Week at GCSAA HQ

Great day at HQ with fellow Field Staffer's Ralph Dain and John Miller on Wednesday. Preparing for the Chapter Delegates Meeting this weekend and sharing information regarding our travel and chapter / member interactions. Able to interact with much of the staff as well. Little chilly compared to what we normally experience in the South Central Region in October but bearable.

Favorite Meeting of the Year at Scottish Rite

For several years, I have been privileged to participate in this meeting at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Nothing puts things in perspective like a visit to the hospital to see the great work that the hospital staff is doing every day. I am always amazed how they roll out the red carpet for our group each year just like they do for the Mavericks, Cowboys or many other groups that donate millions of dollars each year. Our donation is generous but doesn’t quite compare to these folks but you wouldn’t know it by the way we are treated at the hospital. If you don’t have this meeting on your calendar each year, you’re really missing the boat.

Home for the Texas Trophy

During the middle of the month, I got to go back to my old stomping grounds, Fossil Creek Golf Club for the Texas Trophy. As an old timer, it is hard to admit, but the course was in the best shape I have ever seen it. Earl Snowden and his staff had it looking great despite one of the most challenging summers ever. Congratulations to the Central Texas GCSA for their impressive victory to capture the trophy again. Special thanks to NT folks Lori Goodrich and Mark Claburn for participating in two special GCSAA organized events. Lori represented the chapter at a meeting of Chapter Executives from the three largest chapters in Texas – Lone Star, South Texas and North Texas. The meeting gave Lori a good opportunity to make some connections and learn some valuable tricks of the trade from some experienced execs. Mark participated in a brain storming session among several Superintendent environmental leaders from around the state. Look for more information from this group as they explore ways to improve environmental awareness.

Next Stop, Ruidoso, NM

First time for me to visit this area, what a beautiful setting. I enjoyed the day with the Rio Grande GCSA group at Alto Lakes Country Club. Fellow Texan and good buddy Ricky Heine CGCS provided the education at the meeting. His talk was titled “The Path from Superintendent to GM”. He really did a great job and was appreciated by the members from New Mexico. Did you know that mountain elevation makes your stray shots travel even further off line?

Amarillo in September

It was great to see former North Texas GCSA member TJ Heutzenroeder who hosted a West Texas GCSA event at Amarillo Country Club. The course was in fantastic condition and everyone was thrilled to enjoy 80 degrees for golf. There was great education at the meeting with representatives from the Texas Wildlife Department on hand to give an update on the new laws affecting hunters this season.