OTA Member Achieves Certification Renewal from GCSAA

The Ozark Turf Association extends its congratulations to Jonathan Prange, CGCS, on successfully finishing his initial 5-year renewal period. Jon is the golf course superintendent at Highland Springs Country Club and currently holds the position of OTA president.   

The Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) is the pinnacle of recognition for golf course superintendents, demonstrating the highest level of excellence in golf course management.

Eligibility for CGCS status requires first attaining Class A designation. Once this is achieved, applicants must successfully pass an online examination, demonstrate strong leadership and communication abilities, and have their golf course verified by two current CGCS members. Additionally, candidates must hold a valid state pesticide license or successfully complete the GCSAA IPM assessment.  

After earning certification, members can maintain it in one of two ways. They may accumulate 15 points over five years, with at least 9 points coming from educational activities, and keep their pesticide license or retake the IPM exam. Alternatively, they can simply retake and pass the certification test.

For those interested in achieving certification, please contact Cody Steiner, GCSAA Certification Manager at 1-800-472-7878 ext.3618 

OTA Member Scott Welsh Honored

Scott Welsh, golf course superintendent at Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and Ozark Turf Association member, was honored at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame winter sports luncheon on December 16, 2025.

Welsh was recognized as part of the “Filbert Five” 2025 men’s team for excellence in basketball.  Scott played basketball along with other sports at Willard High School in Willard, Missouri.  The Filbert Five is named in honor of Gary Filbert (MSHOF Legend 2011), who was a successful basketball coach before assisting legendary Missouri Tigers coach Norm Stewart and then founding the Show-Me State Games.

Welsh was a three-time All-State selection for Willard High School for coach George Wilson (MSHOF 2008), earning Second Team honors in 1990 and First Team honors in 1991 and 1992.  In all, he scored 1,899 points on varsity.  Along the way, he helped the Tigers win the Blue and Gold Tournament in 1991, and place third in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions a year later.  That was a fitting part of his time with Wilson, who had coached his dad, Ed, at Fair Play and coached his brother , Steve, on Willard’s 1988 state third-place team.  Welsh went on to a career in grounds, mostly as a golf course superintendent.  He has worked at Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course in Springfield for the past five years.  Previously, he worked 10 years at Green Hills Country Club in Willard and was at Island Green Golf Club in Republic for a decade.  He got his start at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club in Bolivar, learning under Ronnie Harmon.  He also worked grounds for the Willard School District.  Welsh and his wife, Angie, are parents to Syler, a senior at Willard High School.

Thank you to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for supplying the article. 

OTA Celebrates Year End with Christmas Party

The Ozark Turf Association commenced the 2025 meeting season with a Christmas gathering at Ledgestone Country Club, generously sponsored by Professional Turf Products.

Guests enjoyed a social hour featuring chicken wings, smoky sausage bites, and queso with chips, sipping drinks as they looked back on the previous year.   Following the social hour, dinner was presented featuring a menu that included garden salad, roasted chicken, a selection of sides such as a vegetable medley and macaroni and cheese, as well as a prime rib carving station for guests. Dessert consisted of a Kahlua brownie served with a scoop of ice cream.  

 After dinner, host superintendent Kolby Armbruster and his wife Katie arranged minute-to-win-it games for everyone. Teams were formed: “The Jingle Ballers,” “Tipsy Elves,” “The Fruit Cakes,” and “The Flying Santas.” The first challenge, “Jingle Bell Drop,” required rolling jingle bells down a table into Red Solo Cups—fortunately, no beverages were harmed. “The Flying Santas” took victory in this round. In the “Ornament Relay,” teammates rolled Christmas ornaments across the floor to each other, resulting in a win for “The Fruit Cakes.” For the “Santa’s Cookie Drop,” Oreos were balanced on foreheads and maneuvered into mouths without using hands; with professional cookie wrangler Jeff Sommerer absent, “Jingle Ballers” claimed the title. During the “Snowblower” relay, participants raced to knock cotton ball “snowballs” off upside-down red solo cups using party blowers, after a few close races, some requiring video replay, the “Jingle Ballers” were victorious again. The final game, “Hungry Hungry Reindeer,” had players use their “hooves” (again,red solo cups) to gather in snowballs, and “Jingle Ballers” rounded out the night with yet another win.  The biggest pattern we saw during the games was the presence of red solo cups, coincidence? 

