The Chicago District Golf Association Turfgrass Program was launched in 1985 with the hiring of Dr. Randy Kane. This position was created in an effort to provide CDGA member clubs a rapid onsite diagnostic service to help promote healthier turfgrass that improve playing conditions. Over time, this program evolved to include an applied research component in collaboration with other industry professionals across the Midwest. Dr. Kane was followed in this pursuit by Drs. Derek Settle (2006-2012), Ed Nangle (2013-2016), Jesse Benelli (2017-18) and Bobby Kerr (2019-21). Currently, Dr. Settle is in his second stint leading the CDGA Turfgrass Program.
The foundation of the Turfgrass Program is to provide research-based solutions to 400 member clubs and uses three vehicles to reach turfgrass professionals: education, research, and diagnostics. When the Association moved into the Midwest Golf House in 2001, numerous programs and services, including the Turfgrass Program, were expanded to benefit the membership. The newly constructed Sunshine Course located at Midwest Golf House was designed to facilitate turfgrass research and to provide a fun golfing experience to various youth organizations. This research site allows for collaborative research projects with other industry and academic professionals across the Midwest.
Educational Programs
Numerous educational opportunities exist for CDGA member clubs. Research findings are disseminated to member clubs through various in-person and online avenues. In-person opportunities include educational meetings at various events including numerous GCSAA chapter meetings across the Midwest. Additionally, the CDGA hosts educational opportunities each year at Midwest Golf House. Online education includes the use of weekly scouting reports, research reports, social media and other digital platforms.
Turfgrass Research
The CDGA Turfgrass Program conducts numerous research projects to provide up-to-date solutions to member organizations. Research projects include turfgrass disease management, turfgrass weed control, turfgrass variety evaluations, and much more. Please contact Dr. Settle via email or by phone at (630) 685-2307 to collaborate on future research opportunities.
Diagnostic Services
The CDGA Turfgrass Program offers a diagnostic service for golf course superintendents at member clubs. Diagnostic visits continue to be the foundation of the program. To receive diagnostic assistance, contact Dr. Settle via email or by phone at (630) 685-2307.
Produced weekly during golf season, the report features industry-specific content on the preceding week's turf conditions. Content includes pictures, weather data and research to illustrate what is currently happening and/or what is predicted to happen in the Midwest. CLICK HERE to subscribe to have the Scouting Reports delivered to your email or click the button below for an archive of past editions.
In select issues of Chicago District Golfer magazine, CDGA Green Committee members write pieces on a variety of turfgrass topics that impact every golfer. Reading these articles will give golfers a better understanding of the challenges superintendents and grounds crews face across the Chicago District. Articles include best practices on the golf course, recent environmental impacts and more.
The CDGA Turfgrass Program produces educational videos focused on practical golf course management, featuring experienced superintendents from across the Chicago District. These videos offer first-hand insights, tips and reflections from professionals who manage turf under real-world conditions. Video playlists on natural areas, bunkers and trees have been produced in recent years.
The CDGA Turfgrass Research Program continues to contribute valuable knowledge to the turf industry through peer-reviewed scientific publications. These studies, conducted in collaboration with university partners and industry experts, provide research-based solutions tailored to the unique challenges of Midwest golf course management. This section also includes research findings presented at leading turfgrass science meetings, ensuring broad dissemination within the professional community.
The CDGA Turfgrass Research Program is actively conducting field and laboratory studies addressing key challenges in golf course turf management. These ongoing projects, developed in partnership with academic and industry collaborators, aim to generate practical, science-based solutions. Preliminary findings will be shared at regional and national turfgrass conferences to engage with the broader research and professional community.
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Lemont, IL 60439
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