Rich Harvest Farms, an 18-hole course roughly 50 miles west of Chicago, is known for supporting both the professional and amateur levels of the game. Hosting events such as the 2009 Solheim Cup, the 2017 NCAA Division 1 Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships, as well as the upcoming 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup, the course is an ardent advocate of the game. 

The course also supports the golf course management profession – most recently hosting the Northwest Illinois GCSA 2021 Education and Annual Meeting in early April. Rich Harvest Farms superintendent and chapter secretary/treasurer Jeff VerCautren – a 21-year member of GCSAA – welcomed NWIGCSA members to the grounds for a day of education and networking. 



Along with conducting elections – which saw 22-year GCSAA member and TPC Deere Run superintendent Alex Stuedemann, CGCS, retain his position as president, and Shane Ritchie, superintendent at Schaumburg Golf Club and 22-year association member move to VP – the day also featured several presentations. Presentations included pertinent information on golf course architecture, sprayer equipment, work/life balance as well as an update on GCSAA government affairs initiatives. To round out the day, 4-year GCSAA equipment manager member Brian Bressler – who is the equipment manager at Medinah Country Club – shared insights on shop maintenance and setup.



With much of the Great Lakes region already experiencing high temperatures in the 70s and 80s, spring is well underway. Golf course superintendents continue to utilize their toolbox and prepare courses for what is already seems like another bumper year for golf as tee sheets continue to fill across the area. Chapter events are yet another tool for industry professionals to utilize as they continue to improve their trade, share practices, and gain valuable industry insight throughout the year. Best of luck to all the superintendents and their teams as this week signals the start of the golfing season for many in the region.