FROM THE TTA PR ESIDENT
Doug Ward
The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
Serving the TURFGRASS INDUSTRY As
each year seems to bring its own changes to the “norm” that we tend to measure things against, 2020 has without a doubt been one for the record books. Typically, turf professionals begin talking about how weather variables have affected their best laid plans but obviously those differences are of little consequence when measured against the impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic. While everyone has certainly had their lifestyle altered or at least inconvenienced by the current crisis, I believe our industry as a whole has adjusted quite effectively through the numerous challenges of the time. The TTA likewise has forged through these times by conducting monthly Board meetings via a virtual connection as we planned for our annual conference. Many thanks go out to Dr. Brosnan and our Educational Committee, headed by Chris Sykes and Jason Sanderson, for once again putting together an exceptional program for this year’s online conference. Also, please join me in acknowledging gratitude to our Executive Secretary, Melissa Martin, for her steadfast work and covering the many details necessary to put this year’s production in motion. With that said, I encourage everyone to prioritize education in all formats. Online offerings such as our TTA conference can be a key part of your professional learning experience. Make it a priority – not only will you personally benefit but your participation will make a positive impact on our Association’s well being and its ability to continue with its mission of serving the Turfgrass Industry.
Doug Ward
Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 928-7001 info@ttaonline.org www.ttaonline.org PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 info@leadingedgecommunications.com EDITOR Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Doug Ward Belle Meade Country Club (615) 292-6752 Vice President Chris Sykes Tellico Village (865) 458-5408 Secretary/Treasurer Ryan Storey Vanderbilt University (615) 343-6694 Past President Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc (731) 642-3092 Executive Director Melissa Martin Tennessee Turfgrass Assn. (615) 928-7001 TTA 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TTA President
Ryan Blair, CGCS Bart Cash Ashley Gaskin Cal Hill Jeff Huber Brad Jean Jeff Kuhns Jason Sanderson Darren Seybold Mark Stovall Paul Webb Jeff Wyatt TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
The BEST Bunker Construction Method in the World
For information, go to www.billybunker.com or call 615-847-8877 6
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Joe Hill Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph, CGCS Dr. Tom Samples Dr. John Sorochan Dr. Wes Totten
