Michigan Chapter GCSAA Golf Course Superintendents Association of America I COURSE ■ssue »5i-a2 2021 Conditions Quarterly Publication of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association FEATURE SUPERINTENDENT MiGCSA President Doug Ware City of Livonia La INSIDE THIS ISSUE: FEATURE: Plan, Recruit and Hire: Staffing Strategies that Work Industry Partner Profile: Rick Baker, Baker Vehicle Systems Assistant Superintendent Profile: Nick Young, Birmingham Country Club PUR Spartan Distributors TORO Michigan Chapter MsGCSAA ~ Goll Courv. Su|»r>nten Flat or Uplift LazerBladez™ > Sealed Spindles > LocTEK Stubless Roller > QuikLIFT Retention System > Articulation Ability R > 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 I Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org President’s PERSPECTIVE ot sure how this spring has been for everyone, but here in the City of Livonia we hit the ground running when we opened our courses on March 9th. The golf boom we saw throughout 2020 has not gone anywhere and does not show signs of slowing down anytime soon. In normal seasons the pro shop is always hoping it will only rain overnight, now they pray for one day of rain to get a bit of a break. As of the time I am writing this our 3 Livonia courses have already had over 34,000 rounds. That is over double the rounds we had at this time in 2020 and we still set records last season. I am certainly not going to complain about the popularity of golf being on the rise again, but with this amount of play so early in the year it does come at a price. The amount of divot and ball marks have been staggering. I am sure most courses will be struggling with catching up on divot repair this season, especially on the par 3 tees. Cart traffic is also at an all-time high. With this early season quite a few wear patterns have formed much earlier in the season than ever before. But we all know this is what we are all great at. Adapting to the ever-changing conditions that mother nature and this game of golf can throw at us. I do also, hope this rise in play helps us all out in the long run. The last big boom of golf helped bring a nice influx of people into our industry and we are all in need of that again. Most superintendents I've talked with say that staffing has been at the top of the list of their challenges. Especially, finding educated people to fill our management and specialized positions. I am fortunate to have a 17-year-old son with friends who have all really picked up the game a golf in the last couple of years. So, working on the crew allows them access to free golf. With that perk they do not mind that I cannot pay them top end wages. The unfortunate thing is I must wait until school is out for the summer to get anything other than the day to day accomplished. I cannot go any further without thanking our immediate Past President Rob Steger and our Executive Director Adam Ikamas for their outstanding work last year. The amount of time and effort they put in to keep us all informed of the daily changes and executive orders was above and beyond. They along with the rest of the Michigan Golf Alliance did an outstanding job of lobbying for our profession. Now, with 2021 in full swing and things finally working their way back to being "normal" it is nice to have the MiGCSA calendar packed with great events this year. From Arcadia Bluffs and Orchard Lake CC to Treetops Resort and a tour of the amazing renovation of Oakland Hills South Course. There A Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 5 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE is something for everyone to enjoy. I encourage you all to get out to and attend at least one. They are always a terrific time and a wonderful opportunity to network with our peers. I want to leave you with this. I am humbled and proud to have been elected as the president of MiGCSA. When I started out as a 23-year-old superintendent at my hometown municipal course I would never even imagined this being a possibility. But once I settled in, I realized I wanted to get involved. I began making choices and meeting people that helped me in my quest to get engaged. I went to every meeting or event I could. I became less afraid of putting myself out there. Once you do that it does not matter what type of course of you work at or what school you attended. If you get yourself involved, you will not be turned away. During my time on the board, I have met a lot of great people and have learned a ton of new things. It is easily one of the best decisions I've ever made in my professional career. Sincerely, Douglas Ware GCS City of Livonia MiGCSA President By adding the proven performance in customer service, support WE’VE JOINED and supply logistics of Prime Source to the global sourcing and manufacturing expertise of Albaugh, we can provide you with FORCES. access to new, unique chemistries as they are developed, as well as a ready supply of all the most reliable post-patent products. Get the support, service and materials you need to do the job right, every time. THE SOURCE Because if it matters to you, it matters to us. MATTERS HERE’S WHY •ft. PRIME SOURCE THAT MATTERS. A DIVISION OF ALBAUGH, LLC For more information, contact your local Prime Source distributor or visit www.thesourcematters.us. ©2021 Albaugh, LLC. Your Alternative and Prime Source are trademarks and Albaugh is a registered trademark of Albaugh, LLC. Always read and follow label directions for use. www.migcsa.org BIOLOGICAL SOIL MANAGEMENT It's rumored there were once earthworm castings on this fairway. Golf Superintendents who add Sea 3 to spray applications. So much so, that we're in their spray tanks see some major benefits: the process of conducting university trials to Lower stress levels, greater thatch reduction, verify the reports. easier water management and firmer playing Sea 3 couldn't be easier to use. Just add conditions. But what they don't see is even a gallon per acre to your spray tank and more remarkable: Worm castings on their see how much easier life can be. Then ask fairways where they used to appear. your sales rep about what they hear from More and more. Sea 3 users report that above­ superintendents across the country about not ground worm activity in the Spring and Fall having to deal with worm castings on their seasons has abated since adding Sea 3 to their fairways when they use Sea 3. Earthworks A Deeper Respect ©2019 Earthworks Turf | earthworksturf.com | 800-732-8873 Chad Kuzawa Upper-Midwest Regional Agronomist chad@soilfirst.com • 616.255.2818 www.earthworksturf.com • 800.732.TURF Plan, Recruit and Hire: Staffing Strategies that Work BY MICHAEL MORRIS, CGCS Superintendent, Crystal Downs Country Club olf course managers must be equipped to adapt Intentional Staff Planning to an ever-changing economic environment that You are a master at planning fertilizer and pesticide results from commodity pricing, inflation, high programs, aeration programs and construction projects. interest rates, market booms or busts. Currently, the The same mastery needs to be true when it comes to golf industry is facing a labor crunch created by the securing your most important asset—your staff—even if high demand of play (which is good) and a low supply “they” never taught you this in “turf school.” of workers (which is bad). Even with relatively high unemployment rates, golf facilities are challenged to Writing out the resources you currently have and listing recruit, hire, and deploy good workers. the resources you need is a good starting point for generating a plan to hire the right people. The following Some of you might enjoy the intellectual exercise of questions should help. analyzing this economic situation, or complaining about it with colleagues over a beverage, or blaming it on What is the labor structure and budget at your facility? “kids these days....” I would suggest that such exercises This is very basic. Your budget sets a monetary are fruitless. As managers we are tasked to provide the framework, but within that framework you have a desired playing conditions expected by our clientele, and whole palette of options for management. Headcount, more than anything else this task requires hiring the right positions, and hours are variables you can manipulate. An people to make that happen. excellent manager will look for opportunities to exploit each of these variables. Perhaps there is an opportunity I was very fortunate to be working with a human to retain only the best performers as full-time staff and resource expert at our facility in 2017 when the labor to get more part time staff on board. Or maybe, in your crunch began to hit. Our labor challenges were not just market, people really want full time positions—it might about finding good green and grounds staff, our food be possible to cut your total headcount to get the right and beverage department and golf shop were searching full timer, like a skilled technician, on board. Consider for good people too. With the guidance of our in-house these needs for daily, weekly, and monthly schedules. specialist, we formulated a plan specific to our needs Small changes in these numbers an translate into big for recruiting, hiring, and deploying a full roster of changes in productivity. enthusiastic workers who would buy into the services and culture we offer our clientele. What is the labor market in your area? For any open position, there will be competition from other facilities With the realization that all operations and facilities for the best people. Determine the going pay rates for are different, below I share some of the strategies and the positions you intend to fill. You will have to be at, methods we used