CTS 2027 FULL SCHEDULE

9:30 AM

• Fourball

  5 hrs 30 min

  This is the only tournament option available on Saturday. You and your partner play your own ball and the lowest score for the hole will be your team score. Pairings for the event may be requested, but are not guaranteed. Please note that your tee time will vary based on your course assignment. For more information about the rules of this competition, please refer to https://gcsaaconference.com/tournament/courses-and-rules. PLEASE NOTE: All tournament events will be held in the Biloxi, Mississippi area.

9:30 AM

• Golf Classic 2-Day Event (Sunday/Monday)

  29 hrs 30 min

  Be part of the longest running and most popular of the tournament events. The Golf Classic is a 2-day, flighted event that is open to all skill levels and uses the point quota scoring system. For more information about the rules of this competition, please refer to https://gcsaaconference.com/tournament/courses-and-rules. The Golf Classic is a 2-day event that will take place on Sunday, January 17 and Monday, January 18. PLEASE NOTE: All tournament events will be held in the Biloxi, Mississippi area.

• National Championship 2-Day Event (Sunday/Monday)

  29 hrs 30 min

  The National Championship is only open to 72 total registrants. The 36-hole stroke play competition will determine an overall champion and low senior champion. In order to participate in this event, you must meet all 3 of the requirements below. Ineligible attendees will be contacted and removed from the event. Be a GCSAA professional member. Have a handicap of 5.0 or lower. Must not have competed professionally in the past. For more information about the rules of this competition, please refer to https://gcsaaconference.com/tournament/courses-and-rules. The National Championship is a 2-day event that will take place on Sunday, January 17 and Monday, January 18. PLEASE NOTE: All tournament events will be held in the Biloxi, Mississippi area.

• Scramble

  5 hrs 30 min

  Join us for a one-day fun event that is available to all members. This is the perfect event for those who cannot make it for the entire tournament. The scramble provides a great opportunity to network with industry experts, enjoy a day of golf, and enjoy food and drinks at the Toro Par 3 Shootout. You may also attend the 19th Hole Reception on Saturday evening. You can choose your own foursome (pairings are not guaranteed) or request to be randomly paired. PLEASE NOTE: All tournament events will be held in the Biloxi, Mississippi area.

8:00 AM

• Assessing and Managing Hazards and Risks of Trees

  Power Hour
  1 hr

  A. D. Ali, Ph.D.

  This Power Hour will provide an overview of how to read the body language of trees to identify defects and potential hazards. Methods to evaluate the risk with respect to targets will be presented, as well as new technologies to evaluate strength loss. The golf professional will be able to proactively identify and mitigate potentially high-risk trees.

• Building Effective, Environmentally Responsible Fungicide Programs

  Environmental Management
  4 hrs

  Bruce Clarke, Ph.D., Jennifer Grant, Ph.D.

  Previously known as, Developing Efficacious Golf Course Fungicide Programs with Low Environmental Impact. Build fungicide programs that deliver effective disease control while minimizing environmental impact. Explore product selection, application timing, resistance management, and cultural practices that support healthy turf and responsible pesticide stewardship. Leave with practical strategies you can apply throughout the growing season.

• Bunkers: Everything You Wanted to Know and More!

  Agronomy
  4 hrs

  Jerry Lemons, ASGCA, Adam Moeller

  Explore a century of bunker design, renovation, and maintenance in this practical, experience-driven session. Learn how to extend bunker life, control costs, and apply the latest construction methods to improve performance. Whether you're planning a renovation or simply seeking smarter maintenance strategies, you'll walk away with real-world solutions you can implement immediately, tailored to your course's needs and budget. Ideal for superintendents, architects, and anyone managing one of golf’s most high-impact features.

• Calibrate with Confidence: Empowering Applications for Success

  Agronomy
  2 hrs

  James McCurdy, Ph.D., Amy Wilber

  Step into this hands-on, expert-led workshop designed to elevate your calibration skills to the next level. Dive deep into advanced diagnostics, precise calibration math, and cutting-edge equipment mechanics to maximize application accuracy and minimize waste. Learn to implement industry-leading protocols and lead your team in flawless, consistent delivery of pesticides, fertilizers, and plant health products. Empower yourself with the tools to boost efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and become a true calibration pro.

