The last week of February, my assistants, Scott Foreman and Adam Hunerkoch, and I had the opportunity to attend the GIS in San Antonio, TX. This annual gathering of turf people and the surrounding industries attracts people from around the globe. The first two days are filled with educational talks from universities, researchers, superintendents, and consultants on subjects ranging from "What Killed My Turf" to the latest trends in golf course architecture. The last two days are spent on the trade show floor viewing equipment and all sorts of devices (I was going to say gadgets but that doesn't convey the technology involved) to help in our quest to grow the best turf possible. I asked Scott and Adam to share a couple of their highlights from the show.
Scott learned alot about "the polar vortex"and how to anticipate its existence and consequences in the weather session of "What Killed My Turf". In the "DIY" (do it yourself) session with superintendent presenters, Scott picked up an idea on how to extend the exhaust pipe on our sprayer to keep it from burning the turf when it is running but not in motion. At the trade show he was impressed with the latest sprayer from Toro. Its simplicity and size plus possible mixing tank (taking him further from the chemicals) had him convinced that it would be the best choice for replacing our 1999 model. The other trend he noticed was the emphasis from manufacturers in bringing electric (battery) powered equipment, especially small items like weedeaters and blowers and also utility vehicles.
Adam also was impressed with the "What Killed My Turf" session and how researchers are able to quantify the effect on turf survival by the length of snow and ice coverage on the turf. In the "Modern Day Management for Assistant Superintendents" talk, Adam picked up valuable tips on how to better communicate with staff in order to produce a team atmosphere. He also learned about incorporating new technologies such as Smartboards and Google Drive into management operations. Technology was one of the main points Adam saw at the trade show especially the GPS controlled sprayers and spreaders for pesticide and fertilizer applications. He has seen this before helping out on his family's farm, and it is spreading quickly into the golf world. Another trend he saw was the emphasis on systems to properly clean maintenance equipment while not causing pollution with the rinse water. These systems are self contained and can actually save water.
As for me, I always look forward to attending the GIS even though this was my 36th consecutive one. The chance to see friends from around the country is invaluable and the information shared is voluminous. A trend that I see from the educational talks is definitely "be environmently friendly". This was sublimely iterated in fertilizer talks (don't use more than you need to keep pollution out of our waterways); in talks about protecting bees and pollinators and their habitat; in a session on using plant defense activators to ward off fungi; and even in a DIY talk about going to electric powered equipment instead of fossil fueled. The golf course architect forum was about real life solutions involving practice facilities and possible multiple uses (such as a short course) to attract new members to clubs. Technology is ruling on the equipment front with electric power not only coming on small stuff, but also being put on large mowers to power cutting units while reducing the size of traction unit engine (thereby reducing fuel consumption and air pollution). The next break through will be with lithium batteries that are smaller and lighter and last longer.
It was a great experience for us and we hope to improve the operation with ideas we learned.
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