Reflecting on the Golf Industry Show

Playing in the golf championship this year was a great experience. I competed with others in my flight who shared many of my game’s deficiencies. Despite my 18 handicap, I was able to sharpen my game, play some great courses, network at various receptions (including a great Super Bowl party) and unwind and relax after the hard season of 2008.

We then drove over to New Orleans for the 2009 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show, and what a show, indeed.

My first show was Atlanta in 1979 and it started a great tradition in my professional life. I haven’t missed one since. There’s never enough time to experience everything the show has to offer. 

Several seminars presented new ideas to increase my efficiency and improve the performance of my crew and staff. I had the opportunity to share my experiences with many friends and acquaintances while attending the many social gatherings and networking events. I also hired another intern and talked to several other students while attending the Student Networking Reception. I rekindled old relationships and made some new friends.

However, I missed seeing many of my friends this year because tough economic times have caused cuts in travel and education expenses. Many of the people I encountered appeared to be our more experienced superintendents and our most engaged members. The leaders of our industry — superintendents, club managers, owners, builders, architects, educators, agronomists, students and others — were present for the greatest show in golf course management.

I’m back in New Jersey and now have time to examine all the literature I picked up while traversing the show floor with several members of my staff, my grounds chairman and general manager. I found a couple of new chemicals for disease and insect control that I will be trying this season, along with several attractive teak coolers for bottled water stations and four new machines that could save my club thousands of dollars in the coming years. 

I’ve saved my club untold thousands of dollars over the years by attending the GIS. Show specials, early orders and unlimited educational opportunities all add up to budget savings and overall efficiency in managing and improving our facilities.

Every one of us strives to improve our facilities and reach the next plateau. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the GIS and GCSAA. I will be in San Diego for the GIS in 2010 to continue my tradition. Will you be there to start yours? 2009 is going to be challenging for all of us, and a total team effort at your facility will help overcome these challenges.

Oh, by the way, I was also able to attend the GCSAA Annual Meeting this year and was elected president of your association. Thank you for your support over the years and I will do my best to serve you well in the coming year. Best wishes for a great year.