The OTA Receives an Education Grant from GCSAA in partnership with ClubProcure.

The GCSAA Foundation has awarded one-time education grants to 24 GCSAA-affiliated chapters. The Chapter Education Grants are presented in partnership with ClubProcure and help fund local continuing education events.   

Each grant was $500, and a total of $12,000 in grants was awarded. The Ozark Turf Association a GCSAA-affiliated chapter was one of the recipients and will use their grant towards their Fall Crew Training education event. This event will feature Carol Rau presenting “Beyond Growing Grass, Let’s Grow Your Career”, Bubba Wright, Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge, with his presentation, “Prepare Yourself for the Future”, and Trent Manning CTEM, with “Tips and Tricks for Your Maintenance Facility”. GCSAA board member Ryan Kraushofer, CGCS, will also speak to the group. Lunch will follow.

This is the third year that the OTA has held a meeting geared towards equipment managers, assistant superintendents and other golf course staff members. It has grown into an event that superintendents can go with their team to learn and network. We also thank VanWall Equipment for being a meeting partner. The OTA is grateful for the support they have received from VanWall Equipment, ClubProcure, and GCSAA, to provide this educational and networking opportunity for our members.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday October 22nd, at Big Cedar Lodge, cost is $40 for members and their staff, and $60 for nonmembers. GCSAA has awarded .4 education ceus for this meeting.

For more information visit www.ozarkgcsa.org or email ozarkturfassn@yahoo.com

OTA Members Visit the Lake of the Ozarks for June Meeting

Sponsored by SiteOne, the Ozark Turf Association’s June meeting took members to The Cove Golf Course at The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark. A Robert Trent Jones Sr. signature design, The Cove lived up to its name as participants enjoyed views of coves of the Lake of the Ozarks from two locations on the golf course.

After pairings were announced, members headed out to compete in either stroke play or team scramble formats. Boxed lunches were waiting for golfers at the turn. Following play, members gathered in the bar area to wait for the results and celebrate Chris Berry, golf course superintendent at Fremont Hills Country Club, for making a hole-in-one on No. 7.

Scramble results:

First place, with a score of 63, went to Cody Grean, superintendent, and Trevor Parsons, assistant superintendent, both from Eagle Creek Golf Course, along with Austen Gearhart of Advanced Turf Solutions and his son.

Second place, with a score of 66, went to Ryan Varns of SiteOne, Jason Hallam of Hunter Irrigation, Andrew Mills, assistant superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club, and Jarred Whitlinger, superintendent at Rivercut Golf Course.

In stroke play, Adam Camp, superintendent at Hidden Valley Golf Links, won the net prize after shooting a 79 with a net 74.

In the first flight, Matt Strong of VanWall Equipment won gross honors with a 74. Dustin Buckner, assistant superintendent at Hidden Valley Golf Links, placed second with an 85, followed by Brad Seidt, golf course superintendent at Lake Valley Golf Club, in third with an 87.

In the second flight, Melvin Waldron III, CGCS, golf course superintendent at Horton Smith Golf Course, took first with a 90. Barry Siems of Precision Turf Products placed second with a 91, winning a scorecard playoff over third-place finisher Sam Wineinger of Nufarm, who also shot a 91.

Proximity winners were:

Hole # 2 – Sponsored by BASF – Jason Hallam

Hole # 4 – Sponsored by GreensPro – Barry Siems

Hole # 7 - Sponsored by Harrell’s – Chris Berry with a hole in one

Hole # 13 - Sponsored by SiteOne – Sam Wineinger

Hole # 15 – Sponsored by VanWall – Dustin Buckner

We thank The Cove for hosting, superintendent Drew Lindsey and his crew for preparing the course, Matt Dillman and his staff for scoring, and Lilyana Payne and her staff for the catering and service excellence.

OTA Holds Successful S and R Fundraiser

The Ozark Turf Association hosted a successful scholarship and research fundraiser at Silo Ridge Country Club.