for hiring a great staff. Do not let or slightly above, the average rate of pay to attract excuse of insufficient resources become a non-starter good candidates. In 2017, we found that our wages and for you. Managing turf requires time and commitment, salaries were not competitive. Knowing that we needed and so does hiring an excellent team to care for the golf to be competitive, we adjusted everyone’s wages as course. Agronomics and project management might be well as the starting wages many positions. We did this second nature to golf course managers, whereas human over a two-year period to spread out the impact of the resources management may not as intuitive. If you put sudden increase in labor costs. These adjustments not your mind to it, though, learning a few of these practices only improved our recruitment, but they also improved can pay-off big time. our employee retention. Of course, this sort of decision Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Staffing is critical for all departments at your facility. A key objective is finding This new staffer likes his job—not enthusiastic people who create the culture and provide the service your clientele just because he works outdoors— expects. but because he made an extra $600 by referring two of his friends for work at our facility. must be made by the owner of a facility, but this very insights about why people like working at your facility, important adjustment may never happen if you do why your employees chose to work with you, how not bring the necessary information to the owner’s your facility draws people to work with you, and how attention. people find out about working with you. What you discover in these conversations will be the keys to Do you have clear position descriptions? A new recruiting more good people. Use your strengths—it is employee will show up with many expectations the culture of your unique operation that attracts the and questions. You will send a clear message for very best people. your expectations if you have detailed position descriptions. You also will save precious time by How are you recruiting new employees? There are deselecting unqualified candidates. Taking the time to many options to choose. You might use a broad net, outline the responsibilities, qualifications and abilities like association advertising and internet sites. You for each position also will help you accurately assess might use a more direct route through your personal the candidate. Knowing this information on the front or professional network. In the focus groups we end of your recruiting and hiring process, as tedious conducted, we discovered that our best employees as it may be, will pay off by finding the right fit for the were referred by existing employees, and this open position. continues to be a key source of candidates for us. Discover what works best at your facility and put it What defines the best employees at your facility? into action. Be creative. Start a conversation with a You will want to hire a person that works the way lawncare worker or service person that you encounter you do and that delivers the service that your by chance, and that demonstrates qualities you desire clientele expects. The best way to objectify this on your team. Who knows? Maybe that person is critical component is to talk to your current staff ready for a new job at the golf course. by using formal focus groups or simple one-on- one conversations. You will be able to gain valuable Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 Strategic Recruiting For example, developing a good relationship with educational institutions and offering housing makes it possible to retain Once you have a plan and objectives in place interns and summer help. Actively going to and searching for the for your staffing needs, you are ready to people you want is always better than waiting or hoping for them recruit. In a tight labor market, you will not to come to you. Talk to your best staff and discover an approach have many good candidates walking in the in your community that works best for your operation and your door looking for jobs. And the people who people. show up at the door will not likely be the person that fits your budget or specific job Other active recruiting strategies include print and digital needs. You want to get the best person for information. When reaching out to candidates it might be helpful the job—the right fit for the task, for your to hand them a simple brochure that highlights the great work culture, and for your operation. environment at your facility—something that piques their interest. Also, it is helpful to have digital information available on social Once you have defined specific needs for media and websites. We post a video that includes on-the-job your staff, you can select people who meet interviews with existing employees talking about their work those needs. Many disgruntled employees experience. Do not assume that new candidates know what and employers are a product of their own working at your facility is all about. Show them as much as you making. They have put a hands-on technician can and leave them with the impression that it would be “very in a personnel management role; they have cool” to work at your place. put an equipment operator on the end of a push mower or trimmer; or they expect Hiring and On-Boarding a Generation Z employee to work more than 20-40 hours per week. When you are The last step in this process is hiring and on-boarding. Do not recruiting, you are looking for the right person take this step for granted—make it official. Complete the process and the right fit. Get to know your candidate with all the required paperwork and orientation. By doing this and set up everyone for success. This will well, you show your new employee the facility’s commitment to not only improve staff harmony, but also his or her success and safety. For many new hires, stepping into workforce efficiency. a new role with a new set of responsibilities can be daunting. You might consider this as an opportunity to make the new employee Recruiting requires action. If people are not coming to you, you need to go to the people. Recruiting is targeted. As I mentioned, we found that our best employees came from existing employee referrals. With this discovery, we decided to train existing employees in simple recruiting conversations and to incentivize successful recruitment with a monetary bonus. The training involved simple role playing with conversation starters like, “Have you ever considered working at...,” or “You have a great way with people, the course where I work is looking....” If an existing employee refers a candidate that proves to be good hire, the employee making the referral receives a bonus. In our focus groups, we discovered other How will you optimize your staff and budget? Hire four part- ways that people found their way to our staff. timers? Hire an assistant, an irrigation technician, a spray technician, and an intern? Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org feel comfortable, to address any unanswered questions, Key Takeaways and to provide support and resources for questions and Every facility has differing resources and needs, so it is training that will eventually arise. important that you clearly define an effective approach The required paperwork is truly a legal matter. Facilities to staffing—especially in a challenging labor market. must meet federal and state standards for everything Cookie-cutter approaches like placing advertisements from work permits to 1-9 forms, and W-2’s to direct and hoping for the best, are not recipes for good results. deposit. It is very helpful for the candidate, if you inform Be creative with your staffing plan—try new ways to them about the required identification and documents structure time and resources. Plan well. Be intentional they must complete before they can begin working. and active in your recruiting. Send a message to your This pre-notification will prevent any delay in hiring and new hires that they are expertly chosen, valued, and are any need to interrupt work due to follow-up meetings part of a successful and professional operation. required to secure all documents. Finally, I must give credit to our Human Resources A good Human Resources Administrator can assist with Administrator Mackenzie Wilkins, and our Personnel the required paperwork, with generating consistent job Chair Sandra O’Neal for their guidance and support in descriptions across departments, and with recruiting. everything I have presented here. Not only did they Depending on the size of your operation, this may not bring new expertise and insights, but they also truly be an option. However, the more you can do to facilitate helped us secure a top-notch staff. hiring and transitioning a new person into your staff, the more successful your staffing and workforce will be. GOLF COURSES GREENS HEALTHY TURF FAIRWAYS ROUGHS TEES PLUS ATHLETIC FIELDS 35 years of experience, quality SOCCER workmanship & customer satisfaction BASEB ALL/SOFTBALL FOOTBALL Michigan Chapter MrGCSAA Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Bronze Partner Contact: Mike Wilczynski 419-356-6717 jwilczynski.htp@earthlink.net 1 Course Conditions | issue #51 - Q2 2021 11 Is Your Fairway Up for a Challenge? Discover Dollar Spot Control in 21 Days Order a sample today and take the 21-day challenge at www.rayora21daychallenge.com RayoraFungicide redefines what it means to be strong and safe on turf — for longer. Powered by Flutriafol, Rayora is absorbed and translocated quicker than any active ingredient in its class, giving complete and proven dollar spot protection on fairways — for 21 