September 13 is Thank A Golf Course Superintendent Day

There are a few common themes among golf course superintendents: they love spending time outside, they take amazing pictures of sunrises, and they all wake up (very, very) early. Although each superintendent is unique, they all maintain a common goal to make the course the best it can be.

Matt Gourlay
Colbert Hills Golf Course | Manhattan, KS

You might know him on Twitter from the sunrise pictures of Colbert Hills or as the guy with the cutest #GolfDog (Lexi) in the business, but what you don’t know is the work he’s doing behind the scenes – his before 5:00 AM wake up call, the water conservation efforts, and the education of future golf course superintendents.

Matt leads the next generation of golf course superintendents by serving as an adjunct faculty member who shares his experience with students at Kansas State University in the Golf Course and Turf Management programs. Colbert Hills is also home to a unique internship opportunity for students pursuing a career in Golf Course Operations. The program allows interns to be “Superintendent for the Week” and make all decisions related to the entire golf course turf operation. Matt consults with the interns during their week, asking them questions and helping them think through their decisions. This opportunity allows them to come out of their internship seeing a lot more than just a task that needs to be done, truly giving them a full picture of what it is like to be a superintendent.

“I’m kinda a morning person, I love seeing sunrises on the golf course.”

When asked, “What is the best part about your job?”

Vance Marlin
Cimarron Valley Golf Club | Satanta, Kansas

About an hour from Dodge City on Highway 56 you will find Cimarron Valley Golf Club, a 9-hole course with about 60 members nestled into the hills of Southwest Kansas.

With the exception of a local teacher who helps during the summer, Vance is a one-man show who is responsible for all turf management, mowing, chemical applications, mechanics, and clubhouse operations.

“I like that I get to choose what the most important thing to work on is. [My job is] a new challenge every day….there’s always something to figure out,” Vance said, “Most people don’t know how much work it is – it’s not just about mowing grass.”

When asked, “What do you wish more people knew about your job?”

Clay Payne
Buffalo Dunes Golf Course | Garden City, Kansas

He answered the phone a little out of breath, he said he was laying sod (alone) on Friday afternoon and because it has to get done – he is the one doing it. He commented on the small staff size and expressed immense gratitude for his team – but if there is something that needs to get done, he will likely be doing it too.

Each year of the renovation will include three greens getting reshaped, resurfaced, seeded, and bunker changes or repairs. Clay noted that typically the cost to reseed new greens would cost around $140,000 but they are doing it for close to $1,200 by growing their own grass. Through progressive renovation practices, Clay and his team are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars to create a top-quality golf course that is open to the public to play for only $25. The renovation is set to be complete in 2026 – just in time for the course to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

“Everyone deserves to come out and have an affordable world-class experience.“

When asked, “Why are you undergoing this renovation?”

#ThankASuper

Often being a golf course superintendent is a thankless job. Many golfers can play multiple rounds without thinking about the people behind the operations. At Central Links Golf, we work with superintendents across the state to conduct our championships. These are people we get to know and love working with — we feel that they deserve all the thanks in the world for making golf happen. We encourage golfers to thank their local superintendents and maintenance crews today and every day.

For more information about golf course superintendents, please visit the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America at https://www.gcsaa.org/.

The Prairie Invitational presented by Dr. Douglas Cusick and sponsored by Toyota Dealers of Kansas City took place at Blue Hills Country Club last week.

The weather controlled the opening round; the event began with an hour delay due to heavy rains that continued at the beginning of play on Monday. Julia Misemer, the soon-to-be Freshman at the University of Arizona, got off to a hot start with an opening round of 72 which consisted of three birdies and an eagle. There were seven rounds of 75 as well including one shot by Kansas Women’s Amateur champion, Maya McVey. The weather cleared in the afternoon on the first day and the clear weather carried over into the second day of the event.

