Group – 

We wish you well as we head through the summer months.2020 is unique.Golf course superintendents wear many hats. This year, with the unusual schedules and demands, we are seeing our members accomplish more than ever!

Superintendents are balancing a staggered work schedule for staff, trying to minimize touch points throughout the facility.This includes the maintenance building and equipment.That doesn’t include the modifications to the golf course itself. 

Eliminating bunker rakes, ball washers, benches and water coolers is a different experience for golfers but most players accept and understand these adjustments.  Modifications to cups, which eliminate the need to reach into the hole and keeping flagsticks placed in the cup are all part of keeping golf an enjoyable outdoor experience for everyone.

As I’ve been to local facilities, players are commending all of us for supporting golf and being open for play.

That being said, we all have the responsibility to adhere to CDC and local guidelines.  Early in the pandemic, when golf was allowed while many other business were closed, some cities put on the breaks on allowing golf.  Not all guidelines were being followed.    

At the time of this writing, golf, fortunately, is now being allowed in all 50 states.  It is everyone’s duty to keep it that way!

Chapter/Member Tools

Your chapter outreach staff has been hard at work to ensure your chapter has the resources needed to successfully serve our members.We have been hosting regular chapter executive calls on a regional basis throughout the country. Many chapters are also using GCSAA’s GoToMeeting tools to hold board, committee, and task group meetings.

In addition, we are also working with chapters on hosting their annual meetings (based on chapter bylaws and state requirements) this spring using GoToMeeting Webinar.

As a member, are you looking to have a group join in a “coffee break” or other virtual meeting?If so, please reach out to me or any staff member. You can access the virtual tools you need.

Your chapter leaders are also a great resource. We are happy to assist. Many chapters are taking advantage of this opportunity as well.

New Resources

During the past several months, we been working to add tools, resources and information for chapters.

Our team is data mining information from the chapter assessment survey that chapters completed in the fall of 2019. This information will be vital for the success of everyone moving forward.

Preliminary information indicates we are seeing more chapters fall into the category of having 150 members or less. With that knowledge, we are also working with chapters at the ground level to gather information on the strengths and challenges chapters will have moving forward.

From this information we hope to introduce a toolkit and guide to aide in your success. 

It is no secret we may see a shift in how chapters conduct meetings, engage members, and provide services. It is our mission to ensure chapters have the direction and resources needed to move ahead. 

We see this toolkit and guide offering ideas and examples in the area of finances, communications, and essential operations.These are unseen times and we will be there to meet the challenge.

More to come!

Efforts from Leading Associations

Please visit GCSAA's website for an abundance of resources, not just on coronavirus-related topics, but also to enhance your career development. 

All leading golf associations have been a part of developing Back2Golf Guidelines.This has been a great effort with everyone working together to enhance the game.GCSAA has been at the forefront of this effort and continues to be the global leader in golf course management.

Please take a look at the document.Most superintendents are adhering to the maintenance guidelines included, however there is great information for your facility as a whole. 

We continue to take great pride in our efforts to serve the membership.As we move forward during the pandemic, it has been essential to find your “why".  

For all GCSAA staff, our “why” is to serve you.