days! Always read and follow all label directions, precautions, and restrictions for use. Rayora fungicide may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your local FMC representative or distributor for more details. FMC, the FMC logo, and Rayora are trademarks or service marks of FMC Corporation or •FMC djjGCSAA an affiliate. ©2021 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. ■■■■■■■■■I Retirement HALF CENTURY: Longtime Superintendent Dave Montgomery Retires BY GREG JOHNSON ave Montgomery golfed as a youngster, became a self-described pretty good golfer and worked on the grounds crew at what is now Heather Highlands Golf Course in Holly where he grew up. Then he served four years in the U.S. Air Force he helped in the building process for the Links of Novi working as a mechanic primarily on F-4 Phantom before taking the job with Farmington Hills. fighter jets. Along the way he attended Oakland Community “I got out of the service in 1970 and went back to College and studied landscaping. golf, the only thing I knew other than jets,” he said. “I was just always a superintendent, even before I took Montgomery, a Fenton resident who will be 73 a college class,” he said. “Everywhere I went, that’s in May, stayed in golf and is retiring from his what I did for almost 50 years even.” superintendent position for the City of Farmington, which owns Farmington Golf Club. He managed the Montgomery and his wife, Cynthia, have been married golf course, driving range and personnel for the 52 years, and their son Clay is continuing the family property for the last 16 years. legacy in golf course and turfgrass maintenance, and in working for a municipality. He is the superintendent for “I like throwing water,” he said describing his Stony Creek Metropark Golf Course in Shelby Township. favorite part of working on a golf course. “I told my son when he went to work at Stony Creek “I like working with irrigation as much as anything. that the job might not have the ooh and aah of a job at I like mowing greens and fairways, too, but I just Oakland Hills or some other big private club or a resort, like to watch that water fly early in the morning. but it can be a good, secure job and when you get It’s a beautiful time to be on a course and it’s just done you will have a pension, medical benefits, those something I always enjoyed doing.” things,” he said. “It can be worthwhile because you did Heather Highlands was called Holly Greens when he a good job for a long time.” worked there before and after his military service, He has experienced a lot of good in 50 years, and then he became the superintendent for the Montgomery said. City of Livonia maintaining three municipal golf courses for 15 years. Next came a seven-year stint “Working for cities for over 35 of those years, at Tanglewood Golf Course in South Lyon, and then I pretty much ran my own operation and did Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 what I wanted to do,” he said. “I managed different “I put in an application for part-time over at Warwick types of courses and always enjoyed working at a Hills and they are going to bring me on when they public place. I met some great people over my career. get going and need me a few days a week. I’ve At Farmington I had a lot of retirees that I worked never worked at a country club and they have a PGA with. They would work two or three days a week and tournament (The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren, we worked everybody in and out somehow. I have PGA Tour Champions). I think it’s going to be fun to to say, every time I changed jobs and now that I’m work a little there and see what that is all about.” retiring, the people who I have worked with made me a better person. I was always a better person when I Montgomery said it might be hard to switch to a life left than when I got there.” without a job to head to each morning. The hardest part of the job for Montgomery also “I was in a structured environment for a lot of involved people, as in having to discipline workers and years, plus I’m going to miss the people and the fire them. camaraderie,” he said. “That’s the thing I least enjoyed,” he said. “Dealing with people and the problems that came from that sometimes was difficult. It’s always hard to fire somebody and always hard to discipline somebody because they didn’t do the things they were supposed to do.” Non-retouchsd client photo - Greenjacket system coming off in the spring In addition to working with a myriad of people over the years, Montgomery has also had a front seat in adapting to technological advances in the turfgrass industry. “So many things have made the job easier, lightweight mowers, advances in irrigation systems, hey when I started we didn’t even have weed eaters,” he said. PROVEN BY 25+ YEARS OF “You used a rotary mower or hand clippers. I bought the first weed-eater Livonia ever had in 1975. That was SUPERINTENDENT SUCCESS. a big deal, an innovation that made things better.” • Patented IMPERMEABLE Reinforced Winter Cover Turf Protection System. He has lived some golf history, built what he calls a PERMEABLE Lace Coated Grow-In Covers increase library of books on turfgrass management, and can tell healthier turf growth. stories about taking golf lessons from Michigan Golf Hall of Famer Emerick Kocsis and meeting his brother Find out how the GreenJacket System the Michigan golf legend Chuck Kocsis. can make a difference for your golf course. ‘Tm ready to retire I think, but in saying that, I know I Call 888-786-2683 or Email info@greenjacket.com See Research at GreenJacket.com might find retirement a bit boring,” he said. 14 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org 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 Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 DOUG Ware BY GREG JOHNSON “He took the time to come in Ware said. “He shaped my career and meet me, introduced me and without a doubt. Tom Welsh took started me with attending meetings me in as a 22-year-old kid who was and getting to know everybody,” he really green when he started as a said. “I got involved doing things superintendent. He’s a nice guy and Doug Ware, the with the association and ended up made it easy to be here. He even current Michigan Golf being president.” helped me move into my first house Course Superintendents and has been a father-figure at Ware for 21 years has been the work.” Association (MiGCSA) Superintendent for the city of chapter president, said Livonia overseeing three golf Ware, who with his wife Missy has Steve Loveday, pulled courses - Fox Creek Golf Course, two busy soccer playing children him in. Whispering Willows Golf Course and (Brenden, 17, Kelsey, 15) feels well- Idyl Wyld. He considers Loveday prepared to serve as president in one of three people who have most 2021. influenced his career. The other two are Al Otto, his first boss when he “I want to help guide us into new was a seasonal employee on the things, but I also know we have grounds staff for the Livonia courses something really good and we don’t after graduating from high school, need to change a bunch of stuff. If and Tom Welsh, a golf professional anything we can expand on some with the city of Livonia. of our initiatives because we are healthy as an association and can “Al showed me how to run a greens maybe look to doing more. I don’t mower, change cups and got me feel we need to reinvent the wheel interested in this job and going on at all.” to Michigan State for turfgrass,” 16 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org Almost everything with Ware leads last 21 years there is a little more younger kids, so you have to work back to Livonia. His family moved freedom to manage family and around their schedules and it’s not to town when he was in the third work. I’m not here 80 hours a week easy keeping track of four or five grade from Illinois. He graduated like some supers you hear about. I part-time guys, staying organized from Livonia Stevenson High, went get to go with my family to soccer with the crew so we are staffed to work at Whispering Willows and games. I’m able to find a work-life correctly. It takes work to schedule worked there each summer through balance, have great benefits, 401K, so your crew can have lives and the four years he attended Western those things. It would be tough to at the same time get all the work Michigan University and earned a get me to walk away from this. In done around the courses.” parks and recreation degree. 10 years, I will retire if I’m ready, but maybe I will be working here for Over time the most valuable thing He did serve an internship during buddies. Hopefully I’m still working Ware has learned is patience and his MSU turfgrass studies at on a golf course.” being able to adapt to various Baltimore Country Club in Maryland situations. and worked for four months Ware calls being a superintendent a as an assistant at Blackheath different challenge each day, which “When you have a crew with a lot Golf Course in Rochester Hills is the part he likes best about the of young kids they make mistakes, before the opportunity to be the job. things break, and you have to learn superintendent in Livonia beckoned to roll with the punches,” he said. at age 22. “I don’t have to sit in cubicle staring “If you can’t do that you would at a computer, I get outside in the never survive in this job. It changes “I’m a Livonia guy,” he said. “This fresh air and this job changes every every day and always brings new is the town I grew up in and it has day,” he said. “The hardest part challenges.” been my hometown for a long time. about the job is crew management. Since I have worked for a city the We staff with a lot of part-time © I I ■■■■■■■ 1. I was the lead in my high school musical - THINGS South Pacific. PEOPLE 2. I have a twin-sister named Martha. MAY 3. I played trumpet in the marching band in high school (Livonia Stevenson) and for four NOT KNOW years at Western Michigan University (WMU). ABOUT ME 4. I was born in Moline, III. 5. I met my wife in my first of semester at WMU and we have been together ever since. T Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 17 1 DIGITAL TOOLS PUT YOU AHEAD OF PESTS Syngenta offers a variety of digital agronomic tools to help you identify target pests in your area and stay head of their development. 