Six-Hour Seminars
8 am - 3 pm
.55 education points, $115 member, $175 nonmember
Establishing and Transitioning Overseeded Grasses on Bermudagrass Fairways
Shawn D. Askew, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
(538-01) Develop a comprehensive long-term plan to aid in fall establishment of overseeded grasses for both bermudagrass and zoysiagrass fairways. This seminar, based on research data and case studies from courses in the transition zone, will cover topics such as:
- The incorporation of herbicides into the establishment regime for annual bluegrass control
- Choosing an appropriate transition method and implementing that method in a cost-effective and environmentally safe way
- Cultural practices and innovative application methods to improve turfgrass aesthetics
IPM: Putting Together an Effective Plan for Your Golf Course
Rick L. Brandenburg, Ph.D., Professor and Turf Entomologist, North Carolina State Univeristy
Fred H. Yelverton, Ph.D., Professor of Crop Science, North Carolina State University
(373-01) Learn about the basic principles of IPM, including plan development, implementation and refinement. Bring a blueprint of your course with a list of pest problems and current control strategies, and begin to develop a customized IPM plan for your facility. After completing the course, participants will receive .55 education points for attending the seminar. An additional .35 education points will be awarded for completion of the IPM plan.
Making the Most of Your Job Today While Preparing for Tomorrow
Cory Blair, CGCS, Golf Irrigation Representative, Stovall Irrigation
Dave Davies, CGCS, TPC San Francisco Bay@Stonebrae
(465-01) Change is inevitable. Prepare yourself for the unknown while still focusing on your current situation. This seminar will expose you to the personal and professional challenges of the termination process, including real-life examples. Discussion will focus on:
- Strengthening your current employment situation
- Reviewing your marketability
- Identifying a support network
- Possible answers to the question, "I have 15 minutes to pack, what will I take?
Physical Properties and What They Mean to You
(Formerly eight hours)
David L. Doherty, President and Founder, International Sports Turf Research Center Inc.
(481-01) Healthy greens are one of the most visible and cherished features of a golf course. Learn about the two major causes of green failure and develop solutions to promote healthier turf, resulting in better putting surfaces while reducing chemical and water usage.
Streambank Stabilization for Golf Courses
(Formerly eight hours)
Philip Balch, President, Wildhorse Riverworks Inc.
(449-01) Learn about stream form, function and restoration techniques. You will leave with a basic understanding of:
- Stream function and causes of erosion
- Environmentally and economically friendly techniques for streambank stabilization on your facility
Comprehensive Photography Instruction for Golf Courses, Personal Images and Projects
John R. Johnson, President, J2 Golf Marketing, LLC
(181-01)Do you need to document a project for your members or your board? Do you want to add pictures of your accomplishments to your personal career Web site? In this hands-on seminar, you’ll learn the nuts and bolts behind great photographs while discovering how photography skills can be used to improve your job and enhance your career. Bring your digital camera because you’ll have the opportunity to use your new skills and have your photos critiqued by the instructor.
Creating YOUR Agronomic Program for the Course
(Assistant superintendents only)
Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Horticulture Extension Specialist-Turfgrass, University of Arkansas
Zac Reicher, Ph.D., Professor/Turfgrass Extension Specialist, Purdue University
(544-01) Sharpen your leadership skills by learning to create a comprehensive agronomic program for all areas of your current or future golf course, including:
- Cultural practices, management and scheduling
- Budget planning and management
Making the Most of Water While NOT Spending a Fortune
Stanley J. Kostka, Ph.D., Director of Technology, Aquatrols Corporation of America
Dara M. Park, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Soil and Water in Turfgrass Systems, Clemson University
(486-01) Protecting and conserving water resources are two of the most important issues faced by the superintendent today. There is a perception that implementing efforts to improve each are complex, expensive and difficult to accomplish. Understanding the fates of applied water is the first step to learning how to make the most of what water you have. Both research and golf course examples of projects that do not require a major change in the golf course infrastructure, are relatively inexpensive, and can be done by available golf course staff will be discussed. Attendees will participate in hands-on demonstrations to understand water movement, technologies and common practices to monitor water use.
