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Opportunity knocks
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Photo illustration by Kelly Neis |
As a veteran superintendent, I have long been aware of the vast array of educational opportunities available through GCSAA. It wasn’t until I assumed the general manager role at my facility that I discovered the diversity of offerings GCSAA has for preparing superintendents for the variety of career paths our industry has to offer. The GCSAA Education Conference and the educational partnerships they have made throughout the industry provided a venue for me to experience great education geared toward this new position and its unique responsibilities.
Because I still believed I needed something more hands-on in order to be successful as a general manager, I was pleased to learn of GCSAA’s partnership with the National Institute of Golf Management in Wheeling, W.Va. This dynamic education program brings in industry experts to teach topics ranging from golf shop operations and increasing revenue and rounds to marketing and pace of play. NIGM provides ample opportunities to network with other industry professionals from all facility types also working to implement best management practices.
During my 15 years as a superintendent, I have consistently been a firm believer in continuing education as a way to ensure both my success and the success of my facility. I experienced the “trial by fire” method of the GM position for two years before I discovered NIGM. Thankfully, during my first session at the Institute, my belief in continuing education was reaffirmed; I was surprised at the amount of learning and networking opportunities available during the week.
One of the big take-aways from my participation in NIGM is how, in today’s challenging golf market, the entire management staff needs to have the “success of the facility” mindset. This is an underlying theme in each NIGM session, and classes focus on new trends in the industry as well as tried and true methods taught by successful industry professionals. The classes allow superintendents, general managers, golf professionals and others to exchange ideas and discuss what is working or not working at various types of facilities. One thing that really struck me throughout the entire experience is how similar we all are, no matter where or what type of facility we are from. It helped me better appreciate the challenges we all face in our areas and how we all contribute to each area.
I would highly recommend NIGM to anyone looking at a career path in golf management. Since my participation last winter, I have been able to successfully implement many ideas and concepts that have positively affected the bottom line at my facility. In addition, I developed priceless relationships through the interaction both in and out of the classroom at NIGM. This was definitely not just another conference, but instead a unique opportunity to improve my facility while advancing my career options through learning and networking with some of the best in the business.
Don’t miss your chance. The 2008 National Institute of Golf Management will be Jan. 6-11 at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling, W.Va. For more information on the program, visit www.nigminstitute.com or contact Sarah Clopton, sclopton@gcsaa.org.
Doug Petersan, the recently retired superintendent and consultant for Austin (Texas) Golf Club, has taken on a position with Nutramax Laboratories Inc., providing agronomic advice and guidance for the company’s customers and distributors in Texas and the Southwest. The company’s agriculture division supplies the turf industry with L-amino acid based products for plant health. Prior to Austin GC, Petersan, a 41-year GCSAA member, worked as superintendent at Baltimore CC in Maryland, Prairie Dunes GC in Hutchinson, Kan., and many others. GolfLinx International has named Robert Criste, an affiliate GCSAA member, its vice president. Criste, a 12-year veteran in golf course and resort construction, environmental management and landscape contracting, has worked extensively with seashore paspalum projects and more recently with Golf Course Business Consultants Inc. as a financial consultant. Criste will lead the company’s sales channel management from Atlanta. |
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