3 green basking in the sun

The weather has been spectacular the last couple of days. In fact, I have seen more sun in the past two days at Sandpines than I did all of last week in San Diego. I encourage you to get out and take advantage of the great weather by playing a round at Sandpines. Make your tee times early, as they are going fast.

Jerry and Steven preparing 17 green for play this morning

This week, the greens have been mowed and rolled twice (planning to mow again on Sunday). The greens, approaches, and green surrounds (2 passes around the greens) were fertilized. Hole locations were changed three times (they will also be changed both weekend days). Bunkers were raked twice (scheduled to be raked again on Sunday). Cart path edging was continued. Gravel path maintenance was performed. A fairway sprinkler head on hole 16 was relocated in an effort to prevent a notorious dry spot from occurring again this summer. Tee divots were filled with sand and seed. An irrigation audit was initiated in clubhouse landscaping.

San Diego Convention Center decked out in GCSAA decor

I did not make a post last week, as I was attending the GCSAA conference in San Diego (as mentioned in my last post). I would like to take the opportunity to thank Ken Melrose for his generous donation to the Environmental Institute for Golf. Without his support, I would not have been able to attend this years GCSAA Conference. I would also like to thank Mischia Wright and the rest of the GCSAA staff that had a hand in putting together the program for the inaugural Melrose Leadership Academy Class.

The weather on my maiden voyage to San Diego was not all that I had dreamed it would be. Don't get me wrong, the weather was not horrible (except for last Friday, which yielded thunder showers and hail), but 60 degrees and cloudy was the norm last week. I was hoping for 70 degrees and sunny (Monday was pretty close). Maybe next time my luck will be better.

Thankfully, the GCSAA Conference was all that I had hoped for and more. It will take me at least a couple of posts to cover the highlights of my trip to San Diego. In this post, I will give a brief summary of the four seminars I had the opportunity to attend.

The first seminar I attended was Practical and Professional Etiquette to Enhance Your Image. Rick Capozzi was the presenter. He did a great job conveying the proper techniques for:  making first impressions, making introductions, remembering names, performing handshakes, exhibiting confidence, maintaining a positive attitude, non-verbal communication, technological etiquette (smart phone, blue tooth, ipad, laptop), and dining etiquette. This interactive seminar provided opportunities to practice the techniques that were presented. While all four seminars I attended were great, this was my second favorite.

The second seminar I had the opportunity to attend was Negotiating for Success. Bruce Williams and Tommy Witt were the presenters. Both are certified golf course superintendents and past presidents of the GCSAA. Examples of negotiations were given in a wide variety of situations including purchasing of:  golf course maintenance equipment, golf carts, chemicals and fertilizers, fuel, irrigation equipment, and vehicles. It was clear these two veterans of the golf industry were great at negotiating.

The third seminar I attended was Conflict Management for the Superintendent. The presenter was Lynda Pinnington. Topics covered included: origins of conflict, conflict in the work place, learned patterns of behavior, the three types of responses to conflict, feedback (an essential communication tool), conflict resolution processes, conflict resolution steps, behaviors to avoid in conflict situations, and helping others resolve conflict. The information provided in the seminar can be used at work,  home, and everywhere in between. This was my favorite of the four seminars I attended. I have been using the information I learned from this seminar on a daily basis. I highly recommend taking this seminar if you get a chance.

The fourth and final seminar I attended was Speak Tweaks - Compelling Communication. Jan Fox was the presenter. The focus of this seminar was speaking in front of groups. Topics covered included:  avoiding verbal pauses (um, er, & uh), making eye contact, proper body language, handshakes, working the room, and using key words. There was plenty of opportunity to practice the techniques learned in this interactive seminar.