This led to the finale where guest “wrapped” up the evening, unwrapping saran wrap balls filled with prizes while wearing oven mitts.   The “Jingle Ballers” faced off with the winless “Tipsy Elves” The saran ball started with the first player trying to unwrap the ball using the oven mitts, while the next player rolled the dice, once that player rolled a double, the ball passed to that player and the dice went to the next player. This continued around the table.  After two rounds, the gloves came “off”, and people were trying to unroll the ball with bare hands.  Different silly prizes, chocolate candy or gift cards would come out as the ball would unwrap, with the prize going to that player.  The big winner of the first ball was Judi Mills, wife of Ledgestone assistant superintendent Andrew Mills.

The second ball featured the teams of the “Flying Santas” and “Fruit Cakes”, both teams passed the ball around again trying to unwrap the ball with the oven mitts, and again after two rounds, the gloves came off.  The big winner of the second ball concluded another win for the Mills family, as Andrew got the prize from the middle of the ball. 

Everyone who attended had a wonderful time—special thanks to Professional Turf Products for sponsoring the event, Ledgestone County Club for their great food and drinks, and Katie and Kolby Armbruster for making the event enjoyable with their entertainment.  

Ozark Turf Association Announces Speaker Lineup for Education Meeting

The Ozark Turf Association, an affiliated chapter of the GCSAA has announced their speaker lineup for their yearly education meeting to be held at Highland Springs Country Club on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026.

The meeting brings together chapter members and vendor partners for one of the chapter’s largest meeting events of the year. The OTA seeks out educational speakers on a variety of topics, and vendor partners have tables set up to interact with members.

Coffee and Danish greet attendees at registration and members have time to meet with vendors to discuss products for the upcoming season. There are breaks during the presentations for attendees to meet again with vendors, and then after lunch.

After the lunch time break, the chapter holds its annual meeting. The education portion of this event has been approved for .35 education points by GCSAA. Cost of the meeting is only $40 and is free for those members who have purchased the prepaid meeting plan with their 2025 dues.

We would like to recognize meeting sponsor VanWall Equipment and our lunch sponsor, Professional Turf Products.

For more information and to RSVP, email ozarkturfassn@yahoo.com

Schedule:

7:15 AM Vendor Set up.

 7:30 AM Registration – Meet with Vendors

8:00 AM Welcome and speaker introductions – Jonathan Prange, CGCS – President OTA – Golf Course Superintendent, Highland Springs Country Club   

8:00 – 9:00 AM – “Don’t Do This!! Common Preventable Turf Mistakes” – Dr. Zac Reicher – Green Solutions Team, Envu

9:00 – 9:45 AM – “Introduction into AI for Golf Maintenance” – Jonathan Prange, CGCS, golf course superintendent Highland Springs Country Club 

9:45 – 10:00 AM – “Break” – Break w/Vendors

10:00 – 10:45 AM – “Using FFA Students to Fill Labor Demand” – Randy Robinson – GCSAA Central Plains Regional Representative

10:45 – 11:45 AM – “Results of Wetting Agent Research” – Dr. Wendall Hutchens – Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas  

11:45 – 12:45 PM – Lunch and Meet with Vendors:  Lunch Sponsored by:        

1:00 – 2:00 PM – “Annual Meeting with Elections” – Jonathan Prange, CGCS – President OTA – Golf Course Superintendent, Highland Springs Country Club

OTA Holds Staff Education Event

The Ozark Turf Association held a well-attended education event for OTA members equipment managers and assistant superintendents at Fremont Hills Country Club. The meeting even included some superintendents attending with their staff.  VanWall Equipment sponsored the meeting.

OTA past president and Fremont Hills superintendent Sam Richart hosted the meeting and introduced our first speaker, Jordan Roth, Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM) from Champions Club in Omaha Nebraska, where Jordan is the equipment manager.  Jordan gave a presentation to those in attendance on “Electrical Diagnostic Methods and Tools”.  After that presentation he gave a brief talk on maintenance shop set up. 

The second speaker was Matt Giese, a technical manager from Syngenta.  His presentation was on “Spreader and Sprayer Calibrations” Matt showed a power point on the reasons and method of calibration spreaders and sprayers, and after the power point, those interested in participating in actual calibration practices headed outside on a beautiful fall day.  First up was the spreader calibration portion of the demonstration.  Matt enlisted attendees in setting up the containers to catch the fertilizer from the spreader; after setting up the container boxes, Sam Richart ran the spreader back and forth a few times to distribute the product.  After collecting the product, Matt had attendees pour the fertilizer into measuring jars, where attendees were able to see the distribution pattern, showing how important overlapping plays into a proper granular fertilizer application.  The next step was to measure out a path, weigh fertilizer and load it into the spreader, Sam pushed the spreader along the measured distance, after which the remaining fertilizer was weighed and attendees worked to figure out the amount of product applied along with the percentage of nitrogen that was in the application. 