Twenty-four teams competed for prizes and enjoyed a beautiful late-spring day, along with the exceptional course conditions provided by Superintendent Ronnie Harmon and his staff.

The Precision Turf Products team of Barry Siems, Mike Irvine, Scott Welsh, and Josh Black took first place with a score of 15 under. The tournament included three flights with three places awarded in each, allowing nine teams to take home prize money.

Proximity winners were:

Hole # 2 – Sponsored by GreensPro – Alex Tucker

Hole # 5 - Sponsored by BASF – Mark Wendler

Hole # 11 - Sponsored by SiteOne – Travis Thompson

Hole # 17 – Sponsored by Harrell’s – Donnie Spencer

Long Drive on hole # 7 - Sponsored by envu – Mark Wendler

While scores were being tallied on the patio, participants enjoyed appetizers, swapped stories, and took part in a raffle featuring pro shop gift cards donated by tee sign partners.

The event raised approximately $6,700 for the scholarship and research fund, which will cover this year’s scholarships, with the Board to discuss the extra funds.

OTA thanks Syngenta for sponsoring lunch and the beverage cart, as well as the team and tee sign partners: Syngenta, Midwest Turf, VanWall Equipment, envu, Reinders, SiteOne, GreensPro, Harrell’s, Knox Fertilizer, Precision Turf Products, Nufarm, Corteva, PBI Gordon, Professional Turf Products, Advanced Turf Solutions, BASF, The Andersons, and Clear Creek Golf Car and Utility Vehicles. OTA also thanks tee sign partners Kansas Golf and Turf and GCSAA.

Knox renews its Gold Partnership with the OTA for the 2026 season

Knox Fertilizer has renewed its Gold Partnership with the Ozark Turf Association for the 2026 season.

Knox Fertilizer Company has been a family-owned business since 1950. Started by Robert and Georgia Shaw, the company is still owned and operated by their heirs today, now led by the third generation.

Knox Fertilizer Company has concentrated on the specialty plant food business since its inception over 70 years ago. With its base of operations located in Northwest Indiana, Knox is geographically located in the center of the largest metropolitan markets west of the Appalachian Mountains and east of the Rocky Mountains.

Its location on the edge of a major trade center enables Knox to buy and warehouse large quantities of low-cost inputs, passing those savings on to customers.

Knox Fertilizer Company is poised for the next half century by continuing to invest in innovative production processes, product quality, structural management, and environmental stewardship. This has prepared the Company to meet all current and future market and environmental requirements. This philosophy of reinvestment into the Company has helped us reach an elevated position in our industry in terms of perception and reliability.

Products produced at Knox Fertilizer Company are solely for the enhancement and maintenance of quality turf and ornamental plants for residential, commercial, and recreational sites. They are sold through professional and consumer distribution channels.

We sincerely thank Bob Brinton and Knox Fertilizer for their support of our chapter and members.

Gold partnerships offer company membership, team entry in our scholarship and research fundraising outing, including a sponsorship tee sign—and feature the company logo on both our meeting banner and website.  

Harrell’s renews its Gold Partnership with the OTA for the 2026 season

Harrell’s has renewed its Gold Partnership with the Ozark Turf Association for the 2026 season. In addition, the company will sponsor the April meeting, support proximity contests at the Scholarship and Research Fundraiser, and provide proximity sponsorships for April, June, and OTA Championship events.

At Harrell’s, they know that maintaining championship-level playing conditions requires precision, expertise, and the right agronomic solutions.  That’s why golf course superintendents nationwide trust their premium fertilizers, plant protection products, and soil health solutions to keep their courses in peak condition.

With industry-leading innovations like POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer and expert guidance from their dedicated sales and technical teams, they help you achieve consistent turf performance, strong root development, and superior playability.  Whether you’re preparing for daily rounds or major tournaments, Harrell’s is your partner in growing healthier, more resilient golf course turf.

Contact Jed Spencer, CGCS or Mike P. Smith for more information about Harrell’s products and services. 

The Harrell’s story, rooted in faith, built on service.  Proudly employee owned.

