COURSE SPRING 2022 ISSUE Conditions Biannual Publication of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association FEATURE SUPERINTENDENT MiGCSA President Ryan Moore Forest Lake Country Club INSIDE THIS ISSUE: FEATURE: What in the World is Going On? Assistant Superintendent Profile: Mike Kennings, Assistant Superintendent at Spring Meadows Country Club Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 1 Two major pests. One complete solution. Set a new benchmark in white grub and ABW control. Introducing the unrivaled insect control of Tetrino™, the one insecticide solution that does the work of many by controlling not only white grub and annual bluegrass weevil but also a wide range of other turf-damaging pests. With flexible application timing, it even allows you to take a preventive or early curative approach to your pest management. Up your game with the new broad-spectrum control and fast-acting flexibility of Tetrino. Learn how Tetrino can up your game against white grub and ABW at es.bayer.us/Tetrino ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS 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. www.environmentalscience.bayer.us. Not all products are registered in all states. Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Tetrino are trademarks of Bayer. ©2021 Bayer CropScience LP. 20 32 t Su ore nings en Assistan nt Mo eri Ken Sup de an y nt o : R te ik e f Fo Club rin rest L ake Countr y pe nd M u b: en Cl ta t Sp try ring M ws Coun ea do Contents 4 MiGCSA Board of Directors 32 Assistant Superintendent - Mike Kennings 5 President’s Perspective 38 2021 Heritage Scholarship Winners 9 FEATURE: What in the World is Going On? 45 2022 Edition of Tee Times for 16 The 2022 Annual Meeting, The Best 24 Hours Turf Online Auction Recap in Turf at Boyne Mountain 48 The Spring Opener 20 Superintendent - Ryan Moore 50 Association Update 28 Retirement Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 3 COURSE Conditions Profile interviews conducted by Greg Johnson, Greg Johnson Media L.L.C. BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT RYAN MOORE SCOTT PULASKI ADAM GARR EQUIPMENT MANAGER LIAISON Greater Detroit-Class A Northern-Class A Detroit-Class A BEN BEARD Forest Lake C.C. Walloon Lake C.C. Winfield United Professional Western-Class EM American Dunes G.C. CRAIG MCKINLEY KEVIN RISCH VICE PRESIDENT DOUG HOEH Mid-Class A Mid-Class B Northern-Class A Buck’s Run Golf Club Saginaw C.C COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Treetops Resort JESSE SHAVER TOM SCHALL, CGCS GENE DAVIS SKIP CONNOLLY Gull Lake C.C. Oakland University Northern-Class A Western-Class A Chairman SECRETARY/ JESSE SHAVER ROB STEGER, CGCS Elk Rapids Golf Club The Mines G.C. TREASURER Western-Class A CRAIG MCKINLEY Red Run Golf Club ROSS MILLER, CGCS Buck’s Run Golf Club Gull Lake C.C. Detroit-Class A ASSISTANT LIAISON MICAH WISE Country Club of Detroit JARED MILNER Site One KYLE SCHIERLINGER Meadowbrook C.C. PAST PRESIDENT DOUG WARE JARED MILNER Forest Lake C.C. JOE ETTAWAGESHIK Greater Detroit-Class A Detroit-Class A BRETT ROBERTS Lochenheath Golf Club City of Livonia Meadowbrook C.C. Target Specialty Products ANDY DALTON COLLIN ROMANICK Atlas Valley Blythefield C.C. Course Conditions is published 2 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, MI 49341. HEALTHY TURF PLUS 35 years of experience, quality workmanship & customer satisfaction Contact: Tim Vergote Michael Wilczynski Owner Owner 517-403-3917 419-356-6717 t.vergote@yahoo.com jwilczynski.htp@earthlink.net 4 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org President’s PERSPECTIVE A s I sit in front of a blank screen trying to gather my thoughts on what I would like to say in my first publication as the newly Elected President to MiGCSA; I can only start by summarizing my journey to this point, and how fortunate I am to be afforded the privilege to send a message to all our 700+ members RY RE A N MOO Moving to Michigan after living the first 14 years of my golf course management career in Canada, I realized I needed to find new friends, create a new network, and figure out how to manage grass south of the border. While Canadian Poa and Michigan Poa turned out to be the same, the only way to bridge the first two gaps was to get involved. I took advantage of many opportunities to attend events and education through the former Greater Detroit Chapter, where I met so many great people in the South East region of Michigan. With this foundation and growing network, I knew I needed more and saw the opportunity to join an Association that could introduce me to people in the Mid, North, West and Nationally. These people are “You, the MiGCSA members” and I thank each and every one of you for our personal and business relationships through the years! This leads me to tell you “Get Involved!” Whether it be a on a committee, attending an event, or hosting an event for your peers. The MiGCSA has flourished by new faces and new ideas continually paving new paths of direction for our membership. I would like to thank the MiGCSA Board of Directors, Past Presidents, and our members for letting me be a part of such a great group of innovative leaders. Every year we are challenged at our facilities to provide a great product despite all the challenges and curve balls thrown our way. The uncertainties of the 2020 through 2021 Covid years certainly showed how diverse, and solution driven Michigan Superintendents can be. I applaud all your efforts, as Michigan Golf has never been stronger, and courses continue to get better. That leads me into our current state in 2022, where supply chain and labor issues are at their highest peak. I would like to acknowledge our Industry Partners who are the most closely “Support connected to the supply chain. These individuals have continued to support us and have had in many cases had to pull rabbits out of hats to meet our growing demands at our facilities. those who Our Industry Partner Program is stronger then ever and I urge our members to rely on these support individuals and their companies that dedicate their time to educate and find product solutions for us. A simple phrase that holds true to my heart – “Support those who support you”. you”. In closing, the labor issue continues to be a challenge in the US, but specifically in the golf industry as well. I do see a breakthrough in many situations but not always in the traditional ways. Many Course Managers have changed the hours of work, perks of employment, and the processes of how we do things to integrate a wider audience of employees. Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 5 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE More retirees, teachers, and young individuals are available to handle shorter work weeks and help fill the gaps of the season fulltime staffs we once had the luxury of. My message to the Michigan Golf Course Superintendent, dedicating all his time to the property… Re-evaluate, look to free up some time with your family, enjoy those special places and hobbies outside your facilities. Taking time away improves your productivity and the overall effectiveness you will have on the property. Sincerely, Ryan Moore Forest Lake Country Club MiGCSA President 6 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org YOUR TURF PERFORMANCE PARTNER New look. Same people. Even better products. Rooted in results Results are what drive us. It’s been that way since we started as Great Lakes Turf — over 25 years ago. Today, we’ve updated our name and our look, but we still offer the same products you depend on for your course. Only now, we offer even more solutions designed to give you science-based, high-performance results for all aspects of your course. Learn more at glt-outdoors.com HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS: Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 7 FEATURE What in the WORLD IS GOING ON? The Business Side of End User Pricing in 2021/2022 BY PAUL GIORDANO, PH.D. O ur industry has a lot to be thankful for. The past market from discovery to commercialization 24 months have proven to be a net benefit costs roughly $300 million and takes around in terms of rounds played, participation, and 11 years. Production agriculture drives this overall revenues for most golf facilities. Last week, I read process because the only way a company can an article in Golf Digest discussing the recent boom feasibly make a return on that investment is in capital investments