Water Big Subject at Northern California Conference

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California (GCSANC), in cooperation with the University of California Cooperative Extension, will host its 2008 Institute on September 15-16 at the Course at Wente Vineyards in Livermore, Calif. The educational conference titled: "What's More Important Than Water?" will feature speakers from water districts, educational institutions and allied golf organizations. All will discuss the topic of water from historical, environmental and scientific perspectives.

"The Institute remains a favored educational experience for course superintendents and affiliate members because we focus on subject matter critical to golf courses and surrounding communities," said Michael Souza, GCSANC board member and event co-chairman. Other components of the two-day conference include an industry trade show and a tournament on the Greg Norman-designed course at Wente Vineyards in the Livermore Valley.

The following industry experts will serve as conference speakers: Dr. Hossein Ashktotab, Santa Clara Valley Water District; Chris Dundon, Contra Costa Water District; David Langridge, East Bay Municipal Utility District; Peter Canessa, Pacific Gas and Electric; Dr. James Baird, UC Riverside; and Mike McCullough, Northern California Golf Association.

"Due to water supply issues in California, golf course superintendents are eager to absorb all the knowledge they can on how to best conserve water while also maximizing efficiency," said Dr. Ali Harivandi, who's with the UC Cooperative Extension and has served as a moderator. "Fortunately, several course superintendents anticipated the current situation within our state and have taken measures to conserve water and energy resources, and now, come to the institute prepared to share best practices with others."

Golf course superintendents serving as conference presenters include Ted Horton, CGCS, California Alliance for Golf; Steve Agin, Ruby Hill Golf Club; Joe Vallaire, Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course; Gary Ingram, CGCS, Metropolitan Golf Links; and David Sexton, CGCS, Meadow Club.