GCSAA Conference & Golf Industry Show Review

Earlier this month I attended the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America annual Education Conference and Golf Industry Show in San Diego. It's a tough job traveling all the way across the country, sitting through hours of lectures and topics about grasses, bunkers, irrigation, trees, and such, and walking a trade show exhibiting nearly every conceivable product in the golf industry, for a full day and a half, but somebody has to do it!

Before you begin to feel sorry for me though, (I know you don't!) I do have to say that, with the exception of one day with a little rain, the weather there was beautiful and a far cry from this seemingly perpetual winter grip we've had here at Skokie CC! It was a bit tough being indoors during the days, while in seminars, forums, and on the trade show floor, but it sure was nice being able to spend time outdoors in the evenings.

Prior to the conference, I did in fact spend a few days outdoors and  participated  in our associations golf tournament, called the GCSAA Classic, and actually experienced what it was like to swing a golf club again!  It was challenging, but thoroughly enjoyable and educational, and I managed, with the help of my partner in one event, and my teammates, in another event, to "bring home some hardware"! My partner and I finished a respectable 5th place in the two man event, and my chapter team, competing in a four man combined score event, finished low net! A couple pewter plates, which we affectionately call, pickle dishes, and a small trophy should arrive soon!

Indian Wells -Celebrity Course, Palm Desert

Being so enamored with the view, I hit my ball into the waterfall. Twice!

 Playing is great, of course, but the opportunity to visit other courses, see various course conditioning methods, view course furnishings, and share ideas with other golf course managers around the country, is where the real benefit lies.

At the conference I attended a full day seminar on; Establishing and Managing Native Grasses, where I learned about some new establishment methods, possible species to incorporate, and new weed control methods. On another day I attended several short sessions such as; Budget - Stretching Ideas, Making the Most of your Water, and Ideas for Building / Modifying Equipment to do More. Another day of education was the USGA Green Section Program which, as always in year's past, was excellent. Great topics were presented such as; Promoting Fast and Firm Conditions, Communication Ideas, In-House Renovations, and a particularly enlightening presentation, The Hidden Costs of Trees.

One of Several  Educational Opportunities 

 At the Golf Industry Show (trade show) which comprised two floors of the San Diego Convention Center every exhibitor from Ace Golf Netting to Zhenjiang Copius Chemical Co. was present. This year I met with several manufacturers about putting green mowers (which we're planning to replace), saw an innovative and cost saving battery filling system (for use on our battery powered rollers, utility vehicles, and golf carts), and visited with many of the manufacturer's of products we use every day to see their most recent additions.

The Golf Industry Show - If you can't find it here, it doesn't exist!

It was a very productive conference and show and I really look forward to being able to get out on the course and... play golf...just kidding! I'm really anxious to try out some new techniques and put some of the ideas learned, into effect. Looking forward to seeing some green grass again soon!

*Photos in this post, courtesy of Indian Wells, and GCSAA.