CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 17 NO. 5 September 2011 September Meeting Paupack Hills Golf & Country Club Host: Mark Monahan, CGCS Speaker: Dr. Doug Linde, Delaware Valley College September takes us north to the rolling hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania near Lake Wallenpaupack to Pau- pack Hills Golf and Country Club. Our host is veteran superintendent and general manager of Paupack Hills, Mark Monahan, PGA & CGCS who has been at the club for 28 years. The architect of this Par 71, 6556 yard, 18-hole course is Tom Fazio. No living designer has more credits on the Golf Digest Top 100 American Courses list than Tom Fazio, so the venue should be a great place to play this month’s meeting. The course was designed around the Tanglewood Lakes Community on the southern side of Lake Wallenpaupack. Paupack Hills originally opened as a 9-hole course in 1971 and was officially complet- ed as an 18-hole course in 1974. The course’s current configuration is the reverse of how it opened, with the original 9 playing as the back nine currently. The course features narrow fairways and undulating greens, as well as 48 bunkers, plus water hazards on 5 holes. Nearby Lake Wallenpaupack was built in 1927 by PP&L, concurrently with a power plant and dam. The pow- er plant is three and half miles away and was fed by a Douglas Fir flow line consisting of 5 million board feet of Washington State Douglas Fir. The lake boasts 52 miles of shoreline, is 13 miles long and is approximately 5700 acres. (Continued on page 6) Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2011 It’s September already? This has been a very different year, some good, some bad. But it looks like we may have just made it through. The clambake at Buckhill was a perfect day of golf and food. PRESIDENT Many thanks to the club and all who attended. Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC 570-424-6391 The biggest Thank you of all must go to Brian Bachman. He has VICE PRESIDENT John Downer, Elkview C.C. stepped up to take the lead on our newsletter. This is a thankless job, 570-840-0078 and he is a better man than me to saddle himself with this duty. I know TREASURER Brian will be looking for ideas as well as any articles you would like to Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC submit for publishing. If there is a subject that peaks your interest let 570-842-4705 him know. SECRETARY Patrick Knelly Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 Good luck with the rest of your season! DIRECTORS Rick Anglemyer Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 Matthew Brown, Turf Equipment & Supply 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 A sucker is born every minute, or so the saying goes ….and EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass Inc. with that I step into the role as editor for the newsletter. This is all new 484-661-6105 to me, so bear with me as we keep moving along and trying to build bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com on the fine job that Jim Gurzler did for so many years. Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky 570-388-2167 I’d like to thank Jim for his years of dedicated service produc- ing the newsletter. He’s done a great job keeping it interesting, con- Editorial Committee Darrin Larkin sistent, and all inclusive, so next time you run into Jim just let him know Matt Brown that you read an issue or two and thank him as well. Past President Darrin Larkin, Greenfield Power Equipment And now I will put out the same plea that Jim has for years…..if 570-222-4330 anyone would like to contribute articles, information, or just plain hu- morous items, please pass them on to me. I will welcome the contri- butions. I hope to see plenty of you at the September meeting. It’s a great time of year, after aeration for nearly everyone, at a new loca- tion, and at a time where no one’s course should be at risk of falling PTGA Office apart in your brief absence. And away we go….. 309 Terrace Avenue Harding, PA 18643 Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the Brian Bachman 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. PagePage 3 3 August Meeting Wrap Up Our annual clambake meeting is historically the largest event that we have each year, and this year was no different. We had a solid turnout for what ended up being an absolutely beautiful day to play some golf. After a very rainy few weeks prior, Tim and his crew had the course in excellent condition. Having never played the course before, I for one was thoroughly impressed and enjoyed the layout, conditions, hospitality, and history of the course. The singing of the national anthem prior to tee off was a nice surprise. We played the Blue and White courses on this 27 hole track in a 4 man scramble. The winning team with a 59 were the guys from Bethlehem Golf Club (with the help of Mr. Consistency from Syn- genta): Tom Wilchak, Lee Kozsey, E. Cogomo, and C. Brosky. In second place, just one stroke back with a 60, was the team from Blue Ridge Trail: Duane Schell, Tony Barletta, Carmen Winters, and M. Kachurak. We had four Closest to the Pins: Our longest