Volume 54, No 1 April/May 2020 BACK2GOLF: GUIDELINES FOR OPENING UP THE GOLF COURSE DURING COVID-19 GUIDELINES FOR ALL PHASES: INDIVIDUALS • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces. • Avoid touching your face. • Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow. • Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible. • Do not go to work. • Contact and follow the advice of your medical provider. GUIDELINES FOR ALL PHASES: EMPLOYERS Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices: • Maintain social distancing of at least • Maintain 6 feet social distancing and • 6 feet. Strongly consider using cloth face coverings when social distancing can’t be observed. • • • CONTINUE TO PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE – PEOPLE WHO FEEL SICK SHOULD STAY HOME protective equipment. Temperature checks for staff. Testing, isolating, and contact tracing. Sanitation of maintenance equipment, hand tools, etc. • Disinfection of common and high- traffic areas. Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider. Develop and implement policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing following an employee a positive COVID test. HOW TO CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND SURFACES Continued on page 3... In ThIs Issue... President’s Message..............................2 Back2Golf Guidelines Continued.........3 Kevin’s Korner..................................4-5 Schedule of Events................................7 Grass Catcher.....................................8-9 COVID-19 Golf Regulations..............10 June Golf Results...............................10 Back2Golf Operations Playbook...12-13 Turf Show 2020..................................14 April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 2 the difference the game has experienced. Through the help of GCSAA and USGA a minimum maintenance guideline was available for everyone to read over and share with their clubs It is a great tool to have and refer golf club officials towards as we manage properties under some new guidelines and staff sizes. Kevin Doyle, GCSAA NE, has been a huge contributor to our path to maintaining golf and especially golf course maintenance throughout the Northeast. If you haven’t reached out to Kevin in the past, it would be a wise choice to do so. He has a wealth of experience and resources to help you traverse issues you may experience at your clubs during the next few months. I believe this year more than any other year our association will be critical on how many of us cope with maintaining our golf course through a pandemic. There is no better time than now to broaden your networking circle. It is so important to communicate, find out what other superintendents, assistant superintendents, sales representatives are doing at their golf courses and share what you are doing. Now, change the subject and see how their families are doing, what they are doing for entertainment or fun ideas to experience. As a father of 3, I have never taken so many hikes before in my life over the past month!! When I joined the association in 1997 and started on the board in 2004, it was for the camaraderie. I can guarantee you I would not have kept my sanity if not for the supportive phone calls from friends in the industry over the past several weeks. Current board members, former board members, past presidents, sales representatives, members from GCSAA, along with neighboring associations all contacted me with signs of support and I will always be grateful. I believe everyone can experience that feeling but it begins with you. CAGCS BoArd of direCtorS President – Paul Bonini, CGCS Vice President – Stephen Curry Secretary – Andrew Fries, CGCS Treasurer – Kevin Collins Past President - Marc Weston, CGCS Committee ChAirperSonS Education – Doug Snyder, CGCS Golf – Robert Dorsch III, CGCS Membership – Peter Grace Scholarship & Research – Richard Duggan Social & Welfare – Duncan McGowan Government Relations – Scott Ramsay, CGCS Commercial Rep to Board – Ed Downing Class C Rep to the Board – Timothy Dunn CT Clippings Editor – Heather Garvin Chapter Executive – GraceMarie Chapin I need to thank GraceMarie and our current board for their willingness to work together and go the extra mile; I think we have had a year’s worth of meeting over the first three months. I will close out this message with a message from somebody who knew how to overcome and achieve greatness: “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out” - John Wooden Paul Bonini As we welcome spring of 2020 we also welcome a new look. We have a new look at golf, a new look at our crew, and a new look at life. The past month and a half has spun our heads and it feels like the middle of the season and we haven’t even gotten into the swing of things. After a successful trip to Orlando and Providence for most, we came home to the world of what ifs. We were settling in for a change that right now looking back we did not truly understand the magnitude. We worked closely with Mike Moraghan, CSGA and Michael Duggan, Capitol Consulting and were able to maintain golf in CT with certain guidelines to follow. At the time of this decision not all golf courses were open but by now everyone has seen Connecticut Clippings is an official publication of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents Newsletter Editor Heather Garvin Newsletter Committee Bob Chalifour, CGCS (ret.) GraceMarie Chapin, Chapter Executive Photo Collages The Clippings is open to all commentary. Please send your comments to: Heather Garvin Newsletter Editor heather.hartseed@gmail.com or CAGCS P.O. Box 3678 Woodbridge, CT 06525 203/387-0810 April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 3 ...Continued from page 1 HOW TO CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND SURFACES Employers are required to increase regular cleaning and sanitizing of common-touch surfaces. Employers must: • • • • Establish a housekeeping schedule to address regular, frequent, and periodic cleaning. Provide appropriate and adequate cleaning supplies for scheduled and spot cleaning and cleaning after