As we come out of this recent stretch of “false spring”—where some of you were freezing in Florida while others were able to knock out multiple projects thanks to unseasonably nice weather—we now enter that familiar time of nervous anticipation. Was this simply false hope, with March bringing snow for those of us punching? Or will the warmer trend continue, pushing us toward drier conditions and hand watering as early as April?

For all our sakes, let’s hope the answer falls somewhere in the middle. Ideally, we catch a solid weather window for aerification, which is approaching quickly, and then Mother Nature steps in to provide what we need afterward. Before we get too far into the busiest part of the season, I wanted to provide an update on several key items.

Rounds 4 Research | April 20–26
Please mark your calendars for Rounds 4 Research, both for donating and bidding. I encourage you to talk with your club about potential donations and to promote the auction with everyone who walks through your golf shop doors—whether through word of mouth or by posting flyers where members and guests will see them.

Each year, our chapter has increased its level of participation, and the goal is to make it even better this year. This initiative is a major source of funding for research that directly benefits all of us, and it cannot be overstated how vital this support is. Get involved and do whatever you can to explain the importance of this effort to golfers, board members, and owners.

Keep an eye out in your email inbox for more information to renew your past donation or donate for the first time.

Upcoming Events
With several events coming up in the near future, I strongly encourage everyone to get involved. For younger members especially, these opportunities serve not only as educational experiences but also as valuable networking tools that can help advance your career. Even if you plan to stay in your current position long-term, the connections and knowledge gained at these meetings often pay dividends day in and day out.

February 24, 2026 – Central Oregon Crew Seminar | Tetherow Resort
If you are in Central Oregon, please consider attending. There will be breakout sessions focused on both irrigation and equipment, offering valuable, practical information for crews.

February 25, 2026 – OSU Winter Field Day | Lewis Brown Farm
Join Chas and the Oregon State University staff for updates on their work at the farm. Topics will include microdochium trials, winter injury trials, and much more. If you are able to attend, please reach out to Chas—I hope to see many of you there.

February 26, 2026 – Equipment Managers & Irrigation Technicians Seminar | The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club
This year, Turf Star Western will host the seminar at The Reserve. Please encourage your equipment managers and irrigation technicians to attend and learn about new developments in equipment, as well as irrigation technology and troubleshooting.

March 31, 2026 – OGCSA/WWGCSA Service Project | American Lake Veterans Golf Course
If you are not punching and can make the trip north, please consider joining us to support a great cause. Additional details will be shared as the date approaches. This is an excellent opportunity to give back and support our Veterans.

Award Nominations
The annual meeting in May is approaching quickly. I encourage clubs to consider nominating any superintendent who has gone above and beyond for Superintendent of the Year. For superintendents reading this, please consider nominating your assistant for Assistant Superintendent of the Year if he or she has put in the work and deserves recognition. Taking the time to acknowledge our teams for their efforts—often unseen by golfers on a daily basis—goes a long way.

As we move out of winter, I hope we all catch the weather we need to properly prepare our courses for the upcoming season. Remember, the chapter is here to support you, and the more you get involved, the more you will get out of it. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events and throughout the season.

Stephen Purdy, OGCSA President