Tuesday Seminars
One-Day Seminars
.7 education points, $150 member, $225 nonmember
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 California-Riverside
Locations: Torrey Pines Golf Course, Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club and Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres baseball team.
(106-01) Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit three of Southern California’s premier golf facilities along with the home of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres where superintendents from each location will discuss the agronomic and practical expertise that go into managing these diverse venues. Tour leaders will provide additional information on recent research and innovations in southern California turf management.
Torrey Pines, a world-famous municipal golf course known for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and for its successful hosting of the 2008 U.S. Open, copes with its cool coastal location with kikuyugrass fairways and Poa annua greens. Farther inland, and with water quality challenges, Fairbanks Ranch Country Club is one of the most imaginative courses created by architect Ted Robinson. It is famous as one of the earliest adopters of seashore paspalum for use on fairways and roughs. With 27 holes, Fairbanks has 18 Poa annua greens, and nine greens are Dominant Plus bentgrass that are purposely being transitioned to Poa annua. Farther inland still, the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, which first opened in 1929 and is one of the oldest courses in Southern California, is a Scottish links-style course. It has non-overseeded bermudagrass fairways and roughs, and Poa annua greens. And last, but certainly not least, Petco Park, which opened in 2004, combines the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of downtown San Diego. To manage the demands of consistent surface firmness, heavy traffic and continuous televised events, Petco Park's Bullseye bermudagrass is overseeded with ryegrass.
Six-Hour Seminars -- 8 am – 3 pm
.55 education points, $115 member, $175 nonmember
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
Half-Day Seminars -- 8 am – Noon
.35 education points, $75 member, $115 nonmember
Conflict Management
Bernard M. Cronin, President, Sandler Training Institute
(525-01) Learn how to identify and deal with conflict in this hands-on seminar. Avoiding conflict contaminates effective team functioning while managing that same conflict can harness the creative power of difference. Upon conclusion of this seminar, you will be able to:
- Discern between overt and covert conflict
- Communicate clearly and without ambiguity
- Manage conflicts successfully, leading the way to an improved working environment for all
NEW
Golf Course PTI (Professional Turfgrass Intelligence)
Roch E. Gaussoin, Ph.D., Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture/Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska
Frank S. Rossi, Ph.D., Extension Turfgrass Specialist and Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, Cornell University
(575-01) Do you have trouble deciding what new research to believe? How do you decide which new practices and products are right for your facility? In this advanced seminar, the latest research will be presented and openly debated, criticized, challenged and sometimes refuted in a fast-paced style similar to ESPN's PTI TV show. Discussion will include:
- Selecting grasses and using plant growth regulators
- Managing organic matter
- Turfgrass nutrition and pest management programs
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle With a Hectic Schedule
Coreen Reinhart, Consultant, Proactive Approach
(491-01) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is hard enough, but when you start to consider the craziness of everyday life – work, home, family, kids, friends – it can feel almost impossible to maintain even a reasonably healthy way of life. With an emphasis on work/life balance, nutrition, stress management and exercise, this seminar focuses on small changes that result in big differences. You will leave with practical ideas for making healthy choices.
Managing Turfgrass Root Systems in the North
Keith J. Karnok, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia
(312-01)Learn about factors specifically affecting cool-season turfgrass root growth and how they can be managed. Discussion topics include:
- The importance of environmental factors and cultural practices for developing and maintaining a deep and healthy root system
- The importance of soil temperature, fertilization, cultivation, irrigation, mowing, PGRs, wetting agents and biostimulants
- A focus on bentgrass and Poa annua, with brief discussion of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue root systems
New Weapons for Old Weeds
J Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Auburn University
(492-01) Confused about changes in the herbicide and weed control market? New herbicide modes of action, as well as new herbicides using traditional modes of action, have recently entered the turfgrass market. This timely seminar compares new herbicides and techniques with traditional products in respect to:
- Mode of action, turfgrass safety and weeds controlled
- Human safety, potential for environmental contamination and economic cost
- How the new products and techniques fit into your weed management program throughout the year
Preparing Your Way to Certification
Bill H. Maynard, CGCS, Milburn Golf and Country Club
Penny Mitchell, Senior Manager, Certification, GCSAA
(358-01) Is achieving certification status one of your personal and professional goals? If you are considering beginning the certification process, this seminar will get you started on the right track by reviewing the process and eligibility requirements:
- How to utilize the online Professional Development Resource (PDR)
- Guidelines to create a passing certification portfolio
- Content of the written examination
- Expectations during the course/facility evaluation
(This seminar is also offered Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1 - 5 pm.)
Taking Control of Your Career: Make it Magic!
Carol D. Rau, PHR, Career Services Consultant, Career Advantage LLC
William Brown, CGCS, Regional Agronomist, Hartefeld National
(470-01) Learn new strategies to position yourself on the leading edge of the golf course superintendent career path. In this seminar, discussion will include:
- Technology to advance your career: Web site, blog, twitter, PowerPoint and more
- How to identify and implement ways to add value at your current facility
- Career strategies for a down economy and the future
- Career marketing tools: proven strategies to improve your resume, cover letters, references and interviewing skills for all career levels
Using Your Computer – Basic PowerPoint
Tracy Adair Derning, Sr. Specialist, New Media Products/Software Trainer, GCSAA
(395-01) Learn how Microsoft PowerPoint can make your presentations look great. This beginners’ class will cover:
- Basic presentation creation and delivery
- Simple animation to spice up presentations
- Tips on presenting and rehearsing with PowerPoint, including making it run on a laptop
NEW
Water Conservation and Energy Efficiency Management for Golf Irrigation Systems
Andy Slack, President, Spot Water Management Inc.
