CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 VOL 13, NO. 7 September 2007 Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club PTGA Championship Duane Schell, Golf Course Superintendent Alberdeen Acres, built in 1992 was the original name for the venue we are going to play this month. Since that time the original 9-hole layout has been expanded twice to its current con­ figuration of 27 holes. The newest nine intertwines with the 18 holes that were finished in May of 1998. This gives everyone a taste of the varied layouts available at the Dorrance, PA, golf course. Ault and Clark and Associates did the expansion in 1998 and Dan Schlegel, this month’s speaker, did the final 9. Other courses in our area done by this group include Mountain Valley in Mahanoy City, Belles Springs, Clinton Country Club, and many others. Dan Schlegel is cur­ rently the architect at Mount Airy Resort handling the upcoming renovation of that site. Duane Schell has been at Blue Ridge Trail for the past 9 seasons. Prior to this, Duane worked at Doylestown as an assistant and locally worked at Sugarloaf while pursuing his degrees. Duane holds a degree in Business from Bloomsburg University and a degree from Penn State that he earned in 1995. His current assistant, Tom Calpin, just joined his staff this season. Tom is a graduate of the University of Maryland. The staff at Blue Ridge Trail numbers 20 in the summer and dwindles to 4 in the winter. These individuals maintain 6 acres of Greens, 6 acres of Tees and 40 acres of fairways. There are ap­ proximately 80 acres of maintained of rough around the 27 holes. Projects for this fall and next season include irrigation upgrades to improve coverage and (Continued on page 3) Officers & Directors President’s Message....... 2007 It is hard to believe my two years as president of the PTGA is coming to an end. It has been a good experience overall; however, I will not miss Jim Gurzler imploring me for a President’s Message each month. PRESIDENT There are many people I would like to thank for volunteering their Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. 570-868-8113 time to the Association and Jim is one of them. He has done an djschell@epix.net excellent job as our newsletter editor. I feel our publication has come VICE PRESIDENT a long way since he took over. It is professionally done and has some Darrin Larkin, Panorama Golf Course very informative articles each month. Next I would like to thank Darrin 570-222-9260 Larkin for developing and maintaining our website. I would also like to TREASURER congratulate Darrin on becoming the next president of the PTGA. I John Downer, Elkview C.C. know he will do a great job for our Association. Finally, I would like to 570-840-0078 j_s_downer@juno.com thank the Board of Directors for volunteering their time, and to all our vendors for their generosity. It is because of them we can keep our SECRETARY Jeff Koch, Glenmaura National C.C. meeting costs down. With the hectic schedules we all keep today, it is 570-457-8733 difficult to find the time to attend our monthly meetings. I think the SERGEANT AT ARMS past few years our attendance has improved dramatically and the Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. Association is moving in the right direction. 973-418-3468 DIRECTORS Best of luck to Darrin and the incoming Board. Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC 570-424-6391 Duane Schell Matthew Brown, Philadelphia Turf 215-340-5401 CHIPS & PURS STAFF Editor EDITOR Jim Gurzler 570-249-1450 jim@gurzler.com The first frosts have popped up here in the Poconos as fall begins to set on the area. The leaves are just starting to fall, aerification is Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky coming to a close, and more drought has crept in. Drought in Sep­ tember! What strange weather we are having. The Farmers Almanac Editorial Committee is calling for a wicked end to 2007 and a mild beginning to 2008. Will Jeff Koch that be what we see? Will the holiday season have us locked in our Matt Brown homes as winter sets in and we get the much need precipitation in Past President the form of snow? Eric Reed, Valley C.C. 570-788-4277 Barley5@ptd.net Hopefully our winter is kind to the abundance of Poa on many green in the area and our trade show days are filled with bright skies and clean roads to keep up those PDI points and pesticide licenses. Speaking of winter this early may be a bit premature but the sea­ sons tend to blend together. As September comes to an end Hallow­ een decorations are out, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations PTGA Office are beginning to make their showing as well. Today's fast paced life R.R. 1, Box 219 needs a little breaking in my opinion. Take some time to stop and Harding, PA 18643 listen to the leaves fallings, smell the belts on the mulcher working Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 hard, enjoy the "slow” time. Spring will be here before you know it. 