GIS LEARNING TOUR AT BLADERUNNER FARMS 

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2017 from 8 am – 5 pm

Hosted by Team Zoysia

Team Zoysia is a worldwide organization of professionals dedicated to the utilization and management of zoysiagrass as a sustainable turf. Members include Bladerunner Farms, Doguet Ventures, The Turfgrass Group and Team Zoysia International. International members include Sports Turf Solutions in Southeast Asia, Novogreen in Spain, GramaFina in Panama, and Lawn Solutions in Australia. Team Zoysia-Asia is the member with a principle presence in Korea.

Speakers:

• Ambika Chandra, Ph.D., Professor, Texas A&M
• Brian Schwartz, Ph.D., Professor, University of Georgia
• Marla Binzel, Ph.D., Professor, formerly Texas A&M, owner Zia Tec
• Milt Engelke, Ph.D., Retired Professor, Texas A&M
• Ken Mangum, CGCS retired, Atlanta Athletic Club
• David Doguet, Turfgrass Breeder and Sod Producer, Bladerunner Farms
• Tripp Davis, Golf Course Architect, Oak Hills Country Club
• Riley Maxey, Golf Course Superintendent, Oak Hills Country Club
• Jack D. Fry, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Science, Kansas State University

(1063-01) Not just for tees and fairways anymore, zoysiagrass is now a viable option for greens. And that’s not marketing hype. Five Ph.D.s and other turfgrass experts explain why they believe zoysia for greens is now the real deal and how you can implement its use on your golf course.  Calling all GIS attendees interested in learning more about managing zoysiagrass on their golf courses: This is the seminar for you!

If you are a vetern GIS attendee who experienced the Zoysiagrass as a Game Changer Tour at GIS 2015, this will be a whole new series with presentations, updated facilities, speakers, research and a new golf venue. Attendees will learn about the future of zoysiagrass turfgrass management from tee to green, visit the world’s largest, privately owned zoysiagrass breeding facility and tour a world-class golf course grassed 100 percent with zoysia varieties.  Attendees will receive presentations and information on the following topics:

• Zoysiagrass For Greens – A revolution in turfgrass versatility
• Newest Salinity Research – Learn how this family of grasses uptakes salt to remediate soil
• Turfgrass Breeding Updates – Texas A&M, University of Georgia and Bladerunner Farms
• International Perspective – Presentations from golf course superintendents and consultants from Thailand, Brazil and South Korea
• Equipment Options – Zoysiagrass management requirements and specialty equipment
• Zoysiagrass Management – Tips from experts on low water use, fewer inputs, mowing practices, irrigation, fertilization, and shade tolerance

Check in will be first thing in the morning in the lobby of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Travel time from the convention center to Bladerunner Farms in Poteet, Texas, will be approximately 45 minutes. Lunch will be provided on site at Bladerunner Farms (heated facility reserved nearby in case of inclement weather). Buses will board at 1 p.m. to travel to Oak Hills Country Club to tour the newly updated zoysiagrass golf course with the architect and superintendent to conclude the reminder of the field trip. Attendees are encouraged to wear walking shoes and comfortable apparel.

Members will receive 0.7 education points for this Learning Tour. Registration fee is $195.

Click here for more information or to register for the learning tour!