The CSGA Links Volume 2 Issue 1 March, 2014 | Page 38

The New England Green Section Seminar An Educational Seminar for Green Committees & Chairpersons, Club Officials and Club Personnel B ack by popular demand, the New England Green Section Seminar (NEGSS) will be making a return in 2014. Committee organizers have announced that the 2014 New England Green Section Seminar will be held on Tuesday, March 25 at Andover Country Club. Launched in 2012, the New England Green Section Seminar is a joint effort of the United States Golf Association’s Green Section, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England (GCSANE) and the Massachusetts Golf Association (MGA). “When we first launched the seminar in 2012, we were not sure if it would become an annual event but it has expanded each year,” said Peter Costello, a member of Cohasset Golf Club who serves as NEGSS chairman. “The USGA Green Section approached us about hosting again in 2014 and we readily accepted the challenge and embraced the opportunity to educate and communicate with the golf community.” The New England Green Section Seminar brings together not only golf industry professionals from across the Northeast, but it has also been a draw for individual golfers. To wit, last year’s event was attended by more than 70 individuals who served on committees at their golf facility or simply were members looking to learn more about the role of golf course maintenance. “The message is certainly resonating with our attendees,” said Costello. “It is our goal to better inform green committee chairpersons, club officials, general managers, superintendents and golf professionals about agronomy and operational issues concerning the maintenance of a golf course.” The golf community is indeed responding to the format which features four to five keynote speakers as well as networking opportunities. Last year’s event drew more than 200 attendees which was a 25-percent increase from the first year. “The New England Green Section Seminar has been a huge success,” said Jim Skorulski, the USGA’s senior agronomist for the Northeast region. “It is one of the largest of its kind run in the nation, which speaks volumes about the commitment of golfers and industry professionals in the game of golf.” Skorulski is one of the USGA Green Section professionals who will present at the 2014 New England Green Section Seminar. Since joining the USGA staff as an agronomist in 1989, Skorulski has made more than 2,000 Turf Advisory Service visits in New Jersey, New York, New England and Canada. He has authored articles for the Green Section Record and other industry publications. He will be joined in Andover by fellow USGA Green Section colleagues Dave Oatis (Director, Northeast Region) and Adam Moeller (Agronomist, Northeast Region). “Attendees have an opportunity to learn about the most pressing and cutting-edge issues facing the golf industry,” said Costello. “In addition to our USGA speakers, we will also be addressing the issue of Pace of Play and its impact on a club from the members to the golf course superintendent and golf professional.” » Click here for Registration Information 38 Connecticut State Golf Association