Gold is the new green in 2016
With the official inclusion of golf to the Olympics for the first time in over a century, players from around the globe are excited about the opportunity to accomplish something even Tiger Woods has not – yet. Rio de Janeiro will host the games in 2016 with golf finally in the spotlight on the world stage. So who will it be? Who will rise to the top? Who will set the bar for future Olympic quality golf course maintenance?
The venue is still yet to be determined for arguably the biggest 72-hole tournament ever, meaning superintendants from the Rio region are eagerly awaiting a decision to get busy on possible renovations and plans to prepare their course for what is sure to be a highlight of their career. With an audience that encompasses the planet, all eyes will of course, be on the stars of the sport; but there will be some of us who won’t help but notice the work that goes into creating conditions fit for a world champion.
I think just working on the grounds crew at the Olympics would be a special experience, even if it was just as a volunteer for the event. The experience gained over the next seven years for those lucky enough to be part of the entire process is almost invaluable the way I see it. The golf course that is selected will undoubtedly go through a major overhaul that would provide more hands on knowledge about the job than most people will get to experience over many years. It should be fun. Go Canada!
Practice makes partners
Tim O'Connor - president, O'Connor Golf Communications
Our University of Guelph turf management communications class recently had a special visit from Tim O’Connor, president of O’Connor Golf Communications. Tim delivered an excellent talk about his experience in the golf communications business. He passed on a lot of good tips on how to be better communicators in the industry and outlined how each one could help turf managers be more successful. One issue he emphasised was that people like us should be playing more golf.
Playing the game on a regular basis allows you to interact with members and connect with golfers on a more casual level. It gives them a chance to ask you questions in a relaxed atmosphere while giving you an opportunity to show your expertise and become a stronger authority. A golf course is a great platform to create potential connections in the industry because of its laid back setting and obvious association with the job.
It’s amazing to me how differently I see the course when I’m not working on it. I’m normally not even thinking about work while I’m hacking up the grass I was trying to maintain just hours earlier. This year I took the advice of my past superintendant Angelo Toto, who suggested I try to play once per week. He too believed that I would be doing myself a favour if I improved my game, understanding that there will be times when I go to events, representing my home course. My golf game has shown small signs of improvement (just in time for winter), but more practice really does have a positive affect, both on and off the course.
Turf Symposium focuses on efficiency
This year’s University of Guelph turf management class is organizing a symposium featuring a number of turf professionals, students and professors, guest speakers and of course, great food and prizes. The event takes place on the morning of Friday, November 27th at the Cutten Club in Guelph, Ontario. Industry leaders will deliver presentations that relate to this year’s topic – Doing more with less: Turf in tough times, which will provide new knowledge and strategies moving forward in the current and future state of the industry.
Cutten Club - Guelph, ON
Speaking at the symposium are Keith Bartlett, superintendent at St. George’s Golf and Country Club, site of the 2010 Canadian Open, entrepreneur Ron Schiedel, co-owner of Green Horizons sod farms in Hamilton, Ontario and pathology expert, Dr. Tom Hsiang of the University of Guelph. Together, these speakers represent multiple corners of the turf industry and can provide extensive insight for all types of turf managers at any level. Registration is free to anyone who manages turf and wants to learn how to be successful in a rapidly changing field.
I think meeting fellow turf managers and getting the chance to create potential partnerships and employment opportunities will be the highlight of the symposium for many people. Seeing what everyone has to offer in terms of advice and how to continue to be better with fewer resources is what I am most looking forward to. Getting the most out of what you have should be a focal point of any operation so I think this theme can be applied to not only turf, but a lot of other things we do as well.
Golf course season winds down…or does it?
As golf season comes to a close once again, thoughts of next year are inevitably in the minds of turf managers across the country. Winter provides an excellent opportunity to reflect back and develop ways to improve moving forward. Taking this year’s experiences and applying them to next is critical in progressing as a professional. In this sense, having a new start every spring allows for a significant change in turf practices in a short period of time. But what if next year never comes?
