CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 18 NO. 5 July 2012 June Meeting Honesdale Country Club Host: Chris Moran, GCS Speaker: Dr. Peter Landschoot, PSU July takes us to Honesdale CC, yet another historic club in Northeast PA. Chartered in 1900 it is one of the oldest golf clubs in PA. The course design, encompassing a total of 5,487 yards, offers players challenging holes utilizing various tee locations and what many consider some of the most challenging greens in the region. The course, a nine hole tract, is set up to play as a Par 70, utilizing different tee locations to make the front and back nines play nearly 200 yards differently. The course record is held by one of the most famous golf names in our area and former member of the Club, Art Wall Jr., the 1959 Masters Champion, who had an amaz- ing round of 27/31 in 1942 for the record of 58. There is no mention in the historical records of a designer, which makes the course unique and most likely was designed and constructed by its founders using their knowledge of the sport. The 125 acre property consisting of 1 acre of Bent/Poa Greens, 1 acre of tees, and 10 acres of fairways and is maintained by a crew of 4 supervised by long time superintendent and Honesdale native Chris Moran. Chris and his crew have overseen several major capital infrastructure improvement projects since 2006. Continued on page 5….. Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2012 SEE YOU NEXT MONTH! PRESIDENT John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-840-0078 VICE PRESIDENT John Downer Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 TREASURER Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton 570-587-4046 SECRETARY Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 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 Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC. 570-586-5791 Editor’s Notes….. James Gurzler, Green Valley Landscaping 570-592-2473 __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. Another month, another newsletter. My thanks go out to those who 484-661-6105 have provided pictures and articles for these monthly updates to our bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com Association. Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky This month there will be no “Vendor’s View” section of the newsletter 570-388-2167 mmel500@aol.com due to a lack of response from requested vendors. We’ll keep trying Editorial Committee to reach out and allow members to contribute to their Association Darrin Larkin and newsletter. Matt Brown PAST PRESIDENT Thanks to Shane Miller at Iron Lakes for providing such a great picture Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC this month. 570-424-6391 As always, contributions for the newsletter are welcomed and appre- ciated. To those who weren’t able to attend the meeting at Terra Greens, you missed out on a gem of a course. I hope everyone has a chance to make it to Honesdale. See you there….. PTGA Office 309 Terrace Avenue Harding, PA 18643 Brian Bachman 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. PagePage 3 3 Opportunity The PTGA is looking for members who are willing to donate rounds of golf to assist in raising money for research. Check out the following article for details and contact PTGA if you are able and interested in donating. Guide to Rounds 4 Research Rounds 4 Research is a novel fundraising program conducted by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) where- by rounds of golf (defined as a tee time for two or four, generally with carts) are auctioned to the public through an online auction. Through this program, participating organizations can solicit donated rounds with a minimum 80 per- cent of the proceeds being directed back to the organization. The EIFG’s Rounds 4 Research is an expansion of the innovative program that was introduced by the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association. The scope had grown beyond what the Carolinas GCSA could administer and therefore offered the program to GCSAA. As GCSAA’s philanthropic organization, the EIFG is now administering the program. The Rounds 4 Research auction will take advantage of the BiddingForGood.com online auction platform. Bidding for Good is a leading auction site whose sole purpose is to support charitable giving by linking buyers with nonprofit organizations. The service is a natural fit, with more than 650,000 registered bidders, and rounds of golf as its top- selling item. National communications efforts and grassroots efforts from the participating organizations will also drive golfers to the bidding platform. These efforts will provide a nationwide marketing opportunity for the golf facili- ty. The first auction is slated to begin in fall 2012, with additional auctions being held on a rolling basis, depending on the number and timing of the rounds donated. Who can participate? GCSAA-affiliated chapters, golf course superintendent associations (state, national or international) or their foun- dations can participate in the program. Other turfgrass- and research-related foundations and not-for-profit organizations are free to inquire, but GCSAA- affiliated chapters will generally have precedence in their respective state or region. The EIFG will review the circum- stances in regard to the precedence of chapter participation. How your organization can participate: Although the EIFG is administering the Rounds 4 Research program, it is actually a local “franchised” fundraising pro- gram that enables participating organizations to raise revenue. In fact, participating organizations should consider the Rounds 4 Research program their own fundraising program that is supported by the EIFG. Key responsibilities: There are three primary responsibilities for all participating organizations: 1. Solicit for and obtain donated rounds to be sent to the EIFG for the auction. 