NGCSA

“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” This statement from JFK is one of the most famous in American history. By simply changing the arrangement of the same words, an entirely different meaning is achieved. It’s a play on words.

JFK was referring that as citizens we need not always be looking for the “what’s in it for me” benefit, but rather how can we give back in order to enhance our country. On a much smaller scale, how do we view our membership to the NGCSA? We have access to the many benefits of belonging to a progressive local chapter, but do we contribute back to our Association through attendance, leadership, and support. A cooperative and synergistic approach to membership will make our chapter much stronger.

Are you one who enjoys going to auctions? Auctions are truly a form of pure capitalism…a transaction between parties who agree to a certain price. No government interference and it makes no difference if the buyer pays too much for an item or if the seller does not receive fair market value. It is the doctrine of laissez faire…..let the buyer beware.

I’ve been to two “golf course” auctions. One was in Denver near the old Stapleton Airport. It was a private golf course that was going through a change of ownership. It had a newer clubhouse and everything was on the selling block. I had a hard time preventing my wife from bidding on the butter dishes, candle holders, and silverware….it was real silver! It reminded me of the Bushwood Country Club in Caddyshack! The important stuff….course equipment….was in sorry shape and poorly maintained. I bought nothing!

Most of us take pride in our heritage.  We are proud of who we are, our roots, our ancestry and would never consider changing our names.  Perhaps if we have been convicted of a felony and hurt society, we would welcome a name change.  Women can change their names by simply becoming married.  Sports heroes have found it fashionable to change their names to reflect a specific personality or character trait.  Motion picture icons have changed their names to create better name recognition.  But as golf course superintendents, what would be the benefit to change our name?  It would be cool to have a moniker of Frank Fairway, Pete Parr, Mike Mulligan, Tommy Turfman, Sandy Hazards, Woody Strokes, or Grant Greenman.

Silly or not, the GCSAA recommends that its members change their names.  They have encouraged us to “add four letters.”  Those four letters are CGCS.  It has been a marketing strategy to encourage members to achieve “Certification” status in their professional career.  GCSAA’s Certification Program is the industry’s most recognized professional distinction.  The program demonstrates commitment to your career and exceptional knowledge of the profession, both on and off the course.

Most of us are tired of reading the newspaper and trade publications that impart the misfortune and calamity of our current economy.  However, we must recognize that we are in a cyclic downturn.  Eventually the economy will improve.  But in the meantime, we must modify our goals to withstand the immediate dynamics of a struggling industry.  To ignore the business environment of today may spiral us into a deeper abyss.