ISSUE 2: 2019 / VOLUME 50 2019 GCSANJ SPONSOR PARTNERS 21 PLATINUM PARTNERS 36 GOLD PARTNERS SILVER PARTNERS BRONZE PARTNERS Contents Clinton Kent Bradley 16 The interesting yet controversial history of the "Jersey Genius." DEPARTMENTS 03 President's Message 06 Member News Remembering 12 Foundation News Garry Crothers, CGCS 20 22 14 Questions One of New Jersey’s finest 33 Photo Pages superintendents to ever keep a green. GCSAA NEWS 27 Insight from our Field Representative, Kevin Doyle. 38 ON THE COVER The Ask Neshanic Valley Golf Course Find out how your Andrew Hojnowski, Superintendent peers got their start. THE GREENERSIDE | 1 Our Contributors Editor in Chief : Todd Raisch, CGCS Graphics Editor: Lance Rogers, CGCS Design & Layout Editor: Maureen Sharples Photography Editor: Shaun Barry Contributing Writers: Shaun Barry, Doug Vogel Maureen Sharples, Kevin Doyle Officers: Russell Harris, President Jeremy Hreben, CGCS, Vice President Joe Kinlin, Treasurer Michael Tardogno, Secretary Gary Arlio, Past President Directors: District I- Todd Raisch, CGCS District II- Jamie Devers District III- Tom Higgins District IV- Steve Juhring At-Large: Jennifer Torres Tyson Karcher Fred Parcells Lance Rogers, CGCS Commercial Representatives Brian Gjelsvik & Rob Johnson Rutgers Liaisons Dr. Bruce Clarke & Dr. James Murphy Executive Director Maureen Sharples GCSANJ Newsletter is published four times a year. © 2019 THE GREENERSIDE Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily express the opinions or policies of the GCSANJ Board and its membership. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. THE GREENERSIDE | 2 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Russell Harris, Chapter President Galloping Hill Golf Course 21 CALLING ON OUR LEADERS I often check Twitter and am in awe of what our members are achieving and influencing on a regional and national level. I can positively say that New Jersey is filled with some of the best superintendents in the country. Our state boasts numerous nationally ranked golf courses, some of the finest private country clubs, and many of the public courses are designed and maintained as if they were private. Our membership includes award winners, noted environmentalists, and recognized industry pioneers. With achievement comes responsibility, and I implore the leaders among us to join the GCSANJ Board of Directors. We are always looking for superintendents who are passionate about our industry and the game of golf and we need you bring your expertise, energy, and vision on our Board of Directors. Serving as a board member is not just about planning golf events and monthly meetings. It includes strategic planning, initiating programs like the First Green and Rounds 4 Research, and providing cutting edge education through Green Expo and our Spring Seminar. While serving is incredibly rewarding and frankly a great resume booster, it is also a lot of fun. Over the past ten years, I’ve formed great friendships and have created a huge network. I can proudly say I have met most of our members and am a better superintendent as a result. If you’re reading this and it speaks to you, please contact me or Maureen for more information. I am proud of our achievements during my time serving the chapter. I am confident there are great things to come, and I believe many of you out there are the ones who can achieve them. Sincerely, RUSSELL HARRIS Chapter President THE GREENERSIDE | 3 FROM YOUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Maureen Sharples 21 HOST GCSANJ IN 2020 Our Golf Committee is preparing the 2020 and 2021 events calendar and is looking for superintendents throughout the state to host a GCSANJ event. 36 Each year, we strive to showcase a variety of courses within our four districts. This allows our members to meet and network while playing a new golf course each time. We love to visit all types of courses, public or private. Our events run from April through November, and we defer to your schedule and preferences for dates and times. Let's Connect 48 It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your golf course and your team’s hard work to your peers in the industry. Our membership is always growing, and hosting an event helps you meet and network with new superintendents in your area and throughout 973-812-0710 the state. Forming new friendships within the association is one of the greatest benefits of belonging. Frequently, I am asked by you, our members, how to become more involved with the chapter. Many of you may feel the msharples@gcsanj.org commitment to serve on our Board of Directors isn't a good fit right now because of the time involved. Hosting an association event is a great way to do your part and give back to your association. @GCSANJ1926 If you are interested or would like more information, please contact me. facebook.com/gcsanj MAUREEN SHARPLES Executive Director, GCSANJ THE GREENERSIDE | 4 WAYNE REMO (862) 209-8243 CHAD MATHIEU (914) 539-5675 SHAWN REYNOLDS (401) 486-9133 FRANK JACHEO (732) 489-1442 THE GREENERSIDE | 5 JENNIFER TORRES IS ELECTED TO MEMBER NEWS THE GCSANJ BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jennifer Torres was elected to the GCSANJ Board of Directors. She is fulfilling the open Director-At-Large vacancy left by Mike Tardogno who was recently appointed to Chapter Secretary. Jennifer is the Golf Course Superintendent of Makefield Highlands Golf Course in Yardley, PA. She is an Army veteran who used her G.I. Bill to enroll in the Rutgers Turf program. As an active member, Jennifer is the Grassroots Ambassador to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and a volunteer of National Golf Day in Washington DC. She resides in Brown Mills, NJ with her husband Ricardo and their three children and granddaughter. The Board of Directors is excited to welcome Jennifer and are confident she will be a great asset to the chapter. MOVERS AND SHAKERS Tyson Karcher has stepped down as the superintendent of Mattawang Golf Club and is relocating to Ohio as the superintendent of Salt Fork State Golf Course. RJ Blanchard is the new superintendent at Mattawang Golf Club. THE GREENERSIDE | 6 MEMBER NEWS NEW MEMBERS Josh Conner Drew White Class B, Navesink Country Club Class B, Riverton Country Club Juan Casiano Steve Gauli Class A, East Orange Golf Course Class C, Arcola Country Club Patrick Critchley Matthew Carmichael Class C, Canoe Brook Country Club Class C, Arcola Country Club Lorne Collins Kathy Conard Class C, Hanover Golf Club Class AF, Turf Trade Nick Adams Class AF, Helena THE GREENERSIDE | 7 MONMOUTH COUNTY VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT INTRODUCES TURF MANAGEMENT APPRENTICESHIP The Monmouth County Vocational School District