After the spreader calibration was done, the group moved over to the sprayer, Matt led them into checking for nozzle performance, where they held measuring pitchers under the nozzles collecting water.  After that process, they checked the speed of the sprayer over a measured distance, and with both the speed and the volume of water they collected in the pitchers, Matt lead the group in figuring out the gallons per acre the spray rig was putting out.  It was noted that most modern spray equipment will apply the required amount of water volume, but this exercise provided an opportunity to check and make sure the equipment is operating properly. 

While this group was participating in the calibration process, equipment managers stayed inside were Jordan lead a round table discussion, allowing the equipment managers to learn from each other and creating a networking opportunity for the group. 

Afterwards the group enjoyed some delicious smash burgers from the grill.  The OTA would like to thank Jordan Roth, CTEM, and Matt Giese for leading the education portion of the meeting, territory manager Matt Strong with VanWall Equipment for sponsoring, and Sam Richart and Fremont Hills for hosting this well attended event.  Also, thanks to Sam and Fremont for providing a tee time that some of us took advantage of, the course was in great shape and the weather was perfect. 

 Photos credited to Melvin Waldron III, CGCS

Ozark Turf Association Announces 2026 Membership and Partnership Information

The Ozark Turf Association, the local GCSAA affiliate chapter, has announced their membership dues along with the 2026 Prepaid meeting plan. Dues will remain the same, $50 for superintendent members, $30 for assistant superintendent members, equipment managers, associate members and other turf professionals. The Prepaid meeting plan covers the monthly meetings in April, June, OTA Championship, December Christmas party, and the 2027 Education/Annual Meeting.

Vendor/Partner memberships are $60 for individuals, and $100 for companies which covers all employees. The 2026 Partnership Plan has also been announced. There is the Gold Partner Plan, which includes company membership, a team in the scholarship and research fundraiser, and the company logo on the yearly meeting banner and the OTA website, with a link to the company website. The Silver Partnership plan includes company membership, and the company logo on the yearly meeting banner and the OTA website with links to their company website. There are also other partnership opportunities that will fit any budget.

Details are located under the about us tab click on the membership link. The information is accessible by pressing the info button.

For more info contact the OTA at ozarkturfassn@yahoo.com

Irvine Wins OTA Championship

Mike Irvine, Golf Facilities Supervisor with the Springfield-Greene County Parks won the 2025 Ozark Turf Association Championships, presented by Clear Creek Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles in partnership with Club Car.

Irvine fired a 76 at Silo Ridge Country Club in Bolivar, defeating a group of three players shooting 78’s.  This is Mike’s second OTA Championship winning his first in 2020. 

Second place in the Championship flight with a 78 winning a scorecard playoff was Scott Welsh, with Maron Towse coming in third, also with a 78.  Fourth place with an 80 was Conner Antonetti.

Gavin Arnold also shot 78, but he won the net event with a score of 74.

First flight was won by Russell Cole shooting an 83, former three-time OTA Champions Tom Russell shot an 84 to finish second in the flight, third with an 85 was Brad Seidt, and forth also with an 85 was Jeff Sommerer.

The second flight was won after a scorecard playoff, by Brian Bauer edging out Paul Lewis, with both shooting 89’s, third place with a 90 was Tyler Cook who won a scorecard playoff with Melvin Waldron III, CGCS.

In the scramble event, Austin Gearheart and Cody Young finished 1st, second place was Aaron Eoff, Steven Rosetta, James Abey and Jared Whitlinger, third place was the team of Tyler Fishel, Brad Lackey, Chris Smith, Dale Harrison, and Barry Siems.

Winning the proximity closest to the pin prizes were as follows:

Hole # 2 sponsored by GreensPro was Toby Burkhart

Hole # 5 sponsored by Harrell’s was Gavin Arnold.

Hole # 11 sponsored by SiteOne was Chad Hoerschgen

Hole # 17 sponsored by VanWall Equipment was Badam Camp

Prior to play we were treated to a pulled pork lunch with all the fixings, sponsored by GreensPro. 

