Education to build on

It started with a golf green, followed by bunkers a year later, and then a tee box was built last year. So what’s left for golf industry associations to build during the live construction demonstration at this year’s Golf Industry Show? An entire golf hole, of course.

Actually, it will be more like a minihole, says Paul Foley, executive director of the Golf Course Builders Association of America. The group is teaming with other organizations including the American Society of Golf Course Architects and the Irrigation Association to present the Solution Center, which will demonstrate building a golf hole that incorporates multiple smart uses of water while providing education related to the project.

“The intent is to make everybody aware of the methods and technology that’s available to reduce and manage water use,” Foley says.

Construction of the 70-square-foot plot began Sunday, before the trade show officially opens, and continues all week. The completed hole will include a green, fairway, tee box, water feature with bridge, and all the latest things the associations believe are important to make people aware of from a water conservation standpoint.

SEE THE PROJECT

Check back at www.golfcourseindustry.tv after this year’s show to see photos of the latest project.

 

Education sessions Thursday and Friday will incorporate the project. There will be nine different sessions, including topics such as new water-management technology, ideal turf varieties for water conservation based on region of the country and water-saving techniques.

Duininck Brothers Golf will oversee the project. Other individuals and firms involved include: Steve Agin; Greg Bartold with Nieber Golf, Ty Butler with Robert Trent Jones, Ron Freund with Genesis Golf, Oscar Rodriguez with Weitz Golf International, Drew Rogers from the ASGCA and Brian Vinchesi of the Irrigation Association.

Attendees are welcome to show up at the site (booth 1639) to attend the education sessions or to check on the progress in between the sessions. The event is free.

Here’s the schedule:

Thursday, Feb. 5
12:30 – Using new technologies to manage water (Jim Moore, USGA)
1:30 – Grass: Choosing varieties appropriate for growing conditions and use (John Holmes, PJTF; Jerry Lemons)
2:30 – Storm water management (Tim Anderson, Steve Shoemaker)
3:30 – Remodeling University Field Trip (Ty Butler, Dave Munkvold)
4:30 – A look at the Golf Course Environmental Profile – water use and conservation elements in the golf industry (Clark Throssell, Ph.D.)

Friday, Feb. 6
12:30 – Examining the benefits of soil moisture monitoring and weather station data (Carmen Magro, Advanced Sensor Technology)
1:30 – Irrigation technology (Brian Vinchesi, Irrigation Association)
2:30 – Designing for efficient water use (Ted Robinson, Jr.)
3:30 – Pond bank stabilization (Dan Dinelli, GCSAA member)