Menu

News

download (2)

🏌️‍♂️ Turf Club Insight 02/22/24: Major Tournament Hosting and Renovation Projects with Mark D. Kuhns, Former President of GCSAA 🏌️‍♀️

We were honored tonight to host Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS, a distinguished figure in the world of golf course management and a proud Penn State alum. Mr. Kuhns, who served as the president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) in 2009, shared his invaluable experiences with us, providing insights into his role in hosting major golf tournaments and leading renovation projects at prestigious clubs across the country.
 

Mr. Kuhns’ journey in golf course management has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having worked at renowned establishments such as Baltusrol Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, and Laurel Valley Golf Club, his expertise and contributions to the field are truly remarkable. Throughout his career, he had the privilege of hosting several prestigious tournaments, including the US Senior Open, US Women’s Open, US Open, PGA Championship, and US Boy’s Junior Amateur, leaving an indelible mark on each event.

1994 US Open, Oakmont Country Club

During tonight’s discussion, Mr. Kuhns generously shared his experiences and insights from his involvement in these major tournaments. He provided fascinating anecdotes, including memorable encounters with golfing legend Mr. Arnold Palmer, offering us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes preparations and challenges faced in hosting such prestigious events.

Moreover, Mr. Kuhns enlightened us on various renovation projects undertaken during his tenure, showcasing the evolution of golf course management practices over the years. From discussing traditional approaches to incorporating modern technologies and cultural practices, he provided valuable advice on how to navigate the complexities of golf course maintenance in today’s landscape.

As aspiring turfgrass managers, Mr. Kuhns’ wealth of knowledge and practical wisdom imparted invaluable lessons for our future endeavors. His passion for the profession and dedication to excellence serve as an inspiration for us all.

The opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional like Mr. Mark D. Kuhns, former president of GCSAA, was truly a privilege. His insights into hosting major tournaments and managing renovation projects have undoubtedly enriched our understanding of golf course management. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Kuhns for sharing his expertise and wisdom with us tonight.

Stay tuned for more insightful events and discussions hosted by the Penn State Turf Club! 

download

🏌️‍♂️ Turf Club Insight 01/25/24: Sustainability in Spanish Golf, from David Gomez of the Spanish Golf Federation 🏌️‍♀️

Our recent Turf Club meeting was enriched by an insightful talk from David Gomez, a representative from the Spanish Golf Federation. Mr. Gomez shared valuable perspectives on how the federation strategically invests in young, motivated students, fostering a sustainable future for golf in Spain. This blog post aims to shed light on the key takeaways from his engaging presentation.

Investing in the Future:

David Gomez highlighted the federation’s commitment to investing in the education of young, enthusiastic individuals. By supporting students in their pursuit of knowledge, especially at institutions like Penn State, the federation aims to create a pool of talent equipped with the latest insights and techniques in turf management. The focus isn’t just on investing in education but also on the return of that knowledge to Spain. The goal is to have these students contribute to making golf more sustainable in the Spanish context. This forward-thinking approach underscores the importance of global collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by the golf industry.

Challenges in Spanish Golf Courses:

David Gomez provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges Spanish golf courses are currently grappling with. Foremost among these challenges are stringent chemical restrictions and water limitations. The federation is actively addressing these issues through innovative strategies.

Solar Energy Initiatives:

One noteworthy initiative highlighted by Gomez was the adoption of solar panels to generate energy for golf courses. By harnessing the power of the sun, Spanish golf courses are not only reducing their environmental impact but also demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy solutions.

Addressing Water and Chemical Restrictions:

David Gomez delved into the federation’s efforts in developing new grass species that align with water and chemical restrictions. The aim is to create grass varieties that not only demand less water but also provide optimal playing conditions. Additionally, the focus is on cultivating grass species that exhibit enhanced resistance to diseases, promoting sustainable and resilient golf course management.

Overall, David Gomez’s presentation offered a glimpse into the proactive measures being taken by the Spanish Golf Federation to overcome challenges and promote sustainability in golf course management. The investment in education, the integration of solar energy, and the development of innovative grass species showcase a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future for Spanish golf. The insights shared at our Turf Club meeting underscore the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in shaping the future of golf course management worldwide.

images uLP

🏌️‍♂️ Turf Club Insight 01/18/24: The Landing Construction at The Union League of Philadelphia 🏌️‍♀️

In an engaging Turf Club meeting last night, our students were treated to an exclusive presentation by Andrew Dooley and Chase McEvers, shedding light on the meticulous steps involved in the construction and growth of The Landing, the eagerly anticipated 9-holes par 3 golf course at The Union League of Philadelphia.

