On the heels of the devastation levied across the Southeast by Hurricane Helene, it was a record-setting year for the Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show.
A total of 2,173 attended this year's show held Nov. 18-20 in Myrtle Beach, the most since 2013. A record 240 individual companies were represented on the trade show floor, occupying a record 419 booths. The previous highs in those categories were 217 (in 2017) and 414 (in 2019) respectively. Also, a total of 1,477 seminar seats were sold, down slightly from last year's record of 1,508.
Helene made landfall Sept. 26, in Florida and hovered for the next three days over the Southeast, where it has been blamed for at least 234 deaths and $119.8 billion in damage in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.
Many golf courses as well as residents still are reeling from the effects of Helene.
"Some of the regular faces were missing this year because they had more important things to take care of," said Carolinas GCSA executive director Tim Kreger. "But they were in our hearts, prayers and conversations all week. Getting together with colleagues at the conference is something our members look forward to each year, but for those who could attend, it meant even more this year."
Helene damaged hundreds of golf courses in North and South Carolina in late September but nowhere more severely than in the mountains of western North Carolina. Some courses will not reopen until well into next year and there are concerns that some might never reopen.
"To be able to produce such a strong Conference and Trade Show so soon after the storm is a great reflection on the strength of the industry in our region and the people in it," Kreger said.
"We say it every year, but we mean it every year. This event succeeds because our members truly appreciate the incredible support we get from our industry partners. The industry partners help us stage a great event and our members keep turning up to make the most of it."
In other news from the Conference and Trade Show:
- Alex Tolbert, from Orangeburg Country Club in Orangeburg, South Carolina, became the association's 51st president when he was elected at the annual business meeting. Dean Farlow, from Deep Springs Country Club in Stoneville, NC, was the sole newcomer to the board of directors.
- Members agreed to the first dues increase for Class A, B and C members in more than a decade. A and B dues increased from $200 to $250 and C, from $125 to $155.
- Chuck Green, from Quixote Club in Sumter, South Carolina, received the association's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for his leadership, mentorship and service over more than 40 years.
- Terry English, from the Oak Point course at Kiawah Island Resort, South Carolina, won his second Carolinas GCSA Golf Championship. English was among 369 players who registered for the championship at Wachesaw Plantation Club, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club.
- Adam Cribbet, from Old Tabby Links at Spring Island in Okatie, South Carolina, led a record field of 66 shooters to win the sporting clays championship.
- Andy Howard, from Moss Creek Golf Club in Bluffton, South Carolina, won a fishing trip for two to Panama in the 27-Hole Challenge.
- A record turnout of 110 people attended the annual show-eve reception for assistant superintendents.
- A total of 180 people attended the annual Fellowship Breakfast.
- Jimmy Murray, from Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, South Carolina, was named Turf Equipment Technician of the Year by the Turf Equipment Technicians Association of the Carolinas.
- For a fifth straight year, Horry-Georgetown Technical College won the Student Turf Bowl. A total of 12 teams from six different colleges competed.
- Life-memberships were presented to Russyll Barnette and Richard Staughton, CGCS.
- The association presented office manager Angie Davis with a cruise for two to Alaska in appreciation for her 30 years of service.