2026 MGA Green Chair Education Series
-And-
Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Leaders in Golf Award Luncheon
Thursday, March 19, 2026 | Pelham Country Club | Pelham Manor, NY
Held in cooperation with the USGA
Please join the MGA for a day of education focused on industry updates and turfgrass-related issues.
The cost per attendee is $100. Please register by March 16.Â
Registration is closed if you have any questions contact Kevin Kline at kkline@mgagolf.org
Schedule:
7:30 a.m. – Registration and continental breakfast
8:15 a.m. – Opening Remarks
8:30 a.m. – Presentations
12 p.m. –Â Lunch
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2026 Presentations:
Using Autonomous Equipment and AI to your advantage
Jeff Scott, Golf Course Superintendent at Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut
Rob Alonzi, Golf Course Superintendent at Fenway Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York
Jordan Booth. Sr. Director of USGA Green Section
Superintendents are realizing the value of autonomous equipment and AI to improve efficiency, save labor and improve turf health. This panel discussion will discuss how superintendents are using this technology, how it has benefited the facility and why you should consider using it too.
Messaging Matters
Adam Garr, Course Cares
You can win the hearts and minds of your members if your message hits the right tone. In this session, Adam will address closing vital communication gaps, creating a unified voice, and how to advocate for the golf course in a way that gets results.
Empire State Golf Alliance: New York Economic and Environmental Impact Report
Tom Kaplun, Past President, NYSTA, Vice President, LIGCSA, Golf Course Superintendent at Huntington Country Club
The Empire State Golf Alliance (ESGA) represents golf courses and organizations in New York. In 2023, they initiated a project to gather vital industry data, revealing that golf significantly impacts the state’s economy, environment, and recreation. Tom’s presentation will highlight key findings for clubs and leaders, as well as the Alliance’s efforts to raise awareness of golf’s societal importance among policymakers and the public, reinforcing its critical role in New York.
Appropriate Budgeting and Why That Matters
Chris Carson, former Golf Course Superintendent at Echo Lake Country Club and current instructor at the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Maintenance Program
At face value creating a budget can seem simple, but for many clubs there can often be a disconnect between member expectations and operational possibilities. Honest, in-depth communication is needed to identify how best to balance the financial needs of a club with the agronomic needs of its golf course. This session will focus on how green chairmen and superintendents can work together to optimize available funds and properly plan for and sell future needs.
USGA Lightning Round
Elliott L. Dowling, Regional Director, USGA Green Section, East Region
The Lightning Round covers several of the most discussed topics from Dowling’s course consulting visits and recent superintendent interactions. Topics range from current and potential future challenges facing the golf course maintenance industry in the Met Area, and more.
