Industry shows support for those in need

It's no secret that those in the golf course management profession look out for one another. While many of us in the industry are in direct competition with one another, we always have the best interest of our neighbor and industry counterpart in mind. This could not have been more telling recently, in the wake of the Hurricanes Harvey and Irma hitting the United States.

While many of us in the Great Lakes region were not personally affected by the storms, we undoubtedly have family, friends, and colleagues who were affected. Instead of sitting idly by, members and chapters in the Great Lakes region stepped up and donated to GCSAA's Disaster Relief Fund. The fund was set up in wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2006 and has since raised almost $200,000.

Currently, over a third of the chapters in the region have donated to the fund since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in late August. A few of the region's chapters are providing matching donations to the amount raised by their members to increase their overall donation. These donations are administered by GCSAA's philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), and are tax-deductible. 100 percent of your donation goes to GCSAA members in need.

I personally thank each GCSAA member, chapters in the region, and the throughout the U.S. who have donated to this worthy cause. Many of us got into this industry because of our love of golf and the outdoors, but it's the people who in our profession that makes it so great. If you would like to donate to GCSAA's Disaster Relief Fund and help your fellow members, please visit GCSAA's site. You can also make a donation by texting "DISASTER" to 785-693-2593.

Quad-State hosts round table discussions

Members of the Quad-State Turfgrass Association met at Calvert City Country Club, in Calvert City, Kentucky. where host superintendent and 16-year GCSAA member John English welcomed the association to take part in round table discussions. One of the smaller chapters in the region, and country, the group held a lively discussion on a number of pertinent industry topics. 

One of the main topics during the meeting was on the conversion from bentgrass greens to bermudagrass greens on a number of area clubs. Ultradwarf bermudagrass is becoming increasingly popular in the Western Kentucky area, among others, and many courses have undergone the conversion in recent years. Superintendents and industry partners all took part dissecting the cultural and mechanical practices needed before, during, and after the conversion, as well as the playability between the two surfaces. 

Another main topic during the meeting focused on the labor issue in the industry. A couple success stories for attracting labor from the group included raising hourly pay rates to compete with other industries, and allowing high school and college students flexible work hours throughout the season. Paducah Country Club superintendent Larry Hantle, CGCS, is considering implementing various seasonal bonuses to encourage employees to work earlier and later into the season, while others have utilized club member, and community resident volunteer programs to assist with various tasks performed on the golf course. 

Discussions also focused on various troublesome turfgrass diseases in the area, as well as the difficult stretches of weather during the season. During these discussions, members discussed cultural and mechanical practices which have worked best for them this season, and years prior. 

These smaller get-togethers are a great opportunity to meet with each member on a one-on-one basis. Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to contribute to the discussion and added value for every other person in the room. It is clear that each person there cared about how their fellow industry member was faring throughout the year and offered input where they could. These events truly help sum up the great individuals we have in our industry, and the willingness of all involved to help each other out.