a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case. Ensure floors, counters, and other surfaces are regularly cleaned with soap and water, or other cleaning solution, to prevent build-up of dirt and residues that can harbor contamination. properly disinfected on a frequent or periodic basis using a bleach solution or other EPA-approved disinfectant. www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/ list- n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 Be sure employees follow effective cleaning procedures and use protective gloves and eye/ face protection (face shields and/ or goggles) when mixing, spraying, and wiping with liquid cleaning products, like diluted bleach. • Make sure high-touch surfaces are • Make sure shared utility vehicles are sanitized after each different person’s use. • Keep Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all disinfectants on site. • Don’t mix chemicals — many are incompatible; and be sure to dilute and use chemicals per manufacturer label directions. • Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may be used. Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface. • Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection, and ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening, may not be suitable for disinfection. • • Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute. • To make a bleach solution, mix: • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water • For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, irrigation controls, and remote controls: • Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics. Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting. - If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly. • ON COURSE SETUP • Remove all touchable surfaces such as: - Bunker rakes - Ball washers, or drain and cover - Benches - Water coolers, turn off drinking fountains • • • Wear gloves or sanitize tee markers as they are being moved daily. Avoid spraying sanitizer on turf. Remove lids from trash cans. If you leave the flagstick in, use something to fill the hole to raise the bottom of the cup such as a foam noodle or piece of PVC. Additionally, disinfect flagsticks daily. Eliminate sand seed buckets from carts and/or tees. • EQUIPMENT, UTILITY VEHICLES, HANDTOOLS • Sanitize all hand tools prior to and after use. • Assign staff pieces of equipment/carts to eliminate sharing. • No one should ride together in maintenance vehicles, carts etc. Single • • • • • • • • • • • riders only. Spray all equipment with CDC approved disinfectant on all touch points (steering wheels, gear shift, keys, switches etc.). • Disinfect fuel pump handle after each use. GUIDELINES FOR GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE • No outside visitors permitted; employees, • Assign each team member a spray bottle contractors, vendors and deliveries only. Increase communication with your team. Utilize apps such as WhatsApp or GroupMe. Restrict access to certain areas of the building, e.g. only equipment managers should be allowed in equipment repair area. Stagger shifts to minimize the amount of staff on property at any given time. of sanitizer. Block doors open to avoid touching doorknobs. Place hand sanitizer throughout the maintenance area. Supply cloth face coverings to your team. Eliminate time clocks or assign management/one individual the responsibility of punching employees in/ out. • Use appropriate disinfecting practices for telephones, computer keyboards, tablets, etc after each use. Eliminate the use of refrigerators, coffee machines, microwaves. • • Hold team meetings outside or in the equipment maintenance area where appropriate 6-foot separation can be maintained. Consider moving job board out of break room to equipment storage area or use a web-based job board. • • Adjusting break/lunch times to limit contact between employees. Consider setting up seating areas outside for employees to take breaks and lunch. Remove all personal items from employee lockers. • Only 1 employee in the bathroom at a time. Disinfect after each use. Sanitizing touchable surfaces/carts/ equipment/bathrooms/ breakrooms daily (or multiple times a day). April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 4 Kevin’s Korner industry news was garnered When I got my start in the industry there was no social media. There were no cell phones. The through chapter meetings, newsletters, and the vendor network. Those in sales traveled the area, shared conversations, agronomic information, and jobs open or opening soon. I saw vendors as a critical tool to remain connected. Thanks to social media, information travels faster than an agronomic materials supplier during Pythium season. Does that make our vendors or the vendor network any less valuable? Beyond supplying materials, what is the value of our vendors in the industry now? The entire golf industry seems more reliant on a collective approach for success. The days of the golf professionals, food and beverage, superintendents, and those who sell products and supplies to those professions operating in silos exclusive of each other are gone. No one succeeds unless we all succeed together. Same goes for the related associations, local or national. More than ever, collaboration is taking place between sectors in our industry. The successful groups have members willing to step up and volunteer their time for the benefit of the whole group with our valued vendors right there leading the charge. I think about many of our partners giving their associations much needed financial support, but more importantly holding seats on chapter boards and serving our superintendent associations through various additional capacities. I sat down with two such valuable vendors at the NERTF Conference and Show in Providence and asked them why they undertake these additional efforts, and what value they and their companies see from such endeavors. This topic came to me last May, as I had a conversation with Gilberto (Gil) Perez, Account Specialist for Dunning Industries, at National Golf Day (NGD) in Washington D.C. I caught up with Perez this year at the NERTF Conference and