CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 18 NO. 1 March 2012 April Meeting Berkleigh Golf Club Host: Nick Curry, Golf Course Superintendent Speaker: Matt Schaffer, Merion C.C. Our first meeting of the year takes us south to historic Berkleigh Golf Club. A private club for the vast majority of its existence, Berkleigh has now been open to the public since 2008, providing that rare opportunity for many to play a great course that was never available to them before. Originally built in 1925 and incorporated in 1927, Berkleigh is a par 72 playing 6,800 yards from the tips. With rolling hills and multiple water features, Berkleigh combines a great golf course with beautiful aesthetic features. Robert White was the architect and superinten- dent at its founding. Interestingly enough, he was a native of St. Andrews and was the first (Continued on page 5) Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2012 Welcome all to a new year. It goes without saying: let’s have a great golf season. The weather will be different, I guarantee it! Your Board has been working very hard this winter to insure very attractive events this coming summer. You can check out the schedule at PRESIDENT ptga.org. The winter has hurt me personally, no plow revenue, no John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-840-0078 winter Pocono S.N.O.W. meeting, yet. There is still time. Each year I start my winter season in a spectacular golf VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club tournament hosted by Mike Stranzl at Hickory Valley called 570-384-4724 "Superintendent’s Revenge". Mike and his staff out perform TREASURER themselves each year, and it is a great time. I can't say it enough that Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton visiting courses other than your own empowers you with many 570-587-4046 ideas. Take advantage of the Pocono Turfgrass meetings and use SECRETARY them to your benefit. We see most of each other at conferences and Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 seminars over the cold months. Mid summer breaks for a day at a completely innovative course, meeting with superintendents who are DIRECTORS never known to brag (HA) can be informative. Just ask anyone. Oh! Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. by the way, Your sales rep is probably at the meeting supporting you 973-418-3468 and your peers and he would sure love to see you there. Matthew Brown, Turf Equipment & Supply 484-357-6312 Let’s hope the start of the season is smooooth. For those who Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club had to cringe this winter watching foot traffic on those dormant 570-378-2249 Thomas Height, Country Club of Scranton greens, I sympathize; it would kill me. Always look on the bright side; 570-237-0878 you will be a hero when they bounce back. Don’t be afraid to call for Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC. 570-586-5791 suggestions from anyone in this great Association. James Gurzler, Green Valley Landscaping 570-592-2473 John Downer __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. 484-661-6105 Editor’s Notes….. bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky The start of the 2012 season is quickly approaching (then 570-388-2167 mmel500@aol.com again, did 2011 ever end?), and with that, the newsletters will begin to Editorial Committee flow again. Darrin Larkin As always, I’m looking for input and articles from anyone and Matt Brown everyone. This is YOUR Association and industry, so if you come across PAST PRESIDENT anything interesting that would be great to share with the whole, Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC don’t hesitate to pass it on to me. 570-424-6391 With that said, look for a new, recurring segment in the news- letter called “Vendor’s Views.” It will contain musings from the dan- gerous minds of those of us who get lots of windshield time but see many different courses, problems, and solutions. Thanks John Vojick for the suggestion. Also, we’ll be trying out a segment called “Photo of the Month.” We all see interesting things, so take a picture and PTGA Office send it in. 309 Terrace Avenue Harding, PA 18643 I hope to see many of you at the interesting venues and Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 speakers that are lined up this year. 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 Brian Bachman permission, as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line. PagePage 3 3 Pocono Turfgrass Association 2012 Scholarships The Patterson Scholarship for Turfgrass Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting scholarship applications for the Patterson Scholarship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2012. The following is a list of guidelines for all individuals interested in applying for the scholarship: 1. Applicant must be in his or her final year of study or a recent graduate of a two- or four- year turf related program. 2. The applicant must be a member of the Pocono Turfgrass Association, employed by a member of PTGA, or an immediate family member of a member of PTGA. 3. The applicant must submit, in writing, why he or she would like to be considered for the scholarship. The essay should include what he or she feels their contribution to the turfgrass field will be. 4. Applicants must include a letter of endorsement from their PTGA relation with their appli- cation. The Pocono Turfgrass Association Scholarship for Non-Turf Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting applications for a non-turfgrass related field of study scholarship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2012. The following is a list of guide- lines for all individuals interested in applying for the scholarship: 1. Applicant must be in his or her final year of study or a recent graduate of a two- or four- year non-turf related program. 