Purdue's Bigelow to Highlight NTA Speakers at Bandon Dunes

Dr. Cale Bigelow, a professor of horticulture for turf science and ecology at Purdue University, will lead the educational sessions of the 70th annual conference of the Northwest Turfgrass Association, slated for Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.

Joining Dr. Bigelow will be Jeff Mingay, a golf course architect based in Toronto who has been involved in numerous high-level restoration projects of classic golf courses in the Northwest and Western Canada.

Also on tap for the three days at Bandon Dunes will be updates from all the research and educational projects the NTA plans to support in 2016.

Dr. Cale BigelowDr. Bigelow received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Virginia Tech and his doctorate from North Carolina State. The purpose of his research is to provide practical information that enables turf managers of all abilities to grow the highest quality turf using the fewest management inputs (e.g. mowing, fertilization, irrigation and pesticides). This is being accomplished by emphasizing adapted turfgrass species and cultivar selection, proper establishment methods and employing sound cultural practices with an emphasis on soil fertility and nutrient management related issues.

Mingay has become somewhat of an expert renovating the original designs of Arthur Vernon Macan, the famed Canadian architect who started his career a century ago. Among the courses Mingay has consulted with are Victoria Golf Club, Inglewood Golf Club, Broadmoor Golf Club, Fircrest Golf Club, Overlake Golf & Country Club and Kelowna Golf & Country Club.

Check out the NTA web site, www.nwturfgrass.net, later in the spring for registration information.