VOLUME XXVI, PART III, M A Y / J U N E 2 0 1 0
NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

Suncoast GCSA President Jeff Strother presented a $3,500 check for Turfgrass
Research to FGCSA Executive Director Joel Jackson, CGCS Retired at the 2010
Suncoast Scramble In Sarasota. Photo by Darden Nicks.

Upcoming Events

May 6 - FGCSA Spring Board
Meeting, Naples Beach and GC
May 6 - FGCSA Past Presidents
Dinner, Naples
May 6 - Palm Beach GCSA Chapter
Meeting, Broken Sound CC

June 17 - Seven Rivers GCSA
and Luau, Naples Beach Hotel and GC Annual Meeting and Vendor
Appreciation Day
May 17 - Treasure Coast GCSA,
Blue Pearl Tournament, The Medalist July 29 - Palm Beach GCSA Annual
Meeting, Polo Club of Boca Raton
May 19 - IFAS Field Day, G.C. Horn
July 30 - Central Florida GCSA
Turf Plots, Citra
Crowfoot Seminar
May 7 - FGCSA/USGA Seminar
May 19 - West Coast GCSA Chapter
and Poa Annua G.C. Horn Memorial Meeting, Lake Jovita GC
July 31 - Central Florida GCSA
Tournament, Naples
Larry Kamphaus Crowfoot Open
June 5 - Palm Beach GCSA Future
May 8 - EGCSA Poa Annua Classic of Golf Tournament, The Falls CC
Aug. 2 - West Coast GCSA
Pro/Superintendent Tournament
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President's Message

President's Message
By Bill Kistler

companies have been the primary
target of the two dozen local
fertilizer ordinances so far, a Sierra
Club
member was heard to respond
Spring has finally arrived. It's nice
to a question of why the Golf
to get beyond those cold days of
BMPs make us "exempt" from the
winter. Weeds seem to be at a
premium this spring, so there's more blackouts by saying, "They're
than just oak and pine pollen in the next!"
air: must be great for herbicide sales.
GCSAA has prepared comments to
assist
us in reaching out to our
Many of us are preparing to treat for
mole crickets or in some cases, this legislators in Florida regarding
EPA's Numeric Nutrient Criteria
has already been completed.
Aerification has been scheduled or proposal. This link can be found on
the GCSAA Home page under the
taken place. I think you get the
picture; this is a very busy time of Advocacy header. Follow the links
to create your talking points and
year.
email to your representatives. The
Things have been heating up on the comment period directly o EPA
State legislature front. Mike Goldie ended April 28 , but contacting
sent out an update about Senate Bill your lawmakers will let them know
the ramifications of this
SB382 coming out of committee
amending the state model ordinance unworkable unfunded mandate that
to allow fertilizer applicators with comes from a lawsuit settlement
limited certification to be allowed to and not from scientific debate or
apply fertilizer during the blackout common sense.
There are some great events
periods.
coming up. May 7 - 8 the "POA"
Make no mistake, while
sponsored by the Everglades
homeowners and lawncare

Bill Kistler
chapter, the Treasure Coast's Blue
Pearl on May 17 , the University of
Florida Turf Field day on May 19,
and don't forget to mark your
calendar for September 1 5 - 1 7
FTGA in Orlando.
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It's also time for membership
renewals with your local chapter to
go out. It is through your dues and
participation that we have been able
to make the progress that we have
on issues that affect our industry and
build working relationships with
allied associations and regulators.
As you renew your dues, also renew
your commitment to participate in
your profession. Stricter water,
fertilizer and pesticide regulations
loom on the horizon and we must
meet these challenges with research
and advocacy.

GCSAA^i
f-

Editor:
Joel Jackson, CGCS
(407) 248-1971 (fax/phone)
E-mail: FLGrn@aol.com
News Coordinator:
Jennifer Innes
PO Box 65
Jensen Beach, FL 34958
(772) 334-7515
(772) 334-6015
E-mail:fgcsa@comcast.net
The Green Sheet is a bimonthly FGCSA
Newsletter printed as follows: Jan/Feb,
March/April, May/June, July/August,
Sept./October, November/December.

2

Financial Support:
This issue of the Green Sheet
is being sponsored by:
Golf Ventures
5101 Gateway Blvd., Suite 18
Lakeland, FL 33811-2704
800-330-8874
800-481-8911
888-222-7072
All material submitted for printing will
be edited at the discretion of the editor.
Material must be typed or clearly
printed. Photos are encouraged. Items
must be for the good of the association.
Deadline next issue June 15.

y

Please make sure you support your
local chapters: attend your local
meetings and events, participate in
the continuing education that is
planned for your area and volunteer
to serve on your local Board. We
depend on each other.
As always, I wish you all success in
your endeavors.

