Pinehurst’s Bob Farren shares what he gains from attending the Golfdom Summit

Since its inception in 2011, the Golfdom Summit has been a place of connection and introduction. At the annual event, golf industry members meet, learn from each other and gain insight. It is a celebration of all that the world of golf can accomplish.

Bob Farren, CGCS

One of the recurring figures of the Golfdom Summit is Bob Farren, CGCS. He appreciates the structure and ability to connect with many different people. He jokes that the energy of the event feels like speed dating, based on the rapid-fire, one-on-one meetings superintendents have with the partners.

Farren, director of grounds at Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort, has served in that role since 2001. Under his leadership, Pinehurst has hosted 14 USGA Championships— including U.S. Opens in 1995, 2005 and 2014.

Course No. 2 will take center stage again when it hosts the U.S. Open in 2024.

Attending the Summit

Farren feels that the importance of attending the Summit comes from its focus on learning more about the industry and the people who work in it.

“When we get there, it’s clear that we are there for a reason,” Farren says. “The focus of the time spent there is on giving and receiving value. It is about showing respect for others’ work. All of us can see the importance of the invitation.”

As part of the two-day event, Golfdom Summit attendees are treated to individual meetings with partners, networking opportunities with other superintendents and, of course, a golf tournament. Pictured above is the driving range at Reunion Resort. Attendees walk from one station to the next to get demonstrations from the various partners. (Photo: Golfdom Staff)

The ability to make connections at the three-day event is a highlight of the Golfdom Summit, he adds. During this time, superintendents, sales representatives and industry leaders all come together to network and form partnerships.

“When you are meeting people, time goes by fast,” Farren says. “It is an opportunity to see these upcoming products and talk to sales representatives. You speak to these people for several minutes before meeting different people. You go to the next site or see the outdoor products demonstrated. It has the style of an expo, but it is a smaller and more intimate group.”

Building connections

(Left to right) Brian Godwin, Turfco; Bob Farren, CGCS; Scott Kinkead, Turfco; Matt Shaffer and Shawn Emerson pause from the Turfco demonstration for a photo at the 2022 Golfdom Summit. (Photo: Golfdom Staff)

Farren says one of the most meaningful relationships he established through the Golfdom Summit is with equipment manufacturer Turfco. The turf maintenance company based in Minneapolis, Minn. manufactures equipment for the golf, sports and lawn care industries. A third-generation family-owned company, its equipment includes sprayers, spreaders, aerators, edgers and sod cutters.

Pinehurst, Farren says, purchased several Turfco units following their meeting at the Golfdom Summit.

“Because of the Summit, we were able to develop a relationship between the Resort and (Turfco),” he says. “They became available to us through our local John Deere distributor. It has been a really good pairing. We’ve done a lot of business with them in the last few years since we met.”

Looking forward

Currently, Farren is focusing on the construction of Golf House Pinehurst. The project, which began in the summer of 2022, will include an equipment-testing facility and the visitor-friendly USGA Experience — a 4,000-square-foot exhibit dedicated to the USGA’s history. The project is expected to finish construction by early next year, just in time for the resort’s next U.S. Open.

Even with all this work underway, Farren still looks forward to yet another Summit in December.

“I think the Golfdom Summit is extremely beneficial for superintendents because it is an opportunity to connect,” Farren says. “We work very well together. We get to share ideas and ways for us to be successful. The Summit allows us to establish those relationships. I certainly appreciate attending the number of times I have.”

(Editor’s note: Farren is invited back regularly, along with Matt Shaffer and Shawn Emerson, to participate in the annual Legends panel discussion.)

The 2023 Golfdom Summit takes place from Dec. 6 to 8 at Reunion Resort in Orlando and is currently accepting applications.