OTA Education and Annual Meeting Recap

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The Ozark Turf Association held their 2023 Education Day and Annual Meeting on January 18, 2023 at Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield MO.  We had a great turnout of 56 attendees.  Our speakers included Paul Jacobs, our regional USGA Agronomist,  Dr. Wendell Hutchens, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science at the University of Arkansas, and Randy Robinson, Central GCSAA Field Staff.  The meeting was presented by VanWall Equipment. 

Paul presented his first topic “ The Year 2022 in Review, What Worked and What Didn’t”.  Paul discussed some of the issues that golf courses had in 2022 and some of the reasons behind them.  He really did his research when he provided our local weather data and was able to correlate how weather affected conditions.

Dr. Hutchens introduced himself to the chapter, he recently arrived at the beginning of the new year at the University of Arkansas.  His presentation “Best Management Practices for Spring Dead Spot and Winterkill Prevention in Warm-Season Grasses”  Dr. Hutchens talked about the different products to apply and their effectiveness.  He also discussed the best timing to make applications and talked about how best to irrigate the products into the soil.  He also presented the best options to get recovery from areas that were damaged.

The next talk Paul Jacobs led a Superintendent Round Table discussion on various topics that included aeration methods and timing, organic matter testing, which would lead to decisions concerning aeration and other cultural practices, we discussed labor issues, where Paul suggested we need to be more proactive in our recruiting efforts.  We all shared in the discussion our thoughts and questions on the topics. 

After a hot buffet lunch (where we believe the Mac and Cheese side was the big hit as many second helpings of it were plated).  We had Randy Robinson present some updates that were happening at GCSAA.  He talked about the expanded Conference and Show coming up in Orlando, the changes made to the Certified Golf Course Superintendent program, he mentioned the Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series, and the increasing popular, Certified Turf Equipment Managers Program and  Equipment Management Certificate Program.  Randy also mentioned filling out GCSAA surveys when they are sent out, especially the current GCSAA Salary and Benefits Survey.  It could be helpful to provide data for our area in helping compete in the labor market.  He also touched on the successes of the GCSAA Government Relations Team.  We were also reminded about the upcoming Rounds 4 Research auction, the OTA participated in it for the first time last year.  We raised $756 which was donated to the University of Missouri Turf Farm to assist them in their research efforts.  The OTA Board announced that we will be participating in the efforts again, as we are committed to research that will be conducted in the upcoming seasons at the University of Arkansas.  More on this research to be announced later.     

After Randy’s presentation, we held our annual meeting.  The minutes from the 2022 meeting were read as was the current treasury report.  Both were approved.  We gave the update on the current 2023 schedule. 

Following the updates, elections were held.  Maron Towse, Golf Course Superintendent at Schifferdecker Golf Course was reconfirmed to a second year as President.  Chad Hoerschgen, Golf Course Superintendent at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club was reconfirmed as Vice President.  Melvin Waldron III, CGCS, Golf Course Superintendent at Horton Smith Golf Course was reconfirmed as Secretary/Treasurer.  Brad Seidt, Golf Course Superintendent at Lake Valley Golf Club, Jonathan Prange, CGCS, Golf Course Superintendent at Highland Springs Country Club, and Kolby Armbruster, Golf Course Superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club, continued their terms as Board Members.  Barry Siems, Precision Turf Products and Mark Slaughter, GreensPro were reappointed as vendor board members.

Members approved the follow changes to the bylaws:  Adding an Equipment Managers membership classification, changed the month of the annual meeting from December to January, and voted to change the wording of the official annual meeting notice to include electronic means of providing notice. 

After those votes and seeing no new business was brought to the floor, the meeting was adjourned.      

We would like to thank our Vendor Partners who attended the meeting and met with members during the breaks:  Matt Strong with VanWall Equipment (Deere), Dr, Jared Hoyle with Corteva, Barry Siems with Precision Turf Products, Russell Cole with Kansas Golf and Turf (Jacobsen), Dave Moore with SiteOne, Brad Gray with Professional Turf Products (Toro), Wes Kleffner with Envu, Matt Bradley with FMC, Joey Johnston with Clear Creek Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles Club Car), Mark Slaughter with GreensPro, and Austen Gearheart with Advanced Turf Solutions.             

