34No. 2

Volume

The P rofessional D evelopm ent
Initiative and you
— fact not fiction —

CAGCS well
represented on
GCSAA Board

Steve Cadenelli, CGCS, Member MSRG Committee
Past President of GCSAA and CAGCS

Michael Wallace, CGCS, Hopmeadow CC, was elected Secretary/
Treasurer of GCSAA, and Timothy
O’Neill, CGCS, CC of Darien, was
appointed to a one-year term as a
Director at the 2000 Conference &
Show in New Orleans, LA.
Both Mike and Tim want to thank
the CAGCS members for their sup­
port.
Also elected at the annual meeting
were:

During the very early spring of
1997, newly elected GCSAA Presi­
dent Paul McGinnis, CGCS, called to
ask if I would consider serving on a
newly created resource group/
committee to examine the current
standards of membership for our pro­
fession and association. He explained
how for several years while serving on

Inside this issue
President's M essage................. 2
Have you formulated an
operational plan for yourself?. 3
Meet our host superintendents,
Ward Weischet, CGCS &
Frank Polizzi, CGCS....................4
Bob Johns retires......................... 5
Grass Catcher................................6
An inside look by a newcomer
to GCSAA Board.........................8

the board that many members from
throughout the country had expressed
concerns regarding the flood of gradu­
ates entering the profession, saturating
the job market resulting in lower
salaries and lessened job security.
Members were, and are genuinely con­
cerned that for the profession of golf
course management to further develop
and prosper, new standards of entry to,
and continuance in, the profession
may be needed. Thus, the Member
Standards Resource Group (MSRG)
was born.
I believe it is important to explain/
discuss a few points of interest that
are relevant to this overall discussion.
Fact: The MSRG was put together
with the idea of addressing member
concerns as to the future of their pro­
fessions. There did not exist then, or
do they now, preconceived ideas as to
what the ultimate recommendations, if
any, would be.
Fact: The MSRG is representative
(continued on page 10)

President
Scott Woodhead, CGCS
Vice President
Tommy D. Witt, CGCS
Directors
Jon Maddern, CGCS
Ken Mangum, CGCS
Bob Maibusch, CGCS, was also
appointed to a one-year term by Presi­
dent Woodhead.
Mark J. Woodward, CGCS still has
one year left on his two-year term and
will continue to serve on the board.
GCSAA home page
(www.gcsaa.org)

President's m essage
Brian Skelly, President

Brian Skelly
CAGCS President
Well it finally arrived, even though
we tried to ignore the signs, spring is
here. The National Conference is over.
The New England Regional Turfgrass
Conference & Show has come and
gone. Warm days have brought the
golfers out of their shells and onto the
courses.
However, they still do not under­
stand how the air temperature can be
in the 50’s and 60’s during the day,
and grass still won’t grow. Tell them
about the soil temperatures one more
time.
CAGCS Board of Directors
President - Brian Skelly
Vice President - Jud W. Smith
Secretary - Dennis J. Houle
Treasurer - Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS
Past President - Anthony Grosso
Committee Chairpersons
Education - Dan Rackliffe, CGCS
Golf - John Motycka
Membership - Wayne C. Urban
Scholarship & Research
Christian P. Mauro
Social & Welfare - Kimberly Heyl
Government Relations
Peter R. Pierson
Com. Rep. to Board - Skip Deubel

Inland the flowers are blooming,
trees are budding, greens are mowed,
and grass is growing. Here on the
shore, the wind off the water has
delayed everything about about two
weeks. But everything is mowed (at
least the lines look good). Now, if the
weather will cooperate and stay warm,
maybe some grass will grow.
What has happened to the weather?
Forecasters say that the last three
months have been above normal in
temperature, and drier than normal.
Somebody better recalibrate whatever is
used to measure normal. The Masters
used to get the golfers' juices flowing
with courses around here opening about
two weeks later. This year, just about
everyone is open about two weeks be­
fore the Masters.
Normal appears to be that golf
courses open earlier in the spring and
close later in the fall or winter than
they used to. If this trend continues, we

Clippings is an
official publication of the
Connecticut Association of Golf
Course Superintendents

all might as well move down south be­
cause we will all be open year round.
Maybe those volcanoes erupting in
Japan and the Philippines will affect
the weather this summer. The last time
there was a major eruption (I don’t
remember where), we had a very cool
and wet summer. So long as last sum­
mer does not repeat itself.
Our meetings get off to a good start
on April 24th at Norwich CC. Bruce
Morse, supt., will have the place in ex­
cellent condition as usual, I’m sure.
Bruce has offered up his course every
other year for the past few years for
which I would like to thank him and
the City of Norwich.
The schedule is set for this year, but
we are looking for sites for next year
and beyond. So, go to your clubs and
request a date. Remember, if every one
offers their club, we would only come
back once every eleven (11) years. That
does not seem to be too much to ask.

