GCSAA - ON DEMAND Webcasts

GCSAA ON DEMAND webcasts

Each presentation is available at the member price of $45 and awards 0.2 education points for completion. To receive your points, you must return the evaluation form after completion of the webcast.

ON DEMAND registration

To register online for an ON DEMAND webcast:

Select the title in the event listing.
Click on the "Register Now" button.
Log into the website if prompted.
Complete the registration options, select your member pricing and check the "session for education points" if points are desired.

You can also register by calling GCSAA at 800-472-7878 or returning the fax back form. Access information for your webcast event will be emailed to you.

BUSINESS

Digital Photography Instruction & Lab

John R. Johnson
When you enroll in this instructional webcast, you’ll get the lab event, too. Two-time National Golf Photographer of the Year John R. Johnson geared the first event to provide “how-to” ideas to make your film or digital camera perform better, with specific tips on:

What do those little picture settings mean?
Megapixel – What does that do for my photos?
Pocket camera vs. real SLR camera
Light – How to use it
Depth of field – How to achieve it
Composition – Shoot like a pro
Filters – What can they achieve?

Johnson heavily uses actual photo examples to "show" you the “what” and “how” behind the outstanding photos that have become the staple of his career. You'll learn and have fun doing it.

The second part of the photography series is the “lab,” where Johnson reviews the assignment photos submitted by participants after the instructional webcast. Johnson leads the lab to explore these images for everyone to learn and hear how these student-created images could be used, improved or applied to the professional world.
Original presentation date: November 2008

Expect the Unexpected: Plan Now to Minimize Your Risks

Deb Swartz
What risks are posed by hazardous and nonhazardous materials at the maintenance facility and on the golf course? You need to plan now to minimize or eliminate those risks. Learn how to develop standard operating procedures for identification and reduction of risks. Debra Swartz provides instruction on creating spill response and training plans to help meet state and federal requirements.
Original presentation date: Dec. 1, 2010

Managing Nutrient Budgets in the Face of Rising Prices

Jason Kruse, Ph.D.
This webcast focuses on the cause of rising fertilizer prices, use of soluble and controlled-release fertilizers, and how fertilizer programs can be adjusted to reduce expenses while maintaining turfgrass quality. Jason Kruse, Ph.D., discusses making the right decision based on individual budgets and overall goals for fertilization.
Original presentation date: Oct. 12, 2010

Planning for Replacement: How Long Does this Stuff Last?

Tom Marzolf and Bob Lohmann, ASGCA
Does your course have a master plan? A master plan should include a detailed analysis of the age and condition of the course and the entire facility. It is also a review of the age of the component parts of the golf course, with an understanding of their expected lifespans. Tom Marzolf and Bob Lohmann, both past presidents of ASGCA, team up during this 90-minute webcast to educate superintendents, owners and others in the golf industry on the timeframes of various components of a facility and how long things normally last. You can use this information to be prepared and know how to prioritize your budget.
Original presentation date: Nov. 30, 2006

What You Need to Know Now about Equipment Maintenance

Mark Yarick
This 90-minute webcast looks at the management of the golf course maintenance facility including the organization and cleanliness of the facility as well as the maintenance and repair of the equipment. Yarick will discuss record-keeping responsibilities and scheduling matters related to the maintenance, repair, evaluation and periodic replacement of equipment.
Original presentation date: Nov. 11, 2010

COMPUTER

All webcasts in this category were presented by Tracy Adair Derning, GCSAA

Advanced Excel

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 program teaches you how to take advantage of this powerful spreadsheet application to work smarter, not harder! Topics included are:

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.
Original presentation date: Jan. 6, 2009

Excel: Chart & Graph Development to Enhance Your Budget

If a picture speaks a thousands words, will charts and graphs help you sway decision-makers during your annual budget presentation? Absolutely! Learn how you can quickly make accurate visuals to help strengthen your case in getting the critical dollars you need. Tracy Adair Derning focuses this webcast on how to use the power of Excel to your advantage. Whatever your skill level in Excel, you’ll get pointers you can use during your next presentation.
Original presentation date: Mar. 13, 2008

Excel Tips for Your Budget – Using Excel to Enhance Your Operation

Let the power of Excel work for you! Tracy Adair Derning shows you spreadsheets created by a working superintendent. You'll see the technology and benefit from the combined technical and practical experience. Also, you'll have access to samples to download and customize for your own situation. This webcast uses the 2007 version of the application.
Original presentation date: Nov. 5, 2009

