Wow, the summer has been flying by and I have fallen off my regular writing schedule. We have been quite busy, which in some regards has given me plenty of topics to discuss, but with the long hours, the required Lucy walks, unless we would go back to work in the evening, and the recent resurgence of the Kansas City Royals, finding some time to write has been a chore. I will work to get back on schedule and I am starting with this most recent news.
I just recently completed another 5 year cycle and was recertified as a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS). One of my prouder career moments. Back in the spring and summer of 2002, while at Zollner Golf Course on the campus of Tri-State University, I completed and passed the 6 part, 6 hour test, along with the golf course and maintenance shop being visited by two fellow Certified Golf Course Superintendents.
It rates right up there in my golf maintenance career along with graduating in 1988 from Lake City Community College, getting my first superintendent's position at Bowling Green Golf Course in Oak Ridge/Milton NJ, and growing in Bridgewater Golf Course in Auburn IN.
What does it mean to be a CGCS? It means that a golf course superintendent has taken steps to be recognized at the highest level of our profession. Although the Master Greenskeeper given by the British and International Greenskeeper Associaton, might beg to differ. Does it mean we are smarter or better superintendents then those that might not be certified? Of course not, there are many smart and more qualified individuals out there that have not had the opportunity, time or resources to go through the Certification process. The process is even more stringent now then when I went trough it. First one must meet the eligibility requirements. Depending on the degree one has, there is a sliding scale to qualify. The scale looks at years of experience and level of education to determine when someone meets those eligibility requirements. Even if one doesn't have a degree, they can still after some time as a superintendent and some continuing education, all can meet the requirements to start in the program. Once they qualify, they must produce a work portfolio, have their course attested by other certified superintendents, and pass a six part exam.
So why do people choose to get certified? There are many reasons, each different for each person, along with the most notable, Certified Superintendent make more money according to our Association Salary Surveys. Mine originally were two to three fold. I thought Certification could help me move up the professional ladder to better jobs, which in turn, would raise my job satisfaction, and my level of compensation. That didn't really ring true with me, as all of my on course managerial experience were on public/municipal courses. Even with my internships being at resort courses, the lack of private course or high end course experience would keep me from even mid-level courses, despite being Certified. I still felt great pride and satisfaction on becoming certified, it gave me a sense of achievement, satisfaction, and belonging in this profession. I used it to validate my being in this career, even as I have gone through ups and downs. One benefit that I admit I didn't anticipate is the continued knowledge I attained by all the continuing education I have had to take to remain certified. Certainly that is a selling point to anyone considering applying themselves for Certification and would like the support of their employer, or just knowing the benefit of that continuing education for their own success.
So what were the requirements to recertify? Up until this year, we would have to earn 15 points, which 5 had to be education points, which equals 1 contact hour in an approved seminar, class, education event. There are many webinars now available also to earn education points. The other points would consist of service points, which are generated by attending chapter meetings and networking, service to GCSAA or our local chapter, and a couple of other opportunities. Also included is having a state Pesticide Applicators license, or going through the GCSAA IPM program. Starting with this next renewal cycle the education component jumps to 9 education points, while the total number of points required will remain at 15 total. Depending on resources available to a member, along with support from an employer, sometimes earning these points can be somewhat of a challenge. For me this past renewal cycle, I would have to say, thanks to GCSAA, to my chapter, The Ozark Turf Association, my employer, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and to my family, I had it easier than most.
This past renewal cycle I had earned 12.10 education points from a variety of avenues. Most notably from attending local educational events. Our local chapter has really helped with this, they have been working on providing approximately 1 point (a mix of education and service point opportunities) per year. This will allow our members to maintain their Class A status locally, at affordable costs. Mixed in with that is some state and national conferences, along with the yearly trek to the University of Missouri's turf field days. The remaining 10.9 service points were earned by attending local chapter meetings that did not have an education component, and serving on our local chapter board, and on GCSAA national committees. While not true educational events, the networking and work performed on these boards and committees provides opportunities to improve one's professional personable skills. I might have the gift of gab on-line (a true keyboard warrior, but until I started getting involved at this level, I would be very withdrawn and quiet, being involved has taught me to open up and become more personable, (well I hope I've become personable). These professional skills I have learned, have taught me to communicate better with our golfers, fellow staff, and are supervisors. I am hopeful for continued support to help me become a better superintendent.
As always, I thank you for reading.
Thanks!
Mel