Connecticut

Newsletter Editor
Robert A. Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.)
Newsletter Committee
David Basconi, Heather Garvin,
Edward Goodhouse, Ron Holcomb
and Jud W. Smith

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle
wakes up. It knows it must run
faster than the fastest lion or
it will be killed... every morning a
lion wakes up. It knows it must
outrun the slowest gazelle
or it will starve to death.
It doesn't matter whether you are a

The Clippings is open to all
commentary. Please send your
comments to Bob Chalifour,
Newsletter Editor, 39 First Street,
Groton, CT, 06340.

lion or a gazelle... when the sun comes
up, you better be running."

Mr. Hyde takes a vacation
by Dan Rackliffe, CGCS

May is here, and if you’re behaving
like the typical superintendent, you are
concentrating 100% of your efforts into
the health and vigor of your golf
course. Before you get completely
caught up in the job, maybe now is the
time to not only formulate an opera­
tional plan for your course, but also an
operational plan for yourself.
All too often, come August, we are
all very near our wits end. How many
of you begin to look and feel like Dr.
Jekyll’s alter ego during the late sum­
mer? I believe that all too often we
tend to overlook our own well being in
favor of the golf course’s.
I realize that not many superinten­
dents are fortunate enough to be able to
vacation in the summer, but is that a
result of the club’s desires or is that the
pressure you put on yourself? More
than likely, the pressure is, for a good
part, self-inflicted. Is the dedication to
your job worth the self-sacrifice that it
forces on you and your family? I
believe that it is not. It is indeed
important to take your job seriously,
but take your health seriously too.
I have been one of the fortunate few.
I do take a week off in the summer and
believe it or not, I do it in August. No,
I’m not crazy. I keep my bases covered.
I have a capable crew and I don’t go far.
I check in with the course, and key per­
sonnel always know my location. Put
simply, I am a telephone call away,

string, you are not helping yourself and
and need to travel only one to two
confrontations are more than likely
hours to be back on site. If you have
going to happen.
been in contact with your assistant,
We all have to work hard during the
you’ve told him what to do initially,
summer months. I’m not saying you
and you can be back shortly to correct
any problem.
need to limit your week to 40 hours—
that’s not really possible. What I am
I have had reason to get back to the
club to ease my mind and take some
saying is that you need to find quality
time for yourself and your family.
necessary steps to correct a potential
problem.
I have missed five years of my fami­
ly’s growth because I not only insisted
If you can’t go for a week, how
on being here but to add insult to inju­
about a weekend? How many of you
ry, I had a business as well. Seventy to
have two-way radios? Go a step further
and get a pager or cellphone. It will
90 hour workweeks are simply not
conducive to raising a family. I will
keep you in constant touch and at the
never get that time back.
same time give you an occasional
break from your job. Maybe your
I couldn’t tell you what finally turned
assistant could handle an occasional
me around, but I can tell you that
Saturday or Sunday. After all, you
selling my business and working a
hired him to assist you both when
reasonable workweek is the best thing I
you’re there and in your absence. Don’t
have ever done. I can no longer
take the weekend off during your mem­
remember who Mr. Hyde is.
ber-guest, but surely
there is some room
Keep Your Turf M an ag e m en t
for a break. Every­
Program On Course
body deserve that —
everybody!
w ith AQUATROLS Products
Maybe that small
but vocal group of
unhappy golfers
would be more toler­
SOIL SURFACTANT
able. Wouldn’t it be
Treat & Promote
Prevent LDS, Establish
nice to avoid those
Recovery of Turf Und
& Maintain Uniform
“in your face” con­
frontations? If you’re
as tight as a banjo

Owen Regan
ORGANOS1LICONE SPREADER ADJUVANT
DEW CONTROL AGENT

A T Sales Associates, Ltd.
1787 Olde Louisquisset Pike
Lincoln, Rl 02865
Tel
401-465-8066
Fax
401-729-8163
Pager 800-592-0675