announced a U.S. Department of Labor approved greenskeeper and turf management apprenticeship program. The program is for students in the Landscaping and Turf Management program at the Monmouth Career Center in Freehold, NJ. It will provide paid, on the job training at the Monmouth County golf courses. While working, the students will earn an apprenticeship certification to help further their careers in turf management and turf related fields. A recognition ceremony was held in June at the Career Center, home of a par three golf hole which is an outdoor lab for students. GCSANJ member Dave Mishkin was recognized by program instructor, John Neyhart for his support in creating the curriculum and his continued support of the FFA program. THE GREENERSIDE | 8 ROUNDS 4 RESEARCH RESULTS MEMBER NEWS Thank you to all our members who donated The 2019 Rounds 4 Research fundraising rounds and helped promote Rounds 4 program to support turfgrass research sold Research this year. We surpassed our goals 1,465 rounds of golf and raising nearly thanks to your support. $364,000 in its May online auction — an increase of $51,000 over 2018 — making it New Jersey’s auction sold all 47 rounds the most successful in the program’s history. collected, raising $19,800, a 40% increase from last year. The top bid in New Jersey was We look forward to growing the auction $4,030 for a round of golf for four donated next year. Please contact the office if you by Somerset Hills Country Club, making it would like to donate a round. the second highest bid in the nation. THE GREENERSIDE | 9 AWARDS THE IKE MGA STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP Canoe Brook Country Club hosted The Ike MGA Stroke Play Championship on June 25th-26th. Congratulations to winner, Dawson Jones. Pictured is Rob Schipper, Assistant Director of Grounds and Jamie Devers, Director of Grounds. 118TH NJSGA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP Neshanic Valley Golf Course hosted the 118th NJSGA Amateur Championship on July 9th-11th. Congratulation to winner, Dawson Jones. Pictured is Andrew Hojnowski, Golf Course Superintendent and Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance and their team. 99TH NJSGA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Trump National Golf Club Bedminster hosted the 99th NJSGA Open Championship on July 22nd-July 24th. Congratulations to winner, Chris Gotterup. Pictured is Alex DeHaven, Golf Course Superintendent of The New Course, Rob Wagner, Director of Grounds, and their team. THE GREENERSIDE | 10 SAVE THE DATE MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR UPCOMING 2019 EVENTS! DISTRICT 4 GOLF MEETING August 20th Seaview Hotel & Golf Club Host: Mike Bair MET TEAM QUALIFIER September 9th Mendham Golf & Tennis Club Host: Chris Boyle, CGCS BATTLE OF THE BRIDGES CLASS C CHAMPIONSHIP October 28th Arcola Country Club Host: Paul Dotti CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP October 21st The Ridge at Back Brook Host: Alan Bean THE GREENERSIDE | 11 FOUNDATION NAVESINK COUNTRY CLUB HOSTS 2019 GCSANJ FOUNDATION SHOOTOUT By Shaun Barry As everyone knows, Tony Hooks is President of our Foundation. His partner in the Leslie Cup tournament has been Brett Scales who until recently was the superintendent at Navesink CC. With that background information it is easy to see why Brett was asked to host the Shootout. Brett and Navesink CC accepted and we were very lucky that they did. Brett was deeply involved in making this happen and is one of the reasons the club was so generous and accommodating. It is another example of how important it is to get the Josh Conner was chosen, and he started about a superintendent involved during the planning stage. I month after Brett left. He found the course in excellent would suggest getting Mr. Hooks involved also. He shape and I know he and Pat will continue to maintain seems to have a magical touch. and improve. The course was primed and was ready for our event. As the date for the Shootout approached Brett was given an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up. He is We had 96 players pass through registration and that now the superintendent at Hudson National GC. That went smoothly with Maureen Sharples helping our meant Navesink CC needed a new superintendent. trustees greet everyone. Most people were shocked to They were blessed that Pat Husby was the assistant, receive a pro shop gift certificate in the amount of $75. so the club was in great hands while they conducted a We have done this before because it makes everyone search. a winner no matter what they do on the course Lunch was sponsored by Nufarm. It had everything that you wanted for a BBQ and was delicious. Tony Hooks welcomed everyone, and he singled out DryJect NJ and Helena who were our two Title Sponsors. Both companies continued their amazing support for this event and by extension the GCSANJ Foundation. People had time to hit balls and practice their putting but the greens once again baffled most people. The Caddy Master chuckled as he said that most people rename the course to be “No-Sink.” THE GREENERSIDE | 12 Before everyone started out to play, GCSANJ President Russ Harris surprised Bill Murray with a Low Net plaque honoring him for his many years of service Pine Valley representing GCSANJ at the National level as our Mike Elliott & Kyle Cwynar - 62 Chapter Delegate. Bill’s smile showed how much he appreciated the acknowledgment. 2nd Low Net Due Process/Winged Foot As people moved through their rounds, they were Tony Hooks and Steve Rabideau-63 pleased to enjoy the beverages and snacks sponsored by BASF and LaBar Golf Renovations. Low Gross They also had 2 CPs and 2 LDs contests sponsored (Rumson) by Coombs Sod Farms, Growth Products, NJ Soils and Pocono Turf Supply Co. Jarred Richardson/Sean Konsavich - 71 Tony and Tyler covered announcements and thank- Closest to the Pin yous to everyone in attendance and to all of our #3- Ken Indyk- 8ft sponsors. They did not forget to mention Aquatrols, #17 - Bill Malek - 21 inches Bayer, Black Lagoon, Brandt, Corteva, Double D, Ocean Organics, PBI Gordon, SePRO and Collins, Long Drive Vella & Casello L.L.C who are our attorneys. To most LD #1 - Grant Plantz golfers they are just names on hole signs, but to the LD #15 - Chris Kallicky Foundation they represent about 25% of our bottom line from this fundraiser. The day ended with Tyler announcing the names of the winners of skins from both flights. Tyler suggested having a Skins Game and he ran it. We had six different winners and it turned out to be a great ending to a beautiful day and a successfully tournament. I know I speak for the Foundation, the Association and everyone in attendance when I say thanks to Josh, Pat and