Dakota Carr Awarded the OTA Industry Scholarship

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The Ozark Turf Association awarded the 2022 – 2023 OTA Industry Scholarship to Mr. Dakota Carr of Hollister, MO. Dakota is a 2016 graduate of Morris High School in Morris OK and graduated from the College of the Ozarks in 2019 with a BA in Criminal Justice. He is currently attending Walla Walla Community College working on his Associates Degree in Turf Management, with a graduation date of 2024.  He is attending Walla Walla through their virtual platform, while working as an Assistant in Training at Payne’s Valley under the direct mentorship of OTA Member, Steve Johnson, CGCS, Golf Course Superintendent, Payne’s Valley and Mountain Top at Big Cedar Golf under the leadership of Director of Agronomy, Jeff Steen, CGCS.  Dakota currently holds a Missouri Pesticide License in Core and Category 3 Turf and Ornamental pest control.

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.

Ivelisse Valentin Awarded the OTA's Karl Anderson Legacy Award

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The Ozark Turf Association awarded the 2022-23 Karl Anderson Legacy Scholarship to Ms. Ivelisse Valentin of Ozark MO. Ivelisse is the stepdaughter of long time OTA member Chad Hoerschgen, Golf Course Superintendent at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club. Ivelisse is a 2022 graduate of Ozark High School, with the following honors: Summa Cum Laude, and a GPA of 3.75.  Ivelisse is currently attending Ozark Technical Community College, in Springfield MO.  Ivelisse is studying Applied Science – Graphic Arts and completed her first semester with a 3.2 GPA.  Ivelisse previously worked at Millwood as a dishwasher, she is now working for Hutchins Advertising in a variety of roles relating to her studies. The OTA congratulates Ivelisse on her achievement.  

The Karl Anderson Legacy Scholarship is named for long time Ozark Turf Association member Karl Anderson who worked for many 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.

OTA High Stakes Christmas Party

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The Ozark Turf Association held their annual Christmas Party presented by Professional Turf Products and hosted by Ledgestone Country Club on Saturday December 17th.

A social hour preceded a dinner choice of either Prime Rib, Spinach Stuffed Chicken, or Jack Daniels Smoked Salmon, served with sides of au gratin potatoes and vegetables. Dessert consisted of Cheesecake and/or cobbler with ice cream.

After the dinner hour, the attendees hit the casino gaming tables provided by B Sharp Entertainment, where players started with $500 funny money. The beauty of the set up was if one ran out of money, they were able to reload at another table. We had a Texas Hold-Em table, two blackjack tables and one spinney game table, more commonly known as roulette. After running out of money, some guests retreated to telling stories and catching up with each other.

At the end of the night, prizes were given to the players with the most money. In first place was Melvin Waldron III, CGCS, Golf Course Superintendent at Horton Smith G.C. sitting emotionless with steely eyes, (and therefore we need a sarcasm font), he won most of his money at the Texas Hold-Em table, where playing against fellow players instead of the house seemed to make the difference. Second place ended in a tie, with our sponsor Brad Gray, Professional Turf Products beating out one of our hosts, Kolby Armbruster, Golf Course Superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club, with an exciting game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors”. Both earned most of their bankrolls at the Texas Hold-Em table. Although Kolby earned most of his in the early going when blinds were less money. Fourth place was our Hostess, Katie Armbruster, she earned most of her money at the Blackjack and Roulette (or spinney wheel as she calls it) table. Fifth place also resulted in a tie between Maron Towse, Golf Course Superintendent, Schifferdecker Golf Course, and OTA President and Barry Siems, Owner of Precision Turf Products. Maron won the coin flip that they had. Barry still went home a winner, taking one of the Christmas ornaments Katie had made, as did all the winners.