Thanks go to Silo Ridge Superintendent Ronnie Harman and his crew for preparing championship conditions for our event and hosting, it was a treat to get to play our own ball if we wanted.  Silo Ridge is our regular home for our Scholarship and Research fund raiser every year.   

Bottom Picture - Jonathan Prange CCGS and OTA President on the right presents the trophy to Mike Irvine on the left (photo credits to Melvin Waldron III, CGCS)

OTA to Host Equipment Manager/Assistant Superintendent Meeting

The Ozark Turf Association will be hosting a meeting for Equipment Managers and Assistant Superintendent at Fremont Hills Country Club on Thursday October 23rd sponsored by VanWall Turf Equipment with a grant from Club Procure, administered by GCSAA.

The event will feature presentations from Jordan Roth, CTEM at Champions Run in Omaha Nebraska, who will give presentations on Electrical Diagnostic Methods and Tools, Equipment Asset Management and will host a Roundtable. Matt Giese from Syngenta will give presentations on spreader and sprayer calibrations.

Registration starts at 7:30 AM, coffee and danish will be provided, lunch will follow at noon.

Cost for members and their staff is just $20; nonmembers and their staff will be $30. For that price bring the whole team.

This event has received .4 education points from GCSAA

To RSVP call or text 417-860-9449 or email ozarkturfassn@yahoo.com

Ozark Turf Association Awards Second Scholarship

The Ozark Turf Association has awarded the 2025-26 Ozark Turf Association Scholarship to Landon Kleffner.  Landon is in his second year at Kansas State where he is a Mechanical Engineering major.  Landon graduated from Blue Valley Northwest High School in 2024.  While there he took a basic engineering class where he discovered his passion for engineering.  During Landon’s senior year he participated in the school’s accelerated career readiness program called the Center for Advanced Professional studies where they led student-based projects and visited local engineering firms.  His freshman year at Kansas State he joined a single man rally car engineering club.  During breaks from school Landon works as a member of the golf shop staff at St. Andrews Golf Club in Overland Park Kansas, he has been a staff member since 2022.   Landon is the son of Wes Kleffner, long-time OTA member with Envu.

The Ozark Turf Association Scholarship program gives awards of up to $3,000 to recipients and are funded by the OTA members through their annual scholarship and research outing held each year.

OTA Karl Anderson Legacy Scholarship Recipient Announced

The Ozark Turf Association has awarded the 2025-26 Karl Anderson Legacy Scholarship to Ms. Cassie Fishel of Marshfield MO. Cassie is the daughter of longtime OTA member Tyler Fishel, of GreensPro, supplier of turf products. Cassie is a 2024 graduate of Marshfield High School, where she excelled in the classroom with a 3.4 GPA and as a track athlete, where she earned all-conference, district, and state honors and received the MHSAA girls track athlete of the year.  She also was involved with a variety of school groups.   Cassie currently attends Ozark Technical College, in Springfield MO. and is currently working on her general education classes and hasn’t chosen a major yet, but with her current experiences at Ozark Tech, she is finding her current interests are being drawn towards the science field and learning how everything works.   Cassie was on the Dean’s at list at OTC last fall and this spring and currently carries a 3.7 GPA. The Ozark Turf Association congratulates Cassie and wishes a successful school year.

The Karl Anderson Legacy Scholarship is named for long time Ozark Turf Association member Karl Anderson who worked for years as the golf course superintendent at Hickory Hills Country Club. He and his wife Patsy did not have children of their own but strongly supported the association’s scholarship efforts. Karl lost his battle with brain cancer in May of 2018. The Karl Anderson Legacy Scholarship is open to the children and grandchildren of OTA members. Awards of $3,000 are given to recipients and funded by the OTA members through their annual scholarship and research outing held each year.

OTA Member achieves Certification Renewal from GCSAA

The Ozark Turf Association congratulates and recognizes OTA member, Jed Spencer, CGCS, for completing his fourth Certified Golf Course Superintendent renewal cycle.  Jed has been a CGCS for 20 years. 

Jed is currently the distributor of Harrell’s turf products to the Ozark Turf Association members. 

The Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) is the pinnacle of recognition for golf course superintendents, demonstrating the highest level of excellence in golf course management.

To be eligible to become a CGCS, first one must achieve Class A status,  once that’s established, the applicant has to pass an online exam, they must also demonstrate their leadership and communication skills and also have their golf course attested by two CGCS members.  They must also possess a state pesticide license or pass the GCSAA IPM test. 

