Winners of the OTF Show Assistant Superintendent Scholarship announced

Winners of the OTF Show Assistant Superintendent Scholarship announced.

This year is the OTF Conference & Show's 50th Anniversary. For the last 50 years, the OTF has been continuing the education of its members through their annual conference held each December. Through the education seminars and workshops at this event, the OTF has provided countless professionals with the tools required to be more efficient and effective at their facilities. The OTF Show Assistant Superintendent Scholarship winners are:

• Tyler Graf, Shaker Heights Country Club
• Dan Lawendowski, Hyde Park Golf & Country Club
• Sean Potter, Heritage Club
• Brandon Anderson, Edgewood Country Club
• Eric Helbig, Columbia Hills

We were able to catch up with one of the winners, Tyler Graf of Shaker Heights Country Club to ask him a little about himself, what his plans are for the show, and the advice he has received from peers on how to get the most out of the show.

What originally drew you to the golf industry?

Tyler: I started playing golf at a young age and got my first job on a golf course when I was 14. It just seemed like a natural progression to turn my favorite past time into a career.

What are you specifically focusing on for continued education at the OTF Show?

Tyler: In recent years I have enjoyed the increased attention given to discussions focusing on labor management. Hiring and training, both full time and seasonal staff, is a major part of my job and has a major impact on the success of our efforts each season. Labor management in our industry presents some very unique challenges and I have valued the opportunity to learn from individuals who have had success in managing this subject.

What have your peers told you about how to get the most out of a show such as this?

Tyler: With so much to do in just a few days I think it is important to go in with a plan. Seats fill up fast in some sessions so I try to plan out which classrooms I will be spending my time in well in advance. I am usually drawn to the classes that center on issues that determined my success that season. This year I look forward to classes focusing on labor and water management.

Anything coming up at Shaker Heights Country Club (SHCC) that you will be looking to further your knowledge on?

Tyler: Here at SHCC we are in the beginning stages of producing a "master plan" for our Donald Ross designed golf course. This process has included involvement from course architects, membership and club management. It has been interesting so far seeing the balance between restoring the course back to its original 1913 design while bringing it up to date with regards to modern turf practices and membership needs.

The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) Conference & Show in partnership with VGM Club, JW Turf, Reynolds Golf & Turf and Shearer Golf Equipment all want to thank everybody who submitted an application this year. We look forward to seeing you at the show!