SPRING 2021/ VOLUME 57 Contents Going the Distance 13 Patrick Husby completes the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge for the GCSANJ Foundation. 03 President's Message 06 Member News 08 Foundation News Take It Back to the First Tee 18 10 Photo Pages A timeline of Stephen 20 Awards Finamore's life and career. 25 15 Questions 31 GCSAA Update 36 Patron Directory 22 Tech Tips Quick and useful smartphone apps for turf. 34 ON THE COVER The Ask Alpine Country Club Find out which books your Stephen Finamore, Superintendent fellow members are reading. Photo credit: Stephen Finamore THE GREENERSIDE | 1 Our Contributors Editor in Chief: Donovan Maguigan Design & Layout Editor: Maureen Sharples Photography Editor: Shaun Barry Contributing Writers: Todd Raisch, CGCS, Maureen Sharples, Kevin Doyle, Jeff Wetterling, CGCS, Donovan Maguigan Officers: Joe Kinlin, President Jeremy Hreben, CGCS, Vice President Michael Tardogno, Treasurer Todd Raisch, CGCS, Secretary Russ Harris, Past President Directors: District II- Jonathan Heywood District III- Tom Higgins District IV- Jennifer Torres At-Large: Ken Anson Donovan Maguigan Lance Rogers, CGCS Commercial Representatives Rob Johnson & Tyler Otero Rutgers Liaisons Dr. Bruce Clarke & Dr. James Murphy Executive Director Maureen Sharples GCSANJ Newsletter is published four times a year. © 2021 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 Joe Kinlin Chapter President Bey Lea Golf Course As I write to you, I trust that you and your families have received the Covid vaccine or will soon be doing so. My family is close to joining the herd (immunity), and I pray that yours is too. Just over a year ago, our industry was filled with uncertainty, but because there are so many great leaders in the golf industry, we came together with a path forward, which made golf something safe to do. The directives set forth lead to increased rounds, cart traffic, and turf stress at levels some of us have never seen before. There have been countless webinars over the past months talking about the pandemic and golf. One that stuck out for me was hosted by TurfNet with Brad Klein giving his observations from the past year. Brad suggested that we may need to change our strategy to manage traffic; he said maybe we need to use more nitrogen. Something so simple, feeding the plant, I know it sounds silly, but I had a why didn’t I think about that moment. When someone that does not sell fertilizer tells you to feed the turf more, he may be on to something. There are so many great tips and tricks out there. One of the best places to get them is from volunteering your time at a PGA or LPGA Tour event. Fortunately, you have 3 great opportunities right here in New Jersey. First on the calendar is The Northern Trust at Liberty National from August 16th to the 22nd. Next is the LPGA ShopRite Classic at Seaview from September 27th to October 3rd. Finally, the Cognizant Founders Cup at Mountain Ridge Country Club from October 4th to the 10th. I am sure Greg James, Mike Bair, and Cliff Moore would love your help. I hope to see you at one of these great opportunities that showcase the talent and dedication of GCSANJ members. In closing, I would like to thank you for renewing your membership to GCSANJ and wish you a successful 2021 golf season. Stay well, JOE KINLIN Chapter President THE GREENERSIDE | 3 FROM YOUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Maureen Sharples 21 This community never ceases to amaze me with its generosity and unwavering support for one another. In February, I received a text message from Patrick Husby and Tyler Otero about a fundraising idea. Pat was training for the 4x4x48 David Goggins Challenge, which is an incredibly tough physical and mental challenge (learn more about it on page 13), and they wanted to create sponsorships for each leg of the race to raise money for 36 the GCSANJ Foundation. I loved the idea and Pat’s determination and immediately got to work. I knew we would have a lot of support from our association, but it grew exponentially beyond my expectations as each day passed. Watching donations pour in day after day from our members, Twitter followers, Pat’s community, other chapters, and Navesink Country Club members was inspiring. Let's Connect 48 In the end, he raised over $16,000 from over 150 donations. Please take a moment to read the article about the fundraiser, his accomplishment, and all those involved in supporting the cause. It showcases how fortunate we all are to work in an industry 973-812-0710 comprised of such wonderful people. As expected, the money raised is put to good use through the GCSANJ Foundation Scholarship program. The GCSANJ Foundation has a long tradition of supporting our members by providing college scholarships for members, children, or spouse. msharples@gcsanj.org We are currently accepting applications through June 11th. Visit our website for more information. MAUREEN SHARPLES @GCSANJ1926 Executive Director, GCSANJ facebook.com/gcsanj THE GREENERSIDE | 4 MEMBER NEWS MOVERS AND SHAKERS NEW MEMBERS Fred Parcells is the new golf course Michael Warner, Class AF superintendent at Skyway Golf Course at Fertl Soil Lincoln Park West. Charles Belmont, Class AF Fertl Soil Michael Tardogno is the new golf course superintendent at Tamarack Golf Course. Joey Wolff, Class AF Finch Services Joey Wolff is the new South Jersey representative for Finch Services. Curt Moore James Bryson, Class B was promoted to a new territory. The Bedens Brook Club Chris Marra is the new golf course Michael Wagner, Class B superintendent at Maplewood Country Club. Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck THE GREENERSIDE | 6 MEMBER NEWS GCSANJ FOUNDATION TO RECEIVE THE ACE AWARD FROM THE FIRST TEE-JERSEY SHORE The First Tee of the Jersey Shore will be awarding the GCSANJ Foundation the 2021 Ace Award for their continued donations and member volunteer support in maintaining The First Tee Learning Center at Ocean County Park. The learning center serves thousands of people each year and provides a first-class learning experience for over 500 First Tee kids each year. The awards reception will take place on Monday, August 2nd, at the 15th Annual First Tee of the Jersey Shore at Metedeconk National Golf Club. To register for the event or to support the First Tee of the Jersey Shore, visit www.firstteejerseyshore.org. THE GREENERSIDE | 7 THE 2021 RUTGERS TURFGRASS RESEARCH CLASSIC By Shaun Barry In the past 24 years, the Rutgers Turfgrass Classic was only postponed once because the course was unplayable due to flooding. It eventually moved from the original date in May to an August date. As expected, attendance was reduced because of prior commitments, and typical August stresses on turfgrass forced many registered attendees to cancel. Fiddler’s Elbow CC has hosted this event for most of However, that event still provided every attendee those 24 years, and they have been the perfect the chance to enjoy a great day of playing golf with hosts. The courses are great, the food is always friends and business associates while actively delicious, and we are treated with the same respect supporting Rutgers’s Center for Turfgrass Science. It as their members. The only potential open date was still proved that even a significant disruption August 16th. We would not usually pick an August wouldn’t change our industry’s belief that this was a date, but this date would give our sponsors and not to be missed fundraising event. potential attendees the best possible opportunity to attend. That was our goal, and Drs. Clarke, Meyer, Fast forward to the Spring of 2020. Preparations for Murphy, Bonos, every scientist and staff member of the 25th Anniversary were completed, and the Center for Turfgrass Science, and the entire sponsorships and registrations were on pace for a Classic Committee hopes you will mark the new new record. In March, we were introduced to Covid, date on your calendar. It has been a long and and all of our lives were changed dramatically. The frustrating process, but it is a day that will be worth Classic committee quickly realized that we had to the wait. postpone our event. Fiddler’s had an open date in early October, and we chose that date, thinking Covid To register, visit njta.wildapricot.org. would not be an issue. As everyone now knows, that event was canceled. A Classic in 2020 would not be possible. We decided to go back to an early May date in 2021 and celebrate our 25th Anniversary. We were starting from a great position. Every Premier, Eagle, and Birdie Sponsor had committed to 2021 right after we canceled the October 2020 event. Everyone was enthusiastic about knowing we finally were all going to get together. Unfortunately, Covid has proven to be an ongoing issue. Vaccines became available, but it soon became apparent that keeping the May date was just too questionable. Many major companies were not allowing their people to travel or stay overnight, and Rutgers University was not opening up until July. The May date would have kept away some sponsors that had been sponsors for 24 years. We weren’t even sure how involved the Rutgers scientists and staff could be. It was a difficult decision, but we needed a new date. THE GREENERSIDE | 8 THE GREENERSIDE | 9 WAR AT THE SHORE ATLANTIC CITY COUNTRY CLUB Rob Arnts and Sean Konsavich Rob Johnson, Joe Kinlin, Our host, Mark Beaumont Doug Rae, Jeff Haas with Riggins and Lyla Ken Anson, Jeff Weld, Nick Alley, Lance Rogers, Mark Miedler, Keith Bennett, Jeff England, John Wiblishauser Josh Kopera, Travis Pauley Joe Oswik, Jay Parisien Matt Sudol and Louis Pitcock Roger Smith, Bob Prickett, James Cunningham and Kevin Mitchell Shawn Reynolds THE GREENERSIDE | 10 WAR AT THE SHORE ATLANTIC CITY COUNTRY CLUB Dan Livingston Mike Handley, Matt Herrmann, John Carpinelli Scott McBane, Jeremy Hreben Lee Kozsey GCSANJ Takes The Cup! Lance Rogers, Josh Kopera, Rob Schipper, Mark Beaumont, Doug Rae, Joe Kinlin, Mark Miedler, Travis Pauley, Jon Heywood, Lance Ernst, Kevin Monaco, Rob Johnson Ken Anson, Sean Konsavich Scott McBane Ben Brace, Steve Rudich, Jonathan Heywood and Kevin Doyle Rob Johnson THE GREENERSIDE | 11 THE GREENERSIDE | 12 GOING THE DISTANCE Patrick Husby completes the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge for the GCSANJ Foundation. Beginning on March 5th, our member Patrick Husby of Navesink Country Club ran four miles every four hours for the total 48 hours in the David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge to raise money for the GCSANJ Foundation. He raised $16,200 from 150 donors throughout his community and the golf community. The difficult challenge was created by retired Navy Seal David Goggins, who encourages participants to test their physical and mental stamina to complete the grueling task. If you follow Patrick on Twitter then you know he is Patrick Husby and Tyler Otero quite the fitness enthusiast. He began to follow David workouts for 16 days leading up to the event, only Goggins and the challenge after reading his bestselling running 4-mile distances. book, "Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds," and seeing it trend on social media. Husby "I went into the challenge knowing the extreme describes, "I had considered attempting it just as a physical burden it would put on me, but I felt as though personal challenge, but very quickly determined that I was reasonably prepared physically. I had no illusions the only right thing to do would be to make it as to how difficult the mental aspect of the challenge something that would benefit many. As Secretary of would be. That proved to be precisely as hard as I had the GCSANJ Foundation and having served with the expected. Simply being ready to get after it for 30 rest of the board members since 2012, the choice was minutes or so every 4 hours was tough on the body, simple." and trying to get an hour or two of sleep between each of the 12 runs was equally so." "Immediately, our President, Tyler Otero, forwarded the information to our Executive Director, Maureen He notes that the second to last run proved to be the Sharples, who began the tireless work of setting up the most challenging and demanding test to his will as he information debriefs and sponsorship link. Thankfully, was physically drained and feverish. He pushed through, knowing he had collected over 150 donation it was a tight window between the decision and the pledges, totaling over $16,000. actual