As I reflect on my first full year as a USGA agronomist, I can’t help but think about the importance of the theme at this year’s Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association annual meeting: "new beginnings." What an incredible year it’s been – meeting new people, visiting diverse golf courses and gaining fresh insights in my new role. As we embark on the exciting journey of 2025, I want to take a moment to honor a retiring friend, celebrate a colleague stepping into a new role, and set sights on fresh goals for the year ahead.
Georgia GCSA Annual Meeting and Tenia Workman Retirement
I had the pleasure of attending the Georgia GCSA annual meeting in December. This year’s meeting was particularly memorable as it marked the retirement of longtime executive director Tenia Workman. Tenia’s leadership over the years has been transformative for the Georgia GCSA. Her dedication has elevated the chapter, fostering its growth and solidifying its reputation in the golf industry.
While words cannot fully encapsulate Tenia’s contributions, her legacy will undoubtedly endure. Though we’ll miss her daily presence, we’re comforted knowing she remains a trusted resource for the chapter in the coming years.
With Tenia’s retirement comes an exciting new chapter. Tim Busek, a seasoned golf course superintendent in Georgia, has been named the new executive director. Tim brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the industry, making him well equipped to build on Tenia’s remarkable legacy. The USGA Green Section looks forward to collaborating with Tim and the Georgia GCSA as they continue to champion excellence in golf course management.
As we bid farewell to Tenia and wish her a fulfilling and joyous retirement with her family, we warmly welcome Tim to his new role. Here’s to new beginnings and continued success for the Georgia GCSA.
New Goals and Objectives for 2025
With the arrival of a new year, golf course superintendents find themselves at the crossroads of reflection and anticipation. The ever-evolving demands of turf management and the satisfaction of maintaining great playing conditions offer a unique opportunity to evaluate the past and plan for the future. Here are some practical ways superintendents can approach this process.
Reflect on the Past Year
Reflection is a vital step toward growth. For superintendents, it involves a deep dive into the successes and challenges of the previous year, including:
Course Performance: Assess the overall health and playability of the course. Identify areas of persistent difficulty – such as turf issues, drainage problems or pest concerns – and celebrate your wins.
Team Dynamics: Evaluate crew performance and morale. Were they engaged and productive? Look for opportunities to provide training or strengthen leadership within the team.
Budget and Resources: Examine how effectively the budget supported your goals. Were there unexpected expenses? Consider adjustments to optimize resource allocation.
Weather Impacts: Analyze how weather conditions influenced the course. Identify strategies that worked well and areas where adaptability could improve.
Feedback from Players and Membership: Reflect on member, player and management input. Their perspectives often highlight areas of success or opportunities for growth.
Set Goals for the New Year
Once reflection is complete, it’s time to set meaningful goals that provide direction and purpose. These can include:
Course Improvements: Identify projects that will have a positive impact for your course’s specific needs. Break these into actionable steps with timelines. If you have to wait on some big items, you can still make smaller improvements that will make a difference.
Professional Development: Commit to personal and team growth by attending conferences, pursuing certifications or adopting innovative agronomic practices.
Sustainability Initiatives: Incorporate environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing water usage, minimizing chemical inputs or converting out-of-play areas to native landscaping.
Team Building: Foster a strong, cohesive team through better communication, ongoing training and recognition of achievements. A motivated crew is your most valuable asset.
Track Your Progress
Set measurable benchmarks to track progress throughout the year. Regularly review goals in team meetings, adjust strategies as necessary, and document successes and lessons learned. This ongoing evaluation will make next year’s reflection even more insightful. Tools like the USGA’s DEACON management system can help you establish and track targets.
Final Thoughts
As we welcome 2025, we celebrate past achievements while embracing the boundless opportunities ahead. By reflecting on our journey, setting clear and ambitious goals, and fostering collaboration, we can shape a bright future for our teams, courses and the game we cherish. Here’s to a successful and inspiring year for all!
The new year is also a perfect time for elevating your course management and turf-care practices. USGA regional agronomists provide customized insights tailored to your facility’s unique challenges; whether you're planning a significant project, optimizing playability or tackling specific issues. Start 2025 on the right note – partner with a USGA agronomist through our Course Consulting Service to achieve your goals.
Southeast Region Agronomists:
Jordan Booth, Ph.D., senior director, USGA Course Consulting Service – jbooth@usga.org
Chris Hartwiger, director, Agronomy – chartwiger@usga.org
Chris Neff, agronomist – cneff@usga.org