Summer Edition 2022 Hello Texas summer! Two things are certain about Texas summers, the sun is going to come up and it is going to be hot. In North Texas at least, a lot of comparison is already being made between this summer and the summers of 1998 and 2011. Those of us who went through those years know that we will come out on the other side…but when? We all know that tossing in extreme drought only exaggerates other issues. I know we all will adjust and do the best we can because that is what golf course superintendents are great at. Hang in there! A big thank you to Tanner Chrastecky, Bill Slade and the entire staff at Traditions for hosting the Texas Cup. It was a great time and congratulations to champions Steve Gilley and Justin Lonon and all the winners! Final results are listed on the front page of our website. Thank you to title sponsor Simplot for sponsoring the event and thank you to all the sponsors who stepped up. We certainly could not do this event without you! Some of you have heard about the unorthodox process that Trevor and his staff at Squaw Valley performed recently to battle Poa. The greens on Comanche Lakes were fraise mowed in early June and are now going through the grow-in process. Although radical and shocking to golfers, the hope is that we can find another viable tool to gain ground on the Poa battle before the most radical step has to happen. While the process and ramifications are understood, no one wants the greens to grow back more quickly than Trevor. With patience, the greens will grow back like new and the Poa will be held at bay for a few more years. At Squaw Valley, we believe in involving ourselves in anything that may help other superintendents anywhere. Thank you to GLK Services for letting us take you out of your comfort zone. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind us all about the GCSAA professional conduct code when it comes to playing golf and requesting comp golf at other courses. I know many of us appreciate our peers coming to play our courses and we appreciate the opportunity to play courses other than our own. Each golf course has its policies on accommodating industry professionals and not all afford comped golf. If you are going to play another course, let your peer know that you are going to be there whether you are requesting comped golf or you are paying full rate. Keep in mind if you are playing for anything less than full rate, remember that you are reduced or zero revenue for the facility. Keeping that in mind and as courtesy, any comments, good or bad, should be discussed directly between you and the superintendent. Not following the professional conduct code or public negativity about your round leads to ruining it for everyone. I know that I appreciate the contact ahead of time and I really appreciate the extra set of eyes and opinions from someone who knows what they are talking about, good or bad. In short, communicate with the superintendent, expect to pay and be gracious when you’re comped, and be professionally courteous. As we head into the dog days of summer, find time to attend your local chapter events. I see lots of good things on the calendar for the next couple of months around the state. Take the opportunity to catch your breath, take in different scenery, and learn something new. Remember to work on your BMPs and do not forget to thank your sponsors!
President’s Message Jeff Hansen