GCSANE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Eric Richardson Essex County Club 153 School Street Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944 978-500-2094 erichardson@essexcc.org VICE PRESIDENT Bob Dembek Lexington Golf Club 55 Hill Street Lexington, MA 02420 978-870-8669 lexgc@rcn.com SECRETARY / TREASURER Michael Murphy Robert T. Lynch Municipal GC 1281 West Roxbury Pkwy. Brookline, MA 02467 617-879-5684 mimurphy@brooklinema.gov DIRECTORS Ryan Boudreau Framinghame Country Club 5 Deerfield Road Plainville, MA 02762 508-424-8563 ryboudreau@gmail.com Greg Cormier, CGCS Tom Irwin, Inc. 12 Progress Avenue Tyngsboro, MA 01879 978-846-1133 gregormier@tomirwin.com Ryan Emerich Cape Arundel Golf Club 19 River Road Kennebunk, ME 04046 717-575-1332 remerich@cagc.club Peter J. Rappoccio, CGCS Concord Country Club 246 ORNAC Concord, MA 01742 978-371-1089 prappoccio@concordcc.org Colin Smethurst, CGCS Hillview Golf Course 149 North Street North Reading, MA 01864 781-779-5705 smethurst.colin@amail.com David Stowe, CGCS Newton Commonwealth Golf 30 Western Avenue Natick, MA 01760 617-347-6514 dstowe@sterlinggolf.com Jonathan Wilber Myopia Hunt Club 435 Bay Road South Hamilton, MA 01982 978-468-2231 jwilber@myoplahc.org PAST PRESIDENT Brian Skinner, CGCS, CPO Bellevue Golf Club PO Box 760661, Melrose, MA 02176 781-248-0216 brianskinner@bellevuegolfclub.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Donald E. Hearn, CGCS 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 774-430-9040 donhearn@gcsane.org NEWSLETTER EDITOR Ryan Boudreau Framinghame Country Club 5 Deerfield Road Plainville, MA 02762 508-424-8563 ryboudreau@gmail.com GCSANE Headquarters 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Tel: (774) 430-9040 Web Site: www.gcsane.org Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and June not represent the position of GCSANE. Information contained in this publication June be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line. In light of any challenge we face, it becomes essential to communicate our stories and successes to our memberships, owners, and patrons via whatever channel is available to you. Sharing the behind-the- scenes efforts that go into turf management fosters a deeper appreciation for our work and builds a stronger sense of camaraderie. Highlighting the positive outcomes of our labor, from the seamless recovery of the greens post-aeration to the first drop of water exiting a sprinkler, paints a picture of dedication to those in every segment of the golf industry. Telling our story in a positive light does not mean shying away from the difficulties we face; rather, it involves fram- ing these challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth. It’s about celebrat- ing small victories, whether implementing a new sustainable practice or simply achiev- ing that perfect mowing pattern. We inspire our fellow turf managers and the golfing community by sharing these moments. Amidst the daily grind, essential spring agronomic tasks, and spring projects that can/will create stress – internally and externally- we must not lose sight of why we love our job. The early mornings might be demanding, but they are also a time of quiet beauty, of peace before the day begins. There’s something profoundly satisfying in the smell of the turf after the first mow of the season, a scent that evokes a sense of renewal and possibility. These simple joys remind us of the passion that drew us to this profession, sustaining us through the challenges and reinforcing our commitment to excellence, filling us with pride and satisfaction not easily found in other professions. As we move forward into the season, please embrace the difficulties and successes of continued on page 3 As we transition into the heart of the spring season, I find it important to reflect on the unique challenges and joys that come with our roles as turfgrass managers. This spring, the New England weather has, as ever, tested our skills and resilience. While you will receive this note in late April, I am writing it on April 4th with three inches of snow on the ground, a day after mowing greens and fairways. My team used more salt in April than in February and March combined. That said, from every unexpected weather anomaly to the hopeful sunny spring days, each weath- er event reminds us of the unpredictable nature of our work environment. However, these challenges underscore the importance and essential nature of our profession. As stewards of the golf course and land we manage, we play a crucial role in ensuring the health and beauty of the turf, a respon- sibility that extends far beyond aesthetics. The turf’s condition directly influences the course’s playability, affecting the experi- ence of every golfer who walks our greens, fairways, and tees. Our expertise in man- aging turf amidst the erratic New England weather ensures that all can enjoy the game of golf. A Message from the GCSANE President Eric RichardsonMarch - April 2024 2 3 The NewsletterEnhance Root Health and Promote the Uptake of NutrientsHarrell’s, LLC | (800) 282-8007Post Office Box 807 | Lakeland, FL 33802Mycorrhizae Pro1 quart (946 ml) Weight per Qt: 2.36 lbs. @ 70 °FCONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENTS SOIL AMENDING GUARANTEED ANALYSISACTIVE INGREDIENTS .............................................................................0.2% Mycorrhizal fungi: Rhizophagus irregularis................................................ 5 x 104 propagules/mLINERT INGREDIENTS (OTHER INGREDIENTS) Deionized water and agar...............................................................................99.8%Purpose: To enhance root growth and aid in the uptake of nutrients.EXPIRATION DATE 2 years from date of manufacture printed on the container.PRECAUTIONS• Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling this product.• Avoid getting in eyes or on skin. Use safety glasses with side shields (or goggles) and water repellent gloves when handling this product.• Do not contaminate water during application or when cleaning equipment.EMERGENCY CONTACTINFORMATION Medical: 800.304.0824Transportation: 800.424.9300 CN 10202KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN CAUTIONRead entire label before using this product and follow all Handling and Use Precautions.FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLYFIRST AIDIf on skin: Remove contaminate clothing and wash with soap and water. Consult a physician if any irritation persists.If in eyes: Rinse with clean water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses after the first 5 minutes and continue to rinse. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.If ingested: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Call 911 or a physician for treatment advice.If inhaled: Move victim to fresh air and keep calm. If breathing is irregular or stops, perform artificial respiration. Call 911 for immediate assistance or a physician for treatment advice.Have the product label with you when call a doctor or going for treatment.NET CONTENTS#880135 10/21LIQUID FOLIAR & SOIL ADDITIVES®Mycorrhizae Pro.indd 1Mycorrhizae Pro.indd 110/13/2021 3:31:53 PM10/13/2021 3:31:53 PMwww.harrells.com | 800.282.8007 Employee -OwnedMycorrhizae Pro enhances root health and aids in the uptake of nutrients. Part of the Harrell’s Bio-MAX® line, Mycorrhizae Pro soil additive is a concentrated liquid Mycorrhizae formula of rhizophagus irregularis.For more information about this product or other agronomic solutions, contact your Harrell’s rep.CHUCK BRAMHALLcbramhall@harrells.com(508) 400-0600JIM FAVREAUjfavreau@harrells.com(978) 227-2785MIKE KROIANmkroian@harrells.com(401) 265-5353KENT LEMMEklemme@harrells.com(413) 281-8087TOM HOFFERthoffer@harrells.com(401) 871-2916JIM COHENjcohen@harrells.com(978) 337-0222GCSANE Mycorrhizae Pro Ad vertical 7.5” wide x 10” deep.indd 1GCSANE Mycorrhizae Pro Ad vertical 7.5” wide x 10” deep.indd 18/2/2023 3:25:52 PM8/2/2023 3:25:52 PM continued from cover turfgrass management. If you need help in any way, please reach out to your peers or any of us on the GCSANE Board. We are a community, and you are not alone in combating our profession’s inevitable diffi- culties and challenges. Everyone’s contact information is in our membership directory for a reason. Finally, please take the time to read through the rest of this newsletter for important messages from your peers, Board