Harrell’s story began in 1941 when Ormond and Lucile Harrell purchased a small feed and seed store in downtown Lakeland, Florida.  What started as a modest, family-run business has grown into a nationwide leader in customized agronomic solutions, helping turf managers, lawn care operators, growers, and applicators grow a better world.

From the very beginning, Harrell’s has been guided by unwavering Christian principles, a deep commitment to doing what’s right, and a people-first mindset.  That foundation of integrity and service has been carried forward through generations of leadership under Ormond Harrell, Jack Harrell, Sr., Jack Harrell, Jr., and now Jack Harrell, III.  Each has shaped the company with a clear focus on faith, family, and a tireless dedication to customer success and commitment to their company’s core values. 

Gold partnerships offer company membership, team entry in our scholarship and research fundraising outing, including a sponsorship tee sign—and feature the company logo on both our meeting banner and website.  

GreensPro renews its Gold Partnership with the OTA for 2026

GreensPro has renewed its Gold Partnership with the Ozark Turf Association for 2026. In addition, the company will co-sponsor the OTA Golf Championship, support proximity contests at the Scholarship and Research Fundraiser, and provide proximity sponsorships for April, June, and OTA Championship events.

GreensPro, Inc. was established in September of 2010 with the goal of becoming the leading source for turf products in the golf and turf market. They set out to achieve this goal with a sales force that has over 50 years of experience and knowledge. Their expertise allows them to work with golf courses, lawn care and sports turf customers to develop customized programs, and provide solutions that meet their customers individual needs.

Their diverse product offering of chemicals, fertilizers, seeds and accessories will allow them to help you maintain the health and beauty of your championship course or facility. They offer free forklift delivery and look forward to being your source for service and solutions for all your turf needs. 

Contact Mark Slaughter or Tyler Fishel to learn more.

Gold partnerships offer company membership, team entry in our scholarship and research fundraising outing, including a sponsorship tee sign—and feature the company logo on both our meeting banner and website.  

OTA Members Golf and Network for April Meeting

The Ozark Turf Association enjoyed a strong turnout for its April meeting—generously sponsored by Harrell’s at Eagle Creek in Joplin on Monday, April 27. Despite an uncertain forecast, twenty-nine members came together to connect and share ideas over a taco bar with all the fixings.

After lunch, we announced pairings for the day’s play: four teams competed in a scramble, and 10 golfers played their own ball using Stableford scoring. With carts loaded, everyone headed to the course, and while the forecast stayed unpredictable, steady 20 mph winds blew all day under sunny skies.

Scramble results were as follows:

First place with a score of 69 went to team, we’ll call Harrell’s, consisting of Chris Berry, golf course superintendent at Fremont Hills Country Club, Brad Lackey, territory manager for Redexim Equipment, Andrew Mills, assistant superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club, and team anchor, Jed Spencer, Harrell’s territory manager.

Second place with a score of 71 was team Carthage golf course, with superintendent Ryan McInerney and crew members Jim and Dave. Rounding out the team was Austen Gearhart, territory manager with Advanced Turf Solutions.

In Stableford scoring, where eagles were worth four points, birdies were worth three, pars two points and bogeys were worth one point. Prizes were awarded in two flights. In First Flight there was a tie with 21 points, Sam Wineinger, territory manger with Nufarm won in a scorecard playoff, beating second place finisher, Jordan Eyster with Viridity construction. Third place with 19 points is Hidden Valley Golf Links assistant superintendent, Dustin Buckner.

In second flight we had a tie with 16 points but due to the flight breakdown, the person who lost the tie ended up in first place, Jeff Sommerer, came in first, in second with 14 points was Melvin Waldron III, CGCS, golf course superintendent at Horton Smith Golf Course, and third place with 13 points was Adam Camp, golf course superintendent at Hidden Valley Golf Links.   