every Navesink staff member for their efforts to make our day memorable. They succeeded. THE GREENERSIDE | 13 NAVESINK COUNTRY CLUB F O U N D A T I O N S H O O T O U T Chris Carson, Donovan Maguigan, Pat Husby & Dennis Granahan Todd Raisch, Nick Roberto, Ben Stover, Joe Kinlin, Jason Osterhoudt Dennis DeSanctis Jr. Mike Brunelle, Dave Walsh, Brian Gjelsvik, Mike Linkewich Keith Bennett, Dave Mishkin, Scott McBane, Mike Molchan Frank Tichenor & Pat Quinlan Nate Spence, Anthony Neumann, Lance Rogers, Jim Cadott, Jen Schneider, Tyler Otero Dennis Granahan, Bill Malek Tim Gerzabek & Brett Scales Tony Hooks, Steve Rabideau, Bob Lippman, Brett Scales THE GREENERSIDE | 14 THE GREENERSIDE | 15 TALENT AND TROUBLE A Lo k at t e Car of Cli n Bra y BY DOUG VOGEL Golfdom Magazine called him the Jersey Genius. The Passaic County Park Commissioners called him the answer to their problems. His friends and colleagues called him Kent. In later years, some colleagues didn’t call him at all. Clinton “Kent” Bradley, expert greenkeeper of the Passaic County Golf Course, was all of the above and much, much more. Inventor, innovator, educator, writer, organizer, entrepreneur, trailblazer, as well as opportunist and opinionated After surveillance by the park police verified the curmudgeon. His fifty-plus years in the golf course accusations, the park commissioners terminated maintenance industry impacted everyone who came Cerretto for negligence of duties in January of 1934. A to know him -whether they liked it or not. search committee was formed and a job notice was sent out to the local greenkeeping associations. Some Clinton Bradley was a native of New England and one very respected greenkeepers of the era, including John of the early wave of greenkeepers that were Elliffe of the Winged Foot Golf Club and John American-born and college educated. He was a Anderson of the Crestmont Country Club were student of Professor Lawrence Dickinson and a interviewed. Both candidates withdrew their graduate of the Winter School for Greenkeepers at applications due to a low starting salary. Bradley , who the Massachusetts Agricultural College in the early was working as a salesman for Woodworth Bradley; a 1930s. Established in 1927, Dickinson’s turf golf course, estate and park supply company in management program was the first of its kind in the Newburgh, New York, was next in line and received United States. Along with the pioneering work of Dr. the job offer. He was appointed head greenkeeper by Charles V. Piper and Dr. Russell A.Oakley of the the Passaic County Park Commission on February 1, United States Department of Agriculture, golf course 1934. His starting salary of $125 a month came with managers were now able to apply science to the art of housing and the stipulation that he had to supply his greenkeeping and Bradley was all in. He would own heat. become the first in a long line of distinguished greenkeepers/superintendents to navigate the The young greenkeeper would work tirelessly his first Massachusetts to New Jersey greenkeeper pipeline. season; making improvement after improvement to the maturing course and was rewarded with a new Bradley got his first break into the greenkeeping contract that included the addition of a coal-fired business when the newly opened Passaic County furnace for his house. With the county paying for his Golf Course in Wayne, New Jersey fired their coal, Bradley’s wood splitting days were over. It was greenkeeper John Cerretto. The club manager and noted in the 1934 Park Commission minutes that the Cerretto were often at odds with each other during the difference of Cerretto’s salary of $150 a month and course’s inaugural season because the greenkeeper THE GREENERSIDE | 16 was “playing too much golf.” Bradley’s $125 would save the county $300 a year Networking was another of his goals for the and would help cover the stipend for the coal. association and may have been a factor in many graduates/alumni making their way to employment in Bradley served as Passaic County’s greenkeeper for New Jersey. Clint was also the chairman of the New ten years. During his tenure he developed many Jersey committee that lobbied for the change of the job innovative turf management techniques and personnel title Greenkeeper to Superintendent. He had already management practices. He was a prolific writer and had his own title changed at Passaic County the shared everything he learned about maintaining a golf previous year and carried his passion to the national course in professional trade journals such as Golfdom level with fellow New Jersey superintendents. When and The Greenkeeper Reporter. By today’s standards support for change nationally was won, Bradley helped the articles seem mundane, almost absurd, but for design the Greenkeeping Superintendents Association Bradley’s contemporaries they were eye-opening logo. knowledge. He was famous for his “how-to” articles in Golfdom. “How to Take Notes at Trade Conferences,” No article about Clinton Bradley could be written “How to Choose Mowing Equipment,” “How to without an acknowledgement of his mentorship of Purchase Golf Course Supplies” were a few of his Sherwood Moore, CGCS. Moore is considered one of popular lessons in writing. His “X” Marks the Spot the greatest superintendents to ever keep a green and column in The Greenkeeper Reporter offered similar he learned many of his skills while under the watchful simple but helpful turf-related offerings. Those who eye of Bradley. Well-known as an exploiter of young read them became better greenkeepers. assistants, Bradley hired Moore right out of the Stockbridge School (UMASS) in 1936 and put “Talk-O-Vision” was Kent’s most interesting article. Sherwood to the test leaving clerical work for the eager Bradley enlightened his readers with his revolutionary assistant to deal with. The young pupil excelled and method of communicating between crew members on absorbed all the turfgrass management innovations the golf course. In 1938, two-way radios were not yet being tested at Passaic County. Many of Bradley’s an option for greenkeepers so Bradley developed an techniques and ideas can be seen throughout intricate method that was based on pantomime so the Sherwood Moore’s distinguished career. crew could communicate or “talk” through “vision” across long distances on the golf course. Think of it as World War II presented new opportunities for Bradley. semaphore with flailing arms and legs. His gesturing- He left Passaic County in 1943 to enter private industry based language never caught on but the article is so engaged in war work. He supplemented his income by historically interesting that it has been republished selling used parts which were hard to find due to scrap twice