^iGCSAA Michigan Chapter ^COURSE _ Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Issue #50 - QI 2021 Conditions Quarterly Publication of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association FEATURE SUPERINTENDENT Daniel Graft Travis Pointe Country Club INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Industry Partner: Steve Rebhan 2020 MiGCSA Scholarship Winners MSU Turfgrass Alumni Update PUR I CH I GAN® J jjm o r o They’ll come for the view, / / / kJ Ul L kskJI I Id kJddIx TOT lil6 coljrsQ I A !_ Provide outstanding playing conditions, that’s what they’ll talk about at the nineteenth hole. How? With your dedication and precision and a little help from Bayer. Your Success, Our Science ■* For more information, contact Robert Pylar 248-330-2638 | robert.pylar@bayer.com www.EnvironmentalScience.Bayer.US | @BayerGolf Bayer Environmental Science, a Division of Bayer CropScience LP, 5000 CentreGreen Way, Suite 400, Cary, NC 27513. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-800-331-2867. Bayer and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer © 2020 Bayer CropScience LP. ES-0420-GLF-0111-A-1 Contents 4 MiGCSA Board of Directors 32 From National 5 President’s Perspective 34 Call From Campus 8 Scholarship Winners 37 Wee Foundation 2021 Charity Outing 13 Retirements 39 Industry Profile - Steve Rebhan 21 Relationship Goals, An Architect’s Perspective 45 Off Course - Coaching High School Golf on Post Renovation Success 50 Association Update 24 Superintendent - Daniel Graft -------------- 1 3 Course Conditions Issue #50 - Q1 2021 j Michigan Chapter MsGCSAA Golf Course Superintendents Association of America COURSE Profile interviews conducted by Greg Johnson, Greg Johnson Media L.L.C. Conditions BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT DOUG WARE JESSE SHAVER ROSS MILLER EQUIPMENT MANAGER LIAISON Greater Detroit-Class A Western-Class A Detroit-Class A BEN BEARD City of Livonia Gull Lake C.C. Country Club of Detroit Western-Class EM American Dunes G.C. SCOTT PULASKI JARED MILNER VICE PRESIDENT RYAN MOORE Northern-Class A Detroit-Class A TREASURER Greater Detroit-Class A Walloon Lake C.C. Meadowbrook C.C. COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Forest Lake C.C. JESSE SHAVER TOM SCHALL, CGCS CRAIG MCKINLEY ADAM GARR Gull Lake C.C. Oakland University Mid-Class A Detroit-Class A Chairman SECRETARY/ DOUG HOEH Buck’s Run Golf Club Syngenta Professional Products ROB STEGER, CGCS Northern-Class A CRAIG MCKINLEY TREASURER Red Run Golf Club GENE DAVIS Buck’s Run Golf Club Treetops Resort Northern-Class A ASSISTANT LIAISON MICAH WISE Elk Rapids Golf Club JARED MILNER KYLE SCHIERLINGER Site One Meadowbrook C.C. PAST PRESIDENT ROB STEGER, CGCS JEFF HOPKINS Forest Lake C.C. JOE ETTAWAGESHIK Mid-Class A Western-Class A BRETT ROBERTS Lochenheath Golf Club Red Run Golf Club Muskegon County Club Target Specialty Products COLLIN ROMANICK Blythefield C.C. Course Conditions is published 4 times a year by the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association. Opinions expressed by guest writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the MiCGSA. For more information on Course Conditions or the MiGCSA please contact us at info@migca.org, 1-888-3-MiGCSA or 316 Glencarin Dr. NE, Rockford, Ml 49341. the world, the Trimax Snake requires significantly less maintenance than self-propelled units and delivers exceptional cut and spread. INDUSTRY LEADING WARRANTY MADEIN THE INCLUDES SPINDLES &GEARBOXES EXPERIENCED SERVICE & SUPPORT NETWORK SPECIFICATIONS 320 400 Cutting Width 10'7' 13'1 FEATURES * * Flat or Uplift LazerBladez™ Sealed Spindles > LocTEK Stubless Roller QuikLIFT Retention System Articulation Ability > Full Width Rollers Zero Turn CALL OR TEXT TO BOOK YOUR FREEDEMO! > Easy Height Adjustment Industry Leading 6162921305 GORDIELAFONTAINE > Auto Belt Tensioners 3 Year Warranty Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org President’s PERSPECTIVE Fellow MiGCSA Members, It has been an honor to serve as the President of the best GCSAA Chapter in the land, thank you! I cannot thank our Executive Director Adam Ikamas enough for all his hard work navigating a challenging year for the Association. Here is to hope that 2021 gets us closer to SfEGER, cI John Deere GOLF GOLF employee mwED TARGET Nufarm SPECIALTY PRODUCTS ■ ww..■ ■ ■ Advanced. Earthworks^ XlUlf TURF SOLUTIONS ------------------ ^Tlwlw GreatLakes turf HELENA JSl, science Based, performance driven ^5 coRpoRattorT Employee-Owned |j SHORELINE | WinField Michigan Ck«XW III _ _ ^GCSAA LL Porous Pave Healthy Turf ■wawawMwmwwiii'inr, PRIME SOURCE Sediment Removal System Bronzi Partner Sand THE SOURCE MATTERS A Textron Company Plus 91 Pono & Lake Restoration Servicing the USA Guard Please Support Those Who Support You : ALttkl uirjiJDj-j Turf Fuel nutritional products are for those that demand ■ performance, consistency and plant health, day in and day out. No challenge, stress *1% or player expectation is too extreme for the right Turf Fuel plant and soil health product. T 13 p" T Empowering You to Brett Roberts 947.465.9650 target-specialty.com/min ■ ** " ■ Grow Your Business' ▼ SPECIALTY PRODUCTS™ brett.roberts@target-specialty.com TSPMSGCSA21 R1JJ3-04-21 TurfFuel SOLUTIONS SPRING GREEN UP CHLOROPHYLL BUILDER Spring color can be tough to create sometimes, especially when Mother Nature is working against you. Turf Fuel’s Spring Green Up program is filled with key ingredients to promote chlorophyll production and incredible color. This program works best with some sunshine and air temperatures greater than 45 F. Multiple applications may be necessary depending on environment however color will build over time. RECOMMENDED PRODUCT RATE VERTICAL™ RECOMMENDATIONS 3 fl.oz 11.000 ft2 IB Apply every 14 days as regular VERTICAL drives chlorophyll production by facilitating rapid nutrient absorption. Key maintenance. For rapid density ingredients to colonize soil biology and Powered by university proven and color building, apply every NUTRIFENSE® technology. 4-7 days. PHOTO FUEL® ‘Some sun and >45F temperatures 3 fl.oz / 1.000 ft2 recommended for best results Specifically crafted to provide the plant with the essential nutrients required for chlorophyll production. Photo Fuel builds chlorophyll density to capture more sunlight and provides an intense deep dark green color. QUICK GREEN™ 6 fl.oz /1.000 ft2 Phosphorous availability is limited in the spring due to low soil temperatures. Quick Green delivers foliar phosphorous, available forms of CONTACT YOUR TARGET SPECIALTY nitrogen and a unique biostimulant group engineered to promote lateral growth and PRODUCTS SALES canopy density. REPRESENTATIVE FOR MORE DETAILS. Retirements Gary Thommes, CGCS Retires After Career of Caring, Sharing ary Thommes started his career in golf at Lake Doster Golf Club in Plainwell by picking the range, doing bag room duties, helping in the pro shop and working on the grounds crew. It was 1971. “Back then we were allowed to work without shirts on the grounds crew and to be able to work for money and get a tan at the same time was perfect for a summertime job,” he said. Thommes retired last fall as the golf course superintendent at Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak, a Michelle and Gary Thommes position he held for 38 years while tanning and working with his shirt on. him to call Kurt Thuemmel at Walnut Hills, who had “I can’t say enough how rewarding it has been working previously suggested MSU’s turfgrass management in the golf industry and meeting some of the nicest degree, and it was back to MSU in 1980 with people ever,” he said. “The sharing of information Thuemmel’s help navigating the program’s waiting list. among colleagues is unprecedented.” Thommes said his two years in the program were Thommes grew up with golf-loving parents, went to memorable. Plainwell High School and then off to Michigan State “My internship was at Oswego Lake Country Club in University where he changed majors a few times, Portland and I rode a bike to work every day and didn’t enthusiastically enjoyed the college experience and even own a car at the time,” he said. “I was using any graduated five years later with a marketing degree. money for tuition and books. My second year in the During his MSU days he found himself in need of money turf program I studied like I was in law school and read and applied for work at nearby Walnut Hills Country every book cover-to-cover from all the great authors like Club. Kurt Thuemmel, the superintendent, didn’t see Jim Beard and Al Turgeon.” a need for a business student on his staff especially A GCSAA scholarship and the Norm Kramer award with MSU turf program students at his disposal, but from Michigan Turfgrass Foundation pushed him along, Thommes made a convincing experience-based he purchased “a very old car” and started sending out argument. applications. “It took a lot of convincing and he reluctantly hired me “I applied at Red Run Golf Club and was hired in the and I ended up working for three seasons at Walnut spring of 1982 as an assistant and after two years I was Hills,” Thommes said. promoted to become the golf course superintendent at After graduating he moved to Phoenix, Ariz., with a a golf course that was built in 1914 by Willie Park Jr.,” he classmate, but his marketing interviews yielded no said. “Red Run had a lot of history of golf in general and income and he ended up working in golf at McCormick hosted several PGA events back in the mid­ Ranch and then the Arizona Biltmore Club. It prompted fifties.” Course Conditions I issue #50 - Qi 2021 At the time Thommes took over, Red Run had some including new tee boxes and that led to a new wall-to- condition challenges in a time when spraying fairways wall irrigation system designed by Carol Colein and new for Anthracnose was a huge cost item, and the budget bunkers designed by architects Raymond Hearn and did not include preventative treatments for Antenius Paul