Moving forward

The end is near. Well for the first year students of turf management at the University of Guelph it is. The first semester is winding down and exams are starting. With second semester creeping up it is very important to start thinking about internships. Doing an internship is very important and crucial to our graduation. With golf courses all over North America all wanting interns, it is important to choose wisely. It is a learning experience like none other. While students are looking deeply into the matter I often wonder if  superintendents are taking us seriously?

Internships have been going on all over the world. This is not just relating to the turf industry. I say this because every program in school should have internship programs. As we progress as turf managers we are learning how to become the next generation of turfgrass managers. We have been taking ourselves very seriously, but will our employer? This question has been haunting me for quite a while. Being put on a rough mower is not my idea of a learning experience. That would seem more like a summer job that a junior in highschool would get. In order to have a successful internship we as turf management students need to do the following: be professional, be sure to have an employer who takes you seriously, and choose your internships wisely.

When it comes to tomorrows leaders it is important for today’s leaders to pave the way. This goes for anyone trying to come up in the world. The current tycoon’s or leaders need to be able to take us students seriously. Even though we are in school and getting degrees we still need that educational experience from the men and woman who are there right now. It all begins with getting that chance to prove we are worth your time. However, when we are given that chance we must rise above and not fail. You never know when another chance will come around. So do as the americans do and support your interns.

Doing more with less proved to be a huge success

The symposium was a huge success. The Cutten Club played host to both professionals and students. Bringing them all together into one event. It could not have went any smoother. The event highlighted speeches from current professionals. This included Dr. Tom Hsiang a professor from the University of Guelph who spoke about disease within turf and disease control. Following was Ron Schiedel the president of Green Horizons Compact Sod. Ron was discussing doing more with less and how to survive as an entrepreneur in a drastically changing economy. The third and final speaker was Keith Bartlett the superintendent from St.Georges Golf and Country Club. Keith spoke about handling the economy while preparing for the Canadian Open. Finishing the morning off featured some first year turf grass management  students speaking on next generation approaches within the turf industry.

Doing more with less was the highlight of the event. Everyone who spoke outlined that very well. This was also a opportunity for the students to connect and possibly land some internship positions. Myself and some of my colleagues were successful with the networking skills were gathered in turf communications class. A lot of hard work went into the symposium, both from the classroom and with media. Special thanks goes out to Scott Macleod and FlagStick for publishing our news release. Which was discussing the event.

When everything was said and done I believe that everyone involved should feel proud. This was an excellent way to connect with the leaders of the industry. Especially  in a world that is constantly discussing the economy and wondering how to survive. It was nice to see how far everyone has come and how they have learned to adapt. I believe that it is important for the current leaders to educate the future leaders. After all the industry will be in our hands soon enough. I hope that the future symposium’s for the Turfgrass Management students of the University of Guelph will run as smoothly as ours did. It will surely put a smile on your face and help you prosper in a ever changing industry.

Preparing for the symposium: all thanks go to turf communication class

The symposium is nearly here. With just 6 days left for preparations the nerves are being rattled. The Turf Management students of the University of Guelph are getting the finalization on guest and perfecting their speeches. The turf communications class  and its three professors are to thank for the preparation. This program is headed up by Owen Roberts (aka Urban Cowboy) with the assistance of Andrew Douglas and his wife Anne Douglas. Who are both recognized journalists.

Turf communications is very helpful to future professionals in the turf industry. This class gives us a journalistic look into a world that is centered around the internet and blogging. Every week we are to write a blog about turf related aspects. Our blogs give us exposure to the current professionals of the industry world-wide. We are already getting recognized do to blogging.  Turf communications class even brought in a very well-known journalist Tim O’Connor to give us a in depth look into journalism and the turf industry.

I believe that the turf industry will being seeing more communication classes as time goes on. The turf management industry in highly competitive. With that being said students need every advantage we can get, or a way to get one up on the competition. Turf is not just lawn mowers and spraying anymore. It is much more than that, and this shift is here to stay. Superintendents nationwide are blogging more and more. With the recession in effect we as professionals need all the help we can get. Communication skills are key in order to help each other. As i progress in my turf studies I will always look back and thank turf communications.

