“The golf course technician is an integral part to the success of a golf management team and it’s for that reason that professionalism, standards, education, and achievement should be recognized, nurtured, and respected,” says Stephen Tucker, one of the founders of the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA). “It is the goal of our association to grow this idea and to expand it all over the world. We feel that by doing this it will encourage others to enter our profession and to do so with the previous statements in mind. We intend to work with superintendent associations and manufacturers to further develop this association into one that gains the respect and recognition that is long overdue and much needed in our industry.”
The Association was launched at the beginning of September when a group of equipment technicians decided that this type of association was long over due and increasingly necessary for the development of this position.
The equipment technician’s role over the past 20 years has developed into much more than just a person on the staff who keeps the equipment operational. With the increase in golf courses around the world there simply are not enough skilled technicians to meet the needs of every course.
“That is because there has never been anything to work from,” says Stephen Tucker. “How can you tell the difference between a skilled an unskilled technician? Is it the way they look or dress? Is it how quickly they can get a piece of equipment up and running? Is it the organization they have or maybe the management skills they possess? Also is not everyone’s perception of a skilled technician different? The GCSAA helped develop the Superintendent position into one that’s matured over the years as well. They have taken on more responsibility and have in turn gained much more respect.
“The equipment technician has a duty to make sure every member and guest experiences a golf course that is in beautiful condition everyday. The position they hold can determine whether that guest returns to the golf course to play again or if today is the last time they see your golf course.
“We would like to invite everyone to join us in creating an association that is long overdue and that will encourage our growth as industry professionals. The development of our website is currently in the beginning stages and can be located at www.gcema.org We would like to encourage everyone to be apart of this association today and help grow our industry and the equipment technician profession so everyone can experience what a top notch golf operation should be.”
IGCEMA www.gcema.org
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