Monday Seminars
One-Day Seminars
.7 education points, $150 member, $225 nonmember
Advanced Management of Warm-Season Turfgrass Insect Pests
Rick L. Brandenburg, Ph.D., Professor and Turf Entomologist, North Carolina State University
(259-01) Learn about cost-effective management of warm-season turfgrass insect pests and start developing an IPM plan! Topics in this advanced seminar include:
- Relationships between the environment and pest outbreaks
- Monitoring and scouting techniques
- Biological and natural control strategies
Advanced Weed Management
Bert McCarty, Ph.D., Professor of Horticulture, Clemson University
Fred H. Yelverton, Ph.D., Professor of Crop Science, North Carolina State University
(060-01) Do new weeds keep developing on your course no matter what steps you take to control the problem? Develop an effective weed management program for your facility. This IPM-based seminar will provide in-depth information on weed management, including:
- Biology, ecology and lifecycles of major turfgrass weeds
- Plant growth regulator use
- Herbicide resistance
- Environmental considerations
The textbook, Color Atlas of Turfgrass Weeds, is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.
Basic Bentgrass Management for the Humid Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions
Peter Dernoeden, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Plant Science, University of Maryland
Steve McDonald, Owner, Turfgrass Disease Solutions LLC
(225-01) Learn how to successfully manage creeping bentgrass in the humid northeastern, mid-Atlantic and transition zone regions. Discussion will focus on:
- Recognition and treatment of stress factors
- Various cultural and environmental issues and their effects on creeping bentgrass
The textbook, Creeping Bentgrass Management: Summer Stresses, Weeds, and Selected Maladies, is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.
Calculations and Practical Mathematics for Use in Golf Course Management
Michael L. Agnew, Ph.D., Senior Technical Manager, Syngenta
Nick E. Christians, Ph.D., Professor of Horticulture, Iowa State University
(080-01) In today's market, proper application of chemicals is more important than ever. Refresh your math skills in this practical and hands-on seminar:
- Learn calculations involved in purchasing and applying materials
- Interpret fertilizer and plant protectant labels
A basic calculator will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own if you prefer. Please bring the required textbook, The Mathematics of Turfgrass Maintenance, latest edition, to the seminar.
Cool-Season Turfgrass Nutrition, Fertilizers and Programming
Kevin W. Frank, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Turfgrass Extension Specialist,
Michigan State University
Brian Horgan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Horticultural Science,
University of Minnesota
(482-01) New fertilizers, new cultivars, new research, new turfgrass management philosophies and new regulations on what you can and cannot do—these are all factors critical to understanding turfgrass nutritional needs. Topics covered in this comprehensive seminar include:
- Plant, soil and fertilizer factors
- Turf responses to nutrients
- Environmental fate of nutrients
- Fertilizer characteristics and planning a fertilization program
Cutting-Edge Disease Identification and Management for Cool-Season Grasses
Bruce B. Clarke, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Pathology, Rutgers University
Bruce Martin, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology, Soil and Plant Science,
Clemson University
(342-01) Gain in-depth information for identifying and controlling turfgrass diseases of cool-season grasses as they are maintained in various habitats. Topics include:
- Characteristics of the pathogens
- Environmental, cultural and chemical considerations as related to disease management
- Major risk factors for specific, important diseases and how to minimize their impact
The textbook, Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases, 3rd edition, is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.
Ecological Value and Management of Wetlands and Streams on Golf Courses
Curtis Richardson, Ph.D., Professor of Ecology and Director of the Duke Wetland Center, Duke University
(536-01) Wetland types vary widely and serve many functions. Learn to protect and improve them by:
- Gaining a conceptual understanding of how a wetland ecosystem functions on the landscape
- Understanding the basic services and values provided by wetland areas
- Developing effective management strategies for wetlands on the golf course
Expanding the Boundaries of Ultradwarf Bermudagrass
Michael Goatley, Ph.D., CSES Department, Virginia Tech
Chris Hartwiger, SE Region, Senior Agronomist, USGA Green Section
Patrick O'Brien, SE Region Director, UGSA Green Section
(590-01) If you've recently converted to ultradwarf bermudagrass or are contemplating the move, you can't afford to miss this seminar. Gain valuable ultradwarf insight from the perspective of USGA consultants, university researchers and peer superintendents, as well as:
- Learn the latest in strategies, techniques and equipment to optimize ultradwarf playability, specifically related to winter management strategies, cultural and fertility programs and specialized equipment
- Be able to make informed decisions about whether or not ultradwarfs will be right for your golf facility
Golf Course Construction and Renovation Costing
Bruce Charlton, President/Chief Design Officer, Robert Trent Jones II, LLC; ASGCA Immediate Past President
John Daugherty, Vice President of Operations, Ryangolf Corporation
Douglas Long, Vice President, Heritage Links; GCBAA, Chairman, Cost Guide Committee
(570-01) Improve and increase your knowledge related to construction and renovation budgeting. Whether you are thinking about renovating or building, or if it's the right time, it is crucial to understand how to accurately develop a cost analysis of the project. Experienced leaders from the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) will team up to lead you step-by-step through the development of a budget and bid process for a full renovation and/or new golf project.