Members, the association, and our indus- try partners as we continue to celebrate GCSANE’s centennial year and you. Sincerely, Eric Richardson 2 3 March - April 2024 Divot Drift WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Austin McLear, Affiliate, Iron Tree Service, Beverly, MA John Mowat, Affiliate, Huntington Bank, Dublin, Ohio Huntington Bank, Friend of the Association, Dublin, Ohio Maxwell Quinn, Assistant Superintendent, Essex County Club John Romanovicz, Superintendent, Veterans Memorial Golf Course Brian Healy, Equipment Manager, Brookmeadow Country Club Tim Gerrish, RLA, Associate, Gerrish + Gardner, Providence, RI WELCOME RETURNING MEMBERS Erin Welch, Assistant Superintendent, Oakley CC Mark Williams, Superintendent, Sterling Golf Management CONGRATULATIONS TO Mike Sampson who is now superintendent at Furnace Brook Golf Course As in the past, The Newsletter continues to invite Affiliate members to submit a press release about new personnel, new products or a company bio. We will print each and every release free of charge. This is a great way to advertise for free. Who said nothing in this world is free? Free advertising to better your company? Wow, what an offer! GCSANE Offers Website Banner advertising at www.gcsane.org The price is $500 for one year which will be re-occurring annually from your first billing unless otherwise specified. For more information, please contact Don Hearn at 774-430-9040 or donhearn@gcsane.org 4 Back Issues! Past issues of the NEWSLETTER are available using this link: http://bit.ly/GCSANEnewsletters. GCSANE MERCHANDISE STORE We now have GCSA of New England clothing and merchandise for sale. To view the catalog click here. The merchandise can also be viewed on the Home Page of the GCSA of New England’s website at gcsane.org. 5 The Newsletter 4 5 March - April 2024The work you do plays a vital role in the health and well-being of your guests and the community. We offer you a network of caring professionals with innovative solutions created to help you succeed.With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone.tomirwin.comtomirwin.com Thoughts From Your Executive Director by Don Hearn Show floor space was bulging against the walls, seminars were well attended and there were large audiences for the speaker presentations. In the world of golf course maintenance the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show stands out as a premier event where industry professionals converge to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in turfgrass management. This event also serves, for many, as a beginning point for the upcoming golf season. One of the defining features of the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show is its lineup of seminars, workshops, and presentations delivered by speakers and industry leaders. Topics cover a wide range of subjects, including turfgrass maintenance, pest management, irrigation techniques, environmental sustainability, and emerging technologies. Attendees benefit from firsthand insights and practical strategies that can produce efficiency in their turf management practices. The exhibition or “show” component of the conference showcases an array of products, equipment, and services from industry partners in the turfgrass industry. Participants have the opportunity to explore new solutions, compare offerings, and engage with experts to address their specific needs and challenges. From state-of-the-art machinery to eco-friendly fertilizers, the exhibit hall provides a glimpse into the latest innovations driving the evolution of turf care. Beyond the educational and commercial aspects, the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show creates a sense of camaraderie among attendees. Social gatherings create an environment where participants can make connections, share experiences, and build lasting relationships within the industry. This conference and show has come a long way since its launch by Dr. Joseph Troll the patriarch of the event until his retirement, after which the event was moved to Boston. After a one-year stint in Boston it was decided to move the event to Providence. Congratulations to all who had the foresight to move the event to Providence an excellent location for the event. Also, congratulations to Gary Sykes, Executive Director of the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation and his committee and board for the work they do creating the educational part of the conference; also David Rosenberg and his team for making all the pieces of the puzzle fit so well each year. from left: Jonathan Wilber, Eric Richardson, Greg Cormier, Bob Dembek, Andrew Travers We were represented at this year’s Francis Ouimet Annual Dinner by the gentlemen pictured. This is the largest golf dinner in the country. Nearly 1500 people attended. Executive Director, Colin McGuire made remarks and a brief presentation about the Fund’s mission, this year’s awards and future goals. This year’s honoree was Julie Inkster an LPGA player who carries many accolades as a member of the LPGA Hall of Fame, the World Golf Hall of Fame and a winner of multiple major championships. She and Judy Rankin, also a World Golf Hall of Famer, had a fireside chat that entertained the audience, showed her humility and how she got interested in the game. The evening was another success produced by the talents of the Ouimet Fund staff, volunteers, board and executive committee, donors and major supporters like Dick Connolly, a close friend of mine for almost 70 years. from left: Don Hearn, Eric Richardson, Ryan Boudreau, Jordan Koester at the GCSA of New England booth The New England Regional Turfgrass Conference also known by many as “The Providence Show” was a huge success this year. 6 7 The Newsletter Thoughts (continued) A sad day was experienced by many friends and fellow professionals in our industry to learn that Norman Mucciarone passed away March 23. Norman was a wonderful person that I had the good fortune to know and admire for more than 40 years. He was a hardworking person who always wanted to be doing something. When he retired after a 40-year stint as superintendent of Woodland Golf Club, he continued working with his friend and fellow superintendent, Bob DiRico at Brae Burn Country Club. Norman was a bright spot each day he came to the club to lend a hand with the day’s set-up. He and his twin brother, Bobby, superintendent at the Dedham Country and Polo Club for 30 years, were past recipients of the Association’s Distinguished Service Award. They were presented the award in 2009. Norman lived a life of 97 years, 74 of which were as a member of the GCSA of New England. He was succeeded at Woodland by his son David, a 33 year and now retired member of the Association. Norman Mucciarone 6 7 March - April 2024 SAVE THE DATE Celebrating 100 years of service to the Turfgrass Management and Golf Industry Please join your fellow members in celebrating our past while looking forward to the future. Event Details Friday, November, 8TH 2024 Peirce Farm at Witch Hill 116 Boston Street Topsfield, MA 01983 Registration: Opens mid-summer Cost: $100 per attendee The primary registrant must be a current member of GCSANE. A maximum of one paying guest per member Complete details are found on our website: https://gcsane.org/ 8 9 The Newsletter 2024 NERTF Conference and Trade Show Report By: Gary Sykes, Executive Director NERTF grams seek to provide usable information in your management schemes and to feed ideas. The approach to a new program is to identify what topics, which speakers, and what collaborations could provide the best educational experience for our attendees. Sometimes tidbits and morsels provide enough information to win the battle over a persistent issue, but we also know that innovation and experimentation may be what it takes to conquer larger and new challenges facing the industry. Each year we hope to balance the program with these types of speakers and topics. Our question is always: what is needed? Please know that any suggestions on speakers, topics and format or any aspect of the education pro- gram and the show is open for discussion. Your input on education especially will be appreciated so that our conference provides valuable information worth coming to Providence for. As little as an email can make the difference. We hope that you en- joyed and saw value in attending the 2024 conference. I heard many tell