Hurdzan to deliver NIGM keynote address

Michael J. Hurdzan, Ph.D., an internationally recognized authority on golf course environmental issues, will give the keynote address at the National Institute of Golf Management (NIGM) on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007.

Hurdzan, a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and past chair of the Environmental Institute for Golf Board of Trustees, will discuss growing the game and environmental challenges for the future.

“In order for golf to grow, we’re challenged on three fronts:  the time it takes to play, the cost to play, and environment concerns,” says Hurdzan. “The industry needs to look at all three areas and do our part to combat these problems, find solutions, and help those who are on the right track toward providing solutions.”

The NIGM also welcomes the following guest instructors for 2007:

• Ted Eleftheriou, president, Blueprint 4 Life, Orlando, Fla. – topic:  player development
• Rodney Haley, director of golf operations, Wheeling Park Commission, Wheeling, W.Va. – topic:  cash controls and budgeting
• John Kantarski IV, PGA, director of sales and marketing, Cypress Golf Solutions, Dallas – topic:  online tee-time marketing
• Kevin Michael, chief operations officer, 4 Star Service Online, and president, Michael Golf Management, Richardson, Texas – topic: building brands instead of competing on price
• Bob Swezey, executive vice president of resort operations, Burroughs & Chapin Co. Inc., Myrtle Beach, S.C. – topic:  golf operations

The NIGM was established exclusively for golf facility owners, managers and other key personnel to enhance and develop excellence in golf industry leaders through a comprehensive curriculum, combined with faculty and colleague interaction. The 2007 NIGM will be held Jan. 14-19, 2007, at the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, W.Va. For more information, visit www.ngf.org/nigm.