Paxton Completes EMCP Level 1
/Mark Paxton, Equipment Manager for Highland Springs Country Club, home of the Korn Ferry Price Cutter Charity Championship, has completed Level 1 of the Equipment Management Certificate Program, (EMCP). The program managed by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) provides training and skills recognition for golf course equipment managers.
Mark was alerted to the program by Diana Kern, Senior Manager of CTEM Certification and Certificate Programs at GCSAA, when Mark attended the Ozark Turf Association Equipment Managers meeting held last October at Big Cedar Golf Resort. Mark joined GCSAA at that meeting and started working on Level 1 of the EMCP. His next step will be to complete Level 2 of the EMCP program and eventually become a Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM). Mark was supported in his efforts by his Golf Course Superintendent at Highland Springs, Johnathan Prange, CGCS.
The Equipment Management Certificate Program Level 1 is a series of exams designed to demonstrate proficiency in key competency areas related to turf equipment. This certificate program is available to any and all turf equipment technicians regardless of whether you work for a golf course.
The program is made up of eight exams covering the key competency areas of:
cutting units
drivetrain systems
electrical systems
engine technology
hydraulic systems
metalworking and fabrication
spray systems
fundamentals of turfgrass operations
For other OTA equipment managers interested in the GCSAA EMCP and eventually earning CTEM status, contact Diana at GCSAA and plan to attend the 2025 OTA Equipment Manager/Assistant Superintendent meeting to be held in October at Big Cedar Golf Resort, presented by VanWall Golf Equipment, the John Deere distributor for our area.
