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A BUSY SEASON AHEAD
Hello ATA!
I hope everyone is off to a great start for 2025. I also hope we can put the winter weather that most all of us experienced in January behind us and can look forward to a beautiful and busy spring season.
I want to thank all of you that attended one of our “ATA Road Shows.” As always, we had a great lineup of speakers with some useful information. I hope each of you came away with something new and interesting. The Road Shows are also a great time to network with other turf professionals as well as get to know the vendors and sponsors that make all our events possible.
Earlier this winter we held our annual Board Retreat to discuss the upcoming year’s calendar of events, as well as get to know our new board members. For 2025 we welcomed five new members to the board, Nate Lewis (Beck’s Turf Farm), Jarrod Ligon (City of Daphne), John David Andrus (Spring-Green Lawn Care), Chad Warren (Warren Lawn Care) and welcomed back Ben Anderson (State of Alabama). I would like to thank them all for their time and service to our association. Feel free to reach out to myself, or any of the board members if we can be of assistance.
This year we are excited to announce the return of the “Poa Classic” to Farmlinks at Pursell Farms on March 25. Hopefully, many of you can get away for a fun day of golf and networking. As always, I’m sure Robert Mitchell and his staff will have the course in great condition and ready for us to enjoy. Remember that funds raised at the “Poa annua Classic” help support the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. Not only are you guaranteed a fun filled day, but you are also helping fund research that benefits each all of us. A couple of other events later in the year will be our “Lawn and Landscape Workshop,” as well as the “Auburn University Turfgrass Research Facility Field Day” on June 12th. Dates and location have yet to be determined for the “Lawn and Landscape Workshop,” so be on the lookout for more information.
As we look forward to the warm weather that the spring should bring, I want to again say thank you to the ATA membership, and our sponsors for everything you do to make our association a success. I hope to see you all in the coming months.
Patrick Pierce
2025 ATA President
ANNUAL SPONSORS
GOLD
• Beard Equipment Company
• Envu
• Harrell’s, Inc.
• Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
SILVER
• BWI
• FIS Outdoor
• Simplot
BRONZE
• Agromax
• Corteva
• Chattahoochee Turf
• GreenPoint Ag
• Helena
• Legacy Turf Farms
• Nufarm
• Regal Chemical Company
• SiteOne
• Southern States
• Sur-Line Turf, Inc.
• Syngenta
2025 ATA
Patrick Pierce
The SHOW ROAD 2025 MOVING ON SEASON! at
ATA will have completed another season of our popular Road Shows by the time this publication reaches you. We had a wonderful line-up of speakers and topics for 2025 and kudos to Dr. Dave Han, and John Nabors on the ATA education committee for putting it together. The Roadshow programs are informative and timely. They are a great and easy way to learn the latest in management practices and get pesticide and continuing education points. Rotation of meetings throughout the state makes it easy!
Many thanks to our line-up of speakers: Dr. Dave Han (Debunking Common Myths About Lawn Care), Dr. David Held (Broadhead Bugs and Ground Pearls), David Lawrence (Pre-emergent for Weed Control), Dr. Amanda Strayer-Scherer (Turfgrass Diseases – Identification and Control), and Dr. Sonya Thomas (Gloves for Handling Pesticides: Selection, Use & Exposure Rates)
The Poa Getting Back to it’s Roots at FarmLinks on March 25th!
This year’s Poa Annua Classic returns to FarmLinks Golf Course, where it originated years ago. The Poa is set for March 25th and the schedule includes an education program from 9:00 – 11:00, Lunch from 11:00 – 12:00 pm, and then the opportunity to play this beautiful course.
Our speaker this year is Amy Wilbur from Mississippi State. She will speak on Poa annua control from 9–11am.
Many thanks to our ATA Board Member, Robert Mitchell, the superintendent at FarmLinks, for making this possible. What an opportunity to attend a great education program followed by a popular tournament on a beautiful course.
In addition, this tournament is important to the Alabama Turfgrass Association as it is our only tournament that raises funds for turfgrass research. Last year’s tournament at Capitol Hill in Prattville raised $4,000 which was donated to the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation.
LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
SECTION 3 – Applicant’s Academic & Community Service Record
List any academic distinctions/honors you received in high school or College (on separate page.)
List school or college activities as well as office held in these organizations (on separate page.)
List activities outside school or college (on separate page.)
List employment you have held since entering high school (on separate page.)
List any scholarships awarded with sponsor/date/amount (on separate page.)
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? ______ Yes ______ No
SECTION 4 – Certification
I certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. A transcript of your grades must be submitted with this application Signature:
Tel:
Fax:
Tel:
Fax:
2025 INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
GOLD – $5,000 – 5 ATA Memberships
Recognition at the following events
• Turfgrass Roadshows
• Sports Turf Field Day / Lawn and Landscape Field Day
• Poa annua
• Annual Meeting
Table / Exhibit at Roadshows
Table / Exhibit at Lawn and Landscape Field Day or Sports Turf Field Day
Registration at Turfgrass Roadshows for One Representative
Listing in all publications (Alabama Turf Times, Membership Directory, and e-newsletters)
Logo and Link on Alabamaturf.org
Tournament Sponsorship
Event Sponsorship – Sports Turf Field Day / Lawn and Landscape Field Day
Foursome at the Poa annua Golf Tournament
Lunch Sponsorship
SILVER – $3,000 – Four ATA memberships
Recognition at the following events
• Turfgrass Roadshows
• Sports Turf Field Day / Lawn and Landscape Field Day
• Poa annua
• Annual Meeting
Table Display / Exhibit at all Road Show Seminars
Table Display / Exhibit at our Landscape Workshop or Sports Turf Field Day
Registration at Turfgrass Roadshows for One Representative
Listing in all publications (Alabama Turf Times, Membership Directory, and e-newsletters)
Logo and Link on Alabamaturf.org
Event Sponsorship – Sports Turf Field Day / Lawn and Landscape Field Day
BRONZE – $1,600 – Three ATA memberships
Recognition at the following events
• Turfgrass Roadshows
• Sports Turf Field Day / Lawn and Landscape Field Day
• Poa annua
• Annual Meeting
Table Display / Exhibit at all Road Show Seminars
Registration for One representative to Roadshow Seminars
Listing in all publications (Alabama Turf Times, Membership Directory and enewsletters) Logo on Alabamaturf.org
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL – Alabama Turfgrass Association membership dues invoices for 2025 have been e-mailed through the Star Chapter Membership Platform software. This software will streamline the process of dues and sponsorship renewals, but it has come to our attention that some of the notices are being funneled into the Spam file. Membership dues are $125. If you have not received your dues notice, please check your spam folder. You can also contact Kayla Cook at (904) 673-6454, or e-mail alturfgrass@gmail.com and she will be able to help. Thank you for your patience and continued support of the Alabama Turfgrass Association.
PLEASE CUT AND RETURN WITH YOUR REPLY
Enclosed is a check for a : ( ) $5,000 Gold ( ) $3000 Silver ( ) $1600 Bronze
Please charge to Mastercard / Visa #
Expiration Date: Code: Zip Code:
Name:
Company:
Address:
CIty /State / Zip Code: Phone:
Email:
Return Receipt Requested: ______ Yes ______ No
Please Email names for Memberships to Alturfgrass@gmail.com Gold (5) Silver (4) Bronze (3) Kayla Cook • ATA Executive Director P.O. Box 2323 • Auburn, AL 36831 • (904) 673-6454 • E-mail: alturfgrass@gmail.com • Web Site: alabamaturf.org
MARCH 25 ATA / AGCSA Poa annua
FarmLink
JUNE 12 Auburn Turfgrass Research Day Auburn, AL TBA ATA Lawn & Landscape Workshop
OCTOBER 27 – 30 Deep South Turf Expo Biloxi, MS For event updates throughout the year, visit the ATA website: alabamaturf.org
Beard Equipment 3 www.beardequipment.com
Beck's Turf, Inc 21 www.becksturf.com
BWI Companies, Inc. 19 www.bwicompanies.com
Coosa Valley Turf Farms 28 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com
Crossroads Sod Farm 11 www.csfsod.com
DryJect 23
Greene County Fertilizer Co. 13 www.greenecountyfert.com
Jackson Sand 29 www.jacksonsand.com
Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation ................ Back Cover www.jerrypate.com
Legacy Turf Farms 15 www.legacyturffarms.com
