CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 VOL. 14, NO. 1 March 2008 Fox Hill Country Club April 30, 2008 Ron Garrison, Superintendent The first meeting of the year has been scheduled for Fox Hill Country Club in Exeter, PA. There is a great deal of history surrounding this club that opened back in the early ’20’s. Originally a nine hole design done by Mr. John Reid, Fox Hill became 18 holes in 1921 when A. W. Tillinghast was brought in. Some of the front nine was reworked to allow holes to finish at the clubhouse, but many of Mr. Reid’s holes are still in place. The club utilizes 4 sets of tees to accommodate members at the 6528-yard course. Fox Hill has a course rating of 72 and a slope of 130. The parcel that makes up Fox Hill is 150 acres of reclaimed mine lands. There are many shafts from the mines under the property. Ron Garrison operates the course with the help of able assistant superintendents, Dave Tet- lak and John Polak. All three are Penn State University graduates. John and Dave both served with Ron before venturing out to increase their knowledge of golf course mainte- nance. John worked at Shadowbrook Resort both as an assistant superintendent for 2 years and a superintendent for 2 years before returning to Fox Hill in 2005. Dave worked at Valley Country Club for 3 years before returning to Fox Hill. Ron is a graduate of the Class of 1987. Ron has been at Congressional Country Club and the TPC at both Cromwell and Memphis during school. Upon graduation, Ron worked at Lords Valley as an assistant and then moved to the Center Valley Club for the years 1990 to 1995. In 1995 Ron returned to the area to take the superintendent’s position at Glen Oak Country Club. He was offered the job at Fox Hill C.C. in 1997. Ron has also been active in our association, having held the presidency for three terms. The maintenance area located along Packer Avenue is 7000 square feet; 2000 square feet of this space is heated for the offices, mechanic’s shop and the staff. The property has a summer staff of 22, which dwindles to a winter staff of 4 to maintain those high standards Continued on Page 6 Page 2 President’s Message....… Officers & Directors 2007 I just want to remind everyone as they go to winter meetings for pesticide credits to remember the GCSAA PDI requirements. To check your transcripts, log onto gcsaa.org, log in as a member, and then click on “my transcript”. If you need to apply for points, the correct education point affidavits will be available to you in the “my points” section. The PTGA will submit your attendance at our monthly PRESIDENT meetings for 0.1 service points, but submitting education points is your Darrin Larkin, Panorama Golf Course 570-222-9260 responsibility. VICE PRESIDENT Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC Thank you to everyone that came to the S.N.O.W. meeting at Elk 570-424-6391 Mountain. If you have yet to come to this meeting, please give it TREASURER consideration next year as it is well worth the trip. John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-840-0078 SECRETARY Darrin Larkin Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 Matthew Brown, Philadelphia Turf 215-340-5401 Greg Boring, Glen Oak C.C. 570-586-5791 Editor’s Notes….. Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 Thomas Height, Frosty Valley C.C. 570-275-4266 With the new year comes new concerns. You might have seen 60 Minutes discussing Neonicitoids and their possible affects on bee __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF populations. You might also have gotten information regarding the EDITOR reduction or elimination of Phosphorus from fertilizers as something Jim Gurzler coming down the pipeline. Fertilizer prices have been steadily climb- 570-466-6416 ing since early winter so those will also affect your budget. I have jim@gurzler.com heard some chemicals may also be climbing, I know glyphosate, for Managing Editor one, is going up. With rising fuel prices and golf course closings out Melinda Wisnosky 570-388-2167 pacing new construction, golf may be at a crossroads of sorts. Editorial Committee Darrin Larkin 2008 might be a great year to evaluate your practices, get back Matt Brown to basics and be budget conscious with an eye toward your prop- Past President erty’s overall health. Pay special attention to turfgrass health and Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. cast a watchful eye on financial health. This could be a year for 570-868-8113 djschell@epix.net pressure to stick to that number regardless of pressures from weather, members, competition, and any other factors that might be special at your course. This might be a great time to balance trial practices with known programs and really weigh those possible savings versus the potential benefits or detriments to your program. Hopefully, we will have a year of ample rain and beneficial tem- peratures. The golf schedule is pretty well set, so hopefully those PTGA Office R.R. 1, Box 219 days will follow nice ones as well. You might have to contact me so Harding, PA 18643 notice in the staff listing that my cell has changed. Here’s to a great Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 ‘08! 