Albanese in 2000. and Aphodius grubs. “The golf course took on a whole new appearance “Red Run was fortunate to have four committed greens with large and deep bunkers with flashed sand on committee members that insisted on getting the slopes throughout the golf course,” Thommes said. funding needed to improve turf conditions and they “The golf course also took on a completely new golfing were on a mission,” he said. strategy and we started hosting more and more events throughout the state with GAM events such as the An aggressive sand topdressing program, a proper Michigan Amateur two separate times and then a chemical budget, better mowers and more staff national event with the Western Junior Amateur in the followed. The first real construction project under year 2016.” Thommes watch was the result of three wells that fed the irrigation pond. Thommes said a major achievement in his time at Red Run with the committee was the installation of reverse “The water quality was just short of ocean water with osmosis system that would produce up to 180,000 sodium levels off the charts and not suited for growing gallons of pure water daily for use as irrigation for the much of anything,” he said. “The need for more funding golf course. Piped through the three existing wells the for city water was recognized along with our irrigation system eliminated the need to purchase city water pond capacity being nil.” for irrigation at well over $100,000 per year. Red Run Mark Caverly excavated the pond in 1986, Red Run invested $300,000 in the system and in just the last bought their own bulldozer for course improvements seven years with greatly improved turf the savings has been over $1 million. He has witnessed multiple changes in his time in the industry like more frequent intervals for topdressing, less pulling of gang mowers for rough areas, new sit-down rollers for better prices, better machinery, vertical turbines, water sensors, system controls via a phone, bunker drainage and erosion control, cultural practices, equipment design, improved pesticides and more. “Those things have taken the industry to a level where daily perfection is now the norm,” he exclaimed. As for his longevity in this business, he said there is no magic. “Well, other than remembering mostly that the golf course is the members and not yours to manage as you see fit,” he said. “The complexity of maintaining a private club at a high level is when all departments cross boundaries to succeed on a daily basis and there is no ‘that’s not my job’.” Thommes recommends developing a team approach with set values, having a mission statement, and setting goals. Neil, Gary and Nic Thommes Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org RETIREMENTS “When the golf course is at its best, say less, when the Thommes said his wife Michelle still has her career in golf course is need of improvement, have a structured the pro shop for the next several years so they plan plan for improvement and communicate, communicate, to stay in Michigan most of the time and travel during communicate,” he said. the winter months to a warmer climate. He also wants to spend more time with their sons Nicholas and Neil, Thommes said no matter what happens he advises play more golf, do more reading and he recently started superintendents to never lose their cool. playing pickle ball. “Don’t use expletives, stay calm and be in control of He can also share this did-you-know item: each situation as it arises and build a great and flexible team that is there to help your through any situation. A native of New Jersey, the son of William and Nancy, Mother Nature will always test your patience over time his aunt Elaine was married to a Thomson while his in this business and there is no defense to that and she mom married a Thommes. The Thomson in the family can beat you down to submission. Sometimes it really was Bobby Thomson, the baseball player from the New is what it is, but never give up and remember that you York Giants that hit the home run famed as ‘the shot can’t change things that happen to you, you can only heard around the world’ against the Dodgers in change how you react to it.” 1951. © W Sand Guard CM LL Porous Pave PERMEABLE • DURABLE • FLEXIBLE Bunker Liner Your Long Term Bunker Solution Porous Pave is a pour in place Permeable surfacing material using stone, • Allows large amounts of water to pass through recycled rubber and a binder material • Eliminates standing water in sand bunker LEED qualified, Porous Pave is slip resistant, Durable & Flexible won’t freeze or crack, environmentally friendly, • The rubber expands and contracts with and is available in several colors. Porous Pave freeze/thaw and high heat to resist cracking is easy and quick to install, curing time is • 15-20 year life expectancy about 24 hours and it is ready for use. ^REC^ Environmentally Friendly This pour-in-place material is ideal for: • Patios & sidewalks • Cart paths • Made from recycled tires Fast Installation 0 • Bridges • Trailways • Mixed on-site, applied 1 ” thick, Sand Guard • Pool surrounds fully cures in 24 hours • Low impact installation allows the fairway to remain in-play while Sand Guard is installed No Sub Base Needed Course Conditions i issue #50 - Q1 2021 ->0v POLYON Controlled-Release Fertilizer POLYON® Controlled-Release Fertilizer. Success. Guaranteed. For more than 30 years, POLYON® Fertilizer's durable, unique bonded coating process has been ensuring predictable results you can depend on - we guarantee it! For more information about POLYON® Fertilizer and the POLYON® Guarantee, visit www.harrells.com/polyon or contact your sales representative today! 17 ANDY GILROY MIKE RUPP KIMBERLY ROULEAU SEMI SEMI/NWOH Northern Ml agilroy@harrells.com mrupp@harrells.com krouleau@harrells.com (586) 917-3851 (419) 764-3422 (989) 370-5250 MARC MCCOY DOUG JOHANNINGSMEIER Western/Mid Ml Oakland County/SE Ml mmccoy@harrells.com djohanningsmeier@harrells.com (616) 902-6196 (248) 302-2054 K Harrell’s www.harrells.com 1800.282.8007 Growing a Better World® Employee -Owned RETIREMENTS Olli, 69 and the superintendent at Michaywe’ Pines Golf Course in Gaylord for the last 20 years, announced his Jim Olli retirement recently after working on a golf course for 48 years, including the last 37 as a superintendent and RETIRES 25 as a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) in stops at Grandview Golf Club in Kalkaska, The Loon, Lake and Classic courses in the Gaylord area, Marquette Golf Club and Grand Traverse Resort’s Spruce Run. Instead of cutting cups, he plans to knock a few more Hands down Jim Olli’s favorite job on a golf course was golf balls into them by playing the game more often hands on. along with a little cycling and cross-country skiing. “My favorite job has always been cutting cups,” he said. “I’ve always played golf, but in recent years not as “I used this as a way of evaluating the overall health of much as I used to because I watched my the greens while it also gave me a look at how all the daughter play a lot of soccer,” he said. “I equipment was functioning and kept me available to enjoyed that, and I’m looking forward to supervise the maintenance crew.” playing more golf.” WF “I’ve worked at three facilities over the years with him and at every course I where I worked with him I was so proud to stand in the pro shop behind the counter because I always had such great confidence in the course conditions he consistently produced over many decades.” Mason said he made her job easier. “With him as a partner, with me in the shop and with him on the course I always felt confident we were giving the best golf course we could to the customers. I felt bad because I would hear all the compliments about the course as golfers came in. I would try to pass them on to him and there was a consistent flow of positive comments over the years.” Olli grew up in Livonia in suburban Detroit and started in the turf business as a seasonal laborer for the City of Livonia golf courses while he was attending Schoolcraft College. Two years there led to a full-time job with the city’s Whispering Willows Golf Course and his career path was set. His education also continued at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, winter short courses in turf management at Michigan State University and Ohio State, and he has attended over 20 GCSAA educational seminars and over 20 Michigan Turf Conferences and 10 National Turf Conferences. He worked for Mike Garvale, who he considers his mentor, first at the then Sugarloaf Golf Course in Cedar and then at Grand Traverse Resort as his assistant. Olli and his wife Marne, a licensed professional counselor in private practice, have four daughters (Jessica, Susan, “We grew in the new nine on Spruce Run, did other Stefanie and Reagan) and nine grandchildren. golf construction and grow-in projects and hosted two Michigan Opens,” Olli said. “We’re not going anywhere,” he said. “We’ve had our home on Opal Lake for 25 years. It’s home, and it was His parents are natives of the Upper Peninsula and a short commute to the golf course the last 20 years - he especially enjoyed his time at Marquette Golf about two miles.” Club. Judy Mason, the head golf professional at Michaywe’ is “Great people and avid golfers, they would counting on seeing Olli often just as she has counted on come out in the spring and shag balls between his work over the years. snow piles,” he said. “They do handle golf carts differently. We had over 100 member-owned golf “Over decades he has always presented pristine carts so there was a mix of every different make conditions on every course he worked at,” Mason said. and model of golf cart that you could imagine. Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org RETIREMENTS Golfers in the U.P. haul their golf carts to different courses in pickup trucks or on small trailers and most courses would have a loading/unloading ramps.” His favorite work story is what he described as a call-in, can’t make it to work story. “I had an employee call me early in the morning telling me he wouldn’t be in to work,” he said. “It seems that he was out late partying on Mackinac Island, lost track of time and missed the last boat off the island. He was stranded until the boats started running in the morning.” Olli takes pride in not leaving his employers stranded over the years. Mike Normand, who first started working for him in 1989 at Marquette GC and in recent years has been the equipment manager at Michaywe’ is taking the helm as be good stewards of the land, and he superintendent. offers these words of wisdom to young superintendents: “Keep up with technology “He’s been a super on his own before, has a turf degree from as best as you can and surround yourself Michigan State, the course will be in good hands,” he said. with talented people.” Over the years Olli is pleased that the golf industry has changed for the better by promoting that they strive to GOLF COURSES GREENS HEALTHY TURF FAIRWAYS ROUGHS TEES PLUS ATHLETIC FIELDS 35 years of experience, quality SOCCER workmanship & customer satisfaction BASEBALL/SOFTBALL FOOTBALL Michigan Chapter MsGCSAA Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Bronze Partner Contact: Mike Wilczynski 419-356-6717 jwilczynski.htp@earthlink.net Course Conditions । issue #50 - Qi 2021 WinField united Helping You Win Service. Solutions. Insights. When it comes to your course, you need a partner that's consistent. Count on us for the right products and the technical insights you need to help your business thrive. Call your WinField United representative today to learn how we can help you win. Nick Binder - Professional Sales Representative (517) 974-4209 or ndbinder@landolakes.com adjuvants • dyes/wetting agents herbicides • insecticides • fungicides fertilizers • micronutrients winfieldunitedpro.com WinField is a registered trademark of Winfield Solutions, LLC. © 2017 Winfield Solutions, LLC 20 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org RCHlTlzCT'S Relationship Goals, An Architect’s Perspective on Post Renovation Success BY ANDY STAPLES, ASGCA ver the past few years, the PHOTO CREDIT: @THE_FRIED_EGG O golf architecture geekdom has expanded significantly. Websites, podcasts, blogs and social media, have brought this very small but global industry to the hearts and minds of passionate golfers everywhere. It’s no surprise course renovations receive much of the attention, but an aspect of renos that seldom gets discussed, is the crucial role the superintendent plays in helping the architect orchestrate these projects for long-term success. Although the architect gets the lion’s share of the praise when reno projects go well, the clubs that maintain their praiseworthiness over many years, owe such accolades to the combined efforts of the superintendent and their staff. Golf architecture shines the brightest when superintendents are integral in developing the design intent, and successfully bridge the art with the science through superior course maintenance practices. Simply put, great superintendents make good architects look great, and great architects look even better. Speaking candidly as a golf architect, I can attest to the existence of countless Golden Aged courses that were gems in their heyday (as well as courses from other eras), which have now succumbed to unintended Course Conditions I issue #50 - Qi 2021 changes for the worst, based on the slow erosion what I’m proposing as a best practice. MCC is of the understanding of the original design undoubtedly one of the project’s I’m most proud intent. These misfortunes occur due to shifting of, and the process we developed there has been maintenance practices from: budget reductions, instrumental in my convictions on the present lack of training in staff, the best intentions of subject. There’s no doubt our project’s sustained over-reaching stakeholders, unsaid maintenance success has absolutely been borne out thanks to nuances from retiring superintendents, and even Jared Milner’s maintenance regimes we developed yes, poor original design. in our Operating Manual. It’s my opinion that for a golf course to have Aside from the bigger infrastructure the best chance of having its design integrity improvements like new greens, tees and bunkers, maintained, the architect needs to get on the along with the miles of new drainage, new turf, same page with the superintendent from the and tree management, there are a number of very start. But even further, it’s important we maintenance aspects that really make the course as architects document our design intentions shine. through something like a Design Guideline or Operating Manual, created in partnership with the The most critical aspect of our renovation was superintendent. to improve how the course plays, focusing much of our effort to what happens to the golf ball It’s always the architect’s hope the superintendent once it hits the ground. Therefore, to ensure the appreciates our vision and are earnest in their course’s new playing surfaces provide this exact intentions of maintaining the design integrity. playability, our manual stressed: grass be cut at From our perspective, its paramount the the appropriate height, the correct amount of superintendent has a vested interest in developing drainage installed, water be managed properly, an operating manual. While I won’t pretend and the high-play areas be top-dressed regularly every superintendent/ golf architect relationship (almost like an extension of the putting green). establishes a dream-team, but long-term success These are the types of nuances critical to ensuring requires both parties to do everything they can to the new design is maximized to its fullest. come together. Another guideline that made its way into the With the above being said, I’d like to use a recent manual, was to ensure Meadowbrook continued project of mine, Meadowbrook Country Club in to be known for the greens. Matching the Northville, Ml, near Detroit, as an example of everyday green speeds with the slopes of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org putting surface design was as important as any separator to the 4th tee, while directing drainage aspect of our design. Our work focused on from the surrounding home sites and away from building putting surfaces with unique shapes and the putting surface. The presentation of this green contours to provide interest for all skill levels. The exemplifies the balance of aesthetics and overall maintenance regime has continued to produce an design style with the expectations of quality incredible surface that highlight the green slopes, conditions, and playable shot making. There are while not letting the speeds get out of control. many other examples across the course, but this green happens to be my favorite, in large part due Lastly, many of the most dramatic changes to to the maintenance product Jared and his staff the course involved the integration of design deliver every day, again, as outlined in our manual. concepts found on some of the oldest, most classic courses in the world. As an example, the In closing, most of us architects, the design geeks new 3rd green is a green inspired by the 4th that we are, stress detail and work hard to match hole at Huntercombe Golf Club (the home course our design to the unique qualities of a site while of the original architect, Willie Park Jr., outside integrating the vision and objectives of the owner of London). This green features a design that and stakeholders during master planning. It’s harkens back to the turn of the century, with a my opinion our responsibility as architects is to unique back level, lowered by almost 4 feet to work together with the superintendent in order create a punch bowl effect within the putting to protect the long-term vision for the course surface. The green is flanked on the left with a which we all set out to create. In the end, it’s this rather ordinary looking fescue berm that serves as relationship that really matters most. in-ground trash can Setting the Standard in Golf Course Accessories since 1910 • 866.743.9773 • StandardGolf.com | ©2021 Standard Golf Company. All rights reserved. Course Conditions I issue #50 - Q1 2021 23 SUPERINTENDENT — DANIEL GRAFT AT TRAVIS POINTE COUNTRY CLUB DANIEL Graft HOW DID YOU BECOME WHAT PART OF YOUR INVOLVED IN THE GOLF EDUCATION DO YOU USE THE BUSINESS? A golf course MOST? I would say math. We was built right next to my are always using math for our grandparent’s house out in spray applications, budgeting, the country. I went over and ordering (chemicals, sod, sand applied for a spot on the and soil) and figuring out Daniel Graft has been grounds crew and fell in love square footages. Also disease on the turf staff at Travis with it. identification would be a close Pointe Country Club for 10 second. years and took over as the WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU superintendent in 2019. A WANTED GOLF TO BE YOUR HOW HAS YOUR JOB AT graduate of Michigan State’s CAREER? At the age of 18. It YOUR CURRENT COURSE took a while to get into MSU PROGRESSED? I started as the turf program, he started due to the high demand at that Assistant Superintendent in working on golf courses point in time, but I finally made 2011. In 2019, I took over for at the age of 16 and was a it. the Golf Course Superintendent superintendent at Willow (John Seefeldt) when he Wood Golf Club in Portland, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE retired. Mich., by age 21. The 36-year- COURSES YOU HAVE WORKED old Graft and his wife AT? Willow Wood Golf Club, WHAT ARE YOUR Kimberly have been married 6 years; Walnut Hills Country EXPECTATIONS OF THE for eight years and they have Club, 3 years; Milwaukee MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE Country Club, 1 season SUPERINTENDENTS three children; Jocelyn, who (internship); Travis Pointe ASSOCIATION? They are a is 7, Payton, who is 3, and one