event, as it left me no time to come to my senses." "I knew I was not going to let down the over 150 colleagues, friends, and family that had contributed to Once the information was shared with the GCSANJ the GCSANJ Foundation during a pandemic when we membership and golf community, the positive are all trying to make ends meet. That was my biggest responses of support and donations were immediate. fear heading into this challenge. Letting anyone down, The incredible response and participation are a falling short of expectation, failing." testament to this community and the value of our foundation. Patrick Husby completed the challenge on March 7th with supporters following this progress on Twitter. He Husby's typical fitness regime consists of running and describes the immense support as "humbling" and bodyweight training, but he had to alter his training to looks forward to finding another fitness challenge prepare for the challenge. He removed all physical fundraiser in the future. THE GREENERSIDE | 13 4X4X48 CHALLENGE SPONSORS $16,200 RAISED Thank you for your support! Premier Sponsor Noble Turf Leg Sponsors BASF Frank Heery, UHPH Plant Food Co. Bayer Thurman Boykin Storr Tractor Co. Double 'D' Turf Synatek Matt Sudol Harrell's Mark Smythe Shaun Barry Fisher & Son Jason Harrison Bill Murray Helena Chemical Carolinas GCSA Dave Mishkin Grass Roots David Farney Michael Cavanaugh DryJect NJ Ken Kubik Christopher Borek E-Z-GO Josh Kopera Tony Hooks Radius Sports Group THE GREENERSIDE | 14 THE GREENERSIDE | 15 GCSANJ COMPENSATION SURVEY RESULTS BY TODD RAISCH, CGCS GCSANJ recently polled A & B members in an online survey about their compensation. We had 81 responses. While the full results have only been distributed to those that participated in the survey, a few of the aggregated results are worth sharing with the entire membership. In addition to salary and other compensation numbers, participants were asked information such as years of experience, total acres, total acres maintained, total finely maintained acres (greens, tees and fairways), course revenue, employees managed, number of holes managed and in the case of private clubs, the number of members. The averages were as follows: Scatter graphs of all the comparative metrics only showed direct correlation (relatively speaking) between total compensation and operating budget and number of managed employees. They are below. THE GREENERSIDE | 16 Perhaps the old metric of superintendent compensation being 12-13% of the total operating budget no longer holds. Overall, it was 14.36%. For public courses it was 15.73% and for private, 14.16%. As for employees managed, NJ superintendents averaged $9,654 per employee. Public courses $8,893 and private courses $9,818. In addition, participants were asked how Covid-19 affected their compensation in 2020 and if they are expecting a raise in 2021. THE GREENERSIDE | 17 TAKE IT BACK TO 1966 THE FIRST TEE Stephen Finamore grew up in Waltham, MA. As a kid, he played ice hockey and was introduced to golf in 1966 when he Stephen Finamore, CGCS began caddying at Pine Brook Country Club in Weston, MA at 14. Through the Years 1968 1970 Steve took a summer job on He graduated high school the grounds crew at Wayland and continued to UMASS to Country Club and worked pursue a Bachelor's degree there for five years. in Turf Science. Steve volunteering at The Northern Trust at Ridgewood CC. Dr. Joseph Troll ran the program, and Steve credits Dr. Troll for positively During his tenure with Monmouth County, 1973 influencing his education they acquired Pine Brook Golf Course and He worked on the grounds and career. Hominy Hill Golf Course. crew at The Country Club in Brookline, MA during The Steve also hired fellow GCSANJ members, Walker Cup. Bruce Peeples and Dave Pease. 1977 1976 1974 Steve became the golf course GCSANJ Past President Al superintendent for Monmouth Rathjens hired Steve as the County Park System, which consisted assistant superintendent at of the Howell Park Golf Course and Raritan Valley Country Shark River Golf Course. Club. He also married his wife, Janet, in 1976. Bruce Peeples and Steve Finamore 1979 1980 1981 Steve was elected to the Steve became the golf course Steve and Janet GCSANJ Board of Directors. superintendent at Wykagyl Country welcomed their first Club in New Rochelle, NY. child, Sara. Steve credits Ed Walsh for encouraging him to get Their second child, Christina was born. involved in the association. Steve and Janet THE GREENERSIDE | 18 1992 In 1988, the area's superintendents were struggling with summer patch. Along with Ed Walsh and Gerald Fountain, Steve met with the MGA to fundraise for research to be conducted by Dr. Clarke and the staff at Rutgers to help find a solution. A committee was formed, and they collected donations from the area's clubs. It was such a great success that they continued to fundraise for research and officially became the Tri- State Turf Research Foundation in 1992. Steve still serves on the Board of Directors today. 2008 Alpine Country Club hosts the NJSGA State Open again. 1990 2006 Their fourth child, Corrine For four years, Steve was the head was born. coach for the Pascack Valley High 2014 School ice hockey team. Alpine Country Club hosts MGA Senior Open. He also coached rec baseball and softball for 20 years. 2015 Steve was awarded the Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award for his commitment and service to From a 1990 issue of The Greenerside. GCSANJ. 1989 A year after rejoining the Board of Directors, he is elected GCSANJ Chapter President. Steve initiates the compensation Bill Murray, Paul Dotti, Steve, and Bruce Peeples survey which is a beneficial tool still used by our chapter. Alpine Country Club hosts the NJSGA Bill Spence, Steve, and Dave Pease State Open. 1988 Steve becomes the golf course superintendent at Alpine Country Club. He is Present again elected to the GCSANJ Steve is retiring in the fall after 34 Board of Directors. years at Alpine CC and 46 years as a superintendent. 1986 He enjoys spending time with his family and still plays ice hockey and Steve is hired at Essex Fells softball. Alpine Country Club Country Club as the golf course superintendent. He plans to enjoy his retirement with his wife, children, and grandchildren. 