Golf Course Trees and Turf: A Peaceful Coexistence
John Ball, Ph.D., Professor of Forestry, South Dakota State University
Roch E. Gaussoin, Ph.D., Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture/Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska
(231-01) This in-depth program covers the critical aspects of tree/turf interactions in the unique environment of a golf course. Learn how to:
- Select golf course-friendly trees
- Manage shade by pruning
- Use PGRs
- Protect trees during construction
- Transplant plant life
Irrigation Water Quality
David M. Kopec, Ph.D., Extension Specialist/Field Researcher for Turf,
University of Arizona
Clark Throssell, Ph.D., Director of Research, GCSAA
(011-01) Increasing demand for high quality water for domestic use has forced golf courses to irrigate with poor quality water. This timely seminar focuses on the five components of irrigation water quality (salt content, sodium hazard, residual sodium carbonate, pH and ions present in a toxic concentration) and their impacts on turf performance and soil properties.
Plan ahead to protect the quality of your turf by learning to:
- Interpret both a water test report and a soil test report with respect to water quality
- Adjust water management practices to meet the challenges of poor water quality
This seminar is considered an intermediate-level program; the recommended prerequisite is an introductory soil science course.
Landscape Color on the Golf Course: From the Ground Up
Dean Bemis, Owner, Rough Designs
Ken Harr, Product Technical Manager, Syngenta
(091-01) Do you struggle to incorporate any color on your course other than green? Learn about some of the benefits and challenges of using annuals, perennials and woody ornamentals to add "color value" on and around the golf course. Come prepared to share your experiences with ornamentals. Topics include:
- Site selection
- Planning (including a hands-on design workshop)
- Building new and improving existing beds
- Post-installation maintenance
- The use of new and existing trees and shrubs
- The values of selecting and working with local greenhouse and nursery suppliers
A color CD showing examples, uses and combinations of "color value" plants will be available to all participants.
Physiology and Culture of Annual Bluegrass
Al Turgeon, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Management, Pennsylvania State University
Joe M. Vargas Jr., Ph.D., Professor of Plant Pathology, Michigan State University
(271-01) Develop a cultural program to sustain annual bluegrass communities at your facility. This informative seminar covers topics such as:
- Cultivation and growth of annual bluegrass
- Monitoring, testing and maintenance of drainage systems
- Development of maintenance programs to minimize various seasonal turfgrass stress problems
The textbook, Poa annua: Physiology, Culture and Control of Annual Bluegrass, is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.
Seashore Paspalum Management on Golf Courses
Ronny R. Duncan, Ph.D.
Tim Hiers, CGCS, The Old Collier Golf Club
(236-01) Seashore Paspalum is a global warm-season grass that has the best salt tolerance among all warm-season turfgrasses. This seminar covers aspects of managing seashore paspalum, including:
- Understanding the attributes and limitations of this grass for your site
- The impact of variable quality water, including necessary adjustments to management practices
- Soil chemistry testing and treatment
- Pest management concerns and strategies
The textbook, Seashore Paspalum: The Environmental Turfgrass, is strongly recommended (not required) for this seminar.
Strengthening Your People Skills in the Workplace
Jimmy Westrick, National Seminars Group/Padgett-Thompson
(568-01) Gain essential skills for understanding, relating to and working better with all types of people, even the most difficult, during this extraordinary one-day workshop.
