One-Day Seminars

.7 education points, $150 member, $225 nonmember

• Monday
• Tuesday

Monday, Feb. 8

Advanced Irrigation Wiring Methods and Troubleshooting
(formerly Electrical Troubleshooting Part II)

$220 member and nonmember

(588-01) This advanced class covers different types of transformers, proper phrasing (primary and secondary), diagnosing problems using different meters, wire sizing for communication cables and two-wire systems, DC controllers, sensors, decoders, special solenoids and understanding proper wire splicing for today's sophisticated control systems. Attendees will also learn about designing and installing grounding system components to protect expensive equipment. Learn through hands-on practice with simulation and test equipment.

Advanced Management of Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Golf Greens

Bruce Martin, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology, Soil and Plant Science, Clemson University
L.B. “Bert” McCarty, Ph.D., Professor of Horticulture, Clemson University

(458-01) The recent introduction of ultradwarf bermudagrass cultivars for golf greens means you need a completely new plan for successful management. Agronomic, physiological, and pest management topics will be discussed, including:

• Construction options and cultivar choices
• Irrigation regimes
• Fertility rates and methods
• Disease, weed and pest management
• Overseeding/transition methods

Advanced Stress Management Strategies for Cool-Season Turfgrasses

Jack D. Fry, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Science, Kansas State University
Bingru Huang, Ph.D., Professor, Plant Biology and Pathology Department, Rutgers University

(450-01) This advanced seminar will provide an overview of basic growth characteristics and environmental adaptation of cool-season turfgrasses before examining more advanced topics, such as:

• Major environmental stresses that cause performance decline
• Physiological reasons behind stress injury to turf
• Advanced management strategies to prevent stress injury
• Maintaining high-quality turf when water quality and quantity concerns exist
• Best management practices for common real-world problems

Calculations and Practical Mathematics for Use in Golf Course Management

Michael L. Agnew, Ph.D., Senior Technical Manager, Syngenta Professional Products
Nick E. Christians, Ph.D., Professor of Horticulture, Iowa State University

(080-01) In today’s market, proper application of chemicals is more important than ever. Refresh your math skills in this practical and hands-on seminar:

• Learn calculations involved in purchasing and applying materials
• Interpret fertilizer and plant protectant labels

A basic calculator will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own if you prefer. Please bring the required textbook, The Mathematics of Turfgrass Maintenance, latest edition, to the seminar.

Cool-Season Turfgrass Insects – Biology, Ecology and Management

Frederick Baxendale, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Patricia Vittum, Ph.D., Professor, University of Massachusetts-Amherst

(547-01)Learn to manage major insect and mite pests affecting cool-season turfgrasses in this interactive seminar. This IPM-focused seminar will cover:

• Turf insect identification
• Factors affecting insect establishment, survival and abundance
• The latest insect monitoring and sampling techniques
• An update on new products, including a discussion of the challenges associated with pesticide use

Cool-Season Turfgrass Nutrition, Fertilizers and Programming

Kevin W. Frank, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Turfgrass Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
Brian Horgan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota

(482-01)New fertilizers, new cultivars, new research, new turfgrass management philosophies and new regulations on what you can and cannot do – these are all factors critical to understanding turfgrass nutritional needs. Topics covered in this comprehensive seminar include:

• Plant, soil and fertilizer factors
• Turf responses to nutrients
• Environmental fate of nutrients
• Fertilizer characteristics and planning a fertilization program

Developing a High-Performance, People-Oriented Golf Course Maintenance Staff

Robert A. Milligan, Ph.D., Senior Consultant, Dairy Strategies, LLC

(201-01) Today’s demanding market requires a strong staff team. In this interactive seminar, you will increase your ability to:

• Increase the productivity and enhance the self-satisfaction of those you supervise
• Understand employee motivation
• Engage employees
• Provide more frequent and better quality performance feedback
• Better understand your critical role as a supervisor
• Improve your supervisory skills and behaviors

Environmental Check-Up: How Sustainable is Your Facility?
(Formerly Environmental Check-Up: How “Green” is Your Facility?)

