Future superintendents meet, learn

Clayton, N.C. – Forty-two assistant golf course superintendents from the Carolinas attended the 2005 Future Superintendents Academy at the Bayer Environmental Science Development and Training Center. The two-day program was sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science and Smith Turf & Irrigation, a Toro distributor.

There was time for fun as assistant superintendents competed in putting and driving contests.

The program focused on personal growth and technical seminars. George Thompson, CGCS, director of grounds at the Country Club of North Carolina and a teacher at Sandhills Community College, told the group that self-discipline, communications skills, good health and networking are the keys to success in the business.

Other highlights included tips on grub control from Rick Brandenberg, a N.C. State University entomologist; test driving a multi-purpose prototype of the Sandpro, a single body designed to handle 20 tools ranging from sand rakes to cart-path edgers; developing a personality profile and receiving pointers on working with others who may approach challenges from a different perspective.