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SUPERINTENDENT He finds having assistant superintendents very “I was an assistant at Blackheath at important. the time and we had a really large rainstorm,” he said. “It’s a links style “They really have to be able to do 98 percent of my job,” he said. course and one of the drains plugged “They also need to know every aspect so they can move on and causing an eight-foot puddle. We become a super in the future, but on a day-to-day basis as busy as knew somewhere in the middle of I am with my family, it is important I’m comfortable leaving the golf the puddle the drain was plugged course in an assistant’s hands. Over the years I’ve tried to give my by something and it needed to be assistants a chance to lead and run new projects. Those are things moved. I dove in there, cleaned it off they are going to have to do eventually.” and popped out of there. Suddenly there was a big whirlpool and the With 54 holes of golf to oversee, Ware has one mechanic and some puddle went away.” older equipment. “Our mechanic (Keith Agee) is immeasurably important,” he said. “He makes sure we get through the days, weeks and months and he can make our lives a lot easier. His job is probably the hardest job in the company because the mechanic gets pulled in a bunch of different directions.” As for Ware’s job, and his role this year as president of MiGCSA, he plans to dive in and help out. He’s always been that way. 18 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org Bunker Sand Riviera Niblick Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 Michigan TURFGRASS A Message From FOUNDATION BY CAREY MITCHELSON, MTF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Education • Research • Extension New start Like so many others I look forward to getting this year started and putting 2020 into the books. Despite some lingering issues the early spring has brought new life to our industry and I believe we all have a better appreciation for the small things that make up our lives. As summer reveals long days - appreciating others often provides more good will than you realize and should not be taken for granted. Appreciating is a conversation I recently had with Dr. Rieke. I feel fortunate to talk to Dr. Rieke on many occasions and come away with some bit of wisdom each time. The discussions vary. MSU Basketball - one of his favorites, charity work he is involved with, family, the MTF and its updates...almost any item you are willing to share. Listening is an important part of conversations. Pretending to listen while waiting to insert our own special wisdom is not really listening. I am as guilty as much as anyone and often regret not taking the time to listen properly. But a conversation with Paul Rieke is different. He often quotes others.... and those worth quoting often say more with less. When discussing all the problems of the past year he quoted Mark Twain. It has certainly been difficult times. The seriousness of it real. But soon we will be moving forward and these tough times may feel like they never happened. During the conversation while catching up "I am an old man Paul asked permission to share something and known a great nice that happened to him. And it felt nice many troubles, but to have a pleasant dialogue. Not letting a chance for him to change his mind I most of them never quickly asked for details. He told me that happened.” - unknown to him - Dr. Tom Nikolai had - Mark Twain contacted the many Graduate Students, PhD’s, Masters candidates that have had the pleasure of learning, working or being a part of the Turf Program linked to Dr. Rieke. Via Zoom Dr. Tom Nikolai coordinated all these individuals to a rendition of “Happy Birthday” that according to Dr. Tom Nikolai - will not be forgotten. Dr. Rieke was certainly touched and it must have been a great moment. Paul did mention that Dr. Tom Nikolai turned out better than he thought possible. I think we all agree. 20 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org Remembering those who impacted us in our lives - Winter. Each edition will include research updates personally and professionally is important but often from the MSU Turf Team, current activities by the neglected. Everyday is busy and it can be hard MTF, information regarding events as well as new to find time. But a small kind word to your family, items of interest. We hope you enjoy our return to friends and staff at the right moment can make a the magazine issues and will be offering a digital difference. Those in leadership positions sometimes version for those who prefer that format. We look overlook how even the smallest compliment can make forward to presenting this to our membership and someone remember you as a person who cares. Try hope you enjoy the upcoming issue. it on for size, you’ll be pleasantly surprised - you’ll never know unless you try. New Record Our TT4Turf online auction of golf this year had “Whether you think you can or you tremendous response from both donors and bidders. This year’s version has exceeded our expectations think you can’t, you’re right.” and the results are credited to all of you who agreed - Henry Ford to participate and support the MSU Turf Program. Michigan can be counted on as one of most dedicated Each edition of Course Conditions the Board of group of superintendents to support Turf Research Directors of the MiGCSA allow the MTF to update and the MTF thanks all of you who took the time and items of interest and the Foundation appreciates the effort to support our Turf Team and Turf Program. consideration. My original draft discussed our issues TT4Turf Committee - Scott Rettmann and Eric Davey with Zoom calls, covid difficulties, and attempts being worked diligently and endlessly to recruit courses made to do the best with what we have. Perhaps the and their hard work paid off. This year’s event time has come to put those in the mirror and look exceeded expectations and we thank all courses who forward to what is to come. New boards bring a view participated. At the conclusion, the Auction had a of their own and the current board will be taking on total of 187 items to bid on. 309 Bidders registered. many items in the upcoming months and near future. Auction revenue at close was $45,616.00. Complete Here are a few: reconciliation has not yet been performed, but it will clearly be our most successful event. Our first New News TT4Turf auction was accomplished with the hard Our newly elected President - Curt Boak - has taken work of our MSU Turf Team in 2010. The Turf Team on reviving the communication tool used for so long coordinated this event during its infancy and we by our organization -The MTF News Notes magazine. greatly appreciate the ground work they laid for what Yes - News Notes will return and this version is has become an important part of our fundraising currently scheduled for twice a year. There will be efforts. Spring/Summer mailing and then again for Fall/ 1 Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 21 New Initiative At the May 3rd GAM Annual Meeting the MTF was able to introduce its Club Initiative 2021 TT4Turf Donors to support the MSU Turf Program. This initiative was scheduled to begin last year A-Ga-Ming and our catch phrase was to be 20 - 4 - Alpena Golf Club American Dunes Golf Club - Grand Haven, Michigan 2020. The concept being to have 20 Clubs Antrim Dells make individual donations to in the 2020 Apple Mountain Golf Course golf season. Covid restrictions prevented Arcadia Bluffs the GAM from hosting their Annual Meeting Atlas Valley Country Club and with so much uncertainty at the time Barton Hills Country Club the initiative was postponed until 2021. In Battle Creek Country Club the upcoming week clubs will be receiving Bay Pointe Golf Club a letter that is the combined effort of MTF, Beacon Hill Golf Course MSU and the GAM appealing to clubs to Bedford Valley Golf Club Bellaire Centenial Golf Club consider the importance of the MSU Turf Belvedere Golf Club Program. The MTF will update course Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club superintendents prior to the mailing to Blythefield Country Club make them aware of the club mailing and Boulder Creek Golf Club will answer any questions that may arise Boulder Pointe from our effort. Boyne Resorts Brookshire Inn & Golf Course New Day Bucks Run Golf Club Burning Tree Golf and Country Club Finally, our Annual LaFontaine Golf Calderone Golf Club gathering for Graduate Student Canadian Lakes Royal Golf Course Assistantships will be held on Wednesday Cascade Hills Country Club June 23 at the Coyote Preserve Golf Club Cattails Golf Course in Fenton, This event to support the Turf Chandler Park Golf Course Team Graduate Assistantships is typically Cherry Creek Golf Course been held on Thursday so please keep that City Of Livonia Golf Division, Fox Creek, Idyl Wyld, in mind when registering. Registration is Whispering Willows now open for both participants and those College Fields Golf Club Country Club of Jackson willing to support turf research