Vice President’s Letter

Make an Impact

Who is the most famous turfgrass manager you can think of? James Beard, the father of contemporary turfgrass science? A.J. Turgeon, author of many turfgrass textbooks? Robert Frase, inducted into National Golf Hall of Fame for his work as a golf course superintendent and contributions to the GCSAA? For most people in the world, it’s probably Carl Spackler, the lovable character played by Bill Murray in the movie Caddyshack!

Sadly, it was really Carl that put our profession on the radar for most of the rest of the world. Who doesn’t relate to the hatred for a mole that singlehandedly destroys every piece of your hard work. Who wouldn’t go to every extreme to eradicate that nuisance? I know I “would”.

If you know Dr. Mike Richardson, whom some might argue is the most famous turfgrass manager in our state, you know that man is a stone-cold mole killer! Dr. Richardson is my professional mentor. I owe so much to him. I recently attended the University of Arkansas Turfgrass Field Day and got to spend some time with my mentor. After being in the presence of turfgrass greatness for an entire day, I went home, walked outside…and killed a mole. I just don’t believe this could be a coincidence! We all need a mentor.

That’s just a funny story to make the point, we need each other. Do you have a mentor? Are you mentoring anyone else in the industry? Are you intentional with your desire to see the industry grow, improve, move forward with the respect we receive from those outside the industry? I’m thankful for Dr. Richardson and Dr. Karcher for pouring so much into me. But also, I’m thankful for Kyle Sanders and Richard Covert and Jeremy Kyle and Keith Ihms and Jay Randolph and Amy Matthews and on and on and on and on. Men and women that are friends because we share a passion for growing grass. I just hope I can give back an ounce of what I’ve received from this industry.

We have a few opportunities coming up for you to get involved and build relationships. First, there is an ornamental workshop that is going to be led by Dr. Anthony Bowden on November 4th in Little Rock. Information for the workshop is in this publication and on our website. Also, don’t forget that we are gearing up for our annual conference in January. You never know who you might meet that changes your career, or better yet, who you might be able to help along their career path.

We’re not all destined for turfgrass stardom like Carl Spackler, but you never know who you might have impact on in their career. I promise, I daily remember and thank my lucky stars for those that impacted me. Be intentional. Give back. Grow the industry. Maybe one day we’re not known as Carl Spacklers!

Josh Landreth

ATA-Vice President