Taking Control of Green Speed
Michael D. Morris, CGCS, Crystal Downs Country Club
Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D., Turfgrass Academic Specialist, Michigan State University
John Sorochan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee
(321-01) Green speed is important to the golfers who play your course. Gain a better approach for managing your putting surface and budget through a variety of topical discussions, including:
- The history of the Stimpmeter
- Cultural practices and their impact on green speed and the turfgrass plant
- Using green speed to improve communications with members
Warm-Season Turfgrass Disease Management
Phil Harmon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology, University of Florida
Megan Kennelly, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Kansas State University
Frank P. Wong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of California-Riverside
(542-01) Disease management is a daily challenge on the golf course. Come prepared for an in-depth discussion concerning the major diseases of warm-season turfgrasses in warm and transitional climates. Topics covered include:
- Symptoms and diagnostic tips that you can use in the field
- Cultural practices that you can apply to manage disease risk and occurrence
- The latest disease control products and their use in golf course management plans
Six-Hour Seminars -- 8 am – 3 pm
.55 education points, $115 member, $175 nonmember
Golf Course Energy Conservation and Pollution Prevention Opportunities
Joseph McCleary, CGCS, Saddle Rock Golf Course
Caitlin Rood, Environmental Engineer, Tetra Tech EM Inc.
Jeff Spencer, Program/Project Manager, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Science and Services Division
(376-01) Improve the overall quality of the environment at your facility and golf experience for all by reducing waste and pollution. Identify opportunities for improvement at your facility through:
- Recycling and composting options
- Energy efficiency and preferable purchasing
- Conducting a self evaluation to discover areas to reduce waste and prevent pollution
Organic Approach to Golf Course Management
Jeffrey Carlson, CGCS, The Vineyard Club
Frank Rossi, Ph.D., Extension Turfgrass Specialist and Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, Cornell University
(442-01) Discover how to successfully manage your golf course using organic methods, leading to reduced pesticide use. Discussion will focus on:
- Key environmental, cultural and biological strategies
- Important communication issues to enhance success
Plant Growth Regulators for Fine Turf
Shawn Askew, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University
Erik Ervin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University
(539-01) This seminar addresses plant growth regulator (PGR) use for both cool- and warm-season fine turf surfaces. Learn how PGRs can help you improve:
- Playing conditions while saving time and money
- The environmental quality of your course
Half-Day Seminars -- 8 am – Noon
.35 education points, $75 member, $115 nonmember
Communication Skills for the Interactive Superintendent
Bill H. Maynard, CGCS, Milburn Golf and Country Club; GCSAA Director
(562-01) Effective communication is often a large part of the superintendent's daily responsibilities. Therefore, it is critical to focus on developing the skills necessary to communicate, facilitate, and disseminate information. Learn how to manage meetings and develop techniques to work collaboratively with players and staff to create a team concept.
Electrical Troubleshooting
(370-01) In this seminar, presented by the Irrigation Association, you will learn the basics, such as how to properly use volt-ohm meters, diagnose wiring problems based on their readings, and the most effective steps to sort out confusing electrical problems.
Guest Architect Seminar with Rick Phelps
Rick Phelps, Phelps-Atkinson Golf Course Design; Vice-President, ASGCA
(116-01) Learn the basic golf course design principles and philosophies, as well as the process from beginning to construction, using an actual golf course project. In this interactive seminar, you'll also have the opportunity to gain an understanding of routing and design concepts by actually laying out an 18-hole course. Compare your designs, then, with fellow attendees and gain valuable feedback from the instructor.