Maximize Effectiveness
of Foliar Applied
Pesticides

mm
tíx a m

Promote Improved Water
Penetration & Turf

fÿ j OUATROLS
(8 0 0 ) 257-7797 / Fax: (8 5 6 ) 751-3859
w w w .aquatrols.com

Our host superintendents

Ward Weischet, CGCS
Oronoque Country Club
Stratford, CT
Host of May 22nd Meeting

Frank Polizzi, CGCS
Shennecossett Golf Course
Groton, CT
Host of June 12th Meeting
Our June monthly meeting will be
held on Monday, the 12th, at Shenne­
cossett Golf Course in Groton.
Shennecossett is a Donald Ross design
that was opened in 1898. The length
from the blue tees is 6,562 yards,

Host superintendent for our May
monthly meeting is Ward Weischet,
CGCS.
Ward has been a superintendent for
15 years, formerly at Pilgrims Harbor
which along with the addition of 9 new
holes built by Ward is now called Har­
bor Ridge.
Ward and his assistant, Greg Drewry,
are involved with several projects,
including a driving range expansion,
pumphouse renovation, tree clearing
(that won’t be done before we play) and
some bunker renovation, along with a
five-year plan to renovate the course.
Oronoque's signature hole is a 176
yard par 3 over water, but Ward adds

that all the par 3’s at Oronoque are
great. The Desmond Muirhead course
built in 1972 plays tight with difficult
slopes on the greens.
Ward credits Mike Chrzanowski,
superintendent at Madison CC, for the
reason that he got into the profession.
Ward says “Mike was always finding
ways to improve Madison CC while
making it fun to work at.”
Ward and his wife, Susan, along with
two very active girls, Kelsey age 5, and
Taylor age 1 1/2, live in Guilford.
Ward loves the game of golf but
mostly enjoys gardening, snow and
water skiing, reading and spending time
with his family.

6,088 yards from white with a par of
71. The course is a mixture of Donald
Ross and Cornish/Silva/Mungean.
In 1998, three new holes were built
along the Thames River when land was
traded with Pfizer.
Five other holes were redesigned at
the same time and three of those greens
were rebuilt. The new holes include the
signature 16th that runs along the
Thames and has a view of Fisher Island
Sound. The wind is a big factor in club
selection on this hole as well as the
rest of the course. The 4th hole is
rated one of the toughest holes in Con­
necticut. The 208-yard par 3 has you
hit to an elevated green, with the pre­
vailing wind in your face. Many of the
original greens are the turtle back de­
sign, a Donald Ross trait, and most of
the fairways are not irrigated as origi­
nally designed.
Each year, Shennecossett hosts the
CT Section Senior PGA Champion­
ship.
This year the Tall Ships, called
OpSale, will be sailing in view of the
course in the beginning of July.
Our host, Frank Polizzi, CGCS, has

been the superintendent at Shennecos­
sett for two years. Frank began work­
ing in golf when he was discharged
from the Army in 1980 and took a job
at Averstraw GC in New York. Neigh­
boring superintendent, Frank Bevilacqua, at Blue Hills GC, had a great
influence in his continuing in the busi­
ness. Frank has also worked at Neverly
GC (NY) and Flanders Valley GC (NJ).
He has an Associates Degree in Busi­
ness Management, attended the twoyear turf management program at
Rutgers, the National Golf Founda­
tion’s Golf Management Program two
winters, and is currently enrolled in
UCONN to obtain a Bachelor of
Science Degree. He became a certified
golf course superintendent in 1990.
Frank lives with his wife, Sarah, and
12-year old son, Christopher, in
Mystic. In his free time,he likes both
fresh and salt-water finishing and aerial
photography. Frank has an 18-foot
remote control helium filled blimp that
he uses for this.
We look forward to a nice day along
the shore with the wind in our favor.

Bob Jo h n s , S u p e rin te n d e n t
at F is h e rs Island C lu b , retires

How many superintendents were groomed by their father and mother to maintain
and preserve the integrity of Fishers Island Club? I only know one. How many
superintendents have hosted over 25 consecutive "CAGCS Board Meetings" not
only preparing the course but also helping with food and beverages? I only know
one.
How many superintendents meet you in the parking lot or help you tie up? I
only know one. How many superintendents say good bye to each guest when they
leave? I only know one. How many superintendents untie your dock lines and
wave good bye? I only know one.
How many superintendents have worked at the same club for 40 years? I only
know two.
How many superintendents have the respect and admiration of everyone he
meets? I know many, but Bob Johns is the "Captain of this ship".
On Friday, March 31,2000, Bob Johns retired from Fishers Island Club after 40
years, 26 of those years as superintendent. Bob's assistant, Donald Beck, has taken
the superintendent’s position.
Bob and his mother, Mrs. Maxine Johns, have retired to their home at 16817
Donna Drive, Paris, IL, 61944.

