San Francisco - The 2005 Golf Course Superintendents Institute, "Sustainability for Your Course and Career, is set for Nov. 14 and 15, 2005 at Aptos (Calif.) Seascape Golf Course. Now celebrating its 25th year, the institute continues to serve as an educational retreat for Northern California golf course superintendents, affiliate and allied members. This educational conference and trade show will host industry leaders speaking on topics pertinent to the operational and maintenance success of golf facilities.
The institute is co-chaired by Ali Harivandi, Ph.D., an environmental horticulturist with the University of California Cooperative Extension, and Brian Nettz, CGCS, of the Presidio Golf Course. Harivandi will serve as opening moderator, and Nettz will share knowledge about Sustainability in Practice at the Presidio. Other industry experts participating include Jim Snow, National Director with the USGA, whose presentation will focus on trends in sustainable golf course management, and Frank Wong, Ph.D., of the University of California Riverside who will address nonsynthetic pesticides: options for disease control. Covering the topic of compost tea are Joel Simmons, president of EarthWorks Natural Organic Products, Christa Conforti with the Presidio Trust of San Francisco and Jim Ferrin, CGCS, president of the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the GCSA.
A panel discussion targeted at developing successful partnerships in golf has attracted the following industry leaders serving as panelists: Bill Aragona with the National Golf Course Owners Association, Tom Schunn representing the Club Managers Association, Patrick Finlen, CGCS, with the California Golf Course Superintendents Association and Shim La Goy representing the Northern California PGA. The day will wrap up with an inspirational presentation on Bridging the Communication Gap conducted by PGA Member Anna McGrath, founder and c.e.o. of McGrath Coaching and Consulting.
“We believe the attendees will draw plenty of practical knowledge from this 2-day institute,” says Vince Keats, president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California. “The quality of speakers and panelist participating in the program are superior and are recognized leaders in golf.”
The institute has the full planning support of the GCSANC education committee: Gary Carls, CGCS, Mat Dunmyer, Terry Grasso, CGCS, Dr. Ali Harivandi, Brian Nettz, CGCS, Gill Stiles and Mike Vickers. Host superintendent for the institute, trade show and golf tournament is Mike McCraw. The institute is sponsored by Arborwell Professional Tree Management, a company committed to providing execution of arboricultural services that enhance the beauty, health and safety of trees (www.arborwell.com). For more information about the institute, please call 877-942-7262 or visit www.californiagcsa.org.