Passion leads to success

Are you passionate about your career? How often do you ask yourself that question? Having a passion for something can drive you and help you soar above the competition. This goes for everyone who has found success. Passion is a dream that never ends. It is a burning desire to be the best at what you do. A pure example of this is Ron Craig the president of an incredibly successful turf company called Turf Care.

Turf Care is a business that is recognized by the turf industry nationwide. The main objective of this business is to sell commercial golf equipment. That has always been Ron Craig’s vision since starting Turf Care. Ron’s passion drives him everyday and is uncontested by the competition. This drive has helped him sell equipment to such well-known golf courses like St.Andrews. World wide recognition is something to be proud of when it comes to the turf industry.

A passion for the turf industry drives Ron day in and day out. When the going gets tough Ron gets tougher. Never folding or admitting defeat. Waking up with a smile knowing that he gets another day to live through his passion. I personally think that world could use more Ron Craig’s. Business’s would flourish and succeed beyond imagination. Turf Care is huge and this is thanks to pure passion. We as professionals could learn a lot from Ron and Turf Care. So if you are ever in a conversation with a Turf Care rep, take the time and ask about Ron Craig.

Tim O’Connor

With golf taking off like fireworks on the 4th of July, have you ever wondered how it got so big? Well you could start with golf pioneers such as Harry Vardon starting the golf trend when it was strictly just for gentleman to play. As the years went on the sport of golf gained popularity and found itself projected all over the world. New athletes came in and helped it to be catapulted in the sports world. This was due to amazing athletes like Tiger Woods and Mike Wier who were, and still are at the front of the charge. Aside from it’s well-known athletes the sport of golf can thank journalism. Without journalism golf would still be a backyard game. One of these journalists is Tim O’Connor.

Now obviously Tim is not the only journalists out there who is involved in golf. Tim is just a dedicated journalists who loves golf. Tim once told me a story of how he arranged a golf game in order to shoot himself to the top of his industry. Now that’s dedication. In order to be a successful journalists Tim believes in three techniques: Researching, being a politician, and being a diplomat. With following easy techniques Tim as landed the Nike Golf account and has worked along side of golfing great Tiger Woods.

The game of golf  is one of the oldest sports going. It has grown through the years and will keep on growing. Journalism plays such a huge roll in its success. With tycoons like Tim O’Connor taking golf from the green and putting it into black and white it is easy to see how it has grown. This came from dedication and perseverance, I think that Tim was not the first and he is far form the last. So next time your at a golf game and you see the pencil pushing journalists, shake their hand and say thank you.

Insect annoyance!

Is a golf course with trees a good thing? Some say it is so, being that they provide shade and are beautiful to look at. However, one obstacle that trees present are insects! Bugs can be a massive annoyance to golfers and workers alike. The hot summer months is when insects are at their best. Buzzing and flying around. One question is constantly being asked: How do we fix it? Well the solution is a bird called the Purple Martin.

The Purple Martin is Canada’s largest swallow. When it comes to meal time this bird eats its body weight in insects every single day. They have been known to feed their nestlings up to 60 times a day. Golf courses nationwide have caught on to this pest elimination, and are installing Purple Martin bird houses everywhere. This remedy keeps superintendents and golfers happy. On the negative side, these birds are very picky. They only stay in purple martin bird houses and usually fly in colonies.

When it comes to a remedy or solution, I think that this is a great one. It’s easy and cost efficient. It keeps everyone happy and constantly coming back to your golf course. For a superintendent to sweat over something like this is silly and illogical. With all the obstacles that they face, and over all appearance of the course. Along with members making demands everyday, you cannot afford to stress over simple problems. Sometimes the biggest problems have the easiest solutions, and who knew that a small bird would be the answer to one of them!

 

 

 

 

One income? Two income? Whoa!!

Is having one job or business enough to keep the world of business men and women happy? Entrepreneurs are digging into their pockets and coming up with less than what they wanted. As a result more business’s are being made. Initially hoping to increase their yearly budget. With today’s economy is it such a bad thing? A pure example of this climb to success is James Glover. Owner of  A&M Sod and Landscaping and the President of Kettle Creek Golf and Country Club

With a company handed down to him with two generations of success behind it. It simply was not enough. Developing an interest in golf and a thirst for money and financial success. Is it any wonder why the combination of both proved to be a worthy investment? Did i mention that James built his golf course from the ground up? With the economy through the roof, it leaves everyone searching for more.

