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GOLF FEATURE

Peter Muswere Ronnie Cousins Johan Knell

of the key contributors in elevating golf epidemiological research to manage Johan Knell and Peter Muswere –
course and sports field turf maintenance. turfgrass diseases; Education and Environmental and Water
• Dr. Ali Harivandi, Ph.D., an Affairs Co-Ordinators
Current membership, recruitment environmental horticulturist Johan and Peter plan, organise, evaluate,
and annual subscription structure specialising in turf, soil and water coordinate and manage all fields of
issues; education, educational programs,
Membership • Bruce Williams, a veteran in his field seminars, brochures and booklets for
The annual joining fees are: turfgrass and a respected superintendent in the association under the supervision
manager R2500.00 per year, assistant the USA; and of the TGMA Gauteng committee. The
R1500.00 per year. The trade membership • Paul Jacobs, a USGA agronomist. portfolio includes working with the
is R 5000.00 per year, which is for two association’s educational partners and
people - one main member and a guest. Our seminars are held over two days and associate members. The environment
have been successfully attended by the portfolio assists the TGMA committee and
To accommodate all membership industry as a whole, covering a variety members to take their environmental
categories, we have implemented of topics. We endeavor to gain access to responsibilities seriously, and bring to
payment terms instead of once-off all the new research and development light issues that the committee may not be
subscription payments in order to assist undertaken in the USA. Our attendees aware of.
during the trying times we are currently also acknowledge, in some instances, that
facing. they have been reminded of what they Ronnie Cousins – Trade Liaison and Fund-
have forgotten! This is our benchmark of Raising Organiser
The current membership consists of success - knowing that we have offered a The trade liaison co-ordinator represents
just over 100 members from sporting solution and results for our members and the association when dealing with all
establishments, education partners and attendees. trade members and non-members under
the trade. the supervision of the TGMA Gauteng
Committee members and committee.
Membership recruitment post-Covid saw portfolios
us undertaking membership drives and Belinda Ronald – Administrator
one-on one meetings with the turfgrass Henk Buitendach – Chairman Belinda administrates and coordinates all
managers at various establishments. Since Henk ensures that the TGMA Gauteng of the above under the committee. LSA
March 2020 we have had to rely on word committee functions properly, that there
of mouth and our close network within is full participation during meetings, that
the industry to build our momentum for all relevant matters are discussed and that
membership. effective decisions are made and carried
out.
Seminars
Norman Steingold – Treasurer
The TGMA has hosted numerous seminars Norman has a watchdog role over all aspects
with speakers including professors, of financial management of the association,
doctors and key industry people from USA working closely with other members of
universities and the GCSSA. These guests the TGMA committee to safeguard the
have imparted a wealth of international association's financial position.
knowledge and expertise. Some of them
include: Sharon Holton – Social Media and
• Dr. Brandon Horvath, a turf Marketing
pathologist who earned his Ph.D. Sharon works hand in hand with
in turfgrass science from Michigan administrator Belinda Ronald with regard
State University. His research to the planning, arranging, marketing and
interests include the epidemiology coordinating of social functions and events Information and photos supplied
of turfgrass pathogens and the for the association, under the supervision by Belinda Ronald, TGMA
development of strategies based on of the TGMA Gauteng committee. administrator

18 Landscape SA • Issue 103 2021