Misemer held her lead following day two, she shot two under in the second round with six birdies. Aristelle Acuff shot even par round on day two to find herself five shots back headed into the last round. Abby Glynn found her one-shot back of Acuff headed into the last round. Acuff was able to narrow the gap to four and headed into the back nine of the final round. Misemer suffered a double on hole sixteen narrowing the lead to just two. Acuff and Misemer made a birdie on the last resulting in Misemer’s first Prairie Invitational victory, earning her the title of Low Junior too.

The Alane Studley Low Senior

New to the tournament was the Alane Studely Low Senior Award. This award was named to honor the life and legacy of Alane Studley, who was a Central Links Golf Board Member and avid golfer. Martha Linscott won the award shooting rounds of 82-80-162.

Opal Hill Division

The Opal Hill Division is 36 holes. Aliyah North held the lead after day one with a round of 82. Home course favorite and defending champion, Diane Sparks shot a round of 83. North controlled the lead the entire day in the Gross division with a final round of 74 headlined by a bogey-free 35 on the front. North won in commanding fashion, and Annie Johnsen and Charley Strahm finished in a tie for second. The net division was won by Heidi Calvin, who shot net rounds of 74 and 71 to win the title.

The Prairie Invitational had another successful year by raising over $30,000 Girls Performance Initiative. The 2023 Prairie Invitational will be played at Kansas City Country Club in honor of the tenth anniversary of the event.

FULL RESULTS >>

The Kansas Junior Am got underway today at Ironhorse in Leewood, Ks. This tournament consists of the deepest field in junior golf in the state of Kansas. Former and present high school champions and future collegiate athletes line the field this week. The biggest factor today was no doubt the weather. With a heat index over 100 and high winds the players faced a difficult challenge. The field went off in two waves today, giving the morning wave a slight advantage with the afternoon heat brewing. In the morning wave Kyle Kasitz of Wichita fired an impressive 69 which begin with a 5 birdie stretch between holes two and six. Kyle suffered a double on 9 and a bogey on 11, but locked back in to birdie the 14th in route to his impressive 69. Zackary Clark also fired an under par round in the afternoon wave. He made 3 birdies and 2 bogeys to end with a 71. Chance Rinkol sits in third place following a round of even par that included three birdies and an eagle.

The girls only had to play in the morning wave which allowed for some really good scores. Kinslea Jones of Wichita led the field with a 73. Her round consisted of two birdies and three bogeys. Bailey Burkett of Kansas City shot a 74 with an eagle on hole 14. Brooke Thiele made the trip down from Nebraska to compete. Brooke will only be in eight grade, but that didn’t stop her from making 3 birdies on the day and shooting a 76, finding herself in third.

Today was also highlighted by a hole-in-one from Blaine Sullivan. Blaine hit a 153-yard pitching wedge on the downhill 12th hole. Following tomorrow’s round, there will be a cut before the final day of play on Wednesday.

Day 2

High winds and intense heat created more of a challenge today. Jacob Fratzel led the boy’s side with an impressive 69. Will King kept his strong playing going by carding an even-par round. Zack Clark struggled out of the gate with two bogeys, but managed to claw his way back and still remain tied for the lead at the end of the day. 12 players set within 4 shots of the lead making tomorrow a guaranteed day of excitement. 

On the girl’s side of the competition, Kinslea Jones picked up right where she left off. Jaylee Castro had the round of the day with a 69, shooting 14 shots better than yesterday and moving into the fifth position. Can Jones hold onto the lead will be the question tomorrow? She currently holds the lead by 4 shots. 

On another note, there were two hole-in-ones today. Avery Hershman made one on 5 and Wiley Curtis made one on 12. Jaylee Castro also holed out for an eagle from 76 yards on 11. 

Granite Garage Floors to Sponsor Kansas City Championships

Our Kansas City Championships will have a new face this year, Granite Garage Floors, a Prairie Village-based company will sponsor the six Kansas City-based events: KC Match Play, KC Women’s Match Play, KC Junior Match Play, KC Amateur, KC Junior, and KC Four-Ball.