me how good the speakers were and how they appreciated being there. Tuesday seminars set records for attendance. One seminar, “High Grass Areas” had more than 180 people in it! More than 800 total seats were bought for In the 27 years of hosting the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show in Providence, the foundation has contin- ued to focus on investing in our industry’s future through turfgrass research and education. It has been reported that the turfgrass industry is more than a $100 bil- lion industry across the US and is growing. In the Northeast, we enjoy a good portion of that total as we witness industry activity growth in all areas, especially in the Lawn Care and Landscape sectors. Golf Course and Sports Field management also continue to do well as field and turf quality expec- tations continue to be at the highest levels. Much of this success stems from the ability of turfgrass managers being able to deliver. With the right budgets, tools, and knowl- edge producing and sustaining the highest quality turf becomes more achievable. Since the beginning days of the foundation the focus on turfgrass education each year has been its number one priority. Our pro- Northeast Golf & Turf Supply a division of Northeast Nursery, Inc. - Est. 1982 Exclusive Distributor for Rain Bird Golf MA, NH, VT, ME and RI • Granular Fertilizers PRODUCT CATEGORIES • Control Products • Specialty Nutrients • Soil Conditioners • Turfgrass Seed • Golf Course Accessories NORTHEAST TURF & IRRIGATION SUPPLY Dennis Port, MA NORTHEAST CONTRACTOR CENTER Peabody, MA NORTHEAST TURF & IRRIGATION SUPPLY Londonderry, NH Learn more about our products and services at: www.northeastnursery.com seminars and overall attendance was up more than 150 people since 2023. We hope to continue this trend with your help! Let’s talk about our 2024 show. For those who can remember way back to 2002 we had our largest trade show floor configura- tion. The show was still new, and the in- dustry was growing rapidly along with the economy. We filled practically every inch of the Rhode Island Convention Center. It was an amazing feeling to be on the floor in a full house. But things did change, there was a lot of consolidation in the industry between companies and territories and over a few years 1/5 of our show floor eventually disappeared to our current levels. We have been solid for many years right around 315 booth spaces. Because of our size we shifted to floor to the right and used only 3 of the 4 exhibition halls. This year we were approached by exhibitors about expanding their floor presence and were contacted also by companies not in the show in 2023. This makes a show manager’s day, but sometimes becomes a challenge to give one exhibitor more floor space while not upset- ting others. With the new show interest, the floor expanded. One result was that we had to pull our driving range feature out for this year to make room for more booth space. We hope that 2025 will attract others to the show and we might have the need for more show floor space like we have used in the past and that we can bring back the range! Bottom line, there is interest by new companies to be at our show and good reasons to be an exhibitor. We are grateful for the support we receive each year from all our exhibitors and sponsors. The dona- tions to the live auction were very generous, anyone could have step in as an auctioneer and sold them to such a willing crowd! Sponsorship support has grown and helped us to offer more each year to the attendee. Food for the seminars, morning refresh- ments, food on the floor, show receptions, auction refreshments, Trade Show Lunch. All these things enhance our program, and we extend our thanks for all sponsor efforts in making our show even that much better! Our sponsors commit a lot of funds to our 9 8 March - April 2024 2024 NERTF Conference (continued) show each year. Please help us by thanking them when you see them! Turf Products Read Custom Soils SiteOne Landscape Supply John Deere/Finch Turf Nutrien Syngenta Aquatrols Tom Irwin FMC STEC Equipment Envu PBI Gordon Corporation Atlantic Golf and Turf Target Specialty Products Turf Enhancement Enterprises & Fore the Turf BASF Winding Brook Turf QUALI-PRO The Andersons My report is very positive that the conference and show is doing well and in good health due to David Rosenberg’s continued efforts, Mary Owen and our Education Committee, and because of your support either as an exhibitor, a speaker, a sponsor or as an attendee. The results will be that the foundation will be able to expand its research and education support to the universities. Any support to the universities will always be a critical link to the future of the industry. Thanks go to everyone who continues to support our Conference and Show, Tee-Up New England, the universities and our amazing industry! Here are our 2025 Show Dates: March 4-6, 2025. SINCE 1949 10 11 The Newsletter Your Golf Irrigation Specialist (cid:8)(cid:10)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:18)(cid:28)(cid:1)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:12) (cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:18)(cid:14) Course Superintendents of New England(cid:1)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:16) (cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:13)(cid:22)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:23) (cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:1)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:13)(cid:22)(cid:1)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:1)(cid:28)(cid:13)(cid:10)(cid:22)(cid:23). (cid:18)(cid:24)(cid:34)(cid:1)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:1)(cid:27)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:37)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:31)(cid:37)(cid:1)(cid:37)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:30)(cid:1)(cid:33)(cid:24)(cid:32)(cid:36)(cid:24) (cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:22)(cid:33)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:34)(cid:22)(cid:23)(cid:34)(cid:14) Chase Cameron (203)203) 233-1482 or Tim Clarke (845)845) 325-3868 10 11 March - April 2024 Col. John Morley: I usually enjoy the Conference and Trade Show wrap-up as it gives me the opportunity to highlight the members who were recognized in so many ways. Phoenix was a little dif- ferent, actually a LOT different! The Northeast region domi- nated many of the headlines! In case you missed it, here are those who caught fire in Phoenix! William “Bill” Murray, retired superintendent and 27-year member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has been named the recipient of the asso- ciation’s 2024 Col. John Morley Award. Murray spent the final 26 years of his career in the seven-course Monmouth County (N.J.) Park System before retiring in 2022. Prior to that the Lee, Mass. native spent time at courses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. “Bill is a prime example of what Col. John Morley stood for and what the Morley Award is all about,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Throughout his long and successful career, he has given back so much to the profession through his service to his fellow GCSAA members on both the local and national level. He is truly worthy of the award, and we congratulate him.” Environmental Leaders in Golf Innovative Conservation Award Jim Pavonetti, CGCS-Fairview Country Club-Greenwich, Conn. Jim Pavonetti, CGCS is a 28- year GCSAA member and has served as the golf course super- intendent at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Conn. since 2008. One of Pavonetti’s environ- mental innovations involves the property’s ponds. His use of bar- ley straw and dye to create clean ponds has reduced herbicide us- age by 90 percent. His team uses a combination of air diffusers, black pond dye and the barley straw to reduce algae blooms. The limiting of inputs saved the club an average of $9,000 per year and has reduced aquatic applications by more than 90 percent. Leo Feser Award A 28-year member of GCSAA, Pavonetti authored the story “Gold standards” that was published in the November 2022 issue of GCM https://www.gcmonline.com/profession/operations/news/ gold-standards-best-maintenance-practices. The story was original- ly published in the July 2022 edition of Tee to Green, the chapter publication for the Metropolitan GCSA, and was reprinted with permission in GCM. Pavonetti’s story examined the practice of establishing formal maintenance standards for golf courses, how he went about doing that at his facility, and the lessons he learned throughout the process. The Emerging Leader Award Kremer completed his fourth season as the superintendent at Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury, Conn. in November after spending six years in two different stints as an assistant at the course. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2010. The 37-year-old Kremer began his golf course maintenance career as an intern at Hop Meadow, while still a student at UConn. After two years as an assistant superintendent, Kremer left to be part of a landscaping company for four years. He then returned to Hop Meadow in 2016 and was promoted to superintendent in 2020. Kremer has been very active at the chapter level where he presently serves as a board member of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents (CAGCS). In addition to organizing win- ter seminars, he has helped grow the game by being the CAGCS representative to Connecticut’s First Tee program. The Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA superintendent members while the Melrose Equipment Management Experience provides professional devel- opment for GCSAA equipment man- agers. Both programs are administered through the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. The Northeast member of the 2024 Melrose Leadership Academy was: Bill Abbe, East Hartford Golf Club, East Hartford, Conn. The Northeast member of the 2024 Melrose Equipment Management Experience was: Christopher Hyman, Cobblestone Creek, Victor, N.Y. 12 13 GCSAA Update by Kevin DoyleThe Newsletter 100 Years of Service to the Industry Two Northeast region affiliated associations were recognized for achieving 100 years of dedicated service to the industry in 2024. Pictured below are current board members and Executive Director of the GCSA of New England, and Executive Manger and board members of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association. GCSAA board and CEO Rhett Evans were also on hand to con- gratulate the groups. Envu Superintendent Grant Program As part of the selection process, all applications were judged anon- ymously by a panel of golf industry professionals, who evaluated applicants on their professional career development experiences, ability to motivate and mentor, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, talent and drive to excel as a superintendent.  The 2024 Envu Superintendent Grant Program winner from the Northeast region was: Chris Knapp of Amherst (N.H.) Country Club 2024 Turf Bowl results Purdue’s Team #51 took first place in GCSAA’s Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition, presented in partnership with John Deere Golf. The winning team includes Broden Piel, Jacob Winger, Hayden Flick, Eli Ziliak and advisor Cale Bigelow, Ph.D. Rounding out the top 10: Penn State University - Team 1 University of Massachusetts - Amherst - Team 8 Penn State University - Team 2 Penn State University - Team 3 University of Nebraska - Team 35 Iowa State University - Team 22 Colorado State University - Team 40 Cal Poly Pomona - Team 62 SUNY Delhi - Team 15 GCSAA Elections Jeff L. White, CGCS the superintendent at Indian Hills Country Club in Mission Hills, Kan., was elected to a one-year term as president. White is the 87th president in the association’s history and served as vice president of the association in 2023 and has been a member of the association’s board of directors since 2018. A 33-year member of GCSAA, White is also a past president of the Heart of America GCSA. In addition to White, chapter delegates elected T.A. Barker, CGCS, superintendent at Fore Lakes Golf Course in Taylorsville, Utah, as vice president, and Paul L. Carter, CGCS, superintendent at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay in Harrison, Tenn., as secretary/ treasurer. Board members Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, superintendent at White Mountain Country Club in Pinetop, Ariz., and Marc E. Weston, CGCS, superintendent at Indian Hill Country Club in Newington, Conn., were re-elected to serve on the board, while Gregory B. Jones, CGCS, MG, director of agronomy at Champions Run in Omaha, Neb., was newly elected to join the board as a director. 12 13 March - April 2024 Attracting New Talent By: Jonathan Wilber, Grounds Superintendent, Myopia Hunt Club exceptional conditions regardless of weather conditions. Over the years, golf remained insulated from inflation, stock market downturns, and challenging economies. Golf may have hiccups, but public course rounds are up, and private courses are doing more con- struction projects than ever. Turf School enrollment is down, and as an industry, we need to encourage more young adults to pursue careers in the turf industry. We must let them know that assistant super- intendents and other team members are being compensated well and health care is provided with matching retirement plans. All and all, it is an excellent time to get into the golf course maintenance busi- ness. There are so many opportunities to succeed as a Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent. I have repeated- ly seen how hard work is being rewarded at golf facilities nationwide. Golf Course Superintendents are becoming the go-to leaders for large, complex projects at their facilities because of their strong manage- ment ability and unique set of working skills. Over the last few years, I have found one of the best ways to recruit new talent is to hire a few new young adults each season. There will be the task of onboarding and training, but I have found, over the years, hard-working college-age adults, whether in or out of school, who are unsure about what they want to do or where they want to end up. Usually, these candidates apply to a golf course because they are already interested in golf maintenance, have a passion for golf, or love working in outdoor spaces. Once they are part of the team, we need to do our part to create a fun culture that encourages and rewards them. We want our recruits to see that a career in golf course maintenance can be an excellent life path for them. My three assistants and my two interns all fall under this category, having been unsure of their future paths until discovering our profession. It usually doesn’t take much convincing when people see what this career offers and how much opportunity exists. Always keep your eye open for the next diamond in the rough. Twenty years ago, when I joined the main- tenance team at New Haven Country Club, the perception in the business was that golf course superintendents and support staff were underappreciated and underpaid. The portrayal of our profession in the hit movie Caddy Shack, though funny, was unflatter- ing. Twenty years later, this is no longer the case due to the hard work of organizations like the GCSAA, GCSANE, and the PGA. Sure, there are exceptions, but in 2024, nothing could be further from the truth. Superintendents have become highly valued employees at their facilities and are con- sistently recognized for their hard work at televised tournaments. Commentators often have conversations with Superintendents to get feedback on the course, and to acknowledge their dedication to producing 14 15 The NewsletterPO Box 2 | 264 Exeter RdSlocum, RI 02877(p) 800-341-6900 | (f) 401-295-0144New England’s Finest SodSpectacular Shhtcuts. Fantastic Fine Fescues. Beautiful Bentgrass. 