Kathy M. Antaya, CGCS, Consultant, Kathy M. Antaya LLC
Debra S. Swartz, Environmental Specialist, Michigan State University

Location: Steele Canyon Golf Course

(332-01)How does your facility measure up to rising environmental expectations and requirements? This seminar will sharpen your environmental focus by helping you:

• Identify, then minimize or eliminate potential environmental risks
• Implement sustainable management practices
• Evaluate your maintenance facility and establish practices that conserve energy, reduce waste, and protect and conserve natural resources
• Create an action plan for improving regulatory compliance

An on-site tour of Steele Canyon Golf Course and its maintenance facility will provide you with a first-hand look at proactive ways to handle and store pesticides and fertilizers, wash your equipment, store fuel and oils, prepare for emergencies, protect and conserve water resources, reduce waste and conserve energy.

Steele Canyon Golf Club’s 27-hole championship golf course was designed by Gary Player, one of history’s greatest golfers, with a respect and appreciation for the natural beauty of the terrain.

Hosted by GCSAA Class A superintendent Phil Fitzgerald.

NEW

Golf Course Construction and Renovation Costing

Bruce Charlton, President/Chief Design Officer, Robert Trent Jones II, LLC; ASGCA Immediate Past President
John “Jack” Daugherty, Vice President of Operations, Ryangolf Corporation
Douglas Long, Vice President, Heritage Link; GCBAA, Chairman, Cost Guide Committee

(570-01)Improve and increase your knowledge related to construction and renovation budgeting. Whether you are thinking about renovating or building, or whether it is time to, it is crucial to understand how to accurately develop a cost analysis of the project. Experienced leaders from the Golf Course Builders Association of America and the American Society of Golf Course Architects will team up to lead you step-by-step through the development of a budget and bid process for a full renovation and/or new golf project.

Golf Course Risk Management

Sandy Shoupe-Gorga, Attorney, Renaud Cook Drury Mesaros, PA
Jason A. Straka, Golf Course Architect, Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design Inc.

(349-01) Discover ways to protect yourself and your facility by learning to manage risk and liability. Explore the basics of a lawsuit, legal duties and defense, and learn to help defend against a lawsuit and preserve evidence. A variety of golf course risks will be identified and explored. Learn the professional responsibilities and prudent response methods associated with each identified risk. Example emergency response, risk management and employee handbook plans will be explored.

Irrigation Water Quality

David M. Kopec, Ph.D., Extension Specialist/Field Researcher for Turf, University of Arizona
Clark Throssell, Ph.D., Director of Research, GCSAA

(011-01) Increasing demand for high-quality water for domestic use has forced golf courses to irrigate with poor quality water. This timely seminar focuses on the five components of irrigation water quality (salt content, sodium hazard, residual sodium carbonate, pH and ions present in a toxic concentration) and their impacts on turf performance and soil properties.

Plan ahead to protect the quality of your turf by learning to:

• Interpret both a water test report and a soil test report with respect to water quality
• Adjust water management practices to meet the challenges of poor water quality

This seminar is considered an intermediate-level program; the recommended prerequisite is an introductory soil science course.

Landscape Color on the Golf Course: From the Ground Up

Dean Bemis, Owner, Rough Designs
Ken Harr, Product Technical Manager, Goldsmith Seeds Inc.

(091-01) Do you struggle to incorporate any color on your course other than green? Learn about some of the benefits and challenges of using annuals, perennials and woody ornamentals to add “color value” on and around the golf course. Come prepared to share your experiences with ornamentals. Topics include:

• Site selection
• Planning (including a hands-on design workshop)
• Building new and improving existing beds
• Post-installation maintenance
• The use of new and existing trees and shrubs
• The values of selecting and working with local greenhouse and nursery suppliers

A color CD showing examples, uses and combinations of “color value” plants will be available to all participants.

Management of Zoysiagrass on the Golf Course

Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Horticulture Extension Specialist-Turgrass, University of Arkansas
David C. Stone, The Honors Course

(186-01) The use of zoysiagrass is increasing in the transition zone and southern U.S. climates. Despite an increase in use, there is still a great deal of information that is yet to be discovered about the management of zoysiagrass. This interactive seminar will provide current management information, including:

• Selecting a cultivar based on your location, needs and use
• Developing appropriate cultural practices for establishment, mowing, fertilization, plant growth regulators, and pest and weed control
• Discussing best practices with superintendents who are currently managing zoysiagrass

Physiology and Culture of Annual Bluegrass

A.J. “Al” Turgeon, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Management, Pennsylvania State University
Joseph “Joe” M. Vargas Jr., Ph.D., Professor of Plant Pathology, Michigan State University

(271-01) Develop a cultural program to sustain annual bluegrass communities at your facility. This informative seminar covers topics such as:

• Cultivation and growth of annual bluegrass
• Monitoring, testing and maintenance of drainage systems
• Development of maintenance programs to minimize various seasonal turfgrass stress problems

The textbook Poa annua: Physiology, Culture and Control of Annual Bluegrass is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.

Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers: Warm-Season Grasses With and Without Overseeding

Grady L. Miller, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Turfgrass Management, North Carolina State University

(485-01) The focus will be on managing the nutritional requirements of your warm-season grasses and overseeded warm-season grasses. Information will be provided on topics such as:

• Characteristics of fertilizer carriers and how to use them
• Developing fertilization programs with considerations for environmental stewardship
• Soil and tissue testing principles and practices as they relate to fertilizer programming

Practical Spanish for Golf Course Superintendents

Arturo Castro, Principal, Spanish Systems Inc.

(549-01) Learn to communicate with your Spanish-speaking employees in this interactive workshop. No previous knowledge is necessary, but participants who already know some Spanish will benefit as well. Topics of discussion will include:

• How to delegate, follow up, correct and praise maintenance tasks
• Golf course maintenance vocabulary and verbs
• Cultural aspects of Latino employees

NEW

Strengthening Your People Skills in the Workplace

Jimmy Westrick, National Seminars Group/Padgett-Thompson

(568-01) Gain essential skills for understanding, relating to and working better with all types of people, even the most difficult ones, during this extraordinary one-day workshop.

Taking Control of Green Speed

Michael D. Morris, CGCS, Crystal Downs Country Club
Thomas A. Nickolai, Ph.D., Turfgrass Academic Specialist, Michigan State University

(321-01) This seminar weaves the rich history of golf with the most up-to-date research and techniques utilized in the field. All cultural practices that have an impact on green speed will be covered, including moving height and frequency, mower maintenance, irrigation, fertility, lightweight rolling, and PGRs. Both warm- and cool-season grass green speed research is covered, as well as superintendent testimonials.

Warm-Season Turfgrass Disease Management

Phil Harmon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology, University of Florida
Megan Kennelly, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Kansas State University
Frank P. Wong Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of California-Riverside

(542-01) Disease management is a daily challenge on the golf course. Come prepared for in-depth discussion concerning the major diseases of warm-season turfgrasses in warm and transitional climates. Topics covered include:

• Symptoms and diagnostic tips that you can use in the field
• Cultural practices that you can apply to manage disease risk and occurrence
• The latest disease control products and their use in golf course management plans

Tuesday, Feb. 9

NEW

Advanced Nitrogen Fertilization

Elizabeth Guertal, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Turfgrass Management and Soil Fertility, Auburn University

(566-01) Improve your knowledge of nitrogen fertilization with this advanced seminar. It will cover new research on nitrogen topics including:

• A review of the fate of nitrogen in the turfgrass environment
• An assessment of many of the new organic nitrogen products currently on the turf market, including how to use sales literature and guaranteed analyses from fertilizer bags to help make nitrogen fertilizer selections
• A discussion on how to recognize the potential environmental consequences of overapplication of nitrogen and how to prevent it from occuring

Advanced Personal Communication (Formerly four hours)

C. Mike Jousan, President, Clear Communication Co.

(583-01) Enhance your professional image by improving your communication skills for professional situations in this advanced course designed for those with significant experience in communication. In this seminar, you will:

• Prepare for high-level experiences in presentations, interviews and negotiations
• Learn to use body language and tone of voice to support your words

Advanced Turfgrass Irrigation Water Quality: Assessment and Managemen

Ronny R. Duncan, Ph.D., Vice President, Turf Ecosystems LLC
Michael T. Huck, Agronomist, Irrigation & Turfgrass Services

(277-01) Alternative water use is a growing concern for superintendents, and its use creates a number of challenging management decisions. This advanced-level workshop will concentrate on:

• Water quality reports and treatment needs
• Maintenance programs to minimize stress
• The impact of irrigation water quality on pest activity and treatment
• Appropriate grass varieties for sites based on soil and water quality concerns

You are encouraged to bring your own water data to the workshop.

