CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 18 NO. 3 May 2012 May Meeting Mt. Airy Golf Club http://www.mountairycasino.com/golf/index.cfm Host: Andy Faist, GCS Speaker: Jim Nedin, TESCO May will bring us to Mt. Airy Golf Club (and Casino). For those who like to gamble as well as golf, the package that Mt. Airy is putting together for the PTGA will definitely get your attention, so keep your eyes open for the meeting notice. The club history goes like this….. The original Mount Airy Lodge opened in the early 1950’s and holds a place in history as the cornerstone of the legendary Pocono Mountain vacation retreats. Considered America’s premier “Honeymoon Hideway” for almost half a century, Mount Airy Lodge once had 890 hotel rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, skiing, snow- mobiling, hiking, archery, sports center and a variety of other recreational activities. Continued on Page 5 Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2012 Thank you, to all who attended the April meeting. It was a good showing and a great day. This month’s meeting will be held at Mt. Airy. The resurrected course is in fabulous shape. I look forward to seeing all of you there. Andy has worked very hard and with a new clubhouse it is a jewel of the Poconos. PRESIDENT John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-840-0078 I recently attended the Rutgers Turfgrass Day at Fiddlers Elbow. VICE PRESIDENT It was a record crowd of Turfers; 370 attended. It was great to see so Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 many old friends and catch up. Breakfast was followed by an informative education session. There are always advancements in this TREASURER Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton industry and it sure seems that Rutgers is a leader. If there is an 570-587-4046 opportunity for you to attend in the future, I would highly recommend SECRETARY it. Ray Waddell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 Now that the irrigation system is somewhat functional, and we are in pretty normal routine, I can't wait to finish all my special DIRECTORS projects. I hope that all is well with the membership. Take time to Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 enjoy family, friends and life in general. Matthew Brown, Turf Equipment & Supply 484-357-6312 Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club John Downer 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 We had a great day for our first meeting of the year at Berk- EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. leigh G.C. on April 25l. The course, weather, and food were awe- 484-661-6105 some. Thanks to Nick Curry and the staff for a great day. There was a bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com nice turnout as well with nearly 50 golfers. Let’s keep it going with this Managing Editor month’s meeting. Melinda Wisnosky 570-388-2167 mmel500@aol.com Speaking of that….I got a little ahead of myself with write ups Editorial Committee about the courses that we’ll be playing in the PTGA monthly meetings, Darrin Larkin so this month will once again feature the write up for Mt. Airy. Matt Brown PAST PRESIDENT I hope everyone gets a chance to come out and enjoy this Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC great design and see all the improvements that have been made 570-424-6391 over the past few years. Thanks to those who have provided pictures and info for the newsletters so far…..keep them coming. Brian Bachman PTGA Office 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. 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 dead- line 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 application. 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 guidelines for all individuals interested in apply- ing 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 application. 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 PTGA Member?? As a service to Know someone who would our members like to be a PTGA and a way to Member?? say thank you…..all PTGA members will Jo The Pocono Turfgrass Association has revived some old initia- Dow hn receive their ner tives to make your membership even more valuable than it PT own bag tag to already is by introducing two new membership drives: Me GA proudly display. mb er 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 Au- gust 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 In the late 1970’s, resort owners developed the 18- commitment by management to invest in the golf hole Mount Airy Golf Club to add to the long list of course and bring it back to its original glory as Mount Airy resort amenities. A premier golf course for its day, the Casino-Resort once again seeks to establish itself as a eighteen holes of Mount Airy were said to be de- premier resort destination in the Poconos. signed after the 1966 Sports Illustrated article “The 18 Best Holes in the United States.” Since 2010, the Mount Airy Golf Club has seen the instal- lation of a new irrigation system, re-surfacing of cart With the decline of Pocono mountain tourism in the paths, extensive tree work, new equipment purchases 