We would like to thank again, our sponsor, Brad Gray and Professional Turf Products, our hosts Katie and Kolby Armbruster (who found B Sharp Entertainment for Casino Game Night) and all the wonderful staff at Ledgestone Country Club who prepared our food and drinks. We would also like to thank all our members who attended the festivities, we hope they enjoyed the evening.

We look forward to seeing our members at our next event, our Education/Annual Meeting Day presented by VanWall Equipment, January 18th, 2023, at Highland Springs Country Club. Keep an eye out for the agenda of the next couple of weeks.

Passing of OTA Member Scott Crowell

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OTA member Scott Crowell was working as the golf course superintendent at Bolivar Golf Course, City of Bolivar. His obituary follows.

Jeffrey Scott Crowell

November 4, 1964 - December 18, 2022

Scott Crowell, age 58 of Bolivar, MO, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2022. He was born November 4, 1964, in Springfield, MO, to Robert “Bob” Eugene and Nancy M. (Fisher) Crowell. He attended Pleasant Hope High School.  He was united in marriage to Kimberly Lenaa Stratton June 30, 1990.

He is preceded in death by his father; and his wife of 28 years Kimberly.

Scott is survived by his daughter Allie Crowell of Springfield, MO; his mother Nancy Crowell of Bolivar, MO; four siblings: Melanie Welsh (Marty) of Aldrich, MO, Kevin Crowell (Rose) and Kelly Crowell all of Pleasant Hope, MO, Danny Howard of Willard, MO; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 pm with a celebration of life to follow at 6:00 pm Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Pitts Chapel, with Todd Sears officiating. Inurnment will take place at Pleasant Hope Cemetery at a later date.  Online condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.   Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar, MO.

Ozark Turf Association Announces the 2023 Annual Meeting

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The Ozark Turf Association is announcing the Annual Meeting to be held on January 18th, 2023, at Highland Springs Country Club.

The meeting will commence at approximately 1:45 PM after the last speaker for our education day. 

A ballot will come out with the agenda of the day and meeting.  

We will be voting on the following bylaws issues:

  • Adding Equipment Manager to our membership categories to comply with the new GCSAA Affiliation Agreement

  • Changing the date of the annual meeting from December to January.

  • Expanding the avenues for announcing the Annual Meeting.

We will also be voting on retaining the following officers:  President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer.

We should have the agenda finalized and out in the next week or so.  You can RSVP for the meeting starting now.

Cost will be $25 for members and their staffs, $30 for non-members.  Details to follow with the schedule and on the website. 

Ozark Turf Association Releases Their 2023 Partner Program

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The Ozark Turf Association has released their 2023 Partner Program. This program allows our vendor partners to plan the support level that match their business plans and allows them to get the most value out of their sponsorship budget.

OTA members appreciate the support of our Partners as it allows the Chapter to provide affordable education and networking opportunities.

The plan is located on our website and our Partners will be able to choose on a first come first serve basis from the menu of options starting on January 4th. As payments are received, we will announce our Partners and the level of commitment to our members.

Passing of Retired OTA Member Carl Carlisle

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Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 9:42am

By Holly Stover

Frank Carlton (Carl) Carlisle age 74, Branson, MO

Frank Carlton (Carl) Carlisle was born February 7, 1948, in Sardis, Mississippi, to Tate Carlton Carlisle, Jr. and Mildred Marie Rushing Carlisle. He was the oldest of seven children.

