Northwest

David Phipps

Northwest regional representative

A former superintendent, David spent more than 20 years in the golf course management industry before joining the GCSAA staff. He resides in Oregon City, Ore.
Tel. 800-472-7878, ext. 3608.


Field staff report

Oregon State University’s Turfgrass Management PACE Course Series

by Dave Phipps | Nov 10, 2022


In my travels, I have heard from so many members about how difficult it has become to find qualified individuals that can work their way up the ladder into leadership positions. With enrollment at many turfgrass schools at all-time lows, it has become necessary to look in different places for those key employees. At it just so happens, these individuals may be right under our noses and may already be on our staff.

With that said, Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D. at Oregon State University, has designed a professional and continuing education turfgrass management program aimed at filling that very gap. This program will provide an introduction to someone who is considering a career in turfgrass management and is looking to advance their knowledge. Currently, there are seven courses offered including Introduction to Turfgrass Management, Introduction to Golf Course Management, Pesticide Applicator Education and Safety, Irrigation and Drainage, Turfgrass Diseases and Suppression Using Fungicides, Turfgrass Mathematics and Turfgrass Insects and Weed Management.

These are six-week, online college-level courses offered at an affordable rate. An individual can sign up for the entire program or simply take each course individually. GCSAA has approved up to 3.6 CEUs per class.

Course Title Course Hours GCSAA Class A Credits
Introduction to Turfgrass Management 30 3
Introduction to Golf Course Management 36 3.6
Pesticide Applicator Education and Safety 18 1.8
Irrigation and Drainage 21 2.1
Cool-Season Turfgrass Diseases and Suppression Using Fungicides 30 3
Turfgrass Mathematics 36 3.6
Turfgrass Insects and Weed Management 36 3.6

 

In Oregon, Alec has provided a complementary scholarship to the Oregon GCSA as long as they offer a matching scholarship. Now in the second year, the Oregon GCSA has awarded four scholarships to four deserving individuals looking to further their careers in turfgrass management. Some of them have already graduated from college with a different degree and others have been working on a golf course crew and have desires to take on a more responsible role. Alec has indicated that he would offer the same deal to other chapters if they are willing to provide a matching scholarship themselves. The Oregon GCSA has developed an SOP for the scholarship which they would be more than happy to share.

For more information please visit the Oregon State website.

David Phipps
GCSAA Northwest regional representative

 

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Northwest2017

This region includes Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.