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. Page 3 GCSAA has adopted a new logo and is offering a logo for our use. GCSAA has reasons for the change some of which are outlined in the talking points below. Do you have an opinion on the matter? Drop a board member a call and let us know. Talking Points GCSAA/Chapter Logo Uniformity In 2007, GCSAA invested unprecedented resources aimed at positioning the association and its members, pri- marily with influential golfers, employers and industry influencers. A variety of vehicles will be used to reach the audiences including television advertisements, editorial and spe- cial programming; print advertisements and editorial copy; Internet communications; public relations activities; and events. Associated with this outreach was the creation of a new “official” GCSAA logo. GCSAA chapters are being presented the opportunity to leverage the association’s investment in outreach with the creation of new chapter logos that incorporate the design of the new association logo. By incorporating the GCSAA logo, chapters have the ability to leverage the association’s presence and the out- reach that supports it. The GCSAA outreach efforts will create a drafting effect for chapters because the identity of both will be coordinated. Many national associations coordinate with their chapters, sections, regions, etc., to coordinate outreach activi- ties (including logo uniformity) to create a more effective message with a more efficient use of funds. Audiences will be more likely to tie the identity of the chapter with the national association with a coordinated logo design. Because GCSAA is investing more than $1 million on outreach to promote itself and its members, chapters should consider making their logos uniform with the national association so that they can gain from the drafting effect of that exposure. Did you Know? That tees didn’t show up on the golf course until 1875. Before that players teed the ball up on the green of the hole he had just finished. Then later, level areas were built off the green but were usually too small to support play. From The Architects of Golf by G. Cornish and R. Whitten Page 4 State of the PGCSA Dear Members: As I begin my presidency of the Pennsylvania Golf Course Superintendents Association (PGCSA), I find it necessary to update the state on the direction of our Association. Since its inception, back in 1991, the PGCSA (formerly known as “The Allied”) has always focused on three points: statewide issues affecting our industry, GCSAA voting, and The Pennsylvania Hospitality Suite, which provides networking opportunities for members. Today, the focus of the Association remains the same, but with a renewed and exciting sense of direction. I have been a part of this Board since 2003, and we have made tremendous strides since: • 2003: one meeting; one sheet for agenda; a $6790 budget • 2004: hired part-time executive director; funded an Anthracnose study; began to explore a statewide affilia- tion • 2005: met with Hannes Combest of GCSAA to discuss pros and cons of unified state; GCSAA field staff imple- mented to assist local and state chapters; landslide victory of Mark Kuhns, CGCS, a PA-born superinten- dent, as GCSAA board member • 2006: adopted new name: Pennsylvania Golf Course Superintendents Association (PGCSA); officially adopted a mission statement: To unify and advance the profession of the golf course superintendent within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through chapter communication, research & education, government re- lations, and GCSAA recognition. • 2007: support of Mark Kuhns, CGCS, to win GCSAA secretary/treasurer; began evaluation of bylaws; new president elected; PGCSA board members join efforts with Landstudies Inc. and the PA Environmental Council to generate “BMP Toolbox” for golf courses (see accompanying article), developed to raise the level of consciousness and or awareness of the profession of the superintendent. So, where are we in 2008? Is the PGCSA pursuing statewide affiliation? Without a doubt, the 2008 board of directors is excited about this season and the future of our state. We are still focused on the original points that the PGCSA was founded upon: state issues, voting, and networking. With the renewed enthusiasm of the group, we anticipate moving forward on several new themes. Continued on Page 5 Page 5 (Continued from page 4)…. As always, we will continue to host The Pennsylvania Hospitality Suite at the GCSAA Education Conference & GIS every year. We have even discussed hosting a hospitality room during the Penn State Turf Conference. New points of focus include involving turfgrass students on our Board, adopting new bylaws and a business plan, facilitating education and advancement of the superintendent, and continued involvement in funding research. The current PGCSA board has not forgotten the hard work put forth over the past few years regarding a statewide affiliation. Affiliation will continue to be discussed and explored, but only as new business. As you can see, there is a sense of excitement in the air, and the 2008 Board of Directors cannot wait to explore implementation of its new plans. If you would like to know more about the PGCSA, the minutes of our Board meet- ings are emailed to each chapter executive. Additionally, you can contact your chapter representative (see at- tached) or you can contact me at rmp15@psu.edu or 814.865.1635. The PGCSA thanks you for your support! Have a great season in 