CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 GCSAA VOL. 17 NO. 7 Nov/Dec 2011 And the winners are.... As a result of the email proxy vote, the election of new officers is official. President...... John Downer, Elkview Vice President....Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Treasurer....Greg Boring, Scranton CC Secretary..... Ray Waddell, Elmhurst It’s Official.... The email proxy vote concerning changes to the by-laws has passed. The new by-laws are now in effect. President’s Message.... Officers & Directors 2012 It is my privilege to serve you as president of this grand asso­ ciation. I look forward to the coming year and continuing the great work of my predecessors. If anyone feels they can PRESIDENT contribute in even the smallest way, please contact any John Downer, Elkview C.C. Board member. We are open to any and all suggestions. If 570-840-0078 there are any of your neighboring courses who are not in­ VICE PRESIDENT volved with the PTGA, please approach them and see if they Patrick Knelly Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 would be interested. The Board of Directors are all working TREASURER Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton For those who are wondering, NO as of November 22nd, 570-587-4046 Downer does not have the covers on yet. The plow is ready, SECRETARY new tees are complete, all fungicides out, irrigation blown, Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 bring it on.... Old Man Winter. Get your skis and ice fishing DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 John Downer Matthew Brown, Turf Equipment & Supply 484-357-6312 Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club 570-378-2249 Thomas Height, Country Club of Scranton 570-237-0878 Editor’s Notes.... Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC. 570-586-5791 CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass Inc. The “off season” has finally come. The leaves are blown, dor­ 484-661-6105 mant feeds are out, snow mold applications are down, and the plow bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com trucks are ready. For some, the off season isn't much slower.... club­ Managing Editor house renovations are done by maintenance staff, equipment reno­ Melinda Wisnosky vations are starting, tree work needs to be done, and planning for 570-388-2167 next year is in the works. For others, being laid off over the winter is the Past President new normal, whether you want to be or not. Whatever your scenario, Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC make sure you take some time to spend with loved ones, recharge 570-424-6391 your batteries, and read all those Pocono newsletters you haven't had time for over the past months. Please check out the Chapter Delegates Corner which is infor­ mation provided by our PTGA representative to GCSAA Ray Waddell. From my family to all of yours..... Merry Christmas PTGA Office Brian Bachman 309 Terrace Avenue Harding, PA 18643 Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the position of PTGA. Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission, as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line. October Meeting Wrap Up Blue Ridge CC Superintendent Champion Affiliate Champion Skins 1. Duane Schell....85 1. T. J. Hart....79 Steve Chirip - birdie on #8 2. Rick Anglemyer..... 85 2. Paul Brandon....86 Barry Goodhart - birdie on # 12 MET GCSA Tournament Results Congratulations to the Pocono Turfgrass Association team that attended the MET GCSA Tourna­ ment at Galloway National in NJ. Representing the Association were: Ron Garrison, Paul Bran­ don, TJ Hart, Steve Chirip, Jerry Decker, Patrick Healy, and Chris Butler. They turned in a team score of 318, placing them in the middle of the pack. The final standings were: 1. Philadelphia GCSA 294 9. Pocono 318 2. MET GCSA 301 10. Northeastern GCSA 327 3. Central Penn GCSA 305 11. Connecticut AGCS 330 4. New England GCSA 306 12. Rhode Island GCSA 333 5. Hudson Valley GCSA 306 13. Eastern Shore AGCS 336 6. GCSA of NJ 309 14. Long Island GCSA NC 7. Central NY GCSA 312 15. Mid Atlantic AGCS NC 8. GCMA of Cape Cod 313 So how can I get to play in the MET you ask????? Any member of the Association has the ability to qualify for the MET Tournament....whether you’re a scratch golfer or have an 18+ handicap. All you have to do is participate....coming to the monthly meetings is more or less the most important factor in qualifying. So get out dur­ ing the season to some meetings and enjoy going to the MET Tournament, too. East Coast SOD & SEED Kevin Driscoll 609 760 4099 cell 856 769 9555 office 609 561 5384 fax 596 Pointers Auburn Road Pilesgrove NJ 08098 GCSAA Chapter Delegates Corner News Items: third of the delegates were attending the meet­ ing for the first time. The mixture of experience 1) Summary of Chapter Delegates Meeting among attendees created a positive environ­ November 1,2011 ment for interaction, learning and information sharing. Value of membership, member standards, field staff highlight agenda “It gives you a sense of ownership and having a say,” said first-time attendee Class A member “Ask and you shall receive” was the theme for Troy Martin of the Miami Valley GCSA. “The Board the 19th GCSAA Chapter