Triumph for turnout

Another successful Conference and Trade Show provided a welcome boost for members of the Carolinas GCSA in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Close to 2,200 people attended the three-day event from November 18-20 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, less than two months after Helene devastated parts of the region.

 “Some of the regular faces were missing this year because they had more important things to take care of,” Carolinas GCSA executive director Tim Kreger, says. “But they were in our hearts, prayers and conversations all week. Getting together with colleagues at the conference is something our members look forward to each year, but for those who could attend, it meant even more this year.”

 Helene damaged hundreds of golf courses in North and South Carolina in late September, but nowhere more severely than in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Some courses will not reopen until well into next year and there are concerns that some might not make it back at all.

“To be able to produce such a strong Conference and Trade Show so soon after the storm is a great reflection on the strength of the industry in our region and the people in it,” Kreger says. “Across the board, we are extremely happy with our numbers, some of which were new highs.”

Indeed, a record 240 individual companies were represented on the trade show floor, occupying a record 419 booths. The previous highs in those categories were 217 (in 2017) and 414 (in 2019) respectively. Total attendance of 2,173 was the highest since 2013. In the education program presented in partnership with Syngenta, a total of 1,477 seminar seats were sold, down slightly from last year’s record of 1,508.

“We say it every year, but we mean it every year. This event succeeds because our members truly appreciate the incredible support we get from our industry partners,” Kreger says. “The industry partners help us stage a great event and our members keep turning up to make the most of it.”

In other news from the Conference and Trade Show:

• Alex Tolbert of Orangeburg Country Club in Orangeburg, South Carolina, became the association’s 51st president when he was elected at the annual business meeting. Dean Farlow, from Deep Springs Country Club in Stoneville, North Carolina, was the sole newcomer to the board of directors.
• Members agreed to the first dues increase for Class A, B and C members in more than a decade. A and B dues went from $200 to $250 and C, from $125 to $155.
• Chuck Green of Quixote Club in Sumter, South Carolina, received the association’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for his leadership, mentorship and service over more than 40 years.
• Terry English, from the Oak Point course at Kiawah Island Resort, South Carolina, won his second Carolinas GCSA Golf Championship. English was among 369 players who registered for the championship presented in partnership with Smith Turf & Irrigation and The Toro Company, with play at Wachesaw Plantation Club, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club.
• Adam Cribbet of Old Tabby Links at Spring Island in Okatie, South Carolina, led a record field of 66 shooters to win the sporting clays championship presented in partnership with Carolina Fresh Farms, Envu and Harrell’s.
• Andy Howard from Moss Creek Golf Club in Bluffton, South Carolina, won a fishing trip for two to Panama in the 27-Hole Challenge presented in partnership with John Deere Golf, Revels Turf and Tractor, Beard Equipment Company and Ecological Improvements.
• A record turnout of 110 people attended the annual show-eve reception for assistant superintendents presented in partnership with Tyler Bloom Consulting, Gloves Plus and Motorola Solutions at RipTydz Oceanfront Grille.
• 180 people attended the annual Fellowship Breakfast presented in partnership Corbin Turf and New Life Turf.
• Jimmy Murray from Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, South Carolina, was named Turf Equipment Technician of the Year by the Turf Equipment Technicians Association of the Carolinas.
• For a fifth year in a row, Horry-Georgetown Technical College won the Student Turf Bol presented in partnership with The Aquatrol Company. A total of 12 teams from six different colleges competed.
• Life-memberships were presented to Russyll B. Barnette and Richard W. Staughton, CGCS.
• The association presented office manager Angie Davis with a cruise for two to Alaska in appreciation for her 30 years of service.