GCSAA CEO Mark Woodward, CGCS, who as golf operations manager for the city of San Diego played a key role in preparing Torrey Pines Golf Club for the 2008 U.S. Open, will deliver the keynote address at the Fall Golf Inc. Conference Sept. 29 - Oct.1, 2008 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Ariz.

After one of the greatest U.S. Opens in recent memory, the mastermind behind the maintenance and setup of the magnificent Torrey Pines layout will be the kickoff speaker at the conference at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Woodward will share with attendees how he and his team prepared for the world-class event, the challenges, pitfalls and successes, as well as discuss his new role as executive director of GCSAA and the future of golf worldwide.

"This is by far the best U.S. Open venue I've ever played at," former PGA Tournament winner Rich Beem said of the scenic Torrey Pines layout. "It was absolutely fantastic. The way they set up the golf course with multiple tee boxes, the way they changed a lot of the holes with different yardages, how they cut the rough. It gave everybody a fair chance to advance the golf ball."

In his role with the city of San Diego, Woodward and his staff developed a five-year business plan that generated an additional $3 million in revenue from 2006 to 2007, including the implementation of the Advance Tee Time program that added $500,000 in revenue in the first year. His department hosted numerous high-profile events including three junior world golf championships, three city amateur championships, three PGA Tour events and the historic U.S. Open. His plan created 20,000 additional rounds available for the public golfer and the three golf facilities host 260 golf outings annually.

From a golf course standpoint, Woodward has implemented a management plan that has produced drastically improved course conditions and enhanced environmental stewardship. He was honored as one of Golf Inc.'s Most Admired Operators in 2006.

"You can't believe how much Mark Woodward has meant to Torrey Pines," said Mike Davis, U.S. Golf Association senior director of rules and competition. "I can't even begin to list the things Mark has done."

More than 90 speakers and executives from the golf industry will join Woodward in educating and informing attendees. Contact http://www.golfincmagazine.com/conference.