Delegates Meeting, and staff have done a fantastic job in creating conducted Oct. 28-29-30 at GCSAA headquar­ an environment to contribute and share ideas. I ters in Lawrence, Kan., and the Airport Hilton in attended the Leadership Academy last year and Kansas City, Mo. I left impressed with what GCSAA was doing for the members. This meeting only reinforces that. Association executive staff and elected leaders I’m energized to go back to my chapter to share solicited feedback and frank discussion on a mul­ the information.” titude of topics and charged attendees to com­ municate with their respective chapters upon Value of Membership their return home. GCSAA Vice President Sandy GCSAA President Bob Randquist, CGCS re­ Queen, CGCS set the tone in his welcome to the peated a message that he has emphasized delegates saying “we want to hear from you. It is throughout his term in office: GCSAA must en­ vital that you share this information with your hance the value of membership and demon­ chapters." strate it to the members. He outlined several new programs implemented in the past year including Second-year delegate Tim Powers, CGCS repre­ expansion of the field staff program, creation of senting the GCSA of Northern California appreci­ a new job board, growth of social media, a new ated the forum which gave him the opportunity website, new resources to enhance sustainability to learn more about GCSAA programs and the of the golf facility and the online Self Assessment priorities of the Association. “It's obvious that we Tool to measure member competency and iden­ have terrific leadership that is extremely qualified tify resources to facilitate improvement. and doing good things during these challenging times,” Powers said. This discussion and an open town hall meeting format generated many suggestions as to how As is traditionally the case, approximately one- (Continued on page 5) Lee A. Kozsey TURF Territory Manager EQUIPMENT Turf Ornamental & Aquatics Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc, AND SUPPLY COMPANY Moving ahead to serve you better. syngenta 3710 Amherst Court Bethlehem, PA 18020 Tel 610-861-8174 Commercial Turf Equipment and Fax 610-882-9358 Irrigation Products Mobile 215-796-0409 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com 888.384.8676 lee.kozsey@syngenta.corn 8015 Dorsey Run Road • Jessup, MD 20794 For further assistance, contact our Customer Resource Center at: 866-Syngenta (866-796-4368) www.turf-equipment.com (Continuedfrom page 4) Member Standards: 10 Years Later GCSAA might increase and demonstrate value, For Randquist, the meeting featured a bit of a with many ideas focused on delivering value at “Back to the Future” moment with the introduc­ the chapter level through field staff and en­ tion of the Member Standards Advisory Group hanced use of technology. which has been formed to take a strategic look at the impacts the membership standards have had Second-year delegate Jeff Berg, Class A member on the association and its members. It has been representing the Virginia GCSA said the many 10 years since members approved the implemen­ ideas offered were a by-product of the board's tation of member standards by a 3 to 1 margin. willingness to listen and engage the delegates. Randquist, who served on the group that coordi­ “Sometimes it’s good to shake things up a little," nated the development of those standards, said the current board felt the review was prudent, but Berg said. “Stirring the pot is not necessarily a bad not based on any preconceived notions. thing if it's done positively. We came out of the weekend with items on which both GCSAA and “Ultimately there may be no changes to the stan­ the chapters can take action.” dards,” Randquist said. “But the board felt enough time had passed since the implementa­ Field Staff Expansion tion that we could get some feedback on the im­ Randquist elaborated on the field staff program, pact. We selected the advisory group, but that is noting that four regions (Florida, Great Lakes, as far as we went. What they find will not be di­ South Central, Southwest) were staffed and two rected by the board.” more would be assigned by the end of 2011 (Northeast, Northwest). All nine GCSAA regions The group, which will work independent of the are slated to have resident field staff by the end board, will review the impact of the standards to of 2013. He said the directive for the program re­ determine if the goals are being met, if there mains unchanged: to create a greater link be­ have been any unintended consequences, and tween the association and its chapters - some­ make recommendations to the Board on a future thing he believes is happening “to an even course of action in regards to standards. The 11 - greater degree" than he had expected this early member group will be chaired by GCSAA Past in the program. President Sean Hoolehan, CGCS and with GCSAA Past President Tim O'Neill, CGCS serving as vice­ GCSAA staff also provided several examples of chair. It will feature a diverse cross section of the the activities where field staff have helped to fa­ membership including certified members, Class A, cilitate chapter effectiveness through association SM and C representatives. There is no firm dead­ programs