Owner of Granite Garage Floors, Greg Slicker, has been a long-time supporter of Central Links Golf and formerly the Kansas City Golf Association. His kids have played in many junior golf tournaments, and he is a member of Indian Hills Country Club in Mission Hills, Kansas.

We are very excited for this new partnership with Granite Garage Floors and Greg Slicker. Both Greg’s enthusiasm for amateur golf and Granite Garage Floors’ commitment to quality work are things we value greatly in partner companies. We’re looking forward to a great relationship.

Doug Habel, Executive Director of Central Links Golf

Get to Know Greg Slicker

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in Nebraska and my Dad introduced me to golf at a young age.  I played golf throughout high school and was fortunate to play golf in college (West Texas State & Nebraska) as well.  We were members at Meadowbrook CC for years until it closed and a few years ago, we joined Indian Hills CC

Why did you want to partner with CLG?

CLG is a great local organization that supports our community and aligns well with our company’s values and goals.  CLG has provided a ton of opportunities for both of our kids (Ben-17, Ella-14) during the past 10-12 years, and being able to support CLG via our GGF sponsorship is a WIN for both our family and our small business.

What is Granite Garage Floors?

Granite Garage Floors is an industrial epoxy and polymer floor coatings business.  We specialize primarily in coating & restoring residential garage floors, but also coat concrete in residential basements and commercial environments as well.  We started our business in 2008 in KC and now have 17 locations nationwide.  We pride ourselves on being a locally-owned, Prairie Village-based business that prides itself on integrity, impeccable customer service, and installing a quality product that is an exceptional value for KC homeowners.

What is it like running a small business?

Golf and running a small business are similar in that they are both extremely difficult, lonely at times, and come with a lot of ups & downs.  However-the process of learning to overcome the challenges of both to see the fruits of your labors is extremely satisfying and not comparable to many other things in life. 

What are your top golf experiences?

My personal experiences in golf have been wonderful – still can’t explain how in awe I was the first time I walked onto Augusta to see a Masters practice round in the late 90’s or the pure feeling of playing a great course like Bandon Dunes.  However most of the top golf experiences my wife, Erin, and I have had have been with our kids.  Being a part of helping them learn the game, caddying for them, seeing them compete at a high level, and now having them both beat me like a drum has been so fulfilling.

Granite Garage Floors is extremely grateful to be a part of the CLG team and honored to partner with our local KC-metro golf community in the coming year!

Greg Slicker, Owner of Granite Garage Floors

You can learn more about Granite Garage Floors here >>
Follow Granite Garage floors on Instagram here >>

View Tournament Schedules:
Men’s Championships >>
Women’s Championships >>
Junior Championships >>

Learn more about CLG sponsor opportunities here >>

Did you know that Central Links Golf is responsible for funding Youth on Course in our region? Help us expand Youth on Course throughout the state of Kansas! Our goal is to raise $30,000 this February. Please consider donating $10 or more to support this initiative.

Michelob Ultra welcomes the Kansas City Golf Show

Golf is booming Feb. 25-27 at the Kansas City Golf Show – 80-plus golf exhibits, sales and experiences await the golfer

Questions on the show? Contact the Show Producer, stephens@varsitycommunications.com

One of the signals that golf is booming and ready for spring is the Connecticut Golf Show each year and 2022’s show may be one of the most special in the nine-year history of the event.

Responsibly sidelined due to COVID in 2020, the Kansas City Golf Show is back Feb. 25-27 at the Overland Park Convention Center and the show producers are bringing all they have to produce an exciting, memorable and safe show.

The Golf Show is carefully following all COVID protocols for the region. The show is also closely watching and following best practices evidenced daily at NCAA, NHL, NBA, NFL events, and other expos operating successfully now.  Professionalism, safety, and fun are the highest priority.

As always the show is highly interactive and brings lots of value to the show attendees. Here are some of the show’s upcoming highlights:

• 80-plus exhibits all three days

• Golf MD Equipment Testing and Fitting Zone and Sale area. Test and buy from:  Callaway, Cleveland, Mizuno, Odyssey, PING, Srixon, TaylorMade and more.

