Building Connections in the Southeast

I’m Jared DeMeo, and I’ve been leading ViTech’s efforts to expand our products, Proactin and Nature’s pHix, into the Southeast. During my first year, I focused on cold-calling courses, setting up meetings, and distributing samples to demonstrate the effectiveness of our products. This year, while continuing those efforts, I’ve been exploring new ways to connect with superintendents across the region.

One key step I took was joining the Southeast chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSA), which offers networking events, education sessions, and volunteer opportunities. It’s been a great way to get involved in the community and learn more about the challenges and innovations shaping the industry.

Pinehurst and the GCSA Southeastern Conference

Earlier this year, I attended the GCSA Southeastern Conference at Pinehurst. The event kicked off with a cocktail reception at the PGA Golf Hall of Fame—my first visit there, and a memorable one. I got to see Bryson DeChambeau’s U.S. Open-winning scorecard and the club he used for that unforgettable chip on 18. The Hall also features lockers filled with memorabilia from legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer.

The next day was packed with presentations on key topics affecting superintendents. These included highlights from the recent U.S. Open at Pinehurst, updates on turfgrass research funded by the record-breaking “Rounds for Research” campaign, and emerging technologies aimed at improving course management. As a bonus, I ran into Roy Williams, the long-time UNC basketball coach, as I was leaving—definitely a highlight for this Tar Heels fan!

Education and Networking at Horry Georgetown

Another standout event was an educational session at Horry Georgetown Technical College focused on golf course construction and renovation. Presenters discussed costs, project timelines, and different types of renovation strategies available to courses. It was a great opportunity to connect with new superintendents and catch up with Alan Jarvis, superintendent at Pine Lakes, where we previously gave a presentation.

After the session, we toured research plots testing a variety of turf products. I met Charles Granger, who oversees much of the research, and we’ve since sent him samples for potential trials with ViTech products. We’re excited to see how they perform.

Volunteering at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur

This spring, I was honored to be one of 50 volunteers selected to help prepare the course for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. From Monday to Thursday, our team worked long days—from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.—to get the course tournament-ready.

My responsibilities included using a dew roller to dry the front nine greens each morning, clearing debris from tees, and handling divot repair in the afternoons. It was my first hands-on experience working on a golf course, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the level of detail and dedication involved. Huge thanks to Superintendent Barry Rewis and Assistant Superintendent Brad Thompson for their leadership and support throughout the week.

Turf Research and Field Day at Clemson

A few weeks later, I attended Field Day at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Clemson University’s main turf science facility. There, I met Lead Researcher Dr. Joe Roberts and Assistant Researcher Zee Ahmed. We’re currently discussing potential research trials focused on Goosegrass and Nematode management—two major concerns for many superintendents in the Southeast.

It was eye-opening to learn how serious a threat that insects have become in turf management, especially as resistance to existing treatments grows. We believe our products, like Proactin and Nature’s pHix, could play a role in integrated solutions that reduce chemical dependency while enhancing effectiveness.

Mixing Business with Golf

I recently attended the Cape Fear Southeastern Conference at River Landing for another round of educational sessions. This time, I stayed afterward to play a round of golf—my first of the year. I’ve been practicing regularly at the driving range and playing at Wilmington Municipal, and it paid off: I had one of my best rounds yet and even won closest to the pin on hole #5, earning a gift card to the pro shop (which I used to grab a new polo!).

Looking Ahead

This summer has been packed with learning, connecting, and growing—both professionally and personally. I’ve been making a point to stay active on LinkedIn to share updates from events and continue building ViTech’s presence in the golf industry. I’m also working to keep this blog more active, so stay tuned for more updates.

Thanks for reading—and if you're a superintendent in the Southeast, I’d love to connect, collaborate, and support the great work you're doing to keep your courses in top shape.

Meeting the Legend - Roy Williams

Surprised Myself - Winning Closest to Pin