I always feel like the week of The Masters marks the official start of the season, at least in Central Oregon, as the weather changes and golfers are excited to be back out enjoying spring playing conditions. I hope you were all able to get a break over the winter and get rejuvenated! It has been a busy off-season for the Oregon Chapter Board of Directors on many levels.

Over the past few months, many of our chapter members have played a key role in representing the association when it comes to local government affairs and ordinances that affect how we care for our golf courses. With the City of Portland voting in a phase out of gas backpack and handheld blowers over the next 4 years, our voice was heard among city officials. They have encouraged us to maintain contact over our concerns of technology, cost, weight, and electrical infrastructure. We made it clear that we are not against the transition to electric blowers, but do not support a complete ban of gas powered as outlined in the ordinance. It is vital that we all become engaged as this push to ban blowers and other issues will continue. Such as, the drive to switch to Permanent Standard Time that could have negative impacts on our industry. Thank you again to all those who have volunteered and put in personal time with these matters.

As spring arrives, so does the annual Rounds 4 Research Auction that runs from April 22 through April 28. Member courses have generously donated 41 rounds to date. The funds raised not only go to industry research but help fund the annual 15K pledge for the Oregon State University Turf Technician position and scholarships given out by the chapter. I encourage more facilities to consider donating in the future as you can set parameters that will least affect your members and golf course. Visit https://www.gcsaa.org/foundation/rounds-4-research to donate or preview rounds that have been donated. Let your members and friends know about this important program that gives them the opportunity to play courses across the country while supporting the game they love. You can also contact Alexis Wenker at ogcsa@ogcsa.org for help with the process as there is still time to donate.

The lineup of events for 2024 brings time for networking, education, and golf away from your own facility with fellow members and colleagues.

• We kick off the season on Tuesday April 23 with the OGCSA Open hosted by the Reserve Vineyard and Golf Club in Aloha.

• The Annual Meeting will be held at the newly remodeled Corvallis Club on Wednesday May 15. Join us for our business meeting, introduction of our 2024-2025 Board of Directors (voting to be electronic with emailed ballots), award and scholarship recognitions, industry updates from Oregon State University and the Oregon Turfgrass Foundation, and golf to cap off the day.

• Registration is now open for the Summer 2 Ball being held at Awbrey Glen Golf Club in Bend on Monday June 17. Grab a co-worker, industry colleague or friend and sign up for a fun filled day.

• Also be on the lookout for registration details for the September Crew Tournaments at Arrowhead Golf Club in Molalla and Quail Run Golf Course in LaPine.

• On September 4 we will partner with Oregon Club Managers Association to host an educational meeting with panel discussions moderated by Cory Isom, regional agronomist in the USGA Green Section’s West Region.

• The Fall Meeting will be hosted at Aspen Lakes Golf in Sisters with more details to come this summer.

To wrap up, thank you all for your support of this organization. We look forward to growing, maintaining financial stability, and providing you with opportunities to get involved. Please don’t hesitate to volunteer on any of our 8 committees and give back in the future.

Cheers to a successful 2024 season!

Scott Moffenbeier, President

Oregon Chapter of the GCSAA