in Golf Course Management in the last twenty drives to support the war. His niche market grew years. Another article- “An Index to What a exponentially. He started C K Bradley Enterprises and Greenkeeper Should Know,” with a co-writing credit became a very successful golf course supply with fellow greenkeeper Mel Lucas, Sr. was entrepreneur. He invented mow over tee markers and comprehensive and informative, but it was entirely successfully sold storage shed kits. He marketed Best written by Lucas. Bradley wasn’t above taking credit Tee tee towels with “improved” brass grommets and where it wasn’t due. Bradley also wrote editorials, manufactured aftermarket bed knives, nuts, bolts and reported on trade shows/conferences and other repair parts. His proprietary Beau-Tee-Ball unsuccessfully tried his hand with humor with his markers were made of maple and resin and coated “Kibitzing with Kent” column. with his own Kentelite plastic finish. He improved flag sticks, designed signage and imported bamboo poles. A tireless promoter of the greenkeeping profession, He bought up inventory of obsolete repair parts for Bradley started the Greenkeeper Alumni Association pennies on the dollar and sold them to his large client of the Massachusetts State College in 1934 with the base at a fair profit. idea that graduates could raise money together to help fund Professor Dickinson’s research and supply much needed equipment to the classrooms. THE GREENERSIDE | 17 To save labor for golf clubs, Bradley concocted a “He started bombarding me with letters on the state of “hair-brained” idea that would have golfers rake their the association as he saw it, none of which were own traps. It caught on. He invented small bunker harmonious” recalled Mel Lucas, Jr., CGCS, past rakes and sold them by the thousands. His slogan was president of the GCSAA (1980). The Lucas and “When Superintendents talk, we listen to what they Bradley families were close in the early days in New want made” and he lived by it every day. Bradley’s Jersey and Kent took advantage of this relationship. business acumen was beyond astute and he did very “He would call me on a Sunday, rant and rave for an well for himself financially. It enabled him to own hour or so.” homes in Wayne, New Jersey and Dunedin, Florida. He retired to Florida in 1970 but his relationship with Lucas, Jr. revealed that Bradley had hoarded the golf course superintendent was not over. NAGA/GCSAA materials/ephemera. He offered them to the association for their archives but the historical In retirement, Bradley kept his eye on the pulse of the goldmine came with a cost. The GCSAA board politely industry. His close relationship with Col. John Morley said no thank you to the retired opportunist. during the early years of the GCSAA enabled him to be privy to the inner workings of how the association Golf historians will look back at the Clinton Bradley ran. As the association and industry matured, story and debate the motives of the enigmatic Bradley’s views were stalled in a 1930-1940’s greenkeeper. Genius is often perplexing, and the mentality. He became a serial letter writer and slightly tarnished end cannot deny that his harassed GCSAA Presidents Charles Baskin, CGCS contributions were significant during the era when and Ted Woehrle with his “ideas” during the 1970s. greenkeepers were trying to figure it out. The Jersey Genius lives on. THE GREENERSIDE | 18 THE GREENERSIDE | 19 REMEMBERING GARRY CROTHERS, CGCS 1933-2019 By BYDougDOUG Vogel VOGEL Golf Course Superintendent, Preakness Valley Golf Course It is with great sadness that The Greenerside has learned of the passing of Garry Crothers, CGCS. Garry served our association honorably as a newsletter editor and board member. His distinguished service to his fellow superintendents culminated in being elected GCSANJ President in 1967. The Florham Park, New Jersey native earned a B.S. degree in Agronomy from Penn State in 1955 with a farming career in mind. It didn’t work out and a chance introduction to Sherwood Moore, CGCS of The Winged Foot Golf Club in 1959 found Garry moving to New York to start a career in turf management. Crothers enrolled in the UMASS winter school to further his education where he became one of Dr. Joseph Troll’s first students. Within two years, Garry landed his first Crothers was well known throughout the golf Fisher Ad superintendent job at the Deal Golf and Country industry as a leading agronomist. He was a Club back in his home state of New Jersey. He welcome sight at the Golf Industry Show, always remained at Deal for eight years before moving on wearing a big smile and with his famous satchel to the The Apawamis Club in Rye, New York. hanging from his shoulder full of information to Crothers immediately got involved with his new share with his fellow superintendents. At the association and followed his New Jersey script time of his death, Garry had been certified for 45 being elected to a two year term as METGCSA years having been one of the first President. superintendents to enter the program. Garry’s career found him moving often and he Garry Crothers, GCSANJ Past President, will be spent many years tending greens in Vermont, remembered as one of New Jersey’s finest Japan, Indonesia, Micronesia and back to superintendents to ever keep a green. Vermont. At every new post, Crothers got involved with the local superintendent association. If there wasn’t a local association, he would help write up a set of by-laws and start one up. THE GREENERSIDE | 20 THE GREENERSIDE | 21 14 QUESTIONS WITH DREW WHITE INTERVIEW By Todd Raisch, CGCS Drew White of Riverton Country Club recently sat down with The Greenerside to discuss his career, family and Riverton. 1. Tell us a little about where you are from? I grew up in York County, Pennsylvania and went to Mansfield University in northern PA for a couple of years before transferring to UMass. It was in the summers while I was attending Mansfield that I got introduced to golf course management. 2. How long have you worked at Riverton Country Club? I have been at Riverton Country Club since February of this year. Previously I worked at Westchester Country Club (Rye, New York), Glen Oak Country Club (Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania), and Fieldstone Golf Club (Wilmington, Delaware). 3. What change would you most like to see to your operation or Riverton CC? We have implemented several changes to the operation. Most of the changes has been to the 6. Tell us about your family. logistics for how tasks were assigned and carried out. I have been married to my lovely wife Jenn for the past To name a few, we started utilizing a digital job board, 6 ½ years. We are blessed with two amazing children. built trailers for walk mowers, and changed the routing Their names are Chase, who will be 3 years old in the mowers took to be more efficient. August, and Grace, who is 10 months old. 4. What is your favorite aspect of working on a golf course? 