HomeMy Public PortalAboutIdaho Golf Course Superintendents Fall Meeting Conference ReportIdaho Golf Course Superintendents Fall Meeting Conference Report
September 26-29, 2004
By: Dan Pillard, CGCS,CA, Director of Golf Operations
This year the IDGCSA held its fall meeting in Jackson, Wyoming. Annually the conference alternates locations, next year McCall will be selected. Our conference offers golf course superintendents,
golf industry professionals and golf course officials the opportunity to network, exchange ideas as well as to attend seminars.
This meeting was my last as a member of the board of directors which required my attendance for the board meeting on Sunday, September 26th. During the fall meeting members of the IDGCSA
have the opportunity to golf or visit a member’s course. This year the Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club and Teton Pines Resort and Country Club were selected. I had the opportunity
to talk with the superintendent of these courses about maintenance practices as they relate to our similar climate. Topics discussed were ice damage, top dressing material, budgets,
equipment, player expectations and rates. I believe it is very beneficial to observe other operations, their successes and failures and how they deal with them and compare those to
our operation. I feel that if I get one or two good ideas that the visit was well worth it.
Our first seminar was Nutrient management myths and truths by Frank Rossi, Ph.D. Interesting information as it relates to our golf course was the fate of nutrients in the soil, reactions
and the importance nitrogen as it relates to the availability of other nutrients.
The next seminar was Irrigating Layered Soils by Dave Kopec, Ph.D. This information was useful as it directly relates to conditions at the McCall Golf Course. We have layered soils that
we manage. Many irrigation techniques were discussed, including cycle/soak time intervals, wetting agents and aerification.
The next seminar was Organic Microbial Performance, by Fank Rossi, Ph.D. We received information on the uses of composting, and biological products as they relate to thatch decomposition
and nutrient retention.
The next seminar was New Bentgrass Management by Dave Kopec, Ph.D. We received information on the newest bentgrass varieties and the problems and advantages of them.
The next seminar was Chemical Suppression of Poa Annua Seedheads on Greens by Dave Kopec, Ph.D. We received information on rates, timing, effectiveness and dangers of various chemicals
as they relate to seedhead control. McCall Golf Course utilized a seedhead control program for greens quality.
The next seminar was Evaluating Reduced and Non-Chemical Putting Green Management Programs. By Frank Rossi, Ph.D. We learned about a research program at Bethpage Park in NY where greens
were maintained with no chemicals and minimal
fertilizer applications utilized to reduce impact to the environment. This program exhibited the importance of chemical control of turf diseases as the results for not using them were
devastated greens.
On Tuesday the seminar was the USGA Green Section Round-up of Several Topics presented by USGA Agronomists. We learned about problems widespread in the area, techniques used at other
courses, drainage issues, disease control and seeding techniques.
On Wednesday I attended the GCSAA Seminar on Managing Golf Course Trees, by John Ball, Ph.D. We learned about the importance of light in turfgrass development, which light spectrum and
quality is important. Pruning techniques were discussed as well as new plantings. Tree failure problems were discussed with liability issues, risk management and annual management plans.
Extensive information was presented on root pruning, results, techniques and affects. Spacing of golf course trees were discussed as well as watering frequency for new trees and their
various sizes. We learned about transplanting techniques, use of growth regulators to control tree decline and to enhance root development. Finally we learned deer repellant techniques
and chemical and pheromone control of bark beetle infestations. I found the beetle control section very useful as I am preparing a control program and strategy that I will share with
the tree committee.