The GCM staff is covering all the action at the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show as it unfolds. Check back often for the latest industry news, company announcements, highlights from the Education Conference, and more.
• Darrin Batisky isn’t a superintendent anymore, but he gladly passes along things he learned in that arena and life in general. During the Power Hour “Taking Care of More than Turf,” Batisky, Envu area sales manager, shared these nuggets. On awareness: “Accurately pick up emotions in other people. Understand what it is that’s really going on with them.” And this: “Be a good listener. Hearing what the other person, people are really saying.” And another: “I want to be the go-to person for folks.”
Cory Phillips, left, and JR Wilson, CTEM, check in on a 3D print project during a break in their educational session on technology at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show on Tuesday. Photo by Andrew Hartsock
Presenters JR Wilson, CTEM, and Cory Phillips brought a cool prop to accompany their talk “What Can You Do with Today’s Technology?” As Wilson, equipment manager at Noyac Golf Club in Sag Harbor, N.Y., and Phillips, EM at Atlanta Country Club, spoke on a variety of topics ranging from artificial intelligence to WiFi smart plugs, a small 3D printer worked away, printing half-dollar-sized GCSAA logo keychains.
Phillips, a 10-year association member, set the tone for the presentation with this: “If you’re not on board with where technology is going, you will be left behind.”
Among the other topics the two touched on were QR codes in the shop, autonomous mowers and drones on the course.
“It’s incredible how technology has come along,” said Wilson, an 11-year GCSAA member, “to make it easy now.”
The session ended with talk about — and demonstration of — AI.
“This is a rabbit hole that’s a lot of fun to go down,” Phillips said. “But if you choose to go down it … look out.”
Devin Cullen, superintendent at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, Calif., speaks to attendees at an interactive facility tour on Tuesday morning. Photo by Abby Olcese
• Interactive facility tours continued on Tuesday, including an equipment management tour at the Links at Lakehouse and an in-depth examination of Omni La Costa's recent renovation. Also on deck: an insider look at Torrey Pines' preparation for a very busy tournament schedule. Superintendent Devin Cullen, a 13-year GCSAA member, and his team are staying on their toes lately — in addition to hosting a sold-out GCSAA Classic and four-ball this week, Torrey Pines recently wrapped up hosting duties for the Farmers Insurance Open, and will host the Genesis Invitational next week. The crew magnanimously welcomed two sold-out tours, discussing the ins and outs of tournament preparation and recovery.