Bradley Klein explains how numbers can help sell and defend your management decisions.
Rounds 4 Research funds will be used to study mutations in ultradwarf greens, mini ring, nematodes and effectiveness of inputs.
Golf course superintendents in the Carolinas are giving nearly $165,000 to researchers looking to solve some of the biggest issues affecting playing conditions across the region. The 1,800-member Carolinas GCSA awarded grants to three projects using money raised in the annual Rounds 4 Research online auction.
The grants to scientists at Clemson University and NC State University increase the association’s cumulative giving from Rounds 4 Research to more than $565,000.
“We are proud to be able to support this research that benefits the entire golf industry, as well as both our states,” said Carolinas GCSA President Billy Bagwell of Callawassie Island Club in Okatie, South Carolina. “Golf drives more than $7 billion in economic benefit in the Carolinas and that only happens with healthy, well-conditioned golf course turf. So, the answers research like this provides doesn’t just help golfers, it helps communities that rely on jobs the game supports in tourism, hospitality, manufacturing and more.”
The first of two projects being funded at Clemson focuses on the rising incidence of mutations, or off-types, in ultradwarf putting greens. Different turf types within putting greens not only produce different responses to ball traffic, they also respond differently to maintenance practices. Researchers hope to find ways to help superintendents better manage these mutations without negatively affecting the predominant turf type.
The second project at Clemson delves into a potential relationship between two common challenges, mini ring, a disease that attacks roots and results in donut shaped patches of dead turf, and nematodes, a parasite that also attacks roots. The research could lead to more effective and economical management strategies for superintendents.
At NC State, researchers are embarking on a three-year project to better understand factors that influence the effectiveness of inputs on the golf course. They want to learn how edaphic factors (soil properties that affect organisms) and previous applications influence pesticide efficacy. Research in cropping systems has shown that repeated use of certain products can lead to pesticide resistance. This project will be one of the first to explore that phenomenon in a golf setting.
“Obviously, this work is highly technical and, to be honest, may be kind of boring to most golfers,” Bagwell said. “But the fact is, research projects like these go a long way to help superintendents produce the best possible conditions in the most sustainable manner, and that means both economically and environmentally.”
The company will have their experts at booth No. 223, host a special lunch, and hand out swag during the four-day event.
Target Specialty Products, which focuses on pest control, vector, and turf and ornamental solutions in the United States and Canada, will welcome attendees to STMA 2022 at booth No, 223 in Savannah, Georgia, starting Monday, January 17.
The company will host a Turf Fuel lunch from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, and also give away daily prizes.
“We are excited to reconnect with the sports turf managers who have become friends to the Turf Fuel family,” said Mark Jull, Turf Fuel, proprietary products manager. “We view the Sports Turf industry as a core focus in our product development and solutions-based approach to turf management. This event will be an excellent opportunity to share ideas and define future innovation.”
Check out more STMA information from Target on their website (linked above), as well as on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Johnson will cover a quartet of Western states.
The employee-owners of PBI-Gordon Corporation announced today that Michael Johnson has joined the company as a sales representative. He is responsible for PBI-Gordon product sales to golf course and turfgrass management customers in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Hawaii.
Immediately prior to joining PBI-Gordon, Johnson worked at FMC Professional Solutions as a market specialist – a position he held since June 2018. In that role, he supported sales efforts by working directly with customers, distributor representatives, and end users. During college, Johnson interned with the sales teams at Bayer CropScience and Valent USA. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Auburn University.
“We are excited that Michael has joined the PBI-Gordon team of employee-owners,” said Trevor Radford, regional sales manager for PBI-Gordon. “His focus, experience, and drive will be a great asset to our valued customers in Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawaii.”
Gordon Lewis-designed course provides the centerpiece for expansive SW Florida community.
Troon has been selected to manage Bonita National Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs, Florida. Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, will manage the award-winning club as well as the community association.
Located in Southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Naples, the Bonita National community consists of 1,459 homes with all residents social members of the Golf & Country Club and 866 full golf memberships. The Club’s Gordon Lewis-designed 18-hole golf course opened in 2014 and winds its way through the community, which is bordered by a nature preserve.
“As the committee performed its due diligence on Troon, when contacting other Troon-managed clubs, every club contacted gave Troon excellent reviews,” said Bob Pacheco, president of Bonita National Golf Club Board and a member of the overall search committee. “On behalf of the Golf Board and golf members, we are extremely excited with the selection of Troon and anticipate the prominent level of service and member satisfaction Troon is nationally and internationally known for.”
“As we look to take Bonita National to the ‘next level’ of service at our clubhouse, amenities and throughout the community, Troon was the obvious choice,” said Salvatore Dona, president of the Bonita National Homeowners Association. “We are confident that Troon’s expertise and resources will provide an exceptional experience for all of our members.”
Troon operations VP Ricardo Catarino said the company feels “privileged to be entrusted by both boards” — golf club and homeowners — “as they seek to further elevate the quality of the lifestyle experience for all residents and members. Bonita National has all the ingredients to become a name of reference for those looking for an active lifestyle community in Southwest Florida and our goal is to collaborate with leadership to make that a reality.”