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Toro products are developed by golf experts for individuals like you who work hard to maintain flawless turf conditions. With over 30 commercial-grade attachments, Ventrac is America’s most versatile tractor . . . built to get work done! Call: (800) 243-4355 or visit us at: www.turfproductscorp.com Day of Education at The Country Club By: Ryan Boudreau, Assistant Superintendent, Framingham Country Club This past February, at The Country Club, about 40 Assistant Superintendents and Equipment Managers met for an infor- mative day of education. Dave Johnson (Director of Grounds), Toby Christoun (Equipment Manager), Anthony Howard (Superintendent), Aidan O’Sullivan (Senior Assistant Superintendent), Shaughn Mitchell (Assistant Superintendent), Ryan Viera (Assistant Superintendent), Nick Cyrus (Grounds Administrator), and Patrick Laxton (Assistant GM) each shared their personal career experiences. The main themes for the day included per- sonal growth, the importance of commu- nication among team members and across departments, evaluating the lifespan of equipment and determining the best pur- chasing options, how to inspire and develop staff, creating a positive work environment, and the invaluable role mentors play in a person’s career. What would a meeting at the host site of the 2022 U.S. Open be without some dis- cussion on preparing the golf course for one of the pinnacle events in golf? Many of the days’ presenters touched on their experi- ence leading up to and during the cham- Shaughn Mitchell Photo Credit: Dan Peterson Ryan Vierra Photo Credit: Dan Peterson Anthony Howard Photo Credit: Dan Peterson Patrick Laxton Photo Credit: Dan Peterson Aidan O’ Sullivan Photo Credit: Dan Peterson Nick Cyrus Photo Credit: Ryan Boudreau pionship. We started the day with a mock morning meeting similar to U.S. Open Week. Later on, we received insight into discussions with the USGA during after- noon meetings utilizing data collection to reach the targeted performance of putting surfaces, logistics of mobilizing equipment and leading crews throughout the property, as well as ordering of supplies for staff and volunteers (spreadsheets that would make your head spin). And, of course, the topic of topdressing was addressed. As many of you know, Dave loves playing with sand and topdressing is a major part of their operation. One of continued on page 16 16 17 The Newsletter “Day Of Education” continued Assistant Superintendent Spotlight: Peter White- Ekwanok Country Club Interviewed by Daniel Peterson, Assistant Superintendent Pocasset Golf Club Toby Christoun Photo Credit: Dan Peterson the key takeaways from this topic was the importance of communicating with your Equipment Manager to game plan and make the necessary adjustments post-ap- plication. This is not only important to minimize wear on equipment but also to the mental well-being of those who care for the equipment. Attendees getting a lesson in curling Photo Credit: Dan Peterson The day concluded with a rare opportunity to throw some “stones” in the curling build- ing at the club. We had a great instructor to give us a lesson on rules and techniques. I am glad to report there were no major inju- ries! Although many golf course operations are not to the scale of The Country Club, much of the aforementioned themes can be applied across any operation. The Assistant Committee is committed to pursuing valuable education for our mem- bers and we are grateful to The Country Club for all their efforts in making this another successful event. Peter at Machrihanish Dunes Thank you for taking the time to participate in our ongoing  Assistant Spotlight series. Tell me about your path to your current position, Assistant Superintendent at Ekwanok Country Club in Vermont. I first got into the profession in high school when I joined the grounds crew at Worcester Country Club and fell in love with being out on the golf course. I particularly remember a slight outbreak of Pythium being the catalyst of my decision to pursue a career in turf; I had no idea grass could be infected with diseases, and I was immediately fascinated. My mother is also a Stockbridge graduate, so when I told her what I had learned at work that day, she introduced me to the Turfgrass Management program and I knew that was where I wanted to be. I fully immersed myself in the Turf Program at Stockbridge/ UMass; I worked at the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center and in the greenhouses, joined the Turf Club, and really tried to make the most of my time on campus to prepare myself for my career. I was President of the Turf Club my senior year, and in 2013, we won the GCSAA Turf Bowl competition. I interned at Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, MA for 2 years, before spending a summer at Machrihanish Dunes, an environmentally sensitive golf course nestled in the dunes of southwest Scotland.  Upon graduating, I returned to Brae Burn for 3 more seasons as an Assistant, where in addition to my daily duties on the championship course, I over- saw operations on the 9-hole course and was responsible for the grounds around our tennis facility.  In 2016, I decided to make a change and moved to Ekwanok Country Club in Manchester, VT. I have loved being a part of such a unique club with such a fas- cinating history and have loved seeing how proud our membership is of their club. What have been the most challenging moments in your career, and can you give me an example of how you handled them? One of the more difficult challenges I have faced has been my transition from Brae Burn to Ekwanok. At Brae Burn, I worked both alongside, and then later in 17 16 March - April 2024 Peter White (continued) a supervisory position, with almost all our staff. That longevity made the transition to supervisor very easy, as I had developed strong relationships with the staff and when I transitioned from intern to Assistant, everyone was extremely receptive to my ideas and instruction. In contrast, when I arrived at Ekwanok, I had to re-develop those relationships with a staff that has mostly worked here longer than I have been in the business. I had to prove that I could assimilate with the crew, but also needed to establish the rapport required in order to earn their respect and trust. I strive to lead by example and foster collaboration and teamwork, so that each member of our staff sees and respects me as one of the leaders of the team, and also as one of its equal contributors. I really enjoy the mentorship opportunities that present themselves, I love to explain “the why’’ behind everything we do. I feel like teaching someone why we do something a certain way creates a sense of understanding and buy-in, and at the end of the day helps us to put our collective best foot forward.  Ziggy at Sunrise Do you have upcoming, or have you recently completed, capital projects at Ekwanok?  Is there a capital project you would most like to participate in? In 2019, the membership at Ekwanok decided that they wanted to renovate the practice facilities, as well as add croquet to the club’s offerings. With the help of NMP Golf Construction, we installed a croquet lawn, renovated the driving range tee, and built a new short-game practice facility, consisting of an additional putting green, a chipping fairway, a chipping green, and two practice bunkers. That project was my first exposure to major capital renovations on the golf course, so it was great to interact with the contractors and find ways to divide my time between our daily operations and the needs of the project. Looking to the future, the club is currently planning for a new HDPE irrigation system as well as a bunker restoration project. I am very excited about each of the upcoming projects for different reasons. The irrigation system will be another great large-scale, contracted project to learn from, while the bunker project is likely going to be an in-house operation, which will provide me with valuable experience in balancing daily operations with the demands of an in-house construction project. 18 Bunker Renovation What is a task you enjoy doing at work? Do you have any tasks you no longer participate in that you would like to? After what I can only estimate as 25,000+ cups changed, I still enjoy a cup-changing loop. It affords me the best way to see the property each day, offering insight on soil moisture, disease and insect scouting opportunities, evaluations of course conditioning, and real-time monitoring of our staff so that we make sure we are always presenting our best version of Ekwanok every day. I love soaking in the sunrises up here in the mountains as well, there’s nothing more peaceful and beautiful than the golf course early in the morning. Not to mention, it’s a great opportunity for my co-pilot Ziggy, my 3.5 year old Australian Shepherd, to stretch his legs and ward off the geese. As far as a task I no longer get to do, I definitely miss mowing greens. There is something to be said for just getting out on the course, putting on your favorite podcast, and mowing some grass. It brings me back to my roots on the golf course and is a great way to get the blood flowing early in the day. The exercise doesn’t hurt either.  