Hire Smart: Tips and Techniques for Hiring and Selecting Staff
Lynda J. Pinnington, Ph.D., Partner, Pinnington Training and Development
(600-01) When you have the opportunity to hire full or part-time golf course maintenance staff, you want to ensure you are making the best hiring decision possible. Analyzing and identifying job requirements and qualifications are only part of the process. In this seminar, you will:
- Develop and enhance your skills for hiring staff
- Reduce costly turnover through better hiring
- Enhance your interviewing skills
Managing Turfgrass Root Systems in the Southern and Transition Climatic Zones
Keith J. Karnok, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia
(561-01) Learn about factors specifically affecting both warm- and cool-season turfgrass root growth and how they can be managed. Discussion topics include:
- Importance of environmental factors and cultural practices for developing and maintaining a deep and healthy root system
- Importance of soil temperature, fertilization, cultivation, irrigation, mowing, PGRs, wetting agents and biostimulants
- A focus on bentgrass, Poa annua, and bermudagrass root systems
Negotiating for Success
Bruce R. Williams, CGCS, Director of Business Development, Valleycrest; GCSAA Past President
Tommy D. Witt, CGCS, Director of Golf Course Operations, Northmoor Country Club, GCSAA Past President
(378-01) Strong negotiating skills are an asset that every superintendent needs. Learn the basic concepts of negotiating in commonly faced situations such as:
- Employees and new hires
- Compensation and benefit packages
- Getting products at the right price
- Boards, city councils and homeowners associations
Pesticides and the Environment: Success, Failure and the Occasional Mishap
(formerly Herbicides and the Environment: Success, Failure and the Occasional Mishap)
David Held, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Entomology, Auburn University
John Kaminski, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Pathology, Penn State University
J. Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Auburn University
(599-01) Pesticides are a seemingly necessary component of golf course management. Weeds, insects and diseases can rob the turf of its natural beauty and functionality. If not used judiciously, however, pesticides can fail to work properly, cause injury to the desired turf or move off-site, damaging non-target plants or animals and contaminating the environment. Seminar discussions will explore the chemical and biological properties of pesticides and their interactions and seek to educate participants on the successes, failures, and occasional mishaps that occur with pesticide usage. Attendees will gain a better understanding of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, and their fate in the environment.
Survival Skills for the Superintendent
(formerly Making the Most of Your Job Today While Preparing for Tomorrow)
Cory Blair, CGCS, Golf Irrigation Representative, Stovall Irrigation
Dave Davies, CGCS, TPC San Francisco Bay at Stonebrae
(465-01) Management is the focus in this dynamic seminar that examines various management and leadership styles, as well as crisis management, marketing, documentation and the importance of having a crisis management plan in place. Effective and diverse communication strategies are stressed as important keys to successful management. Additionally, learn to define and identify stakeholders and work with them in the decision making process.
Using Your Computer – Basic Excel
Stephen Crocker, MCSE, MCDBA, MCT, A+, Security+, Database Administrator, GCSAA
(394-01) Get started with MS Excel in this beginners-only class! Learn how you can use this tool to work faster and smarter, not harder. Tools covered include:
- Budgeting
- Graphing
- Calculating
This class is for those who have very little to no experience with Excel.
Using Your Computer – Basic Excel with your laptop
Stephen Crocker, MCSE, MCDBA, MCT, A+, Security+, Database Administrator, GCSAA
(610-01) If you're traveling with your laptop, why not use it in your seminar and keep the documents you create in class? Simply register using code number 610-01!
Utilizing Seeded Warm-Season Grasses
Aaron Patton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Turfgrass Extension Specialist-Turfgrasses, Purdue University
Mike Richardson, Ph.D., Professor, University of Arkansas
(522-01) Have you thought about replacing your current turfgrass with one of the new improved cultivars that have entered the market, but couldn't find enough money in your budget for sod? This cutting edge seminar will show you how to effectively establish seeded warm-season grasses at approximately 10% of the total cost of planting sod. In this class, you will learn how to:
- Select appropriate cultivars of species, such as bermudagrass, bahiagrass, buffalograss, centipedegrass, kikuyugrass, seashore paspalum, and zoysiagrass, based upon your geographic location
- Compare weed control options (herbicides) based upon species and seedling development
- Create a timeline of renovation procedures
Half-Day Seminars -- 1-5 pm
.35 education points, $75 member, $115 nonmember
21st Century Leadership: What's Different Now?