via our Coyote Golf Club various sponsorship opportunities. The Coyote Preserve Golf Club 2021 version will have the same after golf Crystal Mountain - Betsie Valley Course gathering with words from our Turf Team Davison Country Club and mingling during appetizer’s. We look Dearborn Country Club forward to seeing many of you there and Detroit Golf Club hope that our new year can continue on its Dunham Hills Country Club upward swing. Dunmaglas Golf Course Eagle Eye Golf Course Edgewood Country Club Egypt Valley Country Club - Ridge Course Egypt Valley Country Club - Valley Course Farmington Hills Golf Club 22 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org Fellows Creek Manistee National Golf & Resort Fieldstone Golf Club Marquette Golf Club - Greywalls/Heritage Flint Elks Country Club Meadowbrook Country Club Flint Golf Club Midland Country Club Forest Akers West Golf Course Mystic Creek Forest Lake Country Club Northern Michigan University Golf Course Gaylord Golf Club Northville Hills Golf Club MGCA -Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf - EAST Oak Pointe Country Club - Championship & MGCA- Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf - NORTH Honors Courses MGCA- Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf - WEST Oakhurst Golf & Country Club Goodrich Country Club Oakland University Sharf Golf Course Grandview Golf Club Petoskey-Bay View Country Club Grayling Country Club Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club Great Oaks Country Club Pine Trace Golf Club Grosse lie Golf & Country Club Pineview Highlands Gull Lake View - EAST Plum Hollow Gull Lake View - WEST PohICat Golf Course Harbor Shores Resort - STAY & PLAY! Polo Fields Country Club - Ann Arbor Hawk Hollow Golf Course Prestwick Village Golf Club Hidden River Golf & Casting Club Rackham Golf Course Highland Meadows Golf Club - Sylvania, Ohio! Radrick Farms Golf Course Hilltop Golf Course Railside Golf Club Huntmore Golf Club Ravines Golf Club Huron Hills Golf Course Red Hawk Golf Club Indian Run Golf Club Red Run Golf Club Indian Trails Golf Course Rouge Park Golf Course Indianwood Golf & Country Club Saginaw Country Club Inkster Valley Salem Hills Golf Club Island Hills Golf Club Scenic Golf & Country Club John Harvey - Course Review/Architecture Scott Lake Country Club Kalamazoo Country Club Shanty Creek Kent Country Club Spring Meadows Country Club Kingsley Club St. Clair Golf Club Knollwood Country Club St. Ives Golf Club at Tullymore Golf Resort Knollwood Country Club - Lake County, ILLINOIS! Stoatin Brae Golf Club Lakelands Golf and Country Club Stonehedge North Lakes of Taylor Golf Course Stonehedge South Leland Country Club Stonycroft Hills Club Leslie Park Golf Course Sugar Loaf “The Old Course” Lincoln Golf Club Sunnybrook Country Club Links at Crystal Lake Sycamore Hills Golf Club Links at Gateway Tam O’Shanter C.C. Links of Novi Taylor Meadows Golf Club Lochmoor Club The Bear or The Wolverine @ 0^3 Macatawa Legends Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 23 TT4Turf Donors continued The Chief Golf Course The Tamaracks Golf Course & Estates The Classic Fox Thornapple Pointe The Dream Timber Ridge The Dunes Club Timber Wolf Golf Club The Emerald Golf Course Toledo Country Club The Falls at Baber Creek TPC of Michigan The Fortress Traverse City Golf & CC The Golden Fox Treetops Resort The Heathers Club Tullymore Golf Resort The Inn @ St. Johns Golf & Conference Center Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club The Majestic at Lake Walden Walnut Creek Country Club The Meadows Golf Club Warren Valley Golf Course The Medalist Wawashkamo Golf Club The Moors Golf Club Western Golf Club The Nightmare Westshore Golf & Country Club The Orchards Golf Club Whitmore Lake Golf Links The Quest Golf Course Wuskowhan Players Club The Strategic Fox Helena is your full-service turf management partner and offers a wide range of innovative products, course mapping and analysis. 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HPG0521P 24 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org IMF GCSAA Golf Course Superintendents Association of America FROM NATIONAL BY SHANE CONROY AND GCSAA STAFF s I’m writing this, we are three days A into GCSAA’s philanthropic arm, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) Rounds 4 Research (R4R) auction. Currently there is $190,052 raised and over 3,400 total bids. It is always fun to see how the final few days of the R4R auction play out and where the final bids will land. A huge thank you to those of you who have donated rounds to R4R. As The championships include three different you know, 80% of funds raised through R4R go competitions over two days: National directly back to GCSAA affiliated chapters to use Championship, Golf Classic and Scramble. for turfgrass research, scholarships, education, The GCSAA National Championship is and advocacy. limited to 72 GCSAA members with a 5.0 handicap index or lower. The Golf Classic eTfg is limited to 120 players and will use a point-quota scoring system with flights to be determined later this year. The three- person team scramble fun event will be limited to the first 36 teams or 108 players. Rounds Golfers in any event receive service points Research and can earn education points through the First Green education session “First Green and You! Learn How to Host a Field Trip”. With 2020 in the rear-view mirror, it’s great to see Fellow field staffers Steve Randall and Jeff chapters across the region - including the MiGCSA Jensen will prepare you to launch your - with a full slate of events scheduled in 2021. own First Green field trip program during GCSAA is no different. With the 2021 GCSAA Golf this session. Championships postponed, I am happy to announce the event has been revamped and rescheduled for Switching gears, I would like to remind all October 11-12 in Palm Springs, Calif. Registration will off you about GCSAA’s new mobile app, open August 13 with a more limited number of slots GCSAA Now. Along with providing GCSAA available than in previous years. news and information, the app allows you to download documents, interact The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort is the host with fellow members, view events taking resort, with play taking place on its Valley Course. place in your area, as well as update your Other courses welcoming play include the Desert membership info to name a few. Willow Golf Resort Mountain View Course and Indian Wells Golf Resort Celebrity Course. e Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 WINTHE WAR Pinpoint A Traction FUNGICIDE I FUNGICIDE DOLLAR SPOT DESTRUCTION Stay in command of dollar spot, even SDHI resistant, with Nufarm-exclusive Pinpoint and Traction - the must-have MOAs in your fungicide rotdtion. [ NUFARM.COM/USTURF ] ©2021 Nufarm. Traction'" is a trademark of Nufarm. Pinpoint® is a trademark of Valent U.S.A. Lie. Grow a better tomorrow ADVERTORIAL Traction IMPROVE YOUR PROGRAM WITH TRACTION™ FUNGICIDE JASON FAUSEY FRAC 29 AND 3 T&O Technical Services Director, Nufarm Americas MODES OF ACTION Q: HOW CAN TRACTION™ HELP ME MANAGE DISEASE RESISTANCE ON MY COURSE? Because of Traction's unique formulation containing two different mode of action groups and two different plant location strategies, Traction is very effective for use in fungicide resistance management programs. Regular use in a rotational program with other modes of action or as a tank-mix partner will prevent or delay the development of disease resistant populations at your location. 2 99% DOLLAR SPOT CONTROL, STUDY AFTER STUDY PREVENT RESISTANCE DEVELOPMENT COMPARED TO CONTROL/TRACTION APPLIED AT 1.3 FL OZ/1,000 SQ FT RATE Q: HOW IS TRACTION GOING TO OFFER A 99% 99% 99% DOLLAR DOLLAR DOLLAR BENEFIT OVER SECURE® WITH THE SAME SPOT SPOT SPOT CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL ACTIVE INGREDIENT? Traction offers several benefits over fluazinam alone. Fluazinam INGUAGIATO, J.C. R. LATIN JOE RIMELSPACH is a broad-spectrum highly active multiple site contact fungicide, UCONN PURDUE OHIO STATE UNIV AUG 2, 2016 AUG 26, 2016 JUL 26, 2016 yet the addition of the DMI fungicide tebuconazole brings another INITIAL APP: JUN 1 INITIAL APP: JUN 8 INITIAL APP: MAY 19 broad-spectrum systemic active ingredient with a second mode of action for resistance management. Q: CAN I BE COMFORTABLE APPLYING TRACTION IN THE SUMMER SINCE THE TEBUCONAZOLE IS A DMI? Yes. in our university evaluations, Traction has displayed excellent results and turf tolerance. We feel confident when used in a rotation program that Traction can be applied in all seasons. Q: WHY DOES TRACTION HAVE ONLY ONE LABEL RATE? The single use rate for Traction is based upon the EPA mandated fluazinam rate per acre. The application rate for Traction GREENS 0 maximizes the amount of fluazinam allowed per application and provides a proven rate of tebuconazole. AND TEES Q: WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO FIT TRACTION INTO MY ROTATIONAL SPRAY SCHEDULE? A: Traction has the flexibility and spectrum of activity to be placed FAIRWAYS throughout the spray season. It makes a great product to use and ensures a broad range of foliar diseases are controlled prior to utilizing a more targeted fungicide with a different mode of AND APRONS action such as Pinpoint®. FOR ALL COURSE AREAS NUFARM.COM/USTURF ©2021 Nufarm. Important: Always read and follow label directions. Traction™ is a trademark of Nufarm. Pinpoint® is a trademark of Valent U.S.A LLC. Secure® is a trademark of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha. GCSAA Now features include: • Login once, and you are in! Once you download the app, use • Relevant, up to date GCSAA news and content. your gcsaa.org credentials to log in. • Interact with other members through the As tee sheets continue to fill, I wish Discussions and private messaging features. you all the best as we head into the • Find other members in your geographic peak of the season and I look forward proximity with the Near Me feature. to seeing you at your course or a • Keep track of national and local GCSAA MiGCSA event soon! happenings with the Events feature. • Have easy access to membership documents and other information in the Resources section. A.K.A. We remove sediment from golf course ponds and irrigation wet wells. We Don’t For a limited time we are offering a MUCK Around 207o Discount on our daily rates for ALL MiGCSA members! Removing sediment from a wet well To receive a FREE preliminary proposal for your project, Environmentally Friendly visit our website and fill out the proposal questionnaire! 