Proximity winners were:

Hole # 4 – Sponsored by GreensPro – Jordan Eyster

Hole # 7 - Sponsored by Harrell’s – Sam Wineinger

Hole # 12 - Sponsored by SiteOne – Ryan McInerney

Hole # 16 – Sponsored by VanWall – Sam Wineinger

BWI Renews Silver Partnership

BWI, a valued supporter of the Ozark Turf Association, has once again renewed their Silver partnership for 2026. We are grateful for the ongoing support from our local representative, Steve Simpson and the many associates that serve our members.

BWI Companies, Inc. was founded in 1958 by Bob and Betty Bunch as a retail seed store in Texarkana, Texas. The company began wholesale operations in 1972 and has since expanded to a total of 20 locations, including 8 full line distribution centers across the Mid-south and Southeastern United States.

BWI currently distributes products for lawn and garden, animal health, horticulture, professional pest management, and turf markets to garden centers, farm and feed stores, hardware stores, grocery, regional multi-store outlets, greenhouse growers, nursery growers, landscapers, lawn and land care companies, golf courses, and other related outlets

BWI has a field sales staff of over 125 strong and makes timely deliveries with its company-owned fleet. With over 600 employees’ company-wide, BWI remains a strong and viable supplier in the marketplace. With second generation leadership provided by President and CEO, Jim Bunch, and Chief Administrative Officer and Co-President, Robert Bunch, BWI will continue to provide its customers with Top Notch service and quality products at competitive values by professional people.

Silver partnerships offer company membership and feature the company logo on both our meeting banner and website.  

OTA Facilities Participating in GCSAA Rounds 4 Research

The Ozark Turf Association has several facilities taking part in the 2026 Rounds 4 Research event, which will be held this week from Monday, April 20 through Sunday, April 26. The auction is organized by GCSAA. Items are available for viewing at the website GCSAA Foundation | BiddingForGood.

 The OTA Board has authorized funding for a research initiative led by Dr. Mingying Xiang at Oklahoma State University, titled “The Impact of Fall Drought on Bermudagrass Winter Survivability and Spring Dead Spot Incidence.” This project will be conducted throughout 2026 and 2027, with an allocation of $2,500 per year by the chapter. The Board acknowledges the importance of this study for members managing Bermuda fairways and tees. Any surplus funds will be managed at the Board’s discretion. In 2025, a contribution of $750 was made to the University of Missouri to support their research farm operations. Furthermore, a final payment of $1,500 was issued to the University of Arkansas for their work on wetting agents through the GCSAA Chapter Cooperative Program.  

 This project is presently underway. During the previous autumn, Dr. Xiang prepared the field and inoculated it with spring dead spot. The subsequent phase will involve hiring a graduate student who will implement the planned irrigation treatments over the summer and evaluate disease incidence throughout the fall. The study's objective is to examine the influence of irrigation practices on the development of spring dead spot in bermudagrass.

 The OTA Facilities participating include

Crestwood Country Club – Pittsburgh Kansas

Highland Springs Country Club – Springfield Missouri

Holiday Hills Golf Club – Branson Missouri

Ledgestone Country Club – Branson West Missouri

Osage National Golf Resort – Lake Ozark Missouri

Shadow Valley Country Club – Rogers Arkansas

Springfield-Greene County Park Board MO. Courses

·       Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course

·       Horton Smith Golf Course

·       Rivercut Golf Course

Springfield Golf and Country Club – Springfield Missouri

Triple Creek Golf Course – Cole Camp Missouri

The OTA Board of Directors thanks these courses and their management teams for donating rounds. 

Redexim renews its Silver Partnership with the OTA

For more than 45 years, we’ve built turf management equipment designed to deliver quality beneath your feet. From grassroots clubs to world-class stadiums, and from municipal parks to the most storied golf courses, we empower turf professionals to make sport happen and create unforgettable moments season after season.

What began with the Verti-Drain® has grown into a range of durable aerators, overseeders, topdressers, verticutters, renovation tools and synthetic surface cleaners. We combine decades of practical knowledge with intensive field testing and robust engineering to create equipment that delivers reliable results, healthy turf, fast drainage, lush growth, strong recovery, effective renovation and clean, safe surfaces.