• Cutline is King

  Equipment Management
  4 hrs

  Michael Rollins

  Unlock superior cut quality and uniformity, regardless of mower or grinder brand. This in-depth seminar dives into the critical “cutline” of your cutting units, showing how to find and control the shear point for a cleaner, longer-lasting cut. Mike will touch on basic cutting unit geometry, while focusing on detailed factors that affect quality of cut, its longevity, and after-cut appearance. Walk away with strategies to upgrade your cutting unit program, immediately, and deliver elite playing conditions.

• Electrical Diagnostic Methods and Tools

  Equipment Management
  2 hrs

  Jordan Roth, CTEM

  Master the electrical skills every turf shop needs. This seminar covers reading schematics, diagnosing issues with the right tools, and applying Ohm’s and Watt’s Laws to real-world repairs. Learn how to size wires and fuses, use relays for upgrades, and build custom tools to boost efficiency. Video demos and practical examples ensure you leave with insights you can apply immediately.

• Fighting the Freeze: Winterkill and Spring Dead Spot Management Strategies

  AgronomyNew Education
  4 hrs

  Tyler Carr, Ph.D., Wendell Hutchens, Ph.D., Graham Kornmeyer, CGCS, Mingying Xiang, Ph.D.

  Learn practical strategies to prevent, identify, and recover from winterkill and spring dead spot in warm-season turfgrass. Through an interactive, podcast-style seminar, turfgrass researchers and an experienced golf course superintendent share proven management practices, advances in cold-tolerant breeding, and real-world solutions. Audience participation is encouraged, making this seminar valuable for anyone managing warm-season turf.

• Harnessing the Turfgrass Microbiome and Ecologically Focused Management

  AgronomyNew Education
  4 hrs

  Muhammad Ahmed, Joseph Roberts, Ph.D.

  Explore how the turfgrass microbiome influences plant health and resilience. Examine emerging research, practical management strategies, and ecological approaches that can strengthen turf performance while supporting long-term sustainability.

• Leadership Habits That Drive Consistent Success

  LeadershipNew Education
  4 hrs

  Phil Helmn, MG

  Consistent leadership is built through daily habits not occasional big moments. Explore practical tools, reflection exercises, and real-world strategies that strengthen confidence, focus, resilience, and intentional leadership. Leave with actionable techniques to replace unproductive routines with habits that support long-term personal and professional success.

• Making AI Work Intelligently for You: The Foundations

  Assistant SuperintendentBusiness Management+1 more
  4 hrs

  Brent Downs, CGCS, MG, Valentine Godin

  Discover practical ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve daily golf course management. This seminar introduces key AI concepts, including automation, machine learning, generative AI, and robotics, while exploring applications for communication, planning, and decision-making. Designed for beginners, you'll leave with the confidence and practical tools to begin using AI in your maintenance operation.

• Morning Tour: Built to Adapt at New Orleans Country Club: Water, Infrastructure & Innovation

  AgronomyInteractive Facility Tour
  4 hrs

  See how a historic, landlocked golf course is using modern solutions to meet today’s challenges. From an extensive drainage system with 480 catch basins to renovated bunkers, newer Zoysia tees and Tifeagle greens, attendees will explore how the team manages water, maximizes a limited footprint and continues to evolve the course while preserving its traditional character.

• Morning Tour: Innovation on the Bayou: Technology at English Turn

  AgronomyInteractive Facility Tour
  4 hrs

  See how English Turn is using technology and innovation to manage a unique 210-acre property and continually improve course operations. From autonomous equipment and drones to water management and innovative turf solutions, attendees will explore how the team is using new tools and approaches to work more efficiently while navigating the challenges of maintaining a course below sea level.

