The event serves as one of the premier educational opportunities on the West Coast

The GCSA of Northern California (GCSANC) held their annual Assistant Superintendent Boot Camp January 14-15 at Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Club in Seaside, Calif. 

In addition to GCSANC members, the chapter opened the event this year to neighboring chapters including the Cactus & Pine GCSA, Oregon GCSA, Southern Nevada GCSA and the five additional chapters in California. 

“Opening it up to other chapters along the West Coast is a big step forward for us,” said GCSANC Chapter Executive Marc Connerly. “GSANC has always been an industry leader in Northern California and now we are able to assist in providing education and great hospitality to members of neighboring chapters. It’s a win-win for all involved.”  

The event featured 1.5 days of education, a cocktail reception and dinner the first evening and a golf event on the second afternoon at the award-winning Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Club which is a past host of the PGA Club Professional Championship. 

Featured speakers included Doug Soldat from the University of Wisconsin, Maggie Reiter with the UC Cooperative Extension, Gina Rizzi with ARCUS Marketing, Clay Wood from the Oakland Coliseum, Golf Course Architect Andy Staples, Rob Golembiewski of Bayer and Jeff Jensen of GCSAA. 

"This was my second time at the Assistant Superintendent Boot Camp and it continues to get better every single year," said Steven Spatafore, assistant superintendent at Contra Costa Country Club.  "The event was filled with speakers who are leading us into the future of turfgrass management. It was great to network and learn from experiences shared by other assistants over meals and golf. A big thank you Toro Turf Star, Wilbur Ellis, and the GCSANC Board and it’s Education Committee for their hard work. I look forward to next year."

The education spanned a variety of topics and interests including agronomy, turfgrass research, communication and leadership, architecture and sustainability, golf course products, regulations/advocacy and updates from around the California golf industry. 

“GCSANC is committed to making the Bootcamp the premier west coast educational event for Assistant Superintendents and it’s a terrific opportunity to learn, network and advance your career,” said GCSANC President Pete Bachman. 

For more information and their member offerings, visit the GCSANC website. and its member offerings.