Friday Seminars
One-Day Seminars
8 am – 3 pm
.55 education points, $115 member, $175 nonmember
Advanced Stress Management Strategies for Cool-Season Turfgrasses
Jack D. Fry, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Science, Kansas State University
Bingru Huang, Ph.D., Professor, Plant Biology and Pathology Department, Rutgers University
(450-01) This advanced seminar will provide an overview of basic growth characteristics and environmental adaptation of cool-season turfgrasses, before examining more advanced topics, such as:
- Major environmental stresses that cause performance decline
- Physiological reasons behind stress injury to turf
- Advanced management strategies to prevent stress injury
- Maintaining high-quality turf when water quality and quantity concerns exist
- Best management practices for common, real-world problems
Management of Zoysiagrass on the Golf Course
Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Horticulture Extension Specialist-Turgrass, Purdue University
David C. Stone, The Honors Course
(186-01) The use of zoysiagrass is increasing in the transition zone and southern U.S. climates. Despite an increase in use, there is still a great deal of information that is yet to be discovered about the management of zoysiagrass. This interactive seminar will provide current management information, including:
- Selecting a cultivar based on your location, needs and use
- Developing appropriate cultural practices for establishment, mowing, fertilization, plant growth regulators, and pest and weed control
- Discussing best practices with superintendents who are currently managing zoysiagrass
Modern Lake Management
Erwin H. McKone, CGCS, Director of Golf Operations, Briar Ridge Country Club
(456-01) In this course, you will review basic lake and pond ecological principles and then use these concepts to develop sound management programs for water features at your facility. You will focus on:
- Water quality and the characteristics of a healthy pond ecosystem
- Diagnosis of pond health using plant and animal identifiers
- Identification and implementation of corrective action based on existing imbalances in the pond system
- Techniques to manage a healthy pond in a natural way
Selection, Establishment and Maintenance of Grasses for "Native" Roughs and other Reduced Maintenance Areas
David Kopec, Ph.D., Extension Specialist/Field Researcher for Turf, University of Arizona
Tony Koski, Ph.D., Professor, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University
(567-01) There is a growing interest in the use of native grasses on the golf course for both environmental and financial reasons. Success of this practice depends upon grass selection, establishment practices, and practical long-term management programs. In this hands-on semnar, you will:
- Learn how to develop grassing plans for reduced maintenance areas, including establishment, grow-in management, and long-term maintenance
- Review case studies from different regions of North America illustrating correct and incorrect grassing and management strategies
- Develop a hypothetical grassing plan for an area on your own golf course
Six-Hour Seminars
8 am – 3 pm
.55 education points, $115 member, $175 nonmember
The Science of Physical Properties in the Real World . . .Beyond the Textbooks
(formerly Physical Properties and What They Mean to You)
David L. Doherty, President and Founder, International Sports Turf Research Center Inc.
(481-01) Healthy greens are one of the most visible and cherished features of a golf course. Learn about the two major causes of green failure and develop solutions to promote healthier turf, resulting in better putting surfaces while reducing chemical and water usage.