Bob Johns
The members of CAGCS
wish you a long and healthy
retirement!

BUILT TO LAST, Con Vault’s patented system protects your fuel within a steel primary tank wrapped in a 30 mil poly liner,
reinforced within a six-inch concrete vault. Over 31,000 ConVault remain in service today without a single system failure.
Connecticut Golf Courses
with ConVault Fuel Storage

Connecticut Golf Courses
with ConVault Fuel Storage

Pine Orchard C .C .

Black Hall G o lf

Pine Valley G o lf

Candlewood C .C .

Portland West

C .C . of Avon

Portland G o lf Course

C .C . of New Canaan

Quarry Ridge

C .C . of Waterbury

Rock Rimmon C .C .

C .C . of Farmington

Shuttle Meadow

Crestwood Park

Silver Springs C .C .

Darien C .C .

Southington C .C .

Farmingbury G o lf

Tashua Knolls

Farms Country Club

Timberland G olf

Fenwick G o lf

T.P.C. at River Highlands

Grassy H ill C .C .

The Patterson Club

Great River G o lf

Tum blebrookC.C.

Harbour View

Wampanoog C .C .

H op Brook G o lf

Washington Club

Hopmeadow C .C .

Watertown G olf

Hunter G o lf

Wethersfield C .C .

Indian Springs
Innis Arden
Madison C .C .
O ak Lane C .C .
Old Lyme C .C .

•

Tanks UL 2085 Listed

PNITEOIHL [HM . PRODUCTS»

Westwood G o lf Course
Woodbridge C .C .
Woodway C .C .
The Orchard

173 Church Street^alesvill^CT 0 6 4 9 2

(203) 2 6 9 -3 1 1 9 • Fax (203) 2 65 -4 94 1

Web Site: www.unitedconcrete.com

W elcom e new m em bers

T h e 2000 M em bership
Directory is presently being printed

David D. Athens, Class C
CC o f New Canaan

and will be mailed out to the member­
ship in late May or early June.
* * * * *

Guy Gurney, Class C
Brooklawn CC

So far a great Spring! This year,
superintendents rather than finding
problems, are instead looking for prob­
lems in the roughs and not finding any
there either.
Labor shortages continue to be a
problem for many.

Larry Thornhill, Class A
Twin Lakes
* * * * *
C o n g ra tu la tio n s

* * * * *
G H O
June 29 - July 2

CAGCS has again a Blue Sponsor­
ship of the Greater Hartford Open at the
TPC at River Highlands in Cromwell,
CT. The GHO is from June 29 to July
2. With our sponsorship of the GHO,
we receive two parking tickets, a
quantity of daily passes (good for one
day only) and ten sponsor badges.
The "Will Call" trailer will be at the
Millane Nursery Garden Center on
Route 99 in Cromwell. Parking passes
and sponsor badges should be signed
out and returned after use, so someone
else can use them.
Your CAGCS membership card or
your GCSAA membership card should
be good for admission at all public
access gates.

* * * * *

Kevin and Katie Balocca on the
birth of their son, Jonathan Vincent;
Art and Grace DeAtienza on the
birth of their daughter, Jessica Ann;
Bert Frederick, recently retired
from Vesper CC; and
Dave Clement, recently retired
from Framingham CC.
C o n d o le n c e s

Greg & Sue Bradley on the pass­
ing of Sue’s father.

USGA Recommended Sands
Topdressing ~ Divot Mix

cerning the CC of Waterbury. First
constructed in a flood plain, the golf
course was moved to its present loca­
tion in 1908.
Donald Ross then redesigned and
rebuilt the course in 1926 & 27.
Assisting in that reconstruction was a
young foreman by the name of Charles
Baskin, Sr. When the course opened in
1928, young Baskin moved on with
Mr. Ross. However, the crash of 1929
slowed golf course reconstruction and
caused Charles, Sr. to return to Water­
bury, temporarily!
He remained there 35 years as super­
intendent passing the responsibility of
the golf course to his son upon his
retirement.