1982 1985 Wykagyl Country Club hosted the Their third child, Michael LPGA Chrysler-Plymouth Charity was born. Classic in 1982 and the LPGA MasterCard International Pro-Am in 1984. He joined the MetGCSA. Steve's family THE GREENERSIDE | 19 2020 MEMBER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT Jeremy Hreben, CGCS By Maureen Sharples Amid the pandemic, the GCSANJ Board of Directors of Directors since 2014. He took over as chairman decided to postpone our annual awards until 2021. of the BMP committee two years ago after both The Board felt that recognizing our outstanding previous chairmen, Tim Connolly and Jason Pierce, members via Zoom rather than hosting the proper moved out of state. It became a running joke event in front of their peers demeaned the among the board that if you were interested in an achievements of our award recipients. As the year out-of-state job, chair the BMP committee. Jeremy ended, the Board of Directors reconsidered after settled in quickly as he served on the committee they received many requests for nominations for under both Jason and Tim’s leadership. He was also the Member of the Year Award and with the passionate about the project since he had seen aspiration to recognize those who contributed how practical the BMP manual was in Florida, during this unprecedented year. where he previously worked. Several nominations were received for the same Using the GCSAA template and framework, Jeremy person, and the vote was unanimous. On behalf of teamed up with Dr. Murphy to spearhead this the chapter, I am proud to award Jeremy Hreben, undertaking with a goal set by GCSAA of CGCS as our recipient of the 2020 Member of the completing the New Jersey manual by the end of Year Award for his work and commitment to the 2020. They gathered a large committee of Rutgers New Jersey Best Management Practices. faculty, industry experts, superintendents, and state officials to write and review the manual. Jeremy has been our chapter’s Vice President for the past three years and has served on the Board Jeremy has been a passionate and dedicated THE GREENERSIDE | 20 member of the association since 2009. His start in for Seeton Turf. In 2009, he became the the golf industry began by chance. After ending his superintendent at Indian Spring Country Club in four-year military service, he struggled to find a job. Marlton, where he still works today. He spends his In 1999, Dennis Parker hired him at Eagle Ridge downtime enjoying quality time with his family. Golf Club to work on the grounds crew. Jeremy Lauren is a two-time breast cancer survivor. They immediately liked the work, enjoying the outdoors soak up their family time off-roading in a 1987 Jeep and the variety the job provided. Wrangler, taking their boat out, and traveling for Jordan’s softball games. In 2003, he became an assistant at Ballamor Golf Club and enrolled in the ten-week program at the Jeremy Hreben is well-deserving of the distinction of Rutgers Turf Management School. Member of The Year, and on behalf of the chapter, we thank him for his dedicated service to GCSANJ. After completing the program, he became the first The BMP manual and his efforts will service our assistant at Bensalem Country Club. He wanted to membership for years to come. When asked about leave the cold behind him and moved to Florida for his goals for the BMP, Jeremy says, “I hope that this the first assistant position at Wildcat Run Golf & will educate the golf community and public about Country Club. In 2005, Jeremy got his first our industry and how important our work is to the superintendent job at Kings Gate Golf Club building sport and environment. Superintendents can be and growing in the course. He became active in the misrepresented; I want the public to understand Everglades GCSA and served on the board of the the management skills, science, and expertise that Calusa GCSA. goes into our work every day.” He married his wife Lauren in 2006 and moved back to New Jersey when she received a job offer in merchandising. Their daughter, Jordan, was born in 2008. Jeremy worked as a Sale Representative THE GREENERSIDE | 21 QUICK AND USEFUL TECH TIPS SMARTPHONE APPS FOR TURF BY DONOVAN MAGUIGAN There was a time before everything had a smartphone app, but now your smart home, your BBQ, your sportsbook, and even flipping a coin has an app. If you still have some space left on your phone for another application, here are some great helpful turfgrass apps. Sunseeker This app is excellent at identifying sun angles using both GPS maps and the camera with augmented reality. The app allows you to search through the entire calendar year for sun angles and can help identify problematic trees or to determine the sun angles that strike a particular area of the golf course. The app also allows you to capture photos of the sun angles while using the camera feature. Completely worth $10. ($9.99: iOS/Android) Google Lens / Google Photos Google Lens is a great tool for identifying a remarkable number of things using your smartphone camera or from a photo already on your phone. If it is searchable on Google, it is likely identifiable via the app. The app analyzes the image, identifies that subject, and can provide helpful search links in Google. For a turf manager, this tool can be extremely useful in helping identify weeds, trees, or landscape plants. Tips: For iPhone users, you will have to use the Google Photos app and click the Lens option when viewing a picture. It is also a great app for photo cloud storage. When you aren’t searching for turf information, you can use the features to identify album covers, clothing, and food. (Free: iOS/Android) THE GREENERSIDE | 22 Measure Originally, the “Measure App” was just a simple level that used the gyroscope on your iPhone (sorry Android) to serve as a float. The app has been updated over time to include measuring using the phones camera depth sensor. A $10 tape measure can do the same thing, BUT this will also take screenshots that include the augmented reality measurements for easy record keeping. (Free: iOS) Google Earth A sibling app to Google Maps, Google Earth provides more detailed maps and tools in addition