North Georgia Turf Company, Inc. Inside Front Cover www.ngturf.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. 8 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Regal Chemical Company ................... 7 www.regalchem.com
Riebeling Farms, Inc. 13 riebelingfarmsinc@gmail.com
Smith Seed Services 13 www.smithseed.com
Sod Solutions 17 www.SodSolutionsPro.com
Southern Specialty Equipment 19 www.ssequip.net
Super-Sod................. Inside Back Cover www.supersod.com
Sur-Line Turf, Inc. 27 www.surlineturf.com The Aquatrols Company 26 www.aquatrols.com
The Turfgrass Group 5 www.theturfgrassgroup.com
Trimax Mowing Systems 25 www.trimaxmowers.com
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Jackson Elsberry’s Success Has Been All About Pursuing His Dreams
This issue’s Spotlight features Jackson Elsberry, a success story from the Auburn Turf Management Program. Currently the Coordinator of Grounds for the Boston Red Sox, this Alabama native who received his Bachelor of Science from Auburn was the youngest (22 years old) Head Groundskeeper in Minor League Baseball in 2024.
Continues on page 18
Jackson’s journey in turf began when he was fifteen years old and started his own lawn care business in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he grew up. “I started out with two clients and by the time I turned sixteen, I had 20 clients. Over the next two years my clientele grew to over 50 customers. It was difficult to handle that many customers while attending school and playing baseball, but it was a great learning experience that taught me time management, communication skills and hard work."
While at Auburn, Jackson was mentored by Eric Kleypas, Director of Athletic Grounds at Auburn University. Jackson met Eric when in high school at an Auburn baseball game and they discussed just what a turf degree can lead to. Two years later he enrolled at Auburn and started on the athletic grounds crew in the spring of 2021. Another great mentor in Jackson’s life is David Mellor, former Director of Grounds at the Boston Red Sox. “I was grateful to have the opportunity to intern under Dave in the summer of ‘22 thanks to my experience from working at Auburn. I learned a lot about managing a field at the professional level. I gained experience hosting numerous concerts and learned a lot of different ways to get the job done!”
Jackson was working as the Head Groundskeeper for the Montgomery Biscuits and had just finished his first season when he learned that Dave Mellor had retired in Boston. He received a call a few days later, asking if he would have an interest in coming to Fenway Park as there was a full-time opening. “I felt like it was what I wanted to do. It was a dream of mine to work in Major League Baseball. That dream was right there, and all I had to do was say yes. It upset me that the opportunity came at the expense of Dave retiring. I would have thoroughly enjoyed working for him full-time.”
Jackson has limitless enthusiasm for his work. He is doing what he always dreamed of doing.
“There are many decisions to be made and every decision plays a factor in the overall product you try to produce. The greatest challenge in this job is trusting my decisions and not second guessing them. This has been crucial for me, and I think a lot of that equates to becoming a Head Groundskeeper as soon as I graduated from Auburn last May. I felt like I knew enough, but I also felt like there were things I did not know, or areas where I needed more guidance. That is when I leaned on my mentors and industry peers to help me.”
In order to continue pursuing his dreams, Jackson hopes to be the Director of Grounds for a Major League Baseball, or Collegiate team, in the future. He enjoys watching football and baseball. He is a member of the Sports Field Management Association, and the Alabama Turfgrass Association. He earned his Pesticide Applicator license for the state of Massachusetts and is a Class 1C and 2A equipment operator for the state of Massachusetts.
Fenway Park is America’s oldest ballpark, opening in 1912. It has the tallest wall in the Major League Baseball, the Green Monster. It has hosted the Winter Classic, Big Air Ski jump, Fenway Bowl game and numerous big-name concerts. The field is Kentucky Bluegrass on a sand-based system built to USGA specs, the infield clay is DuraEdge Professional mix and the warning track is a crushed lava rock. SubAir was installed prior to the 2024 season along with new drainage and irrigation.