among private clubs across the with a blockbuster product that is used on country. Signs of a healthy, more sustainable golf market thousands of acres across many different crops. compared to the not so distant past. Understanding the costs associated with research and development and some of the upstream But we are certainly not exempt from the economic processes helps to shed some light on the challenges of inflation and the global supply chain overall price of innovation in our industry. crunch. The turf world has been especially impacted by fuel prices which ultimately drive one of the most critical components of a turf maintenance operation - fertilizers. Coming from the basic manufacturing side, I would often get asked about the “macro” aspects of product development and costs associated with bringing new active ingredients into the agricultural market and subsequently the turf industry. The numbers behind the scenes are staggering and often surprising to those unfamiliar with all that is involved. On average, to bring a new plant protection product (fungicide, herbicide, insecticide) to Credit: CropLife America Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 9 FEATURE Fertilizers don’t necessarily have the same amount of o 2021 Slowdown in domestic nitrogen regulatory red tape and exorbitant costs associated production due to Hurricane Ida in with their development like pesticides. However, like Southern U.S. we saw in 2021, the fertilizer industry is very much o Global supplies impacted which further subject to what I call the “micro” aspects of end-user exhausted alternative sources/options pricing. These factors readily fluctuate and influence around the world price on a month-to-month or even week-to-week basis, ranging from global trade agreements between o These same production issues have also countries to labor shortages on loading docks. The bottlenecked many key active past year has seen almost a “perfect storm” of issues ingredients used in the agricultural come together to dramatically affect the purchase industry price of your turf nutrition products. Below is a quick rundown of some of these factors: • Freight costs significantly increasing o Rising costs of shipping cargo • Commodity prices (corn, soybean, wheat etc.) containers (10-fold increase in many grew in 2020 and 2021 cases compared to 2019) o Drove demand of more fertilizers to o Labor shortages and port slow downs support more acres planted o Trucking costs and fuel prices o Drained a lot of inventory (supply was increasing on average 60% YOY down while demand was up) • Fertilizer supply issues in 2021 o Limited exports into the US o Weather - Hurricane Ida shut down major production facilities in the southern US for a period • Natural gas price skyrocketing - especially in Europe o Basic ingredient/raw material used in the manufacturing of ammonia gasgnitrogen fertilizers o Price increases drove anhydrous ammonia up 77% on average year-over-year • Trade and production constraints o U.S. sanctions and tariffs on some large • Global conflict exporting countries (Russia, Morocco, o What looked to be an early 2022 Belarus) reprieve on both natural gas and o Significant reduction of exports and fertilizer prices went back up cutbacks on manufacturing from China sharply after the Ukraine-Russia (world’s largest exporter of phosphate conflict began. and urea) 10 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org GROW THE BEST TURF WITH GREENACTIVATOR MORE ROOT MASS, IMPROVED STRESS TOLERANCE, INCREASED SOIL MICROBIAL ACTIVITY & MORE SOIL- AVAILABLE NITROGEN BACKED BY SCIENCE. WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE! WAREHOUSE INVENTORIES ARE STOCKED AND WE’RE READY TO FULFILL YOUR ORDER. Setting the Standard in Golf Course Accessories since 1910. 866.743.9773 • StandardGolf.com © 2022 Standard Golf Company. All rights reserved. FEATURE If your head is spinning - you’re not alone. Many find it easier to over-simplify and chalk it up to “the pandemic”, “inflation”, or “supply chain issues”. While those catch-all terms aren’t necessarily wrong, the reality is, the confluence of events that have driven fertilizer prices higher this past year are numerous and quite complex. So, where do we go from here? Things are evolving every day, and I don’t dare make any bold predictions knowing that things could dramatically shift between the time I write this article and it being published a few weeks from now. I will say that you should expect your fertilizer costs to be significantly higher compared to this time last year. These increases will likely continue well into 2022 until a level of stability in the global supply of raw materials and especially the price of natural gas occurs. The conflict in eastern Europe is not helping matters and will undoubtedly have further negative effects on the overall outlook moving forward. One thing that remains to be seen is how the American farmer will respond. If there is a pullback in use of fertilizers in agriculture, it could possibly ease some of the supply issues downstream - only time will tell. Perhaps the recent financial success many golf facilities have experienced will help offset really knows how long the “perfect storm” will last, but one thing I do some of the heartburn around know is that turf mangers and especially golf course superintendents are cost increases on maintenance a resourceful and innovative bunch that will find a way to deliver quality inputs…or maybe not. Nobody playing surfaces regardless of the obstacles put in front of them. 12 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Member of ASGCA 25 Year Anniversary Water’s Edge Golf Club (Fremont, MI) - Hole #1 Boyne Resort Donald Ross Memorial Golf Club (Harbor Springs, MI) - Hole #1 Washtenaw Golf Club 1899 (Ypsilanti, MI) - Hole #11 Inn at St. Johns Golf Club (Plymouth, MI) - Hole #18 Specializing in Golf Course Restoration, Renovation & Remodel Master Planning with a Golden Age Touch. www.rhgd.com - ray@rhgd.com - 616-399-7686 Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 13 THANK YOU TO MiGCSA’S 2022 INDUSTRY PARTNERS SUPPORT THE COMPANIES THAT SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE INDUSTRY PARTNER PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT THE MIGCSA AT INFO@MIGCSA.ORG OR (616) 834-0450 14 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org 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. 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 @SyngentaTurf #Time4Posterity 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. The 2022 Annual Meeting, The Best 24 Hours IN TURF AT BOYNE MOUNTAIN T he first ever Best 24 Hours in Turf was held Again, this year the MiGCSA has made a large in 2019 in downtown Grand Rapids at the investment of Industry Partner dollars to keep Amway Grand Hotel on March 5th & 6th. the cost as low as possible. The entire event was In order to better accommodate our members only $75 for class A, B and AFF Members and schedules these meetings begin at 1:00 pm on $25 for all other classes and employees of class day one and concluded on day two at 12:30 pm. In A & B Members. Hotel rooms for $149.00 minus 2019 we had 130 attendees and in 2020 that grew a $50 discount per room bring the cost down to to almost 160 registered, thank you to all who $99.00 including beverage tickets for the cocktail attended. With the global COVID-19 Pandemic this reception & raffle with a full hot breakfast in the event was postponed in 2021 and finally we were morning on day two. These prices would able to have the Northern iteration on March 1 & 2 simply not be possible without the support 2022. of our Industry Partners. Another 16 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Shoreline Aggregate Solutions. Your ace in the hole. A leading supplier in golf aggregates, and a proud member of the MiGSCA, Shoreline Aggregate Solutions is your trusted aggregate partner when it comes to all your golf course aggregate needs. With over 35 years of experience, we have supplied many of the premier golf courses in southwest Michigan and the Midwest. Our USGA approved top dressing sands, bunker sands and divot mixes meet and exceed the standards set by the United States Golf Association. When you need an ace in the hole to put your course conditions over the top, Shoreline delivers. (219) 878-9991 shorelineaggregate.com Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 17 reason to support those who Metro Detroit Golfers & Make that included beverage & raffle support you when making The Turn Marketing presented tickets with passed appetizers, purchasing decisions. on Stepping Into the Digital Age again thanks to our Industry followed by the MiGCSA Annual Partners. A few MiGCSA swag Day one featured Zach Meeting. Mike and Kyle also packages were up for raffle Nicoludis, USGA Central Region helped with a great video recap along with a $50 gift cards from Agronomist doing a review of the event you can see here: Cabela’s and Amazon. of 2021 with tips & tricks for https://youtu.be/UBxnGZ9U_Zk operations of any caliber. Chris The next morning the hot Whitten, Executive Director with At 5:00 pm the room breakfast buffet was a welcome the Golf Association of Michigan transformed into the sight for many after a great presenting Updates, Services Presidential Reception in honor evening with their fellow and Messaging for 2022. Mike of newly elected President Ryan members. Dr. Paul Giordano Sullivan & Kyle Bogey, from Moore from Forest Lake C.C. from Harrell’s kicked off 18 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org the morning session with a timely presentation on the business side of products and end user pricing. Mike Morris, CGCS, from Crystal Downs C.C. made a heartfelt and brutal honest presentation on his struggles with many of the mental health issues so many of our members deal with so often titled Making the Turn (One Experience of Winning the Work/Life Battle). Thank you, Mike, for your honestly and openness, it resonated deeply with the members in attendance. Look for an article from Mike soon on this topic. The second day wrapped with the Superintendent Panel Q&A on Labor with Ross Miller, CGCS, Eric Davey, Jeff Hopkins, Doug Ware & Doug Hoeh. This lively conversation with real world you to every person who helped plan this meeting and to all of the examples of how to better find, train support of members attending and our industry partners. We look and retain employees sent everyone forward to our return to Grand Rapids February 27th and 28th of home with some action items. Thank 2023 to continue to build on the best 24 hours in turf! YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER From tee to green and beyond, Helena is your full-service turf management partner. Helena offers a wide range of innovative products, including nutritionals, wetting agents, pest control products and more. To achieve the quality you desire, contact your local Helena representative to learn more. Michael Leach Adam Palmatier (517) 257-9263 (616) 340-9557 LeachM@helenaagri.com PalmatierA@helenaagri.com helenaprofessional.com | First five people to respond to this ad will receive a free YETI surprise. Always read and follow label directions. Helena and People...Products...Knowledge... are registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company. ©2020 Helena Holding Company. HPG0920P Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 19 SUPERINTENDENT — RYAN MOORE OF FOREST LAKE COUNTRY CLUB RYAN Moore BY GREG JOHNSON Moore was a 13-year-old golfer and maintenance staff at Brampton his avid-golfer neighbor took him Country Club just outside of Toronto. for a round at a local golf course That was 1990 and he was still and introduced him to the side-bet working on the staff in 2003 after concept. The bet, if Moore could earning associate degrees at Guelph beat the neighbor, then the neighbor University in Ontario and another at would let Moore mow his lawn. Sir Sandford Fleming College and Ryan Moore Just as Huck fell for Tom Sawyer’s flirting with career ideas in computer played the Huck Finn technology and accounting. painting a fence is fun theory, Moore role and his neighbor, wanted to win his first side bet. “I tried to get away from golf a few an avid golfer, was the times, but it stuck,” he said. “I just Tom Sawyer in this “I wanted to try out that mower and I kept learning more and moving up scenario. got the chance,” he said. “I was not as the ladder. Raking traps, moving fascinated with beating him as I was mowers, hole-changing, irrigation with mowing that grass.” tech, assistant super all while going to school. Anything they gave me to Moore loved the golf and the do I enjoyed. I took pride in it and it mowing and the two things remain was competitive with the younger a significant part of his life. He has guys that came long. It made me been the superintendent at Forest better.” Lake Country Club in Bloomfield Hills since 2011 after being an assistant at His favorite part of the first job: the club since 2004. “Being part of doing something I Moore grew up in Canada and it thought was special and then having was also that summer at age 13 other people notice what I was doing. when he landed his first job on the There was a constant push – can I do 20 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org better? It was a sense of pride and in adverse weather, whenever and not a huge pool of guys like me who being part of a team.” help. Teamwork develops when you found a passion growing up and work together with the team. My stayed with it.” Pride and teamwork, like loving to difficulty sometimes, is taking too mow grass, are more constants in much on my plate to get it done Forest Lake was originally designed his career. at a high level. I need to let others in the 1920s by noted course learn and grow and shorten my designer William Diddel and the “There’s very much a political aspect original routing remains intact. days.” working for a private club and with Some holes were redesigned over management of the crew, but I’m Last year his staff numbered 13 the years by Arthur Hills and Chris also that guy who loves being out in at Forest Lake, and he would like Wilczynski has worked on course the dirt,” he said. “If anything I get to expand it to 18 if possible. He restoration projects recently as well. stuck being out in the dirt too much said he used to say the economy Moore considers the course a great because I enjoy it a lot. The bigger was the biggest problem golf layout and treats the property that aspect for me now is managing the superintendents face, but now it’s way. crew and operations.” finding labor. “Forest Lake has a tremendous His management style, Moore said, “Golf boomed with Covid and labor membership and a tremendous golf is hands-on and he struggles at is going to be the challenge moving course and I enjoy that aspect of my times to relinquish control. forward,” he said. “It’s a grind to job,” he said. “There is pride here.” move up the ladder especially if “One thing I learned growing up is Moore said the older push-up greens wages are not competitive along the to never ask guys to do something on the course prompted him to start way. They can find easier ways to I wouldn’t do myself. I always jump topdressing on a regular basis when make the same money, and I think in and join my guys. I don’t think he first took over at the club. this is the kind of work you have to a leader has to just be someplace do, to experience before you realize pushing buttons. I get out there you want to keep doing it. There is 5 THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME 1. First “Canadian” MiGCSA President Eh! 2. Pulled over by the police in 2020 on a Sand Pro during Covid-19 Shut Down 3. Work Hard, Play Hard, Live to vacation with my family 4. Plays the sport of Curling 5. First ever Assistant Liaison on MiGCSA Board Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 21 SUPERINTENDENT PROFILE “We put sand on the greens and it has He said he doesn’t have a specific Detroit club. He and his wife Christy generated what I think are quite good agenda as president. have two daughters, Calista, 12 and green surfaces,” he said. “We put the Avanley, 9, and they have taken to sand on and use water management “There are great guys on the board that figure skating. strategies. The greens on a course like bring great ideas,” he said. “My original this with 6,300 yards from the tips goal when I became secretary-treasurer “Work, industry events, then chase the are the challenge, and it’s our hardest was to make sure the association was girls around with the family, it’s what I challenge to keep them top level.” financially stable. Working with Adam do,” he said. (Ikamis, executive director) to balance Recently, Moore was elevated to the our growth has made the association As for playing golf, he plays anywhere top level of the Michigan Golf Course healthy and able to give back