Winter Education Opportunities

With most golf courses under snow (during a normal winter), and the day-to-day tending of the turf and soil completed, winter is an opportunity to take advantage of several education events.  We have participated in a few, hosted one and are preparing for another.  December was the ITF (Illinois Turf Foundation) Winter Education, which we both made presentations. January was a Wee-One fundraiser and a day of education.  February we hosted the Chicagoland Forum for the Chicagoland Association of Golf Course Superintendents (the picture on right shows the ballroom setup for the event).  The Chicagoland Forum has been an annual event at the Club for close to 20 years.  Yesterday was the Assistants Winter Workshop and the Golf House in Lemont.  The week of February 27th is the GCSAA Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas, which Tim and Steven will both be attending.

Tim in the hot seat at the ITF Winter Education with L-R Chuck Anfield, Heritage Bluffs; John Gurke, Aurora Country Club; Jim Canning, White Eagle; Scott Pavalko, Cog Hill Country Club.

Steven giving his presentation at the ITF Winter Education.

These education events are usually one or two days.  The speakers are fellow superintendents, researches, professors, consultants and any other authority on a range of topics covering the management of the golf course.  The Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas offers many educational opportunities over 5 days, but also a trade show for vendors and manufacturers to presents their products.  We will be out of the office during the week of February 27th, but we will keep updated on what we are doing and seeing.