Executive Director Report

Executive Director Report
By Joel Jackson, GCCS
1. Legislative update: There are a
couple of bills that seek to modify
or cancel out previous legislation
and a couple more attempting to
address the frenzy over fertilizer
regulation. A bill seeking to put
Fertilizer Regulation under the
Dept. of Ag has failed so far as it
smelled too much like "preemption" for the Home Rule
forces. Another that seeks to
negate the ban on the sale of
fertilizer during blackout periods
has passed so far.
In Water World, there is a bill afoot
to repeal last year's decision to
allow permits/rules passage by the
Water Management District
Directors alone without the full
Board's vote or public input, not
that both wouldn't have been
consulted, but they wererTt
binding. In other water concerns
over quality issues, the EPA
Numeric Nutrient Criteria
"Railroad Express" campaign has
slowed down and won't reach
conclusion until sometime in 2011
as the outcry against this rush to
assign fixed numbers was so loud
EPA had to "Stop, Look and
Listen."
Meanwhile ramifications are still
being felt as N and P
concentrations in reclaimed water
are raising concerns for such waters
stored in holding ponds and
irrigations lakes for fears of
overflow during a storm event and
discharging into protected state
waters. Nitrogen in 6 to 9 ppm in
reclaimed water is a far cry from
the 1.6 ppm being considered by
EPA. Cleaning that water up before
it's used for irrigation will cost
Florida citizens and local

complete agenda can be found
elsewhere in this issue. And in a
few short months it will be time
for the FTGA Annual
But there is some good news. St.
Lucie County recently adopted the Conference and Show with a
State's Model Fertilizer Ordinance change in venue from Palm
Beach Gardens to Southwest
as their local fertilizer ordinance.
So that's one more of only a couple Orlando near Disney at the
Caribe Royale Hotel near Lake
for science over emotion.
Buena Vista. Details can be
Jacksonville/Duval and Orange
County also passed ordinances that found at www.ftga.org.
offer some common sense and
science based options rather than
General Comments: The long
the draconian blackouts that can
economic slump is starting to
serve up unintended consequences take casualties among our
of thinner turf which is shown to
brothers and sisters in all phases
allow more soil erosion and
of our industry as crew members
phosphorous pollution. That's peer lose jobs to staff cutbacks,
reviewed fact, not opinion.
superintendent burnout is
growing as juggling more with
2. Association Business: The
less takes its toll when golfers,
FGCSA will hold its Spring Board club members, club board
Meeting in Naples at 10:00 AM
officers and committee members
on Thursday, May 6th in
don't share common goals and
conjunction with the Everglades
expectations. Industry partners
Poa Annua Classic. The Board
can't make sales to clubs not
will address the upcoming fiscal
buying equipment, products or
year budget among other business services. And the common
items. Among those other items
sentiment is that the golf
being considered are: A new
industry will never be like it was
interactive website, online credit during the boom years.
card payment service for dues
renewals, registrations, magazine Maybe being as
advertising., and expanding local "chronologically experienced"
chapter dues renewal collections as I am, I can see a bigger
for chapters seeking that state
picture when I factor in my
service option.
parents' privations and
challenges as children in The
In other association news, the
Great Depression. They endured
FTGA has moved its office from
and of course the economy
Orlando to Lakeland. New contact rebounded and they lived the
information and address can be
"Dream" as they provided for
found at www.ftga.org.
their three kids, forged a secure
retirement and enjoyed work
3. Education: The FGCSA will
and family times.
host its 2 USGA Green Section
Half-Day Seminar at the Poa
I have no doubt that history will
Annua on Friday, May 7 from
repeat itself once again. In that
8:00 am to Noon. GCSAA
Continued on page 4...
Education Points are available. A

governments more than they can
afford.

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. Executive Dir. Report Continued from page 3.

long meantime since the 30's and war years of the 40's, we grew fat and sassy and mostly impatient as
technology gave us instantaneous gratification or at least instant access to options and information. We
aren't used to waiting. We have clicked our way to alternative answers and courses of action for so many
years that patience is not something we are not used to having to embrace. But there aren't a lot of
alternatives out there today. Everybody is hurting and running on reduced resources so patience is the only
practical measure one can employ unless you find something entirely different you want to try, but even
then other professions and industries have their challenges too.
So take a deep breath and find the simple pleasures in the day. Don't expect miracles, but pray for
progress. Smile more and complain less to project a positive attitude to all around you. Take care and hang
in there.
During the Awards Ceremony at
the NFGCSA Memorial
Tournament (1-r) John Piersol
from Lake City received $2,000
for the LCCC Scholarship Fund,
Pepper Peete of the 1 st Tee of
Jacksonville and Thomas
Lawrence of the 1 st Tee of Duval
County each received checks for
$1,500 for their organizations.
Photo by Joel Jackson.

