San Diego, CA | February 1 - 6, 2025
The 2025 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Conference and Show provided an exceptional opportunity for our turfgrass science students to network and gain insights into the latest advancements in golf course management. Our students also demonstrated their expertise during the Turf Bowl, with The Ohio State team taking home 5th place! The turf team is a sub group of our turf club which is co-advised by HCS professor Dr. David Gardner and HCS SPS: Turfgrass Science alum Brandon Stith.
Brandon, gave us a glimpse into why turf conferences like this are an invaluable aspect of a student’s experience...
What are the typical highlights of a turf conference?
The networking opportunities with national and local professionals is always the biggest highlight. I feel as if a lot of the people you meet tend to have their guard down a little bit more, and you always end up getting some great advice from people that you might not get in passing or on a visit to a course.
While the professional relationships are a highlight, the students almost always end up getting to know a classmate you might not have known before the trip. Back when I was a new student, I only knew one person on our trip and walked away with two new friends. As the program grows, I see a lot of new relationships form between people that I know will last, while making memories and stories that will be passed down through the years.
How’d you get involved with coaching the turf students?
Dr. Gardner preps all the study materials and works with the club on plant and insect ID, so this is something I usually take a back seat on. In addition to Dr. Gardner’s help, this year we actually had a Buckeye turf alum, Nate McKinniss, volunteer to help with some of the turf bowl study prep. He has done this in the past, even when I was a student. Even though he currently lives in Charlotte, NC he still took the time to setup a few Zoom meetings to help with study sessions. I think Nate’s commitment to our students after graduating in 2017 speaks volumes to the amount of pride our turf program instills in us all.
What advice would you give a Prospective turf student?
If you’re working in lawn care, golf or athletics and have an interest in attending school in turf, just start asking your boss questions. Ask what they enjoy, what they don’t, how the industry has shaped their lives, and anything else. The industry can be a grind, but it is the most rewarding work I have ever been a part of. For those in school currently, build as many relationships as you can, and take advantage of every opportunity you can to learn.
Thank you and a big congrats to all the teams that competed in the 2025 GCSAA Turf Bowl. We can't wait to see y'all next year in Orlando, FL, January 31 - February 5, 2026!
Eager for more news from the 2025 GCSAA Conference? You're in luck - check out the rest of the series here.