Continuing with our field staff and board outreach efforts, GCSAA board member John Walker and I visited Nebraska and participated in the 2016 Nebraska Golf Summit. Roughly 100 representatives of the golf industry, including superintendents, golf professionals, club managers and representatives from the Nebraska Golf Association were on hand.
The Nebraska GCSA held its board an annual meeting during the event. John Walker and I presented and focused on GCSAA initiatives and adding value. The chapter presented its Superintendent of the Year award to Craig Ferguson of Lochland CC in Hastings for his years of service to the profession.
Henry DeLozier opened the event discussing "Your Legacy." The presentation was focused on what and how you do things will impact today, tomorrow and the future. One of the more powerful quotes reflected on how you will be remembered, as some people don't care or worry about their legacy.
"That will be their legacy," DeLozier noted. "If you are not worried about making things better in the future that's how you will be defined," he said.
Ron Whitten of Golf Digest concluded the event and provided a unique look into golf course architecture. He pointed out the difference between "left-brained" and "right-brained" architects. The right-brained architect is more concerned about the flow of the land...golf course maintenance issues are not as much of a factor. The left-brain architect is more calculated and binary in design. Everything has a specific purpose.
Whitten also noted when right-brained architects become left-brained and vice versa, much of what they are designing doesn't fit. It was a very entertaining and informative presentation. Whitten was part of the architecture team for Erin Hills GC in Wisconsin, which will host the 2017 U.S. Open.
The Summit was an excellent event. The next day, Mr. Walker and I visited students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and conducted three site visits at area courses.
Turf students at UNL are excited and ready to attend GIS and compete in the turf bowl. The students we spoke with have a solid plan to enter the golf course management profession. They have their internships set and understand you may need to leave the area to get a position you desire. NGCSA past president Chad Giebelhaus also joined us during the meeting. As a UNL graduate, he offered insight to what he's seen in the industry and how students can take advantage of opportunities.
Mr. Walker discussed his career and how he made sure he went outside his normal boundaries to find a solid position in the field. The students appreciated the visit.
Our three site visits included: Pioneers GC and Holmes GC in Lincoln and Johnny Goodman GC in Omaha.
Matt Noble is the superintendent at Pioneers, a City of Lincoln facility that serves the southwest quadrant of town. We were able to tour the golf course and meet some of his staff. A player friendly golf course that he keeps in excellent condition with a small staff and budget. Matt has shown an interest to get more involved with NGCSA and GCSAA functions. He does have a young family and is very well respected.
Casey Crittenden, CGCS oversees Holmes GC and is the acting supervisor for superintendents at the City of Lincoln courses. Casey has been active in chapter functions and speaks very highly for what GCSAA has done for his career. Since Casey assumed the position in Lincoln a few years ago, courses are starting to turn a profit and golfers are enjoying excellent conditions.
In fact, Nebraska as a whole notes a positive uptick in revenues and number of rounds over the past three years.
Our final stop was in Omaha at the Johnny Goodman GC. It is one of Omaha's eight city courses. George Barth is the golf course superintendent. Johnny Goodman GC is arguably the busiest Omaha golf course and most profitable.
The biggest challenge is working with other golf management staff regarding price points. There is the desire to continue discount pricing although the tee sheet is full. George asked if there are thoughts or ideas on how to work with this situation.
John and I enjoyed a whirlwind 2-1/2 days in Nebraska, met many individuals and are excited about the attitude and ambition of golf in the state. The chapter is committed to working on developing a Best Management Practices template by the end of 2018. Steve Merkel, CGCS, director of golf course agronomy at Landscapes Unlimited spoke during the NGCSA Annual Meeting on the importance of getting BMPs developed. They are working to have a committee formed for the project after the 2017 Golf Industry Show.
I hope everyone has a great holiday season. GCSAA is working for you. Please contact me if you have any questions.
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| GCSAA Board Member John Walker With Pioneers GC Superintendent Matt Noble |
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| GCSAA Board Member John Walker Presents During the NGCSA Board and Annual Meeting |
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