CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL 17 NO. 6 October 2011 October Meeting Blue Ridge Country Club Host: Pete Beblavy Speaker: Stan Zontek, USGA Our final meeting of the year takes us to an old favorite in Blue Ridge Country Club in Palmerton. Pete Be- blavy, Golf Course Superintendent, is our host. A former site for the annual clambake, we return to the (hopefully) slightly warmer southern climes to finish out the year. Originally established in 1915 as a 9 hole course by the New Jersey Zinc Company with land donated by Palmer Land Company (whose owner was the namesake for the town), the design and architecture cannot be attributed to any one architect. In 1990, the club expanded to 18 holes. Although there is a “Cornish influ- ence” on the new 9, there is once again no one architect for which the design can be attributed. Since 1999, local renowned architect Jim Blaukovitch has completed a master plan for the course which is chipped away at as time permits. In 2003 the club invested in an updated and beautiful new clubhouse overlooking the course. The course now plays as a 6,700 yard par 72. Born and raised in Palmerton, Pete is in his twelfth year as superintendent at Blue Ridge, and has worked at the club for 23 years. A 1996 graduate of Delaware Valley College, Pete is assisted by PSU grad Dion Barner. (Continued on page 5) President’s Message.... Officers & Directors 2011 Wow! That was rough; two months of rain has taken its toll. I, for one, am looking forward to a little down time. The sun is shining bright as I write this and my puddles are a bit less deep. With everything PRESIDENT that's going on in the golf industry, we should be happy to have good Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC honest work. A few clubs are shutting down for good and that's a sad 570-424-6391 thing. Good luck to those of you that may have that happen to you. VICE PRESIDENT Great job to Brian on his first newsletter. It was really well done. John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-840-0078 This will be my last newsletter as President; good luck to the next one. It has been my honor to help guide the PTGA for these last two years. TREASURER Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC Hope to see you at our last meeting of the year at Blue Ridge Country 570-842-4705 Club. SECRETARY Patrick Knelly Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 Thanks to the Board, DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 Matthew Brown, Turf Equipment & Supply Rick Anglemyer 484-357-6312 Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton 570-587-4046 Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club 570-378-2249 Editor’s Notes..... Thomas Height, Country Club of Scranton 570-237-0878 Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC. 570-586-5791 CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF Another month has gone by, and all that we can talk about is EDITOR the rain...truly a year to remember (and one to try and forget). Thank­ Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass Inc. 484-661-6105 fully, things have finally started to dry out (a little) and everyone is bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com starting to catch up on mowing and putting their courses back to­ gether. Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky 570-388-2167 This month's newsletter has information on the new Tier IV regu­ Editorial Committee lations that are coming our way from the EPA. These regulations will Darrin Larkin certainly impact the turf equipment industry and subsequently your Matt Brown purchasing decisions and buying power, so take the time to educate Past President yourselves and be proactive. A special thank you to Matt Brown of Darrin Larkin, Greenfield Power Equipment 570-222-4330 Turf Equipment and Supply for providing the Tier IV information. Finally, kudos to Rick Anglemyer for his two years of service as President of our Association. It's another thankless job, but one that he has done well with. Hope you all can make it to Blue Ridge C.C. for the meeting. 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. Proposed By Law Changes: This is the third and final reading of the 2011 proposed by law changes. The by law changes will be emailed to each member for review. The changes are to be voted on by A and SM members after 3 readings. The changes and current by laws are available on the website for review as well. Should you have questions or comments on these proposed changes or any other changes you may wish to have made, please contact Tom Height with your suggestions and make yourself available for the voting meeting in October at Blue Ridge Country Club. SECTION 3 . MEMBERSHIP CLASSES Class AA - Life Members To qualify for Life Membership one must have retired as a Golf Course Superintendent, and have reached the age of 55, and meet one of the following criteria: (a) A voting member for at least twenty-five (25) years (b) A former board member A Life Member shall have all the rights and privileges of the Association except that of holding office. They shall pay no dues or assessments. Class A - Golf Course Superintendent To qualify for Class A membership, an applicant shall have at the time of application for membership a minimum three (3) years experience as a Golf Course Superintendent and be employed in such capacity. Class A Mem- bers shall have all the privileges of the Association, subject to the provisions of