by
Jeff Jensen
| Jun 17, 2019
Barajas and Evans address maintenance staff and volunteers, sponsor evening dinner
The GCSAA Board of Directors along with CEO Rhett Evans and COO Bob Randquist made the trip to the Monterey Peninsula for the playing of the 119th U.S. Open Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
President Rafael Barajas, Vice President John Fulling, Secretary/Treasurer Mark Jordan and Kevin Breen joined Evans and Randquist for numerous high-level meetings with allied associations and industry partners.
Additionally, the group took time out of their busy schedule to meet with Pebble Beach Director of Golf Course Maintenance Chris Dalhamer, CGCS, staff members, USGA staf,f and the nearly 100 volunteers from all over the world who assembled for the playing of the championship.
GCSAA sponsored the Thursday evening meal (with each crew member receiving a GCSAA hat) with Barajas and Evans addressing the crew before they headed out to complete their nightly assignments. Barajas thanked the staff and volunteers for their efforts while emphasizing how proud he was of the group representing the industry on its biggest stage. Evans discussed teamwork, leadership and the importance of volunteering while thanking all those in attendance for their continued support of GCSAA.
The Board, Evans and Randquist also had the opportunity to meet individually with crew and volunteers to discuss industry issues (particularly on the advocacy front) and upcoming GCSAA initiatives.
A special thanks goes to Dalhamer as well as his assistants Jack Holt and Bubba Wright for the hospitality they showed us during the week. With their feet to the fire and a never-ending list of tasks to complete, they always had time to work with GCSAA staff and make sure our needs were met. We would also be remiss not to thank USGA Senior Managing Director of Championships John Bodenhamer and USGA Director of Championship Agronomy Darin Brevard who, along with Dalhamer, produced outstanding conditions that were the highlight of the week.
For a recap and complete coverage of the event, visit GCM Online.