ENVIRONMENTAL

Birdies & Bees – Pollinator Habitat Improvement

Faith Kuehn, Ph.D.
Honey bee and native bee populations in the United States have been declining over the past few decades. Should you encourage bees to inhabit your golf course? The answer is yes, because your property can be managed to make a significant contribution to the conservation of pollinators, especially bees. Pollinator conservation is a goal of the USDA, EPA and many environmental groups, so advertising your green practices can contribute to a positive environmental image for your golf facility. In this webcast, Faith Kuehn, Ph.D., highlights the identification and habits of some of the most common native bees. The program’s focus is on the three principles of bee conservation: flower choice, the provision of nesting sites and pollinator-friendly maintenance. In addition, the ever-present concern, "the sting," is also discussed.
Original presentation date: Jan. 7, 2010

Environmental Management Systems

Deb Swartz
You’ve heard about EMSs, but how much do you know about implementing a system? Can it really help in your situation? You can work smarter, not harder, to accomplish your environmental protection goals. EMSs can help you reduce environmental impacts and increase operating efficiency propertywide. In this 90-minute webcast, Deb Swartz outlines the basic elements of an EMS and demonstrates how a formalized set of processes and practices can help improve the financial and environmental bottom line at your facility. Special guest Terry Muir discusses some of the features of e-Par, an EMS product.
Original presentation date: Feb. 25, 2009

Going Green for Groundwater

Jennifer Wemhoff and Jamie Oltman
The Groundwater Guardian (GG) Green Site program recognizes the groundwater and environmental stewardship of highly managed green spaces, such as golf courses, ball fields, parks and campuses by encouraging site managers to implement, measure and document their groundwater-friendly practices. The program publicly recognizes sites for their efforts on behalf of water resources and encourages their sustainable implementation, while providing an opportunity for superintendents and managers of highly managed green spaces to educate themselves, site staff and site visitors about the important resource of groundwater. Designation as a GG Green Site is based on the completion of an application and earning at least 70 percent of total applicable points based on current practices on pesticide and fertilizer use, water use, managing sources of pollution, protecting water quality and environmental stewardship.
Original presentation date: Jan. 15, 2009

Harnessing Renewable Energy on Your Golf Course

Ruth Douglas Miller, Ph.D.
As energy prices continue to fluctuate, consumers are starting to look at ways to be more energy efficient. Your course maintenance budget has likely been impacted, and you may be wondering what you can do to east the pressure. This webcast looks at the power of wind and solar energy. Ruth Douglas Miller, Ph.D., explains issues involved with finding locations on the golf course where you might want to place a wind turbine to collect and then use that energy. She also presents tips on the practical use of solar power. Find out what might work well for the specific characteristics of your facility.
Original presentation date: Jan. 27, 2009

Making the Most of Your IPM Plan

Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D. and Larry Stowell, Ph.D.
To help support superintendents in their efforts to successfully develop IPM plans that meet their specific needs, the GCSAA has funded development of an IPM Planning Guide. The Guide provides the tools you will need to complete an IPM plan, including written procedures, pest identification and management guides, agronomic guidelines, spreadsheets, record keeping forms and planning calendars. In this webcast, we will walk you through the main features of the IPM Planning Guide, illustrate how it can be customized to meet your specific needs, and show you examples of how superintendents from around the country have used it. No matter where you are in IPM adoption at your golf course – whether you have been incorporating new approaches every year to build a comprehensive, course-wide plan, or whether you are just starting out in your IPM planning process – this webcast can help you to take IPM to the next level at your facility.
Original presentation date: Nov. 18, 2010

Organic Matter – Why It Matters Now

Roch Gaussoin, Ph.D.
Successful organic matter management on golf greens has become a critical, daunting and often controversial task. Conclusion of more than 10 years of research on creeping bentgrass will provide a conclusive and simple solution to organic matter accumulation and management.
Original presentation date: Oct. 21, 2009

What's the Scoop NOW on Organic Fertilizers?

Beth Guertal, Ph.D.
"Organic." We are all familiar with the word, and its use conjures up certain descriptive words: "wholesome," "natural," "healthy" and "brown," for example. But exactly how do organic fertilizers work, and what they might bring to your golf course that would be different from inorganic fertilizers? This webcast will discuss different types of organic fertilizers, material sources for these products and agronomic differences due to sources. Rates of nutrient release, fertilizer behavior over time and secondary benefits of organic fertilizers are also covered. Current research in the area of organic fertilizers for turf is also discussed.
Original presentation date: Nov. 19, 2009

COMMUNICATION

Coaching Your Team with Positive Feedback

Bob Milligan, Ph.D.
Performance is influenced the most by consequences. One way, if not the best way, to improve as a supervisor and coach is to increase the quantity and quality of positive feedback provided to employees. Quality refers to relating the feedback directly to performance and selecting the appropriate type of feedback – positive, redirection or negative. This webcast presentation helps you make the most out of your interactions with staff to develop a highly informed and motivated team.
Original presentation date: Nov. 3, 2009

Communicating Strategically to Get Your Way

Bernie Cronin
Think about communication in a new way. Start with this rule: Your value is determined by the amount of information you obtain, rather than by the amount of information you present. Bernie Cronin of the Sandler Sales Institute presents material that's designed to help you learn how listening and questioning can help you get your way. In addition to a brief discussion about different styles, he covers:

10 steps to becoming a better listener
Reversing technique
Rule of three plus
Softening statements
Matching & mirroring

Enroll now to learn more – your time will be well spent.
Original presentation date: Feb. 20, 2008

Improving Management & Communication for Your Facility's Success

Bill Maynard, CGCS
If you're being asked to control expenses more than ever before (labor, equipment, chemical inputs, etc.), you need to be able to explain the impact of the choices being made on conditions and golfer satisfaction. In this webcast, Bill Maynard, CGCS, explains ways to further develop the management and communication skills you need to stay on top of your career and take your facility to the next level. Skills covered include:

Budgeting to control costs and manage expenses to match declining revenue.
Building successful and credible relationships especially within your facility.
Strengthening your communication skills for a variety of situations and audiences.

Practical examples provide a big portion of this discussion, and you'll learn new ways you can be more successful with less stress.
Original presentation date: April 29, 2010

Spring Cleaning for Your Resume

Tracy Adair Derning
If you’re not actively looking for a new position, your resume is very likely out of date. Before the hectic golf season gets under way, take some time with Tracy Adair Derning, GCSAA software trainer, to learn more about what to include. She discusses not only the mechanics of creating a strong resume using Microsoft Word, but also the key points to communicate to potential employers. Do's and don’ts for cover letters, as well as ideas about using your own web page, are also covered.
Original presentation date: Apr. 7, 2010

Working with the Rules of Golf

Don Cook, PGA
The purpose of this course is to create a better understanding of the Rules of Golf, which will enable you to better communicate with staff and committee members. The goal of this course is to provide a basic familiarity with the importance of the rules, and provide you with the necessary information and practices for utilizing the rule book. The PGA's Don Cook leads this 90-minute webcast event. You'll want a copy of the Rules of Golf for this event.
Original presentation date: Dec. 3, 2009

AGRONOMIC

ABCs of Algae

Erwin McKone, CGCS
In this 90-minute journey through the photosynthetic zone of problematic ponds, you'll learn the inner workings of the algae cell, the distinguishing characteristics of different algal types, and how algae survives (lifecycle). Classic and alterative treatments of algal blooms are examined. Erwin McKone, CGCS, leads a review of the role of algae in the aquatic ecosystem, including algae as the initial part of the aquatic food chain. Discussion also covers factors that make for predictable algal blooms and what can be done to minimize the input of excessive nutrients and sediments.
Original presentation date: Dec. 2, 2009

Addressing the Challenges of Winter Injury in Northern Climates

Kevin Frank, Ph.D., and Brian Horgan, Ph.D.
If winterkill is a challenge on your course, you'll benefit from this webcast. Kevin Frank, Ph.D., and Brian Horgan, Ph.D., present an overview of the different causes of winterkill, a variety of management approaches and recent research to facilitate recovery. The event wraps up with a discussion of communication strategies to enhance public relations during recovery.

Even if your current facility isn’t located in an affected climate, you may need this information in the future. Broaden your knowledge base by enrolling in this information-packed webcast.
Original presentation date: Mar. 12, 2009

Being Old Tom Morris: "Greenkeeper" and Golf Course Architect

Bruce Charlton, ASGCA
Old Tom Morris was a triple threat: pioneering superintendent, professional golfer and golf course designer. How can you take the knowledge base and skills you've developed as a superintendent and apply them to golf course design? Bruce Charlton, ASGCA and designer of Chambers Bay (the course recently awarded both the 2010 U.S. Amateur and 2015 U.S. Open), gives you a crash course in the evolution of golf course architecture and techniques for its practice. Beginning with the roots of the profession in Scotland, following its evolution during the "golden age of golf course architecture" in the 1920s, and into today's challenges with technology and environmental sensitivity, Charlton describes design theory and talks about what today's architects tackle.
Original presentation date: Apr. 22, 2008

Bermudagrass Greens Water Management

John Cisar, Ph.D.
With increased water use restrictions, efficient management of water for greens is becoming a focus for today's superintendent. John Cisar, Ph.D., discusses water use and irrigation management of C-4 bermduagrass turf, with limited roots grown in highly permeable sand-based root systems. Associated topics on water quality, and nutrient and pest management factors that affect water use are discussed. Technologies to help monitor water status of the turf environment are also introduced.
Original presentation date: Feb. 21, 2008

Best Management Practices for the Control of Anthracnose

Bruce Clarke, Ph.D., and Jim Murphy, Ph.D.
Controlling anthracnose is more than just spraying fungicides. It requires good cultural practices, such as providing adequate fertility and irrigation quantity, adjusting mowing heights and frequencies, rolling, topdressing, and using plant growth regulators to reduce seedhead formation and improve stress management, as well as utilizing proper chemical control strategies. In this webcast, Jim Murphy, Ph.D., Bruce Clarke, Ph.D., and their graduate students discuss the latest research that has been used to develop the most current set of best management practices for the control of anthracnose on annual bluegrass greens.
Original presentation date: Nov. 10, 2009

Bringing More Golf to Your Community

Dwayne L. Dillinger, CGCS
Growing the game can happen in any number of ways. In this webcast, Dwayne L. Dillinger, CGCS at Bell Nob Golf Course in Gillette, Wyo., presents a case study of his experience in bringing golf to kids in his community. Dillinger will detail the process, from applying for a grant, to involving the community, to getting vendors to make donations, all the way to opening day. This 90-minute event offers some real-world tips on making golf happen.
Original presentation date: Dec. 16, 2008

Bunker Sand Selection

Bob Oppold
How important is bunker sand? After all, the bunker is just a hazard. Sand selection for the bunkers on your course can be a critical factor in your golfer’s satisfaction. This newly developed webcast focuses on one single aspect – sand selection. Partial shape and size, chemical makeup, overall playability and more are addressed by Bob Oppold during this 90-minute event. Learn why purchasing cheap local sand may just be giving you what you’re paying for and why you might want to rethink that strategy.
Original presentation date: Feb. 25, 2010

Calibrating Your Sprayer and Selecting the Right Nozzles

Aaron Patton, Ph.D.
Calibrating is often a dreaded task that is usually skipped or performed infrequently by many turf managers. Calibration is not as difficult as it may initially seem. This webcast covers the basic principles of calibrating various types of sprayers and discusses nozzle selection and how it can affect drift, as well as pest control.
Original presentation date: Jan. 28, 2010

Can You Convert Without Closing?

Mike Goatley, Ph.D.
Recent releases of cold-tolerant, high-quality vegetative and seeded bermudagrasses offer exciting new options for golf turf throughout the transition zone of the U.S. This webcast details ongoing research at Virginia Tech that is evaluating low-impact conversion programs from cool-season turf to improved bermudagrass varieties. By using various forms of pre-plant growth regulation treatments on the cool-season turf, the premise is that areas such as golf course fairways would only be restricted from traffic for approximately two weeks during the initial heavy irrigation programs required for sprig establishment from row-planting bermudagrasses into the existing sod. The webcast also details research results when establishing seeded bermudagrass blends containing various percentages of unimproved, lower-quality varieties with a better adapted, higher-quality variety such as 'Riviera.' Appropriately selected blends for the transition zone offer the potential for significant economic savings at establishment, while still providing a high-quality turfgrass surface that is dominated by the better adapted variety over time.
Original presentation date: Apr. 2, 2009

Critical Eye for The Turfgrass Guy

Roch Gaussoin, Ph.D.
Turf managers are inundated with product claims and testimonials that seem too good to be true. What does a turf manager need to know to critically evaluate the wealth of products available? Although the science of statistics can be cumbersome, a basic understanding will go a long way in helping turf managers make the most agronomically and economically sound decisions. This presentation will take a look at product claims and help superintendents discern between great products and the not-so-great products.
Original presentation date: Feb. 9, 2006

Establishing Warm-Season Grasses from Seed

Aaron Patton, Ph.D.
As costs continue to rise, you find yourself working to stretch your budget dollars. Recent research has demonstrated that seeded warm-season grasses can be successfully established when using the correct procedures and techniques. Bermudagrass, seashore paspalum and zoysiagrass can all be established by seed and are discussed in this webcast. The high cost of sod may have prevented you from renovating to new and improved cultivars. Planting using seed costs approximately 10 percent of the total cost of planting sod, but until recently, seeded varieties of warm-season grasses and their establishment procedures for golf courses have not been available. Aaron Patton, Ph.D., covers appropriate establishment strategies and appropriate herbicides, based on seedling development for each of the turfgrasses covered.
Original presentation date: Feb. 19, 2009

Everything You Want to Know About Nitrogen

Kevin Frank, Ph.D., and Brian Horgan, Ph.D.
In this webcast, Kevin Frank, Ph.D., and Brian Horgan, Ph.D., want to challenge what you thought you knew about nitrogen and turfgrass management. Most superintendents think soil tests are unreliable for predicting nitrogen needs in turfgrass, and that nitrogen does not leach from "native" soil turfgrass systems. This is not necessarily true anymore. A new soil test is being researched to determine its reliability for predicting annual nitrogen needs in turfgrass. In addition, mature turfgrass systems growing on "native" soil may have a higher leaching potential than originally thought.
Original presentation date: Nov. 18, 2008

Fine Leaf Fescues for Your Secondary Rough: Effective Selection & Management

Steve McDonald
The utilization of naturalized rough areas (also known as nonmow roughs, secondary roughs or low-maintenance roughs) is growing on golf courses as economic factors weigh heavily on maintenance budgets. Environmental considerations are also an important factor driving their use. When this topic is broached, most people think of native plants. However, in practice, these areas are generally composed of turf-type fine leaf fescues that are seldom mown. Efforts by superintendents to establish naturalized areas often fail due to improper plant selection or lack of weed control technology. Those areas that are successfully established often become overrun by weeds or other pests and lack the aesthetic value required by modern golfers. This webcast focuses on the management of sustainable fine fescue grasses. The main topics covered include: renovation, establishment, management, species selection and new techniques and products for pest control in secondary roughs.
Original presentation date: March 18, 2010

Fine Tuning Agronomic Programs for Putting Greens

Aaron Patton, Ph.D.
Your busy lifestyle may prevent you from taking a step back to analyze and evaluate the agronomic programs used at your facility. Yet, an analysis of your current agronomic program could help you save money and improve the playing conditions on your course. This webcast will cover information on how to assess golf course putting greens and create an agronomic program that takes into consideration fertilization, soil tests, topdressing, cultivation, pests (insects, disease, weeds), PGRs, wetting agents and more. Whether you want to create a new program for your putting greens or you want to take a fresh look at your current program, this webcast will help you fine tune your maintenance practices.
Original presentation date: Jan. 11, 2011

Foliar Fertilization & Your Putting Greens Management

Cale Bigelow, Ph.D.
This webcast will help you learn how to determine the nutrient needs of the putting greens at your course. Which plant nutrients are actually necessary? How do nutrients move in the plant? Can you improve the CEC of your sand rootzone? Cale Bigelow, Ph.D., will facilitate a discussion regarding the major considerations in the development of a putting green fertility program. The basics of nutrient source selection, as well as when and how to apply fertilizers, are included. In addition, best management practices to optimize your fertilizer program will be addressed.
Original presentation date: Dec. 10, 2009

Foliar Nutrition – A Splash on the Grass

Roch Gaussoin, Ph.D.
Managed turfgrass, especially golf greens, often require specialized strategies, such as foliar nutrition, to enhance playability and agronomic performance. How easily are nutrients absorbed by the plant? Foliar uptake is well-documented in crop plants, while information about turfgrass performance is more limited. This 90-minute webcast by Roch Gaussoin, Ph.D., explains why the turf system reacts differently, and how temperature, application spray volume, season and other elements impact efficiency. Learn more about efficient strategies that give your facility better results.
Original presentation date: Sept. 25, 2008

Fungicides, Resistance & Disease Control

Rob Golembiewski, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Do you know your fungicides? Are you aware of all of the premixes that are available? Have you ever experienced lack of control with certain fungicides? What are the best approaches for managing turfgrass diseases? This presentation will provide a thorough review of fungicides and the basics of fungicide resistance, and cover problematic golf course turfgrass diseases. Current information pertaining to fungicide recommendations and research aimed at better understanding and controlling specific diseases will be covered.
Original presentation date: March 5, 2008

Got It Covered – Using Turf Blankets

Mike Goatley, Ph.D.
Turf blankets now come in a variety of materials, and what you select should depend upon your purpose for using them in the first place. Do you want to protect against desiccation or frost? Are you looking are early green-up in the spring? In this 90-minute webcast, Mike Goatley, Ph.D., discusses results from several studies, including one at the Mississippi State University Golf Course where covers were applied at the discretion of GCSAA member Pat Sneed, CGCS.
Original presentation date: Nov. 4, 2008

Herbicide-Resistant Poa annua – Real or Imaginary?

Scott McElroy, Ph.D.
Poa annua is the most difficult to control weed problem in all of turfgrass. Many attribute the lack in success in Poa annua control to resistance to commonly used herbicides. While instances of Poa annua herbicide resistance have been detected, other factors are at play regarding control success. In this 90-minute webcast, Scott McElroy, Ph.D., covers herbicide-resistant Poa annua populations that exist today, how and why these populations arose, and how you can prevent the development of herbicide resistance.

Topics covered include:

What is true herbicide resistance?
Current reports of Poa annua herbicide resistance
Biological and ecological factors that mimic herbicide resistance
Managing and halting herbicide resistance

After this webcast, you'll be versed in the ecology of herbicide resistance, biotypes vs. ecotypes, and herbicide modes of action. You'll also be better prepared to manage Poa annua and will understand why the best-laid plans sometimes fail.
Original presentation date: Dec. 9, 2008

How to Read Your Soils Report

Elizabeth Guertal, Ph.D.
Knowing more about the soil on your golf course may help you manage your turf and ornamentals more effectively. Understanding the details on the soils report you’ve received from the lab may not be as simple as it sounds. Learn more about how to correctly read your soils report during this 90-minute webcast with Beth Guertal, Ph.D., who shows examples of various documents and provides key details on how to use that information on your golf course.
Original presentation date: Jan. 26, 2011

Integrated Management of Dollar Spot

John Kaminski, Ph.D.
Dollar spot may well be the most problematic disease of fine turf throughout the United States. Where the disease was once a nuisance, it is now becoming thought of as a year-round problem and more difficult to control. Golf course superintendents can help reduce the severity of the disease by using a programmatic approach. John E. Kaminski, Ph.D., will address some of the key issues faced by turfgrass managers when dealing with dollar spot in this 90-minute webcast. Turf managers will learn to identify the key factors for managing the disease, including cultural and chemical management strategies, fungicide resistance issues, autumn disease resurgence and the integration of management techniques to assist in season long control of the disease.
Original presentation date: Dec. 2, 2010

Irrigation: Science, Art and Measuring for Success

Thom Nikolai, Ph.D.
Fortunately for superintendents, the frequency and timing of irrigation and the amount of water to apply on a golf course is never cause for concern, frustration or argument. What?? Obviously, if you agree with that first sentence you shouldn't sign up for this webcast, which weaves basic soil science concepts, including field capacity, saturation, plant available water, soil moisture content, histosols and subsidence, and relates them to real-world techniques used to determine proper irrigation replacement. To help make these connections, field research with wetting agents and greenhouse experiments with soil amendments is covered. While Nikolai is known worldwide as the "Green Speed Doctor," it is important to note that he has taught both a soil science class and a golf course irrigation class for nearly a decade. He makes the class as informative, thought-provoking and entertaining as possible.
Original presentation date: Jan. 27, 2010

Landscape Planning Gates to Greens

Kim Todd, RLA
Make certain visitors to your facility, whether golfers or other patrons, notice your landscaping as a positive – not as unruly or unkempt. Learn to use visual and physical cluse in your environment as the basis for developing design, implementation and management strategies to integrate entrances, drives, walks, the clubhouse and other non-golf facilities that are an integral part of the golf experience. Kim Todd, RLA, will explain how you can make low-input, high-impact, sustainable landscape recommendations to enhance special events. Ways to anticipate and plan for short-term and long-range landscape changes will also be discussed.
Original presentation date: Dec. 15, 2010

Managing Geese on the Golf Course

Judy Loven, USDA
Canada geese have become one of the most common urban birds in North America, due primarily to protective laws, refuges, restoration programs and changes in the environment. Golf courses, especially with man-made ponds, create a habitat that provides both an irresistible attraction and a protected environment for the geese. Golfers and maintenance teams are well aware of the variety of human/goose conflicts, including damage to turf and landscaping, excessive droppings accumulations, aggressive behavior and transmission of disease. This 90-minute webcast investigates some common Canada goose problems and reviews available management tools and methods to help superintendents resolve human/goose conflicts in a biologically/environmentally sound manner. Permits are required for some management actions, and the process to obtain permits are also covered.
Original presentation date: Oct. 29, 2009

Nine Shrubs for the Front Nine

John C. Fech
You know turf, but landscape plants are a different challenge. John C. Fech, extension educator in horticulture and ISA-certified arborist, helps you learn more about these top nine woody plants for the golf course. He discusses what makes them great choices for golf courses in the transition zone, Northeast, Midwest, Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest and mountain states . . . really, anywhere other than Florida, Texas, Arizona and Southern California! This presentation offers many practical tips you can use.
Original presentation date: March 3, 2010

PGRs for Turf: What do you want to do?

Ron Calhoun, Ph.D.
Golf course superintendents are constantly trying to regulate/manage the growth of the grass on their greens, tees and fairways. Weather patterns, seasonal growth fluctuations and a bevy of other factors influence the growth of the turf. Applied plant protectants can also have direct and indirect effects on plant growth. For twenty years plant growth regulators (PGRs) have become a more and more common component of turfgrass management programs. Although initially developed for reducing mowing frequency, the uses of PGRs today are varied and sometimes subtle.

Do you have specific measurable outcomes for your PGR program? How does your PGR program interact with other products you're applying? Why do bananas turn yellow as soon as I get them home? In this webcast, Ronald Calhoun, Ph.D. from Michigan State University, discusses current uses of the six most common PGRs used in turf.
Original presentation date: Nov. 10, 2010

Poa annua Control – Old and New

Steve McDonald
Poa annua continues to be a problematic weed to manage in cool-season golf course turfs. Superintendents continue to explore new control tactics with cultural and chemical practices. This webcast covers traditional methods that have worked under green, tee and fairway conditions, as well as looks at current and potential future methods for preventing this weedy grass. An overview of current control options rounds out this 90-minute webcast presented by Steve McDonald and helps you create a strategy for managing Poa annua at your golf course.
Original presentation date: Nov. 17, 2009

Poa annua Green Speed Management

Rob Golembiewski, Ph.D.
Overwhelmingly, green speed research to date has focused primarily on creeping bentgrass. A variety of cultural and chemical practices have been implemented by superintendents in a quest for the "perfect" firm, fast putting greens. Some of these practices include lowering mowing heights or increasing mowing frequency, reducing irrigation and fertilizer amounts to limit plant vigor, applying plant growth regulators to limit vertical growth, or employing the use of other devices like rollers. One, some, or all of these practices may be implemented at any one time to optimize putting green speed. This 90-minute webcast focuses on the effects of various mowing and rolling regimes, application strategies of Primo Maxx, and the impact of gas vs. electric rollers on Poa annua green speeds.
Original presentation date: Oct. 7, 2010

Phosphorus Fertilizers and Pollution – What Turf Managers Need to Know

Brian Horgan, Ph.D.
Are phosphorus fertilizers applied to turfgrass polluting our surface water bodies? Increasingly, fertilizers applied to turfgrass are being regulated across the United States. Minnesota is the first state to restrict the use of phosphorus fertilizers applied to turfgrass. While there have been some positive outcomes from this legislation, there was no detailed look at the literature prior to enacting this law. In this webcast, Brian Horgan, Ph.D., takes you on a journey through the literature, presents new data on the topic and lets you decide the merits of such legislation.
Original presentation date: Jan. 12, 2010

Preparation (H)eat: Thinking ahead will prevent next summer's turf decline

Jack Fry, Ph.D.
Turf decline during the summer of 2010 was as bad as we've witnessed in quite some time. This leads one to ask, "Could I have done something differently?" In this 90-minute webcast, the merit of various cultural strategies in preparing turf for summer stress is explored. Jack Fry, Ph.D., and professor in the Division of Horticulture at Kansas State University, shares what his team has learned from this dramatic weather.
Original presentation date: Oct. 21, 2010

Sending It Down the Drain – Drainage Issues

Bob Oppold
This webcast focuses on drainage issues in the field in existing greens. It is intended for superintendents who manage sand-based and soil greens. With respect to soil greens, the goal is to discuss the benefits and limitations on cutting drainage into the existing root zones. An overview of new construction issues is included. It is not necessary to repeat the information available from other sources.

Drainage is an important aspect of water management. As such, it has a direct impact on turf health and quality. The ultimate goal of drainage is to support the ultimate goal of maintaining high-quality turf.
Original presentation date: Oct. 15, 2008

Some New Weapons for a Few Old Weeds

J. Scott McElroy, Ph.D.
Confused about changes in the herbicide and weed control market? New herbicide modes of action, as well as new herbicides using traditional modes of action, have recently entered the turfgrass market. This updated webcast compares new herbicides and techniques with traditional products in respect to:

Mode of action, turfgrass safety and weeds controlled
Human safety, potential for environmental contamination and economic cost
How the new products and techniques fit into your weed management program throughout the year

Original presentation date: Oct. 14, 2009

Top 10 Reasons to Lightweight Roll, Plus Superintendent Insights on the Mechanical Practice

Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D.
This session covers all the reasons that research claims rolling can be good for your putting greens and also includes practical insights from superintendents from across the country. A portion of these insights are testimonials that validate research claims, while other superintendent comments tackle management techniques that address problems associated with long-term light-weight rolling. Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D., covers topics including playability, and agronomic and economic issues, pertaining to putting green maintenance.
Original presentation date: Nov. 12, 2009

Top 10 Weeds in the Southeast

J. Scott McElroy, Ph.D.
There are many different weed problems in turf; however, a select few are the most problematic. Certain weeds are so adapted to turfgrass management practices that it is virtually impossible to manage them non-chemically. Trying to control these weeds with herbicides is difficult as well, due to the lack of available material that is active on the weeds but not the turf.

This 90-minute webcast will tease out the fine details in managing the most difficult to control weeds. These weeds require an integrated approach that maximizes turfgrass competitiveness and decreases the invasive ability of the weed species. Discussions will cover Poa annua, dallisgrass, Virginia buttonweed, turfgrass control in other species, torpedograss and more.
Original presentation date: Jan. 6, 2011

Update on Fairy Ring Control

Mike Fidanza, Ph.D.
Courses across the country are seeing more instances of fairy ring. The biology and ecology of this disease will be the focus of this 60-minute webcast taught by Mike Fidanza, Ph.D. Learn more about the different types and what strategies for control might work best for your golf facility.
Original presentation date: Jan. 20, 2011

Using Wetting Agents Now

Jack Fry, Ph.D.
More than 90 percent of all golf course superintendents use wetting agents on the golf course. These various uses of wetting agents and how they can be most effective are examined in this 90-minute webcast. Questions addressed include: "Can the use of wetting agents save water?" "What effect does organic matter have on the performance of a wetting agent?" "How does a wetting agent make a water repellent soil wettable?" and the most frequently asked question of all: "Which wetting agent really is best?" Join Keith Karnok, Ph.D. to hear his answers.
Original presentation date: Jan. 18, 2011

Waiting for the Other Limb to Fall: Minimizing Tree Liability

John Fech
Managing the trees and shrubs on your golf course is more than just making them look appealing to the members and other golfers. Keeping them healthy is key to making sure that they stay in the asset column instead of the eyesore - or worse yet - in the liability column. Nobody wants to be known as the superintendent that neglected the trees on the course to point that it led to an accident. In this 90-minute webcast, John Fech focuses on identifying hazardous trees, the process for determining which trees on the course need immediate attention, documenting inspection and assessment observations. Also covered are management practices that can extend a tree's life, procedures that keep trees thriving and help with making the retain/remove decision.
Original presentation date: Oct. 26, 2010