Article V, Section 1 hereof. Class SM . Golf Course Superintendents (formerly Class B) To qualify for Class SM membership, an applicant shall be a Golf Course Superintendent who has at the time of application for membership, less than three years experience as a Golf Course Superintendent, and shall be pres- ently employed in such capacity. Class SM Members shall have all the privileges of the Association, subject to the provisions of Article V, Section 1 hereof. Class C - Assistant Golf Course Superintendents To qualify for Class C membership, an applicant shall be, at the time of application for membership, an Assistant to a Golf Course Superintendent, and shall be presently employed in such capacity. Class C Members shall have all the privileges of the Association, subject to the provisions of Article V, Section 1 hereof. One Class C member will serve as a “C Liaison” on the Board of Directors as voted on by the membership. Class D - Golf Course Employees To qualify for Class D membership, an applicant shall be any person of good character who at the time of application for membership is employed at a golf course represented by a Class A or Class SM member of this Association. Class D members shall have such privileges of the Association as the Board of Directors may specify by Standing Rules, except those of voting or holding office. (Continued on page 4) East Coast Harrell’s SOD & SEED Professional Fertilizer Solutions 199 Warn Avenue Fran Berdine Pine Bush. NY 12566 cell 201.424.7900 Kevin Driscoll office/fax: 845 361.4105 fberdine@harrells.com www.harrells.com 609 760 4099 cell 856 769 9555 office 609 561 5384 fax 596 Pointers Auburn Road • Pilesgrove NJ 08098 Growing a Better World™ (Continued from page 3) Associate (AS) To qualify for Associate membership, an applicant must be a person interested in the growing, management or pro- duction of turfgrasses. Associate members shall have all the privileges of the Association, except those of voting and holding office. Affiliate (AF) To qualify for Affiliate membership, an applicant must be a person interested in the growing, management or pro- duction of turfgrass, either individually or through employment by, or other affiliation with, a company, proprietorship or association, who does not qualify for membership in any other class. Affiliate Members shall have all the privileges of the Association, except those of voting for the Class A, SM and C members of the Board of Directors. AF mem- bers vote for AF board members. ARTICLE V OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS SECTION 1 . OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS The control and management of the Association and its affairs and its property shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors, consisting of its officers and at large Directors. A majority of the Board of Directors shall be Class A, Class SM, as well as one Class C Member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The Officers of the Association shall be Class A or SM members of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America which shall include President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. SECTION 2 . QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE Class A, Class SM, and one Class C member(s) who are actively employed as Golf Course Superintendents and As- sistant Superintendents are eligible to serve as Directors of this Association. Affiliate (AF) Members can also hold posi- tions on the Board of Directors as long as their numbers are in a minority to the Class A, Class SM and Class C Board Member summation. There shall be elected at each annual meeting of this Association the following named Offi- cers who shall serve on the Board of Directors: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall hold of- fice for a period of one (1) year and until their successors are elected and qualified and who shall perform the du- ties hereinafter prescribed for each of such offices. There shall likewise be a maximum of three (3) successive terms. There shall likewise be elected to the Board of Directors five (5) members of this Association who shall be elected to two year terms by the membership. An election shall be held each year for those Director positions whose terms are to expire. The Immediate Past President of the Association shall serve as a Director until he is succeeded by the pre- (Continued on page 5) TURF Lee A. Kozsey Territory Manager EQUIPMENT Turf, Ornamental & Aquatics AND SUPPLY COMPANY Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. 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.com 8015 Dorsey Run Road • Jessup, MD 20794 For further assistance, contact our www.turf-equipment.com Customer Resource Center at: 866-Syngenta (866-796-4368) (Continued from page 4) siding President. The Officers of the Association, as hereinabove provided for, together with the Directors as above constituted, shall constitute the Board of Directors of this Association. Each member of such Board of Direc- tors shall be entitled to vote at the meetings thereof and a quorum necessary for the transaction of business shall be not less than a majority of said Board of Directors. In the event a member of the Board of Directors becomes unem- ployed, he has six (6) months to become employed again as a Class A, Class SM, or Class C Superintendent/ Assistant Superintendent before having to resign his seat on the Board of Directors. In the case of the Affiliate Mem- ber, a