Firstly, Andrew and Chase delved into the strategic planning that laid the foundation for The Landing. From choosing the perfect location within The Union League to mapping out the layout of each hole, every decision was made with a keen focus on enhancing the overall golfing experience.

Secondly, The Turf Club got an inside look at the progress made in the construction phase. Andrew and Chase detailed the challenges and triumphs encountered in transforming the vision into reality. It’s evident that precision and excellence are guiding principles in every aspect of the construction process.

Furthermore, This thrilling journey through The Landing’s development wouldn’t be complete without diving into the intricate steps of its growth. Andrew Dooley and Chase McEvers shared insights into the meticulous process, from the initial fairways sprigging to the delicate art of green seeding. The Turf Club was captivated by the dedication to excellence at every stage, envisioning the transformation of raw landscapes into lush greens. Furthermore, the commitment to sustainability shone through the incorporation of some of the most cold-tolerant bermudagrass varieties. This not only adds a layer of resilience to the course but aligns seamlessly with the objective of creating a sustainable haven for golf enthusiasts at The Union League of Philadelphia by reducing water and fungicide input.

to conclude we want to thank Andrew Dooley and Chase McEvers for this insightful talk about The Landing and we wish them all the best for the opening next season. We would also like to thank all the students for last night’s big attendance.

Pat Jones – Flagstick LLC

patjonespic

Pat Jones has been a passionate advocate for superintendents and the golf industry for 30 years. He is the head of Flagstick LLC, where he helps companies and organizations in the industry communicate with customers and drive sales more effectively and efficiently. Pat spoke to the turf club about an industry overview, the pandemic and correlating big trends, networking 101, and the importance of communications and social media. 

Video Link
Click here to view Pat's presentation

The PGA Tour Tournament Volunteer Initiative

2021 Agronomic Team photo at Victoria National for the Korn Ferry Tour Championship
2021 Agronomic Team photo at Victoria National for the Korn Ferry Tour Championship

Below we have a message from our Turf Club President Will Reece!

Over the past two years, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work at five PGA Tour events. These weeks have been some of the most influential of my professional career. The events themselves, and the weeks leading up to them taught me first-hand the expectations for championship-level golf. Because these events have had such a positive impact on me, I want to assist Penn State turf club members in having similar experiences.

“The PGA Tour Tournament Volunteer Initiative”

Who: I am open to assisting all Penn State turfgrass students. This includes 2-year, 4-year, and world campus students.

What: The goal is simple, I want to provide students the opportunity to create industry connections while participating in PGA Tour events this season. This includes the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and Champions Tour.

Why: Motivation will vary depending on the individual. I believe participating in these events is important for professional development. Volunteering at golf tournaments offers a networking opportunity unique to the turfgrass industry. Depending on the event, students will have the opportunity to work with 15-100 other turfgrass professionals from around the country. Traveling to a tournament can offer you the opportunity to see a different geographical region in the United States without working a full summer there. Even if you do not see tournament golf being a part of your future, I believe it is always beneficial to be exposed to championship-level agronomic conditions.

When: There is no start or end date. During the traditional summer internship, there will be over 100 events on the three tours. The students who do not have traditional summer internships (2-year and World Campus students) will have more opportunities to participate in events.

Where: Anywhere. Students can volunteer around their internship but are not limited to any geographical region. I challenge students to get out of their comfort zone and experience something different for a week.

How: There are the three steps to this process;

  1. Contact the individual in charge of your internship, see if volunteering at an event is an option for you this summer. It never hurts to ask. I think you will be surprised with how positively superintendents will view their future interns pursuing positive opportunities for their professional development.
  2. Research the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, and Korn Ferry Tour schedules. Select dates and locations that interest you.
  3. Contact me and I will work with my connections to figure out what events need assistance and how we can get you to events you wish to attend. You will need to find specific events. If you are interested but don’t have anything specific in mind, reach out as well. There are events throughout the season that need assistance and will always take volunteers. Email is the best way to reach me.

While summer internships may seem far away, it is better to be the first person on a tournament volunteer list than the last. Agronomy departments are already building teams for their tournaments this summer. I encourage everyone to be proactive if they are interested in participating in an event.

-Will Reece (President of the Penn State Turf Club)

Load More