The Ozark Turf Association would like to announce that SiteOne, makers and distributors of various turf products has renewed their Silver Partner status with the OTA.
We thank them for their support of our members, allowing the chapter to provide meeting and networking opportunities. We appreciate their partnership. Please thank Matt Delventhal , Sales Representative the next time you see him.
The Ozark Turf Association would like to announce that Corteva, has renewed as a Gold Partner for 2022.
We thank them for their support of our members, allowing the chapter to provide meeting and networking opportunities. We appreciate their partnership. Please thank Dr. Jared Hoyle, Midwest Territory Manager, the next time you see him.
We would like to announce and thank PBI Gordon, for renewing their 2022 Gold Partnership with the Ozark Turf Association.
We welcome their support for our members, helping us provide meeting and networking opportunities. Please thank Heath Schesser, Sales Representative the next time you see him.
We would like to announce and thank Bayer who has renewed their 2022 Gold Partner Status with the Ozark Turf Association.
They have been long time supporters of our members and their chapter. Please thank Wes Kleffner, our Bayer Representative next time you see him.
Brotcke Well and Pump has renewed their Ozark Turf Association membership for 2022. They have also agreed to be our April 26th meeting partner to be held at The Golf Club at Deer Chase in Linn Creek Missouri.
Let’s thank Derek Nees, R.G. Project Manager and Brotcke Well and Pump for their support of our members and their association.
We would like to announce and thank Midwest Turf the exclusive Distributor of Floratine in in our area, and distributor of other turf care products, has renewed this year as a Gold Partner.
Their support for our members is welcomed and that support allows us to provide member meeting and networking opportunities. We appreciate their Partnership. Please thank David Hunter, Owner, the next time you see him.
We would like to thank and announce that Van Wall Golf, our John Deere equipment distributor has renewed as a Gold Partner for 2022. They have been long time Gold Partner supporters.
Van Wall will also sponsor the lunch partner at this year’s OTA Golf Championships.
Van Wall will also be our 2023 Education/Annual Meeting Partner.
Their support for our members is welcomed and that support allows us to provide member meeting and networking opportunities. We appreciate their Partnership. Please thank Andy Klein, Golf and Turf Territory Manager the next time you see him.
Many Ozark Turf Association members and their better halves celebrated the kickoff to the Christmas Season. Big thanks go to Gold Partners GreensPro for sponsoring our entertainment, “The Fishin Magician” and Twin Oaks Country Club for hosting us.
The evening started out with a hospitality hour with attendees snacking on hors d’oeuvres with our entertainer making his way around to tables performing magic tricks. He did risk some fisticuffs when his magic did make beer bottles disappear, luckily, they appeared back maybe minus a sip or two. After dinner he put on a show with ropes, cards and other tricks, many which we are still trying to figure out. It was nice for our group to get back together as we had missed last year. We are looking forward to next year, probably in the Branson area, so keep an eye on your email and the website. We will announce it as soon as we get it scheduled.
The Ozark Turf Association would like to recognize a few of our members who served on Golf Course Assocation of America (GCSAA) Committees or Task Groups in 2021. These members served fellow GCSAA members, helped advance the profession, and worked toward enhancing the enjoyment, growth, and vitality of the game of golf. For those interested in serving on a GCSAA Committee or Task Group, visit the GCSAA website, or contact Shelia Finny, Senior Director of Member Programs.
Steve Johnson, CGCS, Golf Course Superintendent at Payne’s Valley and Mountain Top at Big Cedar Resort, served on the Melrose Leadership Academy Task Group.
Melvin Waldron III, CGCS, Golf Course Superintendent at Horton Smith Golf Course, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, served on the Rounds4Research Task Group.
Todd Bohn, former Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge, now Director of Agronomy at Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale Arizona, served on the GCSAA Conference and Show Education Task Group.
The Ozark Turf Association awarded the OTA Industry Scholarship to Mr. Luke Kerr. of Nixa, MO . Luke is a 2020 graduate of Nixa High School in Nixa MO. He is currently attending Drury University working an his degree in Biology, with a graduation date of 2024. Luke participated in Band, Football, Cross Country and Track at Nixa, and is currently on the Track and Field Team at Drury. Luke has worked the last four seasons on the grounds crew at Fremont Hills Country Club, where OTA member Sam Richart, is the golf course superintendent.
