THE PULSE is designed to keep members updated on current events related to the industry and membership. Members can post information on "this web page" FREE of charge. Simply email your information to kweitzel@swassn.com at HAGCSA. Your submission will be posted within forty-eight business hours and will remain on the site for forty-days. For additional questions, please contact Kim Weitzel at 816-561-5323.
Gary Higbie, Trails West Golf Course Superintendent is Retiring.
If you’re in town, please plan to attend Gary’s Retirement Party on February 28 (details below); hosted by Trails West GC.
Gary is a HAGCSA Past President (1998), sat on many committees over the years;
and an advocate for the golf course superintendent profession and the golf industry.
THANK YOU Gary, for all your time, efforts, wisdom and dedication through the years.
You’ll be missed and we wish you all the best!
GCSAA To Conduct Four New Research Projects For 2012
Projects Made Possible By EIFG Support (Partly HAGCSA Annual Contributions)
HAGCSA Helps Through Direct Funding
Through support provided by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has announced it will fund four new research projects in 2012.
“Research is vital for the golf industry and is a fundamental to the success of golf course superintendents.” GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans said. “The new projects were selected by the research committee and approved by the board of directors. A survey of chapter leaders helped to prioritize areas for needed research. We are pleased to be funding new projects for the benefits of our members, their facilities and the game.”
Three chapter cooperative grants, where GCSAA-affiliated chapters contribute to the funding, were awarded. A new funding category was introduced this year to encourage the implementation of best management practices or new technology.
The following chapter cooperative projects were funded:
Characterization and management of root-infecting Pythium species bentgrass putting greens in the Midwest. Gerald (Lee) Miller, Ph.D., University of Missouri. Completion date 2013. Co-funded by the Heart of America Golf Course Superintendents Association, Ozark Turf Association, the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the Mark Kizziar Research Grant administered by the EIFG.
Deficit irrigation programs for water conservation in the management of bermudagrass fairways in Texas. Benjamin Wherley, Ph.D., Texas A&M University. Completion date 2013. Co-funded by the Lonestar Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Aquatrols’ Robert A. Moore Endowment Fund administered by the EIFG.
Plant tolerance / resistance to annual bluegrass weevil among bentgrass: Which cultivars are at great risk and which are the best for overseeding / replacement. Albrecht Koppenhofer, Ph.D., Rutgers University. Completion date 2013. Co-funded by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey, Hudson Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association, Keystone Golf Course Superintendents Association, Long Island Golf Course Superintendents Association, Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association, New Jersey Turfgrass Association and the Pocono Turfgrass Association.
The following BMP/Implementation project was funded:
Field implementation and educational events to support principles in the manual: Best Management Practices for Protection of Environmental Quality on Virginia Golf Courses. Erik Ervin, Ph.D., Virginia Tech. Completion date: 2013. Co-funded by the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan Endowment Fund administered by the EIFG.
Toro Offers Tier 4 Educational Opportunities at GIS
In Toro’s ongoing efforts to generate industry awareness for the impending Tier 4 emissions standard, they will be hosting three (3) education opportunities for Golf Course Superintendents in the next 30 days.
1. At the upcoming 2012 Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas, Toro will be facilitating two (2) classes on Tier 4 on Tuesday, February 28.
Las Vegas Convention Center – Room N239-241 - 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. start times
There is no pre-registration required. The classes will earn GCSAA members education credits as part of a full pack of GCSAA education.
2. As part of a broader webcast syllabus available on GCSAA.org, Toro will be hosting a live Tier 4 webcast on Tuesday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. Central. This webcast will also earn participants education credits, and a recorded version will likely be available for download throughout the year.
These sessions are being promoted by GCSAA in all electronic marketing efforts in the next month.
Ask Questions To Reduce Stress
Brent Racer, Assistant Superintendent at Nicklaus Golf Club at Lionsgate. GCM, February 2012
January 2nd, 2012
Congratulations to Paul Davids, who was selected as one of 27 golf course superintendents to participate in the Syngenta Business Institute, a unique, educational program.