to the between 12 to 20 rounds in a season Superintendents Association (MiGCSA) membership through scholarships, and would like to play more. He does when he was named president. networking events. As president I just a fall golf trip with members and want to keep it progressing, take the especially enjoys Forest Dunes Golf He started a relationship with the new ideas in, execute them, and see it Club in Roscommon. organization when he was an assistant continue to improve. I guess in a way, I superintendent at Forest Lake to Fritz “It’s pristine, and a great getaway with don’t want to screw it up.” Mullen. Moore was the first liaison great members,” he said. for assistant superintendents on the McMullen brought him to Forest Lake in He has played some of the great MiGCSA board. He later served on 2004 and influenced him significantly. courses in the world, including the board for the Detroit district and “From him I learned to network and Pinehurst No. 2 and thinks playing has worked his way through board there were a lot of teaching moments,” nearby Tobacco Road Golf Club might positions with MiGCSA over the last six he said. “Fritz is a good person, tough be the best golf experience he has ever years. as nails and like him I want to be had. He has a bucket list course yet to “Every step of the journey has been remembered as someone who gave it achieve in New Zealand. rewarding,” he said. “Meeting new all to the job.” “It’s the Cape Kidnappers course and it people, tackling new ventures, giving The native Canadian of course played just sounds like a great adventure,” he back to golf through the association, hockey in his youth, and he remains said. growing socially, growing a network of people to help, it’s been great.” an avid curler and is a member of a 22 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org NICK BINDER GREG WARD ADAM GARR 517-974-4209 616-286-0604 248-914-4902 NBinder@landolakes.com GWard@landolakes.com AGarr@landolakes.com SUPERINTENDENT PROFILE He likes adventure, like Tom Sawyer apparently, and he and country,” he said. “We were just in Arizona. We’ve been to his wife plan vacation trips with adventure in mind. Hilton Head, to Wisconsin. Vacationing and giving the family “We’ve gone to the Caribbean, taken the girls around the different experiences is invaluable to me.” 24 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org The EarthWorks Construction Program RENOVATE PLUS ECOLITE MYCO REPLENISH You Can Save Five Years Of Work In The First Month The EarthWorks construction amendment program has been the choice of over a thousand turf grass managers stretching over 25 years. When first asked to build an amendment program for soilless sand mixes in new construction projects, EarthWorks went to the agronomic drawing board and built an amendment program that mimicked a soil. A soil has a nutrient holding capacity and an organic and mineral matrix - sand does not. The incorporation of Renovate Plus, Myco Replenish and Ecolite has been proven over the years to be successful in establishing turf quickly and completely allowing the turf manager to sleep knowing that turf establishment will be successful and sustainable. By working the EarthWorks amendments into your new project you will save five years of work in just days, the return on that investment is invaluable. Visit us at earthworksturf.com for more information or give one of our experienced agronomists a call for more details and a list of facilities that have been successful in using the EarthWorks Construction Program. Chad Kuzawa Upper-Midwest Regional Agronomist chad@soilfirst.com • 616.255.2818 www.earthworksturf.com • 800.732.TURF Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 25 EXCLUSIVELY AT DO MORE WITH LESCO ® 2 PAGE CEN 26 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org TER SPREAD LESCO agronomic products from SiteOne Landscape Supply are backed by 60 years of green industry ® knowledge. From innovative seed and enhanced efficiency fertilizers, to rigorously tested control and specialty products, to motorized equipment – LESCO exceeds expectations with every application. Getting more green from less work is what the next level is all about. Do MORE with LESCO. Explore our solutions for professionals at SiteOne.com/Lesco Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 27 Retirement 28 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Ron Dahlin, superintendent THE at The Meadows at GVSU MEADOWS At Grand Valley State University FARMINGTON HILLS – R on Dahlin retired at the end of December after spending the last 20 years as the superintendent at The Meadows at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, and he is still figuring out how retirement works. “I’m slowly getting better at sleeping in,” he said. “Of course, sleeping in is 6:30, but I’m making progress. It’s not those 4:30 mornings anymore.” His years of early mornings and the body of work he produced have resulted in him being named the 2022 Golf Association of Michigan Superintendent Award of Merit winner. Dahlin, 63, follows 2021 winner Al Bathum of Cascade Hills Golf & Country Club and he joins a list of recipients that include Ted Woehrle, Clem Wolfrom, Fritz McMullen, John Fulling, Jay Eccleton, Steve Cook, Jeff Holmes, Phil Owen and Paul Galligan. “It is one heck of an accolade, awesome,” he said. “In my head I think of guys winning this award like Clem Wolfrom and John Fulling so it didn’t quite register with me at first. It is very humbling and it’s a great feather in my cap and a great way to end a career.” Dahlin was nominated by the Board of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), a group Dahlin was instrumental in helping found over 15 years ago. MiGCSA Executive Director Adam Ikamas said Dahlin was one of the most involved in every aspect of the association. He helped form the by-laws, and develop the elements of membership outreach, communication and more, and served in various roles and on various committees. “Ron was an absolute critical part of what we do from the start,” Ikamas said. “Simply put there is no way this chapter is where it is today without Ron.” Dahlin said his retirement has started with the building, with his wife KaLee, a new home in Northern Michigan, just outside of Honor on the Platte River. “I’m a little worried about not staying busy, but with nine acres to take care of and a house to build I should be good for a while,” he said. “I’ve been married to a wonderful woman for over 30 years, and it’s time I spent a little time around her as well.” Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 29 RETIREMENT KaLee recently retired from Amway Corp., after working “I really think it is a noble sport, and a noble profession to be there 30 years in research and development, food, and in,” he said. “The people who work in golf are a great group nutrition. They have two children, Bryson, who is 24 and has of individuals to be associated with. They work hard, they a career in construction, and Caitlin, 21, who is a junior in the try their best, there is great camaraderie and I latched on to nursing program at Grand Valley. that.” “It’s a great time for us to leave our careers behind,” Dahlin He said working for a golf course on a university campus has said. “We are still young enough and healthy enough to do been a great experience and that highlights over the years the things we want to do.” were hosting multiple state tournaments for high school golfers and six NCAA national championship tournaments. Prior to coming to The Meadows, Dahlin was the superintendent of the Valley course at the 36-hole Egypt “I’ve enjoyed working with the (college) kids,” he said. “I Valley Country Club in Ada, working for 10 years with enjoyed teaching them what it meant to work, and some longtime golf course manager Jeff Holmes. really bought into working in golf. The job is to make the value of the product the best it can be every day. I was He is originally from LaSalle, Colo., where he grew up on a blessed to be in an industry like that. I’m excited to move farm 50 miles north of Denver. He has worked outside in on to another stage in my life, but when I look back I don’t his career, first in weed and pest control and then at age 27 have a regret at all. It’s been good for me and my family, embarked on undergraduate work in biology and agriculture and I loved getting out there every morning and seeing the and a masters in horticulture and turfgrass management. He