Once certified, to maintain that certification, members have two options, one, they must achieve 15 total points with 9 of those points being education points in a five year period, and they must also maintain their pesticide license or retake the IPM test.  Or they may retake the certification test and pass it.

For those interested in achieving certification, please contact Cody Steiner, GCSAA Certification Manager at 1-800-472-7878 ext.3618 

OTA Family Fun Night at the Springfield Cardinals

We had a great turnout on August 1st for the annual Ozark Turf Association Family Fun Night sponsored by Syngenta at the Springfield Cardinals game, the AA farm team of the St. Louis Cardinals.  It was great to see so many families able to get together as we hope summer winds down and before the kids head back to school.  This was the largest presence so far of OTA kids attending.

We occupied the Homeplate party deck where a buffet of hot dogs, brats and chicken fingers were served along items to make nachos, with cookies for dessert.  Beverages included soft drinks, water, and adult beverages. 

Despite the Cardinals losing 7-1 a good time was had by all as families caught up with happenings since families last got together for our Christmas party last year.   We finished the evening watching Friday Night Fireworks. 

Thanks again to Syngenta and Conrad Pannkuk, our Syngenta representative.  2026 Cardinals schedules have been released, we hope to start planning for next year’s event soon,

photos courtesy of Melvin Waldron and Adam Camp

Greene Country OEM PIO Zangara Speaks at June OTA Meeting

The June Ozark Turf Association meeting sponsored by SiteOne had the Greene County Office of Emergency Management Public Information Officer, Nicolette Zangara speak about preparing our facilities for severe weather events.  Zangara, a former KY 3 meteorologist, presented her golf-themed power-point presentation, touching on all-weather hazards for facilities to prepare for.  She also touched on other possible emergency scenarios.    Nicolette answered questions from members after her presentation.     

Springfield Golf and Country Club provided breakfast items during morning registration and BBQ sandwiches for lunch at the turn.

After the morning presentation, attendees gathered to head out and play 18 holes of golf.  We had groups play in a scramble format along with some playing stroke play. 

Winning the net prize with a 69 was Kolby Armbruster, superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club.

First flight stroke play winners: First place with a score of 78 was Mike Irvine, golf facilities supervisor, Springfield-Greene County Park Board.  Second place with a 79 was Maron Towse, superintendent, Schifferdecker Golf Course.  Third place with an 82 was Mark Slaughter, GreensPro. 

Second flight stoke play winners: First place with a score of 87 was Travis Thompson, assistant superintendent The Oaks at Margaritaville Resort.  Second place with a score of 88, Randy Robinson, GCSAA Central Region Field Representative.   Third place with a score of 89 was Adam Camp, superintendent Hidden Valley Golf Links.

Scramble Team winners were, Team 3 with a 69, Gary Nichols, assistant superintendent, Schifferdecker Golf Course, Andrew Mills, assistant superintendent, Ledgestone Country Club, Austen Gearhart, Advanced Turf Solutions, and Brad Lackey, Redexim Turf Products.  Team two came in second place with 70, team members include host Bryan Simmons, golf course superintendent, Springfield Golf and Country Club, Gumaro Cardenas, assistant superintendent, at Springfield Golf and Country Club, Ryan Varns and Matt Overton, SiteOne.  Props to team 1 shooting a 71, Jared Whitlinger, superintendent Rivercut, Tyler Fishel, GreensPro, and Jed Spencer, Harrell’s. 

Proximity winners:

Closest to the pin hole # 2 sponsored by Brandt – Maron Towse

Closest to the pin hole # 5 sponsored by GreensPro – Maron Towse

Closest to the pin hole # 12 sponsored by Harrell’s – Conrad Pannkuk, Syngenta

Closest to the pin hole # 15 sponsored by VanWall – Mark Slaughter

Thanks again to our speaker Nicolette Zangara for presenting an educational and entertaining presentation to our members, SiteOne for sponsoring our meeting, and Springfield Golf and Country Club for hosting our event. 

Ozark Turf Association Member Achieves GCSAA Class A Status

Ozark Turf Association member, Tyler Scroggins, Golf Course Superintendent at Holiday Island Country Club in Holiday Island, Arkansas, achieved Class A status this past month with the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA).  Tyler was recognized in the August 2025 issue of Golf Course Management magazine. The OTA congratulates Tyler on his achievement.