Andrew Staples, President, Golf Resources Group
(585-01) Water and energy usage are constant concerns for today’s golf course managers. In this interactive seminar, you will learn about the correlation between water and energy use on a golf course. You will learn how to determine both water and energy inputs, and how to measure, quantify, and evaluate your current position when it comes to water and energy use. Once this baseline is determined, you will then discuss improvements and upgrades that can be made to save water and/or energy on your property.
Half-Day Seminars -- 1-5 pm
.35 education points, $75 member, $115 nonmember
How to Prepare, Manage and Deal with Winter Injury in Northern Climates
Kevin Frank, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Turfgrass Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
Brian Horgan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture Science, University of Minnesota
(540-01)If winterkill is a major problem on your course, this seminar will help you understand the various causes and provide the tools to recover quickly from the losses sustained. Discussion topics include:
- An overview of the different causes of winterkill
- Management approaches
- Recent research to facilitate recovery
- Communication strategies to enhance public relations during recovery
NEW
Maintenance Budgets and Standards – Tools for Effectively Communicating and Balancing Costs and Expectations
Shaun A. Henry, Appraiser-Consultant, Golf Property Analysis
(573-01)Today's changing economy and the rapidly rising cost of materials means that balancing your maintenance budget is becoming more difficult than ever. This seminar will provide an in-depth look at the overall planning and communication process, including the relationship between operating budgets and maintenance standards. Topics include:
- What should and should not be in a maintenance budget, with focus on the appropriate level of detail
- Avoiding the pitfalls of comparing budgets between facilities
- Using maintenance standards to describe and manage expectations
- Communicating the cost to produce specific course conditions
Management of Weeds in Cool-Season Turfgrass Systems
Ronald N. Calhoun, Turfgrass Research /Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
(270-01) Develop a successful long-term weed management plan by identifying and correcting the factors that are reducing the competitiveness of your turfgrass. Herbicides are a very powerful tool in weed management but unless site conditions are corrected, control from herbicides will be temporary at best. This seminar, based on IPM principles, will focus on:
- Identification characteristics of common broadleaf weeds
- Traditional and novel chemical controls, as well as new products, proper timing and application methods
- The use of available reference materials to better identify grassy and broadleaf weeds
Managing Your Manager, Committees and Boards
Bernard Cronin, President, Sandler Training Institute
(523-01) You face a variety of demands on a daily basis from the people who report to you and the people to whom you report. Successful management of these relationships is imperative to the overall success of the facility. During this seminar, you will develop:
- A system for managing multiple work relationships
- Strategies to capitalize on organizational resources
- Tools and skills to forge joint management agreements
Preparing Your Way to Certification
Bill H. Maynard, CGCS, Milburn Golf and Country Club
Penny Mitchell, Senior Manager, Certification, GCSAA
(358-02) Is achieving certification status one of your personal and professional goals? If you are considering beginning the certification process, this seminar will get you started on the right track by reviewing the process and eligibility requirements:
- How to utilize the online Professional Development Resource (PDR)
- Guidelines to create a passing certification portfolio
- Content of the written examination
- Expectations during the course/facility evaluation
This seminar is also offered Tuesday, Feb. 9, 8 am – noon.
The Science and Philosophy of Foliar Nutrition
Roch E. Gaussoin, Ph.D., Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture/Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska
(392-01) Become a better consumer as you learn about the many existing and new foliar products on the market. Learn to make better choices as you gain concise and correct information about the numerous different products:
- Learn to read labels effectively
- Build a fertility program that works
- Understand the pros and cons of tissue testing
Understanding Biostimulants
Keith J. Karnok, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia
(238-01) At the conclusion of this seminar, participants will be able to list the various types of biostimulants currently being marketed, discuss the validity of the various claims made in promotional materials, list the various types of active ingredients found in biostimulants, and explain why some biostimulants have more potential for providing desirable results than others. Research will be presented that shows the performance of various biostimulant programs and products under both field and controlled environment conditions. Individual product labels will be examined by the participants.
NEW
Understanding Turf Fungicides
Richard Latin, Ph.D., Professor of Plant Pathology, Purdue University
(574-01) This seminar will address how fungicides work, why they work and why sometimes they do not work. Specific topics will include fungicide movement in turf, mode of action, fungicide resistance, and factors that influence fungicide performance.
Using Your Computer – Advanced PowerPoint
Tracy Adair Derning, Sr. Specialist, New Media Products/Software Trainer, GCSAA
(558-01) Whether you're presenting to your board, your greens committee, or your staff, PowerPoint is a great way to get your thoughts across. Join us for this in-depth class on PowerPoint and learn how to:
- Create your own presentation
- Enhance a presentation using images, animation, and multimedia
Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint is required.
NEW -- Two-Hour Seminars
.2 education points, $40 member, $60 nonmember
9 – 11 am
NEW
Practical PGR Use for Golf Courses
Ronald N. Calhoun, Turfgrass Research/Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
(580-01) Plant growth regulators (PGRs) have become a common component of turfgrass management programs for golf courses as their use has increased steadily over the last fifteen years. Superintendents employ PGRs for clipping reduction, divot recovery, disease resistance, seedhead control, managing green speed, color, uniformity, species conversion, wear tolerance and a handful of other reasons. Are you considering using PGRs or do you want to evaluate your current program? What about combination products? How do you determine the effectiveness of PGRs in your management program? Join in this lively discussion of what works, what doesn’t and what we don’t know.
3 – 5 pm
NEW
Beyond Organic: Sustainable Golf Turf
Frank Rossi, Ph.D., Extension Turfgrass Specialist and Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, Cornell University
(581-01) This two-hour program will outline the major environmental issues facing the golf industry, the role of organic-based management and how the broader concern for climate and sustainability can shape golf turf management for the next generation. Specific recommendations will be made that will include cost saving and carbon-smart technology.