Congratulations to Jackson on his outstanding success. It is a testament to his hard work and the encouragement and knowledge he received at Auburn University Turfgrass Management program!
E How to Measure Playability for Safe Sports Fields
nsuring the safety and playability of sports fields is crucial for player performance and injury prevention. For sports field safety and playability, three points of data are needed. This article will explore the methodologies and standards for evaluating natural grass and synthetic turf surfaces, emphasizing the importance of consistency across playing fields.
By John Mascaro, President of Turf-Tec International
To measure an exact position on Earth, three points of reference are needed. Before GPS, navigators used the positions of stars, the sun, and the moon to determine their position on the earth’s surface. This was done using instruments like sextants.
Today, GPS relies on a process called trilateration. Trilateration uses signals from at least three satellites to determine a receiver's position. Each satellite provides a sphere of possible locations where the receiver could be located. The intersection of these three spheres pinpoints the exact location on the earth's surface.
Natural Grass Surfaces
Three points of reference are also needed to determine playability for safe sports fields on natural grass surfaces, they include gMax, soil moisture and shear strength. Each of the three reference points is dependent on the others in order to evaluate the overall safety and playability of the playing surface. Without all three reference points, you are in fact “lost” as they interdepend upon each other. If a surface is too hard in gMax numbers, you can lower the gMax number by adding moisture. However, with added moisture, traction and shear strength are reduced. If the shear strength is too low, that number can be increased by drying out the surface, however you increase gMax. This is why, similar to GPS readings, each number is dependent on the other for your overall ability to assess playability and safety of the surface.
Sextant
You can identify trends by comparing the same sports field playing surface test results over time. Readings from gMax, soil moisture and shear strength can be compared and analyzed. For example, if the gMax numbers vary, higher or lower, from one measurement point in time compared to another, the other two data point variables, soil moisture and shear strength, can be compared to determine what changed over time.
gMax Testing on Natural Grass Surfaces
gMax is expressed in units of g (gravities), where 1 g is equivalent to the acceleration due to Earth's gravity, approximately 9.81 meters per second squared (m/s2). For example, a gMax of 10 g means the subject is experiencing forces ten times greater than the force of gravity on Earth. Standing on earth, you are at 1 gravity.
gMax Testing measures the shock-absorbing properties of the playing surface. This is crucial because surfaces with poor shock absorption can increase the risk of concussions and other impact-related injuries.
• Procedure: A 2.25 kg weighted device called a "Clegg Hammer" or "Clegg Impact Tester," is dropped onto the surface from a specific height. The peak deceleration (gMax value) is recorded upon impact.
• Standards: The NFL and ASTM have set maximum allowable gMax values. Typically, a gMax value on a Clegg above 100 is considered potentially dangerous.
• Impact: Lower gMax values indicate better shock absorption, which reduces the risk of injury to players.
Soil Moisture Testing on Natural Grass Surfaces
Soil moisture testing measures the amount of water present in the soil, which affects the field's hardness and playability. Soil moisture can be categorized into several forms, including:
• Gravitational water is water that moves through the soil due to gravity and can drain away quickly.
• Capillary water is water that is held in the soil pores against the force of gravity and available for plant use.
• Hygroscopic water is water that is adsorbed onto the outside of soil particles and is not available for plant use.
Soil moisture is essential for turfgrass growth. It also influences soil temperature and microbial activity. Monitoring and managing soil moisture ensures optimal turfgrass growth and water use efficiency.
Clegg Impact Tester
TDR 350 Moisture Sensor
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Soil moisture testing in sports field testing is a crucial aspect of field maintenance and management, ensuring optimal playing conditions and player safety. Proper moisture levels in the turf and underlying soil impact the field's firmness, traction, and durability.
• Procedure: Various methods are used to measure soil moisture, including direct methods like time-domain reflectometry (TDR) soil moisture sensors.