In 1964, he married JoAnn Wright Carlisle in Raymond, Mississippi. They had two children: Christy and Chuck. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Horticulture and Turf Management.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wayne Carlisle; and grandson, Alex Michaud.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughter and son-in-law, Christy and John Michaud; son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Amy Carlisle; and grandchildren: Amy (Caleb) Clark, Sydney Michaud, Silas Carlisle, Lampton Carlisle, Ensley Carlisle, and Tate Carlisle. Carl was affectionately known as Pops to his grandchildren. Other loving survivors include brothers: Rick (Kay) Carlisle, and Brian (Dionne) Carlisle; sisters: Patsy Berry, Barbara (Mike) Newman, and Mona (Aaron) Roebuck; sister-in-law, Lydia Carlisle; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Carl’s passions besides family included: woodworking, photography, fishing, golfing, watching NASCAR races, and cheering on Mississippi State Athletics. His most cherished times were spent running RC cars with his grandkids. Carl was a Certified Golf Course Superintendent and was a member of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America and Ozark Turf Association. During his long career, he had the opportunity to build several golf courses. These golf courses included ones on: Seabrook Island in Charleston, South Carolina, Mountain Ranch Golf Course in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, and Branson Creek Golf Course in Branson, Missouri. Over the years he served as Deacon, Minister of Music, and volunteer at several Baptist churches. He was most recently a member of First Baptist Church of Branson.

The family will be having a celebration of life sometime in the spring or early summer. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to one of the following: Terrace Home Health and Hospice (4650 South National Ave. Suite D2, Springfield, Missouri 65810), Alzheimer’s Association (www.act.alz.org), or First Baptist Church of Branson (https://fbcbranson.churchcenter.com/giving). Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.

OTA October Meeting Recap - October 11th, 2022

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The Ozark Turf Association recently held their October meeting, sponsored by Professional Turf Products, at Millwood Golf and Raquet Club, in Ozark Missouri.

Linda Clark, Safety Coordinator for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board presented “Safety on the Golf Course” She touched on many safety items to be on the lookout at the golf course and did a description on what is involved in Safety Data Sheets. Attendees earned GCSAA education points.

After the presentation, attendees dined on some great brisket and sides. The brisket was so good, we ate it too fast to get a good picture.

After lunch we formed teams to play a 4-person team, 2-person best ball. The kicker was each team got a sleeve of lime green golf balls, and the ball rotated through each team member, which counted as one of their best balls. Everyone seemed to enjoy the twist, and no team lost all three balls. Otherwise, they would have had to take a double par on each hole for the green ball. It was interesting to see the differences between the best ball and green ball, they averaged about 10 shots difference.

The winning team surely used some home course advantage, consisted of Chad Hoerschgen Superintendent at Millwood, Jim Pyle, retired, Dave Moore, SiteOne, and Conner Antonetti, assistant at Hickory Hills Country Club. with a score of 152.

The second-place team of Gavin Arnold, assistant at Highland Springs C.C., Austin Edie, 2nd assistant at Highland Springs C.C., Barry Siems, owner of Precision Turf Products, and Melvin Waldron III, CGCS, superintendent at Horton Smith G.C. came in second with a score of 163.

We also gave out individual prizes: In first flight, Conner Antonetti shot a 76. and Barry Siems shot a 78.

In second flight, Austen Gearheart, with Advanced Turf Soulutions, beat out Matt Overton, superintendent at Holiday Hills Golf Club on the match of cards, with both shooting 92’s.

Proximity winners included 4 closest to the pin, and one long drive. The closest to the pin winners were:

  • On # 5 sponsored by Ermisch Golf Architecture - Austen Gearheart

  • On # 8 sponsored by Precision Labs - Barry Siems

  • On # 15 sponsored by Professional Turf Products - Gavin Arnold

  • On # 17 sponsored by GreensPro - Russell Cole, Kansas Golf and Turf

Our long drive winner sponsored by BWI, on hole # 2, playing from the white tees with the young guns, was old man Melvin Waldron, who while possibly being out driven by half the field, was able to keep his drive in the fairway, and take home the prize.

Thanks again to our host, Millwood Golf and Racquet Club, our speaker, Linda Clark, and our sponsors, Professional Turf Products, Chuck Ermisch Golf Architecture, Precision Labs, GreensPro, and BWI.

Our next meeting will be our Christmas Party, sponsored by Professional Turf Products, on Saturday, December 17th, at Ledgestone Country Club. Check future emails and the website for updated details.