The Ozark Turf Association Industry Scholarship is open to employees who work for OTA member’s facilities, and are pursuing a career in the turf industry. Awards of $3,000 are given to recipients and funded by the OTA members through their annual scholarship and research outing held each year.
The Ozark Turf Association awarded the 2021-22 Karl Anderson Legacy Scholarship to Ms. Maycee Fishel of Marshfield MO. Maycee is the daughter of long time OTA member Tyler Fishel, of GreensPro, suppliers of turf products. Maycee, is a 2019 graduate of Marshfield High School, and currently attends Missouri State University, in Springfield MO. She is scheduled to graduate from MSU in May of 2023. Maycee is working towards a bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Sales Management.
The Karl Anderson Legacy Scholarship is named for long time Ozark Turf Association member Karl Anderson who worked for years as the golf course superintendent at Hickory Hills Country Club. He and his wife Patsy did not have children of their own, but strongly supported the association’s scholarship efforts. Karl lost his battle with brain cancer in May of 2018. The Karl Anderson Legacy Scholarship is open to the children and grandchildren of OTA members. Awards of $3,000 are given to recipients and funded by the OTA members through their annual scholarship and research outing held each year.
After residing for the past 6 years in Missouri, the Border War Cup finds itself back in Kansas, as Kansas Golf Course Superintendent Association members, Josh Troutman, Director of Golf Course Maintenance at the 36 hole facility, Crestview Country Club in Wichita Kansas, and Crestview’s North Course Superintendent, Nate Ratzlaff, defeated the Ozark Turf Association team of City of Springfield Golf Facilities Supervisor, Mike Irvine, and Scott Welsh, Golf Course Superintendent at the Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course, City of Springfield, on the sixth hole at Winfield Country Club in Winfield Kansas.
The traditional horse race started with 16 players, 4 teams from each chapter, where two teams were eliminated on each hole. With only the two teams left after the short par 4, 4th hole, they played the 5th hole to a tie and moved onto the 6th hole, a difficult par 3, which was won by the Kansas team.
Prior to that, an 18 hole tournament was played with 4 man teams, featuring 3 Kansas members and one OTA member, where they played a two man best ball, with one being a net score and one being a gross score.
Before play began on day one at Winfield Country Club, we were treated to deli sandwiches with all the fixings, a full salad bar and soup. After the horse race, dinner featured huge steaks and big bake potatoes, which offered little room on our plates for the mixed vegetables.
Day two consisted of teams playing scrambles at Quail Ridge Golf Course in Winfield. We will work with the Kansas Chapter on trying to update the results from both days, needless to say, there will probably be some 1099’s having to be sent out to the multiple winners.
We would like to thank our hosts, Steve Hollembeak, Golf Course Superintendent at Winfield C.C. who is retiring at the end of the year, and Jeremy Birdwell, Golf Course Superintendent at Quail Ridge G.C. for their hospitality and great course conditions. These courses were a lot of fun to play, and I wish they had been in the rotation with our normal Kansas site, Crestwood Country Club in Pittsburgh Kansas, which is also a great venue and host.
Thanks goes to Title Sponsors Midwest Turf and Professional Turf Products, both Gold Partners with the Ozark Turf Association. Harrell’s was a lunch sponsor.
We are already looking forward to the return match in 2023.
FMC renews as a Silver Partner with the Ozark Turf Association. They have also agreed to be our Education Partner at the 2022 Education/Annual Meeting in January of 2022. The meeting will be held at Highland Springs Country Club, with a date to be announced soon, with an education agenda to follow.
The OTA thanks FMC for their support of local chapters like ours, especially when it comes to providing educational opportunities to our members. FMC and the OTA Board also thanks the OTA chapter members for visiting the FMC booth at the 2021 GIS Show (now known as GCSAA Conference and Show for 2022), and participating in the Kalida Masterpiece Hunt. We finished in 9th place. Not bad for our little chapter.
