Dr. Ron Duncan, a distinguished turf scientist and plant breeder, recently shared his vast knowledge at the Argentina Association of Golf (AAG)’s 35th Technical and Commercial Meeting on Golf Course Maintenance. The event took place last month at the San Nicolas Golf Club (tournament) and the Colonial Hotel (conference venue) in San Nicolas, Argentina, a picturesque location approximately 150 miles from Buenos Aires.
As a featured speaker, Dr. Duncan delivered two insightful presentations that captivated the audience. His first presentation, “Management Tips for Seeded Paspalum Greens,” focused on best practices for maintaining the performance and sustainability of this increasingly popular seeded turfgrass, Pure Dynasty. In his second talk, “Irrigation Water Quality & Basic Salinity Management,” Dr. Duncan addressed a pressing issue for golf courses across the region: the impact of salinity on turfgrass ecosystems and best management practices. This topic holds particular relevance as more and more South American golf courses rely on saline water sources, including treated sewage effluent (TSE), and deal with other salinity challenges.
Paspalum turfgrass, known for its remarkable sustainability characteristics, emerged as a key theme during the conference. With its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, such as high salinity, this turfgrass is an excellent choice for regions with limited or compromised water resources. Dr. Duncan’s expertise in this area offered invaluable guidance to attendees seeking to improve the resilience and environmental performance of their courses.
This year’s AAG conference was a resounding success, drawing 235 registered attendees, more than doubling the usual attendance of around 100. Representatives from most South American countries participated, highlighting the event’s growing influence and the importance of shared knowledge in advancing golf course maintenance practices across the continent.
The conference’s location, the Colonial Hotel, provided an ideal setting for fostering collaboration and learning. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in discussions on cutting-edge techniques and innovations in turfgrass management.
Argentina’s rich golfing culture was a backdrop to the conference, with the country boasting 348 golf courses—more than any other in South America. Across the continent, there are 702 courses showcasing the sport’s growing popularity and its potential for further development in the region.
Dr. Duncan’s participation in the AAG’s 35th meeting underscores the critical role that scientific research and expert guidance play in shaping the future of golf course management. His presentations not only provided practical strategies for improving turfgrass performance but also emphasized the importance of sustainability in the face of environmental challenges. With record attendance, trade show opportunities, and robust discussions, the conference highlighted a shared commitment to advancing the game of golf through innovation and collaboration.