From the President’s Pen

Hello fellow members, I hope you all are well!!

As we look around us we see that our landscapes, golf courses and lawns are waking up from the dormancy of winter. The pollen is in full force, and we will all be at full speed soon trying to manicure it all. Our ATA Calendar year is off to a very busy start, but a great start nonetheless.

The 2024 Roadshows are complete, and you all showed up in force. We hosted a great number of our membership this winter at the various Roadshow locations. I received very positive feedback about the educational program for this year, and I want to thank all of our presenters for sharing their knowledge and insights that help us all out in the field as we serve our customers and clients. We certainly welcome any ideas or suggestions for the 2025 Roadshows. Let us know topics that you would like to see covered and discussed.

The 2024 Poa Classic, held at Robert Trent Jones Prattville, followed up the Roadshow season with a course full of golfers, and funds raised are donated to the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. Dr. Scott McElroy gave us some updates and insights on the Turfgrass Program at Auburn. Even though the day was quite windy, a good time was had by all out on the course that afternoon. We appreciate the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association for co-hosting this event with us.

On April 2nd, at the Auburn Turfgrass Research Field Day, we enjoyed an update by Drs. McElroy and Han, among others, at the Auburn Turfgrass Research Unit on all of the research they have been doing. From drone spraying to battling Poa, and information on varieties of Bermuda and Zoysia turf, there was a lot to see. Again, this work is done by Dr.’s McElroy and Han and their outstanding grad students. Their efforts help all of us address the issues we face in our day to day endeavors. Plus, it is always great to get back on campus and see what’s in the works. Dinner following Field Day at Tiger on the Green was a lot of fun with great food, and a very interesting style of golf.

Lastly, I want to thank Kayla Cook, Tricia Clem and Melanie Bonds for getting all of the Roadshows, Poa Classic, Field Day and dinner following organized. The first half of every year is very busy for them traveling around the state setting up and tearing down after each event. Thank you for your hard work!!

I hope you all get a chance to catch a break before growing season kicks in in force!! Enjoy the outdoors, swing a club, and enjoy some family time!! Until next time, God Bless!!

David White

ATA President