While planes, trains and automobiles might be by far the most common means of transportation for folks attending the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego, Michael Ashworth could make the short journey to the San Diego Convention Center by boat.
Or, more appropriately, by ferry.
Ashworth is the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Coronado Municipal Golf Course, just a short skipping stone’s throw across the San Diego Bay. Coronado Municipal GC is the closest course to the convention center, which is accessible by a short drive over the Coronado Bridge or by ferry.
Whether by land or by sea, it’s a trip Ashworth plans to make when CTS returns Feb. 3-6 to sunny San Diego.
However, proximity isn’t among the things encouraging him to attend.
“I would prefer the show not be in my home city, but I get that we are a good venue on the West Coast,” Ashworth says. “I like attending (Conference and Trade Shows) in locations that have something to offer to my family — my wife and kids. In many instances, we have gone early or stayed late to enjoy the host city and its surroundings.
“(But) it’s nice to get away, get recharged, and it is motivating being in a large environment of like-minded people that fosters development.”
Curiously, another nearby superintendent — Wayne Carpenter, the GCSAA Class A senior superintendent at Balboa Park Golf Course, which is nearly equidistant to the convention center but directly opposite Coronado Muni — isn’t quite as like-minded about the allure of staying close to home.
“San Diego is easy for me,” says Carpenter, a 26-year association member. “It’s easy to get to, and I can be available for work. For me, the best location is San Diego. I don’t mind traveling. San Antonio was a nice event — cold, but nice. But San Diego is so easy.”
Regardless of location, Ashworth says, “I always expect that it will be a quality event.”
And this year’s show should be no exception.
While certain events might be worthy of higher or lower interest from year to year, Ashworth says, he’s always drawn to the staples.
“When I attend shows, I enjoy learning about new research, new products, networking and tips from people in the industry,” he says. “I really enjoy and look forward to talks given by university professors. Occasionally I am looking for something specific, like all of the various tee markers and course amenities.”
Such is the case for Carpenter, who, because he’s likely facing a bunker project in the near future, is intrigued by offerings related to that.
“I’m interested in rubber compounds,” he says. “I want to learn more about bunker liners.”
CTS last was held in San Diego in 2022 — the first in-person show since the 2021 CTS went virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show will be held in Orlando.
— Andrew Hartsock, GCM editor-in-chief
Four days in San Diego
The 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego presents exciting learning and networking opportunities, interactive tours at some of the best golf courses in the country, and the return of member-favorite events like the Health in Action 5K and a welcome reception aboard the USS Midway. Expect new ideas and strategies that will help you and your team maximize your potential while enjoying a well-deserved celebration of all your hard work.
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of program highlights for this year’s event. Check out the daily themes and must-see special events and activities. Start making your plans to receive valuable continuing education, make important lasting professional connections, explore career development strategies and meet inspiring leaders in the industry and beyond.
For additional details on this year’s conference and trade show schedule, visit www.gcsaaconference.com/schedule.
Monday, Feb. 3: Awaken your potential
As the GCSAA Golf Championships wind down, programming gets underway with over 70 seminars and 20 Power Hours covering the topics you and your team want to know the most about. Session subjects include developing low-environmental-impact fungicide programs, integrated water management, leadership topics and more.
Interactive facility tours at The Crossings at Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club and other locations offer hands-on education in beautiful settings. Get practical information on topics ranging from irrigation to the latest in turf management to hosting a First Green Field Trip.
The popular Golf’s Sustainability Showcase area returns to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show this year with interactive stations on accessibility, sustainable bunker maintenance and resilient turf types. See the innovations that are powering the future of the industry and making golf enjoyable for everyone.
Finish out Monday by connecting with friends and colleagues to celebrate the kickoff of the 2025 Conference and Trade Show at the welcome reception on the USS Midway. Network and enjoy scenic nighttime views of San Diego aboard the historic U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the longest-serving vessel of its kind in the 20th century.
Tuesday, Feb. 4: Innovate your future
Tuesday’s events get off to an early start with the Health in Action 5K/2K at 7:30 a.m. at the Marriott Marquis – Marina Terrace. Catch your fitness wave and check out the San Diego Bay as you run with fellow participants through Embarcadero Park. This year’s race includes the traditional chipped 5K race and a new non-timed 2K option, making it a great option for both experienced runners and newcomers looking to have fun.