to 3D maps, which include details such as buildings and trees. The app can also be used to take large measurements such as distance or area in a wide variety of units. The desktop application also includes a timeline feature that can sort through all historical aerial photos of a particular location, which can provide useful to tracking changes on your golf course or historical reference. (Free: iOS/Android) THE GREENERSIDE | 23 THE GREENERSIDE | 24 15 QUESTIONS WITH KEN ANSON By Maureen Sharples Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia golf course superintendent, Ken Anson recently sat down with The Greenerside to discuss his career and new job. 1. Tell us a little about where you are from? I was born in Hamburg, Germany, and moved here when I was ten years old. I grew up in the Hudson 4. Tell us about your family. Valley in Poughkeepsie, NY. We traveled back to I grew up in a military family. My dad was in the Germany every summer. military and is a police officer. He worked for the NYPD most of his career and now works for the DEP. 2. Why did you become a superintendent? My mom is also in the military and manages a I always loved and played golf at a young age with my barbershop on a base in Hawaii. Growing up, my mom grandfather. I spent my allowance every week playing loved to travel. She would take us on trips all over rounds at College Hill Golf Course after school. When Europe when we went back to Germany. I was 20, I took a summer internship with Joe Gardner at Fresh Meadow Country Club. I didn’t think I was 5. What are your interests outside of work? going to last a week, and then Joe encouraged me to I am a motorcycle enthusiast. When I got my driver’s stay. I quickly realized that the job gave me the license, I used all the money I saved to buy a Yamaha discipline and structure I lacked at the time. I ended up YZF R1. Caught my parents off guard; they thought I enrolling in the turfgrass program at SUNY Cobleskill. was coming home with a car. I have upgraded since then and ride a Ducati Hypermotard. When I’m not 3. What is your favorite aspect of working on a golf riding my motorcycle, I love to golf. course? It’s rewarding to see my younger assistants come into 6. How long have you worked at Trump National Golf their own and hone their skills. I had a smaller crew at Club Philadelphia? Fox Hollow Golf Club and didn’t have any turf I only started seven months ago. I have spent many students on staff. At Trump, I have three Rutgers years networking within the industry, and it paid off students that are passionate about the job and eager with this opportunity. I received a call one night from to learn. I know one day they will move on for new the General Manager asking if I would like to opportunities, but for now, it is my job to prepare interview. It was supposed to be a 20-minute walk them, and that’s very humbling. through which turned into four hours, and I left with the job. It has been great so far, the club and staff are very supportive, and there are many resources to help me showcase the property. THE GREENERSIDE | 25 11. What has been the most trying experience of your career? Without a doubt, trying to get my first superintendent job. I was 25 years old, and I interviewed for four years for all types of jobs, not just golf courses. I was working for Ryan Merriman at East Hampton Golf Club, and as much as I liked the position and working with Ryan, I was hell-bent on becoming a superintendent. I went to work for Tony Hooks at Due Process because I knew he would support me and allow me to interview as much as I needed to, and he did. He helped me 7. What does a typical summer day look like for you as prepare, and ten months later, I got my first a superintendent? superintendent job at Follow Hollow Golf Club. I always come in before the crew and take a ride around the course. I pinpoint issues and strategize for the day’s 12. What advice would you give an assistant who is work. The ride always helps me clear my mind and get in looking for their first superintendent position? the right headspace. I strive to have a positive and Prepare to interview for a couple of years. Focus on consistent attitude with my crew to keep morale up. your communication skills and how you present yourself. I interviewed as much as I could, even if I 8. What are some of your biggest on course challenges knew I was not interested in the job. It helped me at Trump National Philadelphia? improve my interviewing skills, and it also helped me Our biggest challenge is the size of the property. It sits create buzz for myself. Our industry is a tight-knit on 385 acres. The course is a New England style, so the community. You want people to know you are out holes are far apart, which requires a lot of travel time for looking and eager to get started. my crew from a logistical standpoint. I am strategic when planning the day. I will send an extra triplex 13. You were elected to the GCSANJ Board of mower to reduce time. I bought a Dakota 440 with a Directors last year? Why did you decide to run, and conveyor belt attachment to fill the top dressers on the what are some of your goals? fly instead of riding back to the shop. The furthest point I decided to run because I have always enjoyed being a on the course to my shop takes me 20 minutes on a cart. member of the association, here and in New York. I met my fellow board members at our events and saw 9. What change would you like to see most in your them work together, which encouraged me to get operation? involved. At this point, my goal is to learn from the The top of my list would be a bunker renovation. It has seasoned board members and continue to grow with been 20 years since the bunker faces were done. I would our board. love to redrain, replace the sand, and add capillary concrete or Better Billy Bunkers. 