NCR is seeking a qualified and engaged applicant for their open Assistant Superintendent role. For more information, as well as directions for applying, please see the attached pdf.

2026 Assistant position posting NCRCC.pdf

Edgewood CC in Charleston, West Virginia is looking for a qualified individual for their open GCS role. Please see the attached document for further information and application instructions.

Edgewood Country Club - Superintendent job posting.pdf

Windy Knoll Golf Club in Springfield, OH is seeking a qualified GCS. For more information please see the attached document

Golf Course Superintendent _ Windy Knoll Golf Club.pdf

Behind the Turf at the Farmers Insurance Open: Agronomy in Action

The Farmers Insurance Open, hosted at the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California, is more than a display of golfing excellence. It’s a testament to the meticulous work of agronomy professionals who craft pristine playing conditions on both the South and North Courses. This year's tournament, held January 22–25, 2025, showcases the tireless dedication of Devin Cullen, GCSAA, and his expert team.

Leadership on the Greens

Devin Cullen, Director of Agronomy

With 13 years as a GCSAA member and nine years at Torrey Pines, Devin Cullen has built an impressive resume, including four Farmers Insurance Opens as a superintendent. A Penn State graduate and California native, Cullen has overseen numerous course improvements, including drainage upgrades and maintenance optimizations, despite challenges like increased player traffic and historically dry winters.

A Team Effort

Cullen is supported by 40 agronomy employees and 26 tournament volunteers, a cohesive unit dedicated to delivering top-tier conditions. From assistant superintendents Travis Rebischke and Tim Phelan to the equipment management team led by Agustin Cisneros, each role contributes to the event's success. Even Callaway, the team’s 12-year-old boxer mix, adds to the camaraderie.

Preparing the Courses

Torrey Pines’ South and North Courses are masterpieces of design and maintenance, demanding constant attention to detail.

South Course

• Architect: William P. Bell and William F. Bell (1957), renovated by Rees Jones in 2001 and 2019.
• Par/Yardage: Par 72, 7,765 yards.
• Turfgrass: Poa annua greens (.095"), ryegrass overseed throughout fairways and rough.
• Challenges: Increased rounds have led to wear and tear, addressed through careful irrigation and management of clay soil conditions.

North Course

• Architect: William P. Bell and William F. Bell (1957), renovated by Tom Weiskopf in 2016.
• Par/Yardage: Par 72, 7,258 yards.
• Turfgrass: Bentgrass greens (.100"), ryegrass overseed across fairways and rough.
• Design Features: Larger greens (average 6,000 sq. ft.) and strategic bunkering for a unique player experience.

Meeting Challenges with Expertise

This year's tournament preparation was marked by unique challenges:

• Dry Winter Conditions: The driest winter in Cullen’s tenure required strategic water management, utilizing potable and reclaimed water to maintain turf health.
• Increased Play: Elevated traffic demanded innovative solutions to reduce wear, including targeted overseeding and advanced drainage.

Sustainability and Legacy

Torrey Pines not only serves as a premier golf destination but also exemplifies sustainable course management:

• Efficient Water Use: The course integrates reclaimed water for most areas, reducing reliance on potable sources.
• Upgraded Drainage: Over 4,000 feet of new drainage in low-lying areas ensures resilience during wet periods.
• Historical Significance: From its origins as Camp Callan during World War II to hosting the U.S. Open, Torrey Pines is steeped in history.

Behind the Greens at The American Express: A Spotlight on Turf and the Agronomy Team

The American Express PGA TOUR event, held January 16-19, 2025, at PGA West in La Quinta, California, is not just a test of the world’s best golfers but also a showcase of exceptional agronomy. With three unique courses—Pete Dye Stadium, Jack Nicklaus Tournament, and La Quinta Country Club—this event highlights the dedication and expertise of the superintendents and their teams, who bring these pristine layouts to life.

The Agronomy Leadership

Brian Sullivan, CGCS, MG, Director of Agronomy at PGA West

With 39 years as a GCSAA member and a dual degree in turfgrass management from Michigan State and Penn State, Brian Sullivan’s leadership ensures the courses are tournament-ready. His extensive experience is complemented by a team of seasoned professionals who manage the facility’s diverse playing surfaces.