2. Promote the program to golfers, allied associations, golf associations, media and members of your organization to supplement the national efforts being made by the EIFG. 3. Provide an annual summary of distributions received from the EIFG that indicates how the monies were used. How the donation process works Once your organization has committed to Rounds 4 Research, you will receive information and tools to begin your campaign. In the meantime, here are some guidelines that apply specifically to organizations: Continued on Page 7 Page 4 PTGA Membership Drives Thinking of becoming a PTGA Member?? Know someone who would like to be a PTGA Member?? The Pocono Turfgrass Association has revived some old initia- tives to make your membership even more valuable than it already is by introducing two new membership drives: Drive #1: Any Class A superintendent member who joins the Associa- tion (with their paid dues and approved application, of course) will be able to attend the monthly meeting immedi- ately following their membership for FREE!!! Please Note: Free meeting excludes the clambake in August Drive #2: Any existing member who signs up 3 new members (with their paid dues and approved application, of course) will be able to attend the monthly meeting of their choice (excluding the clambake) for FREE!!! Talk to any Board Member for additional details. Page 5 Continued from Page 1 The majority of the bunkers have been replaced and improved, new tee construction, all greens have undergone extensive restoration, and a new Rainbird IC As a service to irrigation system with fertigation was installed, bringing the combined improvements to just over $1 million. our members and a way to Chris, a Penn State and Rutgers graduate, has say thank also worked at Woodloch Springs CC and Sand Ridge you…..all PTGA CC as a second assistant, and was the assistant superin- members will Jo tendent at Paupack Hills CC before taking over Hones- Dow hn dale CC. He has worked several major tournaments receive their ner including the U.S. Open at Oakmont and the U.S. Wom- own bag tag to PT Me GA en’s Open hosted at Saucon Valley CC. proudly display. mb er I hope everyone gets a chance to make it to Honesdale to enjoy a historic golf club and reap the benefits of all the recent improvements that Chris and his staff have overseen. Photo of the Month We all see interesting things every day….wildlife (like bald eagles and bears), strange turf problems (like a lightning strike), an employee who stayed out too late the night before, etc. So if you have a great photo, send it to me (bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com) and share it for everyone to enjoy (or laugh at). June Photo of the Month This photo was submitted by Shane Miller, Superin- tendent at Iron Lakes CC in Allentown, PA. All of us have experienced interesting interactions with wildlife on the course, but we rarely get a photo of it. This red tail hawk decided the rope that Shane was gathering up looked enough like a snake so it caught it for its next meal. 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 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 710.933.5801 Matt Brown 484-357-6312 PLANT PROTECTANTS EQUIPMENT Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Aer-Core Ryan Davidheiser 610-310-3925 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Turf Equip. & Supply Matt Brown 484.357.6312 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 George Skawski 610.554.9366 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 FERTILIZER Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 SEED & SOD Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Genesis Turfgrass Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES 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 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Profile Products LLC Dan Fick 610.562.0547 Support our Sponsors - They support us! Page 7 Continued from Page 3 • Participating organizations can submit donated rounds from any golf facility regardless of geographic location. However, you are encouraged to be aware of and respect similar fundraising efforts already being conducted in states and locations outside of your own local and regional boundaries. That said, donors may help more than one program at their discretion. • A donating facility can direct the proceeds to any participating organization or the EIFG. In the event there is no local participating organization, the facility can still designate its local affiliated chapter, and the EIFG will notify the chapter about the available monies. The affiliated chapter can then either elect to participate in the pro- gram or donate the monies to the EIFG. The EIFG will follow up with donors as necessary to clarify donations and directions regarding beneficiaries. When soliciting donations, you are encouraged to ask for two donations per year from each facility. However, we sincerely appreciate every donation and recognize that some facilities may not be able to give at this level. How the proceeds will be distributed As a participating organization, you will receive a minimum of 80 percent of the proceeds (amount of sale per round, excluding any fees or surcharges) from each donation that has been designated for your organization. The EIFG will retain 20 percent, plus any fees and surcharges collected, to offset programmatic costs, including expens- es related to the auction platform, advertising and marketing costs, administrative overhead, and other fees asso- ciated with managing the program on a national scale. The EIFG will process revenues received and distribute payments to the participating organizations within 90 days of the close of an auction period. The amount of revenue received will depend on the number of rounds sold and when they are sold during the auction period. Organizations accustomed to lump sum distributions from annual auctions should adjust for this change in distribution. Example: A donated round for four has sold for $150 plus $15 for fees. The donating facility specified that the proceeds are to benefit the Carolinas GCSA. The EIFG will pay the Carolinas GCSA $120 for the round and retain $30 in addition to the $15 fee. June Meeting Wrap Up Terra Greens Golf Club It was a great day for golf and turned out to be the last day before all the heat and drought hit. Bryan Zukawski and his right hand man, Jack, had the course in great shape for us. The devilish pin locations on many holes had us all scratching our heads on how to putt, and when the winning score in a 2-man scramble on this 9-hole tract was even par, you know it was no pushover. Thanks go out to our sponsor, Golf Cars, Inc. and Chuck DeAngelo, as well as all the gents involved in getting the food together and setting up the grill. Also, a big thanks to Bryan’s wife for doing the cooking on the grill and providing the homemade potato salad….it was delicious. The results from the AM 2-man scramble were: First Place: Barry Goodhart and Greg Kozar Second Place: Pat Healy and Ankenbrand Closet to the Pin: Longest Drive: #5 John Vojick #2 Sal Scalzo #7 Barry Goodhart There were 3 team skins won: John Downer and Steve Chirip on #3 Paul Brandon and Brian Bachman on #7 Chuck Deangelo and Barry Goodhart on #4 Page 8 PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP July 16th PTGA Meeting @ Honesdale Congratulations to Todd Krauss Speaker:Dr. Landschoot (Green Pond CC) and his wife Crystal PSU on the birth of their daughter, Hanna. She was born on June 25th weighing 7 July 31st Rutgers Golf and Fine Turf lbs 11 oz. Field Day Aug 9-10 PSU Turf Field Days Aug 13th PTGA Clambake @ Scranton CC Sept 18th PTGA Meeting @ Woodstone CC Speaker: Dr. Koppenhoffer, Rutgers University 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.