The Syngenta Business Institute is sponsored by Syngenta in conjunction with Wake Forest University’s graduate school of business and was held Dec. 5 to Dec. 8 in Winston-Salem, N.C. While agronomic expertise is critical to superintendent success, Syngenta also recognized the need to provide superintendents with business management tools.
Syngenta worked with Wake Forest to develop a program that focused on business and financial management, human resource management, negotiation skills and generational conflicts.
He was selected from a talented pool of superintendents based on an application process that reviewed their educational background, industry achievements and an industry-related essay.
Davids is the golf course superintendent at Sycamore Ridge Golf Course in Spring Hill, Kan.
ARE YOU OUR YOUR EMPLOYEES LOOKING FOR MORE TRAINING OR CREDENTIALS?
Through Metropolitan Community College you or your employees can get an education that will not only increase your skill set but further your career. Consider these practical classes offered by local landscape professionals, geared to our region’s climate and soils. You may take any for personal interest, or to further develop business skills. Metropolitan Community College offers a certificate in Grounds and Turf Management, and an Associate in Applied Science degree. Our classes attract all ages and backgrounds, from beginners to those with years of experience.
THE GREEN INDUSTRY (AGBS 100) Jan. 18-Mar. 7, Mon./Wed. 5:45--8:30 p.m. This introduction to careers in the green industry includes a variety of local guest speakers discussing their work in landscape services, public gardens, golf course management and contemporary urban agriculture as well as a historical overview of the importance of horticulture in our lives. Instructor: Leah Berg
SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS (AGBS 115) Jan. 19-Mar. 8, Mon./Wed. 6:00--8:50 p.m. This introduction to soil composition, fertility, amendments and drainage issues is taught by a local horticulturist and professional grounds manager. Instructor: Dave Kriegh
PEST MANAGEMENT (AGBS 109) Mar. 20- May 17, Tues./Th. 6:00--8:50 p.m. Students study Integrated Pest Management practices and organic control methods appropriate for ornamental horticulture and turfgrass management. The Missouri State exam for Certified Pesticide Applicators License is given the final day of class. Instructor: Rusty Denes.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN & MAINTENANCE (AGBS 106) Mar. 19-May 16, Mon./Wed. 5:45--8:30 p.m. The practical emphasis is on information relevant to our region, including site assessment and scale drawing of plans using a blend of regionally appropriate ornamental, edibles, and native landscaping. Many handouts supplement our great book (Landscape Design: Theory and Application by Ann Marie VanDer Zanden, IA. St. U.)& Steven Rodie (U. of NE.). Instructor: Leah Berg
DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS (AGBS 106) June 6–July 27, Mon./Wed. 5:45--8:30 p.m. Local field trips enhance studying the value, ornamental use & identification of regional native and ornamental woody plants. Instructor: Leah Berg
SPECIAL TOPICS IN HORTICULTURE (AGBS 151) June 7 –July 28, Tues./Thurs. 5:45--8:30 p.m. This special elective taught by Mary Roduner of the Kansas City Community Gardens offers an introduction to horticulture with field trips and projects tailored to needs and interests of students, ranging from annuals and perennials, native plants, edibles in the landscape to beneficial insects.
OCCUPATIONAL INTERNSHIPS (AGBS 200) are arranged with the instructor and may include new or existing jobs as well as volunteer experience, subject to approval.
THE FALL SEMESTER OF 2012 WILL INCLUDE:
IRRIGATION & INSTALLATION (AGBS 145) Instructor: John Barrera
TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT (AGBS 135) Instructor: Dave Kriegh
EVERGREENS AND HERBACEOUS PLANTS (AGBS 108) Instructor: Leah Berg
LANDSCAPE DESIGN & MAINTENANCE (AGBS 106) Instructor: Leah Berg
*Above classes are 3 credit hours and fees apply based on residency. Financial aid may be available. Additional classes in subjects such as botany, ecology, chemistry, business and communication skills offered as part of an Associate in Science degree may also be of interest.
For more information, contact Leah Berg, Agribusiness Coordinator /Instructor MCC-Longview, 500 SW Longview Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Lberg7805@aol.com | www.mcckc.edu
T (816) 353-7170 | F (816) 672-2439