7. Why did you become a superintendent? Apart from being able to work outside, my favorite I feel that I became a superintendent for the same aspect of working on a golf course is working within a reason as most of us have, it started with a summer team dynamic. Each day, everyone on our team has a job. I was working on a golf course during the job to perform that depends on or affects another team summers while I was playing football at Mansfield member’s job. Being able to rely on each other and University and took an interest to the profession. The work towards a common goal is a powerful work superintendent that I was working for at the time gave environment. me a couple of books about turfgrass management and the idea stuck with me. 5. What are your interests outside of work? When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two kids. Although, my main hobbies away from golf are hunting and fishing. THE GREENERSIDE | 22 8. What are the unique aspects of Riverton’s course? Riverton is a family-oriented club originally founded in 1900. The club expanded to an 18-hole golf course in 1916 which was designed by Donald Ross. One of my favorite stories about Riverton is that when a new club house was built on the other side of the property, they kept the section of the original building that was home to the bowling alley and turned it into the halfway house. The bowling alley is still intact and is utilized by members often. 9. What are your biggest on course challenges at 11. The club is working with Ron Prichard to restore Riverton? your Donald Ross course. What changes are being The biggest challenge that I’ve faced since taking over made? here is learning the agronomic subtleties of the course. The restoration project that has been going on at Such as, what area dries out first, where is a hot spot for Riverton is amazing. The club is working with both ABW, etc. The more that I’ve been on property the more I Ron Prichard and Tyler Rea to bring the golf course learn, so I’ve been walking the course a lot and I’m starting back as close to the original Ross design as possible. to get a good grasp of the land. We can be very accurate with this since the club has all of Donald Ross’s original drawings. The main area of 10. What does a typical summer day look like for you as a focus is the bunkering throughout the golf course. superintendent? However, we are taking this opportunity to rebuild If there is such a thing, it starts at 5:00 AM for me. I like to and adjust teeing grounds as well as adding forward get into the shop before the rest of the team to allow tees. myself time to organize, plan and to make sure the irrigation ran as scheduled. From there it depends on the 12. Riverton recently installed a new irrigation day, some days are filled with meetings and emails where system. How are you watering differently now? other days I’m able to do some of the physical work on the The new irrigation system is a Toro TDC 2-wire path golf course. system with all the bells and whistles. The biggest impact is that we can put water where it is needed without having to over water an adjacent area. THE GREENERSIDE |23 13. You spent time at Westchester Country Club. What did you learn from Dave Dudones? In short, everything. I spent four years working for Dave. In that time, he not only sharpened my agronomic and management skills but showed me how to best represent myself on a daily basis. 14. List four things we don't know about you? 1) I have a seven-year-old black lab named Chloe who thinks she’s more human than dog. 2) A big pet peeve of mine is when people call an SUV a Truck. 3) I HATE snakes. 4) I would rather watch a movie at home versus in the theater. THE GREENERSIDE | 24 THE GREENERSIDE |25 THE GREENERSIDE |26 GCSAA FACE-TO-FACE INTERACTION IS STILL THE KING OF COMMUNICATIONS BY KEVIN DOYLE, GCSAA NORTHEAST FIELD REPRESENTATIVE How do you communicate to your staff or colleagues on a Many important pieces are missing from communications day-to-day basis? My guess is that it is much different without visual contact. Non-verbal cues are often cited now than it was, say, ten years ago. While radios may still for their importance, so I won’t dwell on those. By looking be a piece of the on-course puzzle, text messages might at the staff post-aerification week or after member- be the dominant choice. While you are off property, text member preparation we know the responses messages and email can keep you alerted of goings-on communicated back from tired staff will be different than instantly. How long could you operate your facility using a typical day. only electronic communications without putting your eyes on a fellow worker or even holding a brief Think about what goes into a written communication. conversation? I’m thinking it’s not too long, for despite The ability to edit the content stands out. Are the emails technology, face-to-face interaction is still the king of and text messages you receive really what the sender communications. intended to say, or was that message tailored to illicit a favorable response? Maybe the message you received While an entire robotic staff might be in our future, we wasn’t the first thing that came to mind from the sender? rely on our staff or colleagues to accomplish our goals. First, we need them to be there. Without eyes on that Tone does not come across in writing either. If you situation, the best laid plans could easily come off the instruct a staff member via text message to check rails. A sense of community or teamwork comes with the moisture and do another lap with a syringe hose at 4 P.M. ability to interact and socialize, and this sets the and get “ok” as a response, what does that mean? Is it foundation. This should allow the team to gain trust, and “yes sir I’m glad to because it will help the team,” or “my ultimately develop better working relationships. To buddies are waiting for me to go the beach but I need this operate well as a team, leadership must communicate the job no matter how much I hate it.” Same message sent duties and expectations and reinforce the culture that but could easily be a big difference in tone. has been developed. Verbally and in person should be the top choice to accomplish this goal. THE GREENERSIDE | 27 Do you ever engage staff or colleagues in Instead of sending a text or email next time you need to brainstorming sessions? Maybe engaging key staff or communicate, consider using your phone as it was colleagues with a discussion on a Friday