T w enty years ago

Question — How does one write a
few brief lines about Charlie Baskin,
host of the 1980 CAGCS Invitational
at the CC of Waterbury?
Answer — one doesn’t! One simply
states that here is a man who is widely
respected throughout the country as a
leader. He is past president of GCS AA
as well as of CAGCS. Possibly his
greatest honor has been his election
into the Connecticut Golf Hall of
Fame, the first golf course superinten­
dent so honored.
Some interesting history exists con­

Root-Zone Mixes
Bunker Sand & Pea Stone

cJ~foCCiston cSand

úna.

Tifili Road ~ Slatersville, R I02876

G

onnecticut
M ulch
Distributors, Inc.
Covering ground since 1978

AllGro Compost
A llG ro Mixes

(401) 766-5010
Fax (401) 762-4976

Business Address
1300 East St.
Suffield, CT. 06078

Mailing Address
1515 North Stone St.
W . Suffield, C T 06093

Telephone
(860) 623-2987
Fax 292-1047

Dogs of summer
E C O S O IL

&V&TEHW S.

In this issue, we are pleased to introduce Miss Kitty. Shown here, Miss Kitty
is wintering in the office of CAGCS Membership Chairperson, Wayne Urban.
Miss Kitty is a constant fixture at the
maintenance facility and surrounding golf
holes.
Part of an Integrated Pest Management
Program, Wayne is quick to credit Miss
Kitty for the huge drop in his budget for
rodenticide expenditures. At Farmingbury
Hills GC, Miss Kitty reins. Just ask the
big dog chained up outside that belongs to
an employee.
Farmingbury Hills GC has a new main­
tenance building and will be building a
new clubhouse this year.
Editor's note — Dogs of summer is open
to all members who have their pets with
them at work. In my travels, I have seen
birds, cats and dogs.

29

Anenvironmentallysound
approach
toturfmanagement
e
<s> Add life to your turf!
^

5

B iq J e c f Distribute beneficial
J f i microbes through your
B j irrigation system.

Recharge microbial based program
Extend your root system^__

©

Clean your wash water!

29

29

CleanRack™

...acomprehensive wash

(jt, water recycling system
» A « ™ « ,,

C5J

Contact Joe Stahl or your local
Turf Partners representative
at 8 00-228-6656
www.eco90N.cofn

Upcoming Meetings
Deadline for submission of ads and/
or commentary for the July issue is
June 9th.
* * * * *
B ien n ial

S u rvey

Thank you to those superintendents
who completed and returned the
biennial survey. Remember, the results
of this survey are made available only
to those who participated and com­
pleted all sections of the survey.

Enclosed with this newsletter is the
golf schedule for the remainder of the
year.
Please understand the importance of a
timely reservation. The deadline date
indicated on the meeting notice is the
date by which the office must receive
your reservation. If you are mailing
your reservation on or about the dead­
line date, please call the CAGCS office
(203/387-0810 or 888/561-7778) and
leave a message on the answering
machine.

GOLF IRRIGATION SERVICES, inc.
P.O. Box 505,103 McCracken Road, Millbury, MA 01527
A rt de A tienza

508-756-5903
Fax 508-757-8626

IRRIGATION SYSTEM SPECIALISTS

May 22nd
Oronoque Country Club
Ward Weischet, CGCS
June 12th
Shennecossett Golf Club
Frank Polizzi, CGCS
July 11th
Westwoods Golf Club
Kevin D’Amico, CGCS

An insid e look at w hat it's like as a
n e w c o m e r on the G C S A A Board
Campaigning for the GCSAA board isn’t unlike campaigning for political office. It
takes a tremendous amount of energy and countless hours of thought and preparation.
After two years on the campaign trail, Tim's efforts finally paid off when he was
appointed to the GCSAA Board at the GCSAA annual meeting in February.
Tim hopes to share his experiences with us throughout the year.

My first real experience as a GCSAA
director—when it all really hit home—
was at the GCSAA banquet. My wife,
Jennifer, and I met the other board
members and their families. It was
extremely exciting and, at the same
time, kind of strange to be looking out
at the audience, rather than up at the
cast of board members as we always
had before.
The next day, I attended the post­
conference board meeting that included
the executive staff. Among other
things, we reviewed the conference and
show, as well as the golf tournament,
discussing what went well and what we
might do to make it all even better.

