In response to these conditions, Ron Wright, Southeast field representative, and I composed a letter relating our experiences and observations during our travel in our regions. The letter was targeted to golfers, employers and club officials to explain the widespread damage that occurred and to encourage support and patience for superintendents as they manage recovery.
We encourage members who are experiencing issues to share this letter by posting it in locker rooms and proshops, republishing it in newsletters, and posting it on websites and social media. We hope the information is useful, and we look forward to assisting our members in the future.
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In May, the South Central region wraps up a very busy professional tournament season that includes four PGA events, one LPGA event and a Senior Tour event. Despite a difficult season, GCSAA members have provided some of the best playing conditions found on any of the professional tours. Several GCSAA members have served as volunteers at each of these events. This summer the region will host the US Senior Open in Edmond, Okla., and the LPGA Walmart Championship in Rogers, Ark.
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The Texas Golf Economic and Environmental Impact Study has been completed and is due to be published in the near future. Several South Central members were instrumental in providing information and data for this report, which will
The report will demonstrate that Texas’s $4.2 billion golf industry (direct impact) generated a total economic impact of $6.2 billion in 2012, supporting over 80,000 jobs with wage income of $2 billion. These figures represent a significant increase in the economic direct impact from the study conducted in 2006. The full report will be published and available from the Texas Golf Association.
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Outreach Activities
This is the second year for the chapter to host this tournament format, which is successful in bringing superintendents and golf professionals together for a day of camaraderie. Approximately 15 golf courses were represented by teams, including the courses superintendent and golf professional. During the event, I rode the golf course with the chapter’s media manager, taking photos and interacting with tournament participants. This activity was very beneficial, providing the opportunity to meet with chapter members as well as golf professionals from around the DFW area.
South Texas GCSA Scholarship Tournament – High Meadows Ranch, Texas
This successful auction will fund very generous turf and legacy scholarships for the chapter. Every item in the auction was sold at a price close to retail value or greater, as chapter members enthusiastically participated. Each of the auction items were donated by affiliate members. Following the auction, meeting participants enjoyed a very well-conditioned golf course.
LPGA North Texas Shootout – Las Colinas Country Club, Irving, Texas
On Friday, May 2, I volunteered to work on the maintenance staff for superintendent Rob Wiggins. This is the second year for the event to be held at this venue and enthusiasm and support have grown in the DFW Metroplex. Las Colinas is a Club Corporation Management Company course, and I worked with CCA regional superintendent, Charlie Trammell. The company does a good job utilizing equipment and labor resources from their neighboring properties in DFW. Several courses had representation on the course maintenance staff. The golf course received very good reviews from the golf media and LPGA players and staff.
Lone Star GCSA Board of Directors Meeting – Horseshoe Bay, Texas
I participated in the Lone Star GCSA Board of Directors meeting on the morning of May 5. The meeting focused on the upcoming Texas Trophy event and the newly released Water Conservation BMP and plans to promote usage among LS members across the state. I have offered to help the chapter by communicating with chapters and individual members regarding the document.
Lone Star GCSA Texas Cup – Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Member Outreach – Joe Todaro, Texas State Technical College
During a return trip through Central Texas, I met with the department head of the golf course and landscape management program in Waco, Texas. Joe has done a good job recruiting new students and growing enthusiasm for the program. Joe also serves as an affiliate board member for the Central Texas GCSA. During our visit, we discussed the chapter’s membership and participation, and the 2015 GCSAA Conference and GIS in San Antonio. The chapter and the college are exploring ways to promote participation by all members at the conference.
Oklahoma GCSA Chapter Event – McAlester, Okla.
On Monday, May 12, I attended an Oklahoma GCSA chapter event at McAlester Country Club. Despite threatening weather, the event had good participation with about 30 OKGCSA members. The event included limited announcements but lots of interaction time prior to and during lunch. Unfortunately, severe weather hit McAlester very hard during the golf portion of the event, sending members scrambling home to safety. Texas AgriLife Water Expo – Dallas, Texas
Lone Star Sports Turf Managers Association Chapter Event – Frisco, Texas
On Thursday, May 22, I attended the Lone Star Sports Turf Managers
Association regional event held at Toyota Field, home of the FC Dallas soccer team. I participated at the invitation of event host and STMA director Allen Reed. During the event I met many sports turf managers and discussed common issues related to agronomic conditions, labor, water issues/shortages, and other issues. I spoke with chapter president Rusty Walker regarding the possibility of the organization working with the superintendent chapters to conduct events that would provide common education topics and continuing education credits. Many affiliate members at the meeting commented that they would support events that included superintendents, sports turf managers and support staff.
Colonial PGA Event Volunteer – Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas
During the week of the Colonial PGA event in Fort Worth, I served on the tournament volunteer staff each morning. I have served in this capacity for several years and use the opportunity to interact with Colonial staff members, several GCSAA members who volunteer, and many student members who work internships during the tournament. Scott Ebers and the entire CCC staff were praised for course conditions during the entire week. I was able to provide updates and news regarding the course and maintenance staff activities via social media.
Member Outreach – Stephen Tucker, CEO - International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association
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June 2014 – Activity Schedule
June 5: Tarrant Regional Water District – Meeting with Water Conservation Managers
June 10: Texas Gulf Coast SA Chapter Event – Victoria, Texas
June 11: Member Outreach - South Texas GCSA
June 17: Central Texas GCSA Chapter Event – Horseshoe Bay, Texas
June 18: Member Outreach - Central Texas GCSA
June 24: South Texas GCSA Chapter Event – Houston, Texas
June 26: Texas Alliance of Recreational Organizations Board of Directors Meeting
June 27-29: LPGA Event Volunteer – Rogers, Ark.
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