Earth, Wind, & Fire asked if we remember dancing in September. Well, I remember my September, and it was all about golfing. Fall golf is officially here. Not sure it feels like fall at the moment. The leaves are trying to change here in Eastern Pennsylvania.  

I always think of fall golf in the Mid-Atlantic as aeration season. It is fun to be on this side of the golf course management and to know why we aerate. I always knew greens needed to be aerated to improve the greens. I was not aware the process typically occurs "in peak" season" of the greens because it minimizes damage and allows for a quicker recovery. In addition, the sand fill that comes after the holes are punched also help with quicker recovery with increase air and water movement. I am glad to learn more about the process. It is important that all golfers understand the process. Aeration only helps make the golf experience more enjoyable.

My September taught me a great lesson in patience. A lot of my meetings were delayed or cancelled. Courses are dealing with weather, labor shortage and COVID. It is understandable; the superintendents and their time is precious. I was able to attend my first meeting with a university program at the University of Maryland Turfgrass Program.  I was honored to be invited Geoffrey Rinehart. I enjoyed speaking about the benefits of GCSAA, especially for students. In addition, I was excited to hear more about their events for the next year. The students and instructors are looking forward to being face to face and getting back to a more normal school year. The Turf Bowl Team is strong and wants to continue on their success. 



I also had the opportunity to spend some time with the GCSAA lobbyist Bob Helland.  The opportunity to learn more about the work Bob is doing on behalf of the GCSAA and golf superintendents is impressive. Golf is multifaceted, and I am proud to work with an organization that wants to help superintendents and their field.

The Philadelphia Golf Course Superintendents Association (PGCSA) had their Championships October 4 at Lancaster Country Club. I was invited to attend and play in the event. What a great group of people. Lancaster Country Club is beyond words. The place has become one of my favorite golf courses. What the grounds crew and superintendent do at that property is like art. They also have some naturally difficulties in the river; the flood levels from the storms this summer were pointed out. Still, the course was in great shape. The course is going to go under some bunker work to help with restoration and drainage. The shape will change little and will keep its William Flynn design.  


Lastly, I want to thank the GCSAA and everyone who supported me as I entered the Mid-Amateur golf competition. I was so excited to qualify for the USGA Women's Mid-Amateur at Berkeley Hall North Course. I headed to the Low Country at the end of September for the event.  Berkeley Hall is a fantastic property in Bluffton, S.C.  The golf community boosts 36 holes with a huge practice facility/learning center. The North Course was designed by Tom Fazio and it had all of the Fazio quirks. The greens were big and the sand traps deep. Most greens were guarded by hazards. The courses played long. I had a great first day but struggled the second. I was unable to make the cut to match play. I was excited to make the event but disappointed with my performance. The mental game got me. I am proud to make it to the national level again and will continue to work on my game. I am honored to represent GCSAA and the opportunities they have allowed me to partake. You do not always get a job that has your back. I benefited from the support and kind works from everyone from staff to members. I work for one of the best organizations. When I said I wanted to do this, it was not, "how will you make it work?" but, "lets make it work." GCSAA is about the whole person and wants to be a part of your life. I may not have played well but I learned what it is like to have a job that cares about me. It is an amazing feeling.