Ozark Turf Association Member Completes CGCS Recertification Process

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The Ozark Turf Association (OTA) would like to recognize OTA member Jeff Steen, CGCS for completing his second Certified Golf Course Superintendent renewal cycle.

Jeff is the Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Golf, in Hollister Missouri where he leads the Golf Course Superintendents and crews of Buffalo Ridge, Ozark National, Payne’s Valley, Top of the Rock and Mountain Top Golf Courses.

Jeff is also one of four Certified Golf Course Superintendents in the Ozark Turf Association an affiliated Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation is bestowed upon those who have demonstrated a high degree of knowledge in their profession. The CGCS designation is the most widely recognized in the golf industry and the highest recognition that can be achieved by golf course superintendents. Renewal cycles are every five years and must meet the following continuing education requirements.

  • They must either attain at least 15 points, of which a minimum of 9.0 must be education points. OR

  • Successfully complete the written examination, plus attain 5.0 points, with a minimum of 3.0 education points.

  • To renew their CGCS status, they must fulfill the IPM requirement (either by submitting their pesticide license information or taking the IPM exam).

If you are interested in becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent, contact GCSAA to get started.

Congratulations to Jeff on achieving this career milestone.

Pictures from Jeff speaking at the Springfield Business Journal Event: “12 People you Need to Know” back in March. Here he shared how he got into the golf business and stories from his time working at Pebble Beach Golf Links, and how he relies on his team to provide memorable golf experiences to visitors of Big Cedar.

(Photos by Melvin Waldron III, CGCS)

Aaron Borland wins OTA Championship

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In the Ozark Turf Association Championship - presented by Clear Creek Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles and Club Car, Aaron Borland, Superintendent at Carthage Municipal Golf Course, defeated Mike Irvine, Golf Facilities Manager, Greene Country Park Board, in a playoff. Both finished their rounds at Ledgestone Country Club with 74’s. Aaron birded the first extra hole in the playoff to take the trophy.

The weather was spectacular, and all the participants had a great time. VanWall Equipment sponsored lunch.

The championship results were as follows:

Championship Flight:

  • Aaron Borland - 74 (won in a playoff) Superintendent, Carthage Municipal Golf Course

  • Mike Irvine - 74 Golf Facilities Manager, Greene County Park Board

  • Matt Strong - 75 Territory Manager, VanWall Equipment

  • Justin Thomas - 78 Superintendent, Top of the Rock at Big Cedar

First Flight:

  • Tyler Scroggins - 81 Superintendent, Holiday Island Country Club

  • Scott Welsh - 83 Superintendent, Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course

  • Jim Pyle - 89 Retired Superintendent (Ledgestone Country Club)

  • Jonathan Prange, CGCS -89 Superintendent, Highland Springs Country Club

Scramble Team Winners:

First Place - 60

  • Austen Gearheart - Territory Manager, Advanced Turf Solutions

  • John Grunieson - Foliar Pak

  • Matt Overton - Superintendent, Holiday Hills Golf Club

  • Joey Roberts - Assistant Superintendent, Holiday Hills Golf Club

Second Place - 62

  • Toby Burkhart - Regional Agronomist, Maxim Golf

  • Levi Mathews - Assistant Superintendent, Lake Valley Golf and Country Club

  • Zack Phillips - Assistant Superintendent, Branson Hills Golf Club

  • Ryan McInerney - Assistant Superintendent, Carthage Municipal Golf Course

  • Beau Smith - Lake Valley Golf and Country Club

Proximity Winners:

  • Closest to the Pin # 3 - Sponsored by GreensPro - Matt Overton - Superintendent, Holiday Hills Golf Club

  • Closest to the Pin # 5 - Sponsored by Brandt - David Treat - Assistant Superintendent, Holiday Island County Club

  • Closest to the Pin # 15- Sponsored by Precision Labs - Chuck Ermisch - Senior Design Associate, Greg Norman Golf Course Design

  • Closest to the Pin # 17 - Sponsored by Brandt - Lukas Phillips - Superintendent, Branson Hills Golf Club

  • Long Drive # 10 - Sponsored by BWI - Corey Broadfoot - Store Manager, SiteOne Springfield store.