• Morning Tour: Tradition Meets Innovation at Metairie Country Club: Reinventing a Historic Course presented by ezLocator

  AgronomyInteractive Facility Tour
  4 hrs

  See how Metairie Country Club has blended the history and character of a Seth Raynor course with modern renovation and innovation. Attendees will explore the club’s 2021 renovation, unique turf selections and the challenges of maintaining and improving a landlocked property of just 100 acres. The tour will also highlight how the team continues to find new ways to improve course operations, including its experience as a beta site for EZ Locator.

• Practical Precision Management I (Pests): 8 Strategies to Implement Today

  AgronomyNew Education
  4 hrs

  Elisabeth Kitchin, David McCall, Ph.D., Madan Sapkota, Ph.D., Chase Straw, Ph.D.

  Discover practical precision pest management strategies you can implement right away. Explore technologies and decision-making tools that help determine where, when, and how much to treat for pests and environmental stressors while making the most of available resources. Attend on its own or pair it with Part II for additional precision water management strategies.

• Put Nutrient-Use Data to Work: What Golf Course Environmental Profile Trends Mean for Your BMPs

  BMPEnvironmental Management+1 more
  2 hrs

  J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D.

  Drawing on nearly two decades of Golf Course Environmental Profile (GCEP) data, this seminar examines how nutrient use on U.S. golf courses has changed and what those trends mean for today’s management programs. Participants will learn how to benchmark their programs and translate national and regional trends into practical strategies for improving nutrient-use efficiency. The session will also address soil and water testing, reclaimed-water nutrients, BMP documentation, and maintaining high-quality playing conditions while protecting water resources.

• Salinity and Sodicity: From Diagnosis to Action

  AgronomyNew Education
  4 hrs

  Elizabeth Guertal, Ph.D., Brian Hollingsworth, CGCS, Michael Huck

  Salinity and sodicity can limit turf performance and complicate water and soil management. Explore how to diagnose common problems, interpret water and soil tests, and implement practical strategies to improve growing conditions. Real-world case studies highlight proven solutions you can apply on your course.

• Soluciones agronómicas para un mantenimiento sostenible

  In-Language SpanishNew Education
  4 hrs

  Jose Angel Sanchez Alcala

  Seminario en español. Dirigido a profesionales del golf, este seminario presenta soluciones agronómicas para reducir el uso de pesticidas y fertilizantes sintéticos, optimizar el manejo del agua, fortalecer la resiliencia del sistema, promover la restauración ecológica y disminuir el impacto ambiental, sin comprometer la calidad ni la funcionalidad del campo.

• The Business of Golf – A Superintendent’s Guide

  Business Management
  4 hrs

  Henry DeLozier

  As a superintendent, you manage your facility’s most valuable assets. This seminar helps you grasp the big picture of your facility’s business model, showing how each management area influences the bottom line. Learn to identify key areas to focus your efforts to boost economic value and contribute strategically to your team’s success. Gain a clear understanding of the entire facility budget and your vital role in driving financial performance.

• The USGA and R&A's Approach to Data Collection and Golf Course Management in 2027

  Power Hour
  1 hr

  Zachary Nicoludis, Paul Woodham

  USGA and R&A agronomists will discuss current trends in using data to guide putting green and golf course management.

9:00 AM

• Creating Magic on the Course: Disney Lessons for Golf Course Superintendents & Assistants

  Power Hour
  1 hr

  James Marcin

  This Power Hour explores how Disney-inspired principles can elevate golf course operations by improving course presentation, strengthening maintenance workflows, enhancing communication, empowering crew performance, and applying the Four Keys to create a more consistent, professional, and memorable golfer experience.

8:00 AM

• Balancing Design, Construction, and Maintenance for a Successful Golf Course Renovation

  Agronomy
  4 hrs

  Jordan Booth, CGCS, Ph.D., Brian Silva, Drew Street, George Waters

  This seminar provides strategies to successfully plan and execute golf course renovations of any scale, with insights into the design, construction, and agronomic factors that shape the process. Key themes include the importance of teamwork, planning ahead, and setting realistic expectations based on timing and budget. This seminar will also include a panel discussion with members of the team behind the restoration of Metairie Country Club to gain insight into how they delivered a successful project. Drew Street, Metairie Director of Agronomy, and Brian Silva, Golf Course Architect, will share how their teams worked together to restore the original 1922 Seth Raynor-designed golf course here in the New Orleans area.