sunrise.” found a career path with turfgrass management and golf. Erwin McKone is a Michigan native, growing up in Flint, Michigan was introduced to turf at Genesee Valley Meadows. Erwin earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Michigan and was a Research Assistant for Bruce Branham at the University of Illinois. Erwin served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Golf Operations at Briar Ridge Country Club prior to joining the Turf Ventures team in 2016. Turf Ventures is a major distributor of chemicals and supplies. The company philosophy emphasizes playability as guiding principle for agronomic decisions. Turf Ventures believes in common sense agronomic principles and proven cultural practices to ensure the success of its partners. Erwin H. McKone, CGCS 219-688-0089 erwin@chicagolandturf.com 30 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org RESULTS WORTH THE SWITCH 3 REASONS ANUEW™ PGR PERFORMS BETTER ON BENTGRASS – TRIAL PERFORMANCE VS THE COMPETITION – Long-lasting and more active at lower application rates Only late-stage inhibitor to evenly regulate Poa in mixed stands Fast improvement of turfgrass density and appearance // SEE RESULTS AT NUFARM.COM/USTURF/ANUEW INVESTING IN THE FUTURE FOUNDED BY NUFARM AND GCSAA ©2022 Nufarm. Anuew™ is a trademark of Nufarm. Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 31 ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT - MIKE KENNINGS MIKE Kennings BY GREG JOHNSON 1 HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED projects and extending our driving range. Day-to-day I’m responsible IN THE GOLF BUSINESS? I was at Michigan State, originally to get an for irrigation, spraying, crew engineering degree. Along the way management, all that normal stuff. I realized I wanted to work outside. I knew the desk life was not for me. 5 ON THE JOB, WHAT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO Mike Kennings has 2 WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN HAVE IN YOUR ARESENAL FOR been an assistant superintendent GOLF AND WHAT WAS A KEY GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT? I at Spring Meadows Country Club THING YOU LEARNED FROM IT? would love a GPS sprayer. It gives I started on the grounds staff at you control and accuracy. You can in Linden for three years, taking Spring Meadows and I learned reduce your inputs and not over on the role after working on the spray or under spray. You can hit the everything under the sun. My grounds staff for three years boss, Craig Henderson, knew I was mark every time with the GPS. during college. He earned his planning on going into the industry so he let me try my hand at anything 6 WHAT IS THE OLDEST PIECE bachelor’s degree in crop and OF EQUIPMENTY STILL BEING soil science at Michigan State I wanted to learn. UTILIZED IN YOUR FLEET? An old University and he and his wife 3 WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART Toro fairway unit with verticutters on it, but we jokingly say the oldest Brooklyn welcomed their first OF THAT FIRST JOB? I have to say walk mowing greens. I just loved piece of equipment is Jack. He is in child just a few months ago, his mid-80s and works seven days a to throw music in my ears and go daughter Adelaide. week. at it for the first three hours of the day before doing projects in the afternoon. There is something 7 WHO ON YOUR CREW MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST? I’ve got to say relaxing about it. my summer college help is always 4 WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT keeping me laughing. I’m trying to keep up with their sayings and RESPONSIBILITIES? Right now we are doing a lot of drainage what they think is funny. It is a 32 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Our success depends on your success. We’re committed to going the extra mile to ensure you come out on top. “Harrell’s prioritizes trials and product development because we want our customers to have the utmost confidence in our products. We want to put the products through the paces before they ever reach the shelves of our customers.” Quality You Can Count On —Dr. Jeff Atkinson, Harrell’s Director of Agronomy When you invest in Harrell’s products, you can rest assured our TurPh.Dudes ANDY GILROY DOUG JOHANNINGSMEIER have truly put them through their paces SE MI Oakland County/SE MI to earn the Harrell’s name. Our Research & agilroy@harrells.com djohanningsmeier@harrells.com (586) 917-3851 (248) 302-2054 Development team of Ph.D’s are dedicated to helping you succeed through quality MARC MCCOY KIMBERLY ROULEAU products and valuable services. Northern MI Western/Mid MI 16+ States mmccoy@harrells.com krouleau@harrells.com (616) 902-6196 (989) 370-5250 16+ Universities 42+ Trials MIKE RUPP SE MI/NW OH Come Out On Top! mrupp@harrells.com Call your Harrell’s rep or visit (419) 764-3422 www.harrells.com today. Course Conditions | 800.282.800733 | Spring 2022 Issue www.harrells.com Employee -Owned riot to try to keep up each year, and a good time for sure. It’s how I stay some bunkering on the inside of the dogleg. 12 HOW HAVE YOU GIVEN BACK TO YOUR PROFESSION? I served on a with the times. 10 WHAT IS THE CULTURAL national task group for the GCSAA, 8 IF YOU HAD A MULLIGAN ON A MANAGEMENT PRACTICE YOU the student task group. I volunteered to be on the assistants’ committee DIFFERENT CAREER CHOICE, WHAT COULD NOT DO WITHOUT? WOULD IT BE? I always thought Topdressing and brushing greens are with MiGCSA this year. I try to go to about if I had unlimited funds I would so important. A couple of days after as many events as I can when time be a pilot, but more realistically I doing it the balls are rolling nice. allows. thought I would be a biology teacher or something. You have to have the 11 WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS 13 WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST FROM THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE ISSUES FACING ASSISTANT summers off to golf, right? SUPERINTENDENTS TODAY? It is SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? 9 IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANY GOLF To support the industry within our different for everybody, but the one I hear from other assistants the most is HOLE ON YOUR COURSE WITHOUT state and I think they do that. I like REPERCUSSION, WHICH ONE how they create opportunities to the hours. I’m lucky to have flexibility WOULD IT BE? Our 14th hole is a meet new people and network, and in my schedule, but some assistants front sloping Biarritz style green I like fundraising for scholarships. are required to work a lot of extra with very few friendly pin locations. I plan to start to playing in more hours, which can make it hard to raise I would reshape that green for more events as I get more involved. a family. pin placements and possibly add Dan Shemon Territory: Southeastern Michigan Cell: 248.640.4439 Email: dshemon@advancedturf.com Eric Denoyer Territory: Northern Michigan Cell: 231.645.2933 Email: edenoyer@advancedturf.com Your golf course will Brad Fry Territory: Southwestern Michigan never look better. Cell: 269.308.9652 Email: bfry@advancedturf.com Chad Miller Territory: Southeastern Michigan Cell: 260.602.1104 Email: cmiller@advancedturf.com Joe Singles Territory: Central & Southeastern Michigan Cell: 248.697.7182 Email: jsingles@advancedturf.com TWO MICHIGAN-AREA LOCATIONS: 37702 Enterprise Court 4123 Vance Rd We are your one stop shop for fertilizer, chemical, Farmington Hills, MI 48331 Traverse City, MI 49685 and seed solutions for your golf course. 248.341.3521 231.943.8343 Contact your ATS sales rep to learn more about www.advancedturf.com our latest offerings! @AdvancedTurf 34 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT 14 WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE JOB? Hiring shows up with every line mowed. They play a huge role in conditioning of a golf course and the overall flow by and retaining employees, especially in relation to the work demands versus the wage demands. keeping things up and running. 