A week after the conference, I joined
fellow board members for a formal
orientation. When you’re new to the
board, GCSAA makes certain that you
get oriented quickly, not only with
your roles and responsibilities, but also
with the technology necessary to keep
you closely linked to GCSAA events,
board members, and staff.
At the same time, we were given
committee assignm ents. I was
appointed chairman of two committees:
the Membership Committee, which
recommends strategies for recruiting
new members, reviews classification
requirements, as well as benefits and
services for GCSAA members—and

the Student Resource Group, charged
with suggesting services for GCSAA
student members and student chapter
members, as well as providing a stu­
dent’s perspective on assocationwide
programs and activities.
GCSAA representatives then traveled
to the CC of Darien with the goal of
getting acquainted with my operation,
my crew, clubhouse staff, and club
officials—all the people they might
need to communicate with during my
term on the board.
The summer promises to be busy,
too, with PDI discussions and planning
heating up. I hope that everyone in the
membership will feel free to contact
me with any questions or GCSAArelated issues. Many thanks, again, to
all of you for your support.
Tim O ’Neill, CGCS
Country Club of Darien
This is an excerpt from the
MET Tee and Green Newsletter.

It's Time to Take a Closer Look at Hunter Golf

Hunter Rotors are Ready for Any Challenge
T he W orld Leader In Gear-Drive Technology

Ensure efficient irrigation and reliable performance by installing
Hunter Golf rotors from tee to green. They can handle any irrigation
challenge on the course and offer an outstanding range of features.
Hunter has lead the irrigation industry in gear-drive technology for
nearly two decades - and continues to manufacture the world’s
best-selling rotors.
See your local distributor for
an update on a complete
Hunter irrigation system with
rotors, valves and controllers.

AUTHORIZED HUNTER DISTRIBUTOR

E as t H a rtfo rd , 8 6 0 -5 2 8 -9 1 8 2
M ilfo rd , 2 0 3 -8 7 8 -0 6 5 8

SERVICING NEW ENGLAND WITH TURF
EQUIPMENT & IRRIGATION SUPPLIES
SINCE 1932
SALES REPRESENTATIVES
Sir
1
1 - 800- 348-4661
BILL BARRETT - EASTERN MAINE,
SOUTHEASTERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
(800) 348-4661 X127

BRETT ARMSTRONG
CONNECTICUT
(800) 348-4661 X160

LARRY BUNN - CENTRAL & WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
(800) 348-4661 X125

GEORGE WISE - CONNECTICUT, CAPE COD
(800) 348-4661 X173

GEORGE GORTON - IRRIGATION S
CONNECTICUT
(800) 348-4661 X161
& SERVICE

GREG H EN NESSY -I]
(800) 348-4661 X:
CHUCK MERSE
(800) 348-4661 XI
GREG ALBANE!
(800) 348-4661 XI!

BOB HOBBS - WESTERN MAINE,
NEW HAMPSHIRE
(800) 348-4661X145
JOHN LENHART - EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS
(800) 348-4661 X128

EY - IRRIGATION SALES

IRRIGATION SALES

MIKE H A N N IG A N - SOUTHEASTE
M ASSACHUSETTS & RHODE ISL.
(800)348-4661X126

jJ

K

,

BLAYR CROWLEY - VERMONT & WESTERN
MASSACHUSETTS
(800) 348-4661X142
l
Y VINCENT - IRRIGATION
SALES & SERVICE
(800) 348-4661 X l l l

SPECIALIZING IN LEASING

TURFS

ON SERVICE
BROTHERS, IN C
Street, L aw rence, M A 01843
(978) 682-9296 • Fax: (978) 683-9198

PARTS: (978) 683-3086 • 1-800-999-TURF (8873)

— fac t not fiction —
"A profession resting on the status quo is a profession in decline.
Times change - expectations change - standards change

(continued tompage ,11
of the membership, both geograph­
ically and demographically, to a very
large degree.
Fact: Never, has the MSRG dis­
cussed the success or lack of success of
the certification program as it relates to
the m ission of the MSRG.
(Certification is a separate entity - it is
a volunteer program for individuals
who seek to challenge themselves for
personal reasons and who commit
themselves to continued education.
Decisions regarding possible changes
in the certification program will be
made by the Certification Committee.)
Fact: The consultants hired by the
association were sought out and chosen
after submitting RFP’s when it became
evident by the MSRG and BOD that
extensive research and evaluation of the