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BASF, us Michigan TURFGRASS MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CALL FROM CAMPUS MIE Education • Research • Extension FOUNDED 1957 Sensors to Monitor Winter Conditions on BY KEVIN W. FRANK n the autumn of 2020, the MTF Founders Society funded the purchase of six sensor packages to monitor winter conditions on golf course putting greens in Michigan. The sensor package was developed by scientists at the University of Minnesota that we’ve been working with as part of a large multi-university grant proposal to study winterkill. Many superintendents have written letters of support for this grant and several participated in monitoring J winter conditions on putting greens at their golf courses this past winter. We are submitting this grant to the United States Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Research Initiative grant program again this spring with hopes that our 3rd time will be the charm. The full title of our proposal is “WinterTurf: A holistic approach to understanding the mechanisms and mitigating the effects of winter stress on turfgrasses in northern climates.” The winterkill sensors we installed at 6 golf courses in Michigan last winter was part of the process of collecting preliminary data to support this grant. The sensor package included: soil temperature and moisture sensors at 3 depths, and oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors. Data collection from the sensors was powered by a solar panel and data was transmitted via real time via a cell signal. We are still in the process of downloading all the data from this past winter and troubleshooting issues with some of the sensor packages we installed. The objectives of this research are: 1) Determine if the sensors reliably record and transmit data throughout the winter 2) Develop a model that could notify superintendents when conditions are likely to cause winterkill. This could be from soil gas, temperature, moisture data or perhaps a combination of all. Ultimately to develop a model we will need to monitor conditions on putting greens when winterkill occurs. This didn’t happen at _____ Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org Golf Courses our locations in Michigan last winter I would like to thank the following superintendents for but sensors were also installed in hosting sensor packages this past winter. Minnesota and Norway. Our hope Jeff Holmes, Egypt Valley CC is that with enough locations over enough years we will find conditions Doug Hoeh, Treetops Resort that cause kill. Scott Pulaski, Walloon Lake CC Jim Bluck, Arcadia Bluffs Make the sensor package commercially Ryan Moore, Forest Lake CC available to superintendents. Eric Davey, Prestwick Village Golf Club GOLF CARS Accomplish It All With a rustproof, aircraft-grade aluminum frame, chassis, and cargo box, along with best-in-calss ergonomics, the Carryall is the perfect solution for any and all tasks on the course. www.usgolfcars.com I (616) 891-6991 I 9670 Cherry Valley Ave SE Caledonia, Ml 49316 1 Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 29 RAIN BIRD GOLF IRRIGATION SALES & TECHNICAL SERVICE Now Provided by Certified SiteOne® Associates TECHNICAL SERVICES CONTACT US Irrigation Diagnostics and Repair including: SiteOne's Certified Rain Bird Golf Service Technicians Jeff Kingsley Brock Diddle 2-wire Communication Repair JKingsleyiaSiteOne.com BDiddleiaSiteOne.com Decoder System Repair 517.^20.5619 6iq.639.2687 Freedom Radio Repair Interface Repair Radio Control Repair SiteOne's Rain Bird Golf Sales Representative Satellite Repair Steve Rebhan Weather Station Repair SRebhaniaSiteOne.com Central Control Upgrades 269.209.^631 Software Upgrades Lighting Damage / Repair [including insurance claim work] Offering hourly and set job rates. Contact one of SiteOne's Ground Testing Certified Rain Bird Golf Service Technicians or Sales Ground Repair and Improvement Representative today for more details. & SiteOne —— Golf Irrigation I Lighting I Turf & Landscape Maintenance I Nursery Site0ne.com Golf Course Maintenance I Hardscape I Pest Control INDUSTRY PARTNER - RICK BAKER RICK Baker BY GREG JOHNSON Rick Baker sold office equipment early in his career from a pickup truck that didn’t have air conditioning. “I can’t believe I used to do that, especially in the heat...hauling copiers and fax machines in and out of office buildings in a suit and tie.” He’s come a long way, eventually moving on from office equipment to joining the family business, Baker Vehicle Systems in 1994 and becoming the owner of the 81-year-old company by himself just last year. And his sales vehicles these days have air conditioning. “I grew up with my dad in the business so I’ve been around the equipment business my whole life,” he said. “Sales and equipment. It’s what I know.” Baker Vehicle Systems is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, with a branch office in Columbus. They expanded just over a year ago into Michigan, and just last fall into Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He and his wife, Chris, have been married 29 years and have 3 grown children. They’ll become first time grandparents this Fall with 2 on the way. He is a graduate of Mount Union College with a degree in Business and Communications. Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 When he started with Baker Vehicle Systems in individual objectives don’t always line up. Our ’94, the company was an EZ-go golf car fleet family is very fortunate...we’ve been able to run dealer. As the company expanded and grew, he a very successful business for many, many years went through all the stages, territory sales rep, and at the same time keep family relationships sales manager, Vice President and now President strong and intact. I think this is not only the and Owner. greatest professional example that was set for me, but also a very strong personal one. He admits he isn’t a golfer but likes to hunt and There isn’t anything more important that our fish. He considers his wife his greatest influence relationships, especially within family.” personally. “We are members of 10 or 12 industry “She’s pretty easy going and is very good at associations, and most are local chapters,” he reminding me about what’s really important. said. “Michigan is different from some states. We regularly discuss the business and Chris is a It has one association for the whole state and great sounding board.” that is great for us. It gives our company a quick way to meet a larger group of people, be in His father, Dick Baker, was the greatest influence front of them with our equipment and establish in his professional life. relationships. MIGCSA understands the need to provide value to its industry partners. We “My dad and his 2 brothers owned and operated receive tangible benefits through our partnership the business from 1982 until 2020. Family with MIGCSA.” businesses can be challenging at times. Often, Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org INDUSTRY PROFILE In addition to the golf course market, the time, but does enjoy meeting with customers Baker’s company also sells equipment to the and does still hit the road. “When you spend 25+ municipal and industrial markets. In Ohio, out years on the road, it can be a difficult transition to of the company’s 2 branches, the company full-time in the office. I really enjoy meeting new sells broadly to really anyone that has a need customers and seeing their facilities.” for high-end, professional turf care products. Jacobsen is one of the main suppliers to Baker’s His focus in Michigan is more specific and company. His favorite piece of equipment to sell is he suggests to all his customers to be the Jacobsen Eclipse 322. openminded. “There’s nothing on the market that compares to it. “There’s a lot of great equipment out there. When you know you have a product that’s superior We’re fortunate to be able to represent some and others can’t compete it breeds confidence to of the best. Be open minded and take a close talk about it, demonstrate it and sell it. The 322 is look at all your options.” now in it’s 10th year. It’s a proven product.” Baker’s success is tied directly to his Baker has spent his working life in sales and enjoyment in interacting with others, laughed when he considered what might be his especially customers and suppliers. mulligan profession. “Relationships are so important in business. “If I had it to do over again? Maybe a school Solving a problem for a customer is teacher? My wife is a teacher. I guess I’ve always rewarding, even if it is something as simple been a little jealous when her school year winds as providing good parts support to a new down and she’s off for the summer.” market. It’s extremely gratifying when you know your solution has had a direct and E positive impact on someone else’s business and ultimately their success.” His biggest challenge: Thinking ahead. ■ THINGS PEOPLE Identifying trends and new technology and timing it with the market can be a MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME challenge. Fortunately, his company is loaded with experience and he leverages that 1. Oldest son is a police officer experience daily to help make some of these decisions. “There’s a lot on the horizon, and 2. Daughter is a 5th grade math teacher our employees are key to unlocking future opportunity for us and the market. I think a 3. Youngest son sells a tractors and mowers for a lot of the GPS technology found in today’s different dealer in Ohio spray rigs, which we’ve been instrumental in 4. First grandson is due in September, first helping to advance in Ohio, will make its way granddaughter is due in November into other types of equipment.” 