Show to ask about NGD involvement: “As a company, we sat down and asked is this of any value to us, for us to go and be a part of National Golf Day? We said yes. Why, because we are supporting our customers, and we are supporting a great cause, which is what keeps our doors open.” Both Perez and Division Manager Neil Lajeunesse attended the community service event and legislative visits at the nation’s capital. “What a valuable experience it was and will continue to be. Not only personally, but professionally. When you leave there, you feel like you’ve done something for the betterment of the industry” When asked why a focus on government affairs, Perez simply states, “it opens up eyes. It lets everybody realize that golf course superintendents aren’t the devil. Everybody needs to know how responsible we are in everything that we do. I say we, I’m not a superintendent, but as an industry we do things in a responsible manner.” “It about supporting the industry that supports us.” At the local level Rhode Island government affairs guru Pat Hogan, sales manager for Sodco, is on top of his game. When asked why he is involved with government affairs, Hogan cited the availability of time. “Superintendents really don’t have the time. As a vendor, I’ve got a little more time to go and promote what they do, to tell legislators about the Green Certification program and being stewards of the land.” Hogan found his way into the government affairs realm first through necessity, serving in that capacity as he proceeded through the April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 5 board ranks of the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association. Those skills found purchase as he became more involved with the Rhode Island GCSA. “There used to be a time where you had to go to the state house and into the basement to find out what bills for pesticide or other regulations like that had been submitted. Now they’re online, but superintendents didn’t have the time to go to the state house and search through filing cabinets to find bills that would affect them.” Sodco is a 526-acre farm that takes environmental efforts very seriously. “It’s up to us to make sure that land can be passed down generation to generation. Hopefully we’re passing it down to the next generation better than we went into it.” When asked if he enjoyed his volunteer efforts in government affairs, Hogan quickly replied, “Yes, I do!” These are just two examples of the many vendors in our region that volunteer their time for the betterment of our industry. The regulatory landscape in Maine would look much different without the dogged effort of Jesse O’Brien of Down East Turf Farm. Chuck Bramhall, Harrell’s, also advocates so well for our industry in a difficult regulatory area on Cape Cod. It’s no different outside of the government affairs realm. Successful association newsletters thanks to the hard work of Heather Garvin, Chas. C. Hart Seed, in Connecticut, Barrie Robertson, Foster Materials, in New Hampshire and the always entertaining content provided by Kevin Collins at Ocean Organics. Local event calendars would look so much different without the coordination assistance of Chris Cowan, Atlantic Golf & Turf in Vermont, and Brian Goudey, Syngenta, with the Northeastern GCSAA. Region wide events such as the MetGCSA Team Championship and Nor’Easter Ski Day only happen thanks in large part to the efforts of Andy Drohen, Koch Industries. I’m leaving out so many valued industry professionals, but you get the picture. If I had the time and opportunity to speak with every vendor working hard to make our industry better, my guess is I would hear much of the same feedback. I’m supporting the industry that supports me, and I enjoy what I do. I challenge you, the non-vendors in our industry, to take a moment to thank your partners for all that they do. Without the efforts of our valued vendors the landscape of our golf course maintenance industry would look drastically different, and not for the better. Again, if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me. Kevin F. Doyle GCSAA Field Staff kdoyle@gcsaa.org Follow me on TWITTER @GCSAA_NE MAX YOUR RESULTS WITH ® LIQUID FOLIAR NUTRITIONALS Specifically formulated to provide you with a complete and highly effective fertilizer portfolio using the finest foliar grade sources, allowing for maximum uptake and exceptional product quality. Includes Chelated or Complexed Micronutrients: - maximize foliar absorption - increase tank-mix compatibility with other nutrients - help protect these essential elements from environmental degradation Are you ready to MAX your results? Call your Harrell’s rep or visit harrells.com today. JIM WIERZBICKI jwierzbicki@harrells.com (860) 424-7250 MIKE DUKETTE mdukette@harrells.com (860) 930-8888 800.282.8007 | www.harrells.com April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 6 EXCLUSIVELY AT HELP YOUR TURF STRIKE IT RICH Increase the Availability of Nutrients and Water with CarbonPro.™ Available in liquid or granular form, CarbonPro puts the organic power of carbon and plant-microbe interactions to work for your turf. The result is bigger roots, healthier turf and a big upgrade to what you’re putting down. Learn more about CarbonPro and the rest of our redefined lineup at LESCO.com/Upgrade. April/May 2020 February 27 Rescheduled Date TBD March 3-5 April 13-20 July 13 Monday April 27 Monday May 19 Tuesday August 19 Wednesday September 28 Monday June 15 Monday October 13 Tuesday July 13 Monday October August 19 Date TBD Wednesday November 4 Wednesday September 28 Monday October 13 Tuesday December 3 Thursday October Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents, Inc. Connecticut Clippings P.O. Box 3678, Woodbridge, CT 06525 Telephone 203/387-0810 - Toll Free Telephone 888/561-7778 - Fax 203/387-7866 cagcs@sbcglobal.net – www.cagcs.com 2020 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Page 7 Nor’Easter Ski Day Killington Mountain Redding Country Club Host: Brett Chapin NE Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show CAGCS Scholarship & Research Tournament Providence Rhode Island Conference