• Belief vs. Evidence: Are Turfgrass Practices Doing More Harm Than Good?

  Power Hour
  1 hr

  Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D., Travis Shaddox, Ph.D.

  Strong teams don’t happen by accident. They’re built through a shared sense of purpose, clear expectations and consistent leadership. This Power Hour brings together three perspectives on creating a workplace where employees understand why their work matters, know what success looks like and receive the coaching and feedback they need to grow. Explore practical approaches for strengthening engagement, improving training and communication, setting clear standards and building a culture of accountability.

• Building Better Teams: Purpose, Clarity and Accountability

  Power Hour
  1 hr

  Brandon Bell, M.Ed., Ryan Deering, Tyler Miget, CTEM

  The demands of working in turf can make it difficult to step away, reset and prioritize your own well-being. This Power Hour explores practical ways to manage stress, recognize when you need a mental break and build healthy habits that support both your personal and professional life. Learn how small, intentional choices can help prevent burnout, restore focus and energy, and allow you to show up more effectively for yourself and your team.

• Leading Through the Noise

  CommunicationNew Education
  2 hrs

  Tyler Bloom, Steven McDonald

  Lead with confidence in today's fast-paced, member-driven club environment. Explore practical strategies for communicating clearly, aligning with department leaders, managing expectations, and building trust with members, general managers, and golf professionals. Leave with tools to strengthen collaboration and leadership across your operation.

• Measuring and Managing Soil Organic Matter in Putting Greens

  Agronomy
  4 hrs

  Christopher Hartwiger, Douglas Soldat, Ph.D., Chris Tritabaugh

  Discover how topdressing and cultivation keep sand-based putting greens healthy by controlling organic matter buildup that can ruin turf. Learn a cutting-edge method to measure organic matter and make data-driven decisions that optimize your practices for peak performance and cost efficiency. Real-world case studies and an interactive computer tool reveal how your choices shape soil health. Presented by expert scientists and practitioners, this seminar bridges science and hands-on turf management.

• Morning Tour: Inside Tournament Prep at TPC Louisiana presented by Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC

  AgronomyInteractive Facility Tour
  4 hrs

  Go behind the scenes at TPC Louisiana to see what it takes to prepare and maintain a course for tournament play. Through four interactive stations, attendees will explore equipment setup, pump and irrigation systems, agronomic practices, and the planning and preparation that go into getting the course tournament-ready.

• Morning Tour: Resourceful Course Management at Audubon Park presented by CapillaryFlow

  AgronomyInteractive Facility Tour
  4 hrs

  Successful golf course management isn’t always about having the newest equipment, largest staff, or biggest budget. Go behind the scenes at Audubon Park Golf Course to explore how experience, ingenuity, and smart decision-making keep an operation moving forward. Through real-world examples, discover approaches to maximizing equipment life, developing staff, making strategic course improvements, and finding practical solutions to everyday challenges.

• One Hour of Nitrogen - Ins and Outs of this Nutrient

  Power Hour
  1 hr

  Elizabeth Guertal, Ph.D.

  Nitrogen is EXPENSIVE, and will likely stay that way as a byproduct of war and energy costs. So, in turfgrass systems, from where can we get N, and where might the N we apply go? In this Power Hour, Beth Guertal, PhD, will cover N release rates from organic matter, potential places we can lose N from the system, and best application methods for N fertilizer.

• Practical Precision Management II (Water): 8 More Strategies to Implement Today

  AgronomyNew Education
  4 hrs

  J.T. Klinghagen, Samuel Kreinberg, David McCall, Ph.D., Chase Straw, Ph.D.

  Apply practical precision irrigation strategies you can implement immediately. Explore technologies and decision-making tools that help determine where, when, and how much water to apply to maximize resources and improve turf performance. Attend on its own or pair it with Part I for complementary precision pest management strategies.