vacancy shall occur, and a replacement found under the guidelines of Section 3 of this Article. ARTICLE XI DISSOLUTION SECTION 1 In the event of the dissolution of the Pocono Turfgrass Association, after all liabilities and responsibilities have been met, its assets shall be distributed for one or more of the exempt purposes specified in Section 501 (c)(3) of the Inter- nal Revenue Code of 1954, as from time to time amended. Decision of distribution shall be by the Board of Directors, and focus on Universities and research programs with the highest regard to Turfgrass studies. (Continued from page 1) Pete and Dion work with their in-season staff of 6 full time and 6 part time employees to maintain the 2.5 acres of greens, 1.5 acres of tees, and 25 acres of fairways at Blue Ridge. This scenic course is cut through some beautiful terrain and often hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including some black bears. This month’s meeting is our annual election and business Effective, Safe, and Ready for Play! meeting. We will also be voting on the proposed by-law As a golf course professional, you demand changes that have been published in the previous news- letters. Additionally, the final tournament of the year is superior results on every tee, every green, and our Championship Tournament played in a stroke play every fairway. At Growth Products, we are here to help! format. Please come out before the snow comes and enjoy one last fling with your peers. Call Craig Lambert: 973-601-3303 Clambert@GrowthProducts.com (800) 648-7626 / www.GrowthProducts.com Tier IV...What is it and what does it mean to you? Article content contributed by Matt Brown The Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 diesel engine emission reduction mandate will soon have an impact on your business. Tier 4 compliant Turf Equipment, in the 25 to 74 horsepower (hp) category, manufactured after January 2013 will be better for the environment and healthier for everyone, but it will also cost more. Understanding the financial implications of various compliance options - today - will allow you to evaluate all of your options, in advance, so you can make the most beneficial de- cision for your business. The EPA Tier 4 Standard is about cleaner air! All US regulated emission standards, including Tier 4 for off-road diesel engines, are extensions of the “Clean Air Act” (1963) which was enacted to reduce air pollution in the United States. The “tiered” mandates were put in place to progressively reduce the level of harmful emissions such as Particulate Matter (PM) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) that enter the air via diesel engine exhaust. The most stringent emission reduction mandate to date, is called “Tier 4”. The Tier 4 emission standard will reduce emissions of PM by 90% from current levels. What Tier 4 means to Turf Equipment Manufacturers Compliance with Federal Regulations, like EPA Tier 4, is not optional. The EPA Tier 4 emission reductions were first mandated in industries with large on-road vehicles (such as semi trailers and other diesel-powered trucks) and followed shortly thereafter in industries with large off-road diesel equipment (such as agricultural and construction equipment). In each case, the cost to manufacture Tier 4 compliant models went up substantially (Continued on page 7) September Meeting Results 732.356.SAND Fx. 732.356.5161 It was a great day at Paupack Hills C.C.— and it didn't rain! Cell. 732.433.5474 Thanks to Mark Monahan and everyone at the club for a wonder­ ful day. Following are the golfing results: JAMES GURZLER Sales Associate 1st Place—Tom Collum Closest to the Pin #7—John Downer 2nd Place—Eric Reed 3rd Place—Brian Bachman Closest to the Pin #16—Don Benner Longest Drive—Ron Garrison Quality Materials Engineered Sands & Soils 1st Place Guest—Chris Boyle jamesg@geoschofield.com PO Box 110, Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (Continued from page 6) due to the significant scope of the changes needed to imple- ment compliant engine and exhaust after-treatment technol- ogy. The incorporation of Tier 4 compliant diesel engines into today’s Turf equipment solutions (25-74 hp), will require significant equipment redesign. Tier 4 compliant diesel engine/exhaust system solutions; 1) require more sophisticated electronics to monitor and control emissions, 2) are physically larger in size, and 3) have new and more expensive compo- nents - particularly in the exhaust after-treatment area. Compliant models may require retooled engine compart- ments, modifications to chassis frames and re-engineered cooling systems. Over a third of the parts for a given model will likely need to be reworked, replaced or otherwise re- gineered in order to integrate Tier 4 compliant engines and en haust systems into the products! As such, existing models are ex retrofit" capable. “not The obvious message is that the design, manufacturing and component costs - to deliver Tier 4 compliant diesel powered product will increase significantly, beginning with machines manufactured in 2013. Cost reductions, while always a high pri in product redesigns, will not be sufficient to offset cost ority creases. in Be Prepared for the Tier 4 Mandate Educating customers early, regarding the financial impact of Tier 4, provides sufficient time to evaluate multiple options. The additional time will allow you to thoughtfully consider the most meaningful approach for your business as it relates to environmentally and