Lawrence, Kansas, United States: The membership of the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA) has voted to dissolve the association, with roughly 370 equipment managers being welcomed to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) with membership in 2015.
“Our association has continued to grow and we have reached a point where our growth has outpaced our resources as a volunteer group,” said Stephen Tucker, former IGCEMA Chief Executive Officer and the Equipment Manager at Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons in Lake Buena Vista.
“This is a good day and we are excited at the possibilities for equipment technicians around the world now to be part of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.”
GCSAA voted at its annual meeting in February to introduce an equipment manager classification for membership. It was a vote to strengthen ties with equipment managers and recognise their vital role at a golf facility.
“We recognise that equipment managers are an integral part of our membership and a vital part of the successful golf course management team,” said John J. O’Keefe, CGCS, GCSAA President. “We hope all facilities will encourage their equipment managers to become a valuable part of the association.”
All equipment managers will be welcomed with a complimentary introductory membership through 2015 and can register online at www.gcsaa.org
GCSAA said itt will continue to expand upon its educational programmes and services to assist the profession, and continue the IGCEMA certificate programme.
ICGEMA was formed in 2006 and the following year created the Edwin Budding award to recognise technical professionals who have helped to shape the turf industry. The award, which will be adopted by GCSAA, is named for the designer of the first cylinder mower.