CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 20 NO. 4 June 2014 June Meeting Honesdale Country Club Host: Chris Moran, GCS June takes us to Honesdale C.C, yet another historic club in Northeast PA. Chartered in 1900 it is one of the oldest golf clubs in Pennsylvania. 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 amazing 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 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 3….. Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2014 PRESIDENT Ray Waddell 570-903-9571 VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 TREASURER Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton 570-587-4046 SECRETARY Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club 570-378-2249 DIRECTORS Ray Waddell Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC 570-586-5791 Corey Pries, Pocono Manor GC 570-994-8270 Chris Moran, Honesdale CC 570-253-9094 __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF Editor’s Notes….. EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. 484-661-6105 bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com Managing Editor Beautiful weather abounds lately and the golf season is in full swing. Melinda Wisnosky 570-388-2167 mmel500@aol.com The pictures are starting to roll in, so thanks to all who have contribut- ed. PAST PRESIDENT John Downer, Saturated Solutions 4U 570-840-0078 The meeting schedule has been shifted around recently, so please pay attention to the calendar in the newsletter for the latest updates. This month’s newsletter contains an article written by a superintendent in our general area. I thought it was well done and great food for thought. I hope you have a moment to read it. See you all soon. 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 Continued from page 1 The majority of the bunkers have been replaced and improved, there has been new tee con- struction, all greens have undergone extensive restoration, and a new Rainbird IC irrigation system with ferti- gation was installed, bringing the combined improvements to just over $1 million. Chris, a Penn State and Rutgers graduate, has also worked at Woodloch Springs C.C. and Sand Ridge C.C. as a second assistant, and was the assistant superintendent at Paupack Hills C.C. before taking over Honesdale C.C. He has worked several major tournaments, including the U.S. Open at Oakmont and the U.S. Women’s Open hosted at Saucon Valley C.C. 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. Page 4 Pocono Turfgrass Association 2014 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, 2014. 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 pro- gram. 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 scholar- ship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2014. 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 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: Patrick Knelly Sugarloaf Golf Club 18 Golf Course Road Sugarloaf, PA 18249 psk114@sugarloafgolfclub.com Page 5 Who Took the Fun Out of Golf? Written by a local Golf Course Superintendent Some may say there never was any fun in it, but I would beg to differ, so then I would need to answer the question as to who took it out. Let’s look at it, because when you think about it the answer could be literally right in front of us. I would venture to say that Golf Course Architects, Golf Course Owners, Superintendents, Professionals, and Managers are all to blame for trying to emu- late the game we all watch on TV Saturdays and Sundays that the PGA and USGA call Golf. Don’t get me wrong as they are not incorrect; it is simply not the same game of golf that is played at most country clubs - not even close. Week in and week out they show us a level of golf that is played by far less than probably 1/10th of 1% of the population. And for years now as stewards of the game we have tried to appease maybe 10 -15% of our members who think, I repeat think they play this same game. Some are close, but let’s face it, not many. So we wonder why we are struggling for members while at the same time we are the ones who took the fun out of the game. I would venture to guess that the average male country club member probably carries about an 18 to 20 handicap and the average female maybe 24 or there about. So with that being said, why would we want to present them the same course standards as they see on TV? We have made this game far too difficult for most golfers and they have become frustrated. Why, as an 18 handicapper, do I need a 6700 yard golf course from the men’s tees, where on a good day I can reach, not hit, just reach maybe half the holes. Why, as an 18 handicapper, do I need fairways maintained at 3/8th of an inch so that I can only get every other shot from the short grass airborne? If I were accurate enough, I’d aim for the step-cut, then I could sweep the ball. Why, as an 18 handicapper, do I need greens as hard as concrete that I can hardly stop a sand wedge not to mention the old 5 wood that I use on most of my approach shots? Why, as an 18 handicap- per, do I need greens that roll 10, 11, 12, or more on the stimpmeter, just so I can 4, 5, or 