Drives were won by: #5 Blue—Duane Schell #8 White—Corey Herne #7 Blue—Chris Boyle #8 Blue—Carmen Winters #7 White—Tom Powell #9 White—Dan Barone Once again, thanks to Tim Stem and all the staff at Buck Hill Falls for an enjoyable and memorable day. If you’ve never been there it’s certainly a trip worth making. Next month we’ll be visiting Paupack Hills Golf and Country Club and hearing from Dr. Doug Linde of Delaware Valley College on managing green firmness (a timely topic with all this rain). These meetings are a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, share experiences (and horror stories), and get away from that 150 acres that consumes every waking moment. Thanks to Brent Wood at JDL, Gene Evans from Blue Ridge Peat, and Brian Bachman at Genesis Turf for their sponsorship of the meeting this month. A special “atta-boy” to the gentlemen who sponsored the beverages….you know who you are. 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. Page 4 Proposed By Law Changes: This is the second 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 sug- gestions 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 5) Page 5 (Continued from page 4) Associate (AS) To qualify for Associate membership, an applicant must be a person interested in the growing, management or production of turfgrass- es. Associate members shall have all the privileges of the Associa- tion, 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 production of turfgrass, either individually or through employment by, or other affiliation with, a company, proprietorship or association, who does not quali- fy 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 members 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 Direc- tors 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 Presi- dent, 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 em- ployed as Golf Course Superintendents and Assistant Superinten- dents are eligible to serve as Directors of this Association. Affiliate (AF) Members can also hold positions 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 Officers who shall serve on the Board of Directors: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall hold office for a period of one (1) year and until their successors are elected and qualified and who shall perform the duties hereinafter prescribed for each of such of- fices. 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 presiding President. The Officers of the Associa- tion, as hereinabove provided for, together with the Directors as (Continued on page 6) Page 6 (Continued from page 5) 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) Mark T. Monahan, a Penn State graduate, also worked at Bucks County Country Club and built Fernwood Country Club before landing at Paupack Hills. Mark is assisted in day to day operations by David Mack, a Rut- gers graduate who previously worked at both Glen Oak Country Club and Lords Valley Country Club. These men are caring for the 138 acres that make up the site, which has 3 acres of greens, 1-½ acres of tees, 22 acres of fairways and 40 acres of maintained rough. To manage these areas, there is a summer staff ranging be- tween 10 and 12 people with a winter crew of 3. The maintenance operation is housed in a 2400 square foot facility. Projects currently underway are bunker upgrades and adding additional forward tees to improve play- ability and enjoyment of the course. Dr. Doug Linde, of Delaware Valley College, will be our speaker this month. His topic will be the new data on greens firmness and ways to manage them for optimum conditioning. This month is also our qualifier for the MetGCSA Team Championship which will be played as a modified Stable- ford. This year’s host for the MetGCSA Championship is Galloway National in New Jersey – a wonderful Tom Fazio design, so make sure you study your putts! You may see some similarities when you make the team for Galloway National. Come on out and enjoy your round with Mark and the staff of Paupack Hills Golf and Country Club this month! Page 7 Bunker consistency A no-win situation? Every superintendent has at one moment or another had their fill of complaints revolving around the bun- kers on their golf course. From too soft/fried egg to not enough sand to rocky/contaminated to off color, the com- plaints seem to never end concerning these HAZARDS. The following should be a breath of fresh air to all of you that have been dying to speak your mind but have never had the opportunity or forum to do so. The identity of the Pocono member shall be kept anonymous, but know that this was made public and available to his member- ship on the courses website and put in the newsletter with his consent. Enjoy…… *********************************************************** After completing a project that added 150 tons of sand to “inconsistent bunkers”……. Despite my personal feelings on the project, something funny has taken place. I have received a number of “not so glowing” comments about the addition of sand to the bunkers. The common denominator seems to revolve around a very subjective little term, “consistency”…… It has been laid out to me by some in a constructive