoided.

The Cost of Making Wind
Patrick O’Brien, Director, Southeast Region

Is blowing hot air burning through your wallet? The surprising numbers involving the installation and annual operational costs of fans.

Naturalized Areas: Beauty and the Beast
Jim Skorulski, Senior Agronomist, Northeast Region and John Foy, Director, Florida Region

Developing naturalized areas brings many benefits to the golf course, but beware – maintenance-free it is not!

Presentation of the 2009 Green Section Award

Pipe Dreams — Do Water Conditioners and In-Line Pipe Devices Really Work?
Pat Gross, Director, Southwest Region

A perspective on the usefulness of in-line pipe devices for water treatment.

Form vs. Function: The “Wow” Factor Can Be Costly
Keith Happ, Senior Agronomist, Mid-Atlantic Region

With ever-changing economics, it is more important than ever to cost out maintenance procedures while still meeting golfer expectations. This presentation offers suggestions on mowing tactics and the economics of preparing the playing surface.

What the Inorganic Soil Amendments Really Have to Offer
Bud White, Director, Mid-Continent Region

New products are constantly being introduced in the marketplace. Learn what can be expected from inorganic soil amendments used in the field — new construction and daily maintenance.

With a good Mechanic, It Will Run Forever
Chris Hartwiger, Senior Agronomist, Southeast Region

Having a good mechanic is vital to any maintenance operation, but keeping equipment past its useful lifespan can bust a budget and prevent the mechanic from focusing on quality-of-cut issues.

Bunkers: Can Your golf Course Afford Them?
Jim Moore, Director, Construction Education

It’s expensive to construct and maintain bunkers to the very high standards many golfers desire.

Saturday, Feb. 7

Coffee Talk with the Experts — The Latest and Greatest in Turf Management

Presented in partnership with Nufarm

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

End your conference experience with a bang! Join us for a warm cup of coffee, a wealth of agronomic information from turf professionals, and the opportunity to learn tips and techniques to apply at your facility, all while networking with your peers.

Chairperson: J. Scott McElroy, Ph.D.

How to Interpret a Soil Test
Nick Christians, Ph.D.

Golf Course Recovery After the Disaster
Ron Garl

Using Insecticide Systemicity to Control Billbugs, Annual Bluegrass Weevil and Ants
Harry Niemczyk, Ph.D.

Managing a Carbon Neutral Golf Course in an Era of Climate Change
Frank Rossi, Ph.D.