BRANDT announces expansion to Discovery & Innovation and sales teams – Golf Course Industry

Posted on January 12, 2021 by Design in Design Innovation | 0 Comments

ASGCA members continue to see growth in projects focused on practice area improvements, re-bunkering, short game area development and master planning projects. That is one result of the fourth “Golf Facility Market Trend Watch” report, commissioned by the ASGCA and conducted by Sports & Leisure Research Group.

The online study, conducted and analyzed in late 2020, was distributed to more than 40,000 people, including ASGCA members, and subscribers of By Design and Golf Course Industry magazines. Respondents included golf course architects, superintendents, general managers, facility owners/operators, golf professionals and industry leaders.

The complete Market Trend Watch results may be found HERE.

“COVID-19 had a unique impact on the golf industry, as 85 percent of superintendents reported a surge in play during 2020, a far different result than most other industries experienced,” said Jon Last, SLRG founder and president. “The pandemic’s impact is seen throughout these results, including more than 7-in-10 facilities saying their bottom line was impacted by new or updated regulatory issues.”

ASGCA members are engaged in a breadth of projects large and small. Nearly one-in-four are working now or have recently completed re-design or renovation projects of at least nine holes, and a similar percentage are working on new course design. Re-bunkering projects continue apace across North America, and master planning is as strong as ever.

The study also illustrates a surge in golf activity in 2020 has led to an increased need for on-course maintenance programs at both public and private courses, according to golf course superintendents and general managers.

Operators at both public and private facilities show a willingness to invest capital if it will improve the overall financial picture. The goal to “Increase Revenue” outpaced “Decrease Costs” by more than 5-to-1.

The Charles Drawdy Distinguished Service Award recognizes the special efforts of an SCGA member who has gone over and beyond to help grow the mission of the SCGA and the SCJGA. The association honored Bouts for his authentic service in helping promote the game in South Carolina.

Bouts first got his start as a sports writer covering the game of cricket for The Australian, the country’s national newspaper. Bouts moved to the United States in the mid-1990s and fell into golf writing after meeting Chuck Borman, then the new executive director of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association.

Bouts and Orr will be recognized and honored in individual presentations throughout the year.

With more than 25 years of multi-course management, warm-season and ultradwarf grass experience, DuBose will lead PGA Golf Club’s course maintenance team. He is responsible for directing and administering all agronomic practices, golf course maintenance and conditioning, and overall management of operations that relate to the golf courses, common grounds and buildings.

“With Clay DuBose’s vast expertise with grasses in a southern climate, and his experience with golf courses designed by both Tom Fazio and Pete Dye, he is a tremendous addition to our facility,” said PGA Golf Club GM/Director of Golf Jeremy Wiernasz, PGA. “Clay brings to PGA Golf Club a leadership approach that highlights and builds upon our extraordinary team. With Clay’s talent and skill set, we are well-positioned to enhance the experience for PGA Members, club members and our guests.”

“PGA Golf Club is an ideal spot for me to become the new director of golf course and grounds,” DuBose said. “I am extremely excited about the opportunity to lead the agronomy team into the future and introduce the facility to the newest advancements and techniques in golf course management.

“We plan to produce some of the finest playing conditions that represent the PGA of America at the highest possible level. We will also focus on enhancing and developing the skill set of our management team, so that they may reach their career goals in the turf management business.”

From rom Jan. 17 until Feb. 4, golf course professionals can follow @SyngentaTurf on Facebook and Twitter and share their positive #TurfPerspectives for a chance to win one of seven Solo Stove Yukon fire pits.

At GIS, Syngenta will introduce the NEW GreenCast Turf App, which has been redesigned with added features and flexibility to fit the user’s individual needs. All data is now cloud-based, allowing for access on multiple devices and the ability to share information easily.

During the virtual show, Syngenta will also be supporting numerous events, including the Opening Ceremony, Ladies Leading Turf panel discussion and networking reception, the GCSAA Certification Luncheon, several education sessions as well as the annual Health in Action 5K, which will be hosted virtually.

“While we are certainly going to miss seeing our customers face-to-face at the Golf Industry Show, Syngenta is committed to providing the best support possible for superintendents through the virtual format,” said Stephanie Schwenke, turf marketing manager at Syngenta. “We hope it will provide an opportunity for even more turf professionals to participate who may not have historically been able to do so. Our team will be available throughout the show and look forward to interacting with everyone.”