When the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) made the move into the Midwest Golf House in 2001, numerous programs and services were expanded to benefit the membership and the Turfgrass Program was no different. Included in this development was the addition of new staff, website resources, and new research endeavors. Each year the CDGA Turfgrass Program has increased research conducted on Sunshine Course and Chicagoland golf courses.
Under the leadership of Dr. Derek Settle, the CDGA's Turfgrass Program conducts valuable research which enables the education of course superintendents to provide the best possible conditions to the District's golfers.Turfgrass Education Programs: The CDGA Turgrass Program utilizes the research it conducts to assist the membership through educational seminars. Included is the research presentations to golf course superintendent organizations in and around Chicago. Another form of education offered by the CDGA is the Officer and Directors Workshop conducted each winter. During this event a panel of golf course superintendents and industry turfgrass leaders are brought together to discuss relevant issues faced by private golf courses. Turfgrass Research: Research is the cornerstone of the CDGA program and is why PhD scientists are on staff. Every year, about five field studies are conducted on Sunshine Golf Course at Midwest Golf House, in addition to local courses in play. The program conducts active research and tests numerous marked products for pest control and to improve plant health annually, with much of this research taking place at courses that volunteer test sites and Sunshine Golf Course.
Turfgrass Program Services: The CDGA Turfgrass Program offers diagnostic services to CDGA member clubs along with weekly Turfgrass eScouting Report available to all through email. Much more turfgrass information can be found at the program's website cdgaturf.com.
For further information about any of our Turfgrass Programs, contact Dr. Derek Settle at Midwest Golf House.
The history and background of the CDGA Turfgrass Program was written by Dr. Derek Settle in April 2008 for On Course, magazine of the Midwest Golf Course Superintendents Association. A Family Doctor by Derek Settle. | 
