From the M AGC SA Presid ent
Casey Nerren
Another Great Year for MAGCSA As
the holidays approach, another year is in the books for the MAGCSA schedule. The year provided great educational opportunities and networking events for all members. A good balance of social and educational opportunities has proved to be a good fit for the chapter. Member turnout was great again this year, setting the tone for an exciting 2018 schedule. Topics this year surely had something for all members. Speakers from several southeastern universities were able to make their way to Memphis to share the latest and greatest information available for area superintendents. The schedule started off with a social event at Spring Creek Ranch. March proved to be the perfect time for a crawfish boil and allowed supers to gather and discuss the upcoming season. Our first official meeting was at TPC Southwind with Dr. Bruce Martin from the University of Clemson discussing a problem that many supers are battling in the Memphis area, nematodes. Our
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second meeting, at Colonial C.C., featured Dr. Scott McElroy from the Auburn University who discussed growing degree days. Our third meeting of the year brought us to Winstead Turf Farms, which gave members the opportunity to see some the newest turfgrasses available. August brought our final educational meeting to Glen Eagle Golf Club. Dr. John Sorochan from the University of Tennessee discussed mower configurations. September was our Annual Bushwood Classic. Professor Segar from the University of Tennessee at Martin briefly discussed the current status of the UTM turf program. Not only has the Bushwood become a great way for members to enjoy a round of golf with peers, but it also provides the MAGCSA Chapter the chance to give back to its members. Net and gross winners are given the opportunity for continuing education of their choice and to participate in the GCSAA Championships. One of the largest events of the year was the Annual Scott McNeer Scholarship
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2017 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
and Research Tournament at Memphis National Golf Club. The event was a huge success because of the participation of our members and commitment from local vendors who help make it a great fundraiser tournament each year! The season concluded with our annual skeet shoot and shrimp boil. Thank you to Bubba Jones for making this event possible! A big thank you to those who served on the board with me for the last two years. Next year, joining new president David Johnson and vice president JD Boyce are three new board members: Andrew Foster (Windyke C.C.), Jason Bradley (Memphis C.C.) and Bubba Jones (Greenville Turf and Tractor). Good luck to everyone as you continue the path forward for MAGCSA.
Casey Nerren
2017 MAGCSA President Course Superintendent Memphis National Golf Club