These are more than just surfaces, they are stages that support people to compete, have fun, get healthy and come together. They need to be safe and in great condition, and that is something we believe everyone deserves.

Not always seen but always working, our equipment keeps pitches, greens and more prepared for action and ready for play. Quietly and consistently, we help elevate sports fields and golf courses for everyone, everywhere.

Our range includes Verti-Drain® and other aerators, overseeders, topdressers, verticutters, renovation equipment and synthetic surface cleaners, supported by knowledge, parts and expertise from a global team.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, with Redexim offices right here in Valley Park Missouri their North American location, United Kingdom and Australia, and supported by more than 200 distribution partners across more than 100 countries, we work with our customers, listen to their feedback and provide what they need to create the games we all share.

Redexim, a valued supporter of the Ozark Turf Association, has once again renewed their Silver partnership for 2026. We are grateful for the ongoing support from our local representative, Brad Lackey.

SiteOne renews its Gold Partnership with the OTA for the 2026 season

SiteOne has renewed its Gold Partnership with the Ozark Turf Association for the 2026 season and will sponsor our June meeting, as well as provide proximity prizes at the April and September meetings, in addition providing a proximity prize for our Scholarship and Research fundraiser.

SiteOne is your reliable partner and one-stop shop, offering everything your golf course requires. Whether you need turf and landscape fertilizers, plant health products, irrigation systems, lighting, nursery supplies, or a wide range of other items, SiteOne can meet all your facility’s needs.

The team’s expertise in product lines, categories, and local markets enables a comprehensive understanding of both broader strategies and intricate details, ensuring that their insights consistently surpass customer expectations.

Their associates, many of whom are seasoned professionals with extensive field experience, are equipped to assist clients in making well-informed decisions to address their needs.

SiteOne stands as the nation’s largest wholesale supplier for the green industry, offering an extensive range of products and convenient locations. Their local team members understand your community and its needs, since it’s also their home. With top-notch efficiency, SiteOne can direct ship or deliver goods directly to your golf course. You can place orders online or visit your nearest branch to meet with local SiteOne experts such as Ryan Varns, Matt Overton, Eddie Roach Jr. CGCS, and others.  

Gold partnerships offer company membership, team entry in our scholarship and research fundraising outing, including a sponsorship tee sign—and feature the company logo on both our meeting banner and website.  

OTA Members Enjoy Indoor Golf and Networking for their March Meeting

The Ozark Turf Association convened its March meeting at X-Golf Springfield, an indoor golf simulator venue, with sponsorship provided by Advanced Turf Solutions.

About a dozen OTA members braved the air conditioning, where they played Pebble Beach.  The light turnout was partially due to the 80 plus degree weather outside, way above average for March, while earlier that week we didn’t get above freezing, so others were catching up on work that Friday afternoon. 

While most of the golf shots, players felt were realistic, some of us did have trouble with the chipping component, and we believe there were a few of us that hit into Jim Nantz backyard. 

Jon Prange, CGCS, OTA President and Highland Springs Country Club superintendent, led with a score of 79. Christopher Berry, the new superintendent at Fremont Hills Country Club, finished second.  

Appetizers and snacks for the event were generously provided by Katie Pierce of Capital Sand and Josh Thomas of Professional Turf Products. We extend our sincere thanks to X-Golf for their hospitality, as well as to Advanced Turf Solutions for serving as our event sponsor.  

Reinders renews its Gold Partnership for 2026 with the OTA

Reinders renews its Gold Partnership with the Ozark Turf Association for the 2026 season

Reinders is a family-owned, regional distribution company headquartered in Sussex, Wisconsin.  The Company’s roots run deep tracing back to a general store founded in 1866 in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.  Reinders has grown to more than 250 employees at 16 locations in 5 states.

As one of the Midwest’s largest full-service distributors of products to the commercial green industry, many customers look to them as their one-stop source for all their product and maintenance needs. 