Lynda J. Pinnington, Ph.D., Partner, Pinnington Training and Development
(601-01) You are the leader and expert at the golf course maintenance facility. What roles, responsibilities and expectations are expected of you? How do you balance the work concerns with the people concerns? How does your leadership style impact employee performance? In this seminar, you will discuss all these questions and learn how to:
- Improve employee performance
- Provide clear direction and encouraging feedback
- Develop and enhance your leadership skills
Hazardous Duty...Basic Bunker Maintenance
Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, Director of Golf Course and Grounds, Boca Rio Golf Club; GCSAA Vice-President
(319-01) The design and maintenance of sand bunkers are two of the most commonly debated issues that golf course superintendents address on a daily basis. In this interactive seminar, you will:
- Learn the numerous factors involved in making informed decisions about sand bunker construction, maintenance and renovation
- Discuss philosophies regarding how sand bunkers should impact golf course playing characteristics
Maximizing Turfgrass Disease Control With Proper Application Strategies
Michael Fidanza, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, Penn State University Berks Campus
John Kaminski, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science, Penn State University
(496-01) Have you experienced reduced levels of pest control with your usual pesticide techniques? Are you concerned about increased federal and state limits on the use of various types of chemical pesticides? With the skyrocketing cost of chemicals and fuel, it is more important than ever to maximize the effectiveness of every ounce of product. In this hands-on seminar, you will discover ways to improve both your bottom line and your pest control by:
- Selecting nozzles that reduce spray drift while increasing spray coverage
- Identifying the importance of application volume, spray pressure, and nozzle types
- Developing techniques to minimize the acreage of pesticide-treated turfgrass on your golf course
Remodeling University
(518-01) The American Society of Golf Course Architects' (ASGCA) Remodeling University, a "Short Course to a Better Course," is a perfect introduction for any golf course decision-maker who is involved in the remodeling process or will be in the future. Feasibility, budgeting, communications, construction and phasing, and financial models that demonstrate the benefits of a remodel will be addressed. Case studies illustrating these concepts will be presented. This course will include a field trip to the Golf Industry Show to visit the construction project on the show floor.
Please note: Superintendent registrants may bring their club managers, owners or green committee members at no additinal charge if their registration form accompanies that of the superintendent.
Successful Project Management
(formerly 8 hrs)
Bruce R. Williams, CGCS, Director of Business Development, Valleycrest; GCSAA Past President
(324-01) In today's ever-changing world, the skills needed for planning and managing successful projects are invaluable. Learn proven real-world methods for the following:
- Planning a project and recognizing key objectives
- Analyzing the amount of time and resources needed to complete a project and prepare a project schedule
Using Wetting Agents on the Golf Course
Keith J. Karnok, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgiat
(351-01) Develop your knowledge of wetting agents and examine the various ways wetting agents are being used on the golf course. Some questions that will be discussed include:
- Do wetting agents save water?
- Will doubling the application rate improve effectiveness?
- Which wetting agent is REALLY the best?
The results of the GCSAA/USGA Green Section wetting agent comparison study as well as other comparative studies will be discussed.
Using Your Computer – Advanced Excel
Stephen Crocker, MCSE, MCDBA, MCT, A+, Security+, Database Administrator, GCSAA
(557-01) Spreadsheets are some of the most powerful tools we have on our computers, and Microsoft Excel is the gold standard of spreadsheet applications. This advanced seminar will teach you how to take advantage of this powerful spreadsheet application to work smarter, not harder! Topics include:
- Creating compound formulas
- Using Excel's built-in functions
- Taking advantage of Excel's list functionality
- Building and improving charts and graphs
- Time-saving tips and tricks
Experience with Microsoft Excel is required.
Using Your Computer – Advanced Excel with your laptop
Stephen Crocker, MCSE, MCDBA, MCT, A+, Security+, Database Administrator, GCSAA
(611-01) If you're traveling with your laptop, why not use it in your seminar and keep the documents you create in class? Simply register using code number 611-01!
Two- Hour Seminars -- 1-5 pm
.2 education points, $40 member, $60 nonmember
10 am - Noon
Avoiding Equipment Washing Hassles
Kathy Antaya, CGCS, Consultant, Kathy M. Antaya LLC
(595-01) Equipment washing is a necessary part of golf course maintenance. In this seminar, you'll review golf course equipment washing rules, regulations, methods and systems. An emphasis will be placed on practical solutions that reduce water use and protect water quality, as well as:
- A critical review of your facility's equipment washing habits
- Learn the rules and regulations of equipment washing and understand how they protect water quality
- Explore some traditional and non-traditional methods for cleaning equipment
1 - 3 pm
An Energy Efficiency Snap Shot: The Golf Course
Andrew Staples, President, Golf Resources Group
(602-01) Supported by The Golf Resource Group's sustainability call to golf: "It's time to build smarter golf!" this two-hour seminar will highlight five areas of immediate energy efficiency gain on your golf facility:
- pump station efficiency
- central control programming efficiency
- water use efficiency
- utility demand charge reductions
- renewable energy solutions
These "Snap Shots" will begin to address how the most important areas of your golf course including the architecture of the course, the water delivery system and the management of energy costs will affect the long term health of your facility.