Denver Hart, Pete Dye Stadium Course Superintendent

A GCSAA member for eight years, Denver Hart oversees the Pete Dye Stadium Course, known for its challenging design and immaculate conditions. With 55 agronomy employees and 24 international tournament volunteers, Hart’s crew ensures the course is prepared to challenge the world’s best.

Tim Putnam, La Quinta Country Club Superintendent

With 22 years at La Quinta and a commitment to innovation, Tim Putnam has overseen significant enhancements, including bunker renovations and a master tree plan. His dedication reflects a balance of tradition and modern agronomy practices.

Turfgrass Excellence

Each course in The American Express rotation demands precise turf management:

• Pete Dye Stadium Course

  • Greens: Poa overseed at .115”
  • Fairways and Rough: Ryegrass overseed provides vibrant aesthetics and consistent play.
  • Unique Features: Native soil, canal irrigation, and 90+ bunkers spanning 6.3 acres.

• Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course

  • Greens: Poa overseed, maintaining uniform speed and firmness.
  • Fairways: Overseeded ryegrass, with a strategic layout and eight water hazards.
  • Signature Design: Jack Nicklaus’ strategic bunkering creates challenges for every level of play.

• La Quinta Country Club

  • Greens: Poa trivialis/ryegrass overseed at .105”.
  • Fairways: Ryegrass overseed with a lush, playable texture.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Tree removal and lake reshaping enhance aesthetics and playability.

Agronomy Innovations and Challenges

The preparation for a PGA TOUR event like The American Express goes beyond routine maintenance:

• Tournament Volunteer Program: Now in its third year, the program brings agronomy professionals from the U.S., Canada, and the UK to lend their expertise.
• Sustainability Focus: Each course leverages local water sources and modern irrigation practices to ensure sustainability without sacrificing quality.
• Course Enhancements: From new bunker sand at La Quinta to additional waste areas at PGA West, the courses continue to evolve while preserving their character.

A Testament to Agronomy Excellence

The American Express is more than a golf tournament—it’s a tribute to the dedication, skill, and innovation of agronomy professionals. From the lush fairways to the perfectly manicured greens, every inch of the course reflects the hard work of Brian Sullivan, Denver Hart, Tim Putnam, and their teams.

As the PGA TOUR players navigate the challenges of these world-class courses, they’ll be competing on the foundation of meticulous turf management and agronomic expertise.

For more behind-the-scenes updates, follow @pgawestagronomy, @Den_J_Hart, and @GCSAA on social media.

The RSM Classic returns this week to the stunning Sea Island Resort on St. Simons Island, Georgia, running November 21-24, 2024. As the PGA TOUR season winds down, this fan-favorite tournament showcases top-tier talent across two exceptional courses: the Seaside and Plantation courses.

A Tale of Two Courses

Seaside Course

Originally designed by Harry Colt and Charles Alison in 1929 and revamped by Tom Fazio in 1999, the Seaside Course is a par-70, 7,005-yard coastal gem. Known for its wide-open vistas and links-style play, it offers unique challenges with narrow fairways and heavy soil conditions.

Turfgrass Details:

• Greens: TifEagle bermudagrass, mown to .090”
• Fairways & Rough: Perennial ryegrass overseed, delivering vibrant color and consistent playability.

Plantation Course

Walter Travis’ original 1928 design was reimagined by Davis Love III in 2019. The Plantation Course is a par-72, 7,060-yard parkland-style layout. Its tighter fairways, lush surroundings, and 81 strategically placed bunkers create a formidable yet rewarding test for players.

Turfgrass Details:

• Greens: TifEagle bermudagrass
• Fairways: Platinum paspalum for its resilience and performance.
• Rough: TifTuf bermudagrass, optimized for durability.

The Team Behind the Green

Dylan Stafford, GCSAA, Director of Golf Course Maintenance, leads the charge with a decade of expertise at Sea Island. Backed by Ethan Jones, Dan Beckum, and a dedicated maintenance crew, the courses are prepared to shine on golf’s grand stage.

Key Course Insights

• Seaside Course: Average fairway width of 47 yards with 13 water hazards in play.
• Plantation Course: Average fairway width of 43 yards, featuring a new waste area on No. 13.
• Both courses rely on holding ponds for water and boast excellent drainage conditions to handle weather fluctuations.

