After becoming an official membership classification at the 2015 GCSAA Conference and Tradeshow, the Equipment Manager classification continues to grow – both in membership and resources. Equipment managers (EM) are invaluable at any golf course. Their role is wide ranging – and with ever-advancing technology, it continues to evolve. GCSAA continues to devote resources to this growing membership class and is here to assist EM members expand their skill set and offer them a voice in the industry.

A few areas I want to highlight in this blog include the Equipment Manager Certificate Program (EMCP), the various video series available to GCSAA EM members at GCSAA.org as well as the Melrose Equipment Management Experience.

The Equipment Management Certificate Program Level 1 is a series of exams designed to demonstrate proficiency in key competency areas related to turf equipment. The exams allow EM to earn certificates and skills recognition in the various areas needed to be successful in their role.

The program is made up of eight exams covering the key competency areas of:

• Cutting units
• Drivetrain systems
• Electrical systems
• Engine technology
• Hydraulic systems
• Metalworking and fabrication
• Spray systems
• Fundamentals of turfgrass operations

Exams don’t need be taken all at once. You can take one exam or complete all eight to earn the EMCP Level 1.

The Equipment Management Certificate Program Level 2 naturally follows the EMCP Level 1. The Level 2 certificate is earned by successfully passing one proctored exam which addresses the following competency areas:

• Administrative Management
• Best Management Practices
• Cutting Units
• Drivetrains
• Electrical Systems
• Engine Technology
• Hydraulic Systems
• Metalworking
• Spray Systems
• Turfgrass Operations

To be eligible to begin EMCP Level 2, you must complete EMCP Level 1.

The second area I want to highlight are the various education video series available to EM members. These series include:

5-Minute Fix Videos

This collection of 5-Minute Fix Videos offers quick and simple solutions to equipment-related issues. Current videos available cover everything from backlapping, to hydraulic hose repair, to cleaning carburetors, and many in between. EM members can submit a great idea for a 5-Minute Fix Video to add to the video library.

Inside the Shop Videos

The "Inside the Shop" area at the 2019 Golf Industry Show was an instant success, and host Hector Velazquez presents a monthly Inside the Shop video series with trouble shooting, how-tos and demonstrations concerning many areas of golf course equipment management.

EMCP Prep Series Videos

You’ve heard about the eight exams that make up Level 1 of the EMCP, but did you know GCSAA now has courses to help you have a positive result when you take the tests? Seminars held at GIS were recorded, edited and are now available On Demand in the Learning Hub.

Finally, the Melrose Equipment Management Experience supports the professional development needs of GCSAA golf course equipment manager members by providing select individuals the opportunity to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

The experience is open to applicants who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be a current Class EM member in good standing. .
• Must not have attended the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in any of the previous two years prior to selection into the program (2019 or 2020). Attendees of the 2021 virtual event are eligible.
• Past recipients are not eligible.
• Active Equipment Manager Task Group volunteers are not eligible.
• EM members working for current members of the GCSAA Board of Directors or the GCSAA Foundation Board of Trustees and immediate family of GCSAA staff members shall not be eligible.

The Melrose Equipment Management Experience was established in 2019 by the late Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a $1-million gift to the GCSAA Foundation from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation. This program will have a positive impact for each equipment manager selected and ultimately, the game of golf.

Class members will receive the following:

• GCSAA Conference and Trade Show registration
• Education seminars and leadership sessions
• Airfare
• Five nights’ hotel accommodations
• $200 spending money

Applications are currently open for the Melrose Equipment Management Experience. Apply today.