How do you maintain a work/life balance, given the specific strains Assistant Superintendents can be placed under? Balance is certainly something I have placed more importance on as I have progressed in my career. I think the most important thing to remember is that the golf course will always be there tomorrow. There is a limit to the amount of productive work you can accomplish if you work yourself into the ground every day. I think that as you get more and more familiar with your property, you can anticipate future problems and address them proactively, rather than having to be on high alert at all times. Developing a staff that you can trust also plays a huge role in being able to find that balance, knowing that everyone can be accountable for playing their role each day. Actively choosing to make time for my hobbies and other obligations is something I have built into my daily life. I’m a new Dad, so going home to spend time with my family has a whole new degree of importance for me. Making the time to mow my lawn and tend my vegetable garden, or sneaking out for an afternoon fishing are also motivators for me to go home when the 19 The Newsletter Peter White (continued) 2013 GCSAA Turf Bowl Championship Team Bunker Preparation at The Players (TPC Sawgrass) work is done. Tell me about winning the GCSAA Turf Bowl!  Winning the GCSAA Turf Bowl in 2013 was the perfect culmina- tion of my college career. As a freshman at Stockbridge, I watched our team place 2nd in the competition and can remember the ex- citement within the program when they came back to campus. We immediately made it our goal to bring home that trophy as soon as we could. We had close calls in 2011 (3rd) and 2012 (2nd), so when my turn as President of the club came around, we knew what we had to do. After countless weekly review sessions with our pro- fessors, practice exams, collaborative case study preparations, and weed I.D. walks around campus, we flew off to San Diego feeling fully prepared. Despite all the preparation, each time our name was not called as the results were announced, we began to get more and more nervous that we had somehow made a drastic mistake. So, when we were finally called as the winning team, the elation felt all the more sweet, as we had finally achieved our goal. I still remem- ber jumping out of my seat and being caught by one of my fellow teammates. I may or may not have shed a tear or two, but I think I can speak for the group of us and say that it was one of the best days of our time at UMass.  experiences daily, always trying to find ways to be more efficient. We’re all in the business of trying to provide outstanding golf expe- riences for our members or customers, so being adaptable is key to finding ways to do that better every day.  Besides Ekwanok CC, what are your favorite courses you have played?  I loved playing Brae Burn, I loved how Ross’s design required you to think your way through the golf course. I’m not a great golfer, so it was especially important for me to make the smart choice rather than to take the risk. While in Scotland, I loved playing links golf, no two rounds were ever the same. Machrihanish Dunes was always fun, the rawness of the terrain resulted in enjoyably unique walks around the golf course each time. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel across to Islay and play The Machrie, on possibly the windiest day I’ve ever played. The greens there were perfect that day, and I recall the Superintendent saying it was his first round of the year; he then proceeded to play scratch golf while the rest of us struggled. You have had experiences working and volunteering at many different golf courses around the world, tell me about your ex- periences and how they impact how you approach your career.  EXCLUSIVELY AT 18 I think the greatest lesson I have learned across all of my experi- ences is the importance of being adaptable. I’ve spent most of my career at private country clubs, where I have been fortunate to al- ways have the resources available to do the best job possible. When I arrived at Machrihanish Dunes, I was the 6th and final crew member for the season, so I learned how to be creative in order to care for such a large property with so few staff. In my experience volunteering for tournaments (The Senior Open Championship, and The Players), I was able to see just how meticulous you can be when even more resources are available. I pull from all of these FEED YOUR COURSE SOMETHING SMART Upgrade Your Turf Care with Innovative Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers. Featuring three advanced blends, this new line of products puts leading-edge agronomic technologies to work for your turf. Like advanced polymer coatings that release nutrients over time, and the industry’s first slow-release stabilized nitrogen that reduces leaching and denitrification. The result is consistent greening that lasts for months, less nitrogen loss and a big upgrade to what you’re putting down. Explore our redefined lineup at LESCO.com/Upgrade. 19 March - April 2024 Rise and Grind By Greg Cormier, CGCS, Client Representative for Tom Irwin, Inc. As a society, we are always pushing to get to the next level. We start learning this in school trying to get higher grades. It translates into your career, trying to climb the ladder and earn more money, and more credentials. We go from having a transcript, and then a resume, to a list of our accomplishments on LinkedIn. Make sure you enjoy the process/journey because there is no point at which you arrive at your goals and then just relax. There is always another goal to hit, something to accomplish. Whatever level or rank you are at right now must be enjoyed, because at what point will you start to enjoy the journey? If not now then when? We often think once we get that first real job life will be good. Once we find that special someone and get married. Once we get that house we wanted. For some reason, once you get those things you worked so hard for, you quickly develop a new list of goals to achieve, and you start all over again. You believe everything will be perfect when I hit these goals, or get these things into my life. When you are always chasing the next level, many of us forget to enjoy how far we have come and what we have accomplished. Stop and think once in a while about where you are now in your life compared to a week, month, or year ago, What about 5 years ago, 10 years ago? Celebrate that for a few minutes. Drive and pas- sion are great to have, but it’s ok to reflect back also, and celebrate your success. I know for me I forget to do this sometimes. That rise and grind mentality is awesome, but don’t forget to look in the rearview mirror once in a while, you might be surprised by how far you have come and what you have already accomplished. If you ha- ven’t accomplished much at all, but you found complete happiness. Good for you because that is uncommon! 20 21 The Newsletter PROFESSIONAL AND RELIABLE TREE SERVICE Backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee irontreeservice.com Call Us: 855-IRON-TREE 20 21 March - April 2024 This article features Tim O’Brien a member of the GCSA of New England and appeared in the TELEGRAM & GAZETTE newspaper and the Mass Golf WEEKENDER publication of April 5, 2024. Golf: Green Hill superintendent Tim O'Brien helps friend in Brazil, while head pro Matt Moison tends to tasks in clubhouse Bill Doyle Correspondent Published 12:49 p.m. ET March 30, 2024 While Green Hill Municipal Golf Course head pro Matt Moison spent part of the winter refinishing the hardwood floor in the club- house, superintendent Tim O’Brien volunteered for nearly a week to help a friend build a golf course in Brazil. “I think I won that deal,” O’Brien said. From Feb. 8-13, O’Brien, 41, worked and stayed in Porto Belo, Brazil, with Butch Soto, the golf course construction manager at Porto Belo Golf Resort. The two had remained in touch after Soto served as a consultant for bunker renovations at Green Hill two years ago. O’Brien, who is in his fourth season as superintendent, works for BrightView, a national landscaping company which has a contract with the city of Worcester to maintain Green Hill. Soto has worked on many projects for BrightView. “It was fantastic working with him,” O’Brien said. “We clicked very well from the start. Then the relationship just kept building. He likes whiskey. I like whiskey. He likes cigars. I like cigars. He’s been in the industry for