A True Coastal Experience

Sea Island Resort isn’t just about world-class golf—it’s a destination for luxury and leisure. The RSM Classic perfectly blends the competitive spirit of the game with the serene beauty of Georgia’s coastline, offering an experience spectators and players alike won’t forget.

Stay tuned as the action unfolds, and follow @TheRSMClassic and @GCSAA for updates!

The World Wide Technology Championship is set to bring the world’s best golfers to El Cardonal at Diamante in Cabo San Lucas from November 7-10, 2024. Designed by Tiger Woods and maintained under the expert care of Kevin Welker, CGCS, the course promises both beauty and challenges on its 7,452-yard, par-72 layout. Welker, a 36-year GCSAA member, brings decades of experience from around the world to ensure the course is in perfect shape for this exciting event.

El Cardonal’s greens, fairways, and tees are lush with Platinum paspalum, a turf that thrives in the coastal climate and allows for beautifully consistent play. Greens are trimmed to a precise .090 inches, running a Stimpmeter speed of 11-12, ensuring tournament-grade roll. Collars, approaches, and tees are also maintained at specific heights to offer the perfect balance between playability and challenge.

Course enhancements include new bunker sand in all 48 bunkers, adding to the precision required of every shot. With wide fairways averaging 60 yards, players will have some breathing room, but the strategic layout and natural elements, such as Cabo’s sandy and clay loam soil, keep things interesting. El Cardonal spans an impressive 1,600 acres, featuring just one water hazard but abundant wildlife, from bobcats and deer to road runners and iguanas.

This championship highlights not just a beautifully maintained course but also an international spirit, with volunteers from across the globe coming to support. As Welker and his team continue to refine the course, anticipation builds for an unforgettable tournament in the heart of Cabo’s scenic landscape.

For more tournament details and ongoing coverage, follow @WWTChampionship, @DiamanteCabo, and @GCSAA on Twitter.

Full Tournament Fact Sheet:  CLICK HERE

The Shriners Children's Open returns to the stunning TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nev., from October 17-20, 2024. Known for its desert beauty and challenging layout, TPC Summerlin will once again host the world’s top golfers, all while supporting the noble cause of Shriners Children's. This year’s tournament promises to deliver a spectacular showcase of golf on a course meticulously prepared by Golf Course Maintenance Director Dale Hahn, CGCS, and his team.

About the Superintendent

Dale Hahn, a 35-year member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has been at TPC Summerlin for 22 years. With over three decades of experience, Hahn has been instrumental in maintaining the course’s reputation for excellence. His long-standing dedication to the game earned him a place in the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame in 2022, making him only the second superintendent to receive this honor.

Hahn’s team includes Assistant Superintendent Luke Headley, Assistant in Training Cruz Mortensen, and Equipment Manager Oscar Tejeda, among others. The crew of 32 employees will be supported by 8 tournament volunteers from across the country to ensure the course is in peak condition.

Course Details

TPC Summerlin, designed by Bobby Weed and consulted by Fuzzy Zoeller, spans 150 acres of pristine golf terrain. The par-71 layout stretches 7,255 yards, featuring large greens averaging 7,400 sq. ft. that are surfaced with Dominator bentgrass mown to .100 inches for tournament speed. The fairways are covered with Bandera bermudagrass at .425 inches, providing firm and fast playing conditions.

The course's rough consists of 419 bermudagrass cut to 2.25 inches, while the collars around the greens feature TifGrand bermudagrass at .225 inches. With 92 sand bunkers and four water hazards coming into play, the course presents a strategic challenge for golfers. Notably, TPC Summerlin is recognized as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its commitment to environmental sustainability, which includes removing turf areas to meet water restrictions mandated by the Las Vegas Valley Water District.

Additional Notes

• TPC Summerlin's elevation changes, desert terrain, and premium playing surfaces make it one of the most demanding courses on the PGA TOUR.
• The course was resurfaced in 2022, ensuring top-tier playing conditions for this year’s event.
• Hahn’s team continues to focus on sustainability by reducing turf areas and implementing water-saving measures without compromising the course's integrity.

