During the first week of October, I was fortunate to spend a few days with Keith Ihms, CGCS, GCSAA past president, and current board director. The goal of our travels was to provide outreach to members, hear about their activities and challenges, and determine ways GCSAA can better serve our members moving forward.
Chris Knockwafel – Audubon Country Club – Louisville, Kentucky
To begin our travels, Keith and I met with 17-year GCSAA member Chris Knockwafel, superintendent of Audubon Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky, and one-year GCSAA member and assistant superintendent Paul Hauck. The four of us discussed current programs and initiatives offered by GCSAA, as well as potential future plans. Chris relayed, one of his largest challenges is finding sufficient labor. He, along with many other courses in the nation, struggle to attract and retain seasonal employees throughout the season. We were able to convey to him, the areas where GCSAA is working to attract individuals into our profession moving forward.
To begin our travels, Keith and I met with 17-year GCSAA member Chris Knockwafel, superintendent of Audubon Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky, and one-year GCSAA member and assistant superintendent Paul Hauck. The four of us discussed current programs and initiatives offered by GCSAA, as well as potential future plans. Chris relayed, one of his largest challenges is finding sufficient labor. He, along with many other courses in the nation, struggle to attract and retain seasonal employees throughout the season. We were able to convey to him, the areas where GCSAA is working to attract individuals into our profession moving forward.
David Littrell – Crescent Hills Golf Course – Louisville, Kentucky
Following the meeting with Chris Knockwafel, Keith and I met with 20-year Class A member David Littrell at Crescent Hills Golf Course, which is run by the city of Louisville. David maintains the golf course with a full-time staff of just three, including himself! David has been with the city for over 15-years, however, he has only been at Crescent Hills since early 2017. During his short time at the course, he has overseen an extensive improvement project which has seen tree management, turf seeding, and irrigation repair to name a few. As we toured the course, it was hard to believe there were only three staff members to care for the entire property. He and his crew do a fantastic job and go the extra mile to ensure the course is in excellent condition.
Following the meeting with Chris Knockwafel, Keith and I met with 20-year Class A member David Littrell at Crescent Hills Golf Course, which is run by the city of Louisville. David maintains the golf course with a full-time staff of just three, including himself! David has been with the city for over 15-years, however, he has only been at Crescent Hills since early 2017. During his short time at the course, he has overseen an extensive improvement project which has seen tree management, turf seeding, and irrigation repair to name a few. As we toured the course, it was hard to believe there were only three staff members to care for the entire property. He and his crew do a fantastic job and go the extra mile to ensure the course is in excellent condition.
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| David Littrell (left) and Keith Ihms, CGCS |
Josh Adams – Woodhaven Country Club – Louisville, Kentucky
Current Kentuckiana GCSA vice president and 12-year GCSAA member Josh Adams welcomed Keith and me to Woodhaven Country Club where we were able to get a full tour of the golf course. Josh is currently overseeding his bermudagrass fairways with Kentucky bluegrass to create a ‘Bluemuda’ blend. He and his staff had a trial hole overseeded a couple years, and had successful results. Since the time of this writing, Josh has assumed the presidency of the Kentuckiana GCSA. Josh has been a board member within the KGCSA for almost a decade, which he felt has been very rewarding, and is proud of the accomplishments and programs the board has put in place during his time. I look forward to working with him more over the coming years.
Current Kentuckiana GCSA vice president and 12-year GCSAA member Josh Adams welcomed Keith and me to Woodhaven Country Club where we were able to get a full tour of the golf course. Josh is currently overseeding his bermudagrass fairways with Kentucky bluegrass to create a ‘Bluemuda’ blend. He and his staff had a trial hole overseeded a couple years, and had successful results. Since the time of this writing, Josh has assumed the presidency of the Kentuckiana GCSA. Josh has been a board member within the KGCSA for almost a decade, which he felt has been very rewarding, and is proud of the accomplishments and programs the board has put in place during his time. I look forward to working with him more over the coming years.
Jacob Blair – Iroquois Park Golf Course – Louisville, Kentucky
The final stop of the day was at Iroquois Park Golf Course, which is also run by the city of Louisville. Jacob Blair, a four-year member of GCSAA, is in his first year as superintendent. Jacob, along with head PGA professional Paul Schuchard, was kind enough to give us a history of the course and discuss some of the challenges they face. The course is located on a great piece of property bordered by Iroquois Park which makes for a challenging and beautiful round of golf. Despite the recent challenges from Mother Nature, Jacob and his team had the course looking fantastic which is a testament to Jacob's passion for the job.
The final stop of the day was at Iroquois Park Golf Course, which is also run by the city of Louisville. Jacob Blair, a four-year member of GCSAA, is in his first year as superintendent. Jacob, along with head PGA professional Paul Schuchard, was kind enough to give us a history of the course and discuss some of the challenges they face. The course is located on a great piece of property bordered by Iroquois Park which makes for a challenging and beautiful round of golf. Despite the recent challenges from Mother Nature, Jacob and his team had the course looking fantastic which is a testament to Jacob's passion for the job.
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| Paul Schuchard (left), Keith Ihms, CGCS (center) and superintendent Jacob Blair |
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