Center Tee It Up New England Hop Meadow Country Club Host: Richard Kremer Blue Fox Run Golf Club Low Gross/Net Blind Partners Host: Stephen J Curry 2nd Round CAGCS Championship 2 Ball Shamble New England Team Championship Qualifier Redding Country Club Host: Brett Chapin The Hartford Yard Goats CAGCS Scholarship & Research Tournament CAGCS Social/Network Event Cold Spring Country Club New Haven Country Club Host: Bruce Morse Host: Jason Booth, CGCS Low Gross/Net by Flight CAGCS MEMBER/GUEST 1st Round CAGCS Championship MET Team Championship Qualifier Wethersfield Country Club Host: Allen Woodward Hop Meadow Country Club 2 Person Best Ball Host: William Demur Low Gross/Net Blind Partners Superintendent/Assistant Tournament 2nd Round CAGCS Championship President’s Cup & McLaughlin Trophy New England Team Championship Qualifier Black Hall Club The Hartford Yard Goats Host: Christopher Konow CAGCS Social/Network Event CAGCS Class C Tournament New Haven Country Club Rock Ridge Country Club Host: Jason Booth, CGCS Host: Steven Loughran CAGCS MEMBER/GUEST 9-Hole Scramble ABCD CAGCS Annual Meeting Wethersfield Country Club Host: Allen Woodward 2 Person Best Ball J. TIMOTHY’S TAVERNE Superintendent/Assistant Tournament CAGCS Christmas Party President’s Cup & McLaughlin Trophy PRESENTING PARTNERS PRESENTING PARTNER TBA Host: CAGCS Class C Tournament November 4 Wednesday The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. Rock Ridge Country Club Host: Steven Loughran 9-Hole Scramble ABCD Your trusted source since 1892 CAGCS Annual Meeting December 3 Thursday More than just seed! We have the products, resources & expertise to ensure your course is J. Timothy’s Taverne CAGCS Christmas Party always healthy and tournament ready. We are here for you! 304 Main Street Wethersfield, CT 06109-1826 E: turf@hartseed.com P: (800)326-HART F: (860)563-7221 www.hartsturfpro.com April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 8 New Members! David Antunes; Class Commercial Hunter Industries Ryan Bialy; Class C Ellington Ridge Country Club Carl Bryant; Class C Great Horse William Cygan; Class A Silver Spring Country Club Ken DiCillo; Class C Country Club of Darien Chris Francis; Class Commercial Turf Products Parker Keirn; Class C The Tradition at Oak Lane Brian McCullough; Class Commercial Turf Techno Gregory Miller; Class B Gainfield Farms Golf Course Gregory Rotter; Class C Redding Country Club Congratulations! Eric Morrison, CGCS, Shennecossett Golf Course, newly recertified by GCSAA. The Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation is bestowed upon those who voluntarily meet the stringent requirements. The CGCS designation is the most widely recognized in the golf industry and the highest recognition that can be achieved by golf course superintendents. Read more: https://www.gcsaa.org/education/certifications- exams Thomas and Andrea Lopez on the birth of his daughter, Kollyns Leeann Lopez was born on March 3rd, 7lbs 4oz UCONN welcomes Lisa Golden who is joining the Research Farm Team. OUR PASSION IS YOUR SUCCESS With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone Harris Schnare | 800-582-5959 | harris@tomirwin.com April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 9 Condolences Jason Dowgiewicz and family on the passing of his mother, Yvonne M. “Toni” (DeSmet) Dowgiewicz on February 16, 2020. https:// smallandpietrasfuneralhome.com/book-of- memories/4108712/Dowgiewicz-Yvonne/ index.php Thomas Watroba on the passing of his mother, Phyllis M. Watroba on February 17, 2020. https://www.deryfuneralhome.com/memorials/ phyllis-watroba/4109779/ Tony Girardi’s and family on the passing of his father, Anthony “Tony” James Girardi, on April 4, 2020. http://www. thequinnfuneralhome.com/obituary/Anthony- J.-Tony-Girardi/Narragansett-Rhode- Island/1871162 To the family of long time member of CAGCS Manny Mihailides 88, passed away on May 13, 2020. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ providence/obituary. To the family of long time CAGCS member, C. Robert Phipps who passed away on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020. UConn TUrfgrass field day 2020 goes virTUal The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of our lives, and turfgrass research and outreach has been no exception. Fortunately, shoots of normality have begun to emerge. Research activities at the farm, greenhouse and lab began to resume the last week of May, following a mandatory pause on all university research activity. However, risks associated with large gatherings of people and Covid-19 persist, and as a result our day-long biennial Turfgrass Field Day has been cancelled this year. In response, the UCONN Turf Program will be hosting a Virtual UCONN Turfgrass Field Day this summer. The online webcast event will seek to preserve the field day culture with 5 short video recorded field presentations of active research. Following each video presentation, participants will be able to engage in an online chat discussion with the researcher and event host. As this is a new adventure for us, requiring coordination with videography and webcasting professionals we are still working through the details. We anticipate a date for the event will be set for early-August. Please watch for more information regarding the date and registration. We hope you will understand this decision to cancel the in-person field day, but we expect that you will continue to find value in our new virtual format. We look forward to seeing you online this August! UConn WelComes neW TUrf researCh farm TeChniCian Lisa Golden is the newest member of the UCONN Turfgrass Team. She will be joining the research farm crew to assist in the management of turfgrass research fields and supporting the turfgrass faculty with executing various research projects. Lisa has several years of experience working at golf courses and on athletic field turf in the Boston area. She earned her Masters and undergraduate from degrees the UMass Turf Program. We are thrilled to welcome her. Premium Liquid Fertilizers For The Playing Surface Perfectionist www.plan�oodco.com 609-448-0935 | 800-562-1291 Connect With Us & Grow! Tom Weinert (914) 262-0111 tweinert@plan�oodco.com Jason Dowgiewicz (860) 508-5419 jdowg@plan�oodco.com David Conrad (914) 263-3244 dconrad@plan�oodco.com CAGCS April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 10 Covid-19 golf regUlaTions in CT Dear CT Superintendents, Golf Professionals, General Managers, and CSGA Club Representatives, Just wanted to give you a heads up on some golf-specific changes that will go into effect on Wednesday, June 17, as part of Connecticut’s state-wide COVID-19 Phase 2 re-opening. We will be sending this same message to our full mailing list late tomorrow (Tuesday), but wanted to alert you first for your planning purposes. effective Wednesday, June 17: 1) Two players may share a golf cart, however players must wear a facial covering while in the cart and at any time social distancing is not maintained. The driver of the cart must remain the only driver of the cart throughout the round. Exception: members of the same household are not required to wear a mask while sharing a cart, and may alternate drivers provided both drivers meet all other requirements. 2) Ball washers, used tee baskets, hand operated water coolers and jugs remain off- limits and are to remain stored or covered. Items previously removed (rakes, etc.), or that were previously deemed “untouchable” (flagsticks, benches, etc.) are now available for normal use, however such items must be cleaned frequently. enforce social distancing. In all locker rooms, casual seating other than benches by lockers must be removed. Shower areas, except for rinsing before and after pool activity must be disabled or closed off. If independent showers are available and used, they must be attended and sanitized between each use. 3) Shotgun starts may include up to 50 people assembled before and after the round. Social distancing remains in effect at all times. 4) So that when it becomes necessary to use a facial covering (when social distancing is not or can not be maintained), all employees and golfers at any golf course must have a facial covering in their possession at all times. 5) indoor restaurants can operate at 50% capacity, however functions such as meetings or weddings are limited to a maximum of 10 people. 6) In public locker rooms that have shared lockers, every other or every third locker must be disabled or marked for non-use to enforce social distancing. Facilities where lockers are assigned to members are not required to disable lockers, but must We have been working with DECD over the past week to have these changes instituted at the same time other businesses (museums, amusement parks, etc) are opening as part of Connecticut’s June 17 Phase 2 plan. One additional item we are seeking is to allow bag-carrying caddies. As soon as we hear from DECD about caddies we’ll let everyone know. We’ll also be updating our website with these changes tomorrow evening, Tuesday, June 16. Best regards to all, Mike Michael Moraghan Executive Director Connecticut State Golf Association JUne golf resUlTs haWKs landing CC monday, JUne 15 a flighT 1st Place gross: Wayne Lagasse, Fox Hopyard GC 2nd Place gross: Jay Popko, Winfield United B flighT 1st Place gross: Marc Weston, CGCS, Indian Hill CC 2nd flight gross: Brian Pope, Turf Products 1st Place net: Daniel Sisson, Hawks Landing CC 2nd Place gross: John Callahan, Cardinals 2nd flight net: Anthony Grosso, ChippaneeCC 1st Place net: Neil Lajuenesse, Dunning Custom Soils Dunning generously donated a load of sand which Tyler Sears won thru a raffle. 1st Place net: Eric Morrison, CGCS, Shennecossett GC 2nd Place net: Ward Weishet, SiteOne 2nd Place net: Heather Garvin, Chas. C. Hart Seed C flighT 1st Place gross: Chris Konow, Black Hall Club April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 11 For over 50 years Turf Products has provided customers with the tools to protect and preserve their environments. We are your single source supplier for turf equipment, irrigation, drainage, pond aeration, lightning detection and much more - delivering the most innovative products in the golf industry. Call: (800) 243-4355 or visit us at: www.turfproductscorp.com April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 12 Objective Key Strategies Description Golf Course Setup and Maintence Back2Golf Operations Playbook To work as Allied Golf Organizations in building a comprehensive and medically approved plan that allows golf to be played as a social distancing compatible recreational activity in the United States as we begin recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. This plan has been developed to help open golf where it is currently closed and keep golf open responsibly. - Developed the operational underpinnings of the plan off the White House and CDC “Guidelines Opening Up America Again” including a specific, three-phased approach to golf that aligns with the broader plan to reopen the economy. - Built a corresponding “Back2Golf Operational Playbook” that provides medically reviewed recommended practices for use at facilities across the country. - Adhere to all state/county/local health official’s guidelines and regulations when operators are building implementation plans which may differ from from the Back2Golf Guidelines and Operational Playbook. - Promote aggressively the necessary social distance guidelines specific to golf that lead to good behavior by golfers in every phase. Phase ONE Individual Play Phase Two Restricted Programming Phase Three New Normal Minimal Course Set up and Minimal staff. Holes will be filled to allow for easy ball retrieval, no bunker rakes; trash removed by individual players. Flags should not be touched for any reason. No on course amenities. The player should bring their own water and remove trash upon leaving. Minimal Course Set up and Minimal staff. Holes will be filled to allow for easy ball retrieval, no bunker rakes; trash removed by individual players. Flags should not be touched for any reason. No on course amenities. Facility is fully operational. No restrictions. Enhanced sanitation protocols. On Course Water Trash On Course Restrooms Guidelines for Play Signage GCSAA: Click for