Thanks again to FMC for their support!
Tom Russell, Golf Course Superintendent at Triple Creek Golf Course won his third OTA Championship, Presented by Clear Creek Golf Car and Utility Vehicles and Club Car, in the past four years.
Tom lead the field with an even Par 71 at Old Kinderhook Golf Resort. Second place with a 74 went to Jared Brewster, Golf Course Superintendent at Highland Springs Country Club. Third place went to Manny Cervantes of OTA Gold Partner, Kansas Golf and Turf, who shot a 75.
The first flight winners were Justin Fraker of OTA Gold Partner, Clear Creek Golf and Utility Vehicles, Russell Cole of OTA Gold Partner Kansas Golf and Turf came in second, and Scott Welsh, Golf Course Superintendent at Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course came in third.
The second flight winners were Barry Siems of OTA Gold Partner Precision Turf Products in first, Joe Munnuci, Golf Course Superintendent at Piney Valley Golf Course came in second, and third place went to Adam Camp, Golf Course Superintendent at Hidden Valley Golf Course.
We had a couple of scramble teams for those that didn’t want to punish themselves. Winning the scramble portion of the outing was the team of Darrell Easley, Assistant Superintendent at Windmill Ridge Golf Course, Andy Klein of OTA Gold Partner, VanWall Equipment, Brett Randal, Assistant Superintendent at Osage National Golf Resort, and Randy Webb from our host course, Old Kinderhook.
Closest to the pin winners were:
Hole # 3 - Sponsored by Brandt - Barry Siems - Precision Turf Products
Hole # 7 - Sponsored by Nufarm - Bubby Oliver - retired
Hole # 11 - Sponsored by OTA Gold Partner GreensPro - Randy Webb - Old Kinderhook
Hole # 16 - Sponsored by Precision Labs - Bubby Oliver - retired
Prior to the event we had a great lunch from Ravin Foy and the Old Kinderhook Resort staff. The Lunch was sponsored by OTA Gold Partner VanWall Equipment.
We would like to thank our host Golf Course Superintendent Charlie Boldreghini and his staff for a great time and course, Golf Pro Jason Woods and his staff for handling our scoring.
Big thanks again to presenting partner Clear Creek Golf Car and Utility Vehicles and Club Car, also to our lunch partner VanWall Equipment, and to our prize partners, Brandt, GreensPro, Nufarm, and Precision Labs. Many thanks also goes to our participants.
Don’t forget to sign up for the OTA Championship to be held on Tuesday September 21st at Old Kinderhook.
Cost for members is $30, nonmembers is $75. The tournament is presented by Clear Creek Golf Car and Utility Vehicles. Lunch sponsored by VanWall Equipment. Closest to the Pin prize sponsors are Brandt, GreensPro, Nufarm and Precision Labs.
We will have two formats, one will be play your own ball, with flights for prizes. Overall Gross winner (who is a member of the OTA) will receive the OTA trophy. We will also have scramble teams for those that just want to enjoy the golf course, and the day, networking with fellow OTA members.
Please RSVP by this Thursday, September 16th so we can give Old Kinderhook a count for lunch, and get pairings made. RSVP to either the ozarkturfassn@yahoo.com, or phone or text 417-860-9449.
More information is on the website calendar section.
Horton Smith Golf Course in Springfield Missouri hosted the 2021 U.S. Speedgolf Championships over the Labor Day weekend. Speedgolfers from around the country and even the world (one participate was from Tokyo Japan), competed in the two day event. Horton Smith Golf Pro, and speedgolfer himself, Garrett Holt was able to get the championships to Horton Smith where the event also benefited the Ozark Honor Flight organization.
Speedgolf combines the golfers score with the time it takes for them to navigate their way around the course. Jason Hawkins from Prospect Kentucky, was the National Champ with a total score of 221.23. This consisted of scores of 72 and 73 combined with times of 38 minutes and 6 seconds and 38 minutes and 17 seconds.