6 putt and blame the superintendent for my lack of ability? Heck, here’s another good idea, why don’t we build new championship tees so that we can move the men’s markers back to the old champion- ship tees and make the course even longer? Like the 180 yard par 3s I’m currently playing aren’t long enough! I guess I’ve made my point. NEWSFLASH – The game isn’t fun anymore for the average player. We have taken it well beyond their skills. We charge people to come to our clubs to have the #@^* beat out of them on the golf course and then expect them to return day after day and year after year to renew the beating. Why are the Public courses surviving; because they’re a better price point? Maybe, but also be- cause they are more playable for the average golfer. They’re more fun. I also agree with all the talk for the past how many years that the economy and time re- straints are hurting the game. Not necessarily, because an 18-hole round of golf is too expensive or four hours is too long to spend on a beautiful golf course but because we have made this game so difficult for the average player that they have neither the time, the patience, nor the Continued on Page 6 Page 6 Continued from Page 5 money to get good at it. So if they can’t afford to get good at it and we need them to have fun if we expect them to continue to support the club, why don’t we start grooming our golf courses to fit their games? And who knows, if we get them having fun again on the ‘easier’ golf course, play speeds up because of the more average golfer friendly course, and we save money due to in- creased mowing heights. Damn, this might be a way to make money. Oh, and while we’re at it, let’s space out the tee times a little bit more as well. I hate waiting to hit shots. Only my opinion, but our members play this game as a pastime and not for a living. We took the fun out it, and we better find a way to put it back – sooner than later! Page 7 April Meeting Results Bethlehem Golf Club 1st Place - Chris Boyle, John Alexander 2nd Place - Bryan Zukawski, Brian Closest to the Pin Irv Williams - 4’10”, Hole #14 Chris Moran - 9’, Hole #4 Longest Drive Barry Goodhart - Hole #18 May Meeting Results Lehigh Country Club PTGA CPGCSA Individual Low Gross - 79 Individual Low Gross - 72 Bob Simons Michael Weinert Team Low Gross - 155 Team Low Gross - 143 Chris Butler, Jon Weinperi, Chris Martin, Thom Mahute Mike Sharok, Ed Ladamus John Cuny, Andy Zook 7th Place Low Gross - 174 7th Place Low Gross - 160 John Vojick, John Downer Cody Frederick, John Dale Nick Curry, Corey Stranzl Mike Linkewich, Brad Helcoski Closest to the Pin #16 - 16’1” Closest to the Pin #16 Larry Newhard Dave Weitzel - 5’5” Tom Kintzer - 7’1” Longest Drive #18 Ron Garrison Longest Drive #18 Brian Handlovic John Cole Michael Weinert Page 8 Board Members Needed If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, please contact one of the Board members. Con- tact information can be found on Page 2 of this 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 too late the night before, etc. So if you have a great photo, send it to me (bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com) and share June Photo of the Month Your eyes do not deceive you…..this is a floating driving range. Built by Todd Moyer at Tim- ber Trails, this 110 yard range is unique, innova- tive, and a big hit with the members. Complete with floating target greens and floating golf balls. Thanks to Mike Longyhore from TESCO for sending this picture to me. Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 William Mast 610.327.3390 Turf Equip. & Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 710.933.5801 PLANT PROTECTANTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 EQUIPMENT Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 William Mast 610.327.3390 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 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 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Turf Equip. & Supply Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 George Skawski 610.554.9366 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 SEED & SOD Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 FERTILIZER Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 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 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 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 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Support our Sponsors - They support us! PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP June 9 PTGA Golf Meeting Honesdale C.C. Congratulations! July 7 PTGA Golf Meeting Elkview C.C. Congratulations to Gino Marchetti (Glen Oak C.C.) and his wife, Leslie, on the birth of their second child, Gianna Adeline. Gianna was Aug. 15 PTGA Annual Clambake born on May 23. and Meeting Water Gap C.C. Congratulations to Zane Writer (Sand Springs C.C.) and his wife on the birth of their first child, Sept. 16 PTGA Golf Meeting Benjamin Miles. Benjamin was born on March Mt. Laurel Golf Club 25. Oct. PTGA Golf Meeting Great Bear C.C. 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.