For courses in climates that do not suspend play for an extended portion of the year, like in Canada, these changes in the job might not be as defined as they are gradual. Philosophical approaches to managing people or turf maintenance itself are difficult to modify once they become routine. And by not having a break in the action, it can be even harder to implement new strategies that might make for better working and turf conditions. 
As someone who plans to live and work in Australia very soon, this is my main concern. Continuous improvement is a big deal to me, so falling into habitual practices is a scary idea. Working year round on a golf course without seeing frost is a stimulating thought, but being better at it every day is what drives me. I think turf management in both Canada and Australia has its advantages and I will do my best to combine the two when I continue my career down under.
It’s survival of the fittest in today’s crowded golf economy
During the “Tiger era”, the game of golf has experienced exceptional growth, and has left a substantial footprint on the economic landscape in Canada and around the world. Over this time, courses have been popping up everywhere creating more options for golfers to play the game, while at the same time creating significant competition among the industry. Healthy competition can produce great results, but how much is too much? The Niagara peninsula alone is home to over 70 courses and counting, and is starting to show signs of stress.
Golf courses in Niagara peninsula
Green fees have been on a steady decline throughout the region as golf clubs try desperately to contend with rival competitors. Membership deals and weekly specials have golf courses undercutting each other at dangerous rates. New course construction has in fact slowed in the last couple years, which may indicate the calm before the storm. And since operating costs increase considerably on a regular basis, it won’t be long before $29 for a round of golf won’t cut it anymore, forcing clubs to either raise their prices and risk losing members, or simply go out of business due to yearly losses.
Regulating fixed golf prices around regions like Niagara, which would oblige clubs to work together on the issue, seems to me like a viable solution, though I understand the idea has been refused almost unanimously in the past. People may reconsider if this trend continues, but for now, cutting costs and finding ways to be super efficient in all areas, including maintenance practices, is the only way to survive, especially for already low budget courses.
Cold and rainy Joe Kenny memorial golf tournament is a success
This past weekend the Joe Kenny memorial golf tournament took place at the Links of Niagara in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Joe was one of the great ambassadors to the game of golf and will be forever remembered as a man who truly loved what he did – teach. The “Old Pro” as he was known, lived on the driving range, sharing his passion and giving golf lessons to people of all ages no matter what their skill level. Always good for a helpful tip, Joe dedicated hours upon hours helping others enjoy the game, almost as much as he did.
A stroke followed by his sudden death this past summer was a shocking blow to the community who lost such a valued friend. But this Saturday proved that his legacy would live on. The tournament raised over $4000 with all proceeds supporting one of Joe’s favourite charities, the Help a Child Smile foundation. The cold and rainy weather did not deter members, staff, family and friends from showing up and donating to a cause Joe would be very proud of.
Even though the entry fee and the money spent on food and drinks was not something my bank account was prepared for, I was very happy to donate and be part of the tournament anyway. I am hopeful this can become an annual event, because I don’t think that just one day is enough of a tribute for a person who spent the better part of his life giving his time and money to people who needed it. He is missed.
Teamwork is our winning strategy
Last Thursday a sports turf convention was held in Brantford Ontario where selected speakers talked about the current state of the industry. Dr. Eric Lyons was one of those speakers and delivered the straightforward reality of how our jobs were about to get tougher. The new provincial pesticide ban (Bill 64) has forced researchers such as Dr. Lyons to find alternate solutions for growing weed and disease free turf. It isn’t easy and many answers have yet to be found. So the message was clear; we need to work together if we are going to be successful.
A lot is at stake. Not just our jobs, but for the sake of people who use sports fields everyday. From kids to adults, coaches to spectators, countless people depend on the success of this industry. The research being done at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and around the province is vital, but better communication among everyone involved has to be priority.
It bothers me when people keep secrets and handy tips for their own use. It demonstrates a lack of professionalism and leadership at a time when we need to be united. Golfers want to play on the best course conditions possible. They don’t care about internal competition within the industry and who has the upper hand. We all need to be on the same side and help each other out for everyone’s benefit. If you can’t be replaced, you can’t be promoted. Transparency, co-operation and communication of new knowledge are the keys to victory moving forward.
