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.
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.
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