Andy Maguire (left) host of the
2010 North Florida Memorial
Tournament and Past President of
the NFGCSA was given the 2010
Keeper of the Green Award by
NFGCSA President Chris
McCranie on April 12th during the
event at the Marsh Creek CC in St.
Augustine. Photo by Joel Jackson.

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Making Every Dollar Count

Making Every Dollar
Count

answers I found none. When I
looked at sponsorships from this
season I found none. Collectively
By Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, CGM
they could all do the work but
Stone Mountain Golf Club by Marriott
none had any interest in building a
Published in "Through the Green"
career long relationship they just
March/April 2010
wanted the money, now. Then I
did find some bold and committed
The way that money flows
companies that passed the first test
through any economy has been
for me to do business with them,
tracked and studied for years
they had for years reinvested some
especially during difficult times.
of their profits back into the very
The legendary Benjamin Franklin
people who they depend on to stay
gave us some great wisdom when he
in business, Golf Course
said, "a penny saved is a penny
Superintendents (GCS). They saw
earned" and we all know how many
me the GCS as a partner in their
pennies we were asked to save from
success and not as a sheep to be
our budgets in 2010. But what about
fleeced. I now understand that I
the money we spend? Do we really
should support the people who
take the time to look at the way our Supporting the Golf Course
support my career choice through
spending affects the golf industry Superintendent
their words, deeds and donations.
and ultimately our jobs?
It is my choice to spend my budget
The question, does your
During these difficult times company support the advancement dollars with vendors who invest in
it is more important than ever to
of the golf course superintendent the future of the Golf Course
make every dollar count and be able starts with a simple yes or no
Superintendent. It is this
to get the most out of every dollar answer. I learned that some
relationship that creates the value
we spend. It is more complex than vendors really support our
of Industry sponsorships for
comparing base pricing. Truly these association and the growth of our education and edification. It is my
days it is more about what do you profession while others do very
responsibility to remind my vendor
get for your money. There are many little or nothing at all. I want to
partners that it is important to me
options for products and services support the people who can say
that they invest in our
available to us but which ones are they are committed to seeing a
industry/profession and that I will
really the best. What intangibles
back
up my commitment with cash
strong golf industry and do so
affect the value of a product or
through a documented support (not on the barrel head. In short, if I put
service? I decided to evaluate my just financial) of the Golf Course a potential vendor on trial for
purchasing process and what I
supporting the golf course
Superintendent. I recently had
learned surprised me. I learned a lot many vendors that I have never
superintendent is there enough
about vendors and products and it seen or heard from before arrive in evidence to convict them.
really helped me gain a better
my office hoping to bid several
perspective on tracking the value of upcoming renovation projects. I
What do I really get for my
our purchasing power as
asked them the first question and Money
superintendents. I improved my
received various answers but when
The second question that I
purchasing process by asking three I looked at the GGCSA roster and ask vendors to make every dollar
questions to each vendor before I magazine for evidence of their
count is what is the actual value of
make any purchase. The questions
are #1 does your company support
the advancement of the Golf
Course Superintendent? #2 what is
the actual value of your product
and are there any services or
guarantees that add value to the
deal? Finally, #3 why I should put
my reputation on the line by
supporting you and your
company? If every member of the
GGCSA asked these questions and
we worked together with vendors
to maximize our efforts it would
be an unprecedented win - win
situation that could see us all
through these tough times. Let me
explain.

5

your product or service? The
value of a product or service is
often different than the simple
cost per unit. Will the product be
consistent and delivered on
time? If there is a problem is
there a procedure or person who
can and will make things right?
This is where the rubber meets
the road. What do I get for my
money? It is a competitive
market so, "let the buyer
beware". For example, not all
seed is created equal. Value per
bag of seed often changes when
computed to actual Pure Live
Seed and some chemicals may
appear less expensive but
actually deliver lower
percentages of actual ingredient.
Terms and Early order options
and other programs may be great
deals but we need to do a little
homework before we swipe the
P-card. The Value of a product
is the combination of results and
service. We need our vendors to
meet our expectations but we are
delighted when they exceed our
expectations and customer
loyalty is the result. It is good to
hear someone genuinely say,
"How can I help you be
successful today" and not just
demand time to show off the
latest product brochure. The
GCS has the power to make
deals happen and the best ones
always make the best deals.
Comparing prices is
critical for financial success but
what I have learned is that it's
sometimes necessary not only to
ensure that you are comparing
6