We thank Reinders and Territory Manager Michael Mass for supporting our members and chapter. 

Gold partnerships offer company membership, team entry in our scholarship and research fundraising outing, including a sponsorship tee sign—and feature the company logo on both our meeting banner and website.  

Syngenta renews its Gold Partnership with the OTA

Syngenta is recognized not just for its products, but also for its dedication to the industry. The company values partnerships with organizations that support turf professionals and help advance their fields.

Syngenta, considering their past involvement, is once again renewing their Gold Partnership with the Ozark Turf Association, which is the GCSAA-affiliated chapter serving the Ozarks region from the Lake of the Ozarks to Northwest Arkansas.

In addition to renewing their Gold Partner plan, Syngenta will sponsor our scholarship and research fundraiser, provide lunch and hors d’oeuvres while we await scoring, and supporting the beverage cart, offering complimentary non-alcoholic drinks to all participants. Syngenta is also sponsoring our beloved Family Fun Night at the Springfield Cardinals game. This year, Royals fans can enjoy a special treat by wearing their Royals gear as the Cardinals face off against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the AA affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.   

We thank Syngenta and territory manager Conrad Pannkuk for supporting our members and chapter.  

Gold partnerships offer company membership, team entry in our scholarship and research fundraising outing, including a sponsorship tee sign—and feature the company logo on both our meeting banner and website.  

Using Moisture Mapping to Improve Greens Management

Anyone managing bentgrass in the transition zone knows that moisture management can make or break greens during the summer. At our course we maintain about 4.5 acres of bentgrass greens, and keeping moisture levels consistent while still maintaining firm conditions is something we focus on every day. Our goal most days is to keep the greens as dry as possible while still protecting the plant. Over the past year we’ve started using a system that has helped us improve how we manage moisture across our greens. Like many courses, we previously relied on a handheld moisture meter to check conditions and guide hand watering. Recently we switched to using the Pogo Pro moisture sensor and mapping software from Pogo TurfPro, which allows us to map the entire green instead of just pulling a few individual readings. Each morning one of our assistants gets out ahead of course setup and maps every green with the Pogo unit. As he walks the surface taking readings, the sensor connects to his phone and the software builds a moisture map in real time. By the time he finishes, we have a clear visual showing how moisture is distributed across the putting surface. Our hand watering crew follows behind the setup team and can view those same maps on two iPads we keep with the water crew. With cell reception, the maps load immediately and show exactly where the dry areas are on each green. This has really helped tighten up our hand watering. Instead of watering larger areas just to be safe, we can target the specific spots that need moisture and leave the rest of the surface alone. Before switching to this system, we used a FieldScout TDR 350 moisture meter, which provided accurate point readings but didn’t always give a full picture of how moisture varied across the green. The mapping software makes it much easier to identify dry areas and communicate that information to the crew. Since implementing this process, we’ve been able to keep our greens slightly drier overall while still protecting localized stress areas, helping us maintain firmer and more consistent putting surfaces. In the transition zone, having better information about moisture distribution has been a big help. At the end of the day, it’s just another tool, but for us it has become a valuable part of our daily routine for managing greens moisture.

Miles Carlson Director of Agronomy Blessings Golf Club

Miles Carlson is the Director of Agronomy at Blessings Golf Club in Johnson Arkansas and is home to the University of Arkansas Men’s and Women’s golf teams. Miles and his staff recently became members of the Ozark Turf Association, an affiliated chapter of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America

OTA Members Enjoy Bowling and Networking

The Ozark Turf Association hosted its annual bowling event, generously sponsored by Knox Fertilizer Company.

Just over 20 OTA members joined in, with 15 taking to the lanes while others networked, enjoyed lunch and drinks, and steered clear of any bowling-related mishaps.

The tournament followed 9-pin no tap rules, and each team counted their best three out of four scores per game.