Country Club -10 years. fantastic resource for us to use, who is due this summer. whether it’s for networking or 2 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org research. They are the standard generation any chance I get, This last year, I would have and set the bar in leadership in whether that’s helping someone to say the hardest part of the the country. Even though I don’t get started on this as a career job was dealing with COVID- get to attend things as much as choice or just informing the 19. With all the guidelines I would like, I appreciate all they general public of what we constantly changing and having do for us. We are lucky to have do. Also, having one of my to quarantine employees twice, them. children play golf would be very it was a challenge. rewarding to me as well. ftl WHAT IS THE EASIEST PART WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE fl DO YOU HAVE HOBBIES OR WITH THE MICHIGAN OF YOUR JOB? Watching the TURFGRASS FOUNDATION? I SPECIAL INTERESTS AWAY sunrise and seeing the instant think the work and research FROM THE GAME? I love results of all the work everyone that they do is top notch. I love spending time with my family puts in. Nothing beats it. attending the MTF conference and watching sports. I am a in the winter and seeing all of big NFL guy and avid diehard tn WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST the research that the professors Detroit Lions fan. I have a ISSUES FACING GOLF? I think have done to help us be more tendency to drink the Kool-Aid there are a few issues we face successful in our jobs. every year. today and two of the biggest are staffing and wages. Finding C*) WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF 1»1 DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE staff to hire can be a challenge GIVEN BACK TO GOLF? I feel YOUR JOB? In my first year it especially when the interest like it’s still a work in progress. was balancing work with family in working in the game has Every day we give back time. I wanted to be at the declined and you can’t pay in the aspect of providing course all the time but being as much as other businesses. excellent playing conditions a father means the world to There are a lot of golf for the golfers. I want to grow me. I have figured out a great courses closing due the profession for today’s balance between the two now. to lack of revenue. ImP THINGS 1. I survived a car accident that I shouldn’t have. PEOPLE 2. I was a model when I was a child. MAY 3. I was an extra in the Batman vs. NOT KNOW Superman movie. 4. I have a 13-year-old brother. ABOUT ME 5. I love antique tractors. Course Conditions I issue #50 - Q1 2021 '•1 . •,; > / \ ' 1 J H /■ » W> MwriV ■iSWww.- < wife . UPGRADE WHAT YOU PUT DOWN With three new enhanced efficiency fertilizers and a revolutionary line of carbon-based products, we’re giving you new ways to get the most from every acre. These technologies are engineered for those who want to deliver more, compromise less, and push turf conditions to the next level. STEP UP TO WHAT'S NEXT IN TURF CARE. ............ II. I ..... .I I ............ .11... ■■■■■ .Il!|.l.... ..——................ NOS Stabilized Nitrogen Give nutrient efficiency a boost with stabilized-urea technology that prevents nitrogen loss for up to eight weeks. PolyPlus-Opti Controlled-Release Fertilizer Get long-lasting performance from a single application with a polymer coating that delivers nutrients for up to six months. NOS Plus Slow-Release Stabilized Nitrogen Deliver nutrients in the most efficient way possible with two mode of action technologies that form our most advanced fertilizer yet. & CarbonPro™-L with MobilEX™ Provide organic plant-optimizing technology to both leaves and soil with this liquid formula, and give plants every possible advantage. CarbonPro™-G powered by Mirimichi Enhance your soil with this tank-mixable organic granular and set the stage for bigger roots and healthier plants. Explore our redefined lineup at LESCO.com/Upgrade. [ESCO Assistant superintendents are getting out of the took a chance on a 16-year-old curious kid and business due to the long hours and not enough turned me on to this path. He showed me the compensation. With the cost of living going up course operations and helped spark my interest and wages not, it can make it tough career to into this profession. Starting my career with him get your footing. was very insightful and helped get me to where I am today. The second person would be my ffj IS THERE RESEARCH YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE former boss, John Seefeldt. He hired me in at ACCOMPLISHED IN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT? Travis Pointe out of college and helped me grow There is so much research being done today that into the position and superintendent I am today. helps Supers and make our jobs easier. There is Lastly would be my family. They have shown no particular one that stands out. The industry is their full support and love every step of the way. always changing whether it is technology, better Without these people, I would not be where I am chemicals or more precise equipment. All that today. I appreciate everything they have done helps make our jobs easier. and endured more than they will ever know. ffi WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU’VE WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? I am just the third superintendent in 43 years at LEARNED THAT YOU USE ALL THE TIME? Travis Pointe Country Club, so hopefully I will still Adaptation. With our profession the weather can be here in 10 years. It is a great family-oriented make things difficult on us and sometimes things club that allows my family to be part of the don’t go as planned and you need to learn how Travis Pointe family. Family means the world to to adapt on the fly. Also, this last year COVID-19 me, so the club allowing them to be a part of my was something that we had to adapt to while the professional career is something I don’t take for rules and regulations were changing throughout granted and appreciate. the year in the state. iW HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED HOW DO YOU RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF A 100 YEARS FROM NOW? As a hardworking, SUPERINTENDENT IN A GOLF OPERATION? loving, caring husband, father, and grandfather. Obviously I think it is very important. He’s the head coach of the operation and we as IlBwho has influenced you the most in superintendents have to answer to the members YOUR PERSONAL LIFE? In the early stages it whether it is good or bad. We provide the would be a man by the name of Kurt Grost. He everyday direction of the club to ensure our F Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org SUPERINTENDENT members get the best playing conditions we can provide. If the members come off the course and they are happy, then we are doing our job. Of course without a good staff our job is impossible. I am lucky to have such a great staff surrounding me. fTl WHAT PERCENTAGE OF TIME DO YOU DEVOTE TO NON-AGRONOMIC GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT? I would say about 30-35 percent. With technology I think we spend a little more time in the office responding to emails from members and vendors, keeping track of our budgeting, and hosting committee meeting virtually. Michigan Chapter MsGCSAA Bronze Partner Does the 1a/cc nsrer 7th Hole Pond Transformation live in your pon4? Stop Feeding the Monster and Start Restoring Your Pond Bio-Health Pod Systems work 24/7 generating billions of beneficial microbes that aggressively consume and digest bottom muck and the nutrients that lead to algae blooms. Contact Roy Cole: Cell 248-640-1149, Email Roy@RIGERO.com Visit rigero.com/golf-course Course Conditions I issue #50 - Q1 2021 SUPERINTENDENT WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE ROLE OF season. I feel you have to be reasonable with the AN ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT? Having an speeds due to all the different skill levels and assistant superintendent is a huge benefit to types of players. our jobs. I am lucky to have two outstanding DO YOU HAVE A HUMOROUS OR INTERESTING assistants (Colin Zegarzewski and John Jones) STORY YOU CAN SHARE FROM YOUR CAREER? who step up every day and give Travis Pointe Growing up watching golf the first thing I noticed their all. It is nice having the extra set of eyes, about golf courses was the stripes. Any time I hands, and dedication to make the club the best mowed my grandparent’s four-acre yard I would it can be. It also allows us who have children to try to make the nicest, straightest stripes I could be there a little more for our kids, which is very because I wanted it to look like a golf course. In important. I think most superintendents can agree my first year working for Kurt Grost, and being that our jobs would be harder without them. young and ignorant, I asked him why we didn’t WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE ROLE OF THE use fleet of Simplicity lawn mowers to mow the GOLF COURSE MECHANIC OR TECHNICIAN? rough because they striped so beautiful. After They are very important. The mechanic is the the guys teased me about it that summer, I later lifeline of your equipment. Obviously having a learned that they make golf course equipment crisp clean cut and maintaining the equipment that already does that. LOL. goes without saying. Also, at a club like ours where we tend to have some older pieces of equipment, having someone who is excellent at maintaining those older pieces means we can use them longer than their recommended shelf life. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF GOLFERS WALKING VERSUS RIDING IN A CART TO PLAY? Well since the game started with walking only, I think that is the best way to enjoy the game. However, with the working members today trying to get a quick round in after work or before getting the kids, I understand the usefulness of riding in a cart. I am guilty of it as well. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE IN GOLF COURSE ETIQUETTE? We have cart paths on most of the holes throughout the golf course. So when we put out “carts on path only” signs after it rains and people drive around the signs and through puddles in the fairway just to get closer to their ball, it can be irritating at times. WHAT OPINION DO YOU HAVE OF GREEN SPEEDS IN TODAY’S GAME? I feel that it is something that golfers think about way too much. People watch golf tournaments on TV and want greens to be as fast as the tour course. We try to keep green speed around 11 through the peak Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org PLAYABLE + NATURALIZED AREAS, GROWING HARMONY Naturalized areas can be both beautiful as well as beneficial to your bottom line. However, it is important to remember that naturalized areas do require some level of maintenance to prevent takeover by undesirable weeds. Our line of herbicides will help you ochieve optimum balance between naturalized, yet managed, landscape settings and our team of golf experts will guide you every step of the way. ASK YOUR LOCAL NUFARM REP ABOUT OUR NATURALIZED AREAS PROGRAM Anuew PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR Anuew™ PGR goes beyond leading regulation on greens, tees, and fairways. In spring, consider a 6 oz application of Anuew to hold back growth in naturalized areas. SEEJTHE PROGRAM NUFARM.COM/USTURF/NATURALIZED-AREAS Nufarm Grow a better tomorrow ©2021 Nufarm. Anuew™ is a trademark of Nufarm. BY SHANE CONROY AND GCSAA STAFF s the Golf Industry Show concluded this year A in its virtual format, the first-class education, special events and association business were still very much a part of the show. the General Session: Behind the Scenes at PGA Frisco, which was presented in partnership with The education component of the event featured 88 the Toro Company. sessions, and more than 200 exhibitors were part of the trade show. Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, a 34-year GCSAA member and superintendent at Westfield “Like so many organizations this year, a virtual show Country Club in Westfield Center, Ohio, was was unchartered territory for us, and frankly it was elected to a one-year term as president. Mark is difficult to project how our traditional attendance the 85th president in the association’s history. would translate to the virtual world, so we are extremely pleased with the very enthusiastic response,” “As Col. John Morley was establishing GCSAA in GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. "I was particularly 1926, he used the altruistic principles of justice, excited to see that many facilities that took advantage faithful brotherhood and generous benevolence of our All-Access package for everyone on the team. It as foundational elements. These timeless really shows the desire for education for every member principles continue to guide the association of the facility, and we hope our curriculum helps today,” Jordan said. “I am humbled and honored enhance their careers and facilities.” to lead this same organization that Col. Morley and every single president before me has led.” Jim Nantz, three-time Emmy winner and lead anchor of CBS Sports’ golf team, received GCSAA’s 2021 Old Other elected officers were Kevin P. Breen, Tom Morris award. He joined the GIS live from his home CGCS and golf course superintendent at La in California during the Opening Session on Feb. 2, Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos, Calif., which was presented in partnership with Syngenta. as vice president, and Kevin P. Sunderman, The General Session: Managing the Challenges of CGCS, director of grounds at Isla Del Sol Yacht Disruptive Change on Feb. 3, which was sponsored and Country Club in St. Petersburg, Fla., as in partnership with Bayer, featured Evans, PGA Tour secretary/treasurer. Commissioner Jay Monahan, LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan, USGA CEO Mike Davis and PGA of Board members Jeff L. White, CGCS and America CEO Seth Waugh in a live discussion of golf’s superintendent at Indian Hills Country Club reaction to the pandemic and how the golf industry is in Mission Hills, Kan.; T.A. Barker, CGCS and moving forward. superintendent at Fore Lakes Golf Course in Taylorsville, Utah; and Paul L. Carter, CGCS and On Feb. 4, the key players of the PGA Frisco gathered superintendent at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay in virtually for a live discussion on the project during Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.rmgcsa.org FROM NATIONAL Harrison, Tenn., were elected to serve again, while serve as immediate past president. Past president Marc E. Weston, CGCS and superintendent at Indian Rafael Barajas, CGCS and the director of golf course Hill Country Club in Newington, Conn., was newly operations at Boca Grove Golf and Tennis Club in elected to the board. Boca Raton, Fla., retired from board service. Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, golf course And please mark your calendars as the 2022 Golf superintendent at White Mountain Country Club Industry Show is currently scheduled to be an in Pinetop, Ariz., will continue his board service, in-person event in San Diego Feb. 5-10, 2022, at the while MiGCSA’s own, John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS, will San Diego Convention Center. Prime Source continues to provide FORMULATED the latest in course care products. IN THE USA AZOXY U AZPROP C FLUMIOXAZIN 51WDC SELECT SELECT SELECT HERBICIDE FUNGICIDE FUNGICIDE Dual mode action provides Preventive control of more than 25 Broad-spectrum, long residual pre- broad-spectrum disease control and turfgrass diseases in an easy-to-use and early post-emergent weed control resistance management utility. spreadable granular formulation. in terrestrial and aquatic sites. Contact your local Prime Source distributor or visit prime-sourcellc.com. .fa. PRIME SOURCE ©2021 Albaugh, LLC. Select is a trademark of Albaugh, LLC. Always read and follow label use directions. I A Division of Albaugh, LLC Course Conditions I issue #50 - Qi 2021 Michigan TURFGRASS FOUNDATION MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY MSU Turfgrass Alumni Update BY DR. TREY ROGERS Greetings from the (Empty) Land classwork. Since this is a heavy lab semester, and we of Green and (it is all gone now) cannot perform hands on labs easily, we used the White, technicians and specialists at these golf courses as our adjunct instructors. To call the past school year unusual would be an insult to The semester has ended and most of the students the word unusual. My beginning have headed to their respective summer internship turfgrass class had 16 students, 10 from the IAT courses. Three students chose to stay the full time at programs and 6 in our BS program. (We were down their winter course. All in all, things went quite well. from 14 in IAT, since 4 decided to defer to Fall 2021.) The students appreciated the hands-on learning, and Since we were 100% on-line, our only thoughts were what it was truly like to work and go to school full to send each student the 16 grasses we needed them time. And they were not cold! to learn, seeds for our germination studies, and a Of course, this now begs the logical question, ‘will grow light (needed that back). I thought for the most we utilize this model in the future’? I know we are part they hung in there with learning the grasses and discussing this very idea right now. It would provide got some valuable lessons regarding overwatering. a very good alternative for the right type of student, Of course, (Now Dr.) Thomas Green was invaluable and it would be an attractive option to several. The with his assistance as well as TA, Jackie Guevara. I idea of offering both traditional classroom and was quite proud of the efforts of all the students. this ‘Crewship’ model is not difficult, as offering They really gave me all they had considering the synchronistic classes via zoom while in the traditional circumstances. classroom does not seem as far fetched as it did one In October 2020, it became clear to me that things year ago. Stay tuned. were not going to get any better for spring 2021 Keep looking for lost souls. and we were not going to be any different from fall Trey Rogers in terms of on-line teaching, so, we took matters in our own hands and started making calls to courses in California, Arizona, Texas and Florida to see if we There is plenty of room in all could get these students to a golf course for the Programs for Students! winter. Heck, why be in the house taking classes when we could be taking the same classes and Deadlines for Applications is July 2021! working on a golf course, making money and getting experience? So, when classes started in January, In fall 2019, the administration of the Golf and Sports we started the ‘great experiment’. There were 6 Turf admissions changed the application process to students in California, 4 in Arizona, one in Texas, 100% on-line. Most of the bugs are worked out as we and 6 in Florida all working and full-time in class. move into 2021, and it appears pretty seamless now. The students had classes with faculty on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to accomplish necessary I do see a slight increase in interest from prior years. Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Learn More about Turf Programs 2020-2021 Student Scholarship Winners MSU Turf students have a long history of earning scholarship awards and recognition, and, while interviewing was a challenge, 2020 was no exception. GCSAA Scholarship Winners Steven Page Spencer Cole Nathan Howard Ty Barschdorf Trans- Miss Golf Association College Scholarships Darryl Jackson Hal and Mark Vogler Memorial Scholars Sports Turf Managers Association - Ty Barschdorf Adam Edick Jim Watson Award Keith Koch James and Harriet Beard Outstanding Turfgrass Graduate Student Award Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Scholarships - Jackie Guevara Norman Kramer Award Payton Perkinson Colin King Michigan Golf Course Superintendents KT Payne Award Association Scholarship Spencer Cole Jackson Severns Sports and Commercial Turf Award Steven Page Brendan Stuchell Keith Koch Payton Perkinson MTF Merit Scholarships Michigan Sports Turf Management Spencer Cole Clayton Hoekwater Association Scholarship Keith Koch Michigan State University Scholarships Robert Osterman Scholars If you would like to drop a line to any of these winners, Spencer Cole Steven Page just contact me and I will happily give you their contact Joel Doepker Payton Perkinson information. (Several of you know I have notified you in Jack McCarthy Brendan Stuchell the past on these activities, and that will continue next year as we are in a transition period with our database.) C.E. ‘Tuck’ and Becky Tate Scholars While the year will never be forgotten for many obvious Clayton Hoekwater Colin King reasons, for my wife and I, it will never be forgotten as Darryl Jackson we welcomed our first grandchild into the world, Miles Lee McMillan. Course Conditions I issue #50 - Qi 2021 J J J. PUT LONG-LASTING DISEASE PROTECTION INTO MOTION Featuring three leading active ingredients in different FRAC groups, Posterity® XT and Posterity Forte fungicides are the driving forces for powerful disease protection that lasts. y PosterityXT V PosterityForte Fungicide Fungicide UP TO 28 DAYS OF CONTROL of SPRING DEAD SPOT control plus more than 20 diseases including TAKE-ALL ROOT ROT control BROWN PATCH, SUMMER PATCH and DOLLAR SPOT UP TO 28 DAYS of strong DOLLAR SPOT control with added BROWN BROAD-SPECTRUM CONTROL of more PATCH and LEAF SPOT protection than 25 cool-season turf diseases on fairways, tees, greens or roughs Find your fit at GreenCastOnline.com/PosterityXT and GreenCastOnline.com/PosterityForte or contact your local Syngenta territory manager: Adam Garr | adam.garr@syngenta.com | (248) 914-4902 o o a ©SyngentaTurf #Time4Posterity syng’e All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. ©2021 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state­ specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. GreenCast®, Posterity®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. vfiOO OTM 2021 Charity Outing The Wyndgate Country Club - Rochester Hills, Ml j. L Monday, May 24 Visit www.weeone.org for sponsorship information and registration Course Conditions I issue #50 - Qi 2021 VEHICLE SYSTEMS S REPRESENTING the FINEST TURF & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT since 1940! //I / www.bakervehicle.com 800.843.2250 Follow us on FJ @BakerVehide INDUSTRY PARTNER - STEVE REBHAN STEVE REBHAN HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN THE GOLF BUSINESS? My freshmen year of college I was two days into the worst summer job as a mail sorter at the USPS. My friend was working at Wabeek CC for the legendary Ken Debusscher and told me that someone was fired, and I should apply. Less than 24 hours later, I was a professional Flymo operator. WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE? I’ve been fortunate to have had some great Are you married, if so bosses over the last 35 years, but Ken Debusscher not only taught how long and what is your me it was acceptable to wake up early and work hard, but it was spouse’s name? ok to have fun while you’re doing it. He was a great grassfarmer, but we all know that is the easiest part of the job. He made Liz, 21 years an 18-year-old kid want to come to work and care about his Do you have any children? job. Also, we’ve talked about a humorous story from my career, but I yield my time to Mr. Debusscher. His tale of falling off the What are their names topdresser, getting trapped under the machine while it was still in and ages? gear, being dragged around the sand-covered green having his skin Luke 15, Noah 12 exfoliated is the best. Ken is retired now, but there’s no shortage of Wabeek alumni around the state. Please ask one us to tell you Where did you receive “the rest of the story”. your education? WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING SUPERINTENDENTS TODAY? Go Green, Go White The shortage of quality equipment technicians. A golf course ET needs to be mechanically talented, a team player, with good leadership skills. When I was a superintendent, my best teams had a great mechanic. When your shop has a good vibe, it is reflected across the entire operation. It is a promising step that our industry is committed to promoting being a golf course equipment technician as a career path by providing training, better working conditions, and fair compensation to encourage the next generation to consider the profession. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? I can answer that by saying that MIGCSA has exceeded all my expectations. I’ve been a member of multiple superintendent and club manager organizations during my career. MIGCSA does an incredible job with limited resources. Adam along with all the people in our industry who donate their time deserve much credit. As a failed board member, I understand how their time spent volunteering takes away from the job and the family. Course Conditions | issue #50 - QI 2021 39 WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT DEALING WITH A CUSTOMER? About 15 years ago, a large group of members organized a family camping night on the lakeside at Battle Creek Country Club. I was part of a big effort by the staff to make sure everything was perfect, and it truly was a great evening and a perfect night for camping. Then about 3:00AM the clubhouse irrigation started and rotated through all the zones. I still get reminded at least 3-4 times a year. WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE TO DECISION MAKERS WHEN DOING BUSINESS? Remember it is a business and use concepts like “Return on Investment” (ROI) when making decisions or proposing capital investments. The unique part of our business is that ROI needs to be measured in both cash flow and customer satisfaction because anything that raises public opinion of your club, will ultimately lead to an increase in revenue. As a country club general manager, I learned the lesson that playing conditions affect wedding venue decisions. Internally we may not see the connection, but the father of the bride remembers playing a quality golf course and trusts the club to deliver the same for his daughter’s big event. ^3 WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING IN AN INDUSTRY SUPPORT ROLE? Problem solving. Being a golf course superintendent is a stressful profession. My goal is to reduce that stress. It might be a small repair item or introducing someone to an irrigation consultant that develops into a large capital project; either way there is a sense of satisfaction. WHAT IS YOUR BEST SUCCESS STORY? I was part of a team that worked for twenty years to restore Battle Creek Country Club to reflect its history as an original Willie Park Jr. parkland course. Golf Course Architect Bruce Hepner provided the vision and kept two decades of greens committees and board members focused on the goal. The goal of restoring greens and fairways to their original dimensions; reestablishing approach angles and hole locations. In addition, over 2000 pine and spruce trees were removed, bunkers were rebuilt, added or eliminated, and the membership was educated on the idea that “brown doesn’t mean dead”. Current superintendent, Marc Chappell, is still working with Bruce to ensure that next generation of club leaders understands the vision established by the previous committees and boards. If you’re a fan of golf course architecture, Battle Creek CC is worth the visit. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR POSITION? Without a doubt, the opportunity to see how some talented superintendents do their job. Many days I’ll be driving home from an appointment wishing it was possible to travel back in time and share an idea or a concept with a “35-year-old me”. WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE LESS SEASONED TRAVELER? Even when traveling on business, take a moment to Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org INDUSTRY PROFILE research an area before visiting and spend some time WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PROFESSION YOU experiencing something unique to the local area. I ARE IN? I’ve been told if you’re 50 years old and traveled with my mountain bike a few times last year and someone offers you a job that challenges you, found some climbs that were a little bit more serious than you should take it. my local trails. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM TO SELL/DEMO? WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR SPECIAL INTERESTS? In Again, the Rain Bird IC System. Superintendents the last ten years I’ve developed a passion for mountain that have invested the time to learn about the biking, snowboarding, and bourbon. The best part is technology, come away as fans. It is truly unique. being a novice in these areas and having the opportunity to learn more when I meet someone who shares an y HOW LARGE IS YOUR TERRITORY? Michigan, interest in one of the three. Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky... but I’m a member of a great team. HOW MANY MILES DO YOU DRIVE IN A TYPICAL YEAR? 20,000 miles. ipf WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE TO PLAY? Battle Creek Country Club. It is a special WHO HAS THE NICEST SHOP THAT YOU CALL ON place to me. A great course to walk by yourself, AND WHY? Walnut Creek Country Club starring Hector play with friends, or work at for twenty years. It Velazquez. Personality matters! is even better now that they have Marc and Doc; playing conditions now equal the architecture. WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE VERY BEST PRODUCT YOU OFFER AND WHY? The Rain Bird IC WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLFER AND WHY? System is something completely unique in our industry. No brainer, it is Phil. I’m left-handed. It is the most sophisticated, yet simplistic irrigation control system in the market. The technology has been W) DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME AND IS THERE A around for a decade, yet superintendents are still finding STORY BEHIND IT? I’ve been called Reb since ways to expand the technology. I’m working with a club elementary school. People attended my wedding in Cincinnati to integrate the IC System to control the who didn’t know my first name was Steve. platform tennis court heaters from their mobile devices instead of having to be on property. Course Conditions i issue #50 - Qi 2021 41 ^^HOW MANY ROUNDS OF GOLF DO YOU PLAY A HAVE YOU EVER HAD A HOLE IN ONE? Three. YEAR? Less than 10. Not working at a golf course has had a negative effect on my golf game in both IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY TIME IN GOLF quantity and quality of my game. WHEN WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I’m a fan of now. FjS WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST EDUCATIONAL I prefer old-school golf course architecture, but golf is in a good spot now. I appreciate how these older OPPORTUNITY/CONFERENCE THAT TURF CARE courses are being restored, new designs are better PROFESSIONALS CAN ATTEND? GIS is special. Not than those of 30 years ago, playing conditions are only is the education top-notch, the opportunity superb, and golf just is better with 460cc driver and to network with people in different regions of the a bluetooth speaker. country is very valuable. It’s always good to get out of your “bubble”. WHO HAS THE BEST MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT PH HOW DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY WILL BE DOG? WHAT IS ITS NAME? Unfortunately, this needs to be awarded posthumously, but the greatest DIFFERENT IN 10 YEARS? I don’t know, but hopefully golf course dog ever was Magic. Magic’s home it includes accessible and affordable public golf. I grew course was Gull Lake CC, but he came to visit Battle up playing a golf course that cost $50 a year for a Creek CC one afternoon and eliminated twenty junior membership. Yes, it was a mowed swamp, but Canadian Geese in about 90 seconds. The athleticism we didn’t know any better. was incredible. The event served as a good deterrent as we didn’t see a goose for a couple of years. Memorial Trees are my least favorite thing on a golf course, but Magic got a memorial tree when his life ended way too soon. HOW MANY CONFERENCES/EDUCATIONAL EVENTS DO YOU ATTEND PER YEAR? Unfortunately, zero in 2020. These events are a great opportunity to connect with superintendents. Ironically, as a superintendent I failed to take full advantage of these events. 3 Z TT77ZZL tfi* tlnmu 42 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org ARE THERE ANY NEW PRODUCTS ON THE HORIZON? Rain Bird is THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME developing new software. I’ve only seen a little and can’t wait to learn more about it. Because Rain 1. Chased my current boss out of my office the first time we met when I was Bird takes great pride a new superintendent and he was my Lesco sales representative. in making sure their products are “backwards- 2. Tom Ford, former Head Athletic Trainer at Oakland University, is a friend compatible”, it is a who has battled ALS for the last 5+ years. His courage and positive challenge to make sure attitude is beyond my comprehension. “Every Second Counts”. current satellite, decoder, 3. Birdied the 18th at St. Andrews and received an incredible round of and IC systems can eventually operate on this applause from the surrounding crowd of tourists. new platform. 4. I knew Adam Ikamas when he was a golf course superintendent. 5. Two years ago I had never heard of the Rain Bird IC System, but it has been love ever since. IT'S TIME FOR AERIFICATION Myco-Replenish 3-3-3 and Renovate Plus help build Quick Recovery Deep Root Establishment Improves Soil Drainage Helps to Reduce Salt Damage \ilil Remineralizes Soils Soil Conditioner Recovery Product Earthworks I instruction Amendment CARBON BASED FERTILIZER WITH MYCORRHIZA HAVE SOIL CONTACT Prilled Chad Kuzawa Earthworks^ Upper-Midwest Regional Agronomist chad@soilfirst.com- 616.255.2818 A Deeper Respect www.earthworksturf.com • 800.732.TURF Course Conditions I issue #50 - Qi 2021 A HALO OF PROTECTION Better uptake for peace of mind DISEASE CONTROL Brovin patch Fairy ring Summer patch Smore RAPID MOBILITY Xylem and translaminar movement PLANT Rain fas tin HEALTH Root mass Root length 15 minutes Consistent chlorophyll production Fame® SC fungicide delivers excellent results on Brown Patch, Fairy Ring, and Pythium Root Dysfunction with unmatched plant health benefits. Its unique chemical structure provides a'halo of protection'for your turf. This means quicker uptake, even distribution, and 15-minute rainfastness. All these features make Fame® SC fungicide a standout solution among strobilurin fungicides. TFame SC Fungicide Learn more about Fame® SC fungicide from your local FMC market specialist or visit fmcprosolutions.com Always read and follow all label directions, restrictions and precautions for use. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states. FMC, FMC logo and Fame are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. ©2019 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. OFF COURSE hat are the connections between a golf to consider another path of employment - one that W course superintendent, sales representative could extend the duration of my working life and still and consultant, and a varsity high school golf allow me to maintain my lifelong passion for the game of golf. The sales and consultant career would also coach? For me, it is the love of the game, the ability to work outside in God’s creation, and passing lessons allow me to stay in the turf industry and work with learned to the next generation. many existing friends and contacts. It permitted me to work outside and provide service to my peers, which I Sometimes it takes a major disruption or loss in our enjoyed as a golf course superintendent and also now life to consider connections, a new path, or set new as a sales representative and consultant. goals. How does one transfer the experience and skills learned in their career into new areas where they While I was going through this career transition, an can be useful? It is a challenge faced by many golf opportunity arose to coach the golf team at the school course superintendents and one that I confronted in my kids attended. I previously taught golf to a PE class 1996. Fortunately, two of my close friends and mentors in the early 1980s, was involved on the school board offered sound counsel as I considered which career and athletic committee, and helped plan and supervise path to choose. the renovation of the athletic fields, which made this job a perfect fit. As I taught the PE class, I enlisted the After many meetings with them and discussions about aid of the assistant PGA pro at Knollwood Country Club my options, I concluded that it was the right time to help make the students aware of summer jobs Course Conditions I issue #50 - Qi 2021 45 OFF COURSE available in the golf industry such as caddying or as school. Most of these former players have families now course maintenance employees. Needless to say, when and careers in many different areas. I still see many of the Varsity Boys Golf Coach position was available, I them at the annual golf fundraiser for the school and immediately applied and was hired. maintain contact via text message or the occasional phone call. I am happy to say that nearly all of the This role allowed the use of my skills, experience, and golfers I coached still play the game. love of the game to encourage new golfers and to help grow the game of golf. It permitted me to be involved Being a golf club superintendent is more than a job it in the lives of our youth and pass on lessons learned. is a passion. Most superintendents develop a variety of My career as a high school golf coach ended in 2016 skills and experience that are successfully applied to as the school’s population and students’ interest in the other professional opportunities, such as agronomists, sport of golf dwindled. The school has not offered golf sales representatives, facility managers, property as a sport since that time. managers, or any number of professions which utilize your history or talents. At the same time one may find As I look back on what was accomplished in 20 opportunities to share their passion for golf with future seasons, I have many great memories of these young generations through golf coaching or mentorship. If students). During my coaching career, a handful of one considers changing career paths, there are many players earned college golf scholarships and two of ways to reach those goals. Look for roles that will bring them are still working as PGA Assistant Pros. One fulfillment, fit skills and experience, and afford the former student completed undergraduate studies as necessary income required. an Evans Scholar at MSU and just entered medical FORTIFY Grow stronger, more resilient turf with Orbix®, a next-generation foliar nutritional. Orbix strengthens plants by activating turf's natural defenses to chemical, biological and environmental stresses. Enhanced YOUR FOUNDATION. with ENC® Formulation Technology, it provides critical nutrition with more efficient uptake and utilization. Fortify your foundation, and UNLEASH unleash your turf's potential with Orbix. To achieve the quality you desire, contact your local Helena THE POTENTIAL. representative or visit HelenaProfessional.com. Adam Palmatier Michael Leach (616)340-9557 (517)257-9263 PalmatierA@helenaagri.com LeachM@helenaagri.com o ORBIX. WITH ENC | . FORMULATION TECHNOLOGY Nutritional HELENA AQRI-ENTERPRISES, LLC Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states and counties. Please check with your Helena representative to ensure registration status.Helena, ENC and Orbix are registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company. © 2021 Helena Holding Company. HPG0221P 46 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Two Michigan Locations Alto, Ml Brighton, Ml 6445 Alden Nash Ave. Phone: 7060 Kensington Road, SE, Alto, Ml 49302 616-868-6747 Brighton, Ml 48116 Ml Sales Manager: ■MDAKOTAHH Eric Cowan Peat & Equipment AgriMetal Cell: 248-798-1048 Email: ecowan@jwturf.com BERNHARD grinders Golf & Sports Turf Rollers $$ Wiedenmann GreennG room er Account Managers: STIHL Rusty Willard: 616-485-2545 E: rwillard@jwturf.com Hffiunin?? [STEINER] Golf-Lift. Scott Wilkinson: 734-649-0048 E: swilkinson@jwturf.com Rob Traver: 248-820-7869 E: rtraver@jwturf.com Smithco Phil Gutowski: 989-402-7504 E: pgutowski@jwturf.com B>un|ki££ www.jwturf.com RYAN SMtAYIMO DEVICES INC. Follow us on D* Course Conditions | issue #50 - Qi 2021 THANK YOU TO MiGCSA’S 2021 INDUSTRY PARTNERS SUPPORT THE COMPANIES THAT SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION □-BASF Michigan Chapter fJsGCSAA Platinum Partner Spartan M We create chemistry x Distributors syngenta SiteOne --------------------------------- Golf Michigan Chapter ^GCSAA Gold Partner ® VEHICLE SYSTEMS I ! Harrell’s twturf John Deere GOLF TARGET | k Nufarm stanoaho iPf specialty products ■ w.