an apple to an apple but that you are
not comparing a "Granny Smith"
apple to a "Golden Delicious"
apple. Be sure that you ask great
questions, check out any claims or
testimonials and test any new
products in a controlled area before
betting your job on any product or
service. I will make one more
suggestion in this area. Be sure to
factor in the level of support from
question #1 as part of the overall
value. I expect my vendors to be the
best value but not necessarily the
cheapest price.
We are in this together
Why should I put my
reputation on the line by supporting
your company? Because a GCS can
not be successful alone, they need
help in the form of products and
services. We are in this together.
When the economy was good and
golf was growing all of us benefited
and now that the economy is down
and golf is suffering we all share in
the responsibility to persevere.
When I choose a chemical for a
greens application I am putting my
job and many other jobs on the line.
I want to know many things from
the salesman who is behind this
product. Ultimately, when I buy any
product that delivers on its claims
(control pythium, improve color,
create pore space, improve fuel
efficiency, lower carbon emissions,
last 28 days) then everyone wins. I
win because the course conditions
are great. The vendor wins because
their product delivered the needed
results and the sale was successful.
Our reputations are both impacted
in a positive way. The GCS must

guard this symbiotic reputation
as a high priority. It takes years
of sacrifice to be reputable and
only one short coming to erase
all that was so difficult to
establish. Be sure to
communicate this to any
potential vendors and also
realize that it is a two edged
sword. If you mishandle a
product or act unethically you
also could affect the vendor. It
is a balancing act to honor
traditions and embrace
innovations but that is the nature
of our work. In order to make
every dollar count you must
invest in the shared reputation
of you and your vendor partners.
Choose wisely.
Making every dollar
count is crmoving target at best.
Take the time to really track
where your dollar goes to ensure
that it's going to support all the
things that make golf great,
starting with you, the Golf
Course Superintendent. You
alone have the power to make
every dollar count so every time
you make a purchase do so as if
your job depends on it.
Remember to ask,
#1 Does your company support
the advancement of the Golf
Course Superintendent?
#2 What is the actual value of
your product or service?
#3 Why should I put my
reputation on the line by
supporting your company?

From Jennifer's Desk...
It is hard to believe that our fiscal year is almost over and we are once again heading into the final stretch
before membership renewals, board elections, and a new budget year. Where has the time gone? This
year has definitely been busy for all the chapters and for me.
1 have had the pleasure of attending the Crowfoot Open, FTGA's Turfgrass Seminar, several local chapter
meetings, the GIS in San Diego, a Chapter Executive's Symposium at the GCSAA Headquarter's in
Kansas, a "Board Retreat" to FarmLinks, The South Florida Turf Expo and I am now preparing for
another fantastic seminar during the Everglades GCSA's Poa Annua and G.C. Horn Memorial
Tournament. (Not to mention, I will be participating in my first ever golf Tournament as I have signed on
to play in the Poa Annua Scramble. I sure hope my golf lessons will pay off! )
Through all of this I have spoken with my peers, Board and members and I have learned a lot of valuable
information that I hope will empower me to create more value in my position and enable me to better
serve you.
Over the next two weeks, I will be working alongside the Survey Committee to finalize the content of the
FGCSA's bi-annual survey (which admittedly is short of a year late). Unlike previous years, this survey
will be conducted electronically. We will use a service called SurveyMonkey which will enable us to
breakdown the results more accurately and effectively; ultimately providing you with the information you
need.
In order for this survey to be most effective, we need your participation! If the FGCSA office does not
have your e-mail address or your current e-mail address, please let us know. All you have to do is send an
e-mail with your name and club to fgcsa@comcast.net and I will make the update.
In addition, please be sure to check your junk folder and make sure that your firewall or filter did not
automatically send the survey to the wrong folder. Completion of the survey should take no more than 15
minutes of your time. Thank you in advance for your participation and cooperation!
The FGCSA has also been busy working to improve our website and services. By the end of next month
we will be able to accept credit card payments. This will be very exciting as it will provide not only our
members, but our advertisers and sponsors an alternative payment method. We are also working hard to
create a more effective database that will link to the local Chapters; creating accurate, real-time data that
will be valuable to all of us. Changes take time and patience, but are often necessary and beneficial.
I continue to enjoy serving all of you and welcome your suggestions and comments. I hope to see many of
you at the Poa Annua, but for those who are unable to attend I look forward to seeing you at the next
event. Please be sure to let the FGCSA office know if any of your information has changed. It is
important that we have current and up-to-date information. Remember to keep a look out for the FGCSA
survey and please participate.
Thank you.
Jfauu^er

1

Jupiter: 888-222-7072
Lakeland: 800-330-8874

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