15 WHAT IS THE EASIEST PART OF THE JOB? I enjoy 22 WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE CONCERNING GOLF managing people and working with the crew. I like that COURSE ETIQUETTE? What peeves me the most are cart part of the job the most, working with the team. traffic patterns, especially on wet days. 16 WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? I would 23 WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS OF GREEN SPEEDS AND THE love to be a superintendent. The end-goal would be here GAME OF GOLF TODAY? Personally, I would rather play one day, or another local club. I really don’t want to leave with them rolling at 10 with friends so that we aren’t out the area. If not here, then somewhere in the metro Flint there all day. Fast greens have their place, however not area. everybody can handle them. 17 HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED IN THE 24 AWAY FROM GOLF, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT? If FUTURE? I don’t want to be the serious guy. A fun-loving you consider fishing a sport, and I do, that’s it, especially super who is in it for the love of the game. That’s me. bass fishing. I spent a lot of time when I was younger in tournaments, almost every weekend that I could. I never 18 WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST ABOUT played golf in high school. I was horrible at it. TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT? All of my bosses have been great, hard to pin one down. Everyone I have worked 25 WHAT TYPE OF HOBBIES DO YOU HAVE AWAY FROM under I try to take something from them and I have had a GOLF? I ice fish in the winter and water fowl hunt in the pretty positive experience thus far. fall. 19 WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU HAVE 26 DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE GOLF COURSE? My favorite LEARNED? Over the last couple of years, it’is realizing that place to go play is the Links at Hunter’s Ridge in Howell. I it’s ok to be an assistant super. I’ve accepted that I can play it once a week, sometimes twice. It’s a nice, fun layout prioritize personal goals and still have a fulfilling career to play. while I work towards becoming a superintendent. 27 DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST COURSE? I would love 20 HOW DO YOU RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ASSISTANT to play The Old Course at St. Andrews. I’m of Scottish heritage and I have always wanted to go there and give it SUPERINTENDENT’S ROLE? I think they are immensely important. It is a second pair of eyes, ears, and hands for a whirl. the superintendent. 28 WHAT IS THE FAVORITE CLUB IN YOUR BAG? I owe my 21 WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE MECHANIC? They entire golf game to my 56-degree wedge. It gets me out of trouble. are the unsung heroes honestly. Their quality of work 5 THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME 1. 2. 3. 4. I restore vintage motorcycles primarily from the 1970s and into the 1980s models. I’ve caught multiple 10-pound-plus bass. In bass fishing, catching a 10-pound-plus bass is like getting a hole-in-one in golf. I won a Big Ten Conference club bass fishing championship. I’ve never been outside the United States. 5. I’m now the assistant at the club I first started working at – Spring Meadows CC in Linden. Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 35 ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT 29 WHO IS THE GREATEST INFLUENCE wheel drive Suburban. They cost as much as a house now, but it would have IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE? My wife. room for the kids and still room for golf clubs. She keeps me in check. We worked at same grocery store in high school 32 WHAT IS YOUR DREAM SCRAMBLE TEAM? My brothers Neil, Jack, and Peter – in Fenton. We both went to MSU. We I’m one of four. We wouldn’t win anything but we would have most fun. ended up dating later and getting married. 30 DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE FOOD OR RESTAURANT? I love pizza in any shape or form. No specific one. I can go with the fanciest or the cheapest. I will give it a try. 31 WHAT VEHICLE WOULD YOU DRIVE IF YOU HAD A MONEY TREE GROWING IN YOUR YARD? This may sound boring, but I would love a four- PS10122 Prime Source Half Page bleed trim 8.5 x 5.5 bleed 8.75 x 5.75 MIGCSA Zelto Crescendo1 THEY’RE SUCKING “ THE LIFE OUT OF YOUR ROOTS. In recent university trials, tank mixes of OMRI listed Zelto® and Crescendo™ “ biological nematicides/insecticides significantly reduced populations of destructive turf nematodes. Now that’s getting to the root of the problem. Check out the trial results and more about both products at primesource-albaugh.com. ©2022 Albaugh, LLC. Prime Source and the water drop logo are registered trademarks and Crescendo is a trademark of Albaugh, LLC. Zelto is a registered trademark of Marrone Bio Innovations. Always read and follow label Precautions and Directions For Use. PS10122 MiGCSA ZeltoCrescendo1.indd 1 3/1/22 11:33 AM 36 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 37 2021 HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS T he winners of the Heritage Scholarship have been chosen. The award is available to the dependents of current members who are enrolled in a post high school education curriculum. Funding for this scholarship is provided by the proceeds from the 2021 Fundraisers & the membership dues increase. Thank you to our 2021 Fundraiser host sites Arcadia Bluffs, Spring Lake Country Club and Orchard Lake Country Club. Thank you to the MiGCSA Members, Staff and Club Members at these host facilities and our generous Industry Partners for making these awards possible. The applicants are asked to submit a 750 word essay along with evidence of their scholastic and extracurricular achievements. The scholarship committee then grades each applicant based on their submission and the highest scores are awarded the scholarship. The submissions are graded anonymously and based on the content of the essay followed by the applicant’s scholastic achievements and community involvement. EMILY BLUCK I am honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of this award. In my pursuit of a bachelor’s of arts and a judicial doctorate, this scholarship will serve me very well. My heart soars at the thought of becoming a lawyer within the next few years, and I am so thankful for the help this scholarship will offer me in my journey. Years ago, my dad served on this same scholarship committee, so I understand the dedication of time and effort necessary to serve on this board. 38 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org CAITLIN DAHLIN Thank you so much MiGCSA for awarding me with this scholarship. I am currently a Junior at Grand Valley State University studying Nursing and Spanish. These funds will help me continue my education into my senior year as I serve in hospitals around Grand Rapids. And thank you to my Dad, Ron Dahlin, for serving with MiGCSA and finishing out your career strong this March. AIDAN GOIKE It is an honor to be selected as an MiGSCA golf scholarship winning submissions. I am very grateful for this opportunity, as it will help me financially with my future endeavors related to academics. I am planning on going to Northwood next year to finish up my 3+1 marketing degree. Baseball season being just around the corner, financial opportunities and time are at a premium, which is why I am so appreciative for this opportunity. Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 39 SCHOLARSHIPS EMILY JOTZAT My name is Emily Jotzat and I am currently a sophomore at Trine University in Angola, Indiana. I am pursuing a degree in both Elementary Education and Montessori Education, being drawn to the ultimate career goal of becoming a Montessori teacher because of the student centered and hands on philosophy behind Montessori education. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all those involved in making the MiGCSA Heritage Scholarship possible, I can assure that this scholarship will be put to good use to promote my educational endeavors. MOLLIE McKONE My name is Mollie McKone and I am a sophomore studying Philosophy, Spanish, and Gender Studies at the University of Notre Dame. This summer, I was accepted as a transfer student to Notre Dame. Although I was overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement, I was concerned about how my family would manage to pay for this incredible opportunity. Although I received a generous amount of financial aid, there still remains an amount that my parents and I have to make up in order for me to continue my undergraduate studies. My education is incredibly important to me, and to know that this scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burden from my parents and me is wonderful. To the MiGCSA board of governors and its scholarship committee, thank you. I am so blessed to receive your support. DAVID PULASKI It is my honor to accept this scholarship and I’d like to thank you along with the remainder of the MiGCSA board of governors and its scholarship committee. Myself and other hardworking students that are MiGSCA affiliated now find ourselves with the additional funds necessary to continue our path of higher education. Thank you! 40 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org GIVE BACK to the Michigan GCSAA Chapter While fighting Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, Gray Leaf Spot, Fairy Ring, Pythium Blight, Red Thread, Rust, and other fungii. Enroll at FMCTrueChampions.com and indicate you are a member 1 of the Michigan GCSAA chapter. Invoice purchases between 1/1/22-8/31/22 of Fame® SC, Rayora®, 2 Kalida® and Serata™ fungicides from an authorized FMC distributor will be automatically reported. FMC will donate a portion of qualified products back to the 3 Michigan GCSAA chapter. $250 minimum applies. Always read and follow all label directions, precautions and restrictions for use. Some products may not be registered Course for sale or use in all states. FMC, the FMC logo, Fame, Rayora, Kalida, Serata and FMC True Conditions Champions are trademarks| Spring 2022 Issue 41 or service marks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. ©2022 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. GSS-02/22 SCHOLARSHIPS SHAYLIN RINGS I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient for the MiGCSA Scholarship! I have just begun my undergraduate career as a Freshman at Aquinas College and am in the process of completing a major in Health Science. My lifelong dream of working in the medical field as a PA is moving forward, and I am deeply appreciative of your support and generosity! ANNA TRAVER Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship! It is truly an honor and I am so grateful to MiGCSA for supporting my academic endeavors. I will be putting this scholarship toward my tuition for the fall semester. Thank you to my parents, Rob and Jennifer Traver, and my brother, Jacob Traver, for all of their continued support of my schooling and career goals. 42 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 43 LEARN MORE ONLINE: 44 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org 2022 EDITION OF TEE TIMES FOR TURF ONLINE AUCTION RECAP T he Michigan Turfgrass Foundation would like line of contact when requests are made. Golf is a generous to thank all the contributing clubs who helped industry, and many charities and groups are constantly make out 2022 Edition of Tee Times for Turf seeking donations to help various causes. We are fortunate online auction for Turf Research a tremendous success our industry is willing to follow up with our requests and so this year. The event is in its 10th year to gain support many of you took the time to respond to this effort. of the MSU Turf Team and Turf Program as well as Every course participating is listed in this writing and each Scholarships for the Turf Students at MSU. With course will be receiving an acknowledgement thank you and over 200 Golf Courses and some Industry Partners report of the auction activity as well as description of how the participating in this year’s event we anticipated some funding is used and its impact on the MSU Turf Program. exceptional bidding and activity – but our expectations were exceeded. The 2-week auction that began April The TT4Turf Committee would also like to thank the MiGCSA 24th and ended on May 8th - Mother’s Day never had Board of Directors for their support and assistance with this a slow day and courses were continuing to sign up as year’s auction. Many of the course contacts were directly the auction began. Total income from the event was attributed to their efforts and it was greatly appreciated. $49,484 and would not have been possible without the participation from all the host courses who supported Next years auction is already being organized and there Michigan Golf and MSU Turf. This amount exceeded last will be updates early this fall for those who would like to years event and is the largest amount raised since the participate again and hopefully continue its success. For event began. those who have not had the chance to be a participant and would like to be a part of next year’s event please feel free to TT4Turf Chairpersons – Scott Rettman reach out to us at MiTurfgrass@gmail.com and we will provide and Eric Davey have been the key component in you with any items you may need to be course host. organizing all the items and details required to make this event a success, however, the true accomplishment Again – the MTF thanks all our golf course and industry would not have been possible without so many willing sponsors for helping with this year’s record breaking golf courses participating. We are especially grateful event. to the golf course superintendents who are our first Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 45 2022 MTF - Bellaire Centenial Golf Club Belvedere Golf Club City Of Livonia Golf Division, Fox Creek, Idyl Wyld or Whispering Willows TeeTimes 4 Turf Clubs Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club City Of Livonia Golf Division, Idyl Wyld, Bird Creek Golf Club Fox Creek or Whispering Willows A-Ga-Ming .. Sundance Course Blythefield Country Club City Of Livonia Golf Division, Whispering A-Ga-Ming .. Torch Course Boulder Creek Golf Club Willows, Fox Creek or Idyl Wyld Alpena Golf Club Boulder Pointe College Fields Golf Club American Dunes Golf Club - Grand Haven, Boulder Pointe College Fields Golf Club Michigan Boyne Resorts - Bay Harbor Coyote Golf Club Ann Arbor Golf & Outing Boyne Resorts - Highlands Coyote Preserve Golf Club Apple Mountain Golf Course Brentwood Golf Club & Banquet Center Cracklewood Golf Club Arbor Hills Golf Club Brookshire Inn & Golf Course Cracklewood Golf Club Arcadia Bluffs Bucks Run Golf Club Davison Country Club Arcadia Bluffs - South Course Cadillac Country Club Davison Country Club Arrowhead Golf Club Cadillac Country Club Dearborn Country Club Atlas Valley Country Club Cadillac Country Club Detroit Golf Club Avon Oaks Country Club Cadillac Country Club Dunham Hills Country Club Barton Hills Country Club Calderone Golf Club Dunmaglas Golf Course Battle Creek Country Club Canadian Lakes Royal Golf Course Eagle Eye Golf Course Bay County Golf Course Cascade Hills Country Club Eagle Glen Golf Course Bay Pointe Golf Club Cattails Golf Course Edgewood Country Club Beacon Hill Golf Course Chandler Park Golf Course Egypt Valley Country Club - Ridge Course Bedford Valley Golf Club Cherry Creek Golf Course Egypt Valley Country Club - Valley Course IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ACCESSORIES Customize yours today! Call us at (269) 685-6828 46 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Eldorado Golf Course Lakes of Taylor Golf Course Stonehedge - South Elk Rapids Golf Club (9 Hole Course) Lenawee Country Club Stonycroft Hills Club Farmington Hills Golf Club Leslie Park Golf Course Sugar Loaf “The Old Course” Farmington Hills Golf Club Lincoln Golf Club Sunnybrook Country Club Faulkwood Shores Golf Club Links at Crystal Lake Sweetgrass Golf Club - Island Resort Fellows Creek Links of Novi and Casino Fieldstone Golf Club Lochmoor Club Sweetgrass Golf Club - Island Resort Flint Elks Country Club Macatawa Legends and Casino Forest Akers East Golf Course Manistee National Golf & Resort Tam O’Shanter C.C. Forest Akers West Golf Course Marquette Golf Club - Greywalls Tanglewood Golf Club Forest Lake Country Club Marquette Golf Club - Heritage Taylor Meadows Golf Club Fountains Golf and Banquet Meadowbrook Country Club The Chief Golf Course Gaylord Golf Club Metamora Golf and CC The Classic Fox Gaylord Golf Club Midland Country Club The Dream Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf - Milham Park The Dunes Club NORTH Mystic Creek The Emerald Golf Course Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf - Naperville Country Club The Emerald Golf Course NORTH Northville Hills Golf Club The Falls at Barber Creek Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf - WEST Oak Pointe Country Club - Championship The Fortress Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf - WEST Course The Gailes Golf Course Goodrich Country Club Oak Pointe Country Club - Honors Course The Golden Fox Goodrich Country Club Oak Ridge Golf Club The Heathers Club Grande Golf Club