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 Jim Gurzler 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. Continued from Page 1 drainage projects. The course is divided into three nines titled Blue, Ridge, and Trail. They play as follows: Blue Nine, 3548 yards, Par 36; Ridge Nine, 3547 yards, Par 36; and the Trail Nine, 3417 yards, Par 36. Dan Schlegel will be our speaker this month. Dan will talk on design aspects, construction on the newest nine, and the routing plan. Our meeting sponsors this month are Tom Trifelitti of Golf Car Specialities and Joe Jaskot of Atlantic Irrigation. Our format is championship play, as it is our Annual Championship. If there is sufficient interest and a lack of frost there is the opportunity to play the first nine prior to our meeting start. August Meeting Results Woodloch Springs First, "Thank You” to Jeff Hugaboom, Golf Course Superintendent, for hosting our clambake. Although unable to attend, all I have heard are rave reviews of the course and the fine fare from the clubhouse. Thanks also to all the maintenance staff, pro shop staff, and kitchen staff that made our annual fundraiser such a success yet again. Although Downer tried his best he wasn’t able to assemble a team capable of a "Four Peat.” He was, however, happy that the trophy stayed in town. Darrin Larkin, our incoming president, used his considerable power to stare down the opposition and make a few good shots to help his team secure victory with a 16 under par score. The team from Panorama consisted of Darrin, Ben Vauter, Skip Horan, and Dave Sarnowski. In second place was the team of Jim Phillips, Greg Phillips, Chris Phillips and Low Dix with a 62. In third place was the team of Chris Moran, Tony Lavenduski, Jeff Giblin, and Joe Gardas with a 67. Additionally, Steve Walser was closest to the pin on the 8th hole, Paul Warchal had the longest drive on the 9th hole, and Jim Gardas was Closet to the Pin on the 17th hole. Five skins held up with the winning team from Panorama taking two skins, the hometown team from Woodloch took a skin (Hugaboom, Jeremy Jones, Carpenter, and Jim Gardas), the Phillips team took a skin and the Elkview team, not to go quietly, took a skin as well. Eighty golfers came out to support our annual scholarship fundraiser. The day was a great success with their par­ ticipation and the sponsorship of tee signs by many of our local purveyors of golf course materials. The complete list of sponsors is on Page 7. Thanks again to everyone for coming out and supporting the scholarship fund and the Association. LAWN AND GOLF SUPPLY CO., INC. PARTAC GOLF COURSE ® Chris Butler Sales Representative TOP-DRESSING 647 Nutt Rd., PO Box 447 America's Premium Phoenixville, PA 19460-0447 HEAT TREATED Top-Dressings Cell: 610-657-6923 610-933-5801 Ext. 201 Fax. 610-933-6890 1-800-247-2326 908-637-4191 • Fax 908-637-8421 September Meeting Round up Woodstone Golf Club Jason Barndt, Superintendent Forty individuals came to Danielsville, PA, to visit Woodstone Golf Club and enjoy the scenery of the Blue Mountain Area. Jason Barndt and the staff of Woodstone made us feel most welcome with sumptuous meals and a challeng­ ing golf course. Steve Randall came in from GCSAA headquarters to talk to the Association about "What’s New at GCSAA.” He discussed 2007 initiatives and the focus of the Outreach Program to help brand all the associations together in an attempt to further strengthen our industry. After Steve’s talk and lunch, we headed to the golf course for a Better Ball Partners Tournament. Along the way, Greg Boring hit the longest drive and Matt Brown had Closet to the Pin honors in our skills competition. The skins tournament had 9 skins hold up 3 were won by the team of Duane Schell and Steve Randall, 2 were won by the team of Eric Reed and Paul Brandon, and 1 each were won by the team of Joe Sellers and Chris Butler, Jim Hill and Kevin Vrabel, Barry Goodhart and Patrick Knelly, and Rick Pany and Steve Stranzl scored the last skin. The tournament winners were the team of Duane Schell and Steve Randall who shot a 75. They beat out the team of Eric Reed and Paul Brandon on a match of cards. In 3rd place was the team of Patrick Knelly and Barry Goodhart with a 78. This month’s event was our Annual Meeting, and although there was a good turnout, there was not a voting quo­ rum. The election will have to take place at a later date to install our new Board. It should not go unnoticed, though, that there are new faces volunteering for the Board. This is a good thing for the Association, and it will hopefully continue. If you are unsure about having time available to serve on the Board there are many positions available on committees that would be well served by more participation. Any way, in closing, thank you to Bob Seltzer of Fischer and Sons and Matt Brown of Philadelphia Turf for sponsor­ ing our meeting at Woodstone. Thanks again to Jason Barndt, his staff and the rest of the staff at Woodstone for hosting our meeting. Thanks also to the outgoing Board members for their dedication to the Board and for the time they have given to the Association. Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Atlantic Irrigation Joe Jaskot 973.445.9418 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Philadelphia Turf Co. 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 570.278.1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1 131 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Philadelphia Turf Co. Matt Brown 484.357.6312 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Jim MacLaren 570.443.7154 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 PBI/Gordon Corp. John Patten 609.970.1546 Seeton Turf Jim Gurzler 570.249.1450 SynaTek Mike Zellner 484.357.9197 FERTILIZER Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 SEED & SOD Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Harrell’s Turf Specialty JimMacLaren 570.443.7154 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 East Coast Sod & Seed Kevin Driscoll 609.760.4099 Seeton Turf Jim Gurzler 570.249.1450 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 SynaTek Mike Zellner 484.357.9197 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Jim MacLaren 570.443.7154 SynaTek Mike Zellner 484.357.9197 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 SynaTek Mike Zellner 484.357.9197 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Jim MacLaren 570.443.7154 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Seeton Turf Jim Gurzler 570.249.1450 SynaTek Mike Zellner 484.357.9197 Support our Sponsors - They support us! What the GCSAA is Doing for You! One of the highlights over the past year is working with members and chapters outlining the benefits of your GCSAA membership. There are over 365 valuable fools any member can activate. Your membership and utilizing the benefits and values costs less than $1 per day for the entire year! What you put into your membership is what you will return. Education and maintaining your certification or Class A status is front and center for what GCSAA membership provides. Did you realize there are more than 200 compe­ tency based programs at your fingertips? The educational conference and golf industry show provides numerous educational opportunities, but you can also gain valuable information right at your computer, participating in vari­ ous web casts, many topics tailored for your region. But membership is more than education. Let’s take a look at what members receive as valuable programs. Professional Development: Maintaining and/or achieving Class A status and/or Certified Golf Course Superintendent status shows your commitment to being the best superintendent for your facility. Access to GCSAA 24/7: Need to know about important legislation in your area? Need to find information on a fel­ low member? Need to track your service points? Look no further than gcsaa.org. Environmental program information through the Environmental Institute for Golf: The non-profit arm of the GCSAA provides opportunities for members to learn about water and plant management, wildlife/habitat management, energy and waste management along with golf course siting, design and construction. Communication and informational resources: Many are familiar with GCM Magazine, however there are numerous other communication vehicles and GCSAA provides many chapters with articles for reprint. These articles may high­ light fellow members, focus on tournament set up and preparing for championships at your facility, or cover general issues keeping your facility in top condition. Discussion Forums/Networking: One of the popular forums on the GCSAA web site is Talking Turf and Shop Talk. Members can share their insight and transfer their experience to others. Chapter Management: For many, becoming involved with their chapter is important. The GCSAA has an entire staff dedicated to chapter services. This includes a speaker’s bureau, information on affiliation and general services de­ signed to keep your chapter current with the latest industry trends. Career Services: A multitude of information is at your fingertips. From searching for a new position to finding the perfect candidate for your needs, the GCSAA is there for you. Those searching for a position can receive help craft­ ing their resume and cover letter, along with helpful interview reminders and tips. In addition a complete compen­ sation and benefits report provides the superintendent with important information. Continued on Page 6 Grass Roots. Inc P.O. Box 336 LESCO ® Sales Representative 570.499.1441 Cell grass roots Mount Freedom. NJ 07970 7562 Penn Drive #160 Allentown, PA 1000 Springbrook Avenue Moosic, PA 4 Middlebury Blvd 18106-9010 18507-1832 Suite 7 610.336.4953 570.451.7450 Randolph, NJ 07869 294 N 1st Street 4217 Fritch Drive Steve Chirip (973) 418-3468,Mobile Stroudsburg, PA Bethlehem, PA (570) 839-3399, PA Office 18360-2517 18020-9413 Technical Sales Rep. (973) 252-6634, NJ Office 570.421.4847 610.866.6665 (973)252-6630, NJ Fax www.lesco.com 196*49*4637 Nextel Service • Technical Support • Quality Products Continued from Page 5 These are just some of