CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 21 NO. 2 April 2015 April Meeting Pine Hills Country Club Hosts: Eric Duffy and Gregg Kozar Speaker: Dave Schell, 2 core credits available We kick off the golfing season with a trip to Pine Hills C.C. in Taylor. Pine Hills is a family tradition for our hosts, Eric and Gregg. The course started out as a par 3 course in the late 60’s, built by their uncle. In the early 70’s the first 9 holes were built and the 18-hole course was finished by the mid 70’s. In 1998 cousins Greg and Eric (along with Greg’s brother Scott) purchased the course from their uncle, and they’ve been run- ning it ever since. Since they’ve taken over, Greg and Eric have started working on a master plan created by Ron Cutlip that improves on the original design of their uncle. There been many changes and additions to the course that they’ve overseen, including the installation of a complete irrigation system in 2000 (complete with a 1.5 acre pond), a new pro shop in 2002/03, 18 new bunkers, and 15-20 new tees. Planned improvements this year in- clude re-working the greens complex on #8 and the installation of a foot-golf course on the existing par 3 course. Continued on page 5 Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2015 It has been another difficult winter for a lot of us in NEPA. For many of us the record cold temperatures led to some damaged Poa Annua greens this Spring. The Winter Injury Meeting that was held at Fox Hill Country Club on April 7 was a huge success with nearly 70 attendees. Many PRESIDENT of our attendees were club officials. I would like to thank Steve McDonald Greg Boring, CC of Scranton and Elliott Dowling for speaking at the meeting. 570-587-4046 VICE PRESIDENT Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC We are approaching our first Monthly Meeting of the year. We will 570-586-5791 be visiting Pine Hills in Taylor on April 28. Dave Schell from BASF will be TREASURER speaking and you will receive 2 Core Credits for attending. This is a great Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club opportunity to get those allusive core credits that I know I struggle to get to 570-378-2249 renew my pesticide license. Dave has also donated a case of Lexicon SECRETARY (approx. $1,600 value) to be given out during a putting contest. I know Chris Moran, Honesdale CC 570-253-9094 everyone is busy this time of year but this meeting will be worth getting away from the course for the day. DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 If you are attending, please remember to pre-register and pre-pay Corey Pries, Pocono Manor GC 570-994-8270 with Melinda, or bring a check to the event. We will no longer be billing for Ron Garrison, Fox Hill CC monthly meetings. It should be a great day. 570-655-1065 Jerry Decker, Elkview CC 570-282-3080 Greg Boring __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. 484-661-6105 bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com Editor’s Notes….. Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky 570-388-2167 mmel500@aol.com PAST PRESIDENT Ray Waddell 570-903-9571 It’s been a stretch of a rough couple of weeks for many as we’ve removed covers to see what the brutal winter left behind. In every difficult circumstance we get to see others rise to the occasion . It’s been great to see the brotherhood of our profession as so many have been helping each other with the borrowing of equipment, covers, advice, etc. Hope to see you at the meeting and PLEASE send me some pic- tures…. 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 2015 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, 2015. 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. 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, 2015. The following is a list of guidelines for all individ- uals 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, Applicants must include a letter of endorsement from their PTGA relation with their application. For a copy of the application, please go to the Pocono Turfgrass Association website at: ptga.org Applications should be submitted to: Greg Boring Country Club of Scranton P. O. Box 269 Clarks Summit, PA 18411 Page 4 PTGA Billing Changes for Monthly Meetings Attention all Members of the Pocono Turfgrass Association We, as your Board of Directors, have voted and approved the following changes:  All payments for our monthly meetings must be received before or on the day of the meeting. Credit will no longer be extended to any member or guest. We accept cash, check or credit card.  Dues must be paid in full in order to attend our monthly meetings. The above changes are necessary and long overdue to keep our Association operating efficient- ly. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to ask. Sincerely, Patrick D. Healey, Jr. Treasurer Page 5 Continued from Page 1 The course is a modest 6,000 yards par 71, but don’t let that fool you. Pine Hills is a challenge to anyone who plays it. With rolling hills, terrain changes, and the ever present Pocono course staple—trees, we’re sure to have a challenge. While both cousins are involved in all aspects of the business, Eric acts as the superintendent most days. Originally from Connecticut, Eric has an MBA from American University and has completed one of the intensive courses offered through Rutgers in Turfgrass Management. He is married with one child. We look forward to our first event of the year, and don’t forget….there are 2 core pesticide credits available here as well!! See you there….. Page 6 Page 7 GCSAA Launches Marketing Campaign GCSAA is launching an exciting new outreach campaign, hoping to stir golfer appreciation for the great work of our members. By utilizing TV, radio, print, and internet media, GCSAA’s new “thank a superintendent” campaign aims at reaching the 25 million golfers who enjoy the fruits of our superintendents’ labors. The television spots (15 and 30 seconds long, respectively) are headlined by the Golden Bear, Mr. Jack Nick- laus, and feature other marquee names like Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Matt Kuchar, Michelle Wie, and Nick Faldo. These big-name golfers have big-time influence, and GCSAA is using their testimonies to show the golf world why superintendents are a key component of the game’s success and en- joyment. These ads will run on the golf channel throughout 2015 and you can check them out at http:// www.gcsaa.org/thankasuperintendent. The radio ads, similar to the TV ads, also feature Nicklaus and other brand-name golfers and will air on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio (Sirius 208, XM 93) as well as local golf radio shows throughout the nation. Both TV and radio ads can be co-branded by GCSAA chapters and aired in their local markets. The radio spots can be heard on the same link provided above. By tracking internet traffic on golf-related websites, these ads will take advantage of dynamic internet market- ing to pinpoint golfers’ web browsers and lure them in with a chance to win a trip to the 2015 PGA Champi- onship at Whistling Straits. When golfers view the ad, they are prompted to fill out a “thank your superinten- dent” form for their chance to win the trip to the PGA Championship. On the back end, GCSAA will then send that thank you note to the golfer’s superintendent and the superintendent’s employer. Pretty cool. The project is spear-headed by two new faces to the GCSAA team – Associate Director of marketing Russell Sypowicz, and Director of communications and media, Craig Smith. Both bring great experience to the GCSAA team, and look to continue making headway in future outreach and marketing initiatives. In other news, Jenny Pagel-Guile is the new face of the GCSAA Certification Program, replacing recently re- tired Penny Mitchell. Jenny is working to help further develop and grow the CGCS program, and wants to hear member feedback in order to provide more directed services. 2014 saw 22 newly certified members, and 8 members have started the process in 2015. Please feel free to reach out to her directly for questions regard- ing the application process or eligibility at JPagel-Guile@gcsaa.org. Page 8 Thanks to all our Winter Injury Meeting Sponsors PLATINUM GOLD Andre & Son SILVER Bayer Finch Services Air2G2/Saturated C.C. of Scranton Fisher & Son Solutions 4U Fox Hill C.C. Grass Roots, Inc. Edward Manley Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. Seeton Turf Glen Oak C.C. Synatek Hodges Rash Co. Syngenta Prof. Products Lawn & Golf Supply Turf Equipment & Supply Scranton Canoe Club Southmoore G.C. 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). April Photo of the Month Winter Injury Meeting at Fox Hill CC….attendance was great. Thanks to Steve McDonald and Elliott Dowling for speaking!! Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE William Mast 610.327.3390 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Air2G2 Saturated John Downer 570-840-0078 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 Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 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 Air2G2 Saturated John Downer 570-840-0078 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Turf Equip. & Supply Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 George Skawski 610.554.9366 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 SEED & SOD Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 FERTILIZER Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 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 Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Plant Food Co., Inc. Tom Weinert 914.262.0111 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Support our Sponsors - They support us! PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP April 28 PTGA Golf Meeting Do yourself a favor! Take some time out from your busy schedule and plan to join us May 19 PTGA/Central Golf Meeting Schuylkill CC at our monthly meetings. June 1 PTGA Golf Meeting You will be glad you did! Scranton Canoe Club July 6 PTGA Golf Meeting Glen Oak CC POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. 1, BOX 219 POSTAGE HARDING, PA 18643 NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED. 309 TERRACE AVENUE PHONE/FAX 570-388-2167 HARDING, PA 18643 WEBSITE: ptga.org