financially prudent (i.e. Tier 4 compliant) turf equipment purchases. End users in other industries that have already lived through the transition to Tier 4 have taken a few different strategic (Continued on page 8) Grass Roots, Inc. P.O. Box 336 THANK YOU grass roots Mount Freedom, NJ 07970 4 Middlebury Blvd. Suite 7 Randolph, NJ 07869 Steve Chirip (973) 418-3468, Mobile (570) 839-3399, PA Office Technical Sales Rep. (973) 252-6634,NJOfice (973) 252-6630, NJ Fax A big thank you to the Golf Committee and the Board for all their efforts to line up the monthly meetings, Service ♦ Technical Support ♦ Quality Products speakers, and results. And thank you to all the hosts for showing their courses off to their peers. It was another year of great venues and great conditions. Bravo!!!! (Continued from page 7) • Become knowledgeable about the coming approaches when developing their capital spending EPA Tier 4 Emission Standard: plans around Tier 4 compliance: - Conduct a simple internet search on “EPA Tier 4 • Go “Green” Emission Standards" to learn as much as you can on Some end-user companies embraced the new Tier 4 this topic directly. product and wanted to position themselves as leaders - Ask any equipment manufacturer in the “green” space. They got in line for the new prod- who supplies diesel powered equipment 25 to 74 hp ucts early, despite the higher prices, to lead the charge how they plan to become Tier 4 compliant. toward cleaner air. • Educate your leadership team and financial • Business as Usual stakeholders about Tier 4 and the possible im- Other companies chose to simply pay the market price pact it may have on your equipment purchas- (even if it was forecasted to go up substantially) when ing plans. their current capital plan called for new equipment or when their equipment simply reached the end of its useful life. • Understand the availability for both existing and new Tier 4 technology solutions and how it may • Buy Used influence your options and decisions starting in Equipment manufactured prior to 2013 is grand- 2013. fathered-in” and does not need to be retrofitted to Tier 4 standards. Create a capital equipment acquisition plan with • Pre-Buy a longer-range view of spending priorities. Many companies decided to buy equipment in ad- vance of the mandatory Tier 4 changeover (at lower • Specifically review your diesel equipment needs prices) to defer the need for higher priced products as by Tier 4 hp category (i.e. less than 25 hp, 25 to 74 long as possible and to give them more time to adjust hp, 75 hp and higher). to the new market pricing. • Perform financial ROI analysis for different scenar- What can or should you do? ios to understand possible financial impact based Act now to learn more and share what you know! on various strategies. • Understand budgetary and product availability implications of purchasing equipment before and after the mandatory January 2013 compliance tim- ing. Reminder from the Golf Committee and the Board of Directors: We have a reservation deadline for meetings as a courtesy to the hosting superintendent and their pro shop and restaurant staffs. The PTGA policy is a cancellation 24 hours prior to the event will result in no charge to the club or individual who cannot attend; additionally late registrations incur the additional fee of $10.00 over the regular advertised price of the meeting. We use these rules out of respect to our members who graciously give of their course for our gatherings. These fees will be assessed to the member for themselves and their guests. Please make the necessary calls to Melinda regarding your attendance so that everyone may enjoy these gatherings. 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 Brent Wood 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 TedZabrenski 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 Brent Wood 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 Jim MacLaren 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 TedZabrenski 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 Brent Wood 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 Our condolences go to Bob Price at Edgewood in the Oct 17 Corky Knoll Memorial Scholarship Tourney Pines. Within a 3 week period, Bob had 2 floods and Moselem Springs GC, Fleetwood PA his maintenance building burned completely to the Contact Tim O’neil (timomsgc@ptd.net) ground....a total loss. Thanks go out to all of the su- Oct 18 Blue Ridge Country Club, Palmerton PA perintendents and vendors who quickly came to Pete Beblavy, Supt Bob’s assistance with offers of equipment or help. It's Stan Zontek, USGA tradgedies like this that remind us of the generosity and camaraderie that make this industry great. Nov 15-17 Penn State Golf Turf Conference State College, PA Nov 24 Thanksgiving Nov 28 BANG....First day of deer season Dec 6-8 NJ Turf Conference Atlantic City, NJ A final farewell to.... Mt. Manor GC and The Center Valley Club have closed their doors permanently. Another sign of the times we live in. POCONO TURFGRASSASSOCIATION 309 TERRACE AVENUE HARDING, PA 18643 PHONE/FAX 570-388-2167 WEBSITE: ptga.org See how equipment and agronomics can work together. Only John Deere Golf offers both a full selection of golf maintenance equipment and soft goods from top name brands. Plus advice on how to pick the best of each for your course. Call us today. Think Ahead. Equipment Sales: Agronomic Sales: Finch Services, Inc., NE PA: BrentWood, SOW, Hanover, PA 570-499-1441 717-632-2345