3/22/2020 10:03 PM
I write this with a heavy heart to my fellow turfgrass men and women in our amazing profession. I know most of you don’t know me, but I am a proud father of one 15-month-old son and a proud husband. My wife and I are expecting our second child due in November. With the wonderful gifts this life has given me, I feel compelled to write this letter.
Over the past couple of weeks, I have seen how amazing our profession is with the ability to adapt to anything, even a global pandemic such as the unprecedented COVID-19. What overall passion we have for our individual golf courses and our industry. But I must say, I worry the very industry that relies so heavily on scientific research, data, and professional knowledge, is also one that is so willing to look the other way if it does not benefit our individual objective. How many times have we been at our own golf course when we have someone who objects to the greater good of the course itself? “Frost can’t be that big of a deal, I’m only one person. You don’t really know what you’re talking about.” I’m sure most of us have heard something along these lines before.
With that being said, I know these are scary times for everyone in our country and around the world, physically, mentally, economically. To bypass the system for the greater good of our own golf courses is counterproductive in these trying times. My plea to you, if you read this, is to protect my wife who practices as a Doctor of Nursing Practice and her fellow colleagues that are truly on the frontlines of this global crisis. They have no choice but to go to work and help the growing number of citizens in need. What makes it even scarier for me, is that she will be asked to confront this without much of the proper PPE necessary to see any patient suffering from COVID-19. Remember it is illegal for us, in our industry, to apply any pesticide without the proper PPE, let alone face the greatest threat our world has seen in some time.
I believe it is in the best interest of our golfers, employees, community, and nation to use this time to take a break. Take a break from the tireless efforts we put forth each day to provide the best conditions possible in order to work with our state and local governments to achieve greater good. I believe that we, as turfgrass professionals, have the ability to return our golf courses to the shape that we as professionals expect out of our properties once this crisis has passed. We provide so many great opportunities to our society with companionship, sportsmanship, being one with nature, and breathing the fresh air, just to name a few. We will still be able to provide these opportunities in the future, without bypassing current mandated shut downs. While I believe my fellow turfgrass professionals are the best in the world, I also believe that our memberships will need to lower expectations for the upcoming season in light of the current situation. Remaining in compliance with mandated closures is the best course of action to maintain the safety and health of our communities.
Please, understand that my hope is for everyone to realize that I am not belittling nor trying to start a political debate. We simply must do our part to flatten the curve and reduce the spread of this novel virus to our family, friends, and co-workers. Please, be mindful when your local government shuts anything down, don’t try to bypass it. Stay with your loved ones and do your best to enjoy time away from your property.
Sincerely,
Josh Caffee, GCSAA-Class A Superintendent