In addition to Golf’s Sustainability Showcase, seminars and Power Hours, interactive facility tours continue Tuesday. Learn about the crucial aspects of equipment management at The Links at Lakehouse. Head to the iconic Omni La Costa to learn more about the ins and outs of a successful renovation project. A rare opportunity at Torrey Pines lets participants check out the inner workings of tournament preparation and recovery.
Tuesday winds down with dedicated exhibitor events at off-site locations. Network and connect with colleagues and industry partners who provide the products and services that keep your course running and your teams working at their best.
Wednesday, Feb. 5: Discover more ways to be efficient and effective
Start off your Wednesday at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show with the Sunrise Celebration and celebrate the industry successes of the past year. Join your colleagues in recognizing the efforts of the winners of the Col. John Morley Award and the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship. Two-time champion big wave surfer Paige Alms will provide the keynote address for the Sunrise Celebration.
The trade show floor opens following the Sunrise Celebration, featuring over 400 exhibitors and interactive events. Learn how to become a grassroots ambassador to help golf’s voice be heard by policymakers. Discover how CEOs from GCSAA and the USGA envision a sustainable future for golf. Get advice on career development from professional career coaches. Check out the ever-popular Flyaway Geese goose dog demonstration, and don’t forget to enter for your chance to win (https://gcsaaconference.com/show/goose-dog-giveaway) a goose dog of your own.
In the afternoon, the Leading Turf Together panel and reception celebrate advancements for women in the turf industry, covering the value of teamwork, mentorship and relationship-building. After the event, head to the Equipment Manager Career Achievement Reception to recognize newly minted Certified Turf Equipment Managers.
Thursday, Feb. 6: Celebrate your achievements
The final day of the GCSAA CTS gets started with the GCSAA Annual Meeting. Events, demonstrations and exhibitors continue on the trade show floor, with giveaways and drawings (https://gcsaaconference.com/show/show-floor-giveaways) held throughout the day. Trade show floor events include workshops on talent recruitment and retainment, grassroots ambassador spotlights, information sessions on government affairs and hosting a First Green Field Trip.
End your week in San Diego on Thursday afternoon at the GCSAA Send-off Celebration. The ceremony includes an inspirational keynote from GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans, covering lessons learned and leadership takeaways from his recent experience successfully climbing Mount Everest. In his talk titled “Time’s Up! Lead Out!” Evans will share how he overcame the climb’s unexpected challenges by harnessing the principles of purpose, passion, positivity and perseverance, and how you can apply those same ideas to further your personal and professional growth. The event also features a conversation with GCSAA Old Tom Morris Award recipient Ozzie Smith, baseball legend, golf industry supporter and community leader. Celebrate and congratulate the winners of the Collegiate Turf Bowl, meet GCSAA’s newly elected Board of Directors and make final connections with friends and colleagues before finishing out an exciting, informative and inspiring week of events.
— Abby Olcese, GCMOnline.com editor
Education: Interactive facility tours and beyond
The 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Feb. 3-6 in San Diego will offer a full schedule of educational opportunities, including interactive sessions that will give participants a chance to experience out-of-classroom learning and collaboration at remarkable golf sites in the San Diego area.
One of the eight interactive facility tours will take participants on an educational walk Monday, Feb. 3, through the historic Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club with Cornell University Associate Professor Frank Rossi, Ph.D., and Rancho Santa Fe superintendent Tom Huesgen, CGCS. They plan to focus on the recent renovation of the Max Behr-designed course, which opened in 1929 and has been recognized as one of America’s top-100 walking courses.
Huesgen and Rossi will lead the discussion covering the architecture of the course, the unique challenges of the property, water-conservation efforts and insight into the 2021 renovation.
While the tour will include details of the trials and tribulations experienced during the course renovation, Huesgen noted that a course renovation is an exciting time for everyone involved.
“The planning before and throughout such a project will be noted,” he said, “in addition, the challenges of change and the unexpected.” Huesgen and Rossi plan to underline the difficulty at times when managing a timeline, anticipated budget, numerous contractors and often-unrealistic expectations.