2. The applicant must be a member of the Pocono Turfgrass Association, employed by a member of PTGA, or an immediate family member of a member of PTGA. 3. The applicant must submit, in writing, why he or she would like to be considered for the scholarship. The essay should include information pertaining to field of study, educational achievement, and future goals with respect to utilization of his or her education. 4. Applicants must include a letter of endorsement from their PTGA relation with their appli- cation. Applications should be submitted to: John Downer Elkview C.C. 161 Country Club Road Greenfield Twp., PA 18407 Page 4 PTGA Membership Drives Thinking of becoming a Know someone who PTGA Member?? would like to be a PTGA Member?? The Pocono Turfgrass Association has revived some old initiatives 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 Association (with their paid dues and ap- proved application, of course) will be able to attend the monthly meeting immediately follow- ing 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 appli- cation, 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 Pending Fertilizer Regulations in Pennsylvania: Legislation concerning commercial fertilizer applications continues to be adjusted, amend- ed, and pushed in the State Senate. These regulations will eventually effect all of us, and it’s not a matter of if it happens but when. While we have a lobbyist in the state in contact with lawmakers making known the con- cerns of the green industry, it is still a great idea to contact your local representatives to make them aware of the issue. Many representatives are not even aware of the Bills that are being worked on and need to know the concerns of their constituency. Please make sure to contact your local representatives and make them aware of the con- cerns. To contact your local representative click on this link: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/index.cfm?CFID=113231075&CFTOKEN=85205402 Help yourselves, your facilities, and your industry by making your voice known. (Continued from page 1) As a service to our members and a PGA president. In the many years that Berk- way to say thank you….. leigh has been around, it has earned a rep- All PTGA members will receive their utation as a premier course in the area and own bag tag to proudly display. had been the host for the LPGA Betsy King Classic for 10 years. Nick Curry, a 2002 Rutgers grad, has been the superintendent at Berkleigh since 2010, previously building and growing in Wood- bridge GC. He has also been the assistant at Hickory Valley and got his feet wet at Silver Creek CC. Joined by a staff of 8 through the summer months, Nick and the crew keep the course in great shape. John Downer Get the season off to a great start and come out to play this beautiful tract. PTGA Member Page 6 Vendor’s Views The Death of a Tradition?? By: Brian Bachman Trade shows….once such a huge part of our winter time activities have now become inconsequential in many instances to golf course superintendents. I remember the days of the large, thriving Eastern PA Turf Conference, with rows of new equipment to kick the tires on, aisle after aisle of vendors and prod- ucts, speakers and topics that grabbed the attention, and countless colleagues to mingle with. Those days, however, seem to be a thing of the past. The equipment is gone, the show room with vendors is half the size, finding relevant topics seems more and more difficult, and attendance dwindles. One has to wonder just how long the show will go on….. Regardless, the vendor’s will continue to support these shows to help the industry and support their cus- tomers. But, rising in the place of trade shows seems to be local seminars sponsored by a variety of vendors. The pesticide credits are usually as good or better, the attendance is through the roof, the food is great, and the event is usually free or of nominal expense. No matter where trade shows end up, education will continue and vendor support will be right there. A new monthly feature to the PTGA newsletter….. 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 to 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 en- joy (or laugh at). March Photo of the Month This photo was submitted by Steve Stranzl, a long time PTGA member. He mowed this into a fairway at our upcoming meeting location, Berkleigh GC. Creativity….it’s such a fun part of our profession. 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 Support our Sponsors - They support us! PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP April 25th PTGA meeting @ Berkleigh Congratulations to Tom Height who Speaker: Matt Schaffer, got married over the winter. He should be Merion CC able to remember his anniversary date (New Year’s Day). May 14th PTGA meeting @ Mt. Airy Speaker: Jim Nedden, Congratulations also to Scott Hallett, TESCO who has just taken over as Superintendent at Hideaway Hills GC. June 19th PTGA meeting @ Terra Greens GC Congratulations to Steve Stranzl, who Speaker: Dr. Landschoot will be taking on superintendent duties at PSU Green Acres GC (for the second time around). 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.