PARTAC
GOLF COURSE

TOP-DRESSING

AMERICA'S P R E M IU M
HEAT TREATED

TOP-DRESSINGS
GEOTEXTILES X TURF BLANKETS

U.S. GOLF HOLE

TARGETS“

membership, employers, golfing pub­
lic, and existing educational opportuni­
ties was necessary to understand the
(then) current perceptions of the golf
course management industry by all
involved.
GCSAA staff nor committee mem­
bers did not and do not have the exper­
tise to gather, evaluate, and interpret
the necessary information without the
assistance of those who specialize in
professional development and career
opportunities.
Fact: Yes, this type of research and
evaluation is not inexpensive. How­
ever, it would seem nothing is more
important than developing standards
and corresponding programs that will
result in a thriving and robust golf
course management profession. Is it
not also cost efficient to solicit the
input of as many individuals as possi­
ble in such an endeavor. Is it not cost
efficient to retain the most effective
consultants to assist in developing
such standards/programs! Is it not cost
efficient to communicate the progress
of the endeavor while continuing to
solicit input!
Fact: Research conducted by SRI
(Stanford Research Institute) did find
that superintendents were held in high
regard in many areas. They also found
that superintendents were also found to
be often times lacking in communica­
tion skills, appreciation for the busi­
ness side of the industry, and less than
welcoming when approached with con­
cerns or suggestions.

AND MUCH MORE!

8 0 0 -2 4 7 -2 3 2 6
D IS T R IB U T E D I N C T BY:

JAMES CARRIERE & SONS

9 1 4 -9 3 7 -2 1 3 6
VALLEY FARMS SUPPLY

8 6 0 -6 5 1 -8 5 5 5

Fact: It is currently impossible to
define or market a Class A member of
GCSAA. There is no standard for
becoming a Class A professional. The
only requirement is three years experi­
ence.

How can an organization be expected
to represent a membership in the
governmental, environmental or busi­
ness world when there essentially is no
credential by which its most prominent
member can be defined?
Fact: GCSAA’s educational pro­
gram has evolved over the past twenty
plus years without direction or coordi­
nation. Yes, the program has been suc­
cessful and very useful. However, does
it meet the current needs of today’s
course management professional? Is it
broad based? Is it well taught? Do
courses build on one another resulting
in significant learning in specialized
areas? Is it not time to link employers’
needs with basic educational require­
ments, ongoing educational require­
ments and professional evaluation?
— Sum m ary —

A profession resting on the status
quo is a profession in decline. Times
change - expectations change - stan­
dards change.
The PDI, as currently proposed, may
indeed not be the total answer; how­
ever, it is a beginning.
Change must come if the golf course
management profession is to thrive and
prosper. The golf course superintendent
must be well educated, current and dedi­
cated to remaining so. The profession
must be judged by the highest common
denominator not the lowest.
Finally, this discussion is not about
GCSAA, the organization. It is about
GCSAA, the membership, not some
vague entity in Lawrence, Kansas,
seeking to reek havoc on its members.
It is not about prestige, strength within
an industry or influence. Rather, it is
members, nothing more - nothing less,
seeking to ensure a prosperous future
for all who seek to join.

f 0X ifSf 70 CONTROL ǣ8?M
OiSSASSS Of TifRf

danger

www.zenecaprofprod.com

Contact: Lee.Kozsey@agna.zeneca.com

Professional Products
Always read and follow label directions carefully.
DACONIL® and HERITAGE® are registered trademarks of a Zeneca company.
© 2000 Zeneca Ag Products Inc. Zeneca Professional Products is a business of Zeneca Ag Products Inc.

CAGCS thanks these patrons fo r their continued support o f our association
A-OK Turf Equipment

Egypt Farms, Inc.

Sawtelle Brothers, Inc.

Articulator Dealer
Coventry, RI 02816
Michael D. Comicelli
(401) 826-2584

Sterilized Topdressing, Greensmix
Bagged Topdressing & Divot Mix
Dean Snyder
(800) 899-7645 FAX (410) 335-0164

65 Glenn Street
Lawrence, MA 01843
Brett Armstrong ~ George Gorton
(800) 999-TURF

A T Sales

Glenmore Landscape Service

Shawnmark Industries, Inc.

Premium Sod for Golf Courses
Lincoln, RI 02865
Owen Regan
(401) 465-8066

Glenn S. Moore
98 Hack Green Road
Pound Ridge, NY 10576
(914) 764-4348

Specialty Products & Service
Warwick, RI 02888
Matt Howland (24 hours a day)
(401) 295-1673 (www.shawnmark.com)

Allen's Seed, Inc.

Golf Technical Services, Inc.

SODCO, INC.

693 South County Trail
Exeter, RI 02822
A1 La Prise
(401) 884-2097 - (800) 527-3898

Irrigation Services
Lawrence, MA 01843
Ray Vincent
(800) 999-TURF

Bentgrass,Blue/Rye/Fescue
High Fescue & Blue/Rye blends
Washing Services
Matt Faherty (800/341-6900)

Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc.