“Not always glamorous or without tremendous stress to the finish line,” Huesgen said. “Examples include uncooperative weather, supply constraints, logistics, community impact, governance of club or facility, changing expectations or ideas, and lastly the budget. Even the best planning and organization is compromised with large-scale construction or renovation projects.” The tour, presented by PBI-Gordon, will be offered in both morning and afternoon sessions on Monday.
Also Monday, a team of experts led by the USGA’s Matteo Serena, Ph.D., will discuss the implementation of water-management strategies at world-class San Diego Country Club in Chula Vista. Serena, senior manager of irrigation research and services for the USGA Green Section research team, will be joined by Brian Powell, CGCS, customer success agronomist for USGA; David McCall, assistant professor and Extension specialist at Virginia Tech; Elisabeth Kitchin, graduate research assistant at Virginia Tech; Chris Hartwiger, USGA director of agronomy; and Daniel O’Brien, Ph.D., USGA Green Section research manager. Also speaking will be Shannon Rouillard, USGA senior director of championships, and the USGA’s Ben Kimball, who will provide insight on championship preparation as San Diego Country Club plans to host the 2025 U.S. Senior Women’s Open.
Serena’s part of the presentation will focus on irrigation auditing. He said he plans to simulate a catch-can test, set up cups on a green, talk about spacing and give a quick rundown on the process. His presentation will include data samples and calculating distribution uniformity, including the precipitation rate. Serena plans to outline what’s next in the central control system and how practitioners can start to improve playing conditions.
Two other tours Monday will be offered twice, with morning and afternoon sessions. They are “Master Your Irrigation,” presented by Hunter Industries, and “Nature Meets Golf at The Crossings,” presented by Husqvarna.
“Launching a First Green Trip is Easier Than You Think!” will be presented Monday morning in partnership with Helena. Guiding the session will be Leann Cooper, director, First Green & Workforce Development for GCSAA; David Phipps, GCSAA’s field staff in the Northwest U.S., who has considerable experience with the First Green program; Steve Kealy, CGCS, golf course superintendent at Glendale Country Club in Bellevue, Wash., since 1990 and who has been actively involved with First Green since 1998; and Jeff Gullikson, CGCS, golf course superintendent at Kalispel Golf and Country Club in Spokane, Wash., who has worked with hundreds of high school teachers to help develop the First Green program.
Participants will learn how to implement First Green programs at their own golf courses. First Green is a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) environmental-outreach program that uses golf courses as a living laboratory. K-12 students participate in hands-on, outdoor learning stations that include lessons on wildlife habitat, soil science, environmental sustainability, mathematics, water quality, water conservation, career exploration and more. GCSAA offers lesson plans that correlate to each learning station.
Three tours will be offered Tuesday, Feb. 4, with both morning and afternoon sessions for each:
The world of equipment management will be explored at the Links at Lakehouse, a Harry Rainville-designed course in San Marcos, Calif. This learning experience will focus on essential aspects of equipment management.
“Mastering Tournament Prep and Recovery,” presented by The Toro Co., will feature a tour at Torrey Pines Golf Course. The course’s expert team will provide details of tournament lead-up and recovery, managing topdressing and overseeding programs, how to organize labor for peak efficiency, and how to leverage communication and partnerships with agronomy teams and volunteers to maintain championship-level conditions.
“The Art of Renovation,” presented by CapillaryFlow, will present a tour at Omni La Costa in Carlsbad, Calif., home of the iconic North and South courses. Superintendents of each course will share insider knowledge on championship course setup and daily maintenance for regular play and renovations, with practical insights on growing Poa annua under challenging conditions with reclaimed water. CapillaryFlow will present a demonstration on ways to support bunker maintenance programs.
Among the extensive educational offerings that include many new course titles, conference attendees also will have access to more than 70 seminars covering everything from pump stations and weed management to mastering the art of delegation.
The conference will offer 20 Power Hours Monday and Tuesday, providing in-depth guidance on leadership, employee retention, career planning, promoting a project and more. Visit https://www.gcsaaconference.com/education to learn more.
— Darrell J. Pehr, GCM science editor