Time fly’s when you’re having fun!  That’s what they say at least, so I must be having a ridiculous amount of fun, because it’s hard to believe that we are already at the halfway point of the college football season, with Halloween just around the corner.  That being said, I hope this message finds you all at or near the completion of your fall aeration activities, and at the end of what I can hope was a successful golf season.

For me, the end of every golf season brings a period of reflection…….reminiscing on the highs, learning from the lows, what worked, what didn’t, and what I want to try different for next season.  It’s a time to educate myself on some of those brilliant ideas I saw on Twitter and decide if any of them can work for me.  It’s a time to recharge both mentally and physically.  We work in an industry that is constantly changing.  If it’s not different weather from day to day, it’s new techniques to consider as we try to be more efficient in our day to day operations, or new chemical/disease research to think about as we strive to provide the best playing surfaces we can.  It’s a balancing act of doing what works for you, while still educating ourselves and staying up to date with our ever changing industry.

I know that most people have been preoccupied the past month plus with aerations and putting a wrap on the season, but hopefully you have been able to give some thought to the upcoming Fall Meeting on October 24^th at Royal Oaks Country Club.  Al Nielsen, CGCS and the Royal Oaks membership are graciously hosting this event and we can’t thank them enough for their support, both past and present, of the turf industry in Oregon and Southwest Washington.  Mr. Nielsen will be giving an update on some of the projects that have been going on at Royal Oaks, including updates on some greens renovations and future projects.  Michael Lee, Manager of Government Relations for GCSAA, will be giving a brief update, and we will have our keynote speaker, Chris Carson from Echo Lakes Country Club.

I’m sure any of you that have had the opportunity to travel to the Golf Industry Show and partake in some of the educational events offered, will agree that they are very informative and useful in our work lives.  For those who have not been able to fit GIS into your budget, now is the opportunity to get this educational experience right in our own back yard, without all of the travel and hotel expense.  Mr. Carson will be speaking on two topics; Eight important budgeting principals that will help you succeed, and Ways to help you take the next step in Golf Course Management.  Remember, golf is included with registration, but is limited to the first 40 to register, and Royal Oaks is sure to create a memorable golf experience as usual.

I will be the first to tell you that I don’t know it all, just ask my wife, she’ll confirm it!  Any opportunity to learn something new is an opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally.   Your board is working hard to provide quality educational opportunities that you will be able to use back at your own courses.  I hope to see many of you take advantage of the quality presentations we have set up for you at this year’s Fall Meeting.  Don’t wait, register today by clicking on the link to the right of your screen.  As always, please don’t hesitate to contact myself, or any of your board members, with comments, questions, or concerns.  I’ll see you October 24^th at Royal Oaks.

Regards,

Gabe Hughes

OGCSA President