For members looking to earn Class A status, it consists of a combination of formal education, experience as a golf course superintendent, continuing education and providing proof of a valid pesticide license or passing the GCSAA IPM Exam. Class A membership demonstrates a personal commitment to lifelong learning, environmental stewardship and elevating the golf course management profession. It also shows employers that their achievements and competencies are documented and validated. For those looking to pursue Class A status, reach out to Randy Robinson, Central Field Representative at GCSAA.

2025 OTA Scholarship and Research Fundraiser is a Success

The Ozark Turf Association held their annual Scholarship and Research Fundraiser at Silo Ridge Country Club.  The outing was a great success as we raised $6,321.56 which will cover our 2025-26 scholarship awards.

The fundraiser was well attended with 25 teams vying for prizes.  Prior to our shotgun start, players were treated to the traditional S and R taco bar, sponsored by Syngenta, who also sponsored our hors d’oeuvres that we munched on after play while awaiting the scores.

First place in the championship flight was won by the Millwood Golf and Racquet Club Team consisting of superintendent Chad Hoerschgen, Dan Schumacher, Chris Obert, and Tryn Titus with a score of 18 under 54.  They won the scorecard playoff with the second-place team. Second place in the championship flight was Advanced Turf Solutions Team 1, with members Austen Gearhart, Maron Towse, Aaron Borland, and Jack Myers, also with a score of 18 under. Third place in the championship flight was the Precision Turf Products team of Barry Siems, Mike Irvine, Scott Welsh and Shawn Freeman.  They had a score of 16 under 56.

In the first flight, first place with a score of 11 under 61, was the Fremont Hills Country Club team of superintendent Sam Richart, Jeff Robbins, Rob Sedoreck, and Sam Taylor. Second place first flight also with a score of also of 11 under 61, was team Clear Creek Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles, consisting of Brian Cheever, Joey Johnson, Justin Fraker, and Lane Reppond. Third place first flight with another 11 under 61 was the Silo Ridge Country Club team with superintendent Ronnie Harmon, Bryan Daniels, Shawn Hoffman and Brent Butler. 

In first place in second flight was Team PBI Gordon with Sean Lehr, AJ Panter, Ben Smith and Chuck Ermisch with a score of 7 under 65. Second place in second flight also with a score of 7 under 65 was team BASF with Alex Tucker, Gerald Knight, Klay Knight, and Melvin Waldron. Third place in second flight with a score of 5 under 67 was team Harrell’s, with Jed Spencer, Lukas Phillips, Mike Smith and Drew Lindsey.

Proximity winners:

Closest to the pin hole # 2 sponsored by GreensPro – Chris Obert

Closest to the pin hole # 5 sponsored by Brandt – Conner Antonetti

Closest to the pin hole # 11 sponsored by SiteOne – Tom Russell

Closest to the pin hole # 17 sponsored by VanWall – Toby Burkhart

Long Drive hole # 7 sponsored by Harrell’s – Matt Jowers

We would like to thank all of our sponsors who sponsored teams and/or tee signs, they also provided gift cards that were raffled off, giving everyone a chance to win regardless of their golf prowess.

Syngenta, SiteOne, BASF, Advanced Turf Solutions, The Andersons, Knox Fertilizer, Professional Turf Products, Precision Turf Products, Envu, Harrell’s, GreensPro, Midwest Turf, PBI Gordon, VanWall, Corteva, Nufarm, Kansas Golf and Turf, Chuck Ermisch Golf Architect, and Clear Creek Golf Car and Utility Vehicles. 

We would like to thank Silo Ridge superintendent Ronnie Harmon and his crew for providing a great golf course, Bryan Daniels and staff for handling the scoring and Mulligans for providing all our food options. They hosted another successful event.

OTA April Meeting Recap - 2025

Our April Ozark Turf Association meeting, sponsored by Harrell’s, was well attended with 38 members participating in our educational event. Dr. Xi Xiong from the University of Missouri presented information on the history of billbugs in Missouri along with research on the best control methods.

Prior to Dr. Xiong’s presentation, members were treated with a wonderful breakfast buffet, put together by the staff at Osage National Golf Resort, with many of the following favorites, eggs, sausage, bacon, and sausage gravy and biscuits

After the education event, members headed out to play the Mountain and Links nines of Osage National, and after prizes were handed out, some of the members went to check out the renovations of the River nine. Host superintendent Jeff Sommerer and his staff had the course in great condition for our golfers.