2008! Respectfully submitted, Rick Pagett, President PGCSA 2008 PGCSA Board Of Directors President: Rick Pagett, Penn State Golf Courses Vice President: Sean Remington, Green Valley Country Club Executive Secretary: Jeff Broadbelt, Downingtown Country Club Past President: John Ferruchie, Butler Country Club Executive Director: Nancy Williams Pocono Turfgrass Association Representatives Darrin Larkin, Panorama Golf Course, and Tom Height, Frosty Valley Country Club Page 6 Continued from page 1 for which Fox Hill is known. Other notable items from the archives of Fox Hill are: Jack Nicklaus connection: Jack’s great teacher Jack Grout was head professional here in 1941 and 1942. Another interesting fact: Walter Hagen and Joseph Kirkwood were challenged to a match by the Fox Hill pro’s Sam White and James Murray shortly after the course opened in 1922. Mr. Hagen and Mr. Kirkwood went home losers! Mr. Hagen hasn’t had much luck in the Poconos. You may remember the short Par 3 at Water Gap Country Club is called Hagen’s Folly due to his 11 at the 100-yard hole. Mr. Hagen returned with his partner less than a year later and did receive some vindication by winning the better ball match on that return trip. I have to believe, though, that he took his vacations in the South, unless he really loved the scenery here in the Poconos, like we all do. The signature hole is the Par 4 10th Hole. This, I believe, is a Tillinghast hole, so pay special attention to the design features and compare it to those other Tillinghast gems we have had the opportunity to play in recent times. Fox Hill C.C. underwent some renovation back in 2000. These included more that $3 million worth of work to the locker rooms, front entrance, dining facilities and other amenities. Our speaker this month is Joe Battaglino. He will be discussing fabric buildings and their application on the golf course. Come out early this year, meet your peers and enjoy an excellent golf course. Our format at Fox Hill will be a blind draw playing 6-6-6; alter- nate shot, better ball, and scramble. Thanks to our meeting sponsors Lee Koszey of Syngenta and Paul Brandon of Finch Ser- vices. Office of Communications USCIS Update USCIS REACHES H-2B CAP FOR SECOND HALF OF FISCAL YEAR 2008 WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of petitions to reach the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the second half of Fiscal Year 2008 (FY2008). USCIS is hereby notifying the public that January 2, 2008 is the “final receipt date” for new H-2B worker petitions requesting employment start dates prior to October 1, 2008. The “final receipt date” is the date on which USCIS determines that it has received enough cap-subject petitions to reach the limit of 33,000 H-2B workers for the second half of FY2008. The cap was reached with existing totals for that day. USCIS will reject petitions for new H-2B workers seeking employment start dates prior to October 1, 2008 that arrive after January 2, 2008. USCIS will apply a computer-generated random selection process to all petitions which are subject to the cap and were received on January 2, 2008. USCIS will use this process to select the number of petitions needed to meet the cap. USCIS will reject, and return the fee, for all cap-subject petitions not randomly selected. Petitions for workers who are currently in H-2B status do not count towards the congressionally mandated bi-annual H-2B cap. USCIS will continue to process petitions filed to: Extend the stay of a current H-2B worker in the United States; Change the terms of employment for current H-2B workers and extend their stay; or Allow current H-2B workers to change or add employers and extend their stay. More information about the H-2B work program is available at www.uscis.gov or by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. - USCIS - January 3, 2008 www.uscis.gov POCONO ROUNDUP PTGA MEETING SCHEDULE Congratulations! April 30 Fox Hill Country Club Congratulations to Pete Beblavy of Blue Ridge May 22 Sugarloaf Country Club on the birth of his son Alexander Mi- June 24 Three Ponds Golf Club chael. Alex was born November 21, 2007 July 15 Panorama Golf Course Good luck to Jim Gurzler on his new position with August 11 Elmhurst Country Club Green Valley Landscaping in Plains, PA, as the new September 29 Frosty Valley CC Irrigation Division Manager. October 13 Wyoming Valley CC Good luck and Congratulations to Jamie Kapas. Not only did Jamie land the superintendent’s posi- Welcome! tion at Woodway Country Club in CT., but Jamie and his wife Alicia also welcomed Nora on October 5th, 2007. Welcome new members Bob Price of Edgewood in the Pines in Drums, PA, and Scott Dickinson of Congratulations to Greg Boring on his new position Wedgewood C.C. in Coopersburg, PA. We all hope as superintendent at the C.C. of Scranton. to see you at the meetings in ‘08! Good luck to Gino Marchetti who has assumed the superintendent’s position at Glen Oak Country Club. Exceeding POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. 1, BOX 219 your expectations. POSTAGE HARDING, PA 18643 Every day. One hundred and thirty dedicate d peo ple with the NAME & ADDRESS best parts, pro d- ucts and service for the green in- dustry Turf Equipment and Supply Phone: 215-345-7200 Fax: 215-345-8132 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED. Web: www.turf-equipm ent.com