10. You spent the start of your career in Hamptons? Tell us about that. It was the best time of my life. I was working at Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton for Bob Ranum. I felt like the luckiest kid in the world when he called me to come on board. Bob has had the most influence on my career. He is an incredible superintendent. His eye for architecture helped me understand how to present a golf course. When it came to making a change on the course, whether big or small, he taught me how to consider balance, color schemes, and contrasts. Bob is also a great people person. I learned how to fit in and how to communicate with the membership. THE GREENERSIDE | 26 14. As the membership chairman, why do you think a GCSANJ membership is valuable? Being a member of GCSANJ gives you opportunities and time to be with your peers. Any time you can spend time with other superintendents, you will always learn something new. It’s the best way to meet your peers and neighbors. 15. List three things we don’t know about you. 1. When I was 14, I broke my ankle on my dirt bike. A few weeks later, I was goofing around in a wheelchair in gym class, tipped over, and broke my other ankle. Good times. 2. I used to spend most of my days off walking other superintendent’s properties. I did this for many years and continue to do so. 3. I’m bilingual. I speak German and English. THE GREENERSIDE | 27 RETIRING AND REFLECTING AFTER 56 YEARS By Jeff Wetterling, CGCS My golf maintenance career began in the summer of 1965 at the age of 13. I worked on a construction crew building six new golf holes at the Cranbury Golf Course. I skipped the next year and worked on a potato farm with two locations: Princeton Junction and the other in Cranbury. Getting up at 4:00 am and working until noon, I thought it was great. My boss was a young paratrooper returning from his service commitment. His name was Charles Dey, son of the farm’s owner. As of no result of my career decisions, Charley also became a golf course superintendent and eventually retired from Springdale Golf Club in Dennis Shea, Jim Gilligan, Bob Ribbans, Jeff Wetterling, Princeton after 34 years. Charlie Dey & Charlie Edgar When I was 15, a family purchased the house next to was back at the club full time as the Assistant my parents. The new owner was Vic Perone, who Superintendent. I attended the Rutgers Turf School was the new Superintendent at Greenacres Country program offered at Cook College, graduating in 1975. Club, a club that was unfamiliar to me. I remembered I remained at the club until 1978 when I accepted the Vic walked over to me in the front yard where, golf course superintendent position at Forest Hill Field surprisingly, I was mowing the grass. He asked me if I Club in Bloomfield, New Jersey for the next 15 years. needed a summer job working for $1.10/hour. I accepted. Pushing a lawnmower as opposed to Ron Chmura called me in the fall of 1992 to see if I moving irrigation pipe in a potato field that was 12 would be interested in interviewing for the new inches deep in mud sounded pretty good. superintendent position at Greenacres Country Club. Ron and I had worked together as both the assistant It was 1968, and the State of New Jersey had golf pro and the assistant superintendent back in the commenced the construction of Interstate 295. They ’70s at Greenacres. We each had gone our separate were taking approximately 4 acres of land from the ways, only to both come full circle back to Greenacres club in the northwest corner. The 17th hole and part as the new Golf Pro and Superintendent. My wife and of the 18th hole were to be sacrificed, along with a I had been good friends with Linda and Ronny for small amount of land behind 10 green (what is now many years. the rear of #4). We constructed 14 new greens, 30 plus tees, and moved 300 trees. I believe the whole I was very happy to come down from Westfield, project cost about $250,000. George Fazio was the where we lived, to talk to the hiring committee. I was architect who just happened to be Tom Fazio’s uncle. very relieved and surprised to see three familiar faces I worked for the club until 3:00 pm and then worked when I entered the card room – Dr. Arnold Gordon, with Tom and Uncle George’s crew some days until David Friedman, and Philip Levy. I was hired almost dark. I was 16-17 years old, and Tom Fazio was in immediately and began what has become a 29+ year the infancy of his career at 27 years old. It was a career. I was certified in 1985 and have maintained great experience and a lot of fun. the title of certified golf course superintendent for over 35 years. I stayed on at the club for summers during my remaining high school and college years. In 1974 I THE GREENERSIDE | 28 state of flux and requires continual tweaking. It is a perennial necessity. None was as drastic in the change of the landscape as the Lennar project. I embraced the challenge of this rebuild of the golf course. We built a new golf course in five months, starting July 2017, and opened the following year. Bobby Weed did a great job with the design and my compliments to everyone involved in bringing the new course on line. The last two years have been concentrated on the fine-tuning of a great instrument, and I am sure it will continue under new leadership. Being the Superintendent of now Cobblestone Creek has been The year I returned to Greenacres, it was in the a very fulfilling responsibility, and I truly appreciate middle of a two-year master plan renovation the many years of support and friendship of the formulated by architect Stephen Kay. Upon members of Greenacres and Cobblestone for making completing this project in 1994, we embarked on my tenure so memorable. completely replacing the irrigation system and pumping station. Nancy, my wife of 46 years, and I now will take some time to reflect on our lives and enjoy our children and Over the past two decades, the golf course and six wonderful grandchildren. We hope these crazy property has seen consistent improvements and pandemic times are nearing an end so we can make changes. As you know, a golf course is in a constant travel plans and explore new adventures together. THE GREENERSIDE | 29 THE GREENERSIDE | 30 WHERE DOES OUR INDUSTRY FIT INTO THE NEW “GREEN” MODEL? By Kevin Doyle, GCSAA Northeast Field Representative There is always so much emphasis on the color green. efforts to the political realm. Initiatives to enact their As spring ramps up temperatures, the grass does preferred changes at every level of regulation, indeed come to life bringing with it that wonderful including local, state, and