The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America has joined as an official supporter of the two leading golf industry trade shows in China and will work with Reed Guanghe to conduct GCSAA education annually at the events.
The first such offering will take place October 19-21 at the Asia Golf Show/PGA Merchandise Show – Asia in Guangzhou in the southern region of China. The other venue will be the China Golf Show/PGA Merchandise Show – China in Beijing in March. Both events are conducted annually by Reed Guanghe, a subsidiary of Reed Exhibitions Greater China.
“We sought out GCSAA because it has worldwide recognition as the leading association for golf course management,” said Mr. Preecha Chen, President, Reed Exhibitions Greater China. “The golf industry in China has made significant gains in recent years, but golf course management resources are in need. We are pleased that GCSAA accepted our invitation to join the CGA and PGA in support of these shows because this will help to elevate the game in China.”
Five GCSAA education seminars will be provided at the Asia Golf Show/PGA Merchandise Show – Asia in Guangzhou. GCSAA President Robert Randquist, CGCS, will conduct his popular basic bunker maintenance seminar. Michigan State University Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science Kevin Frank, Ph.D., will teach four seminars on the following topics: turfgrass soils, turfgrass cultivation, soil testing, and turfgrass fertilization programs. Randquist will also appear as part of a panel discussion regarding the superintendent-general manager relationship and how to generate higher profits and drive customer satisfaction. GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans will also participate on a panel focusing on facility development and pre-opening; and another directed at sustainability and water use.
“This is an opportunity to demonstrate our leadership and advance the superintendent profession and the game,” Evans said. “We are honored to be asked to participate to assist one of the fastest growing markets in the world.”
GCSAA’s participation in the two China events represents an expansion of its international programming. The association annually engages in an international summit of superintendent associations representing Australia, Canada, Europe, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States. At the 2012 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show, two seminars will be presented in Korean and Mandarin, while the International Resource Center will offer an opportunity for networking by international attendees.
“We are pursuing international opportunities in a prudent and calculated manner,” Randquist said. “GCSAA has members to serve in all corners of the world and we know that our education, information and credentialing are highly-sought after. We are looking to areas where there is a void of resources or where we have been invited to participate. GCSAA’s board of directors and staff are committed to an international strategy that will allow us to grow our net income as we deliver programs and services that benefit superintendents in the U.S. and worldwide.”