Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan, authority on golf course environmental issues, will give the keynote address at the National Institute of Golf Management (NIGM) on Thursday, January 18, 2007. The NIGM was established exclusively for golf facility owners, managers and other key personnel to enhance and develop excellence in golf industry leaders through a comprehensive curriculum, combined with faculty and colleague interaction. NIGM was founded by the National Golf Foundation (NGF) and the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center, and, as of 2005, is enhanced through curriculum development provided by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

Dr. Hurdzan, a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and past chair of the Environmental Institute for Golf Board of Trustees, will address attendees on the subject of growing the game. “In order for golf to grow, we’re challenged on three fronts: the time it takes to play, the cost to play and environment concerns,” says Hurdzan. “The industry needs to look at all three areas and do our part to combat these problems, find solutions and help those who are on the right track toward providing solutions.”

Hurdzan points to water and chemical agents as the key environmental challenges for the future. “When people drive by a green golf course, they assume we’re using lots of water and pesticides, which isn’t necessarily true. We can use recycled water, and there are techniques to reduce the amount of water and chemicals required to achieve a quality golf course.”

In his book, “Building a Practical Golf Facility,” Hurdzan outlines his philosophy to build inexpensive golf facilities that are easy to build and maintain, and can be sustainable with low player fees. “We have potential for growth in golf, and we need to craft a message that appeals to the average player – that golf can be fun and affordable.”

The NIGM also welcomes five guest instructors for 2007:

  • Ted Eleftheriou, president, Blueprint 4 Life, Orlando, Fla. – topic: player development
  • Rodney Haley, director of golf operations, Wheeling Park Commission, Wheeling, W.Va. – topic: cash controls and budgeting
  • John Kantarski IV, PGA, director of sales and marketing, Cypress Golf Solutions, Dallas, Tex. – topic: online tee-time marketing
  • Kevin Michael, chief operations officer, 4 Star Service Online, and president, Michael Golf Management, Richardson, Tex. – topic: building brands instead of competing on price
  • Bob Swezey, executive vice president of resort operations, Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc., Myrtle Beach, S.C. – topic: golf operations