The Golf Industry Show

Two industry leaders are based right here in Minnesota

This year marked my 13th year of attending the Golf Industry Show. It should have been my 16th but I missed one year due to the birth of our son Owen, another time we skipped the Dallas show to go to the BIGGA Conference in Harrogate, England and last year I skipped New Orleans to go with the Turfnet group to Ireland where we toured maintenance facilities and had the opportunity to play golf. I feel fortunate to have attended so many conferences and I continue to look forward to it year after year.

This year a couple of Superintendent friends and I had the opportunity to play golf before the conference. We first played at Cordavalle Resort in San Martin, CA. Then we played at the California Club of San Francisco and finished our tour at the prestigous San Francisco Golf Club. Anytime I have an opportunity to play these type of quality golf courses (with other respected Superintendents) that in itself is a form of education that cannot be taught in any class room.

The 2010 Golf Industry Show was held in beautiful San Diego, California. Seminars were held on Monday, Tuesday and Friday with Wednesday and Thursday dedicated to the Trade Show. As expected attendance was down with an estimated 15,000 plus in attendance. That's still a lot of Turf Heads in one location. I guess that's one reason why I love attending year after year.

Turf talk dominates conversations at all venues, all dinner events and all pubs. Turfnet.com hosts a Beer & Pretzels event annually and that is a can't miss event for anyone who is a member of the sight. I also had the opportunity to meet with many other Superintendents who are working with Greenway Golf. It was great to hear the many success stories of guys who have adjusted their maintenance practices and implemented the nutritional and cultural practices that Marc Logan has combined to create a healthier stand of turf while reducing inputs.