My highlight of the day was seeing the otters playing in the pond on # 17.

We thank Ledgestone Country Club Golf Course Superintendent Kolby Armbruster, assistants, Andrew Mills and Clayton Oetting, and all the maintenance crew members for a great golf course, and Ledgestone staff for providing a fun day.

Thanks again to Crear Creek Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles for sponsoring the Championship, VanWall Equipment for sponsoring Lunch, Brandt, BWI, GreensPro, and Precision Labs for sponsoring the proximities prizes.

We look forward to seeing everyone at Millwood Golf and Raquet Club for our next meeting.

Ozark Turf Association Donates to Mizzou Turf Farm

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The Ozark Turf Association has donated their Rounds 4 Research proceeds to the University of Missouri to support their Turf Research Farm.

The OTA received from their first Rounds 4 Research auction participation $756.00. The Board voted to forward those earnings to Dr. Xi Xiong and staff to help finance the maintenance of the research farm’s turf plots.

Dr. Xiong appreciated the support that the OTA has given the University Turf Research Farm over the years., as she thanked the Board for their efforts. The Turf Farm provides valuable research and solutions to the many turf related businesses in the state.

The OTA wants to recognize those facilities that donated rounds to the effort. They included Ledgestone C.C., Silo Ridge C.C. Twin Hills C.C. Whispering Hills G.C. and the three Springfield-Greene County Park Board Courses, Bill and Payne Stewart G.C. Horton Smith G.C. and Rivercut G.C.

The OTA Board has already committed to participate in next year’s Rounds 4 Research. We will update the dates and ways to be part of the process to our members later this year.

OTA has Family Fun Night at Springfield Cardinals Game

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The Ozark Turf Association had a family fun night recently at a Springfield Cardinals game at Hammons Field in Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield Cardinals are the AA minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.

OTA members brought their wives or girlfriends and kids to a fun filled evening sponsored by Barry Siems owner of Precision Turf Products.

Attendees were treated to the regular baseball fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken fingers, with the chicken fingers being the favorites on repeat visits. The OTA sponsored the adult beverages.

It was a fireworks Friday following the game, which unfortunately was the only fireworks from the host Cardinals as they lost to the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners AA affiliate) 15-1.

Some of our attendees also made it down to the field for the aftergame “On the Field Dance Party” where OTA members Field Manager Derek Edwards and his assistant, Nathan Strait provided a topnotch dance floor that doubles as the outfield turf. We didn’t get pictures of that group on the field, but we do share the pictures of the group up in our party deck. (Yes, under intense pressure from our group, I had to post a picture of myself, so I posted a picture of Cindy and myself with our rally caps on).

This is becoming a fan favorite and we will be looking to put this on our meeting schedule again next year.

Ozark Turf Association Member Completes CGCS Recertification Process

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The Ozark Turf Association (OTA) would like to recognize OTA member and current chapter secretary/treasurer, Melvin Waldron III, CGCS for completing his fourth Certified Golf Course Superintendent renewal cycle.

Mel is the Golf Course Superintendent at Horton Smith Golf Course, part of the City of Springfield-Greene County Park Board, in Springfield Missouri.

The Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation is bestowed upon those who have demonstrated a high degree of knowledge in their profession. The CGCS designation is the most widely recognized in the golf industry and the highest recognition that can be achieved by golf course superintendents. Renewal cycles are every five years and must meet the following continuing education requirements.

  • They must either attain at least 15 points, of which a minimum of 9.0 must be education points. OR

  • Successfully complete the written examination, plus attain 5.0 points, with a minimum of 3.0 education points.

  • To renew their CGCS status, they must fulfill the IPM requirement (either by submitting their pesticide license information or taking the IPM exam).