• Standards: Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for player safety. Overly dry fields can become hard and increase the risk of impact injuries, while overly wet fields can become slippery and increase the risk of slips and falls.
• Impact: Optimal soil moisture ensures good turf health and durability. It affects the turf's ability to recover from wear and tear. Ensuring a consistent playing surface across different fields and stadiums is crucial for fair play. Soil moisture testing provides a tool to manage consistency.
Shear Strength Testing on Natural Grass Surfaces
Shear strength testing measures the traction and stability of the field surface, which affects how well players can grip the ground with their footwear. Using a shear vane tester equipped with a shear vane foot allows a Sports Field Manager to measure the shear strength of the soil and turf. It consists of a set of vanes (blades) attached to a handle, which is inserted into the turfgrass surface. When the rod is rotated, the vanes are rotated through the soil and turf, and the resistance encountered is displayed on a dial providing a
measure of the sports surface shear strength. The shear vane foot helps determine the turf's resistance to shearing forces, which is crucial for evaluating the durability and stability of the turf surface. This is particularly important for sports fields and other areas where turf is subject to heavy use and wear.
Traction and Stability measure how well players can grip the surface with their footwear, which affects their ability to make quick movements without slipping or falling.
• Procedure: Devices like the Shear Strength Tester are used. These simulate the forces exerted by a player's foot on the surface.
• Standards: Optimal traction values are specified to ensure that the surface provides enough grip.
• Impact: Adequate traction prevents injuries from slips and falls, reducing the risk of non-contact injuries and improving overall player performance.
Synthetic Turf Surfaces
gMax Testing on Synthetic Turf Surfaces
The three points of reference needed to determine playability for safe sports fields on synthetic turf surfaces are gMax, infill depth and shear strength. Each point of reference is also dependent on the other in order to evaluate the safety and playability of the playing surface.
Similar to natural grass, the gMax value measures the hardness of synthetic turf surfaces using the 2.25 kg Clegg Impact Tester.
• Procedure: The same procedure as with natural grass surfaces is followed, using the 2.25 kg Clegg Hammer to record gMax values.
• Standards: The NFL and ASTM have set maximum allowable gMax values. Typically, a gMax value on a Clegg above 100 g’s is considered potentially dangerous. gMax values over 200 g’s with an ASTM F355 tester of the Clegg Equivalent formula are also considered potentially dangerous (2)
• Impact: Lower gMax values on synthetic turf indicate better shock absorption and reduced injury risk.
Infill Depth Testing on Synthetic Turf Surfaces
Importance of Infill Depth
The depth of infill is critical in achieving these benefits. Too little infill can lead to a hard and unforgiving surface, increasing the risk of injuries. Conversely, too much infill can make the surface unstable and affect the playability of the field. In many instances, infill is displaced during play and then, without measuring, additional infill is added instead of redistributing the displaced materials, causing excessive build up. Maintaining an optimal infill depth is necessary to balance cushioning and stability.
Shear Strength Tester
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Procedure:
Infill depth testing involves measuring the depth of the infill material at various points across the turf. This process can be conducted using several methods:
• Manual Probes: A calibrated probe is inserted into the turf to measure the depth of the infill manually. This method provides spot-check data and is often used for quick assessments.
• Digital Depth Gauges: These devices offer more precise measurements and can record data for comprehensive analysis and GPS map the field surface for infill depth consistency and ease of redistribution of infill materials after play.
• Prism Gauges: These devices will give the pile height or amount of fiber that is above the infill depth.
Standards:
• Measuring the infill depth and the amount of fiber above the infill, determines the ratio of infill to overall fiber length. Ideally, around 68 – 70% of pile height should be covered by infill. Individual manufacturers of your synthetic surface should be contacted for their recommendations.
Regular infill depth testing is vital for maintaining the quality and safety of synthetic turf fields. By routinely measuring and adjusting the infill, field managers can ensure:
• Consistent Playing Surface: Athletes experience a uniform surface, reducing the risk of injuries from trips and falls caused by uneven infill distribution.
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Infill Depth Tester
• Enhanced Durability: Proper infill levels contribute to the longevity of the turf, preventing premature wear and tear.