Advanced Weed Management

L.B. “Bert” McCarty, Ph.D., Professor of Horticulture, Clemson University
Fred H. Yelverton, Ph.D., Professor of Crop Science, North Carolina State University

(060-01) Do new weeds keep developing on your course no matter what steps you take to control the problem? Develop an effective weed management program for your facility. This IPM-based seminar will provide in-depth information on weed management, including:

• Biology, ecology and lifecycles of major turfgrass weeds
• Plant growth regulator use
• Herbicide resistance
• Environmental considerations

The textbook Color Atlas of Turfgrass Weeds is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.

Cutting-Edge Disease Identification and Management for Cool-Season Grasses

Bruce B. Clarke, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Pathology, Rutgers University
Bruce Martin, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology, Soil and Plant Science, Clemson University

(342-01) Gain in-depth information for identifying and controlling turfgrass diseases of cool-season grasses as they are maintained in various habitats. Topics include:

• Characteristics of the pathogens
• Environmental, cultural and chemical considerations as related to disease management
• Major risk factors for specific, important diseases and how to minimize their impact

The textbook Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases, 3rd edition is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.

Gadgets and Gizmos: How to Best Use Measurement Technology

Douglas Karcher, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Arkansas
Mike Richardson, Ph.D., Professor, University of Arkansas

Location: Bonita Golf Club

(541-01) In this seminar, you'll examine several soil, plant and environmental measurement devices. Discussion of each will include specific turf management problem-diagnosis capabilities, underlying technology, shortcomings and cost. Transportation to and from the course will be provided and attendees will leave from and return to the convention center.

Bonita Golf Club, nestled in the serene Bonita Valley, has been at its current location for over 25 years.

Hosted by GCSAA Class A superintendent Brendon Reaksecker.

NEW

Golf Course Renovations: What Can and Can’t Be Done In-House
(Formerly The Superintendents’s Role in Construction, Renovation and Grow-In, a two-day seminar)

James F. Moore, Director of Construction Education, United States Golf Association
Charles B. “Bud” White, Senior Agronomist, Mid-Continent Region, United States Golf Association Green Section

(587-01) Golf course renovations are the largest part of construction work carried out today in the turf industry. Participants will see several renovation projects completed on courses and variations in methods. Discussions will include:

• Current types of bunker renovations and how to make the "rebuild vs. resurface" decision
• How to use labs in making your decisions
• What to discuss with architects as master plans are put together
• How to determine whether a project can be accomplished in-house or whether it should be contracted, and how to educate management on the difference

The textbook, Turf Manager's Handbook for Golf Course Construction, Renovation and Grow-In, is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.

NEW

Golf Course Staffing Operations: Hiring, Training, Organizing, Managing and Planning
(Formerly two eight-hour seminars)

Roger A. Stewart Jr., CGCS, TPC Twin Cities
Bruce R. Williams, CGCS, Director, Business Development, ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance; GCSAA Past President

(589-01) In order to successfully manage your golf course, you must be able to hire and train an effective staff, create standards and a long-range plan, and develop a budget to make it all happen. In this in-depth and comprehensive seminar, you will learn how to do all of this and more while covering the following:

• Hiring and interviewing, including creating job descriptions and personnel policies
• Teambuilding and staff training
• Developing written golf course standards and long-range plans
• Budgeting effectively to meet goals

Irrigation Technologies and Water Management

John Cisar, Ph.D., Professor, University of Florida
Bernd Leinauer, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Extension Turfgrass Specialist, New Mexico State University

(543-01) Learn to use less water while still maintaining playability and adequate turf quality. The instructor will use cutting-edge research to discuss several approaches to reduce or eliminate the amount of potable water used for irrigation, including:

• New irrigation technologies to increase irrigation efficiency
• The use of soil sensors to track moisture and salinity in rootzones
• Implementing changes in irrigation practices when recycled water is used

Management Strategies for the Turfgrass System

Joseph “Joe” Vargas Jr., Ph.D., Professor of Plant Pathology, Michigan State University

(113-01) An IPM approach on how to manage the various diseases and insect problems that occur throughout the season on each turfgrass species will be presented, as well as the latest information on the status of turfgrass stress management. Learn strategies for:

• Effectively managing greens growing in high sand content soils
• Delaying fungicide resistance from developing into turfgrass diseases
• Improving overall plant health

The textbook, Management of Turfgrass Diseases, is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.

