I
n just 2 years, one of the most influen-
tial turfgrass associations in the world
made up of turfgrass producers from
more than 40 countries will be cel-
ebrating its 50th anniversary. That's
quite a milestone, and yet the letters T-P-
I, which stand for Turfgrass Producers
International, may not be top of mind for
sports field managers, golf course super-
intendents, grounds managers, and other
individuals whose primary responsibility
is overseeing, managing and maintaining
sports fields and/or other recreational
sites. The TPI leadership is hoping to
change that.
A number of professionals who are
responsible for maintaining athletic
fields look to members of TPI, not only
for quality turfgrass, but for insight and
information on how to ensure their play-
ing field and especially their turfgrass
can take the day to day punishment that
today's sports and recreational activities
demand. These business relationships
aren't just founded on the quality product
these turf producers grow and harvest, it's
also based on the knowledge they have to
offer, their commitment to understanding
the needs their clients, their business eth-
ics and their timely responsiveness when
the need presents itself.
Many TPI members aren't just grow-
ing sod; they're also making a major
contribution to cultivating new varieties
of turfgrass through their own efforts or
in collaboration with research specialists
and universities in the area of turf-
grass breeding. Still others are directly
responsible for licensed grasses that have
revolutionized the industry, producing
varieties that withstand different envi-
ronmental factors such as heat stress,
drought, cold weather, etc., but still look
great and offer the benefits that only
natural grass can.
Numerous licensed grasses graced
the stadiums of the FIFA World Cup
in Brazil and when the game of golf
returns to the Olympic Games in Brazil
in 2016 TPI member David Doguet of
Bladerunner Farms in Poteet, TX, the
company that bred Zeon Zoysia, will see
his grass grace the fairways.
The products and services provided by
36 SportsTurf | June 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com
A PROFILE OF THE TURFGRASS
PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION
FACILITY & OPERATIONS
■ BY JIM NOVAK