Greenacres Company

Steven Willand, Inc.

5 Cronk Rd., P. O. Box 7036
Plainville, CT 06062
Jesse J. Anderson, Jr.
(860) 747-9911

Dave Pijnenburg
Irrigation Contractor
75 Codfish Hill Rd.,Bethel, CT
(203) 748-0558

4 Production Drive
Brookfield, CT 06804
Mark Ericson - Gary Mathis
(203) 775-5757

Aventis Environmental Science

James Carriere & Sons, Inc.

Sound Beach Services, Inc.

311 Carriage Drive
Kensington, CT 06037
David J. Sylvester
(860) 828-8905

7 Cottage St., Port Chester, NY 10573
Bill Carriere
(914) 937-2136

d/b/a White Contractors
Golf Course Construction & Renovation
P.O.Box 484, Old Greenwhich, CT 06870
James E. Morris, Jr. (203) 869-8808

The Bruedan Corporation

LESCO, Inc.

Tee & Green Sod

E-Z-GO& YAMAHA
GOLF, TURF & UTILITY VEHICLES
Scott O. Lowe - Frank Savakis
(800) 773-6740

Rocky River, OH 44116
(800) 321-5325 FAX (800) 673-3030
Mike Donahue (860) 668-0821
Mike Dukette (860) 684-6242

P. O. Box 418
Exeter, RI 02822
Dave Wallace
(401) 789-8177

06801

Trap Sand - Partac Topdressing-Drainage Stone

C. R. I. S., LLC

Metro Milorganite, Inc.

Terre Company of NJ, Inc.

Golf Course Irrigation
923 Woodtick Road
Wolcott, CT 06716
Chris Carney (203) 879-2362

54 Miry Brook Road
Danbury, CT 06810
Scott Apgar-Emie Steinhofer-Scott Tretera
(203) 748-GOLF (4653)

206 Delawanna Ave., P. O. Box 1000
Clifton, NJ 07014
Byron Johnson, Jr.
(973) 473-3393 FAX (973) 473-4402

The Cardinals, Inc.

Millane Nurseries, Inc.

Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.

Complete Distributor of Golf Course
Accessories & Maintenance Supplies
John Callahan
(860) 673-3699

604 Main Street
Cromwell, CT 06416
Don Swanson
(860) 635-5500 (sales@millane.com)

Golf Course Turfgrass
West Suffield, CT 06093
Skip Deubel
(800) 243-7582

Championship Turf Services

NQRTHERN Profes sional Turf Products
Winfield Nursery, Inc.
Nursery Stock & Turf Care Products
West Suffield, CT 06093
Sean Moran (860) 668-5225

Turf Partners
15 Londonderry Road, Unit 3
Londonderry, NH 03053-6604
Joe Stahl, III
(203) 209-6951

The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co.

Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing

Turf Products Corporation

P.O. Box 9169, 304 Main Street
Wethersfield, CT 06129-0169
R. Sibley - R. Holcomb ~ P. Bednarczyk
(860)529-2537 & (800)326-HART

Great Meadows, NJ 07838
(800) 247-2326 (908) 637-4191
Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136
Joe Bidwell (860) 651-8555

157 Moody Rd., P. O. Box 1200
Enfield, CT 06082
John Ferry ~ Mark Loper
(203) 763-3581

D & S

R. F. Morse & Son, Inc.

Westchester Turf Supply, Inc.

Floratine Products
Flymo, Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts
Dave Basconi
(203) 250-TURF

ParEx Fertilizer - Power Equipment
West Wareham, MA 02576
Carl Wallace
(508) 295-1553

Servicing the Fine Turf Profession
Bob Lippman, Sr. ~ Bob Lippman, Jr.
Office (914) 621-5067
FAX (914) 621-7180

Earth Works, Inc.

S. B.I. Turf Services

Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.

Custom Deep Aerification Service
West Wareham, MA 02576
Carl Wallace
(800) 815-1113

Deep & Core Aerification & Overseeding
Plaistow, NH 03865
Jim Favreau
(978) 372-0021

240 Griswold Road
Wethersfield, CT 06109
William Seccareccia
(860) 529-6869 or (800) 243-0232

Prec. Laser Leveling/Custom Aerification
Green/Tee/Bunker Const.& Renovation
Michael Flowers
(800) 562-5860