afternoon, originally designed for, as a telephone. Maybe instead rainy day, or in advance of upcoming event on ways to of texting a job assignment to a staff member, text improve or adjust operations. Accomplishing such a them to meet you someplace convenient and 21 beneficial task electronically would be a tedious mess communicate that next task to them in person. Your and more likely counterproductive. time is valuable, and those around you know it. By you taking some of that time to interact with staff and Beyond the course related items, the personal side of colleagues directly or face to face only communicates the personnel tasks superintendents perform require the importance of your message and the value you have face to face communication and your full attention. for them. When clear, concise communications take Whether it relates to strife within your team, home life, place, it becomes easier 36for a team to achieve the or medical issues creating stress with your team desired goals. members, avoiding misinterpretations of any kind is a must. While sometimes written documentation may be Again, if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to required as a policy, building trust through personal contact me. interactions is key. Communicating understanding and compassion via written word is difficult and may not Kevin Doyle convey the importance your staff member or colleague GCSAA Field Staff believes the situation deserves. kdoyle@gcsaa.org THE GREENERSIDE | 28 UPCOMING GCSAA WEBINARS August 13th @ 10 a.m. RESOURCES AND DEADLINES Cultural Best Management Practices for the Golf Course -John H. Foy Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation donates $500,000 Endowment to support GCSAA’s First Green The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation has donated $500,000 to the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), August 22nd @ 10 a.m. the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The Topdressing 101: Organic Matter endowment will support First Green, which provides Management hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and -Roch Gaussoin, Ph.D. math) education at golf courses. Dog Days of Golf Calendar September 18th @ 10 a.m. Submissions for the 2020 Dog Days of Golf Calendar will be accepted through Aug. 1, 2019. From the submissions, Developing Engaging Presentations 14 dogs will be selected. Owners of the selected dogs will and Enhancing Your Delivery be notified in September, and the calendar will be -Rick Capozzi distributed with the November issue of GCM magazine. LebanonTurf has been supporting golf course superintendents and their chapters through the Dog Days October 10th @ 10 a.m. of Golf Calendar for more than a decade. Redox Potential and the Black Layer Edwin Budding Award -Lee Berndt, Ph.D. The GCSAA Edwin Budding Award is given annually to an individual in the turf equipment industry whose actions have gone above and beyond the norm to help shape the October 30th @ 10 a.m. turf equipment management industry into what it is today. Edwin Budding was one of those individuals who helped What About Wetting Agents? define golf, not as a player, but as an engineer. He designed -Doug Karcher, Ph.D. the first reel mower, which has shaped golf as we know it today. Nominations for the 2019 Edwin Budding Award will be open through Aug. 10, 2019. Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award The GCSAA Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent's profession. The contribution must be significant in both substance and duration, and may be, or have been, regional in nature. Nominations for the 2020 DSAs are open through Aug. 20, 2019 THE GREENERSIDE | 29 THE RUTGERS TURFGRASS RESEARCH GOLF CLASSIC REACHES NEW HEIGHTS By Shaun Barry The 24th edition of The Rutgers Turfgrass Classic We had teams from A-LIST, the GCSANJ/GCSANJ reached a level of success that was a goal that Dr. FOUNDATION, the MetGCSAA, NJLCA, NJTA, NJ Bruce Clarke and Dr. Bill Meyer have had for over Turfgrass Foundation, Pocono Turfgrass, Sports a decade. That goal was to have over 400 golfers Field Managers, Tri-State and the USGA. The team enjoying the three courses at Fiddler’s Elbow CC. from the USGA shot the lowest score of all of the On May 6, 2019, that goal was achieved. associations and they also were the low team on the Forest Course with a 57. We only give one Last year we had 368 golfers listed, but the final team prize so they are listed as low association number was 354 players. That was the highest and Dave Oatis promptly donated their prizes back number in the history of the Classic. This year our to the NJT Foundation. Hopefully Dave will return final pre-event number was 412, which is almost from retirement next year and join the USGA team unbelievable. Attendees came from every part of again. our industry. In addition to players from golf courses (107), affiliates (94), seed companies (47) We watched as the list of teams grew but history and university staff (37), arborists, cemeteries, told us it couldn’t be true because schedules irrigation companies, lawn care companies, and change and people cancel. We knew what to landscape contractors showed their support of the expect but we had to prepare as if it was true. 40 Center for Turfgrass Science by attending. more carts were brought in, 16 more cases of beer were ordered and Chef Michael added additional One class of attendees that stands out is the food for the Grand Reception which was once number of associations in attendance. again sponsored by A-LIST. THE GREENERSIDE | 30 Anyone reading this would be justified in asking Another important factor is the steady hand of how this event can be so successful? Most Cece Peabody. Cece is the Executive Director of fundraisers start strong and start to fade the NJTA. That position makes her and her staff somewhere around the seven-year mark. Why has the central location that all registrations and this event started strong and has gotten more sponsorships. They have a difficult job, but the successful? There are many reasons for that. The paperwork and registration forms are complete, main reason is that Dr. Bruce Clarke was involved accurate, and ready for registration. with the initial planning, and when Dr. Bill Meyer arrived at Rutgers, he immediately joined Bruce. Volunteers start arriving at 7:30 A.M. with most of All of the scientists at the Center for Turfgrass the 15 people coming from Rutgers. These Science to make it bigger and better. students start working at 8:00 A.M. with everyone getting time for breakfast sponsored by Turf Bill and Bruce reached out to their contacts in the Merchants, Inc. and Turfgrass Water Conservation industry and received positive