Results are as follows:

Proximity winners were,

Mountain # 2 sponsored by Brandt - Matt Strong from VanWall Equipment

Mountain # 4 sponsored by Harrell’s - Chuck Ermisch from Ermisch Golf Architecture

Links # 4 sponsored by SiteOne - Paul Lewis, Golf Course Superintendent, L. A. Nickell G.C. City of Columbia

Links # 8 sponsored by GreensPro - Les Lents staff at The Oaks, Margaritaville Resort

Scramble Team Results:

With a score of 61 - Team Margaritaville, Superintendent Jay Ballad, staff members Les Lents, Spencer Melville, and Chuck Sharamito.

2nd place with a score 64 - Jed Spencer with Harrell’s, Joey Roberts, superintendent, Holiday Hills, Cody Gray, superintendent at Carthage G.C. and his assistant, Ryan McInerney.

3rd place with a score of 67 - Brad Seidt, golf course superintendent at Lake Valley Golf Club, his assistant Chris Smith, along with Austen Gearhart with Advanced Turf Solutions.

Individual Results paid out two flights, 3 places:

First flight -

1st place - Aaron Borland with a 76

2nd place - Randy Robinson with an 81 - Central Region GCSAA representative

3rd place - Travis Thompson with an 82 - assistant superintendent The Oaks at Margaritaville

Second fight -

1st place breaking a tie using the scorecard, Kolby Armbruster golf course superintendent Ledgestone Country Club with an 85

2nd place with an 85, Russel Cole, Kansas Golf and Turf

3rd place with an 89, Tyler Cook, assistant superintendent L.A. Nickell.

Low Net was Melvin Waldron III, CGCS, superintendent at Horton Smith Golf Course who took advantage of his high handicap and breaking a scorecard tie finished with a net score of 74.

Thanks again to our host Superintendent Jeff Sommerer and all of the staff at Osage National Golf Resort, Jed Spencer and sponsor Harrell’s, and Dr. Xi Xiong for our education presentation.

OTA Facilities Participate in Rounds4Reserch.

The Ozark Turf Association is participating in the Rounds 4 Research golf auction this week.  A portion of the proceeds for this year’s auction are earmarked for our recent donation of $750 to support the turf research farm at the University of Missouri.  Other funds disbursement will be discussed by the OTA board. 

The auction runs from Monday April 21 until Sunday April 27.  Visit the auction site www.rounds4research.com  to bid on our chapter’s courses or courses throughout the country.

Ozark Turf Association member facilities participating in the auction this year include:

Crestwood Country Club – Jeremy Zinter, Superintendent

Located in Pittsburgh Kansas, Crestwood is an 18-hole championship course and range. Site of many Border War Matches between the OTA and Kansas GCSAA affiliated chapters.  

Highland Springs Country Club – Jonathan Prange CGCS, Superintendent:

Play where the pros play at Highland Springs Country Club, the only home of the Price Cutter Charity Championship, one of the original events on the Korn Ferry Tour, when the tour started as the Ben Hogan tour. 

Holiday Hills Golf Resort – Joey Roberts, Golf Course Superintendent

Holiday Hills – oldest golf resort in Branson Missouri, visit the historic course.

Ledgestone Country Club – Kolby Armbuster, Superintendent:

Visit the number 7 rated course you can play in Missouri, located in Branson, with lodging available on site. 

Shadow Valley Country Club – Ethan Charles, Superintendent:

Shadow Valley Country Club is a premier golf course and country club in Northwest Arkansas.

Springfield Golf and Country Club – Bryan Simmons, Superintendent

Springfield Golf and Country Club is in Springfield MO, 18-hole championship course.

The Ozark Turf Association board thanks these superintendents and their facilities for donating rounds to help fund research. 

Make sure to make your bids on these rounds!

OTA Member achieves Class A Status from GCSAA

The Ozark Turf Association congratulates OTA member, Jeremy A Zinter, GCSAA golf course superintendent at Crestwood Country Club, Pittsburg, KS, who has achieved Class A membership status by meeting the standards established by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

Jeremy A Zinter has been the superintendent at Crestwood Country Club and an Ozark Turf Association member since 4/1/2024.  For more information, contact Jeremy A Zinter at 9186984599 or grounds@crestwoodcountryclub.com.

