Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/96024
TL1301-proof 11/22/12 9:49 AM Page 1 ASSOCIATION NEWS BY SCOTT MITCHELL THE WCTA WANTS YOU! THE TOUGHEST BUNKER EVER OLD MACDONALD COURSE Continued From Previous Page a good golf shot doesn't automatically mean a low score in a real links informative sessions relied on local environment. In fact, any shot at any talents such as the USGA's Larry Gilhuly time can lead to huge numbers and and Walla Walla College's Matt Williams. frustration that only discipline, patience It was certainly a well-attended, well- and a fair amount of skill can overcome. organized, fun event that was well- In other words, a lot of people just worth the day long drive to Bandon, aren't good enough to play the hard, Oregon and as much as WCTA members fast and tight turf that are integral to are interested to hear about the NTA the links game. conference, everyone has been asking Fact is, there aren't many true links golf me about the golf. courses in North America simply because On that note, the Bandon Dunes Golf the type of land required to build a links Resort is the best links golf experience golf course barely exists. Some say that anyone passionate about the game can Long Island comes close but for an have save growing up next to a Scottish authentic links experience complete or Irish golf links which put into with gorse without the need to travel Canadian terms, would be like having across the Atlantic, Bandon Dunes is your own full size backyard ice rink all the only option on the menu. year long. It's like kids camp for grown- The reason for this is the massive, ups and once you arrive, it's all about naturally occurring swales of sand native golf, great meals, golf, awesome service, to the south Oregon coast that prior to golf, phenomenal scenery, golf and just 1999, were pretty much useless except in case we forget to mention it, golf. for dune buggying and perhaps making Disclaimer: the comments in Bandon Dunes is this article are not meant to take a single thing away from the best links golf the great golf courses and resorts experience anyone found throughout Western Canada but Bandon isn't just passionate about any golf resort, it's what a golf the game can have... resort should be and if there were only one place to play on this continent, Bandon Dunes would be my beer commercials. Fast forward 13 top pick with no if's, and's or but's about years and 5 magnificent golf courses now exist on the site, well, four and it. two thirds counting the new 13 hole Not everyone would agree of course par three Preserve Course that resort and according to the Old Macdonald guests said was a must play. The other course superintendent, Fred Yates, post courses include the original Bandon game guest surveys are all over the Dunes, Pacific Dunes opening in 2001, board from 1 being the lowest to 10+ the 2005 addition of Bandon Trails and on the high end. "There have been finally the Old MacDonald that opened written comments saying we should in 2010. blow up the course and start over", said Yates, "but comments on the other Bandon Dunes is a golf resort to courses are consistently high." experience for those who really love the game but you'll want to sharpen Having played and loved golf in Scotland, up those wedges because thinking you I can understand why many country can play the game doesn't mean much club types wouldn't appreciate the hard- out there. As a skier, I'm always thinking core, spirited, pure golf that true links green circle, blue square and black provide. It's dramatically different than diamond – at Bandon it's nothing but the lush green, soft and comfortable double black diamonds all day long. round that a lot of North American golfers are accustomed to and hitting Ever wonder how to join Board of Directors for the WCTA?? Now is the time to have your voice heard and impact the future direction of our industry. Your association wants you!! We are in a stage of dynamic change in our Association making it a great time to be involved. It's time for new ideas! It's time to "step up" and get involved with the Industry that continues to do so much for you! What are the requirements? -Must be a member in good standing of the WCTA -Be willing and able to attend 9-board meetings per year. (Jan, Feb (at the conference), March, April, May, June, September, October, and November) Note : Some meetings are conference calls, some expenses for travel are covered -Be willing to learn new areas of the industry -Be willing to share and exchange ideas for the advancement of all members of the Association. -Care about what the WCTA stands for and commit to two years service on the Board of Directors. -Be willing to accept a WCTA Portfolio of your interest. There are many ways to attend a meeting and if "distance" if your issue, we can make it work!! What Is In It For You? -Meet new people from all walks of the industry, Golf, Industrrial, Municipal, Irrigation, Horticulture, Mechanics, Landscapers, and Growers…. make new contacts -Travel the province -Become part of the solution -Have your voice heard on issues that affect us all. -Have your Conference Registration paid for What's The Next Step? Simply send me an email putting your name forward along with answers to the following questions: We often hear members say they didn't vote for someone because they didn't know them. Please provide a brief description about yourself in a short paragraph: 1) How long have you been a WCTA member and in what capacity, ie. golf course, sportsfield, schools, mechanic, hort, industry, other? 2) List any previous Board experience you've had. 3) How do you feel about the following key issues in the turf industry: a. Pesticides b.State of the economy c.Other (your choice) 4) Can you provide 2 or 3 ideas on how to improve the WCTA? Any further comments? We will post candidate names and answers to the above questions on our website and publish in the conference edition of the Turf Line News. If you wish to include a photo of yourself for publication, feel free to do so. Due to print deadlines, nominations must be received by Feb 22nd, 2013. Keep in mind that if we get more applications than we have spots available there will need to be an election which is a good thing! Also note that nominations can even be made from the floor at the AGM. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED FURTHER INFORMATION OR DETAILS!! Sincerely, Scott Mitchell Western Canada Turfgrass Association 2012 – 2013 Past President Tel: 604.614-7875 Email: smitchell@targetproducts.com NOMINATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 22, 2013 2013 ELECTED POSITIONS TO BE FILLED President • Vice President • Four 2-Year Directors Board members at the end of their term (all have the option to re-run) Mike Schellenberg, Brett Lamontagne, Brett Finlayson, Jason Pick Note: If VP is nominated from list of Directors with 1 year remaining, we will require an additional 2-year Director. WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 47