Certification participant lauds program

Editor's note: Casey Conlin, CGCS, sent the following letter to Penny Mitchell, senior manager of certification, after completing the GCSAA certification program May 26, 2006.

Ms. Mitchell,

Thank you for all your assistance during the GCSAA Certification Program. I felt the entire certification process from the initial application approval through all the steps were efficient and well thought-out. I like to see results and can be impatient at times. You, your staff and the portfolio judges processed the necessary information without delay. After each step, a phone call, letter and/or email would follow explaining the outcome or next step to follow. I think that is so important, informing applicants throughout the whole process with timely communications.

With regard to each individual step of the certification program, I felt each area was relatively challenging but fair and certainly appropriate to determine a level of competency required during daily golf maintenance operations. Each area seemed to transition smoothly with all of the requirements clearly communicated in detail.

One of the more important steps during the certification process for me was building the portfolio. The portfolio required significant insight and thought in how I perform my job as a golf course superintendent. Nearly all of the work samples, skill statements and case studies I've thought about at one time or another during my career. The portfolio building just brought them out on paper, or merely required more detail. In addition to the certification requirement, the portfolio questions and skill statements will be an important reference for each facility that I may be at. Using the portfolio questions as a check list to see were I'm at and for training staff members for leadership roles will be helpful.

The other two steps, the written exam and the attesting of the golf course each presented unique challenges and rewards. Both required complete examination and review on how I manage the golf course facility as a whole, with few topics that I haven't addressed before, but brought those issues to forefront for thought. I thoroughly enjoyed the review of turfgrass literature in preparation of the written exam. There's always something that stands out and brings the thought "there's the answer that I've been looking for, it been in front of me all this time." I hope to continue to make it a consistent habit, reviewing industry literature and old standby turf books, to keep sharp and find those ideas to solve elusive problems.

Understanding general agronomic principles, familiarity of compliance issues and the ability to communicate clearly your thoughts and decisions in those basic and over simplified terms is the requirement to be successful in the certification program. I'm pleased to have committed to the certification process and I hope this demonstrates my continued dedication to my chosen profession. Becoming a certified golf course superintendent is merely a step in my ongoing pursuit of learning.

Thank you,
Casey Conlin, CGCS
Somerby Golf Club, Byron, Minn.