• Reel Mower Adjustment Fundamentals for Assistants

  AgronomyAssistant Superintendent+1 more
  2 hrs

  Michael Rabe, Jesse Sholl

  Build confidence adjusting reel mowers for consistent performance and quality of cut. Review essential setup procedures, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices that assistant superintendents can immediately apply in the shop.

• Same Team, Different Styles: Working Better Together

  Equipment ManagementNew Education
  2 hrs

  Cory Phillips

  Every team includes a variety of personalities and communication styles. Discover how to recognize your own style, better understand others, and adapt your communication to strengthen working relationships. Leave with practical tools for improving collaboration, giving feedback, and building stronger partnerships across the golf course operation.

• Understanding Turfgrass Fungicides

  Agronomy
  4 hrs

  Wendell Hutchens, Ph.D., Richard Latin, Ph.D.

  If you rely on fungicides to keep turf healthy, this seminar is for you. Learn how and why fungicides work, and why they sometimes don’t, in real-world scenarios. Gain a deep understanding of fungicide movement, residual activity, resistance, and factors affecting performance. Develop the confidence to discuss chemical control issues clearly with administrators, staff, and golf patrons. Bring your questions about specific products for an interactive, practical discussion.

• What Does the Future Hold for Poa Control in the North & South?

  Agronomy
  4 hrs

  James Brosnan, Ph.D., Matthew Elmore, Ph.D.

  Join two leading experts as they dive into the history and evolving challenges of Poa control. Gain fresh insights on herbicide use, cultivar selection, agronomic practices, and playability considerations. Learn innovative strategies to stay ahead of emerging issues and improve turf health and conditioning. Equip yourself with practical knowledge to confidently tackle Poa management and ensure your course maintains top-quality playing surfaces.

• Where Fertility Meets Disease Management

  AgronomyNew Education
  4 hrs

  Grady Miller, Ph.D., Joseph Roberts, Ph.D.

  Build a fertility program that supports healthier turf and reduces disease risk. Explore how nutrient management influences plant health, stress recovery, and disease development while explaining soil tests, fertilizer analysis, and nutrient sources. Leave with practical strategies to optimize fairway and greens fertility programs while reducing disease risk.

• You Got the Interview! Now What?

  Assistant SuperintendentLeadership
  2 hrs

  Carol Rau, PHR, Bryan Stromme

  You landed the interview, now it’s time to shine. This interactive seminar breaks down the entire hiring process from both sides of the table. Learn how to prepare, stand out, and ask the right questions. You’ll also explore how to evaluate job offers and negotiate with confidence. Leave ready to take the next step in your career on your terms!

9:00 AM

• Building the Next Set of USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction

  Power Hour
  1 hr

  Gordon Howat, Brian Whitlark

  This Power Hour will review the 2018 USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction and highlight on-going work and research that will impact the next set of Recommendations.

• Don’t Skip the Fine Print: Lessons from the Label

  Power Hour
  1 hr

  Quincy Law, Ph.D.

  Many applicators scan the label for rate and PPE, but what are they missing in the fine print? This Power Hour highlights key details like adjuvants, spray water hardness, irrigation, and restrictions, with demonstrations that bring label language to life and show how small decisions can make or break product performance. From superintendents to spray technicians and students, anyone responsible for reading a product label will benefit from this Power Hour.

• Turfbusters! Golf. Science. Myths.

  1 hr

10:00 AM

• Are Improved Turfgrass Varieties Worth the Investment?

  AgronomyNew Education
  2 hrs

  Kyley Dickson, Ph.D., Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D.

  Evaluate the true value of improved turfgrass varieties through performance, maintenance, and cost considerations. This seminar examines how modern cultivars compare to traditional options in playability, resource use, and long-term return on investment. Participants gain insights to make informed variety selection decisions that align with their golf course goals and management priorities.