responses. Alliance. Karen usually runs registration but this Additionally, it is wonderful that Dr. Stacy Bonos year she coordinated the efforts of our print media and Dr. Matt Elmore have gotten seriously and our first effort with using a drone. The final involved in this critical part of the event. The video should be excellent. Look for it at Field Days combined efforts of these scientists account for 13 or Expo. Dave Schell, Keith Bennett and Ron Premier Sponsors, 4 Eagle Sponsors, and 8 Birdie Luepke were the key volunteers selling Mulligans Sponsors. All of the sponsors at these levels will be and 50/50 tickets. Jeff Weld, Matt Lindner and listed at the end of this article, but it is always Cece ran the Silent Auction. Anywhere you looked important to recognize Syngenta and Storr you would find NJTA board members helping out. Tractor/Toro because both have been Premier Sponsors for all 24 years. That is true support for Just before Dr. Clarke welcomed everyone, Rutgers and our industry. Lebanon Turf made a check presentation to GCSANJ President Russ Harris. He was given this It is important to note that even though the check because GCSANJ member Kyle Lenkey’s dog Turfgrass Classic Committee is 100% volunteer, Rosie was the winning dog from their annual dog they are committed to improving the Classic every calendar. She was chosen by the attendees at the year. Steve Chirip was the Chairman for the early GCSAA National Conference in San Diego. Kyle is years, and his assistant was Shaun Barry. Shaun the assistant at the Fiddler’s River Course and he worked with Steve for over seven years, and he and Rosie take good care of the course. The check became Chairmen when Steve moved out of state. was in the amount of $3,000.00 and is given to the Shaun is the current Chairman, and his Co-Chair is local superintendent association if the winner is a Dr. Karen Plumley and has been so for four years. member. Lebanon has been doing this for years. She is eminently qualified to take the reins of Rosie is the second winner from the GCSANJ. leadership when needed. Brian Minemier’s dog Bandit was our first winner. THE GREENERSIDE | 31 Once everyone started playing they were greeted Dr. Meyer graciously accepted Bruce’s concession by three golf courses in great shape which was not of defeat in their annual competition to see who is easy to do after a long period of difficult weather. responsible for bringing in the most revenue. To Matt Willigan, Steve Saxe and their dedicated and his credit Bruce is gracious in defeat but he plans talented staff provided excellent playing on winning in 2020 which will be our 25 conditions. Carts were cart path only due the Anniversary. excessive amount of rain the state has received and years ago our event would have been I hope you will make an effort to join us next year canceled. It shows that all of the work that has on May 4th because we plan on making it the best been done on the courses has been worth the costs Classic ever and we need you to make that happen. and the efforts. Usually having such a large number of golfers on the course plus using cart paths only would add about an extra hour to the round but that didn’t happen. The pace of play was almost normal. Maybe having Dr. Bruce Clarke, Dr. Bingru Huang and Dr. Albrecht Koppenhofer stationed on each course helped teams lower their score and moved play along. Once play was ended everyone started enjoying the Grand Reception. People seemed content relaxing while enjoying food, drink and renewing old acquaintances as the sun started to set. It was the perfect way to relax after a fun day of playing golf. Dr. Brad Hillman spoke briefly thanking everyone for their support of Rutgers and the CTS. He stressed the great relationship between Rutgers and the industry and that it is recognized throughout the different departments in the university. Bruce acknowledged the Premier, Eagle and Birdie Sponsors by name but he never forgets that every sponsor is truly important to the success of the Classic. He however recognizes that many people have time constraints so brevity is important. THE GREENERSIDE | 32 RUTGERS GOLF CLASSIC FIDDLER'S ELBOW COUNTRY CLUB Jeff Weld and Greg Nicoll Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rob Johnson, Lee Kozsey, Dr. William Meyer, Dave Walsh Nick Roberto, Russ Harris, Lance Rogers, Barry Kronman and Tom Weinert Dave Schell, Fred Parcells Ken Kubik and Paul Ramina Greg Nicoll, Steve Chirip, Lance Rogers, Rick Krok, Richard Krok THE GREENERSIDE | 33 SKYWAY NINE & DINE SKYWAY GOLF COURSE AT LINCOLN PARK WEST Jamie Devers Jennifer Schneider and Josh Kopera Kevin Hoban and Rob Johnson Kevin Driscoll and Phil O'Brien Dave Schell and Jeff Weld Vince Giunco, Joe Kinlin, and Donovan Maguigan THE GREENERSIDE | 34 DISTRICT 2 GOLF MEETING METUCHEN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Rob Johnson & Tom Higgins GCSANJ Putting Contest Participants The group raised over $500 for Fran Owsik. Tom Pepe, Jason Osterhoudt, Ken Anson, Lee Kozsey Joe Kinlin & Rob Arnts Fran Owsik & Jason Osterhoudt Jeremy Hreben & Mike Linkewich THE GREENERSIDE | 35 DISTRICT 1 NINE & DINE THE RIDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Dick Neufeld & Richard Lane Brett Scales, Greg Boring, Todd Raisch Nick Alley, Brian O'Malley, Keith Bennett, Donovan Maguigan & Stephen Finamore Ken Anson, Mark Kuhns, Ken Kubik Fred Parcells, Jon Souliere, Shannon Horn, Bob Carey Lance Rogers, Travis Pauley, Cliff Moore, Josh Kopera THE GREENERSIDE | 36 DISTRICT 1 NINE & DINE THE RIDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Nick Roberto & Andrew Shaul Paul Dotti, Russ Harris, Todd Raisch, Tyler Otero Mike Weber, Rob Johnson, Ken Anson, Dave Schell Lance Rogers & Kevin Doyle Nick Adams & Tim Gerzabek Jason Osterhoudt, Brett Scales, Josh Kopera, Cliff Moore THE GREENERSIDE | 37 we asked, you answered "What led you to this business? " "I was 19 and looking for summer work. My friend Brad Sparta said he was working over at Great Gorge Country Club, and that they were looking for extra guys. After just a few weeks of working on the golf course, I knew that this was the right profession for me. That was 30 years ago this summer!" -Chris Boyle, CGCS, Mendham Golf & Tennis Club "It kind of just happened. A summer job back in Ohio turned into a passion. I started off not knowing anything, but they gave me an opportunity to learn. I quickly realized that I loved every part of what it took to make a golf course look amazing. Honestly, I could never sit in an office all day." -Jennifer Schneider, Harrell's " I chose this profession because it was one of the few that allowed me to combine my passion for sports and the outdoors. I am challenged with something new and unique