Editor's notebook: Turfhead forum

Are you a Baby Boomer and just can’t communicate effectively or properly manage younger workers? Are you a member of Generation X and just don’t understand Baby Boomers or Generation Y?


Turfhead forum


2014 Syngenta Business Institute is a crash course for the next generation of superintendent leaders.

Are you a Baby Boomer and just can’t communicate effectively or properly manage younger workers? Are you a member of Generation X and just don’t understand Baby Boomers or Generation Y?

Gaining a better understanding of what makes each generation tick is an important component to streamlining your management skills – both for bosses and for workers – and will lead to a more productive crew, even on a golf course. For example, it’s important to realize that a characteristic driving Generation Y is their focus on doing what is necessary in their careers to support their outside interests. This contrasts members of Generation X who focus more on maximizing their career potential. It’s an important lesson taught to a select group of superintendents who were chosen to attend the 2014 Syngenta Business Institute. The annual program took place at Wake Forest University’s Graylyn International Conference Center in Winston-Salem N.C., in early December.

Since 2009, Syngenta has put on the event to provide superintendents with practical, hands-on knowledge and management skills to improve and enhance their business skills. In additional to multi-generational and cultural relations, the seminars focused on accounting and financial management principles, negotiating, and professional development.

Perhaps the most valuable lessons took place outside of the classroom during the event’s numerous networking sessions. These provided attendees the opportunity to pick the brains of fellow turfheads from golf courses around the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to the valuable education, Syngenta debuted a new SBI app. The app not only provided a practical syllabus and itinerary for the three-day event but the hope is to connect with previous classes to provide a multi-class forum to connect SBI graduates with each other.
 


 

Hit play for SRN


GCI covers the most important news both in print and online. But if you haven’t been listening to the Superintendent Radio Network, you’ve been missing out. Last year we talked about golf in China and views from the biggest industry shows. We even did a special series interviewing California superintendents dealing with the heaviest drought in years statewide.

We’ve got even more in store for this year, with stories from our State of the Industry survey showcasing how superintendents handled last year’s highs and lows, plus more interviews connected to what you’re reading in the print edition. We’ll bring the show floor to you with more coverage at industry events.

We’ll bring superintendents the quick knowledge they need to talk about industry issues with players and managers with our Talking Points series, direct from experts. This month, Dr. Danesha Carley helps us deal with native turfgrass on the golf course. Check out the podcast at bit.ly/14rwh9a.

And we’re kicking off more series this year, starting with a look at superintendent health issues: In January, we’re talking to Mike Fabrizio about work-life balance, and how he learned to find his equilibrium in the industry.

Listening to the Superintendent Radio Network is easy. You can find all the episodes on the GCI website, or along the bottom navigation bar on the GCI app. Check out our monthly playlist enewsletter for all the newest uploads, or automatically get the new shows by subscribing to the show on iTunes.
 


 

Two U.S. Opens down, sales career to go


A superintendent who hosted two U.S. Opens is entering the industry sales force.

Macro-Sorb Technologies and SMS Additive Solutions hired former Pebble Beach and Winged Foot superintendent Eric Greytook as its national sales director. Greytok will direct sales activities for both companies, implementing agronomic programs, strategic planning and new product development, as well as provide assistance and product training for golf course and sports turfgrass professionals.

Greytok became the youngest superintendent to prepare a course for a U.S. Open when Pebble Beach hosted the event in 2000. He was 27. Greytok hosted a second U.S. Open before turning 35 while working as the superintendent at Winged Foot in 2006. He also has served as the superintendent at Belfair Plantation (S.C.) Golf Club and Eagle Point (N.C.) Golf Club.
 


 

From the feed


We knew this headline would spark industry debate when it hit our inbox: “LWCC renovations include T1 bentgrass grass.” The course replaced its Bermudagrass after observing the emerging variety of bentgrass at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. Valhalla is in Louisville, Ky. Lake Wales is a Donald Ross design in Polk County, Fla. Let the “heated” debate begin.

Clay DuBose, CGCS @ClayHomerun
Bentgrass south of Orlando, Florida? Ouch, that sounds like a fun summer! #NoThanks

Terry Davio @terrydavio
seems odd to go with bentgrass that far south in Florida, esp w/ultradwarf thriving north to NC.

Bryce Gibson @BryceGibson8
interesting, especially from a course in polk county with maybe 6 to 8 crew members. Good luck in the summer. #Hot

Eric Radkowsky @bvgcturf
this must be the new definition of sustainability... #sarcasm

Kevin Hicks @golfsuper1992
Inspirational! Thinking about being the only course in Idaho with ultra dwarf; not. #thatsso25yrsago


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January 2015
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