• F.I.T. Muscle and Joint Clinic and additionally StretchZone will have  Wellness Zones – both are new and exciting areas focused on the golfers needs for training, rehab, strength. The show will have Titleist Performance Institute professionals on hand.   

• Simmons Bank Short Game Central chipping challenge.

• Edward Jones Long Drive Challenge

• Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail KP Contests all weekend

• Olathe Ford Lincoln KC Putting Championship

• The Michelob Ultra 19^th Hole and Main Stage where lessons, seminars and out indoor bar give golfers a relaxation station

• First Tee Junior and Midwest PGA Family Golf Zones

• Imperial Golf and Mind 2 Motion will be teaching at the show!

• Chicken N Pickle Pickleball Court

• There are other great interactive and lesson zones – see KansasCityGolfShow.com for details, info and COVID protocols and updates.

TICKETS AND BONUSES

The show has many front door bonus offers with the General Admission ticket and the Players Tour Pass has over $300 in golf value in the VIP ticket offering. Details on the show site.

Saturday of the show weekend will again be Family Day where there will be special programming and focus on youth golf and family fun. Kids under 12 are free always at the show.

Stay informed by following KansasCityGolfShow.com and the show on Facebook. If your are interested in volunteering or exhibiting at the show, contact Tiffanie Neyens at tiffanie@varsitycommunications.com .

This year’s sponsors are a who’s who list of golf.

WELCOMING SPONSOR: Michelob Ultra

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Advent Health Championship, Avid Golfer, Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail, Tee Times Magazine, Michelob Ultra, MGI Carts, Golf MD, Radmor Golf, Midwest Golf Innovations, Mules National, Olathe Ford Lincoln, Old Kinderhook, Simmons Bank, 810 WHB, X Golf Leawood, Xtreme Green and Cutwater Spirits.

SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Chicken N Pickle KC, Edward Jones, F.I.T. Muscle & Joint, Flag Assist, Imperial Golf, Leupold Golf, Mind 2 Motion, Shangri-La Golf Club, Still 630, Stretch Zone, Swing U and Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

PATRON SPONSORS: Hello Garage, Holiday Inn and Suites ,OP Convention Center, KC Hemp Co., Renewal by Anderson, RMI Golf Carts, T Mobile, Wilson

ENDORSED BY: PGA Midwest Section, First Tee of KC, Central Links and MO Golf Association

Learn more >> https://www.kansascitygolfshow.com/

On Saturday, November 20th, the Kansas City Golf Hall of Fame welcomed four outstanding honorees as the Class of 2020. The induction ceremony had been on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The inductees are Rob Wilkin, Head Professional at Heritage Park GC;  Amateur standout Steve Groom of Raytown ; the late David Fearis, superintendent at Kansas City’s Blue Hills Country Club from 1985 to 2000; and Mary Jane Barnes, the first woman to lead the KCGA as President.

These four individuals enter the Hall on a vote of the Board of Directors of Central Links Golf, representatives of the Midwest Section PGA, the Heart of America Golf Course Superintendents Association, former members and emeritus members of the Board, and all living members of the Kansas City Golf Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was created in 2012 as part of the celebration of the first 100 years of the KCGA. The goal of the Hall is to preserve our past history and honor the accomplishments and contributions of those who made golf in this area great. Central Links Golf is committed to continuing the tradition established prior to the merger of the KCGA and the Kansas Golf Association.

By their election to the Hall of Fame these four join the likes of Tom Watson, Stan Thirsk, “Duke” Gibson, Karen Schull MacGee,  1927 US Women’s Amateur Champion Miriam Burns Horn, Jim Colbert, Opal Hill and Frank Kirk. Their accomplishments add to the stature the Hall of Fame has built in the short time Central Links Golf has been recognizing those who have contributed so much to the growth of golf in the Kansas City region.

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