Link to GCSAA Reopening Guidelines PGA of America: Click for Link to Golf Course Maintenance Best Practices Not available. Players must bring own bottled water. No trash collection available on site. All players must remove their own trash. Cleaned after each use. Only one person at a time. Individual play can be permitted with no more than four players per group that either walk or ride alone in properly sanitized golf carts (two riders from the same family also permissible if clearly identified). All league, clinic, camps and organized activities will remain suspended. Mandatory signage throughout facility outlinig Phase 1 CDC Guidelines. Golf Shop / Retail Operations Golf Shops should remain closed and remote check in procedures should be enacted. Guest Supplies (Scorecards, Tees, Pencils) Available in sanitized bags upon request. Payment / Cash Handling No cash. Online payments accepted. Practice Facility Teaching and Coaching / Club Fitting Practice facilities may be open but are restricted to 10 or less people practicing strict social distancing. Enhanced practice ball sanitation protocol. Golf Instruction and club fitting in person may be conducted on an individual basis while practicing strict social distancing. Cloth facial covering recommended for instructors and students. Group teaching and coaching programing is conducted virtually. . Cart Operations PGA of America: Click for Link to Teaching & Coaching Best Practices Walking or single riders in a properly sanitized golf cart (two riders from the same family also permissible if clearly identified). Limited availability. Bag sealed bottled water. Trash recipticals available at the end of play with strict social distancing required. Enhanced cleaning protocol. Normal golf groups are permitted; walking or riding in golf carts are permitted. Restrictions apply and will vary by locality. Smaller group activity (outings & league play) may be resumed if kept under 50 people with proper social distancing guidlines being followed. Mandatory signage throughout facility outlining Phase 2 CDC Guidelines. Golf Shops may open should operate at limited capacity as to adhere to social distancing policies. Remote check-in for golfers with all golf fees billed to a member account or payment via phone or online, if available, for another guest option. Credit card payment can be an option if proper social distancing can be achieved. Amplification of social distancing messaging, signage and visual floor decals. Available in sanitized bags upon request. No cash. Online payments accepted and Credit Cards may be used with proper social distancing and sanitation between transactions. Practice facilities may be open but are restricted to 50 or less people practicing strict social distancing. Enhanced practice ball sanitation protocol. Golf Instruction and Club Fitting conducted with adherence to strict social distancing guidelines. Small Group clinics may be resumed based upon the practice facility space available to abide by the social distancing guidelines. Family members recommeded to stay away. On course water available. New normal trash operations may continue. New normal restroom availability. New normal play, tournament play and league play may resume. No additional signage required. Golf Shop is open with no restrictions. New normal procedures for reservations and check in. New normal operations. New normal operations. New normal operations. All teaching and coaching is allowed on site. No restrictions. Certain Youth activities allowed to return with proper social distancing. Approved pairings may ride in properly sanitized golf carts. New normal operations. ClubCar: Click for Link for Golf Cart Maintenance E-Z-GO: Click for Link to Important Recommendations and Safety Tips for Vehicle Sanitation April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 13 Club Storage and Bag Handling No club storage and staff will not handle bags. Yamaha: Click for Link to Best Practices on Cart Cleaning Caddies Golf Staffing Clubhouse No personal caddies. Forecaddies allowed only with strict social distancing measures in place. The only employees on site will be a management team, essential golf and maintenance staff. Players are responsible for their own safety while on Club property. Strict adherence to Personal Protective Equipment. Clubhouses should remain closed. However, restaurants may provide take out food as per state and local regulation. Standalone gyms can be open if they adhere to strict physical distancing, cleaning, and sanitation protocols as well as state and local guidelines. Other outdoor wellness and programmed activities that adhere to social distancing and other state and local guidelines may apply. CMAA (Club Management Association of America): Click for Link to CMAA Club Reopening Resources Clubhouse Food and Beverage Operations Clubhouse is closed with the exception of take-out food adhering to proper social distancing, preparation, cleaning, and sanitizing protocols for food and delivery. National Restaurant Association: Click for Link to NRA's Reopening Guidance Halfway House Halfway House is closed. Beverage Carts Beverage carts are not in use. Locker Rooms are closed. Club storage not available. Staff will assist under proper CDC guidelines. Staff to continue to use personal protective equipment. Modified caddie service which could include walking and with appropriate measures being taken. Bag Storage and Outside Service Operation resume. Caddies resume new normal operations. Moderate number of staff on site to facilitate operations. Some staff allowed to remove protective gear. All Staff returned. No protective gear required. Clubhouses may open but should operate at limited capacity adhering to social distancing, cleaning, and staffing safety protocols. Restaurants and bars may operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate. Standalone gyms may continue to be open if they adhere to strict physical distancing, cleaning, and sanitation protocols (done every hour at a minimum). Other facility amenities (locker room, tennis, pool, etc.) may open based on adherence to state and local health authority