Managing Shrubs and Other Ornamentals on the Golf Course

John C. Fech, Horticulturist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

(534-01) Improve the overall health and beauty of your facility by learning to successfully manage the ornamentals on your course. In this new seminar, you will learn to:

• Recognize the differences in fertilization, irrigation and pest control needs between turf and ornamentals
• Develop an appropriate maintenance plan for shrubs and other ornamental plants
• Use native or adapted plants to protect the demands of an environmentally sensitive site

Microscopic Identification of Turfgrass Diseases

Henry C. Wetzel III, Ph.D., Research Associate, Washington State University
Alan S. Windham, Ph.D., Professor of Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee

(331-01) Experience the challenges of turf disease diagnosis in a hands-on, laboratory-style setting. Working in teams of two, you will use dissecting and compound microscopes to examine turfgrass pathogens and the diseases they cause. The workshop will cover:

• The basics of turf disease diagnosis
• An introduction to microscopic fungal identification
• Microscopic examination of diseased turf

Modern Lake Management

Erwin H. McKone, CGCS, Director of Golf Operations, Briar Ridge Country Club

(456-01) In this course, you will review basic lake and pond ecological principles and then use these concepts to develop sound management programs for water features at your facility. You will focus on:

• Water quality and the characteristics of a healthy pond ecosystem
• The diagnosis of pond health using plant and animal identifiers
• The identification and implementation of corrective action based on existing imbalances in the pond system
• Techniques to manage a healthy pond in a natural way

Recycled Water Irrigation

Ali Harivandi, Ph.D., Regional Specialist, University of California Cooperative Extension

(045-01) Is your facility considering changing to the use of recycled water for your irrigation needs? In this seminar focusing on both the benefits and limitations of using recycled water for irrigation, you will discuss:

• The use and interpretation of water tests to develop management programs for optimal turf health
• The assessment of soil characteristics relating to the use of recycled water irrigation

The textbook Wastewater Reuse for Golf Course Irrigation is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.

Renovating/Updating an Irrigation System

$165 member and nonmember

(530-01) This seminar, presented by the Irrigation Association staff, will focus on the intricacies of upgrading an existing golf course irrigation system. Basic project management skills will be discussed, as well as technical details regarding upgrading irrigation system components.

Emphasis will be placed on contract specifications, and both budget and contract documentation. Communication between key stakeholders will be discussed and then demonstrated through role playing. It is recommended that attendees have a sound understanding of irrigation system components and management prior to taking this class.

NEW

Selection, Establishment and Maintenance of Grasses for “Native” Roughs and Other Reduced Maintenance Areas

David Kopec, Ph.D., Extension Specialist/Field Researcher for Turf, University of Arizona
Tony Koski, Ph.D., Professor, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University

(567-01) There is a growing interest in the use of native grasses on the golf course for both environmental and financial reasons. Success of this practice depends upon grass selection, establishment practices, and practical long-term management programs. In this hands-on seminar, you will:

• Learn how to develop grassing plans for reduced maintenance areas, including establishment, grow-in management and long-term maintenance
• Review case studies from different regions of North America that illustrate correct and incorrect grassing and management strategies
• Develop a hypothetical grassing plan for an area on your own golf course

Soils – The Foundation of Quality Turf

Cale Bigelow, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Agronomy, Purdue University
George E. Van Scoyoc, Ph.D., Professor of Agronomy, Purdue University

(322-01) This hands-on seminar focuses on how soils differ, how to determine these differences and how to make interpretations regarding both chemical and physical properties. Topics to be discussed include:

• How to review soil test reports in detail
• How soil texture and color relate to fertility, water movement, drainage and cultural practices

Solving Your Drainage Problems

Stephen Ami, Consultant, Kelly Ami Inc.
John Kelly, Consultant, Kelly Ami Inc.

(240-01) Poor drainage on a golf course leads to numerous problems with your turf. In this seminar, you will learn:

• The basic tools required to diagnose and solve drainage problems
• How to determine the source of the water and why the excess water is not draining away naturally

Spanish for Golf Course Maintenance

Steve Valdez, Owner, Carpe Diem Consulting Services

(346-01) As the Hispanic workforce continues to grow, so does the importance of the superintendent's Spanish language skills. Assess your current Spanish knowledge and then work to improve your skills through:

• An introduction to Spanish language
• Specific Spanish training and Spanish golf course terminology
• Handouts that include valuable information, such as translated golf course industry terminology, for future reference

Turfgrass Field Seminar

Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D., Co-Founder, PACE Turfgrass Research Institute
Larry Stowell, Ph.D., Co-Founder, PACE Turfgrass Research Institute
Frank Wong, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of

GCSAA Partners: