OKGCSA event at OSU a big hit

Football Practice Field

Kudos to the Oklahoma GCSA for trying something new again at its February chapter event in Stillwater, Okla. If you like variety, this is the chapter for you! Chapter leadership isn’t shy about shaking things up once and a while, and trying new formats and venues. Last year, the chapter held a bowling event headlined by GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans and earlier this year, an education event that featured a Texas HoldEm Poker tournament – all for bragging rights of course.

Cowgirl Stadium

The February event was held on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. The activities for the day included a tour of the OSU football practice facilities – Sherman E. Smith Training Center, baseball stadium – Allie P. Reynolds Stadium, softball stadium – Cowgirl Stadium, and the crowning touch – a tour of Boone Pickens Stadium, including the football team facilities within the stadium. Chapter leadership believes that providing these types of opportunities has sparked an interest among members, and participation will increase. President Jared Wooten is a proud OSU alumnus and was all too happy to schedule the event during a time of the year when golf is usually “iffy,” but members are still looking for networking opportunities.

Boon Pickens Stadium from the 50

The tours provided a lot of great agronomic information from Field Manager Todd Tribble. Todd provided good insight in to the demands of maintaining high-profile college athletic venues. Members quizzed him on mowing height, fertility programs, cultural methods and schedules, and of course, tried to pick up some insider information about this year’s Cowboy and Cowgirl teams! Since the vast majority of participants were OSU fans, this Texas Aggie kept a pretty low profile during the day but did enjoy seeing the very impressive facilities.
I think every Field Staff member would tell you the best part of our job is meeting new members and getting to know them a little personally. At this event I met two relatively new assistant superintendents, Michael Payne and Taylor Sandell, from Kickingbird GC in Edmond, Okla. Thanks for visiting and good luck at Kickingbird. Kudos to their boss, Brad Jolliff, for sending assistants to this meeting and supporting the association. Michael and Taylor said Brad had a city meeting to attend, but I’m wondering if he is more of an OU fan?

OSU Legend - Pistol Pete

I really think all chapters would benefit from following the OKGCSA’s lead by trying new venues and formats for their meetings. As a group, we usually have similar outside interests and hobbie,s so it’s not hard to find something that will appeal to most of your members. This meeting was low-cost and therefore a low-risk opportunity for the chapter to consider. I think the attendees enjoyed the day and probably learned something useful they can implement on their courses. Touch base with the great folks in Oklahoma for more information and insight.