MGA, David Oatis Consulting Announce Agreement
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (February 7, 2020) — The MGA is pleased to have entered a three-year agreement with David Oatis Consulting LLC in which David Oatis will provide golf course consulting services exclusively to the MGA as an independent contractor.
The agreement calls for Oatis to make 20 course consultation visits per calendar year, with the MGA offering the service as a member benefit to clubs hosting that year’s MGA championships. Oatis, who served as the regional director of the USGA Green Section’s Northeast Region from 1990-2019, will visit the clubs and develop a detailed written report for both the club and the MGA, providing specific management options and recommendations pertaining to the key issues discussed during the visit.
“We’re thrilled to begin this partnership with Dave and expand our portfolio of services and benefits for our member clubs,” says MGA Executive Director Brian R. Mahoney. “Dave is an expert in turfgrass and golf course management and we believe this service will provide extreme value to our clubs and further impact the sustainability of clubs and courses in the Met Area.”
Oatis, a native of Indianapolis and graduate of California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, began his career in the golf industry as a superintendent, working eight years in assistant superintendent and superintendent roles. He joined the USGA in 1988 as an agronomist before stepping into his regional director role, in which he conducted upward of 60 Course Consulting Service visits annually in addition to coordinating regional agronomists and writing and lecturing extensively in the United States and internationally.
“I’ve had the good fortune to work with the MGA for many years and have always respected their mission, integrity, and professionalism,” says Oatis. “It is an exciting opportunity to partner with the MGA in providing new and helpful initiatives regarding course sustainability. I look forward to working with MGA member clubs and courses and delivering another level of assistance and support.”
Oatis’ knowledge and experience allow him to help facilities improve agronomic and management strategies and provide solutions to help courses solve problems and improve the reliability and playability of their turfgrass.
During an on-site consultation, Oatis examines different areas and discusses conditions and management practices and programs. Most commonly addressed topics include but are not limited to turfgrass management programs and practices such as cultivation, topdressing, fertility, drainage, water management, and pest and disease control. Other topics of discussion include traffic management, playability, tree management and sustainability.
As part of the agreement, Oatis will also serve as a consultant for the MGA’s annual Green Chair Education Series. The program brings green chairs and golf course superintendents together each spring, offering a chance to discuss topics in an open forum while also hearing from industry experts on timely and relevant topics in the industry.