I hope this letter finds you enjoying the start of the summer season.  Here in Central Oregon I think we skipped spring altogether.  This time of year, we are all busy getting our courses in the best shape possible.  I hope everyone can still find time to spend with friends and family and even play a little golf.  I would like to thank everyone for their support as I start my first year as your President.  I would like to take a moment and update you on a few events and programs the Board of Directors is working on.

OGCSA  FOUNDATION

The OGCSA Foundation Golf Tournament is coming up on July 20th at Waverly Country Club.  Thank you to everyone that has already signed up.  Last year the tournament raised over $22,000 for research and scholarships.  If you cannot field a full team, please contact Linda Whitworth or register online, we can pair you up with other people. Thank you to all of our sponsors and vendors that make this event a great success every year.  Our whole industry benefits from the money raised through this event. Please do what you can to support the OGCSA Foundation.

EQUIPMENT MANAGERS CERTIFICATION

At the Mechanics seminar in February, Gordon Kiyokawa CGCS, from Columbia Edgewater Country Club, introduced the idea of an Equipment Managers Certification program.  The program would be facilitated by the OGCSA in conjunction with George Klein at Walla Walla Community College.  The goal of this program is to increase the quality and conditioning of the golf courses of our members.  We can accomplish this goal by first providing continuing education and networking opportunities to our Equipment Managers. Next, for those who wish to dive deeper into this, we can offer a certification program that can measure the basic skills needed to be a Certified Equipment Manager.  Below is a link to more information on the program and a list of study materials.  From the mechanics that attended the seminar in February we had 15 interested people.  We would like to see this number a bit larger so please talk to your Equipment Manager and see if there is interest. The cost of this program would be $120 for an additional membership to the OGCSA.  In cases of hardship please write a letter to the Board of Directors for assistance with the dues.  We all benefit from knowledgeable and experienced Equipment Managers.  We cannot do what we do without properly maintained equipment.  This will be a benefit to you and your facility. We would like to set up a meeting in August or September to start this program moving forward.  Keep an eye on the website for date and location.  Gordon Kiyokawa CGCS will be serving as the advisor from the Board of Directors until a liaison position can be created.

Click here for more information.

Click here for a list of Study Materials (pdf)

SUPERINTENDENT AND ASSISTANT TOURNAMENT

This year the tournament will be held at Persimmon Golf Club on Monday August 17th.  I would like to thank Eric Feldhusen for hosting the event this year.  Check the website for registration information.

VOLUNTEERS

We are currently looking for volunteers to host local chapter meetings and help out with our committees.  Please contact anyone on the Board or Linda Whitworth for more information.  We are always looking for ideas on topics and speakers for the regional meetings.  We want these meetings to be an opportunity to network with the other superintendents in your area and also be educational to benefit to you and your facility.

OGCSA Board of Directors

I would like to take a moment to thank Dave Phipps, Larry Steiner, and Bill Swancutt for their many years of service to the OGCSA.  I would also like to welcome Sean Watts, Doug McMullen and Brian Hickey to this years Board. 

I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.  Have a great season.

Phil Lagao CGCS
OGCSA President

KP: Don Baer, Wilbur-Ellis Co.