Team One was captained by Gary Nichols, assistant superintendent at Schifferdecker Golf Course, who bowled an impressive series of 778 pins. His teammates included Andrew Mills, assistant superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club, and Conner Antonetti, assistant superintendent at Hickory Hills Country Club. Together, they achieved a team total of 1,583 pins.

Team Two was led by Joey Johnson from Clear Creek Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles, who delivered the second-best series at 626 pins. He was joined by Sam Richart, superintendent at Fremont Hills Country Club; Kolby Armbruster, superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club; and Alex Guerra-Rivera from Carthage Golf Course. This team’s combined efforts earned them a total of 1,526 pins.

We would like to thank Enterprise Park Lanes for their excellent hospitality and Knox Fertilizer for their support as our event sponsor.

Envu Renews its Gold Partnership with the OTA

Envu, known for its innovative plant health products, has renewed its Gold Partnership with the Ozark Turf Association. As longstanding supporters of our chapter, we are grateful for their ongoing commitment. In addition to continuing as a gold partner, Envu will also sponsor a proximity prize at this year's OTA Scholarship and Research event.  

With the support of our area representative Wes Kleffner, Green Team Solutions partner Dr. Zach Reicher, and the expertise of the entire Green Team colleagues, our members receive valuable education and effective solutions to turf management challenges. We appreciate their ongoing commitment and assistance.  

Gold partnerships offer company membership, team entry in our scholarship and research fundraising outing—including a sponsorship tee sign—and feature the company logo on both our meeting banner and website.  

OTA Donates to the Col. John Morley Endowment Fund Through the GCSAA Foundation

The Ozark Turf Association has proudly contributed to the Col. John Morley endowment fund to celebrate the GCSAA centennial. The chapter donated as a Heritage Partner donating $1,000 at our education/annual meeting day. This will fund new and innovative initiatives for the next 100 years of the association.

Celebrating 100 years of excellence

The GCSAA Foundation has embarked on a Centennial fundraising campaign to establish a new endowment honoring GCSAA’s founder, Col. John Morley, with a goal of raising $1 million to fund new and innovative initiatives for the next 100 years.

GCSAA is filled with gratitude for the incredibly loyal members, allied and industry partnerships, and talented team members who have helped shape its success for the last century.

Join in celebrating GCSAA's monumental achievement as we look back on a century of milestones and forward to the exciting possibilities ahead. Together, the next 100 years are sure to be even more remarkable.

Van Wall Equipment Renews Gold Partnership with the OTA

Van Wall Equipment has an established legacy as a John Deere dealer, originating in 1946 with the opening of Wall Implement on Main Street in Woodward, Iowa. The company provides sales and services for a comprehensive selection of John Deere equipment, including products tailored for golf and sports turf applications.

They are renewing their Gold Partnership with the Ozark Turf Association for 2026, which includes a team in the annual scholarship and research fundraiser, and they will also partner with the OTA educational meeting in October, focused on equipment managers, assistant superintendents, and other golf staff. Additionally, they will sponsor the January 2027 education meeting and provide three proximity prizes at this year’s golf meetings.  

We thank our territory manager, Matt Strong, with Andy Klien and Richard Shumate for their support of OTA members and the chapter.

Midwest Turf Renews Gold Partnership with the OTA

Midwest Turf, longtime supporters of the Ozark Turf Association have renewed their Gold Partnership for 2026.

Since 2000, Midwest Turf, Inc. has been working to provide solutions for the challenges that golf courses superintendents in Missouri and Kansas face.  Through their relationship with Floratine Products Group, their primary focus is to create the strongest turf through proper soil and foliar nutrition.  They also represent JRM Inc., Select Source and UPI (generic chemistries), and TurfMax LLC (TurfScreen) to offer a well-rounded selection of turfgrass solutions.

We thank David Hunter, president of Midwest Turf for his generous support of the Ozark Turf Association and welcome his new associate Austin French to the OTA.

Gold Partnerships with the OTA include membership for all company employees, the company logo on the yearly meeting banner and on the OTA website, with a link to their website.  It also includes a team in the scholarship and research fundraiser and a tee sign.