Strategies for Poa annua Prevention and Control in Cool-Season Turf
Bruce Branham, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Illinois
Ronald N. Calhoun, Ph.D., Turfgrass Research/Extension Specialist,
Michigan State University
(383-01) Learn current methods of preventing and eradicating Poa annua infestations on the golf course. Discussion will focus on cool-season climates and grasses, and cover topics including:
- Pre- and post-emergence control strategies
- Soil sterilants and other products
- Unique aspects of control strategies under green, tee and fairway conditions
The Business of Golf
Henry DeLozier, Partner/Principal, Global Golf Advisors
Stephen Johnston, Partner/Principal, Global Golf Advisors
(571-01) To maximize the value that you bring to the golf facility business as a whole, you must be able to comprehend the big picture of your facility's business model. Upon completion of this interactive seminar, you will:
- Understand the basics of how each management area of the facility impacts the bottom line
- Appreciate the role you play in the overall facility management team
- Be able to identify how and where to focus energy to improve the economic value of your facility
- Understand the components of the entire golf facility budget, including how it is developed and how it can make the golf course superintendent more successful
Half-Day Seminars
8 am – Noon
.35 education points, $75 member, $115 nonmember
Calibrate Your Management Skills - Business Management for Today's Superintendent
Mike Muetzel, President, MX Marketing, LLC
(325-01) Stay current on the latest national trends in business management techniques with key topics such as:
- Human capital management
- Employee retention
- Generation X/Y employees
- Leadership skills
- Team development
Driving Revenue while Mastering Pace of Play
Steve Southard, CGCS, Marina Butte Golf Course
(596-01) You CAN improve the flow of golfers around your golf course. Improved pace of play can increase your revenue. This seminar will outline a 10 step program for improving the pace of play at your course while maintaining high production levels. Much more than slow golfers, pace of play is affected by a variety of factors. Become the pace of play expert at your facility by examining:
- Ownership and policy decisions that affect playing times
- Maintenance practices which contribute to slow play
- Ranger training and practices
- Clubhouse policies and procedures
Managing Turfgrass Traffic
James A. Murphy, Ph.D., Associate Extension Specialist, Rutgers University
(572-01) Traffic stresses are some of the most prevalent, and sometimes least understood, stresses on the golf course. The seminar will use lecture as well as discussion to engage seminar attendees on the topics of:
- The proper identification of traffic stresses and turf responses
- Management practices to enhance the traffic tolerance of turf and soil
- Management practices to enhance the recovery of turf and soil from traffic
The seminar will include a thorough discussion of managing organic matter (thatch) relative to traffic tolerance.
Planning and Programming the Golf Turf Care Center
Michael D. Vogt,CGCS, CGIA, Golf Division Director, McMahon Group
(577-01) A turf care center is a unique and highly specialized site at your facility. Proper planning and space programming now will save you time and money for the life of the turf care center. In this seminar, you'll find solutions relating to:
- Site selection
- Staffing size accommodations
- Equipment fleet space requirements
- Labor and equipment flow
Rules of Golf for the Superintendent
Genger A Fahleson, Ph.D., Director, Rules-Education, USGA
(598-01) The Rules of Golf impact your facility in a variety of ways. Learn how you can affect Rules application on your course by:
- Identifying maintenance practices that affect the employment of the Rules
- Making decisions about marking a course that allows for the proper application of the Rules
- Understanding basic relief procedures (Rules 18, 19, 24-28)
Taking Control of Your Financial Future...for the "Green" Industry Professional
Keith W. Smith, AAMS, Financial Consultant, Smith Barney
(535-01) Your financial education is vital for you and your family, as well as the continued growth and quality of your facility. Develop the tools necessary for a secure future through:
- Learning fundamental investment terms and types
- Discovering essential savings strategies
- Realizing the benefits of IRAs, tax deferred growth, and the role insurance plays in the financial security of an individual and family
Using Your Computer – Maintaining Your Web Site or Blog
Clayton Fixson, Web Architect, GCSAA
(578-01) Do you have a website? If so, this class is for you. Learn tips, tricks and ideas for website content, including a brief overview of HTML, tools you can used to maintain your site, and ideas for design. We'll answer your questions and help you make your web presence known.
Using Your Computer – Maintaining Your Web Site or Blog with your laptop
Clayton Fixson, Web Architect, GCSAA
(614-01) 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 614-01!
Two-Hour Seminars
.2 education points, $40 member, $60 nonmember
8 – 10 am
Survival of the Fittest: Bermudagrass vs. Winter
Bud White, Director, Mid-Continent Region, USGA Green Section
(609-01) This seminar will detail the winter kill of bermudagrass in the winter of 2010 and the factors that lead up to the worst winterkill year since 1989. We will look at key reasons damage occurred, what made damage worst and what preventions were used to reduce damage. We will also detail steps to take in the late summer fall to significantly reduce winter kill and Spring Dead Spot.
1 – 3 pm
Fine Tuning Your Foliar Program
Roch E. Gaussoin, Ph.D., Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture/Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska
(579-01) Liquid applications of nutrients to turfgrass are a routine management practice. Learn about advances in foliar fertilizers and begin to develop a customized foliar program for your facility by working through the following questions:
- When is it appropriate to use a liquid vs. soluble product?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of foliar vs. soluble vs. granular?
- What proportion of your program should be granular vs. foliar and vice versa?
- What are additional documented benefits of foliars besides nutrition, and how can they best be used in your program?