including strategic planning, advocacy, line for the group’s report, but an update on the membership growth and allied association rela­ group’s progress will be delivered at the 2012 tions. A roundtable discussion was conducted Chapter Delegates Meeting. among smaller groupings of delegates to exam­ ine areas for opportunity and measures of success Additional Discussion Items/Activities for field staff. The feedback was loud and clear It was announced that beginning Nov. 1, that the program had great potential to create GCSAA webcasts would be free of charge an even greater impact in the future. for all members. It was announced that members wishing to “I was one of the early naysayers," Minnesota apply for certification can now do so im­ GCSA delegate Kevin Clunis, CGCS said. “But mediately upon attainment of Class A once we began hearing about the successes and status. The additional requirements of one how it was helping chapters, my president asked year as a Class A and 5.0 education points me ‘how fast can we get ours?’ I'm sold on it.” have been removed. GCSAA continues to (Continued on page 6) (Continued from page 5) grow its collaboration with allied golf associations to strengthen the game of golf. It is imperative that representatives of those organizations on the facility level work in the same fashion to affect positive change as well. Newly appointed chief operating officer Richard Konzem was introduced. Candidates running for board and officer positions made presentations and hosted breakout discus­ sions An in-depth presentation on GCSAA government relations efforts revealed collaboration among staff, chapters and allied associations is having a positive impact. Four chapters made presentations on programs they have instituted with the assistance of GCSAA re­ sources in the areas of BMP development, media/public relations, strategic planning and govern­ ment relations. The GCSAA promotional package on the Golf Channel was well-received and supported as an im­ portant investment of funds. Outlined were new features for Conference and Show, and the National Championship and Golf Classic including education programs, networking opportunities and cost-saving options available to attendees. This includes a chapter incentive program for golfers who have not participated in the tournament in the past two years. How does the Pocono Turfgrass Association compare to other associations across the state?? Memberships: See how equipment and (empty cell) Commercial agronomics can work together. Supt Asst Philly 125 58 74 Central 94 27 66 Only John Deere Golf offers both a Pittsburgh 116 51 76 John Deere full selection of golf maintenance GOLF Pocono 66 22 43 equipment and soft goods from Northwest 60 5 42 top name brands. Plus advice on Keystone 28 4 14 how to pick the best of each for your course. Call us today. Think Ahead. Mt. Valley 56 15 35 Additionally, the Northwest Association has recently dis­ Equipment Sales: Agronomic Sales: NE PA: BrentWood, SOW, solved due to a lack of interest from the members to lead Finch Services, Inc., Hanover, PA 570-499-1441 the association. 717-632-2345 For those of you who may have missed it..... Here is some update information on the status of the new legislation regarding the pending fertilizer regulations Hello all. Attached is the draft legislation that the Senate intends to introduce in the near future to deal with the application of fertilizers on turf in Pennsylvania. This draft is a response to the Maryland language that we first circulated and does incorporate some of our recommendations. Please remember this is just the START of this process and the draft is a work in progress. That said, this draft is a very good start for us. Specifically, it: ■ Requires the Department to do a certification program that will be streamlined with the pesticide pro­ gram, and more importantly, it MUST recognize other forms of training (the certification programs that many of you already go through); • Eliminates the fear of different municipalities playing by different rules by ensuring that the state law would supersede any local ordinance; • Delineates clearly between consumer products/applications and professional products/applications; • Provides flexibility regarding soil tests (i.e. doesn't have to be PSU); • Provides some flexibility on the use of phosphorous; • Provides better flexibility on the “end” date for application of fertilizer (we will continue to work on an even later December date) These are all ideas we either suggested or support. However, we will continue to work with legislative staff to fine tune this language. UPDATE, PART-2: As far as a general update goes, you can use the one we sent to you yesterday (it's included below). In addition, here are a couple of thoughts about where we are in the process. (Continued on page 8) Harrell’s grass roots Grass Roots, Inc. P.O. Box 336 Mount Freedom, NJ 07970 Professional Fertilizer Solutions 4 Middlebury Blvd. 199 Warn Avenue Fran Berdine Pine Bush, NY 12566 Suite 7 Randolph. NJ 07869 cell: 201.424.7900 office/fax: 845.361.4105 Steve Chirip (973)418-3468, (570) 839-3399, PA Office fberdine@harrells.com www.harrells.com Technical Sales Rep. (973) 252-6634, NJ Office (973) 252-6630, Fax Growing a Better