• Safety Compliance: Many sports governing bodies have regulations regarding the maintenance of synthetic fields. Infill depth testing helps facilities comply with these standards.
Often, when measuring infill properly and determining the ratio of infill to fiber length, and GPS mapping the surface for infill amounts, it can be determined that redistribution of infill is needed to maintain consistency rather than application of additional infill. Often the infill is displaced by wear, weather events or improper grooming techniques or a combination of the three. Proper field grooming and redistributing high areas to low areas often results in a more consistent, safe and playable surface.
Shear Strength Testing on Synthetic Turf Surfaces
Shear strength testing evaluates traction and stability on synthetic turf, similar to natural grass surfaces.
• Procedure: A specially designed synthetic turf foot and the Shear Strength Tester with a lower range 0 – 9 newton meter wrench are used for this assessment.
• Standards: No set shear strength values have been set by the governing organizations with this tool, however surface consistency can easily be evaluated to determine whether grooming, rolling or adding moisture will be needed.
• Impact: Adequate shear strength prevents slips and falls, reducing the risk of non-contact injuries and improving overall player performance and reducing the potential for injury risk.
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The Fourth Data Point for Natural Grass and Synthetic Turf: Cleat Depth Testing
Cleat depth testing measures the interaction between a player's cleats and the sports field’s surface, ensuring
proper traction, penetration and stability. I am confident that this fourth data point will become an invaluable tool in testing protocols to determine sports field safety and playability. Consistent cleat depth over the entire playing surface will ensure a player has the same footing across the entire field of play.
• Procedure: The Mascaro Infill and Cleat Depth Tester measures the depth at which cleats penetrate the turf by dropping a known weight from a known height and measuring the depth in which specially designed cleats penetrate the surface.
• Standards: Optimal cleat depth values by the governing organizations for this tool have not been yet specified, however surface consistency can easily and quickly be evaluated.
• Impact: Consistent cleat depth penetration enhances player stability and reduces the risk of injuries. Training facility surfaces can be compared to game fields to reveal differences in cleat depth penetration. These variations may ultimately improve player performance and safety, thus ensuring consistent cleat depth across the field’s surface.
Achieving a consistent and safe playing surface across different fields and stadiums is crucial for player safety and fair play. While the specific measurement techniques and standards may vary between natural grass and synthetic turf, the goal remains the same: to provide a uniform, safe, and playable surface that minimizes injury risks and enhances player performance. By adhering to these testing methodologies and standards, Sports Field Managers can ensure that their fields are safe and playable for all athletes.
Cleat Depth Tester Foot
NFL Club Game Operations Manual. https://operations.nfl.com
“Standard Specification for Shock-Absorbing Properties of North American Football Field Playing Systems as Measured in the Field. American Society for Testing and Material - ASTM F1936-98: https://www.astm.org/f1936-98.html
“Standard Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface Systems and Materials.” American Society for Testing and MaterialASTM 355 - https://www.astm.org/f0355-16e01.html
“Standard Test Method for Measuring Impact-Attenuation Characteristics of Natural Playing Surface Systems Using a Lightweight Portable Apparatus.” American Society for Testing and Material – ASTM F1702-96 - https://www.astm.org/f1702-10r18.html
“Technology Integration in Turfgrass Management: The development of mandatory practices for the testing and maintenance of synthetic turf fields in the National Football League.” International Turfgrass Society Research Journal https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ its2.94
Deying Li, Minner, David D., Christians, Nick E. “Evaluation of Factors Contributing to Surface Stability of Sand-Based Tur.” Agronomy Journal 101(5)– DOI:10.2134/agronj2009.0031
Rogers, III, John N., Waddington, Donald V. “Effects of Management Practices on Impact Absorption and Shear Resistance in Natural Turf.”
Martin, B.R. “Problems Associated with Testing the Impact Absorption Properties of Artificial Playing Surfaces. Natural and Artificial Playing Fields: Characteristics and Safety Features.: ASTM STP 1073. In: R.C. Schmidt, E.F. Hoerner, E.M. Milner, and C.A. Morehouse, (eds), American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, 1990. pp. 77-84.
