More business, less agronomics. That phrase sums up in four words the changing nature of the job of a golf course superintendent. For many, however, business played a minor if non-existent role during the formal educational process. Superintendents who are looking to expand their business knowledge can apply to attend the sixth annual Syngenta Business Institute.
Presented in partnership with Wake Forest University, the three-day event includes graduate-level business instruction from members of the MBA faculty from the Wake Forest University Schools of Business and focuses on management, budgeting and other fiscal matters, communications, delegating, negotiating and more.
"This truly is an eye-opening experience," said Matt Kregel of The Club at Strawberry Creek in Kenosha, Wis. "Negotiating has been on of my weaknesses. The techniques we've heard about can be implemented as soon as we get home."
This year's event is scheduled for Dec. 8-11 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
"This provides a chance to become a better professional," said Rob Williams of Stockton Golf and Country Club in California.
"The opportunity to come here and study business was an opportunity I didn't have before."
To be considered, applicants can apply online at greencastonline.com/SBI/. All applicants must include an essay on why they believe they should be selected to attend.
Application deadline is Aug. 19.