Friday, August 8, 2014

Key Staff Members: Dusty Keiser


 
Dusty Keiser grew up in Norfolk, NE, and spent the majority of his youth on the sports field or in the field hunting. Through sport and outdoors activities he learned the value of hard work, team work and also gained a deep appreciation for the environment. 

Dusty attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was a walk-on tight end for the Huskers. He graduated in 2005 with a Bachelors degree in business administration and moved west to Sidney, NE, to take a job with Cabela's. He enjoyed his time at Cabela's and the outdoor opportunities that the Nebraska panhandle offered, but the corporate scene didn't light his fire. He eventually moved back to Omaha in 2009 and took a job as the Camping Director for the Mid America Council, Boy Scouts of America. In this role he managed 2,000 acres of land and 25,000 annual campers in both Iowa and Nebraska. Side note this was some of the best deer hunting ground I have ever seen.
The land management aspect of the his Camping Director role was the catalyst for his increasing interest in agronomy. Eventually this new found interest led him to Indian Creek 3 years ago. Dusty's passion for the environment and agronomy has enabled him to learn quickly and he was promoted to an assistant position earlier this year. He has been a valuable team member and continues to improve his eye for turf.
Outside of his role on the golf course Dusty has also started the Indian Creek "Micro Farm" a 10,000 square foot garden behind our maintenance facility. This "micro farm" is in its very early stages but we hope to someday provide quality produce at locally marketable quantities.  Who knows someday you can play a round of golf and leave with a bag of fresh veggies.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Key Staff Members: Jeff Moeller

Assistant Superintendent Jeff Moeller grew up in Wisner, Nebraska, and spent much of his younger years farming. The bowling industry has always been a passion for Jeff and eventually drew him off the farm in the late 90's when he owned and operated Coachmen's Steak House and Wisner Lanes. Bowling opportunities eventually brought him to Omaha in the early 2000's, but the call of the outdoors and agronomy led him to the golf course. His knowledge of golf course agronomics was limited in his early years but his farming experience gave him a solid foundation to build on. That foundation and a solid work ethic enabled him to work his way into the assistant superintendent role that he holds today.

Jeff has grown to love Indian Creek and the role he has in maintaining the course. He takes a lot of pride in the work he does and the team he helps manage. I have a tendency to want to push the envelope and can get a little high-strung in the summer, so the running joke is Jeff's role is to talk me off the proverbial cliff. He is really good at this and continues to grow in his role daily. We really appreciate what he brings to the team.

Key Staff Members: Shawn Tordrup




Something I have been meaning to do and should have done a long time ago is recognize the key members of my staff. Over the next few weeks I will introduce you all to the guys that are responsible for what we have been able to accomplish out here.


Shawn Tordrup joined Indian Creek Golf Course in October 2013 as one of the assistant superintendents. He has a lifelong passion for golf being first introduced to it at the age of six when his uncle taught him how to play. He was on his high school golf team in Superior, NE and spent five years working at Superior Country Club. In 2005, he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelors degree in turfgrass management and a goal of having a career in the golf course industry. At that time, job opportunities were sparse so he took a landscaping job for one year, followed by six years working in the lawn irrigation business. However, the golf "itch" would not go away and the timing was right when he found the opportunity at Indian Creek. He is a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. In his free time, Shawn enjoys golfing, hunting and spending time with his wife Shauna, and three dogs.

Shawn has been an excellent addition to our team and we appreciate the skill set and attitude he has brought with him.




NTA Fundraiser 4 Man Scramble
12:00 Noon on Monday, Sept 29th
Host Course: Indian Creek GC


Indian Creek is proud to host the 2014 Nebraska Turfgrass Association's fundraiser golf outing. The 4 man scramble is scheduled for 12:00 pm Monday, September 29th. All proceeds from this event go toward supporting the University of Nebraska's turf research. As a result of this research, myself and my colleagues are armed with up to date information and tools that we use everyday to provide the best playing conditions possible.

Get a team together and join us. The day will include a BBQ lunch, sponsored by Syngenta, 18 holes of golf with cart and range balls, flag prizes, and flight winner payouts with hors devours to end the day. If you cant play please considering sponsoring a team or donating to the event.

Your participation or donation goes a long ways. For more information and the a sign up/sponsor form please visit www.nebraskaturfgrass.com.