Oakhurst Golf & Country Club The Majestic at Lake Walden Grande Golf Club Oakland University Sharf Golf Course The Meadows Golf Club Great Oaks Country Club Paint Creek Country Club The Medalist Green Hills Golf Course Petoskey-Bay View Country Club The Mines Golf Course Greystone Golf Club & Banquet Center Pheasant Run Country Club The Moors Golf Club Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club - 18 Hole Twosome The Nightmare Gull Lake Country Club Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club - 18 Hole Twosome The Orchards Golf Club Gull Lake View - EAST Pine Knob Golf Course The Strategic Fox Gull Lake View - WEST Pineview Highlands The Tamaracks Golf Course & Estates Hankerd Hills Golf Course Plum Hollow The Tamaracks Golf Course & Estates Hartland Glen Golf Course PohlCat Golf Course The Wyndgate Country Club Hawk Hollow Golf Course Polo Fields Country Club - Ann Arbor Timber Ridge Hemlock Golf Club Prestwick Village Golf Club Timber Wolf Golf Club Highland Meadows Golf Club - Sylvania, Rackham Golf Course Timber Wolf Golf Club Ohio! Radrick Farms Golf Course TPC of Michigan Hilltop Golf Course Railside Golf Club Traverse City Golf & CC Huntmore Golf Club Red Hawk Golf Club Travis Pointe Country Club Huron Hills Golf Course Rivers Edge Golf Club Treetops Resort Indian Run Golf Club Riverview Highlands Tullymore Golf Resort Indian Trails Golf Course Rouge Park Golf Course Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club Inkster Valley Royal Scot Golf Course TWO - 25LB Bags of GRASS SEED, by EGS Inverness Club .. Golf Digest Top 100 Saginaw Country Club Green Grounds with XALT Course! Salem Hills Golf Club Walnut Creek Country Club Island Hills Golf Club Scott Lake Country Club Wawashkamo Golf Club Kalamazoo Country Club Shanty Creek Western Golf Club Kent Country Club Shenandoah Country Club Westshore Golf & Country Club Kingsley Club Spring Lake Country Club Westwynd Golf Course Knollwood Country Club Spring Meadows Country Club White Deer Country Club Knollwood Country Club - Lake County, St. Clair Golf Club Whitmore Lake Golf Links ILLINOIS! St. Ives Golf Club at Tullymore Golf Resort Wuskowhan Players Club Lakelands Golf and Country Club Stoatin Brae Golf Club Lakes of Taylor - Golf Simulator! Stonehedge - North Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 47 THE SPRING OPENER The 2022 MiGCSA golf event season kicked off with a beautiful day at The Mines Golf Course in Grand Rapids on May 5th. Thank you to our host Superintendent and Board Member Skip Connolly, new owner Chris Sobieck and all the staff at The Mines. The shotgun start went off at 10:00 and the last group was in by 2:30 for after event appetizers, awards and meeting. The service and staff were phenomenal all around. Here were the results from the day. Closest to the pins winners: Eric Davey, Bob Klingbeil, Blaine Burch & Mark Ostrander Long Drive: Logan May Longest putt: Ryan Glunz Winning Teams: 1st place: Mike Gianopoulos, Marc McCoy, Drew Paxton & Rob Pylar. 2nd place: Adam Palmatier, Chester VandenBurg, Ben Keeler & Mike Leach. 3rd place: Blaine Burch, Lee Collins, Steve Rebhan & Josh Teitsma. 48 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org Sand Guard™ Porous Pave PERMEABLE • DURABLE • FLEXIBLE TM Bunker Liner Your Long Term Bunker Solution Porous Pave is a pour in place surfacing Permeable • Allows large volumes of water to pass through material using stone, recycled rubber • Eliminates standing water in sand bunkers and a binder material Durable & Flexible LEED qualified, Porous Pave is slip resistant, won’t freeze • The rubber expands and contracts with freeze/thaw and high heat to resist cracking or crack, environmentally friendly, and is available in several colors. It is easy and quick to install, curing time • 15 to 20 year life expectancy LED TIRES CYC is about 24 hours and it is ready for use. Environmentally Friendly RE MADE FROM • Made from recycled tires This pour-in-place material is ideal for: Fast Installation • Patios • Pool Surrounds • Mixed on-site, applied 1" thick, Sand Guard fully • Sidewalks • Cart Paths cures in 24 hours • Bridges • Trailways • Low impact installation allows the fairway to remain in-play while Sand Guard is installed No Sub Base • Can be installed directly over INDUSTRY existing bunker floor CORPORATE PROVIDER MEMBER AFFILIATE MEMBER CONTACT US FOR FREE ESTIMATES www.porouspaveinc.com • 888.448.3873 • 4385 E 110th St, Grant, MI 49327 Course Conditions | Spring 2022 Issue 49 ASSOCIATION UPDATE Flowing River or STAGNANT POND? I n the last two years it seems like everything with I intend to read it and it goes on my is changing, probably because it has. desk but often is not ever opened with a few Change can often be seen as a negative exceptions. Along with this I asked the board impact on our lives and certainly or comfort, to think about what we do as a chapter and it is hard so many do not partake in it. if we were to start this statewide association However, if you partake or not change is today what would we do and what would we ever present. It is constant as the Greek not. Spending $25K+ on a mailed quarterly Philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus wrote paper magazine did not fit into this category. about in 500BC. What did fit into this category was high One constant since the beginning of time quality video profiles of our members and might be change, however, the fear of events in 2022. So, we have partnered with change is also a constant. Since times Brand 25 Media to do a series of 10 videos of immemorial, humans have liked routine. It our members, events and stories called “MI makes us feel in control of our lives. Story” the first of which is a profile of our new President Ryan Moore at Forest Lake If a society or country rejects change there C.C. which may already be out when you is no growth, no progress. The inability read this. This was another mark against the to change, progress, or grow can result in magazine as a mode of communication, it is stagnation. Stagnation rejects realizing just so slow in today modern world of instant one’s full potential. Stagnation is not a information. We are excited to roll these out healthy flowing river; it is an idle and stale this year and expand in the future. pond. Another change you will see this summer I have been involved with the MiGCSA since is a new revamped and revitalized migcsa. before inception in 2008 but one of the org. We are in the early stages of a new predominant themes we have always pushed website with Club Express. The new site will is to be agile and aggressively pursue change be much more user friendly and come with as a positive force. This groundwork is really our own custom app which will have the one of the guiding lights of the chapter directory as our current app has but also success. So, it is with this in mind that we are event registration, a chat room, polls, and the making some changes this year. ability to meet members close to you if you The first is a reduction of our print magazine choose. We hope to have this live this July. you are reading now from four issues to One thing that comes with constant change two, this is the Spring issue and there will are mistakes, we do not know for certain be a second in the Fall. This decision by the if any of the initiatives will be better than communications committee and board was what we have now, but we believe they not made lightly. There were a few deciding will. Mistakes are the seeds of progress, lets factors. First was the cost, Course Conditions maintain our path down the river and avoid cost the chapter $25,000+ to design print the stagnant pond at all costs. and mail this is a hard cost and does not include any of my time in content gathering and creation. The second was the value, I asked many members over the last few years if they read the magazine. Everyone said they loved the magazine, and it is one Adam Ikamas, CGCS of the best they get but they also followed MiGCSA Executive Director 50 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | www.migcsa.org ENCARTIS FUNGICIDE – A DUAL-ACTIVE SOLUTION DESIGNED TO HELP YOU START AND FINISH THE SEASON STRONG. Open and close your season disease free with preventive and curative power. Encartis fungicide delivers strong control of dollar spot and 10 other key foliar diseases in an easy-to- use pre-mix formulation for up to 28 days of long-lasting protection. 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