federal, are now the norm. seasonal hue we all enjoy. The Masters returned to its typical April time slot adding a green jacket to the GCSAA has expanded our industry-leading discussion. Earth Day arrives, a day when government affairs to help protect our members. sustainability and protecting our environment are Chava McKeel, Director of Government Affairs, and meant to be celebrated. I am unsure if the grass is Bob Helland, Director of Congressional and Federal always greener on the other side of the fence, or on Affairs continue to advocate strongly at the federal the other side of the aisle. It is strange how politicians level. GCSAA’s Manager of Government Affairs, now can influence turf management at your facilities Michael Lee, has increased efforts at the state level. even more than general managers, greens committees, or owners. When did being environmentally green In addition to policy research and communication with turn political? Where does the golf industry fit into members, Lee has initiated a monthly call with state this new “green” model? lobbyists retained by GCSAA chapters. These calls have aided in sharing of ideas and resources in hopes It seems not long ago that recycling and saving water of minimizing duplication and streamlining advocacy were very important. Switching lights off to save efforts. With nearly 20 lobbyists on the call each energy and utilizing electronic documents to save month, many of the regulatory and legislative paper were emphasized too. Everyone seemed happy pressures our superintendent members are dealing to be making improvements to our wonderful planet. with are discussed. The good old days. Now, fast forward 30 seconds (it seems), and using materials that even require Regarding efforts in New Jersey, thanks to all of you recycling is wasteful. Every drop of water belongs to who have already taken action on A 2070, a the environmentalists. Energy must be generated by neonicotinoid ban bill that has passed the Senate and wind or solar and if not, it should be banned. You must is now in the Assembly. Your messages have improved know how your power was generated or you are part the conversation, but more outreach is still needed. of the problem. Legislators must hear from those affected by legislation and grassroots efforts like those At one point, doing the right thing to protect the undertaken by the GCSANJ are essential in environment went from a voluntary movement by the accomplishing that balance. State Street and the New masses to a mandate by just a few. Our industry Jersey Green Industry Council have worked hard to continues to see the impact of this activism. If the ensure your point of view is considered by those small minority of loud voices are not making the legislators directly responsible for the bill, but impact on society they hoped for, they channel their ultimately your engagement is critical. THE GREENERSIDE | 31 A 2070 would be the most stringent neonicotinoid bill GCSAA WEBINARS anywhere in the country. Not only would it create a GCSAA LEARNING HUB drastic change to the green industry in New Jersey, it Upcoming Webinars could easily cause reverberations in state houses Spring Dead Spot & Take-all Root Rot across the country. I have learned in my nine plus Prevention LaneTroubleshooting Tredway, Ph.D., and Dean Mosdell, Cooling Systems: Basic Functions and years in this role if there is a group that refuses to give in without exhausting every effort, it is the GCSA of Ph.D. May 20 @ 2:00 p.m. New Jersey. Thank you for doing your part. SEPT. 16 @ NOON Daniel Heinze Benefits & Challenges of Sand Topdressing Programs Work is Hard - Why not have some Fun! Douglas Karcher, Ph.D. May 25 @ 12:00 p.m. SEPT. 22 @ 10 A.M. Matt Cavanaugh Managing Abiotic and Biotic Stressors of Tall Fescue presented by the Oregon Tall Fescue Commission June 15 @ 10:00 a.m. NEED ASSISTANCE? Joseph Roberts, Ph.D. Kevin Doyle GCSAA Field Staff Register at kdoyle@gcsaa.org www.gcsaa.org/education Follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_NE THE GREENERSIDE | 32 GCSAA WEBINARS CHAPPTER CHALLENGE Help your GCSAA-affiliated chapter win $500 by downloading the GCSAA Now Mobile App. There are two ways for a chapter to win: Most chapter members who have downloaded the GCSAA app. The highest percentage of the chapter members who have downloaded the GCSAA app. The contest runs May 4-July 31, 2021. You must be a member of the GCSAA-affiliated chapter for your download to count in the contest. Once you download the app, share this page or the QR code with your fellow chapter members to increase your chance of winning. To download the app, take a picture of the QR code. THE GREENERSIDE | 33 WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED "My favorite book is “The Hobbit” and I am currently reading “Column of Fire” by Ken Follet." -Drew White, Superintendent, Riverton Country Club "What are your favorite books and what are you reading now?" "I recently read “Fear” by Bob Woodward on a trip to Jackson Hole in Wyoming, and my favorite books are by Don Winslow such as “Savages” and “The Teeth of the Dog.” -Conor Geisel, Assistant Superintendent, Springdale Golf Club "I am currently reading “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway. The recent Ken Burns documentary spurred my interest. My favorite books are those authored by Kevin Cook, Malcolm Gladwell, Bill O’Reilly, John Grisham, and Kurt Vonnegut. " -Ken Kubik ,CEO, Grass Roots Turf Products THE GREENERSIDE | 34 THE GREENERSIDE | 34 "I am reading “Saipan” by James Hallas, “The Irishman” by Charles Brandt, and I just started Tom Doak’s “Confidential Guide to Golf Courses”. Normally, I would be reading something by Lee Child, David Baldacci, James Patterson, John Sanford, Harlan Coben, or Stuart Woods but with the extra time granted us because of Covid, I seem to have read all the recent works from these authors." -Shaun Barry, GCSANJ Foundation "Currently reading "How To Talk So Kids will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish. Simon Sinek touts this book as the best book on managing a workforce, I am hoping to gain some psychological advantage over my 3-year-old. Favorite book is "Practical Greenkeeping" by Jim Arthur. I