a very long time, and I gravitate toward that kind of experience and leadership.” Soto, 64, of Largo, Florida, has helped build or renovate more than 90 golf courses in the U.S. and as far away as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Singapore and Malaysia. Green Hill is the only course he has worked on in New England. Soto lives in Florida, but his wife, Mercedes, was able to spend a lot of time with him when he worked at Green Hill. “She liked it there, and I liked it there,” he said from Brazil. “We really liked the area, I liked Tim, I liked the BrightView people, and it all went well.” The resort’s front nine could open as soon as the end of this year, and work is expected to begin on the back nine next year. O’Brien also helped spread grass clippings called sprigs on a couple of greens. He wasn’t paid anything, and he took care of his own flights, but he said the trip was well worth it. In their downtime, the owner of the irrigation company working on the course took O’Brien and Soto hiking up mountains and near a waterfall along the coast, and they swam in the water below it. They were awed. “We saw monkeys in the trees, all that stuff, lizards, everything,” O’Brien said. Porto Belo Golf Resort is only a one-minute walk to the nearest beach on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a high-end course that the owners want to be PGA Tour quality and it will be the only golf course in South America with lights. According to golflink.com, there are only two 18-hole, regulation length golf courses with lights in the U.S. Soto said it has rained so often in recent months in Brazil, he has had to remain in his apartment for up to a week and a half at a time waiting for the course to dry enough so he can run his ma- chines on it. It’s summertime in Brazil when it’s winter in the U.S. So it was 85 degrees when Soto spoke to the T&G recently. Soto said the weather and him taking over after the original project manager was let go slowed the construction of the course. His predecessor installed five bunkers on the driving range, and Soto had to remove them. “This is probably one of the first times in my career,” Soto said, “where I’m doing a brand new golf construction and a remodel at the same time on the same property. It’s crazy.” O’Brien followed Soto around in Brazil and watched how he over- saw a crew of workers who are building the front nine this year. “It was like Bring Your Kid To Work Day for Butch,” O’Brien said. O’Brien hopes to become a better leader by observing Soto handle his crew. “He was level headed the whole time with a steady hand,” he said. “Didn’t matter what you threw at him, he was just calm and cool.” “Tim is a very hard worker,” Soto said. “He’s a good people person from a diplomatic standpoint. He deals with a lot of different per- sonalities with his crew.” Soto speaks only English and relied on an interpreter at times be- cause some of his workers spoke only Portuguese or Spanish. Refinishing a hardwood floor may not seem as much fun as travel- 22 23 The Newsletter ing to Brazil, but Moison isn’t complaining. He likes to work with his hands and not just with golf clubs in them. days a week instead of mowing nine holes six days a week to avoid bothering golfers as often. “That’s the favorite part of my job,” he said. “I love doing construc- tion work and projects.” O’Brien plans to install new cups and pins on the greens this week. O’Brien said after years of golfers asking him to mow a path through the native area up the hill from near the 11th green to the 12th tee, he will do so this season. The path will allow walkers to take a more direct route than the winding cart path to the 12th tee. He said he’d also mow a path from the 14th green down the hill to the 15th fairway to provide a shorter route to the 15th tee. Green Hill opened for the season on Saturday, March 2, and the next day, the course hosted 280 golfers as the temperature reached into the low 60s. “Everybody just wanted to get out of the house,” Moison said. “I had no complaints or problems, which is always good. They all left the pro shop with a smile on their faces. Whether they finished with one is a different story.” That was quite a turnout considering the course was open only from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and no carts were allowed on the course at the time. By comparison, on a busy summer weekend day when the course is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and carts are allowed, Green Hill hosts about 300 golfers. Submissions welcome You can suggest story ideas for this golf column by reaching me at the email listed below. Comments are also welcome. —Contact Bill Doyle at bcdoyle15@charter.net. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @BillDoyle15. A company was hired five or six years ago to refurbish the floor, but Moison decided to do it this time with the help of a couple of others, including Gino Ramaldi from the clubhouse restaurant, the Grill on the Hill. They refinished the floor in the function room, the hall outside the carpeted pro shop and around the bar in the restaurant. For a couple of weeks in late January, they strip-sanded the floor with sanders rented from Home Depot, washed it, stained it a darker walnut color and polyurethaned it. “Seventy-five percent of the people who walk in here don’t even notice,” he said. Moison plans to refinish the hardwood floor at least one more time before he retires. Moison’s father, Ken, who died last year, worked as a contractor. “I always tell people I grew up sitting on the end of a board,” Moison said. When his father wanted to cut a board, he would have his son sit on the end of it so it didn’t move. A couple of years ago, Moison and his assistant, Matt Foley, built a new counter with a slate-tile top in the pro shop. Moison has done all sorts of projects at the three homes he has owned over the years. At his first house, he renovated his attic and built a spiral staircase up to it so his children could use the space as a library. At his second home, he built a kitchen and bathroom be- tween the house and the garage, and he converted the garage into a living room. At his current home, he installed 11,000 pavers in the driveway and built a stone patio and a stone wall. O’Brien hopes to spend two weeks with Soto in Brazil next winter, but he’s also looking forward to improvements he has planned for Green Hill this season. He expects to get more done by hiring a larger maintenance crew with fewer full-time workers. In the past, he had crews of 10 or 12 workers. This season, he’ll have 15-17. About half a dozen of the workers will be Shrewsbury High basketball players. Shrewsbury High coach Adrian Machado is a Green Hill member. The expand- ed crew will be counted on to take better care of the bunkers and greens. BrightView has merged its landscaping, tree and golf course main- tenance operations so O’Brien has access to the landscaping and tree departments for the first time. In March, a five-man landscap- ing crew took care of Green Hill’s mulch beds. The tree crew is scheduled to eventually remove and prune trees. By June, O’Brien plans to mow all 18 holes in the morning three 22 23 March - April 2024 Centennial Snapshot Presented by Ryan Boudreau, Newsletter Chairman As we celebrate the 100th year of our Association, we will be digging through the archives to pay homage to those who have come before us. We might as well start from the beginning, well at least the first published edition of the Newsletter. Formerly known as the Greenkeepers Club of New England, the Board of Directors created the Newsletter with the sole purpose of serving its members through sharing information and viewpoints by people in the industry. The same purpose of the Newsletter still exists today and we encourage you to share your knowledge and opinions, no matter the topic. (Please note that archived newsletters are available on the GCSANE website) 24 Superior Strategic Superior Strategic Stress Management Stress Management Ocean Organics, The Industry Leader 45 Years in the Golf Industry Introduced Seaweed Extract to the North American Turf Market Best Seaweed Processor — The Mother Ship All products manufactured in Waldoboro, ME — engineered for specific outcomes & expectations We perform extensive University research prior to and after product launch. 