Who are we? – Golf Course Industry

The names on the staff box of our printed magazine represent only a small part of the terrific team responsible for producing Golf Course Industry. 

Our internal support network at GIE Media includes an impressive collection of audience development specialists, email savants, web developers, market and production coordinators, sales gurus, marketing magicians, accounting and human resource personnel, and editors and designers from sister publications. Without their knowledge and dedication, we don’t reach the proper audience with carefully targeted and timely content. 

To prepare for expanded roles, publisher Dave Szy and I recently met with Kevin Caslow, our enthusiastic and passionate search engine optimization specialist. Somebody like Caslow is the publishing version of an irrigation consultant or arborist. He cares deeply about his area of expertise – and he owns a colorful “I am SEO” mug to prove it. Caslow’s job involves helping us direct you to content created to assist, inspire and inform. 

Caslow asked us multiple overarching questions about Golf Course Industry. Our preoccupation with day-to-day tasks often prevent us from assessing about our own products, whether it’s a magazine or a golf course, in a broader context. The probing forced us to think critically and analytically, stretching our minds as we pondered the following question: Who are we?

Candid 

We’re operated independently of an association. Our columnists opine on whatever they want. Think of how many times you have reached the end of a Pat Jones column and wondered, “He actually went there!” Tim Moraghan wrote a column this month based on a conversation with a superintendent blindsided by his dismissal. A tough topic tackled by a gutsy writer. Pat and Tim also hold industry decision-makers accountable for misguided flubs.  

Our annual “Turfheads Take Over” allows readers to write about whatever topic they deem fit. Last year’s issue featured six submissions crafted by your peers to raise awareness and offer solutions for the mental anguish the job afflicts. 

We don’t have a happy narrative to protect or event space to sell. We have readers to serve. Our format removes barriers to best serving them. 

Caring 

Bethpage State Park director of agronomy Andrew Wilson told me in a Q&A running this month his staff relishes the “People’s Country Club” moniker. Well, if somebody calls us “The People’s Publication,” we’ll consider it a giant compliment.      

We receive dozens of news releases, announcements and article submissions from readers and partners each month. We don’t like adding unnecessary layers to getting something you care about published. Unless they are overly commercial, unprofessional or poorly crafted, we will find a spot for your submission. Print space might be limited, but our website, social media feeds, Fast & Firm enewsletters and podcast network offer vast editorial acreage. Anybody with a zest for the industry – superintendents, assistant superintendents, crew members, equipment technicians, architects, builders, sales professionals, general, pros, your course dog – are encouraged to submit articles or images. 

We’re also boosters of numerous industry organizations and efforts. Ever complete one of our State of the Industry surveys? If so, you have donated to the Wee One Foundation.     

Creative 

Jim Blayney is our creative director. Everything he touches becomes punchier and easier to consume. His presence and determination allow us to push boundaries.  

Superintendent ingenuity will always be showcased on our pages. We even have a popular monthly feature, Terry Buchen’s “Travels with Terry,” celebrating the reader-to-reader idea exchange.

Depth further boosts creativity. Columnists Henry DeLozier and Matthew Wharton are always looking for unique ways to help and inspire readers, while talented contributing writers Trent Bouts, Ron Furlong, Anthony Williams, Rick Woelfel, Judd Spicer, John Torsiello and Kurt Kleinham put distinct twists on stories.  

We also have a newcomer who will help us push more boundaries and present useful information to readers: managing editor Matt LaWell. Matt has visited and conducted multimedia tours of every full-season Minor League Baseball ballpark, created and hosted live trivia shows, covered professional, college and high school sports, and produced compelling content for manufacturing and business publications. We’re thrilled he’s part of our team.