Scott Dawley from Houston Texas, shot a new world record on day one, with a score/time of 107.15, which was achieved by shooting a 65 and had a time of 42 minutes and 15 seconds as he covered the Horton Smith Golf Course. Complete results will be shown in the picture gallery.
Ozark Tur Association Gold Partner, Clear Creek Golf Car and Utility Vehicles was one of the sponsors of the event.
Ozark Turf Association member and Horton Smith Superintendent, Melvin Waldron III, CGCS and his staff helped prepare the course for this challenge. He is quoted as saying, “We were honored to host one of the three big golf events of the weekend, along with the Solheim Cup and Tour Championships”.
It was a fun evening of family, friends, and fireworks, at last night’s Springfield Cardinals game.
Thanks goes to VanWall Equipment and Andy Klein for sponsoring our suite, also thanks to Precision Turf Products and Barry Siems for sponsoring our food, many hotdogs, brats, and chicken strips were consumed, but I believe the cookies were some of the favorite treats. Some of us grazed too much on the chips, cheese, and salsa. The Ozark Turf Association sponsored the adult beverages.
Brock Phipps and Derek Edward, of the Cardinals grounds crew, who are our friends over at the Ozark Chapter of SportsTurf Managers had the field looking great.
With the positive response and attendance, will look into having an event there next year. Thanks to all our sponsors and to all that attended!
Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin, Missouri hosted this past weekend, the Missouri Golf Association Four Ball Championship.
Golf Course Superintendent and Ozark Turf Association Member, Kristopher Moore and his staff prepared the course for the two day event. For tournament results, visit www.mogolf.org
The 31st Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr. Pepper, was hosted by Highland Springs Country Club for the 31st consecutive year. The winner was Dylan Wu, who shot 261, 27 strokes under par, which tied the record set in 2006 by Doug LaBelle II.
Ozark Turf Association members, Golf Course Superintendent Jared Brewster, along with assistant golf course superintendent, Caleb Seidel, second assistant Mike Reinhold, and their staff, had the course prepared flawlessly for the tournament. The also had volunteer help from fellow OTA members, Kolby Armbruster, Golf Course Superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club, along with his assistant Andrew Mills, AIT Clayton Oetting, staff member, Jorden Hatman, and intern, Elijah Wilson. Justin Thomas Golf Course Superintendent at Top of The Rock, OTA Past President Sam Richart, Golf Course Superintendent at Fremont Hills Country Club, along with one of his staff members, OTA Gold Partner, Andy Klein, with VanWall Equipment, OTA Gold Partner, Mark Slaughter and Wyatt Cantrell, with GreensPro, and they brought Paula Slaughter and Wyatt’s brother to help. Melvin Waldron, CGCS, Golf Course Superintendent at Horton Smith G.C. and OTA Secretary/Treasurer. Also helping were assistants from Loch Lloyd Country Club, Steven and John.
Feeding the maintenance crews on Monday night, was Jared-Highland Springs with Subway. On Tuesday night, the Ozark Turf Association provided Mostaccioli, Cavatelli, and house salad from Pasta Express. Wednesday night OTA Gold Partner, Austen Gearheart with Advanced Turf Solutions provided Chicken Parmesan from Pasta Express. Thursday night, OTA Gold Partner, Andy Klein with VanWall Equipment provided Whole Hog BBQ. Friday night Ken Harding with WinField Turf provided BBQ from Buckingham BBQ. On Saturday night, OTA Gold Partner, GreensPro, with Mark Slaughter, Tyler Fishel, and Wyatt Cantrell, provided Pizza Hut and Wingstreet.
We are already looking forward to next year’s tournament and we hope to see more OTA members volunteering to help.
Twin Oaks Country Club in Springfield Missouri hosted the 2021 Missouri Golf Association’s Men’s Stroke Play Championship.
Ozark Turf Association member Superintendent, Tye Heidbreder and his crew prepared Twin Oaks for the 3 day, 72 hole event.
The event was won by Jack Parker from Columbia Missouri with a score of -12 under for 4 rounds.
To view the complete results, 2021 Men's Stroke Play Championship Event :: Home (golfgenius.com)
Congratulations to Tye and his crew.
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