guidelines. . Clubhouse food & beverage operations open at limited capacity adhering to proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitizing protocols for food preparation and guest service (done every hour at a minimum). Seating and standing- room capacity operates at reduced capacity according to local and state guidelines. Halfway House is open for cashless service with proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitation protocols in place (done every hour at a minimum). All food items are individually wrapped and served to guests, Beverages in cans or other closed containers only. No self-service items are available. Beverage Carts are in use for cashless service with proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitation protocols in place (done every hour at a minimum). All food items are individually wrapped and served to guests, Beverages in cans or other closed containers only. No self-service items are available. Locker rooms are available for limited use (restrooms, changing clothes, and assigned locker use, etc.) according to local and state guidelines with proper social distancing, cleaning, and sanitation protocols in place (done every hour at a minimum). No towels, amenities provided nor are showers available. New normal operations adhering to any limitations or protocols on gathering, etc. as per state and local regulation. New normal operations adhering to any limitations or protocols on gathering, etc. as per state and local regulation. New normal operations. New normal operations. New normal operations. Locker Rooms Fitness Classes Pool Tennis Golf Events Outdoor workout activities allowed with proper social distancing and no more than 10 people. Outdoor workout activities allowed with proper social distancing and no more than 50 people. New normal operations. Pools are closed. Pools are limited to individual workouts with social distancing. New normal operations. Click for Link to USTA Tennis & Pickleball Operations & Recommendations Individual Play. No organized events. No shotguns. Smaller group play allowed at the facility. No shotguns. Groups no larger than 50 players may be held as long as tee times are used. Organized activities may resume with strict social distancing, food preparation, food service, sanitation, and cleaning protocols (done every hour at a minimum) in place adhering to state and local guidelines. No buffets, family style, or other self-service food permitted. All Groups allowed. No restrictions. Large gatherings (e.g., sit-down dining, charity events, etc.) operate under state and local guidelines for seating and food service. Clubhouse Events No organized events or gatherings. Rules Rules of Golf apply with additional guidance and consideration for the Committee; Temporary measures in place for the Rules of Handicapping and the acceptability of scores played under the Phase 1 guidance. Rules of Golf apply with additional guidance and consideration for the Committee; Temporary measures in place for the Rules of Handicapping and the acceptability of scores played under the Phase 2 guidance. USGA: Click for Link to Rules & Handicapping Guidance Rules of Golf and Rules of Handicapping apply. Junior Golf- First Tee - Other organizations No Junior Golf programming. Sanitation Resorces Deep cleaning. Junior Golf may resume with less than 50 total in an event (parents, coaches and kids all counted)- Social Gathering practices in place. Junior golf events may take place provided any gathering pre or post event does not exceed 50. We strongly recommend tee time based events where Enhanced cleaning. participants leave immediately after play. No restrictions. New normal cleaning procedures. Center for Disease Control and Prevention Click for Link to CDC for Sanitation and Social Distancing Protocols Disclaimer - Information contained in this document and the corresponding operational playbook are for the general education and knowledge of the recipient. It is not designed to be, and should not be used as, the sole source of information when analyzing reopening plans. - As the situation surrounding COVID-19 is evolving quickly and the subject matter contained herein may be subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations, we urge you to consult legal counsel to assist in developing your specific operational plans. - Please note that while the intent is to move forward through each phase, it may be necessary based on health conditions or poor behavior by golfers to take a step backwards. April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 14 TUrf shoW 2020 By Gary Sykes Executive Director, NERTF, Inc. If you have ever been out on a golf course trying to get a job done or finish a round in the path of a severe thunderstorm on the horizon, you would know how it felt as we watched the news of the mounting threat of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. We knew it was coming and it was going to affect a lot of people, but what we didn’t know was that by the time this thunderboomer arrived it was going to be more like a category 5+ hurricane from coast to coast! Luckily, our show dates were March 3-5. If they were the 10th-12th, the outcome would have been much, much, less successful and if they were March 17th-19th the entire show would have been cancelled for 2020! Never, did any of us think that we were going to feel like the squirrel that just ran through 5 lanes of traffic during rush hour unscathed, but by the end of the week, it is fair to say that many of us were all very glad to get the show over with very little damage caused by the Coronavirus storm…. We have now completed our 23rd New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show and would like to take a moment to thank all our attendees, exhibitors, volunteers and sponsors for all your support. The show is very appreciative of each of you and your support provides the fuel to the foundation’s ability to fund turfgrass research. The three days in Providence were jammed packed with educational opportunities, trade show interaction, receptions, an auction, and other specially designed activities. The overall format