Architect Tom Doak at the 2016 MGA Green Chairman Education Series

HARRISON, N.Y. (March 10, 2016) – The 2016 MGA Green Chairman Education Series welcomed a record number of attendees to Willow Ridge Country Club on Thursday, March 10. As part of the MGA Foundation’s Spring Education Series, the seminar featured presentations from experts in the fields of golf course management, maintenance and agronomy, and was attended by golf course superintendents, professionals, green chairmen and club officials.

Related: Photos | MGA Foundation Spring Education Series Schedule

The Whippoorwill Club in Armonk, N.Y., was also presented with the 2016 Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Leaders in Golf Award at the meeting. The annual award is presented to an MGA member club that demonstrates environmental leadership in golf course maintenance, construction, education and research. It is named in honor of past MGA President Arthur P. Weber, who wrote an Environmental Code of Conduct for golf course maintenance for Old Westbury, his home club, which is still used by many Met Area clubs nearly two decades later. Whippoorwill was honored following a series of facility improvements which help protect the Kensico Reservoir watershed. The award has been given since 2007 and past recipients include Neshanic Valley Golf Course (2015), Manhattan Woods Golf Club (2014), Wee Burn Country Club (2013), Rockland Country Club (2012), The Round Hill Club (2011).

This year’s seminar featured presentations from the following industry professionals:

Dave Oatis – Director Northeast Region, USGA Green Section
Making Time for Turfgrass Maintenance
Oatis discussed proper maintenance practices when facing the challenges of pests, disease and cultivation, while also trying to balance the pressure to not disturb golfers. Video

Dana Lonn, PD – Managing Director, Toro Center for Advanced Turf Technology
Emerging Technology in Turfgrass Management
Lonn’s presentation described some of the latest technology available to those in the turfgrass industry, ranging from sensors and control systems for irrigation to the use of unmanned mowers. Video

Ken Benoit, CGCS – Superintendent, GlenArbor Golf Club
Benoit provided an update on the development of Best Management Practices for New York state golf courses.

Frank Rossi, Ph.D. – Cornell University
Jilted: Golf’s Relationship with Water
Rossi urged attendees that golf course maintenances practices must face a renewed commitment to stewardship, especially when dealing with water.

Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design
The Gravity of Greens Design
Doak provided a range of imagery and insight from his famed architecture work, specifically putting greens. Providing a true world tour of his projects, Doak detailed the development of specific greens and discussed aspects of the process which the average golfer probably doesn’t consider, including stories from work with Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye. Video

The MGA Green Chairman Education Series is presented annually by the Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation and is part of a two month-long program of educational forums that are designed to educate club leaders and golfers about different issues pertinent to Met Area clubs and courses. The range of topics include the Rules of Golf, Handicapping, technology, and MGA member services and benefits. For more information about the MGA Green Chairman Education Series, please contact Kate Keller or Kevin Kline.