NCGA Assistant Superintendent Boot Camp
Oct. 21, 2014
The NCGA hosted its annual two-day Assistant Superintendent Boot Camp at the newly renovated Poppy Hills, geared around the theme “Some Assembly Required,” which laid out how to build the proper foundation for management of any golf facility.
“We attract assistant superintendents from all over California,” said Matt Muhlenbruch, superintendent at Poppy Hills. “This really facilitates awesome networking opportunities. Most educational seminars are for superintendents, but this bootcamp pays special attention to assistant superintendents.”
Speakers included Dr. Frank Wong (Bayer Science), Mike Huck (Irrigation and Turfgrass Services), Pat Finlen (Olympic Club), and Dr. Bruce Paton (San Francisco State).
The two-day bootcamp for 40 assistant superintendents covered:
- Tricks and tricks for quick diagnosis of common turfgrass diseases — Diseases can cause rapid damage to fairways and greens. Recognizing signs, symptoms and environmental conditions that are susceptible to disease is imperative.
- Managing irrigation systems — Maximizing water conservation — especially during California’s drought — is a top priority for all golf courses.
- Water in California — With water at a premium, it’s important to understand water politics, laws, regulations, as well as where future water will come from. Understanding groundwater monitoring and recycled water availability is essential.
- Career preparation for Golf Course Management — Practical tools and skill development that can help assistant superintendents make the jump to superintendent.
- Managing Maintenance Staffs — How to develop people management skills, as well as hire and train a staff.
- Golf Course Sustainability — Focusing on how golf courses can remain viable, and what strategies can insure sustainability for years to come.
- ABCs of equipment management — A detailed look at Best Practices in maintenance of equipment.
-Kevin Merfeld