was very similar to 2019. At the start there were 12 seminars on Tuesday, more than 700 seats were sold that covered many different topics of interest to attendees. The Trade Show and Conference followed on Wednesday and Thursday. Education started at 8am, the trade show opened at 9 and the show floor was buzzing until 4pm when the auction began. It was our 16th annual auction and with enthusiastic buyers it set an income record with more than $25,000 raised for turfgrass research! Thursday morning began like Wednesday, but with the always present calm feeling of the last day of any event. Less crowds, less excitement, less energy but everyone still a great opportunity to view the lines of equipment and products that would be available for 2020. Finally, awaiting just before the finish was a trade show lunch! The board had decided to close 2020 an hour earlier than 2019 to help travelers get a head start. So, if you came for the 3-days you were kept very busy if you wanted to be. Each night there were receptions and privately organized events to keep you up as late as you wanted to go! Adaptations to the common handshake were introduced to keep the potential spread of this oncoming hazard to a minimum while keeping the conversations light, though the potential impact to our lives was in the back of our minds, it never seem to get fully in the way of a good turf show experience. Little did we know what was coming. Since the end of the show, over the last 13 days, we have experienced many shutdowns, cancellations, delays and closures. Schools have closed and are scrambling to come up with an online curriculum and families are adapting to all sorts of disruptions. We have been asked to not congregate in groups of more than 200, and then 100, 50, 20, now 10. I know a few families that have 10 kids, you got to wonder what they are going to do? Our churches are not having Sunday services, full funerals or weddings, you can only purchase take-out from restaurants and fast zero food school are being played and the list is growing. My buddy owns a bar/ restaurant, and he is trying to start a take- out business just to generate some income. Not to mention the cancellation of NCAA places, sports food no Huma Gro Turf Micro Carbon Technology™ Makes nutrients much more effective and efficient. Visit: HumaGroTurf.com Nualgi Foliar Spray is one of the first nano scale (particle size of 20-200 nm) foliar fertilizers to become available in the US market. Aquaritin Lakes Diatom Regeneration Eliminates the Boom-Bust Cycle Basketball, a delay for the MLB, the Master’s is being moved to the fall, the cellar floor of the stock market is giving out and just when you thought it could not get any worse, Tom Brady becomes a free agent and will not return to the New England Patriots after 19 years?! Life, my friends, as we have known it, has changed! At least temporarily. One thing I did notice, Tom’s departure is not such a big deal after all with everything else that is going on. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the grass to start turning green again to help take my mind off all these other things! Let’s all do our best to keep ourselves, our families and our friends healthy in all ways. 0-0-31 w/UTE From the originators of Liquid Phosphites Executive Turf & Synergy Turf Supply 203-496-0891 Stamford, CT executiveturfproducts@gmail.com April/May 2020 Connecticut Clippings Page 15 CAGCS thanks these patrons for their continued support of our association. aquatrols Keeping Conservation on Course Tom Valentine (619) 299-4470 Tvalentine@aquatrols.com www.aquatrols.com atlantic golf and Turf Our Roots Run Deep John Garcia (203) 996-6267 Chris Cowan (413) 530-5040 Peter Gorman (860) 573-2605 www.AtlanticGolfandTurf.com Bayer U.s. Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven Counties: Dave Sylvester (860) 841-3173. Hartford, New Haven, New London, Middlesex, Tolland, Windham: Brian Giblin (508) 439-9809 The Cardinals, inc. Complete Distributor of Golf Course Accessories & Turf Maintenance Supplies John Callahan cell – (860) 916-3947 cardinalsinc@att.net – (800) 861-6256 Chas. C hart seed Co. Quality Since 1892 – www.hartsturfpro.com (860) 529-2537 • 1-800-326-HART Paul Bednarczyk (203) 430-4087 Heather Garvin (860) 836-7337 dunning Custom soils Top Dressing Sand, Divot Mixes, Bunker Sand, Premium Mulch, Rootzone Mixes, Bagged Sand Gilberto Perez (860) 670-3222 gperez@dunningindustries.com executive Turf & synergy Turf supply Ken Gentile (203) 496-0891 www.HumaGroTurf.com www.NuaLGiAGRiculture.com Executiveturfproducts@gmail.com finch services/John deere golf 458 Danbury Road New Milford, CT 06776 (800) 560-3373 www.finchturf.com sales@finchinc.com harrell’s Jim Wierzbicki (860) 424-7250 Mike Dukette (860) 930-8888 Customer Service (800) 228-6656 www.harrells.com helena agri enterprises People…Products…Knowledge Tim Gerzabek (609) 221-9240 Sean Kennedy (802) 558-4009 www.helenaAgri.com new england specialty soils 435 Lancaster Street Leominster, MA 01453 Lauren Baldarelli - Cell (987) 860-5469 Office (978) 660-0480 Plant food Company, inc. The Liquid Fertilizer Experts www.plantfoodco.com Jason Dowgiewicz (860) 508-5419 David Conrad (914) 263-3244 read Custom soils Top Dressing Sand, Divot Mixes, Bunker Sand Rootzone Mixes, Bagged Sand Ed Downing (508) 440-1833 ed@readcustomsoils.com siteone golf Stronger Together Ward Weischet (203) 605-0013 wweischet@siteone.com sodco, inc High Quality sod for all your golf course needs Sean Moran (401) 569-1108 Alicia Pearson (401) 215-8698 www.sodco.net/1-800-341-6900 syngenta Professional Products Fairfield County – Brian Goudey (518) 859-2953 – brian.goudey@syngenta.com All other CT Counties - Melissa Gugliotti (860) 221-5712 melissa.gugliotti@syngenta.com The Terre Company Jim Calladio, Sales Associate Cell (201) 259-1399 Office - (973) 473-3393 jcalladio@terrecompany.com Turf Products Toro Equipment & Irrigation Serving the industry since 1970 Enfield, CT (800) 243-4355 www.turfproductscorp.com Westchester Turf supply, inc. “SERVING THE CAGCS SINCE 1976” Bob Lippman – (914) 447-6257 Dave Lippman – (914) 447-5192 www.westchesterturf.com