World™ Service ♦Technical Support♦ Quality Products Continued from page 4 (Continued from page 7) The good news is that generally speaking, nothing has changed with regard to the policy decisions that will have the most immediate impact on the golf industry. All turf, other than turf farms, but including golf courses, continues to fall under the category of urban nutrient management when DEP, the legislature and others talk about any changes that need to be made in the application of fertilizer. Moreover, the primary tool that the Commonwealth will likely use to regulate the application of fertilizer to turf is legisla­ tion that would create statewide rules regarding the application of fertilizer. At this point, the legislation under consideration is SB 1191. This is the bill that you, your members, the na­ tional folks and owners have all provided input on. Included below is a previous update on the provisions of SB 1191. Again, nothing has changed yet. An amendment is being drafted (we have provided input on that amendment) that will revise SB 1191. Mark will get you that text as soon as it is available and you can forward it to everyone for their review and comment. He will also do a summary of what changes the amendment makes to the original text of SB 1191. And remember, this amendment is just the next step in the process. We can’t emphasize enough that the golf course industry will continue to have its voice heard as the bill makes its way through the process. As far as how different sectors are being treated during this process. There is no indication that any sector -whether it is agriculture or municipal governments or builders, etc. - is being given the upper hand on golf or anyone else for that matter. In fact, Phase I of the WIP clearly reflects the positive role our industry has had as does the current version of SB 1191. And, we expect this to continue. Remember, different sectors have different issues that the legislature and DEP need to address, but the fact that there are differences doesn't mean someone is getting preferred treatment. Really, you guys are in good shape. Anyone who would like a copy of Senate Bill 1191 or the most recent amendments, please contact Brian Bachman, and he will gladly forward them to you. Ryan Davidheiser Cell: 610-310-3925 Office: 610-327-3390 Fax: 610-327-0581 THANKYOU 1486 S. Hanover St. Pottstown, PA 19465 www.aer-core.com Turfgrass Services A big thank you to the Golf Committee and the Board for rdavidheiser@aer-core.com Equipment Sales all their efforts to line up the monthly meetings, speakers, and results. And thank you to all of the hosts for showing their courses off to their peers. It was another year of great venues and great conditions. Bravo!!!! Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING Aer-Core Ryan Davidheiser 610-310-3925 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 John Deere BrentWood 570.499.1441 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Turf Equip. & Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Matt Brown 484-357-6312 EQUIPMENT PLANT PROTECTANTS Aer-Core Ryan Davidheiser 610-310-3925 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Turf Equip. & Supply Matt Brown 484.357.6312 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 George Skawski 610.554.9366 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 John Deere BrentWood 570.499.1441 FERTILIZER Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Harrell’s Fran Berdine 201-424-7900 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Genesis Turfgrass JimMacLaren 570-443-7154 Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 SEED & SOD Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Harrell’s Fran Berdine 201-424-7900 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 East Coast Sod & Seed Kevin Driscoll 609.760.4099 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Harrell’s Fran Berdine 201-424-7900 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 John Deere BrentWood 570.499.1441 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Harrell’s Fran Berdine 201-424-7900 Quality Materials James Gurzler 732.433.5474 Support our Sponsors - They support us! Upcoming Events POCONO ROUNDUP It’s a Girl! Dec 25 Merry Christmas Congratulations to Brian Bachman and his family on Jan 3-5 Eastern PA Turf Conference the arrival of their daughter Ayana Bachman on Fri­ Valley Forge, PA day, October 21,2011. Jan 26 NE PA Turf Conference Wilkes Barre, PA Jan 27 Annual Pocono Association Ski Trip Elk Mountain Feb 7-9 Western PA Turf Conference Mars, PA Feb 27-Mar 2 GCSAA National Turf Conference Las Vegas, NV If anyone has any events they would like to have rec­ ognized (births, weddings, etc) please contact any Board member or the Editor, Brian Bachman, to have it put in the newsletter. pocono turfgrass association 309 TERRACE AVENUE HARDING, PA 18643 PHONE/FAX 570-388-2167 Effective, Safe, and Ready for Play! WEBSITE: ptga.org As a golf course professional, you demand superior results on every tee, every green, and every fairway. At Growth Products, we are here to help! GCSAA INFORMATION CENTER Call Craig Lambert: 973-601-3303 1421 RESEARCH PARK DRIVE Clambert@GrowthProducts.com (800) 648-7626 / www.GrowthProducts.com