In closing, I believe that the days of single sources of income are long over. The new age of making money is here to stay. This goes for the business world as a whole, not just the turf industry. James Glover was not the first and he is far from being the last. As the economy fluctuates we are learning to adapt in order to live. The skies the limit when thinking about thriving in this world of non-stop business transactions and multi billion dollar deals. You must rise to the occasion and flow with the current instead of against it.

Students Symposium

Still hurting from the economy and it’s brutal recession? Most likely. We have to learn how to do more with less. Along with that problem another issue is our communication problems. The flaw that most turf professionals have is that we simply do not talk things out. It is a simple concept and also the headline of an upcoming symposium put on by the Turf Management students at the University of Guelph. “Doing more with less, turf in tough times” is a major seminar featuring professional speakers from the industry. The goal is to highlight the issues in the industry and approachable cost efficient ways to solve it.

Word is getting around and it is nothing but positive  feedback. We are hoping to give the audience and media in attendance a comprehensive look inside our issues as turf professionals. This event is being held at a professional private golf course called the  Cutten Club in Guelph, Ontario. It is about time that something has been done concerning flaws and setbacks in the industry. This will not solve all the problems involved, but it will give the audience a few things to think about.

Problems do not get solved without taking action. Referring back to one of my earlier  post’s  “Talking It Out” I highlight that exact problem. It is too much to set aside such a huge problem. Setting up “meetings to foresee potential problems” is a genius way to fix our communication problems.  With the economy taking the driver’s seat  it is important to keep discussing the issue. A symposium put on by the future pros of the industry is an excellent way to address and hopefully pave the way for a cost efficient brighter future.

Broccoli To Golf

Is agriculture seeing a shift to sports recreation? That seems to be the story as we look towards the future. Farmers are taking what land they have and investing in golf courses. A perfect example of this is a farmer by the name of Gord Forth the owner of Copetown Woods Golf and Country Club. Harvesting broccoli with his brother, who is also his business partner. As a team they discovered the ability to expand the business and build a golf course.

Farmers worldwide were fighting to keep the family farms in business not to long ago. This caused the “farmers feed cities” slogan. Hoping to protect the way of life and careers of so many. That was not enough though, the recession did a brutal number on farmers and business men alike. At the same time golf courses were spreading like wild fire. Is it any wonder why a successful farmer would invest in something more concrete? After all, the same principles apply to a farm as they do to a golf course. Farming will still prosper and I have yet to hear any negative feedback from the transition.

In closing, I believe that farmers owning golf courses has just begun. It is a professional move for entrepreneurs like Gord Forth. It shows strength and progress especially by those affected by the “anti- farming act”! Instead of folding and giving up some farmers are stepping up and investing in one of the worlds fastest growing sports. Plus keeping some land to plant and harvest. Everyone can use the progress of farmers to guide yourself to greener pastures.

Popularity Comes With Competition!

Do you know someone who wants to be a golf course superintendent? I bet you do. With the sport of golf growing in popularity nationwide, it seems like everyone wants to be involved with golf. With famous names such as Tiger Woods and Mike Weir marketing and promoting golf  it is everywhere from sports stores to sports channels. With this global marketing comes more golf courses being constructed. Therefore jobs are opening, and the most popular position is that of the superintendent.

One word comes to mind when thinking of popularity. Competition! With all the courses being constructed more and more students are entering the turf management programs at their desired schools. But are there enough courses to accomodate all the future superintendents? It is an over populated tough market to get into to. With that being said, are there less interested in a golf course profession? Actually it is the complete opposite. Numerous young adults are still trying to pursue a career year after year  and the numbers are overwhelming.

I agree that this is a tough market to enter. But what people say or what is statistically correct or incorrect should not affect what you want in life. Every year there will be a new group of future superintendents who will be wanting to better themselves  for the future whether it is a hard market or not. Golf was here in the past and it will carry on well into the future, if you are willing to apply yourself and learn how to broaden your horizons than opportunity will find you.