GCM’s Industry News Digest: December 2024

The latest golf course product and industry news, curated for golf course superintendents and other turf industry professionals.

Cool-season grasses activate drought stress defenses earlier than thought

Researchers examined damage and stress-protection mechanisms that grasses use to protect photosynthesis during drought stress responses.

Building turfgrass careers from the ground up

Drew Miller funneled dozens of students into the turf industry through Brentsville District High School’s ‘ag class.’

Developing leadership skills and sharing tips at Syngenta Business Institute

Superintendents gained insight from Wake Forest Professors and shared ideas on what's working at their courses. 

Matt Gourlay recognized with 2025 GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship

The 22-year GCSAA member has a long history as an environmental champion.

How fans helped a course’s bentgrass greens thrive

Installing fans as part of a renovation helped Pinnacle Peak Country Club solve a unique greens problem.

Getting to the (grass) roots of the matter

Research examined how mowing height and plant growth regulators affected roots in creeping bentgrass.

Rare fish finds home in the desert

Scientists reintroduced the endangered Virgin River chub to lakes at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah.

Ozzie Smith gives back through golf

The GCSAA Old Tom Morris Award recipient and baseball legend's passion for golf grew the game for communities and built bonds with superintendents.

Michigan GCSA recognized for unifying smaller chapters into statewide chapter

The Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA) is being recognized by the Michigan Golf Course Association.

Precision irrigation for golf course turf management

A survey revealed details about the adoption of various precision irrigation technologies.

Autonomous mowers on display at 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show

An early adopter superintendent is eager to share his experiences with technology.

Reflecting on a year of turf industry advocacy

GCSAA’s government affairs team looks back on the issues and advances of 2024.

Old Tom Morris statue in Scotland has GCSAA tie

A GCSAA-gifted Old Tom statue in Fife inspired Ronald Sandford to bring a memorial to Morris' home turf.

From the golf course to the baseball diamond and back

Shawn Emerson, agronomist at Ethos Club and Leisure came from a baseball background to a successful career as a golf course superintendent.

2024 Women's Leadership Academy: News and buzz

Follow updates from GCM on this week's activities at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence

Dennis Lyon, CGCS Retired, wins GCSAA’s 2024 Leo Feser Award

Lyon’s story reflecting on his long, successful career was selected as this year’s top superintendent-written article in GCM

Multistate study offers recommendations for keeping bermudagrass greener all season

Researchers in six states collaborated on ways to keep bermudagrass in the Mid-Atlantic hardier in cold weather.

A terrific turfgrass research twosome

Wendy Gelernter and Larry Stowell are the recipients of the 2025 GCSAA Outstanding Contribution Award.

GCSA of New England looks back, ahead at Centennial Celebration

Board members, superintendents and supporters gathered to celebrate 100 years of the second-oldest GCSAA chapter.