GCSAA Class A membership is awarded to members who are currently employed as a golf course superintendent and have met specific requirements in the following categories: formal education, a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education and at least three years of experience as a golf course superintendent. To demonstrate environmental stewardship, Class A members have either provided proof of a valid pesticide application license or have passed the GCSAA Integrated Pest Management examination.

GCSAA Class A status is the preferred membership class of the association and is a standard for the golf course management profession. Golf facilities employ GCSAA members because of their focus on overall facility success. This is because they understand what constitutes an enjoyable experience for the golfer and what it takes to make a facility financially successful.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

The Ozark Turf Association is an affiliated chapter of GCSAA, covering parts from Central Missouri, down through Springfield and Branson, west to the Joplin area, with members also in Northwest Arkansas and Eastern Kansas.  They are headquartered in Battlefield MO.  Visit the Ozark Turf Association at www.ozarkgcsa.org

OTA Members Attend GCSAA Chapter Leadership/Executive Symposium

The GCSAA leadership symposium brought together leaders of 33 of the 94 chapters located across the country. The Ozark Turf Association was represented by Vice President Kolby Armbruster, golf course superintendent at Ledgestone Country Club, and Secretary/Treasurer, Melvin Waldron III, CGCS, golf course superintendent at Horton Smith Golf Course, who also serves as the chapter’s volunteer executive director.  

Two days of networking, leadership seminars, and breakout sessions had the room buzzing.  Items discussed varied from communication and marketing of our chapter, event and fundraising activities, Rounds 4 Research, and getting involved in local FFA chapters.  One leadership seminar discussed the Predictive Index, a workplace assessment tool that measures behavioral drives and cognitive ability, helping organizations understand people and teams, improve talent management, and make better hiring and development decisions.  Another leadership seminar discussed building successful teams and a deep dive into motivators and communication. 

During the breakout session of chapter leaders, attended by Kolby, emphasis was put on developing a board orientation program.  Most people do not get involved because of the perceived time commitment.  But the common theme was that once people do get involved, they quickly realize the time commitment typically isn’t as much as previously thought.  Other items discussed were the importance of establishing committees (education, fundraising, etc), developing succession plans for board members, and recruiting tactics for new board members.

During the breakout session for chapter executives, attended by Mel, most of the discussions were how chapters were setting up meetings, working to keep meetings affordable by creating dialog to get the best deals.  Some chapters found success in getting free golf by looking at private clubs, who were not losing tee time revenue and enticing them with spending more on food and beverages. They were seeing an increase in attendance by going to facilities that members usually would not normally be visiting.  There were also discussions on looking at different types of events, bowling was a popular one, as was attending minor league sporting events and other events geared towards families.      

Overall, the symposium was a great event.  It also provided a networking event on the second evening with our Central Plains Region representative, Randy Robinson, as six chapters from the Central Plains Region were represented.

If anyone hasn’t stopped in at Lawrence to see the headquarters, it’s worth the stop, if passing through.

Paxton Completes EMCP Level 1

Mark Paxton, Equipment Manager for Highland Springs Country Club, home of the Korn Ferry Price Cutter Charity Championship, has completed Level 1 of the Equipment Management Certificate Program, (EMCP).  The program managed by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) provides training and skills recognition for golf course equipment managers. 

Mark was alerted to the program by Diana Kern, Senior Manager of CTEM Certification and Certificate Programs at GCSAA, when Mark attended the Ozark Turf Association Equipment Managers meeting held last October at Big Cedar Golf Resort.  Mark joined GCSAA at that meeting and started working on Level 1 of the EMCP.  His next step will be to complete Level 2 of the EMCP program and eventually become a Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM).  Mark was supported in his efforts by his Golf Course Superintendent at Highland Springs, Johnathan Prange, CGCS.

The Equipment Management Certificate Program Level 1 is a series of exams designed to demonstrate proficiency in key competency areas related to turf equipment. This certificate program is available to any and all turf equipment technicians regardless of whether you work for a golf course.

The program is made up of eight exams covering the key competency areas of:

  • cutting units

  • drivetrain systems

  • electrical systems

  • engine technology

  • hydraulic systems

  • metalworking and fabrication

  • spray systems

  • fundamentals of turfgrass operations

For other OTA equipment managers interested in the GCSAA EMCP and eventually earning CTEM status, contact Diana at GCSAA and plan to attend the 2025 OTA Equipment Manager/Assistant Superintendent meeting to be held in October at Big Cedar Golf Resort, presented by VanWall Golf Equipment, the John Deere distributor for our area.