Future Turf Managers!
The major equipment manufacturers all have educational schemes for students of fine turf, which aim to cement relationships with aspiring turf professionals as they enter the industry. On a recent visit to the USA, Kevin Marks visited Charlotte in North Carolina to see what turf equipment manufacturer, Jacobsen, has to offer on their Future Turf Managers programme
W
ithout doubt this was a whirlwind few days and probably more intense than any of us imagined,
but it was extremely interesting, informative, lively and fun for all of us involved with Jacobsen’s Future Turf Managers (FTM) programme. Twenty-nine students from universities
across the United States, including the first two female delegates, attended this year’s FTM programme, which was centred on Jacobsen’s headquarters in Charlotte, NC. The aim of the programme is to provide a further insight into the industry that they are joining in the coming months. The students, who either graduate this year or had recently graduated from turf- related study programmes, were recommended by their professors as being top level candidates with great prospects to become future leaders as they progress their careers. They had the opportunity to learn from experienced turf professionals in an educational environment under the guidance of industry leaders. Since its inception, back in the 1970s, over 700 students have participated in the Future Turf Managers programme.
On the evening prior to the first full day,
the group gathered for a welcome reception at a local hotel, with introductions to
128
Jacobsen staff and a presentation on the company; its history, products, services and its position within the multi-industry parent company, Textron inc.
The hectic first day began with a tour of Jacobsen’s Wilmar production facility to see how today’s modern mowers and turf utility vehicles are designed and built. The whistle-stop tour included a visit to the new Jacobsen Eclipse 322 production line, to see the manufacturing processes involved in creating this unique, hydraulic-free mower. This was followed by a visit to the Quail Hollow Club where superintendent, Jeff Kent, explained how he prepared for the recent PGA tour championship and how he was getting the course back in shape after the tournament. The students then split into three groups for product demonstrations and ride and drives of some of Jacobsen’s latest turf equipment. Next up was John Patterson, fleet manager at Doral Country Club and president of the International Golf Course Equipments Managers’ Association, who spoke about the importance of building a good working relationship with your technician and the benefits that would result.
The day concluded, as you might expect, at the home of NASCAR in Charlotte, with
a visit to the recently opened Hall of Fame and dinner at a local restaurant. Here, Jacobsen’s training manager, Erik Sides, an avid NASCAR fan, tries the pit crew simulator at the Hall of Fame. Day two was no less hectic and began with an early morning tour of Jacobsen’s Distribution Centre and Jacobsen University. Three high-profile speakers were on hand to share their knowledge and experience about the industry. Brian Wingerd, the GCSAA’s business development manager, spoke of the value and the resources available for members of the association, and concluded by announcing that attendance on the programme had earned each student 0.8 points towards the 5 points required for Class A certification. Sharon DeWolfe, Jacobsen’s events specialist also announced that each attendee had been given a year’s student membership of the GCSAA, courtesy of Jacobsen. Dr. Charles Peacock, professor of
Turfgrass Science at NC State University and FTM alumnus, stressed the importance of continuous professional development to ensure a progressive career path, and gave his thoughts on how the environment and sustainability will impact superintendents in the coming years.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156