Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/175770
TLN1309-proof 9/11/13 1:47 PM OLDS COLLEGE NEWS SUBMITTED BY JASON PICK FALL TOURNAMENTS AND ACAC CHAMPIONSHIP With the summer coming to a close, we welcome 58 new and returning turf students this year in our diploma and degree programs at Olds College. The fall is a busy time for us as we will attempt to visit five golf courses before the November snow. Enhancing student understanding of the golf course management industry by hearing the different perspectives of Alberta superintendents has proven an educational and enjoyable start to the year. Olds Highlands superintendent Jason Clouston hosts the annual Fall Golf Classic on September 11th, and later ACAC national golf finals, where our golf team in its second year, aspire to take the title. PTRC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JIM ROSS SURVEYS THE NEW 20,000 SQ. FT USGA RESEARCH GREEN Page 1 The turfies are looking forward to tournament preparation for both events, and will cheer on our centennial team under head coach, Ian Morrow. Ian is setting up the teams new golf simulator as we speak, providing the Olds College Golf team an indoor facility to analyse their swing like the pros. PRAIRIE TURFGRASS RESEARCH CENTER The newly improved Prairie Turfgrass Research Center has been relocated, boasting over 20,000ft of USGA specification green research space under the direction of Executive Director Jim Ross. Partnered with the Center of Innovation, selected plots are seeded to bentgrass blends and poa annua, as well as extensive bluegrass testing plots within the allocatted 7.4ha site. The upgraded facility provides students a hands-on approach to investigating and solving the many challenges found in the field. Offering a stage where theory meets practice, students will welcome back their outdoor laboratory and training facility. APPLE PARTNERSHIP AND ONLINE OFFERINGS This year all students entering Olds College are required to have an iPad4 as part of their necessary course supplies. Complemented by a massive 1Gig upgrade to WIFI speed across campus, students will notice the highest WIFI connection speed among all other Canadian institutions. This incentive was enhanced by the College's summer upgrade of the Moodle online learning system, subsequently improving the accessibility of course resources and their learning tools. Timely with these mobile advances are two new online offerings through continuing education. The first is a study on the Business of Golf for ambitious and experienced turf managers who crave a greater understanding of food and beverage, golf cart and green fee economics, and those alternative profit centers which help drive revenue for your club. NEW INDUSTRY DESIGNATION The other online course offering has partnered with Audubon International to provide an exciting new globally recognized environmental designation. Created for golf course and recreational facility professionals looking to upgrade their stewardship training, it echoes those principles of the Audubon certification 2013 TURFGRASS RESEARCH CONTRIBUTORS Total funds raised so far in 2013 have exceeded expectations and currently sit at $23,013.85! Here are the 2013 turf research contributors. Thanks must go to the organizations, companies and individuals who have made generous contributions to turf research through both donations and supporting events and functions like our Silent Auction and 50/50 Draw. We would of course like to specially thank those who serve on our Research Committee (see list below) 2013 Silent Auction - $10,901 KPU Turf Club Conference Fundraising - $1240 50/50 Draw At Conference - $760 BCGSA Annual Donation - $3500 Donations From Allies For Booths At "Give Me 5 Bucks" Campaign - $910 Conference - $450 In Memory Of Len Heyworth - $4097 CURRENT TURFGRASS RESEARCH PRIORITIES Nutrient and fertility management, best management practices Soil and root-zone management, best management practices Evaluation of alternatives to pesticides Irrigation and water use issues (water quality and reducing water usage) Investigations into the biology, ecology and management of current and emerging pests Alternative cultivar and species for new turf construction, integration and conversion into existing turf areas Species/cultivar evaluation and improved management practices for areas of heavy traffic and wear tolerance 18 WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 2013 Turfgrass Research Committee Peter Sorokovsky - City of Burnaby (Chair) David Davidson - Kwantlen Polytechnic University David Duncan - THP Co. (WCTA Past President) David Woodske - BC Ministry of Agriculture program for golf courses. The rigorous fifteen week course offers its students a new designation: Audubon International Certified Environmental Professional (AICEP). The first of its kind in North America, the AICEP for Golf Courses is available exclusively through Olds College, delivered concurrent to face to face delivery. Designed to be manageable for those working in the field, students can complete the curriculum on their own schedule. This partnership designation may further offer those successful candidates a proactive response to the pesticide debate, illustrating a globally recognized commitment to environmental stewardship. For program information, call admissions 1-800-611-6537, or access the link to Olds College's Continuing Education Department. Additional information available through Audubon International's special project coordinator Laura Karosic laura@auduboninternational.org or Jason Pick at jpick@oldscollege.ca. Check out the Olds College turf club blog http://octurf.blogspot.ca/ and ongoing program events on twitter @JasonJPick Platinum ($2000 Or More) BC Golf Superintendents Association Len Heyworth Memorial Fund (managed by Kootenay Superintendents) Gold ($500-$1999) Kwantlen University Turf Club Peter Sorokovksy's "Give Me 5 Bucks" Campaign 25000 t Curren 3.85 1 $23,0 Silver ($1 to $500) Jim O'Connor - Rivershore Golf Course Hugh Norris - City of Surrey Jim Boeckman - Dawson Creek G&CC Barry Evans - Kelowna Golf Club Geraldine Atchison - In Memory of Len Heyworth Jeff Hoyem Fred Halldorson - Grassmaster Karen Hounsome - Eljay Irrigation Tim Tripp - Neudorff North America Irrigation Industry of BC Dr. Brian Holl - Lamorna Enterprises Keith Lyall - Sun Peaks Resort (WCTA President) Stephen Kerbrat - Smithers GC (BCGSA Representative) Mark Dalton - Meadow Springs CC (NTA Representative) 20000 15000 10000 5000 Ladd Legeyt - Agrium Advanced Technologies (Industry Representative) Dr. Michelle Gorman - City of Victoria (Special Consultant) Elizabeth Hudgins - (Special Consultant)