• Emotional Intelligence for the Turf Professional

  Leadership
  2 hrs

  Darrin Batisky

  Technical expertise alone isn't enough to lead successfully. Discover how emotional intelligence strengthens communication, improves decision-making, and builds stronger relationships with employees, members, and leadership. Gain practical techniques to become a more effective and influential leader.

12:00 PM

• Celebrating Certification Luncheon

  1 hr 30 min

1:00 PM

• Advanced Weed Management of Warm-Season and Overseeded Turfgrass

  Agronomy
  4 hrs

  Managing weeds and plant growth is a daily challenge for superintendents. This seminar offers a deep dive into weed biology, ecology, and herbicide resistance, with practical tips for identification and control. Learn how to build effective pre- and post-emergence herbicide programs and integrate proven cultural practices to reduce weed pressure. Join two internationally recognized experts to discover trade secrets and strategies that keep your warm-season and overseeded turf healthy and thriving.

• Battling Nematodes: Diagnosis, Management and New Solutions

  4 hrs

  Dive into the hidden world of plant-parasitic nematodes and their impact on warm and cool-season turfgrass. Learn to spot symptoms, collect and interpret lab samples, and explore a range of effective management tactics. Gain in-depth knowledge of current and emerging chemical and biological nematicides to build a customized plan tailored to your course. Don’t miss this chance to master nematode management and keep your turf healthy and thriving.

• Grassroots Ambassador Academy 2

  Government Affairs
  2 hrs

  Michael Lee, Kelly Lonker

  Ambassador Academy returns to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, led by GCSAA’s Grassroots Advocacy Specialist Kelly Lonker and Sr. Manager of Government Affairs Michael Lee. This year’s Academy will look a little different as active Grassroots Ambassadors share their experiences getting involved and engaging with congressional staff and members. Through a panel discussion and conversation with fellow ambassadors led by Kelly and Michael, attendees will learn from their peers about what has worked, what they’ve learned along the way, and how they’ve built relationships with their elected officials. Both sessions will be relevant and informative for experienced and beginner ambassadors alike and are designed to improve your understanding of how to cut through the political noise and have meaningful and productive conversations with elected officials. After Academy, Kelly will help you line up your first Congressional interaction. The Tuesday session will be followed by the Beers with Bob GCSAA PAC Reception, and the Wednesday session will be followed by the Grassroots Ambassador Happy Hour, sponsored by Bayer, to recognize and celebrate the work of our industry’s most committed advocates. You must be currently serving in the Grassroots Ambassador Program to attend. If you would like to join the Grassroots Ambassador Program, you may do so here. Contact Kelly Lonker at klonker@gcsaa.org for more information.

• How to Attract, Retain, and Develop Staff Like a Pro

  Leadership
  2 hrs

  In today’s competitive market, attracting, retaining, and developing top talent is key to organizational success. This seminar equips superintendents with strategies to build a strong employer brand, create an engaging workplace culture, and invest in continuous employee growth. Attendees will learn practical tools to reduce turnover, boost satisfaction, and foster leadership—empowering their teams to thrive and drive long-term growth in any golf course setting.

• Pave Your Path to Superintendent

  Assistant Superintendent
  2 hrs

  Stand out in the competitive world of golf course management. This seminar empowers assistant superintendents with proven strategies to secure and excel in superintendent roles. Gain actionable tips to sharpen your resume, shape your professional growth, and highlight your future potential over past experience. Learn how to confidently communicate your vision and leave a lasting impression that lands you the job and sets you up for success.

5:00 PM

• Equipment Manager Career Achievement Reception

  1 hr 30 min

  Come mix and mingle with your peers from all corners of the industry. Get inspired to take your next step on your career path as we recognize the new Certified Turf Equipment Managers (CTEM) Class of 2026, those who completed milestones in the Equipment Management Certificate Program (EMCP), as well as other professional achievements. Whether you are new to the profession, a seasoned veteran, or a proud supporter of an EM, be sure to put this can’t miss event on your calendar. Reception sponsored by R&R Products. CTEM recognition sponsored by SIP.

1:15 PM

• Closing Session

  Conference Events
  1 hr 15 min