almost everyday. I really enjoy helping people and being a problem solver. Overall, I appreciate the hard-work, science and technology behind this business." -Curt Moore, Finch Services Inc. THE GREENERSIDE | 38 "I have loved golf since I was 12 years old. I knew then that I would do something in the golf business (caddy for Seve Ballesteros was my first choice). I liked talking to people, operating a business and managing my own time. Everything came together in 2005 in Las Vegas where I started Soil and Water Consulting." -Corey Angelo, Soil and Water Consulting "I grew up around the game since I was 5 years old. My father was a caddy and a low digit handicap. He taught me how to caddy from there my love only grew for the game and by the time I was a graduated high school I was already working on a grounds crew." -Joe Scioscia, Spring Brook Country Club "I first became interested while working summer's at MRGC for Pete and then Glenn Miller. At college in Florida, my fraternity was very golf orientated. Between the two, I gave it a shot full time, and thirty years later still love it!" -Jim Cadott, Pebble Creek Golf Club "I started working at a golf course in the Poconos during my summer break while attending East Stroudsburg University to obtain my B.S. in Education. I already enjoyed playing golf and quickly fell in love with working outside on the golf course. Fortunately, I worked for a great superintendent, Jeff Lipics who advised me to enroll in Rutgers Turf School if I wanted to make this a career." -Rob Schipper, Canoe Brook Country Club THE GREENERSIDE | 39 GCSANJ PATRON DIRECTORY A.G. ENTERPRISES DOUBLE ‘D’ TURF, LLC E-Z-GO TEXTRON Staff Uniforms Turfgrass Aeration Specialist Nick Roberto Rick Gordon Dennis DeSanctis, Sr. E-Z-GO, Cushman, Jacobsen Ph: 201.488.1276 Dennis DeSanctis, Jr. Ph: 845.637.7641 Fx: 201.575.4140 Drill & Fill, TurfPride, JRM Tines T 845.637.7641 merrick160@aol.com 86 Bergen Mills Road agenterprisesonline.com Monroe Twp, NJ 08831 FINCH SERVICES Ph: 732.241.7378 John Deere Authorized Dealer BASF dennis@doubledturf.com Phil Page Plant Protection & Plant Health Products, dennisjr@doubledturf.com ppage@finchinc.com Lexicon, Xzemplar, Honor, Insignia Cell: 609.498.4031 David Schell DRYJECT NEW JERSEY Curt Moore Ph: 410.800.8762 Dennis Granahan cmoore@finchinc.com david.schell@basf.com 7 Seagull Lane Cell:215.280.7367 Paul Ramina Lincroft, NJ 07738 419 Industrial Drive Ph: 908.413.2944 Ph: 917.617.8827 North Wales, PA paul.ramina@basf.com dryjectnj@comcast.net FISHER & SON COMPANY BAYER EARTHWORKS Distributor of Golf & Turf Plant Health Products Carbon based fertilizers Products,Fertilizer, Seed Jeffrey Weld Jack Higgins Rob Johnson Pesticides Ph: 484 894-0242 110 Summit Drive, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive hwww.earthworksturf.com Exton PA 19341 Research Triangle Park, NC jack@soilfirst.com Ph: 800.262.2127 Ph: 914.419.9384 Cell: 215.475.7998 Fx: 877.492.1897 EAST COAST SOD & SEED rjohnson@fisherandson.com jeff.weld@bayer.com Sod & Seed Supplier,Bent Grass, Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine FOLEY INC BLACK LAGOON POND Fescue Sod CAT Equipment Dealer MANAGEMENT Kevin Driscoll Sales and Rentals Pond/Lake Management Ph: 609.760.4099 Cindy Snow Michael Blaner kdriscoll@eastcoastsod.com csnow@foleyinc.com Algae/Invasive Plants Control, Office: (732) 885-3154 Fountain & Diffused Aeration Systems EWING IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE 855 Centennial Avenue 56 US Highway 130 South SUPPLY Piscataway, NJ 08854 Bordentown, NJ 08620 Irrigation & Turf Products Ph: 1.888.243.0891 Rain Bird Golf Distributor GRASS ROOTS, INC. Fx: 609.585.0525 Fred Rapp Golf Course Maintenance Supplies info@blacklagoon.us frapp@ewingirrigation.com Ken Kubik: 973.418.7035 Ph: 848.225.4618 Keith Kubik: 973.418.7034 DOWNES TREE SERVICE CO. Jim Miner Jay McKenna: 973.418.7036 Tree Services, Mulch & Top Soil, jminer@ewingirrigation.com Office: 973.252.6634 Containers,Trimming & Removal Ph: 908.674.1145 Kevin Downes 65 Royal Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506 Ph: 973.238.9800 info@downes.pro THE GREENERSIDE | 40 GCSANJ PATRON DIRECTORY HARRELL’S LLC PLANT FOOD COMPANY SYNATEK Josh Kopera “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” Shaun Kennedy Cell:201.213.8693 Dick Neufeld: 973.945.6318 737 Hagey Center Drive, Unit A jkopera@harrells.com Tom Weinert: 914.262.0111 Souderton, PA 18964 Jen Schneider Tom Pepe: 609.751.1372 Ph: 8662.266.9288 Cell:732.828.0895 Biostimulants & Other Products Fx: (267) 203-1613 jschneider@harrells.com for Premium Turfgrass skennedy@synateksolutions.com harrells.com www.plantfoodco.com Ph: 800.282.8007 SYNGENTA SITEONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY Manufacturer, Plant Protectants HELENA Providing the Products & Lee Kozsey People…Products…Knowledge Expertise That You Need & Trust Cell: 215.796.0409 Tim Gerzabek Frank Jacheo: 732.489.1442 Lee.kozsey@syngenta.com Cell: 609.221.9240 fjacheo@siteone.com Brian Goudey GerzabekT@helenaagri.com Wayne P. Remo: 862.209.8243 Cell: 518-764-2412 www.helenaagri.com wremo@siteone.com Brian.Goudey@Syngenta.com Shawn Reynolds: 401.486.9133 LABAR GOLF RENOVATIONS sreynolds@jsiteone.com TOTAL TURF GOLF SERVICES Golf Course Construction & Greg Hufner Renovations SOIL & WATER CONSULTING 1965 Byberry Road Richard S. LaBar Jr. Corey Angelo Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 170 Mount Airy Road Consulting and Analysis for Your Ph: 215.426.0554 Suite A1 Turfgrass, Soils, and Water. gregh@totalturfservices.com Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Ph: 848.225.5115 Ph: 908.502.5353 corey@soilandwaterconsulting.com VIC GERARD GOLF CARS Fx: 908.502.5296 CLUB CAR golf fleet and rich@labargolf.com STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Carryall utility vehicles Commercial Toro Turf & Irrigation Vince Giunco NOBLE TURF Equipment 281 Squankum Rd Brian Gjelsvik Blair Quin, Steve Bradley, Farmingdale, NJ 07727 25 Roland Avenue Rick Krok Ph: 732-938-4464 Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 3191 Highway 22, Branchburg NJ vinceg@vggc.net Ph: 856.273.1402 Ph: 908.722.9830 briang@seetonturf.com Fx: 908.722.9847 WILFRED MACDONALD, INC. kindyk@storrtractor.com Turf Equipment NUFARM Bill Luthin Pesticides for the turf & ornamentals STEPHEN KAY GOLF COURSE Glenn Gallion Michael Molchan ARCHITECT Mike Pelrine 25 Roland Avenue Stephen Kay 10 Maple Avenue, Unit 303 Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 665 Saint Andrews Drive Pine Brook, NJ 07058 Ph: 610-653-7983 Egg Harbor City NJ 08215 Ph: 888. 831 0891 michael.molchan@nufarm.com Ph: 609.703.3300 Fx: 973.487.1333 stephenkgolf@aol.com sales@wilfredmacdonald.com THE GREENERSIDE | 41