Popke, M. Shock Value. Athletic Business Magazine. September. 2002. pp. 54-66. Powell, J.W. and Schootman, M. 1993. A multivariate risk analysis of natural grass and AstroTurf playing surfaces in the National Football League. Intl. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 7:201-221.
Powell, J. W. and Schootman, M. “A multivariate risk analysis of selected playing surfaces in the National Football League: 1980 to 1989.” Am. J. Sports Med. 20: 1992. 686 - 694.
Valiant, G.A., “Traction Characteristics of Outsoles for Use on Artificial Playing Surfaces. Natural and Artifical Playing Fields: Characteristics and Safety Features.” 1990.
ASTM STP 1073. In: R.C. Schmidt, E.F. Hoerner, E.M. Milner, and C.A. Morehouse, (eds), American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, pp. 61-68.
KEYS TO LONGEVITY Planning, professionalism
By Tom Vlach, tvlach@triumphgroupusa.com
Inthe ever-evolving landscape of golf course management, it’s crucial to navigate your career path with careful consideration and strategic planning.
Drawing from the collective wisdom of sitting in search committee rooms after having been a golf course superintendent for 30 years, I offer these insights to guide you on your journey:
1. Age matters. Unfortunately, age discrimination is a harsh reality in our industry. To maximize your career trajectory, aim to secure your final position by the age of 48. Have a clear plan in place by the time you reach 50 to ensure you’re prepared for any transitions or changes in direction. Ensure you have a backup plan if you cannot secure that final position. Remember, a perceived lack of runway can be a significant barrier to advancement, with some clubs opting to make changes based on age rather than merit. This is especially true before a major renovation project.
2. Pedigree means everything. Your professional lineage and reputation carry significant weight in the eyes of club boards and search committees. Cultivate mentoring solid relationships and strive to align yourself with respected figures in the industry to enhance your credibility and visibility. Working for a successful superintendent who has developed numerous assistants to successful superintendent roles matters in the eyes of a search committee.
3. Exercise social media caution. While social media can be a valuable tool for networking, exercise caution with your online presence. Not one candidate has earned a new position based on their social media profiles, but negative or unprofessional content can lead to elimination from consideration. Avoid self-promotion, mixing family with business, or displaying behaviors that could be perceived as arrogant or unprofessional.
4. Professionalism matters. Maintain high professionalism at all times, both in person and online. Always dress appropriately, with a coat and tie preferred, even on the golf course.
Pay attention to your writing skills, ensuring your résumé is error free and accurately represents your qualifications.
5. Interview success. During interviews, focus on building rapport and connecting with interviewers personally. Be likable, avoid negativity or criticism, and engage in meaningful conversation about shared interests or experiences. Leverage your network to have multiple sources vouch for you. Member-to-member endorsements carry the most weight.
6. Résumé essentials. Craft a comprehensive résumé highlighting your team-management, budgeting and projectmanagement skills. Remember, the hiring process isn’t over until it’s over, so be prepared for reference checks, drug screenings and background checks.
7. Embrace speed and long-term thinking. In a competitive job search, clubs are often hesitant to take chances on superintendents from different climate zones if a local candidate with proven success is available. If you are from a different climate zone, you must show your knowledge in the interview to prove that you can make the transition smoothly.
8. Secure a contract. When making career moves, ensure you have a contract in place to protect your interests for you and the club. The contract is used to clarify expectations from both parties. Do not be afraid to ask for a contract; numerous other departments probably have them.
Navigating your career as a golf course superintendent requires a combination of strategic planning, professionalism and networking prowess. Remember to network with search firms, as they can provide valuable information to help you land that next position.
Tom Vlach, a GCSAA Life Member, retired from being a superintendent at 50 after 29 years. He’s the founder of Triumph Group, which conducts searches and placements specializing in the country club and hospitality sectors.
Your professional lineage and reputation carry significant weight in the eyes of club boards and search committees. Cultivate mentoring solid relationships and strive to align yourself with respected figures in the industry to enhance your credibility and visibility.