5. Baker Vehicle Systems was originally started as a As a territory sales rep, Baker found himself hardware store on the east side of Cleveland, in on the road Mon - Fri and occasionally on a Saturday during the season. In his current 1940, by HE Baker role as President, he’s in the office most of Course Conditions I Issue #51 - Q2 2021 35 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: M DAKOTA ■MM [AgriMetal Eric Cowan Peat & Equipment Cell: 248-798-1048 Email: ecowan@jwturf.com BERNHARD grinders [ntu-iwr] Gort * Sports Turf Roflsrs $ Wledenmann GreentGtoomer Account Managers: 5TIHL Rusty Willard: 616-485-2545 E: rwillard@jwturf.com NfflUfflMK? STEINER Scott Wilkinson: 734-649-0048 E: swilkinson@jwturf.com Rob Traver: 248-820-7869 E: rtraver@jwturf.com Smithco Aerivay Phil Gutowski: 989-402-7504 E: pgutowski@jwturf.com www.jwturf.com RYAN SPRAY1M0 DEVICES INC Follow us on o * OFF COURSE Putter late than never BY JENNE ROMANICK ow does Superintendent H Collin Romanick spend his time off course? Well, back at work for the most part, but not so much having to do with soils, staff, and course renovations. Instead, we are taking on renovations of another kind. Life sure has a way of sneaking by quickly when your busy working and raising kids. And as Ben Hogan would say, “As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round." Having a natural curiosity about the world we live in and wanting to give our kids experiences as they grow, we decided in November of 2020, to buy a mini bus! Yes, that is right! A small school bus. Bright yellow, fake leather seats, gum wrappers, sucker sticks, and old school paper love notes...the real deal. Welcome to the world Petite Petunia (named by our daughters). Our goal is to renovate the bus from frame up into our custom traveling Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 OFF COURSE vehicle. Many may ask, why not just buy an RV? We decided that it brake lines and metal flooring. Oh, is all about the experience...and the partnership in the research and and don’t forget Summer, the pup. the purchase, to the time spent together with the deconstruction and She is probably the most excited reconstruction of a bus. The communication with one another, the joint about the bus, as she promptly takes financial aspects of the build, the vision that comes together in reality, her spot in the driver’s seat every and the team effort by the entire family to make it all happen are the chance she gets! best parts so far. Quit wasting time and “A flute without holes, puttering around A northern bus isn’t a northern is not a flute. A donut bus without rust. The mini bus Connecting with the “Skoolie” without a hole, is a originally was a working school bus community through Facebook and in Pennsylvania and the we bought Instagram has been part of the Danish”. it and drove it to its new home in learning process. This is - Ty Webb, Caddyshack Michigan. A 6.5 hour drive, but it more of my (Jenne) domain was priority to find the combination of the size and engine that this bus had. We have had the bus since November 2020 and for those that see it here or there, and those that ask where we are in the process, probably feel like we are moving slowly on it. But in reality, starting from a regular everyday school bus to even where we are today takes a LOT of time and elbow grease. The first couple of weekends were spent on the mechanics of the bus. Making sure the engine fluids were fresh and flowing properly, replacing the brake lines and batteries, and removing the seats. Then it was onto the floor. First up was a thick layer of industrial glued rubber. Next, we moved onto the plywood, and then the rusty metal floor. This is a full family affair. The rule is: if you want to travel in it, you need to help with it. From our littlest one helping to remove the stickers, to our middle cranking up the wood floor, to our oldest helping Collin with replacing 38 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org TURF SOLUTIONS Dan Shemon Territory: Southeastern Michigan Advanced Turf Solutions is an INDEPENDENT Cell: 248.640.4439 Email: dshemon@advancedturf.com DISTRIBUTOR committed to serving our customers better than anyone in the industry. Eric Denoyer We have carefully selected the best organic and synthetic Territory: Northern Michigan Cell: 231.645.2933 granular and foliar fertilizers, post-patent and branded Email: edenoyer@advancedturf.com chemistries, professional turfgrass seed, and accessories on the market today. We are proud to carry a wide variety of name brands including several exclusive lines. Brad Fry Territory: Southwestern Michigan Cell: 269.308.9652 Email: bfry@advancedturf.com Foliar-Pak □-BASF We create chemistry Chad Miller Territory: Southeastern Michigan healthy Armor^Tech Cell: 260.602.1104 grow Nufarm Email: cmiller@advancedturf.com Joe Singles TWO MICHIGAN-AREA LOCATIONS: Territory: Central & Southeastern Michigan 37702 Enterprise Court 4123 Vance Rd Cell: 248.697.7182 Email: jsingles@advancedturf.com Farmington Hills, Ml 48331 Traverse City, Ml 49685 248.341.3521 231.943.8343 Russ Snow Territory: Central & Q© @AdvancedTurf Southern Michigan Cell: 231.206.2239 www.advancedturf.com Email: rsnow@advancedturf.com Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org though. When you involve yourself with this community online, you terms as a Kindergarten teacher) says get to see the successes, the “I wish I would have” parts, and you that we need a “rust needier thing” or then have an entire community to learn from during your own build. the “tall bar tool with a flat hook on Watching their “how to” videos, it is obvious that as much time in the end that pumps up and is used a work session is spent on the tough physical labor as is the little on decks,” Collin interprets that into moments of replacing batteries, fetching the cords, trial and error, real world language of “needle scaler” standing there staring at what you just did, having a debate on what and “indexing deck removal bull bar”. you need to do next, contemplating when to start and stop, and Then, off we go (again) to the store gathering the needed items from the nearest store on a quick run for for the parts! There have been many lunch or dinner. No moment is wasted, well...maybe a few. That is laughs over the descriptions and names part of the fun! of tools and supplies needed for the bus, but the lighthearted fun keeps it Talk Birdie to me entertaining through the long hours, clothing drenched in sweat, minor Oh, the terms...not in the way of conditions, but in actual terms... injuries, and sore muscles that the bus verbiage and names. We have been together for just shy of 20 years project requires. This project not only During this time, as many couples do, we’ve learned to decode what gives us time working together on the other is saying. And of course, throughout this renovation so far, something for the family, but also gives there have been handfuls of times when someone just can’t find the each of us a new appreciation for each right word or name of a tool needed for the bus. So when I, driven other’s skills, talents, and desire to learn. to learn and extremely capable of using tools but unfamiliar with the proper descriptors (and habitually breaks down words into simpler Who’s your caddie? It can be debatable each work session who is the lead and who is aiding the project. This is the beauty of teamwork. We are both talented in different areas of the build, with Collin having the knowledge and experience Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 regarding the mechanics of a vehicle, and myself having the aesthetic vision and the research base to foresee how it will all come together. It, without a doubt, takes a team. As Par as the eye can see The goal is to have Petite Petunia finished and on the road for summer of 2022. Once complete, she will sleep 4-5, have a shower and composting toilet, a kitchen sink, stove, refrigerator, heating and cooling, TV, solar power for off grid camping, and a hook up for when at campgrounds. Collin will of course join when he can, and, he looks forward to pulling his snowmobile trailer behind her in the winter months to great destinations. But until the grass stops growing and the demands of the course slow down, Petite Petunia will be traveling around the USA showing the kids the wonders of the world in which we live. Where to go first? Maybe out west? East? Maybe to the “golf” coast?! We look forward to our a j> -rv future adventures, and this journey of building the bus from the frame up! This is going to be the best un“fore”gettable adventure in every way! Now, that’s a hole in one! Feel free to follow along with the progress at the Instagram: My_Petite_Petunia Porous Pave Sand Guard 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. 