man- ner, and others in a not so constructive tone. I must say, I was shocked and discouraged to hear this, considering our #1 issue with bunkers over the years has always been a lack of proper sand depth. So, what is happening? I feel the largest issue, is that our players are not yet used to the new sand’s playability. Yes, it will be softer. Any- thing is softer than the hardpan dirt we had before!!! On a serious note, some of this issue should go away as we get more acclimated to the new sand, and also the sand will continue to “set-up” and become slightly more firm with time. So, I hope that these factors alleviate some of these complaints as time goes forward. Second, I think a short discussion on “bunkers” as “hazards” is probably appropriate. I hate to sound inconsiderate to the plight of the golfer who finds themselves in a bunker, but please keep in mind, a bunker is a Hazard. A haz- ard is designed to provide a penalty, and they are integral components of a well designed golf hole. Our bunker- ing provides protection/penalty to some of our less difficult holes, and act as a major factor in the design of our beautiful course. If they were meant to be easy, they would not be named “traps”, “bunkers”, or “hazards”? In my personal opinion consistency is not something we should strive for, a bunker is meant to be fair, but it is also meant to be a penalty to those who hit into them. I feel that should you find your ball in a hazard, part of the penalty is not knowing exactly how you ball will react. I’m sure many will not agree with my opinion, but I feel golf course ar- chitecture is meant to be penal at times and bunkers are part of what makes golf a challenging yet unpredictable sport. Maybe we need to re-evaluate where the fault lies, and consider the possibility that it was a bad shot that lead us into the “bunker” and we deserve to reap what we sow….. Continued from page 4 Page 8 MetGCSAA Tournament Qualifying Rules REMINDER: SEPTEMBER MEETING @ PAUPACK IS THE QUALIFIER The PGTA will send 8 participants to the MetGCSAA tournament, 4 players in the Gross division and 4 players in the Net division. The current president of the PTGA will be given the option to participate in his preferred division without qualifying. If the president chooses not to use his exemption, the next highest qualifier in his preferred division will earn the spot. PTGA members will be given preference for attending PTGA monthly meetings. Meeting attendance is worth 3 points per meeting attended. MetGCSAA Qualifying Tournament Rules: The qualifying tournament will use the standard PGA Stableford scoring system of -3pt (double bogey or worse) -1pt (bogey) 0pt (par) 2pt (birdie) 5pt (eagle) 8pt (double eagle) There will be 2 divisions, Gross and Net  Any player that does NOT present a verifiable USGA handicap will be automatically placed in the GROSS division of the tournament  In accordance with MetGCSAA policy a maximum handicap ceiling of 18 will be enforced in the NET division  The top four accumulated point totals from each division will qualify for the MetGCSAA tournament. Any qualifiers unable to attend will be replaced by the next highest available qualifier  Both divisions are open to PTGA members in the A, SM, AF, and AS classifications  Guests of PTGA members are not eligible to qualify for the MetGCSAA tournament in either division There will be a maximum of 4 Affiliate members allowed to attend the MetGCSAA tournament per year. This year’s tournament is at Galloway National in New Jersey. Rated one of the top 100 new courses . Our final golf meeting of the year will be held at Blue Ridge Country Club in Palmerton. A one time staple as host of the annual clambake, Blue Ridge is getting back in the mix of meeting sites. Come enjoy a great course and finish the year by winning the PTGA Championship. 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 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 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 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 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 Sept 24 Sanfillipo Fundraiser Tournament Sugarloaf Golf Club Contact Patrick Knelly for details Scholarship Awarded Sept 27 Paupack Hills Country Club, Greentown PA Mark Monahan, Supt./GM Doug Linde, Del Val Congratulations to Jeffrey A. Wilbur, the recipient of this Oct 17 Corky Knoll Memorial Scholarship Tourney year’s PTGA scholarship. Moselem Springs GC, Fleetwood PA Jeff is currently attending Contact or Tim O’Neil (timomsgc@ptd.net) Penn State’s two year Turf Oct 18 Blue Ridge Country Club, Palmerton PA Management program. He Pete Beblavy, Supt also works during the sum- Stan Zontek, USGA mer at C.C. of Scranton as the 2nd Assistant to the Golf Nov 15-17 Penn State Golf Turf Conference Course Superintendent. State College, PA Dec 6-8 NJ Turf Conference Atlantic City, NJ POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. 1, BOX 219 POSTAGE HARDING, PA 18643 POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 309 TERRACE AVENUE HARDING, PA 18643 NAME & ADDRESS PHONE/FAX 570-388-2167 WEBSITE: ptga.org ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.