If you are interested in becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent, contact to get started.

Congratulations to Mel on achieving this career milestone.

Highland Springs Country Club host 32nd Price Cutter Charity Championship

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Records were set at this year’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr. Pepper. This year’s event was won by David Kocher with a record setting 28 under par.

Jonathan Prange, CGCS along with assistants, Gavin Arnold and Chase Shipley (all Ozark Turf Assocation members), and the HIghland Springs Country Club maintenance crew prepared the course for championship results under grueling weather conditions. Temperatures were reaching into the 100’s every day. This led to some changes during tournament prep over the weekend as they started play each morning early and went off # 1 and 10 tees in threesomes.

Meals were provided each evening by many of our OTA vendors, Tuesday night sandwiches were provided by Ken Harding of Windfield United, Wednesday evening, GreensPro with Mark Slaughter and Tyler Fishel provided pizza and wings, Thursday, staff was treated to a Low Country Boil cooked up by Steve Simpson of BWI, on Friday Chicken Parmigiana from our local Pasta Express was on the menu, provided by Austen Gearheart and Advanced Turf Solutions. Saturday evening the crew had Whole Hog BBQ supplied by Andy Klein and VanWall Equipment. GCSAA and Randy Robinson provided breakfast during the morning shifts.

The following volunteers took time out from their regular positions to help prepare the course over the week. Aaron Turner from Betty and Bobby Allison Sports Town, Andrew Mills and Clayton Oetting from Ledgestone Country Club, Ben Marple former Highland Springs crew member, Tyler Scroggins, David Treat, and Cody Finch from Holiday Island Country Club, Michelle Prange, Highland Springs Country Club, Zack Phillips, Branson Hills Country Club, Sam Richart, Fremont Hills Country Club and Past President OTA, Randy Robinson, Central Field Rep, GCSAA, Caleb Seidel, Ryan Lawn and Tree, Austen Gearheart and Rob Ritchey, Advanced Turf Solutions, Mark Slaughter, GreensPro and Melvin Waldron III, CGCS Horton Smith Golf Course-City of Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Jon and his crew were appreciative of their help.

OTA Member Achieves Class A Status

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One Ozark Turf Association (OTA) member achieved Class A status last month with the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA).

Mike Irvine, Golf Facilities Supervisor at Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Springfield MO, achieved Class A status. Mike was recognized in the July issue of Golf Course Management.

We would like to congratulate Mike for reaching this milestone.

The definition of a Class A member is a golf industry professional; who possesses knowledge, skills and abilities through a combination of education, experience, professional development and environmental stewardship; and has met and continues to fulfill on-going Class A renewal requirements.

For members looking to earn Class A status, it consists of a combination of formal education, experience as a golf course superintendent, continuing education and providing proof of a valid pesticide license or passing the GCSAA IPM Exam. Class A membership demonstrates a personal commitment to lifelong learning, environmental stewardship and elevating the golf course management profession. It also shows employers that your achievements and competencies are documented and validated. For those looking to pursue Class A status, reach out to Shelia Finney, Senior Director of Member Programs at GCSAA, or our Central Field Representative Randy Robinson.

Ozark Turf Association Participates in Rounds 4 Research

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The Ozark Turf Association participated in the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America national Rounds 4 Research auction for the first time this past April.

GCSAA Chapters have their member facilities donate rounds for the nationwide auction. Funds raised are then sent back to the chapters to use for supporting turf research, scholarships or education.

In our first auction we had 7 member facilities donate 10 rounds for foursomes, which raised $756.00. We will make an announcement in the near future on how the board voted to distribute the funds.

We thank the following Golf Courses for their donations: Ledgestone C.C. donated 3 foursomes; Twin Hills C.C. donated two foursomes; Silo Ridge C.C. donated a foursome; Whispering Hills G.C. donated a foursome; and The Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s three courses, Rivercut G.C., Bill and Payne Stewart G.C. and Horton Smith G.C. each donated a foursome.