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FUEL FOR BOTH PLANT & SOIL DUAL ACTION VERTICAL SOIL SURFACTANT ABOVEGROUND: • Anti-stress technology • Wellness triggers • Super efficient potassium • Antioxidants • Growth promotion Infinite is the first • Improved photosynthesis soil surfactant that includes multiple BELOWGROUND: ingredients, designed • Rooting technology to manage both • Food for soil microbiology soil moisture, plant • Proprietary three part stress and recovery. organic acid blend A multiple polymer • Improved nutrient availability product, fortified • Key sugars for plant health with two novel and microbial stimulation technologies; Patent • Rich carbon supply for pending DiuTuron and rhizosphere Templar. / \ Contact us to learn more I info@target-specialty.com UfTARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS™ EOO&f EtHOE* tarset-specialty.com/gmj I oo©o@ Empowering You to Grow Your Business™ ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT - NICK YOUNG NICK BY GREG JOHNSON Nick Young admits a few years Prestwick Village in Highland, ago while attending Central where he had also worked on the Michigan University he lost his grounds crew in summers during way, but with guidance from his his college years. father, John, he turned a corner. His family lived in South Bend, “I didn’t know what I wanted to Ind., until his senior year in high do at Central,” he said. “I failed school and he grew up playing some classes. It was hard on me golf at Knollwood Country Club in and my dad, but he encouraged Granger. Before going to college me to go back to school at at Central Michigan he needed Michigan State for turfgrass and a summer job and ended up at told me ‘don’t mess this one up.’ Prestwick. I ended up graduating as one of “I was a seasonal employee and the top in my class. My dad has then would go back to school driven me to be successful, and he for like seven summers,” he said. still does today.” “I really enjoyed it and I learned Young, 26, a Madison Heights how to operate equipment and resident with his girlfriend understand the other side of golf. McKenzie, is an assistant I was a laborer instead of a golfer superintendent at Birmingham but I loved it and finally realized Country Club. He started in I was good at it. And that’s when January after previously being Eric (Davey, the superintendent at an assistant for two years at Prestwick Village) convinced me Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association I www.migcsa.org to try the turf program at Michigan day-to-day operation and have “The easiest thing, and the part I State.” responsibilities like ordering like best is being on a golf course chemicals and management each day,” he said. “I love the Young was no longer lost. duties,” he said. “That has been a game of golf and I really couldn’t “I had let college at first get big step for me and I’m excited to pick a better place to be.” the best of me, didn’t resist the keep learning and take on more In 10 years, Young would like to be temptations of being on my own responsibility.” a superintendent and right now he and they got the best of me,” he One of the early things he has is thinking in the south. said. “That all changed when I learned is that time management went to Michigan State. I applied “Get out of these winters,” he said. is a primary issue for assistant myself. Dr. (John) Trey Rogers “Have an adventure.” superintendents. at MSU was great, and I took a Young feels wherever he is headed lot of pride in being a Tuck Tate “At times you run around like your he owes a thank you to Davey Scholarship winner (C.E. “Tuck” head is cut off, watering, doing the for helping him find the turfgrass Tate Outstanding Scholar Award). set-up, working with and checking program and a career. on the crew, and it seems like you Being a second assistant at don’t have enough time in the “He could tell I should be doing Birmingham CC has moved Young day,” he said. ‘Tm soaking in ways this I think,” he said. “I’m going to into a job with responsibility. to deal with that and learning how strive to be the best I can be and “The way Dan (Dingman, to get things done.” hope that pans out for me with a superintendent) runs it, the good job, family, kids. That’s what Still, Young finds he is happy assistants take the reins in the matters to me.” working in golf. THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME 1. I was born in Louisville, Ky. 2. I swing golf clubs left-handed, but I putt right-handed. 3. I’ve never been fishing. 4. My favorite food is tacos - beef tacos. 5. I’ve never been out of the United States. Course Conditions I issue #51 - Q2 2021 45 ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT When Young is away from his work, he is a passionate Michigan State basketball fan, plays golf, likes to travel and hang our with family and friends. If he gets to pick the restaurant, it’s B-Dubs (Buffalo Wild Wings). He likes the idea of one day owing a Jeep Wrangler, “or whatever vehicle where you can take the doors off.” His dream scramble team: Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler. “They are three of my favorite golfers, and it would be awesome to play with them,” he said. 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Contact a golf course near you on the interactive map to start the best summer job you will ever have! extremely helpful for guidance. If you have not been on the end of one of these please call me any time directly on my cell, 231-714- 7365 and let me throw a few at you and I hope you do the same. One thing these conversations BATCHGEO.COM have had in common for a 2021 Spring Golf Courses Michigan The few years and without fail in 2021 is the need for qualified more. The golf industry is booming, employees. How do you find them, and the need is great for employees BIG how do you keep them, how can you afford them? This question is almost universal for every member this summer. Contact a golf course near you on the interactive map to start the best summer job you ISSUE and every department at their facility. This is a tricky thing for an association to directly help will ever have!” and had a link to an interactive map of every golf course in Michigan. The ad ran I chat with a lot of Superintendent’s; with, how do we get more people for two weeks and results were I would say I speak with an average interested in golf as a job or even 40,727 Total Reach, 1,440 Organic of 5 to 10 different members who are as a career? A concept of a virtual Reach, 39,433 Paid Reach, 64,709 active Superintendents every week job fair was shared with me and Total Impressions, 1,463 Organic and it is one of my favorite parts of considered but we instead went Impressions and 63,246 Paid the job. Selfishly I like to get some the direction of a social media Impressions. We will be evaluating agronomic management insight to experiment to promote golf as this concept for possible expansion see how sharp my skills are for what an option for those searching for or continuation across more social is happening, where and when and to employment this summer. From media networks with a more no one’s surprise the sharpness for this this was born the Michigan Golf customized message depending on has faded a good bit in the 10 years Alliance Employee Recruitment format. Please let us know directly if since I was actively doing the job. I Campaign. The Michigan Golf you have interest based on this post. also like to run ideas that are in their Alliance joined together in a social infant stages when having these phone media campaign on Facebook and I can promise you that it is the top calls, I am sure many of you reading Instagram to help our members find priority for the MiGCSA to help to this have been on the receiving end of employees. The cost around this get our members more options for a “hey what do you think about...” it campaign was shared between the employees. If you have any specific helps me tremendously to get a cold Golf Association of Michigan, The ideas on how you think we can best view from a busy member perspective. Michigan Golf Course Association, do that please give me a call, lets If I get enough positive feedback on The Michigan Section PGA & Greater throw some ideas at the wall and something from these conversations Michigan Chapter CMAA. The ad had see what sticks! and from our board members there is this text “Love the game of golf? a very good chance we will throw it Looking for the perfect summer at the wall and see if it sticks. Every job? Interested in a possible career? throw does not, but a few have and Many golf facilities are hiring for are growing as the chapter and our outdoor and indoor positions, pro Adam Ikamas, CGCS members need are. So, thank you to all shop, restaurant, maintenance and MiGCSA Executive Director Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association www.migcsa.org BIG CUP GOLF EVENTS WITH SPECIAL EVENT CUPS AND PROXIMITY MARKERS ADAPT TO THE no-touch ball elevator CHANGING ENVIRONMENT WITH NO-TOUCH ACCESSORIES STANDARD 866.743.9773 • StandardGolf.com ©2021 Standard Golf Company. All rights reserved. EdLF.. COMPANY^ Setting the Standard in Golf Course Accessories since 1910. EMPLOYEE OWNED Michigan Chapter 11GCSAA Golf Course Superintendents Association of America 316 GLENCARIN DR, NE | ROCKFORD, Ml 49341 ******«’*“**»***AUTO“3-DIGIT 488 PETE COOKINGHAM PROJECT DIRECTOR MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 324 E RIVERSIDE ST 58 1/5 WILLIAMSTON Ml 48895-1145 BAYER They’ll come for the view, but come back for the course 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 I P ES-O42O-GLF-0111 A-1