June Meeting Results

Despite what seemed like the first real day of summer, we had a great turnout for our June OTA meeting held at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin. We would like to thank our hosts Kris Moore, golf course superintendent, and his assistant, Patrick Johnson. This was the first time we have been to Twin Hills since the second day of the “Border War'“ of 2007.

Our speaker for the meeting was long time OTA member, Casey Koch, golf course superintendent at Crestwood Country Club in nearby Pittsburgh Kansas. Casey has hosted many opening day “Border War” events with the Kansas chapter, (a quick plug, this year the “Border War” will be held at Ledgestone C.C. and Pointe Royale in Branson. It actually brings back some fond memories as the last time Pointe Royale hosted the second day of the event was my first Border War in 2005). Casey talked about the green drainage project they had done on their 9th green. The process was pretty interesting given that it wasn’t a total green renovation. Some good discussions were held about the growing in process of the new seed, as many members talked about seeding issues they have run into during renovations and course improvements. Casey also touched on his efforts to find staff members every season. He does take advantage of Pittsburgh State being there along with getting some high school students.

After a nice lunch of cheeseburgers with all the fixings, salad (for the health conscious, and famous Ott’s dressing, which my family used to take bottles of Ott’s back to Florida, when we used to come up and visit Granny) along with cookies! Teams were assigned and we headed to the golf course. Two teams played a shamble format and 3 teams played there own ball, with the team format being a best ball for the team. The winning team with a 68 took advantage of not only the shamble format, but the local knowledge of long time Twin Hills C.C. superintendent, Jim Weaver (retired) , current superintendent Kris Moore, our speaker Casey Koch, from Crestwood C.C. and Mark Slaughter of Gold Partner, GreensPro. The other shamble team will remain anonymous, but they did finish last, with a 74, so the format wasn’t that much of an advantage. The second place team with a score of 70, also took advantage of local knowledge from Patrick Johnson, assistant superintendent at Twin Hills, and neighbor Maron Towse, superintendent at Schifferdecker G.C. in Joplin, rounding out the team was Chad Hoerschgen, superintendent at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club, and Matt Strong, with Silver Partner VGM. The other two teams finished with 72’s, so a few putts here and there could have lead to a different outcome.

Thanks again to the staff at Twin Hills C.C. for hosting us!

Next on the calendar will be the OTA Championships on September 24, sponsored by Clear Creek Vehicles and Club Car. It will be held at Hidden Valley Golf Course. Make sure to mark your calendar!