■ ■ ■ ■ r"nt r_________ UUJL^r® COMflA^y^ EMPLOYEE OWH.ED Michigan Chapter ^GCSAA Silver Pariner Advanced. Earthworks^ ^F|U|£ TURF SOLUTIONS A Deeper Respect pui / GORCIOri GcoRponation WinField || SHORE LINE~|| GUL HELENA GREAT LAKESTURF Science Based, Performance Driven Michigan Chapter ^gcsaa Healthy Turf .^Porous Pave Bronze Partner A Textron Company Plus Sand PRIME SOURCE Guard 4®^ turfventures Sediment Removal System Timberwolf Turf ’ Pond & Lake Restoration Servicing the USA Please Support Those Who Support You FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE INDUSTRY PARTNER PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT THE MIGCSA AT INFO@MIGCSA.ORG OR (616) 834-0450 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org CAN WE IMPROVE Dale R. Sanson, Ph.D., MBA ON #1? Director, Formulation Development and Compliance Chemistry PBI-Gordon Corporation Vi. Dale ADltAF HERBICIDE FOR TURF Provides Rapid and Effective Weed Control in Turfgrass Including Goosegrass*, Nimblewill*. White Clover, Dandelion, Ground Ivy, and Spurge KEEP OUT Or REACH CAUTIO ■II WE CAN. AND WE DID. At PBI-Gordon, we never stop innovating. So when original SpeedZone® became the #1 speed herbicide in the industry, we went to work. The result is SpeedZone® EW Broadleaf Herbicide for Turf. The advanced emulsion-in-water formulation of SpeedZone EW delivers a smaller particle size than an EC formulation. The smaller droplets deliver more of the active ingredients to the leaf surface, which leads to more complete coverage of the weed surface and improved efficacy. SpeedZone EW delivers: Lower odor profile and lower Volatile Organic Content than EC formulations Control of 90+ broadleaf weeds including clover, dandelions, and ground ivy Fast, post-emergent control of goosegrass and nimblewill For more information contact Don Botkin, dbotkin@pbigordon.com. pbi /csoRdon PBIGordonTurf.com A coRpoRation Always read and follow label directions. Checkered Flag®, and SpeedZone® is a registered trademark of PBI-Gordon Corporation. 01/20 06062 Employee-Owned ASSOCIATION UPDATE shootout, all ten teams will play hole #1 and we will eliminate one team per hole based on Happy the best handicapped score. The team still standing on hole #9 will be the 2021 Tuck Tate Shootout Champions and gain entry NEW into the MI-OH Matches. This should be the start of another great tradition up north near the end of the season. The golf event season YEAR will wrap up in style with the Western Golf Day at Spring Lake and the Big Event at Orchard Lake. The end of year holiday parties and into the conference season with the t is great to be looking at our event schedule for 2021 this spring and Michigan Turf Conference and Golf Industry I not dealing with the legalities of raking bunkers. To be answering Show. After that the return of the Spring questions on when the Northern Fundraiser at Arcadia Bluffs will Meeting, the best 24 hours in turf at Boyne be (always the first Monday in June by the way) and not if you need Mountain March 2 & 3. We are also looking special permission to drive to work in case you get pulled over for being into some regional lunch meetings in season out of the house. It is so nice to be preparing for the onslaught of new to thank our Industry Partners and provide golfers to courses instead of trying to figure out how much damage the an opportunity to connect with your fellow pandemic is going to cause our members and our industry. I know we are members locally and in person to discuss the not out of the woods globally on COVID-19 but one year later we know current season. so much more than we did in March of 2020, and for that I am grateful. In this issue you will find the 2021 calendar of events, as we always warn The MiGCSA Board has been diligently this information is only as good as the day it is printed, keep an eye on working on these opportunities for all their your email and migcsa.org for all the most current information. fellow members, please remember that this I would like to touch on a few of the highlights for 2021. First off, we is your association, and the possibilities are return to Arcadia Bluffs after a one-year hiatus due to COVID uncertainty almost endless of what we can accomplish. on June 6th and 7th. The optional South Course round on June 6th If you see a deficiency in the calendar or is a great tee time afternoon event followed by one of the largest would like to add something to it all you chapter golf fundraisers in the country at The Bluffs course the next need to do is reach out to your local board day. Historically we see well over 200 attendees at this flagship event member representative and offer it up. This and expect a blowout in 2021 so make sure you get registered with chapter was made by you and for you, it is your favorite Industry Partner who will get early registrations based on not a corporation that tells you what you can their partnership level. General registration will open May 10th. The 2021 do, it is the other way around. You hold the State Championship returns to The Emerald in St. Johns in August, the power as a member to present opportunities winner will again gain entry into the 2022 Michigan Open thanks to our to your fellow members and that process has friends at the Michigan Section PGA and will also gain entry into the never been easier. So, make sure you come all-new MI-OH Matches at Sylvania Country Club in Ohio on October out to an event this year, or help produce 19th. This new match play event with a team of 8 from Michigan playing your own. I am also always available directly a team of 8 from Ohio should be a great new tradition with the Ohio via email or my cell phone 231-714-7365.1 Superintendent Network. The rest of the team will be made up of the love hearing from the membership, and I am winners of the 2021 Match Play Championship and the winners of the here to help. Have a great season and enjoy consolation bracket, the winner of the Assistants Championship and the the time outdoors working in a safe and two-person team who wins the all-new Tuck Tate shootout. The format booming industry! for the annual Northern Championship is changing from an individual event to a team event. On September 2nd we will have an 18-hole event on the Tradition course where teams of two will play in a best ball handicapped format to try to make it into the Tuck Tate shootout. The Adam Ikamas, CGCS top ten scoring teams will head over to the par 3 Threetops course for a MiGCSA Executive Director 50 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org □-BASF We create chemistry IN THESE HARD TIMES, »»» Our turf management solutions bring peace of mind to the grind of course management. We make controlling disease a breeze with the #1 DMI in golf that powers Maxtima® fungicide and Navicon® Intrinsic® brand fungicide. Spray on any turf, in any temperature, anywhere on your grounds. It’s one less thing to worry about during your high-demand season. Ready to #TryEasier? Contact your BASF representative Matt Weber at matthew.weber@basf.com or 614-512-0718, or visit betterturf.basf.us to learn more. Maxtima Always read and follow label directions. Fungicide Intrinsic, Maxtima, and Navicon are registered trademarks of BASF. © 2021 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. Navicon' Products not registered in all states. Please check Intrinsic Brand Fungicide with your state or local Extension Service. PRESORTED Michigan Chapter STANDARD l^GCSAA Golf Course Superintendents Association of America U.S. POSTAGE PAID LANSING, Ml 316 GLENCARIN DR. NE | ROCKFORD, Ml 49341 PERMIT NO.689 ****-**************y^|j-j-Q**2 diqiy 488 PETE COOKINGHAM PROJECT DIRECTOR MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 324 E RIVERSIDE ST WILLIAMSTON Ml 48895-1145 5' Spartan FS Distributors TORO The patented INFINITY™ Series sprinklers are designed to save you time and money. Whether you choose a Toro Satellite or 2-wire control system the patented SMART ACCESS™ design enables you to add new technology for decades to come. You won't need to invest in new sprinklers as technology advances. The INFINITY Series is built for flexible expansion, not replacement, to keep your course looking its best and your golfers playing. INFINITY™ Series with SMART ACCESS™ Sporton & Toro— Partners for all your underground irrigation needs West Michigan www.spartandistributors.com East Michigan 487 West Division St 1050 N Opdyke Rd 1-800-822-2216 Sparta, Ml 49345 Auburn Hills, Ml 48326