Guest Instructors For NIGM Also Announced
Jupiter, Fla. – Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan, an internationally recognized authority on golf course environmental issues, will give the keynote address at the National Institute of Golf Management (NIGM) on Thursday, January 18, 2007. The NIGM was established exclusively for golf facility owners, managers and other key personnel to enhance and develop excellence in golf industry leaders through a comprehensive curriculum, combined with faculty and colleague interaction. NIGM was founded by the National Golf Foundation (NGF) and the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center, and, as of 2005, is enhanced through curriculum development provided by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Dr. Hurdzan, a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and past chair of the Environmental Institute for Golf Board of Trustees, will address attendees on the subject of growing the game. "In order for golf to grow, we’re challenged on three fronts: the time it takes to play, the cost to play and environment concerns," says Hurdzan. "The industry needs to look at all three areas and do our part to combat these problems, find solutions and help those who are on the right track toward providing solutions."
Hurdzan points to water and chemical agents as the key environmental challenges for the future. "When people drive by a green golf course, they assume we’re using lots of water and pesticides, which isn’t necessarily true. We can use recycled water, and there are techniques to reduce the amount of water and chemicals required to achieve a quality golf course."
In his book, "Building a Practical Golf Facility," Hurdzan outlines his philosophy to build inexpensive golf facilities that are easy to build and maintain, and can be sustainable with low player fees. "We have potential for growth in golf, and we need to craft a message that appeals to the average player – that golf can be fun and affordable."
The NIGM also welcomes five guest instructors for 2007:
• Ted Eleftheriou, president, Blueprint 4 Life, Orlando, Fla. – topic: player development
• Rodney Haley, director of golf operations, Wheeling Park Commission, Wheeling, W.Va. – topic: cash controls and budgeting
• John Kantarski IV, PGA, director of sales and marketing, Cypress Golf Solutions, Dallas, Tex. – topic: online tee-time marketing
• Kevin Michael, chief operations officer, 4 Star Service Online, and president, Michael Golf Management, Richardson, Tex. – topic: building brands instead of competing on price
• Bob Swezey, executive vice president of resort operations, Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc., Myrtle Beach, S.C. – topic: golf operations
The 2007 NIGM will be held Jan. 14-19, 2007, at the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, W.Va. For more information, visit www.ngf.org/nigm.
About the NGF
The National Golf Foundation, founded in 1936, is the industry leader in providing accurate information and insights on the business of golf. Based in Jupiter, Fla., the NGF serves many constituencies in the golf industry including equipment manufacturers; builders and developers; facilities and ranges; course architects; retailers; turf maintenance suppliers; golf associations and the media. For more information, visit www.ngf.org.
About Oglebay Resort and Conference Center
Oglebay is a unique 1,700-acre, year-round resort with exceptional beauty and abundant recreational activities. Wilson Lodge at Oglebay has just undergone a $15 million transformation, adding 53 deluxe rooms and remodeling the existing 212 rooms. Oglebay Resort features two championship golf courses – one classic design by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. and the newest course designed by Arnold Palmer. The resort has been in the management school business for over 30 years and currently operates and hosts more than 10 major schools in the leisure industry. For more information, visit www.oglebay-resort.com.
About GCSAA
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, GCSAA is a leading golf organization, which has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
For more information contact:
• Dr. Joe Beditz, NGF president/CEO, at (561) 744-6006 or jbeditz@ngf.org
• Eric Mauck, Oglebay Resort executive vice president of operations, at (304) 243-4000 or emauck@oglebay-resort.com
• Hannes Combest, CAE, GCSAA managing director of member programs, at (785) 832-4471 or hcombest@gcsaa.org
Visit NGF’s Press Release Archive for previous issues.
Contact:
Ben Fowler
bfowler@ngf.org
800-733-6006 ext. 1628