the areas GCSAA membership works for you. As a staff, the GCSAA has worked diligently on a branding campaign to enhance the presence of the superintendent and make the superintendent recognizable for the everyday and casual golfer. The most visible result is the television advertisement run on the Golf Channel. Also, there have been numerous feature stories with superintendent’s hosting various events. The effort is not just focused on television. There have been many advertisements placed in magazines focused on golf, but also fo­ cused on related industries. If you need to know more, please contact our office. We are here for you and know that members matter most. Our toll free number is 800/472-7878. We also appreciate your comments. Let us know how we can better serve you! Also, take advantage of every­ thing GCSAA offers. Become engaged! Steve Randall Chapter Liaison/Field Staff GCSAA Stanley J. Zontek (B.S. 1970); 2007 Recipient of the Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award Stanley J. Zontek, Director of the United States Golf Association Green Section’s (USGA) Mid-Atlantic Region, has been chosen to receive the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. This award salutes the achievements of outstanding departmental alumni who have made a significant contribution to their profession. Stanley has served the USGA and the golf turf industry with enthusiasm and passion for over 36 years. He is noted as one of the most highly respected agronomists within the golf industry. Prior to his current position as Mid-Atlantic Director, he was Director of the North Central and Northeastern USGA Green Section regions. He also held the position as Agronomist in the Northeastern Region. His distinguished service and con­ tributions are recognized world-wide and he is frequently invited to speak at local, regional, national, and international turf conferences. Stanley has received numer­ ous awards within the golf industry. He has served on the editorial board for two books and trade journals and has authored over 90 technical articles for industry publications. Former recipients of this award include Joseph Duich, Emeritus Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State Univer­ sity; George May, President/CEO, Institute for Technology Development; Alan Bilzi, President of Environmental Ven­ ture Group, Inc.; and James Dragun, President and Founder of The Dragun Corporation. Mr. Zontek will be receiving this award at this years Penn State Conference. November 13-15th. Please come out and show your respect and approval for this fine addition to the Turfgrass industry. Dean Snyder President EGYPT FARMSInc. EGYPT FARMS, INC. P.O. Box 223 White Marsh, Maryland 21162 Phone: 800-899-7645 Local: 410-335-3700 Pager: 443-255-6470 Fax: 410-335-0164 THANK YOU Thank you to this year’s Clambake tee sign sponsors! Grass Roots Lebanon Chemical Atlantic Irrigation Schelgel Golf Course Design Onsite Portable Toilets Bayer Environmental Sciences Egypt Farms AT Sales Blue Ridge Peat Farms Ron Garrison/Fox Hill C.C. Seeton Turf Petroleum Services Company Mitchell Products Lesco Syngenta Fisher and Son Andre and Son Philadelphia Turf Golf Cars Inc. Golf Cart Specialties Lawn and Golf Finch Services Harrells Turf Specialty ADS Advanced Drainage System Lee A. Kozsey Territory Manager Turf, Ornamental & Aquatics Syngenta Crop Production, Inc. syngenta 3710 Amherst Court Bethlehem,. PA 18020 Tel 610-861-8174 Fax 610-882-9358 Mobile 215-796-0409 www.sygentaprofessionalproducts.com lee.kozsey@syngenta.com For further assistance, contact our Customer Resource Center at: 866-Syngenta (866-796-4368) East Coast SOD & SEED JIMGURZLER JIMG@ SALES REPRESENTATIVE SEETONTURF.COM Kevin Driscoll 609 760 4099 CELL 856 769 9555 OFFICE 609 561 5384 fax 596 Pointers Auburn Road * Pilesgrove NJ 08098 Seeton Turf • Warehouse, LLC • 3983 MANN RD CELL: (570) 249-1450 HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA OFFICE/FAX:(570) 788-2061 19006 POCONO ROUNDUP PTGA MEETING SCHEDULE News and Views October 16, 2007 Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club PTGA Championship Congratulations! GCSANJ Crystal Conference Crystal Springs Resort Hamburg, NJ Nov 13-16, 2007 Congratulations to Darrin Larkin and his wife, Heather, on the birth of their son. Sean Eben Larkin was born Penn State Golf Turf Conference on September 26, 2007, at 4:34 p.m. He was 5 lbs 2 oz Nittany Lion Inn and 17 inches in length. Although 5 weeks early, he November 14-16, 2007 and mom are doing well. NJ Turfgrass Expo Trump Taj Mahal Atlantic City, NJ December 4-6, 2007 Eastern Pennsylvania Turf Conference & Trade Show Do you have a picture of your course that you would like others to see? Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia, PA Send it along to jim@gurzler.com. January 8-10, 2008 POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING. PA 18643 Phone: 215-345-7200 Fax: 215-345-8132 Web: www.phillyturf.com PHILADELPHIA TURF ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED. COMPANY