Golfdom, April 2015

Were not hermits Im Just Saying I was a sponge when it came to learning new things and techniques from others This was accelerated by attending chapter events STeven WrIGhT CGCS director of golf course landscape operations Boca West CC Boca Raton Fla You get what you give par tic i pate verb a to take part b to have a part or share in something I pulled this from an old Websters dictionary circa 1990 What does participation mean to todays turf managers Ive always been involved It started way back as an assistant at Sugar Mill Country Club in New Smyrna Beach Fla I worked with Mike Beard and he always encouraged participation in chapter events If he didnt go he made sure he sent me When we both had the opportunity to attend I knew it was going to be a good day It meant a lot to a young assistant Can I remember the topics or speakers Not at all I do remember all the lifelong friends Ive met including the superintendents at the best clubs and several trade secrets they shared I didnt have the benefit of a 4 year degree or even a turfgrass major no turf bowls for me I had my AA degree a job and lots of determination to succeed thanks Mom I viewed participation as a way to learn the business from the viewpoint of others I had a great boss who shared report that this free meeting idea was overwhelmingly successful It should be 4 Salesmen You dont want to talk to them or get paired with them Why not Infectious diseases You might find you have more in common with them than you think Regardless whats wrong with meeting new people Besides you just say no to a pitch theyre used to it 5 Too far to drive This doesnt apply to you if you have a drive thats less than one hour in any direction Just ask superintendents in Montana Idaho Nebraska etc 6 I am a hermit or I dont need to go No you are not You are a superintendent We have one of the most difficult challenging rewarding exceptional coolest envied jobs in sports We are a unique fraternity in a unique business Sharing each others successes and failures is one of the greatest parts of the profession One could say Im just venting again but Im concerned about this fraternity of superintendents I see less and less participation in a great profession We must continue to learn grow share and participate at some level in our profession and not just on Twitter Make it a point to renew your membership attend chapter events and share your experiences There just might be someone in attendance who needs it Steven Wright CGCS is director of golf course landscape operations at Boca West CC in Boca Raton Fla He can be reached at swright@ bocawestcc org or followed at @ wrightsteve19 his knowledge and secrets of growing grass with me I was a sponge when it came to learning new things and techniques from others This was accelerated by attending chapter events Today all across the country many local chapter participation levels are lethargic I know this doesnt apply everywhere but I see it locally and know other chapters are experiencing lower numbers I often wonder why Education is better now clubs are receptive courses are great and youre among friends peers and brothers in turf I have heard a plethora of reasons and all are valid Perhaps youve heard them too including the following 1 Family time If this isnt the most important reason to miss a meeting I dont know what is Face it many of us married way over our heads Were blessed for that But our spouses know by now how important it is to gain and share knowledge in our business Staying fresh and motivated in our careers also impacts our home life You dont have to go to every meeting but every meeting should be a part of your calendar 2 Cant get away or too busy I get it Job first priorities intact But you cant get away every time a meeting rolls around Really Then send your assistant Certainly one of you should plan on attending 3 If your club course doesnt reimburse you the cost of going to meetings can add up Can you put a value on your attendance Sure Maybe an affiliate member could assist in your attendance I know at our chapter Palm Beach GCSA the general meeting and education portion are free Thats right free If you want lunch and want to play golf theres a fee of course I wish I could 12 Golfdom April 2015 Golfdom com