like the way it talks about the trends of greenskeeping in the past.” -Joe Kinlin, Superintendent, Bey Lea Golf Course "Currently reading: “Just Looking” by John Updike. It’s a compilation of critiques of some great works of art that I also admire. I’m reading this because I like the author and the subject and because it belonged to my Dad: we are cleaning out the house where I grew up. Favorite book: Patrick O’Brian’s 20 volume novel of the British naval world during the Napoleonic wars, the days of iron men and wooden ships. It’s a fantastically written series that I dip into again and again for the story, the elegance of the writing, and the humor. I’ll add that the most influential book I’ve read was The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck. I read it when I was 12 and it made me aware of the power of good writing and storytelling." -Chris Carson, Superintendent, Echo Lake Country Club THE GREENERSIDE | 35 THE GREENERSIDE | 34 GCSANJ PATRON DIRECTORY A.G. ENTERPRISES BRAEN STONE EAST COAST SOD & SEED Staff Uniforms Construction Material Sod & Seed Supplier,Bent Grass, Rick Gordon Joe Klemm Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Ph: 201.488.1276 Stone, Sand, Recycled Materials, Fescue Sod Fx: 201.575.4140 and Asphalt Kevin Driscoll merrick160@aol.com 400 Central Avenue Ph: 609.760.4099 agenterprisesonline.com Haledon, NJ 07508 kdriscoll@eastcoastsod.com Ph: 973.838.7100 Ext.2 BASF jklemm@braenstone.com EWING IRRIGATION & Plant Protection & Plant Health Products, www.braenstone.com LANDSCAPE SUPPLY Lexicon, Xzemplar, Honor, Insignia Irrigation & Turf Products David Schell DOWNES TREE SERVICE CO. Rain Bird Golf Distributor Ph: 410.800.8762 Tree Services, Mulch & Top Soil, Fred Rapp david.schell@basf.com Containers,Trimming & Removal frapp@ewingirrigation.com Paul Ramina Kevin Downes Ph: 848.225.4618 Ph: 908.413.2944 65 Royal Avenue Jim Miner paul.ramina@basf.com Hawthorne, NJ 07506 jminer@ewingirrigation.com Ph: 973.238.9800 Ph: 908.674.1145 BAYER info@downes.pro Plant Health Products E-Z-GO TEXTRON Jeffrey Weld DOUBLE ‘D’ TURF, LLC Nick Roberto Pesticides Turfgrass Aeration Specialist E-Z-GO, Cushman, Jacobsen 2 T.W. Alexander Drive Dennis DeSanctis, Sr. Ph: 845.637.7641 Research Triangle Park, NC Dennis DeSanctis, Jr. T 845.637.7641 Ph: 914.419.9384 Drill & Fill, TurfPride, JRM Tines jeff.weld@bayer.com 86 Bergen Mills Road FINCH SERVICES Monroe Twp, NJ 08831 John Deere Authorized Dealer BLACK LAGOON POND Ph: 732.241.7378 Phil Page MANAGEMENT dennis@doubledturf.com ppage@finchinc.com Pond/Lake Management dennisjr@doubledturf.com Cell: 609.498.4031 Michael Blaner Joey Wolff Algae/Invasive Plants Control, DRYJECT NEW JERSEY jwolff@finchinc.com Fountain & Diffused Aeration Systems Dennis Granahan Cell:410.215.6921 56 US Highway 130 South 7 Seagull Lane 419 Industrial Drive Bordentown, NJ 08620 Lincroft, NJ 07738 North Wales, PA Ph: 1.888.243.0891 Ph: 917.617.8827 info@blacklagoon.us dryjectnj@comcast.net FISHER & SON COMPANY Distributor of Golf & Turf BLOOMING BEDS EARTHWORKS Products,Fertilizer, Seed Plant Care Services Carbon based fertilizers Rob Johnson Wayne Jackson Jack Higgins 110 Summit Drive, 21 Madison Plaza #130 Ph: 484.894.0242 Exton PA 19341 Madison, NJ 07940 hwww.earthworksturf.com Ph: 800.262.2127 Ph: 973.937.7009 jack@soilfirst.com Cell: 215.475.7998 www.bloomingbeds.com rjohnson@fisherandson.com wayne@bloomingbeds.com THE GREENERSIDE | 36 GCSANJ PATRON DIRECTORY FOLEY INC NOBLE TURF STEPHEN KAY GOLF COURSE CAT Equipment Dealer, Sales and Rentals Brian Gjelsvik ARCHITECT Cindy Snow 25 Roland Avenue Stephen Kay csnow@foleyinc.com Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 665 Saint Andrews Drive Office: (732) 885-3154 Ph: 856.273.1402 Egg Harbor City NJ 08215 855 Centennial Avenue briang@seetonturf.com Ph: 609.703.3300 Piscataway, NJ 08854 stephenkgolf@aol.com NUFARM GRASS ROOTS, INC. Pesticides for the turf & ornamentals SYNATEK Golf Course Maintenance Supplies Michael Molchan Shaun Kennedy Ken Kubik: 973.418.7035 25 Roland Avenue 737 Hagey Center Drive, Unit A Keith Kubik: 973.418.7034 Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Souderton, PA 18964 Jay McKenna: 973.418.7036 Ph: 610-653-7983 Ph: 8662.266.9288 Office: 973.252.6634 michael.molchan@nufarm.com Fx: (267) 203-1613 skennedy@synateksolutions.com GENESIS TURFGRASS PLANT FOOD COMPANY Mark Merrick “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” SYNGENTA 717-759-8151 Dick Neufeld: 973.945.6318 Manufacturer, Plant Protectants info@genesisturfgrassinc.com Tom Weinert: 914.262.0111 Lee Kozsey 137 Commerce Drive Tom Pepe: 609.751.1372 Cell: 215.796.0409 Glen Rock, PA 17327 Biostimulants & Other Products Lee.kozsey@syngenta.com genesisturfgrass.com for Premium Turfgrass Brian Goudey Cell: 518-764-2412 HARRELL’S LLC SITEONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY Brian.Goudey@Syngenta.com Josh Kopera Providing the Products & Cell:201.213.8693 Expertise That You Need & Trust TOTAL TURF GOLF SERVICES jkopera@harrells.com Frank Jacheo: 732.489.1442 Greg Hufner Jen Schneider fjacheo@siteone.com 1965 Byberry Road Cell:732.828.0895 Fred Stauffer: 317.518.2841 Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 jschneider@harrells.com fstauffer@siteone.com Ph: 215.426.0554 harrells.com Shawn Reynolds: 401.486.9133 gregh@totalturfservices.com Ph: 800.282.8007 sreynolds@siteone.com WILLOW'S BEND HELENA SOIL & WATER CONSULTING Specializes in golf course pump People…Products…Knowledge Corey Angelo stations. Service and installation. Tim Gerzabek Consulting and Analysis for Your Scott Scherer Cell: 609.221.9240 Turfgrass, Soils, and Water. P.O. Box 1344 GerzabekT@helenaagri.com Ph: 848.225.5115 Belle Mead, NJ 08502 www.helenaagri.com corey@soilandwaterconsulting.com Ph: 908.837.9102 scott@willowsbend.com LABAR GOLF RENOVATIONS STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Golf Course Construction & Commercial Toro Turf & Irrigation Renovations Equipment Richard S. LaBar Jr. Steve Bradley, Jim Devaney 170 Mount Airy Road, Suite A1 Rick Krok Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 3191 Highway 22, Branchburg NJ Ph: 908.502.5353 Ph: 908.722.9830 rich@labargolf.com sbradley@storrtractor.com THE GREENERSIDE | 37