We have a great profession!
I am reminded every week what a great profession we have. It never ceases to amaze me how willing Superintendents are to share ideas and information and in times of need, equipment and manpower. Our industry also has amazing support from manufacturers and distributors. I consider myself blessed to have been able to develop solid relationships with so many of you over the last 15 years. THANK YOU!
I snuck away for a couple days last weekend to play golf in a twin cities suburb with 3 of my high school classmates. We had a tee time at Fox Hollow Golf Club in St. Michael, MN for Saturday morning. I called the superintendent earlier in the week and explained that I would be at his course and if he would have time I would like to meet him. Sure enough Matt Zwilling, a complete stranger but fellow Superintendent, took time to stop in and visit for 10 minutes on a busy Saturday morning. There is something therapeutic about sharing stories from the heat of the summer, thanks Matt.
Went across town this week to view an equipment demo at Emerald Hills Golf Club. Although it is always interesting to see new equipment in motion I enjoyed visiting with Mike Vander Pol more than anything. More therapy in action! Thanks Mike for the visit.
Big thanks to Randy Robinson and his team for hosting the Field Day Classic July 17th at Ballard Golf and Country Club. The course was in fantastic shape and the food and staff were awesome. Of course the networking provided multiple therapy sessions all in one day! As difficult as it is to get away I always travel home happy that I made the trip. Thanks Randy.
The next event (therapy session) is the Iowa GCSA Superintendent Tournament and will be hosted by Patrick Williams at Atlantic Country Club on August 12. If you can get away I am certain it will be worth your while.
Lastly, with fall just around the corner and hopefully some time to catch up please consider taking some time to showcase your environmental management practices by applying for the Iowa GCSA Environmental Stewardship Award. The application can be found at www.iowagcsaa.org and is a single page with easy to answer questions about you, your facility and your golf course. It is time to toot your horn about the positive things you do on a daily basis. If you have any questions about the process please drop me a line and I will be glad to help.