As the Shriners Children’s Open approaches, the crew at TPC Summerlin is set to present a golf course that will challenge the best players while delivering exciting moments for fans. This event blends world-class golf with a meaningful cause, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Preparing the Grounds: Sanderson Farms Championship at The Country Club of Jackson

As the PGA TOUR rolls into Jackson, Mississippi, for the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship, the spotlight once again shines on The Country Club of Jackson. This historic venue, with its lush fairways and challenging greens, provides a picturesque setting for some of the world’s top golfers. Overseeing the immaculate conditions of this 27-hole property is Stanley Reedy, a certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) and GCSAA member with 45 years of experience. Reedy and his team have been preparing the course for what promises to be another thrilling tournament from October 3-6, 2024.

The championship course is a combination of the Dogwood and Azalea nines, offering a Par 72 layout stretching over 7,461 yards. October’s typically dry weather is expected to provide firm playing conditions, enhancing the strategic challenge of this beautiful Mississippi layout. Reedy’s team, which includes assistant superintendents Glenn Phillips, Dylan Boetler, Corey Garrison, and Griffin Rogers, along with equipment manager Brian Edwards, has been hard at work ensuring every blade of grass is in peak condition for the event.

Turfgrass Specifications:

• Greens: Champion bermudagrass, meticulously maintained at .110 inches, offering smooth and fast surfaces for players to negotiate.
• Tees: A mix of 419 Bermudagrass and Zeon zoysia, cut to .425 inches, providing firm and level surfaces for tee shots.
• Fairways: 419 Bermudagrass, maintained at .450 inches, offering a tight, consistent surface that rewards accuracy off the tee.
• Rough: A blend of 419 Bermudagrass and Zeon zoysia, grown to 2.5 inches, posing a formidable challenge to any player who strays from the fairways.

Course Statistics:

• Average Green Size: 6,200 square feet, requiring precision in approach shots.
• Total Property Acres: 250 acres, including 28 acres of fairways and 100 acres of rough.
• Bunkers and Hazards: The course features 56 sand bunkers and 7 water hazards, with water coming into play on 5 holes.
• Soil and Drainage: The course is sand-capped, which, along with its well water sources and strong drainage conditions, helps maintain firm and fast playing surfaces even under varying weather conditions.

The Country Club of Jackson is more than just a golf course—it’s steeped in history. Adjacent to the course lies Mule Jail, a camp named for its role in the Civil War, where locals hid horses and mules from Union soldiers. This rich history, combined with the modern-day thrill of the Sanderson Farms Championship, makes it a unique venue on the PGA TOUR calendar.

As the tournament approaches, Stanley Reedy and his team continue their preparations, ensuring that The Country Club of Jackson is ready to challenge the world's best golfers while providing a memorable experience for players, fans, and volunteers alike. The 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship is sure to be a highlight of the fall golf season.

Ohio GCSA Member, Don Lawrence and Advanced Turf Solutions are helping out the Carolinas and the Southeast.

We’ve all seen the impact Hurricane Helene has had on the Southeast, especially in North Carolina. Rescue crews are still unable to reach people in some areas, cell service and power are spotty, and supplies are desperately needed.

This storm has affected many lives, and we want to do everything we can to help.

The ATS warehouse in Winston-Salem has been set up as a drop-off center through the Carolinas GCSAA, which is working with local law enforcement agencies to coordinate volunteer efforts and supply runs. With 32 locations across the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the ATS team is joining forces to collect essential supplies like canned goods (with pop tops), bottled water, and toiletries. These supplies will be transferred to our Winston-Salem warehouse to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Time is of the essence. If you’re able to help donate items, please get in touch before the end of the day on Friday, as items will be transferred early next week to North Carolina. You can drop off your donation at any ATS location or call me, and I will come pick it up.

For any of you participating in the Wee One event Friday please feel free to bring your donations to the event and I will get them to a warehouse.

Thank you for your support as we help our neighbors in need.

Please feel free to forward this to family and friends.

Don Lawrence, Sales Representative telephone: 440.740.0303 | mobile: 419.408.0083 6780 Southpointe Parkway Brecksville, Ohio 44141 www.advancedturf.com