We thank these courses for donating to the auction, and we hope to encourage more of our member courses to participate in the 2023 Auction scheduled for April 24th-30th, 2023.

Reminder, Price Cutter Charity Championship is Looking for Volunteers

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We would like to remind our members of the Ozark Turf Association, that Jon Prange, CGCS, Superintendent at Highland Springs County Club on July 21st - 24th, will be hosting the 32nd annual Price Cutter Charity Championship, presented by Dr. Pepper.

This Korn-Ferry Tour event is one of the original events from the Ben Hogan Tour and one of the few remaining stops still played in the same city and on the same golf course.

The volunteer form is located on our website under the classified/jobs tab. You are encouraged to fill that out soon, with morning and afternoon shifts available start Wednesday July 20th, with the last morning shift on Sunday morning, July 24th. Encourage members of your staff to participate as well and let them be part of the experience.

Ozark Turf Association June Meeting Recap

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OTA June Meeting Recap

We would like to thank everyone who attended our June 14th meeting at Carthage Golf Course.  Golf Course Superintendent Aaron Borland and staff had a great setup for us. 

We would like to thank meeting sponsor, Professional Turf Products and Brad Gray for supporting our meeting. 

Dr. Mike Richardson from the University of Arkansas presented his “Gadgets and Gizmos Update”.  Most of the presentation dealt with moisture meters, including some new information that was learned through research using them.  He also discussed some of the newer technology like drones and infrared cameras/apps that are becoming more common place.  Research with those technologies will dictate how useful they become in our managing the golf course.  Mike also made announcements of recent hires to the turf program who start in August. 

Lunch from Abbiattis Back Door Barbecue Catering was great with BBQ meats and sauce and all the fixings; the green beans were very tasty and sweet, along with the cheesy potatoes, and baked beans. There were a few second trips through the line, if we hadn’t had to tee off at our scheduled time, I know someone who would have made a third trip.

After lunch we played a 3-man scramble, teams were evenly matched with the score range from 63 to 67.

1st place was won by Team Borland as they holed out their bunker shot on # 3, which was their last hole of the day, for an Eight under 63. They took advantage of home course knowledge of Aaron Borland, Golf Course Superintendent at Carthage Golf Course, Chad Short. Course Manager, Mt. Vernon Golf Course, and Melvin Waldron III, CGCS Golf Course Superintendent, Horton Smith Golf Course rounded out the team.

2nd place went to Team Irvine, who also had some local knowledge help from Carthage Assistant Superintendent, Ryan McInerney.  They shot a Seven under 64.  This team was captained by Mike Irvine, Golf Facilities Manager for Springfield-Greene County Park Board and included Barry Siems, Owner of Precision Turf Products.     

Closest to the pin winners:

# 3 sponsored by GreensPro – Dave Adams staff member at Carthage Golf Course 

# 6 sponsored by VanWall Equipment – Aaron Borland, golf course superintendent at Carthage Golf Course

# 8 sponsored by Glacial Distributing – Dave Adams staff member, Carthage Golf Course

# 12 sponsored by Brandt – Mike Irvine, Golf Facilities Manager, Springfield-Greene County Park Board

# 17 sponsored by Professional Turf Products – Maron Towse, golf course superintendent at Shifferdecker golf course.  

We would also like to thank long time pro at Carthage, Mark Peterson, who is now the Carthage Parks Director, who donated shirts to the closest to the pin winners. 

Our next event will be August 19th at the Springfield Cardinals game in Springfield.  The meeting is hosted by Barry Siems and Precision Turf Products.  Details to follow. 

Don’t forget, the Korn Ferry Tour makes it return to Springfield and Highland Springs Country Club, hosting for the 32nd consecutive year, the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr. Pepper.  Dates are July 21st through the 24th.   Golf Course Superintendent Jon Prange, CGCS will be looking for volunteer help.  Check out the form in our classified section of the website. 

Thanks to all that attended the June meeting and support the OTA all year round.