Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show Sets New Benchmarks Despite Weather Challenges

The Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association (Carolinas GCSA) celebrated yet another successful annual Conference and Trade Show at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Despite challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, the event demonstrated the resilience and vibrancy of the golf industry, attracting a record-breaking 240 companies filling 419 booths, the largest in the event’s history.

While seminar seat sales reached an impressive 1,471—just shy of last year’s record of 1,508—the effects of hurricane-related damage in Western North Carolina kept some regular attendees from joining the festivities.

Carolinas GCSA President Alex Tolbert expressed pride in the event’s enduring success. “We’re incredibly proud of the product we put forward every year and even more grateful for the support we receive from exhibitors, industry partners, and our members,” said Tolbert, the new president and superintendent at Orangeburg Country Club in South Carolina. Tolbert, who succeeded Pete Gerdon from Grandfather Golf and Country Club, also urged members to get involved in ensuring the association continues its legacy of excellence.

Highlights from the Event:

• Fellowship Breakfast: Sponsored by Cobrin Turf and New Life Turf, 180 attendees gathered to hear Willie Pennington, a BASF representative for nearly 50 years, deliver an inspiring address.
• Awards and Recognition:
  • Distinguished Service Award: Chuck Green, superintendent at Quixote Club in Sumter, SC, was honored for his remarkable career spanning four decades. Green, who emphasized the importance of curiosity and collaboration, credited his success to hard work and faith.
  • Special Presentation: Angie Davis, a 30-year veteran of the association and its indispensable office manager, was surprised with an Alaskan cruise for her unwavering dedication.
• 27-Hole Challenge Winner: Andy Howard of Moss Creek in Bluffton, SC, won a five-day fishing trip to Panama, sparking friendly competition among colleagues vying to join him.

New Leadership and Membership Decisions:

During the association’s annual business meeting, members approved the first dues increase in a decade for Class A, B, and C members, setting them at $250 and $155, respectively. Dean Farlow of Deep Springs Country Club was elected to the board, joining returning director Matthew Smith from Wilmington Municipal Golf Course.

Alex Tolbert was sworn in as the 51st president of the Carolinas GCSA, bringing his extensive industry experience to lead the 1,850-member organization with an annual budget exceeding $1.5 million. “I am extremely humbled to serve this association, which I believe is the best in the country,” Tolbert said, urging members to actively contribute to its ongoing success.

Industry Resilience and Community Support:

Outgoing president Pete Gerdon reflected on the impacts of Hurricane Helene, extending heartfelt thoughts to affected members and communities across the Carolinas and Tennessee. “My hopes and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected. The devastation we’ve seen is truly unbelievable,” he said.

Carolinas GCSA Executive Director Tim Kreger emphasized the exceptional contributions of Angie Davis, stating, “Angie has been instrumental in growing this organization, and her personal touch has made an indelible impact on all of us.”

About the Carolinas GCSA:

The Carolinas GCSA represents golf course superintendents and industry professionals across North and South Carolina. With an annual operating budget of over $1.5 million, the association is dedicated to education, advocacy, and the promotion of excellence in golf course management.