Managing the Hispanic Workforce
Thomas R. Maloney, Senior Extension Associate, Cornell University
(207-01) Learn to effectively lead and manage Hispanic employees in this valuable and timely seminar. Selected topics include:
- Understanding the dimensions of culture
- Cross-cultural supervision strategies
- Bridging the language gap
- Creating an effective multicultural team
Practical suggestions from golf course superintendents will be highlighted.
Plant Growth Regulators for Fine Turf
Shawn Askew, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Erik Ervin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
(539-01) This seminar addresses plant growth regulator (PGR) use for both cool- and warm-season fine turf surfaces. Learn how PGRs can help you improve:
- Playing conditions while saving time and money
- The environmental quality of your course
Turf Insecticide Mode of Action and Resistance Management
Charles A. Silcox, Ph.D., Global Product Development Manager, DuPont Professional Products
Patricia J. Vittum, Ph.D., Professor, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
(494-01) Pesticide management is a critical part of turfgrass management at most golf courses in the United States. In this seminar, you will develop a solid base for making good pesticide use decisions by learning to:
- Increase the effectiveness of chemical applications while minimizing disruption to the environment
- Understand the mode of action of the most common turf insecticides
- Develop strategies to slow the development of resistance in target insects
Developing Best Management Practices for Golf Course Water Conservation: Approaches and Resources
(Formerly four hours)
Robert N. Carrow, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Science, University of Georgia
Clint Waltz, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist, University of Georgia, Griffin
(315-01) As water issues become increasingly important, it’s more necessary than ever to develop a plan for successful water conservation. This seminar, which focuses on developing a BMP approach that is holistic, flexible and science-based, is designed for:
- Superintendents interested in developing a customized plan for their golf courses
- Superintendents at the exploratory stage who want to gain insight for potential future action
- Association representatives interested in fostering a BMP approach within their state regulatory agencies
Completion of the online course, W.A.T.E.R. for Efficient Water Management, is not a prerequisite for this seminar, but is highly recommended. For more information on the online course, visit the education section of GCSAA’s Web site.
Organic Approach to Golf Course Management
Jeffrey Carlson, CGCS, The Vineyard Club/Wild Side
Frank Rossi, Ph.D., Extension Turfgrass Specialist and Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, Cornell University
(442-01) Discover how to successfully manage your golf course using organic methods, leading to reduced pesticide use. Discussion will focus on:
- Key environmental, cultural and biological strategies
- Important communication issues to enhance success
Strategies for Poa annua Prevention and Control in Cool-Season Turf
Bruce Branham, Professor, University of Illinois
Ronald N. Calhoun, Turfgrass Research/Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
(383-01) Learn current methods of preventing and eradicating Poa annua infestations on the golf course. Discussion will focus on cool-season climates and grasses, and cover topics including:
- Pre- and post-emergence control strategies
- Soil sterilants and other products
- Unique aspects of control strategies under green, tee and fairway conditions
NEW
The Business of Golf
Henry DeLozier, Partner/Principal, Global Golf Advisors
Stephen Johnston, Partner/Principal, Global Golf Advisors
(571-01) To maximize the value you bring to the golf facility business as a whole, you must be able to comprehend the big picture of your facility’s business model. Upon completion of this interactive seminar, you will:
- Understand the basics of how each management area of the facility impacts the bottom line
- Appreciate the role you play in the overall facility management team
- Be able to identify how and where to focus energy to improve the economic value of your facility
- Understand the components of the entire golf facility budget, including how it is developed and how it can make the golf course superintendent more successful
Wildlife and Habitat Management on the Golf Course
David Drake, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Amanda Rodewald, Ph.D., Associate Professor, The Ohio State University
(537-01) Discover the benefits of increasing wildlife and wildlife habitat on golf courses while maintaining a balance in the management of both the wildlife and the golf course.