1980’s and 1990’s, Mount Airy Lodge would eventually and an increased maintenance budget. go into foreclosure in 1999. As the original hotel and much of the property fell into disrepair, the golf Construction of a new clubhouse is underway and will course would remain open as bank management be completed by the beginning of the 2012 season. companies sought a buyer for the property. Plans are in place for bunker renovations and the con- struction of new practice areas to replace the original In 2004, the property was purchased by Dunmore businessman, Louis DeNaples, with the ambition of ones which were lost during the Casino/Hotel road con- redeveloping Mount Airy into a casino/resort under struction. Pennsylvania’s newly approved gaming laws. Mt. Airy is overseen by Golf Course Superintendent Andy Over the next several years, the entire original Mount Faist, who has been there for 5 years. Assisted by Dio Airy Lodge was demolished and subsequently re- Alvarez, they supervise an in-season staff of 9 on the par placed with the new Mount Airy Casino-Resort. 71 golf course and another 4 just for the casino land- Opening in 2007, the four-star resort includes a casino scaping. Andy, originally from the New England area with 2500 slot machines, casino table games, a 188- and a UMASS grad, uses his history as an assistant at room hotel, spa, restaurants ranging from casual to high end Italian and steak house….and of course the three different clubs, including Glenmaura, to manage original golf course. the 6500 yards of poa/bent greens, rye/poa tees, and Heinz 57 fairways at Mt. Airy. The early stages of development of the $412 million Mount Airy Casino-Resort project saw little attention So come on out...play some golf, enjoy some camara- directed toward the golf course, as focus was under- derie, and have a chance at taking home a lot more standably on the revenue generating foundations of than just the 50/50 money. the casino and hotel. Recent years have seen a firm Page 6 Another Opportunity for Those Looking to Finance their Education! Jacobsen Turfgrass Scholarship This scholarship is sponsored by Jacobsen, a Textron company and your local Jacobsen dealer. Jacobsen manu- factures high quality turf maintenance equipment for golf courses, sports fields and large green spaces including parks and recreational areas. Scholarship amount: $500 Eligibility: In order to be eligible for consideration, students must: • Be enrolled full time in a Turfgrass Management (or other related discipline) program, pursuing a 2 year Associ- ate’s degree or a 4 year Bachelor’s degree. • Be entering the final year of their degree program. • Submit an application with all information provided, including a short essay. • Provide contact information for two professional references. • Provide one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation may be written by one of the references listed on the application. • Submit all materials by May 1, 2012 to Amanda Bostian at abostian@textron.com. Award Process: Scholarship administrators will review all submissions and award one Jacobsen Turfgrass Scholarship in each Ja- cobsen dealer territory. Recipients will be notified by Jacobsen on July 1, 2012. We will work directly with your insti- tution’s financial aid office to process scholarship payment. 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). May Photo of the Month This photo was submitted by an anonymous superin- tendent in the Poconos. This is the reason why su- perintendent’s tell their assistants to clean out the spray tanks well after that last snow mold spray of the season. Sure molds into a nice looking wetting agent pel- let though….. 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! Page 8 April Meeting Wrap Up What a great start to the PTGA meeting schedule at Berkleigh G. C.. Though we weren’t able to have Matt Shafer as our speaker due to the passing of his mother, we ended up having a beautiful day to play golf. With nearly 50 golfers, it also turned out to be an extremely well attended meeting. The weather, food, and course were great and a big thanks to Nick and all the staff at Berkleigh for a fantastic day. We had a blind draw at the end of the round with three teams placing: First Place with a score of 356: Chirip, Wilchak, Weber, and Bartell Second Place with a score of 366: Hill, Ocepek, Fogel, Razinski Third Place with a score of 367: Gerrity, McGillaway, Sellers, Moffit Closet to the Pin: Longest Drives: #3 Ed Ladamus #12 Sandercock There were a multitude of Sins won: Shaun Barry on #17 Ed Ladamus on # 3 and #9 Paul Brandon on #1 and #4 Brian Ahrens on #15 Thanks to Barry Goodhart with Advanced Turf Solutions and Brian Bachman at Genesis Turf for their sponsorship of the meeting this month. Page 9 GCSAA names Kevin Doyle Northeast Field Staff Rep Brings strong agronomic, volunteer background The Golf Course Superintendents to place a field staff representative in each. Having Association of America (GCSAA) resident field staff resources on the ground will help has selected Kevin Doyle as the chapters implement programs developed by GCSAA, association's field staff representa- and will serve as a direct communication link back to tive for the Northeast region (New GCSAA to share the successful practices chapters Jersey, New York, Connecticut, have implemented. The program is designed to be mu- Rhode Island, Massachusetts, tually beneficial for the association and its chapters. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, GCSAA's resident field staff representatives include and Ontario) effective March 13. John Miller, CGCS, in the Great Lakes Region He will be based out of Milford, (Kentucky, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio), N.H. Doyle, a GCSAA Class A Brian Cloud in the South Central Region (Texas, Oklaho- member, comes to GCSAA after having served as golf ma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Louisiana), Jeff Jensen course superintendent at Londonderry (N.H.) Country in the Southwest region of the country (California, Ha- Club since 2003. During his time, he instituted several fa- waii, Nevada and Arizona), and Ralph Dain in Florida. cility changes including drainage, design and grow-in of GCSAA plans to fill the Northwest (Alaska, Washington, new golf holes and tees, irrigation improvements, and Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado), development of best management practices for mini- the Southeast (Tennessee, North Carolina, South Caroli- mizing inputs. He also served as superintendent at Am- na, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi) and Mid-Atlantic herst (N.H.) Country Club and was an assistant at Green (Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Meadow Golf Club in Hudson, N.Y. A graduate of the Virginia) regions later in 2012; and the Central Plains University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1995 with a B.S. in region (Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North biochemistry, Boyle also earned a master's in business Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri) in 2013. About GCSAA administration from Southern New Hampshire University GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its fo- in 2010. He has authored articles in various trade maga- cus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has zines, including GCSAA's GCM (Doing More with Less: a been the top professional association for the men and Statistical Analysis of fertilizer costs, December 2011). women who manage golf courses in the United States Doyle has also volunteered as the facilities director and and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, facilities expansion chair for the Milford Community Ath- Kan., the association provides education, information letic Association, the Lowell Professional Hockey Booster and representation to 19,000 members in more than 72 Club president and a coach for Kids in Disability Sports countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, ad- (golf). "We are pleased to have Kevin join the GCSAA vance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, team and continue the implementation of the very pop- growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on ular field staff program," said GCSAA President Sandy Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter, and visit GCSAA at Queen, CGCS. "Kevin has an impressive background www.gcsaa.org. The EIFG is the philanthropic organiza- with a great knowledge and understanding of facility tion of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of management, volunteerism and professional develop- America, and has as its mission to foster sustainability ment. He will be a great asset to GCSAA, and our mem- through research, awareness, education, programs bers and chapters in the Northeast." To assist in the effort and scholarships for the benefit of golf course manage- of serving members through chapters, GCSAA has con- ment professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit tinually added resources to facilitate an enhanced rela- www.eifg.orgVisit www.eifg.org tionship between the association and its chapters, in- cluding the expansion of the GCSAA field staff program. Initially a pilot program designed to help chapters utilize GCSAA programs and services to a fuller extent, it has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from chap- ters that are staffed with representatives. These chapters report a greater connection with GCSAA, an enhanced ability to utilize GCSAA programs and services, and ac- cess to additional resources to advance chapters in a strategic manner. In expanding the field staff program, GCSAA divided its chapters into nine regions with plans PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP May 14th PTGA meeting @ Mt. Airy Speaker: Jim Nedin, Condolences TESCO Our condolences go out to Matt Shafer and his family on the recent passing of his mother. June 19th PTGA meeting @ Terra Greens GC Speaker: Dr. Landschoot PSU Congratulations Congratulations to Rick Anglemyer on stepping up to the GM position at Water Gap CC and to Jeff Lesoine July 16th PTGA meeting @ Honesdale (Rick’s longtime assistant) on moving into the superin- Speaker: tendent’s position. 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.