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 From the News Desk...Des Moines G&CC's Willman wins top Iowa honorFor his ability to manage his staff, financial resources in an innovative manner, Greg Willman of Des Moines Golf and Country Club recently was named Superintendent of the Year by the Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association. The award was presented Jan. 20 at the Iowa GCSA annual meeting, which was held in conjunction with the 76th Iowa Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines.  The award is presented annually to an Iowa superintendent who has been nominated by his club or peers and who has accomplished a significant project or otherwise made a contribution to his club or course.
Superintendent of the South Course at 36-hole Des Moines Golf and Country Club, Willman was nominated by his staff and supervisor for his ability to complete projects that were cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. According to a nomination letter by director of grounds Rick Tegtmeier, CGCS, erosion along the banks of the creek that runs through the golf course left the 12-inch irrigation mainline exposed. Willman and his crew built a 12-foot tall gabion wall from boulders. They also graded and landscaped the top of the wall to redirect the water, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and effective wall. When the natural area behind the first green on the South Course became unsightly, Willman and his crew installed perennial grasses and flowers, as well as trees and sod from on-site nurseries, resulting in an attractive backdrop that is more consistent with other areas throughout the property. And it was completed for no cost with materials already at hand. He also played an important role in a drainage-improvement project that included installing 1,600 feet of 4-inch and 12-inch tiles and resodding the area. Willman also was recognized for his ability to mentor and motivate his staff and willingness to remain on site after everyone else has left, to ensure all jobs are completed at the end of the day. Also during the conference, Brett Hetland, CGCS at Brooks National Golf Club in Okoboji, received the inaugural Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association Environmental Stewardship Award. In his 12th season at Brooks National, Hetland serves on the GCSAA environmental programs committee and is the Iowa steward for Audubon International. Hetland was recognized for his efforts to make Iowa superintendents more aware of their environmental footprint by documenting his waste management plan, fertilizer program and overall vision of environmental management. He also completed a recent osprey-release program. |
In other news... Study examines spring pre-stress fertility programs Research finds no correlation between biostimulant applications before spring core cultivation and recovery. Posted: 09/02/2010 Read more » Aquatrols, TurfNet present Water Week The series of five Webinars is aimed at helping superintendents manage water and soils more efficiently. Posted: 09/01/2010 Read more » News and people briefs Registration opens soon for Irrigation Show, Briggs & Stratton elects new chairman, FMC taps new director for professional solutions division Posted: 09/01/2010 Read more » GCSAA selects firm in search for new CEO Kansas City-based company will open search process for Mark Woodward's successor in October. Posted: 08/31/2010 Read more » Water foul! Research shows that droppings from non-migratory geese on turf can result in nitrogen runoff into adjacent bodies of water. Posted: 08/26/2010 Read more » Complete news index » |
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