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Our golf club expertise includes: Pond Management • Pond creation and expansion • Dredging & dewatering • Liners & bank stabilization Boardwalks & Custom Pathways • Bridges • Foot & cart paths • Timber supported paths Stream & Wetland Restoration • Steam daylighting • Invasive species management • Drainage improvements Water Infrastructure • Dam rehabilitation • Irrigation system intake • Pump stations We help golf clubs improve their campuses Pond Management • Boardwalks • Streams & Wetlands • Water Infrastructure Completed in Spring 2023: Franconia Golf Course pond maintenance dredging, Springfield, MA Our full list of services: Parks & Open Spaces Infrastructure & Resiliency Ecosystem Restoration & Mitigation Dredging & Marine Construction Remediation Native Plant Communities Dam Removal & River Restoration Coastal Stabilization Have a project you’d like to discuss? Call us today. We’re here to help. 978-744-1515 www.sumcoeco.com 27 26 March - April 2024 Pesticide Reporting 2024 Ryan Emerich Government Relations Chairman Dear Licensed or Certified Pesticide Applicator or Licensed Pesticide Dealer: The Department has once again launched the online forms for reporting annual Pesticide Applicator Use and Pesticide Dealer Sales of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). ***Please note that all reports of Calendar Year 2023 Pesticide Applicator Use and Dealer RUP Sales are due by June 30, 2024.*** The attached brief guide will assist you with submitting your annual pesticide use report. Pesticide applicators must submit annual reports detailing the quantities of all pesticides used. Pesticide dealers are also required to submit yearly sales reports for restricted-use products. Failure to submit reports may result in the loss of eligibility for your license or certification renewal. Paper forms will no longer be used. The Department will no longer send paper forms to each pesticide applicator, dealer, or their compa- ny. Instead, forms must be completed online. Each form includes a product look-up based on the required EPA Registration Number that you provide. Required fields for product information include a drop-down menu to make reporting the product and related data quick and easy.  You may submit one report on behalf of multiple Pesticide Applicators or Licensed Dealers who work for the same farm, company, or pesticide dealership. The Department will automatically receive notification of your submission, and a confirmation email will also be sent to the reporting party from PestExamLicense@mass.gov The confirmation email with the attached report will be sent to the address provided by the reporting party. Pesticide Dealers reporting RUP sales will receive a separate confirmation email for each unique product (based on the EPA Registration Number). Submit your report today using the Pesticide Applicator Use and Pesticide Dealer Sales Reporting link.  If you have any questions, please contact the Pesticide Examination and Licensing Team at (508) 281-6787 or send email to pestexamli- cense@mass.gov.  Here is a link for additional guidance for completing the report. Sincerely, Ryan Emerich – Government Relations Chairman 28 29 The Newsletter 28 -healthv· Of' i/J· �ROFESSIONAL � M..,I. l'IIOFESSIOHALRESULTS:' healthygrowpro.com CJ Proudly Distributed By: Chas C. Hart Seed Co. 860-529-2537 Hartsturfpro.com Northeast Golf and Turf Supply 978-535-6550 Northeastnursery .com 29 t March - April 2024 Feature “Super Scenic Shot” Photographer: Billy Baker Title: Assistant Superintendent Course: Blue Hills Country Club Photo Description: “This is a shot of the 1st hole on the Championship Course looking down from the clubhouse. It was taken early in the 2023 season right before the first Monday outing of the year. I felt the crew did a great job focusing on straight lines and other details to make the course look its best for those coming out to play” 30 31 The Newsletter SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS! MTE EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS IS THE SOURCE FOR ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS THROUGHOUT NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND. 30 (888) 708-5296 MTE.US.COM 31 March - April 2024SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS!((888) 708-5296888) 708-5296MTE.US.COMMTE.US.COM The following article was written by an Honorary Member of our Association, Jim McCabe, and was the topic of his weekly online publication titled Power Fades. Jim tells the story of a dedicated team of professionals who succeeded handling what could have been a catastrophe. March 6, 2024 When a wildfire threatens GrayBull, those who love the turf save course All the ingredients were in place – un- seasonably warm weather (72 degrees), 40-to-50 mile per hour winds, dry ground given the low winter snowfall. So it wasn’t a huge surprise to see a smoke plume 15 miles to the west at 10:30 on the morning of Feb. 26. Nor was it time to embrace a sense of uncontrollable urgency, either, even as the wildfire surged to within 8 miles. That’s because another set of ingredi- ents were also in place – a Director of Agronomy, committed members of his staff, unique irrigation technology, unyielding passion that is in their DNA to protect the land. So it’s hardly a shock that when the raging wildfire reached the GrayBull Club in Maxwell – a town in the herald- ed Nebraska Sandhills – the picture had changed. Yes, Mother Nature brought its fury. But guess what? Agronomists and superinten- dents bonded by a love of their turf refused to back down and ultimately won. Now, should you tend to think golf is the PGA Tour where a parade of lads make the game look easy. Or you embrace golf for those days at your local club when you and your mates prove it is a difficult game, albeit thoroughly enthralling. No matter, you need to take this moment to shift gears. This is a golf story that focuses on the over- looked backbone to the game we all love. A round of applause, if you will, for Michael Sheely, Director of Agronomy; for the husband-and-wife duo of Tyson Kramer (equipment manager) and Katie Kramer (assistant super); for Courtney Kohl (Integrated Pest Manager and crew member); for Ted Simmons (irrigation manager); and for Ben Boehm (who drove the water truck). “When the fire was about 8 miles to the west of us, we kept getting conflicting re- ports,” said Sheely. “But by 12:30 p.m. our property was on fire.” Panic was not included in Sheely’s course of actions. “I’m pretty calm naturally. I don’t show what’s inside, but, yeah, my adrena- line was flowing.” Having been around his share of prescribed burnings (in a controlled setting, agrono- mists and superintendents burn grass every few years to revive the native land) “my instincts kicked in,” said Sheely. GrayBull is the latest addition to the robust string of golf courses that have been built across an approximate stretch of 256 miles of sand in north-central Nebraska. Sand Hills in Mullen, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, showed that if you build it beautifully they will come passionately. It opened in 1995 and others have arrived with much acclaim – Dismal River, The Prairie Club, CapRock Ranch. Due to open later this year, GrayBull is a David McLay Kidd design that is the latest entry to the Dormie Network. While it is a magical landscape for golf, sand dunes and native grasses out in the Great Plains where the wind blows with might make wildfires a reality. Thus did visionaries for Kidd and the Dormie Network put in a unique under- ground decoder-based irrigation system and Sheely was quick and prudent with the call. “We kicked all the water on.” What unfolded was nothing short of textbook teamwork, from switching on the irrigation, to hopping onto tractors to build firebreaks, to manning the water trucks to douse the golf course structures. The fire burned around the course and right up to edges of the fairways, but never got any further. “It was hectic and it was chaotic,” said Sheely. “But by 4 p.m. it was out and ev- erybody (on staff) looked at each other and said, ‘Now, what do we do?’ ” Typical of those who have the love of agron- omy in their blood to always ask about the next work task and eschew the spotlight. But when he read about the GrayBull story, acclaimed designer Gil Hanse offered to sing the praises for Sheely and friends. “I have always said that the golf course superintendents are the most under-appre- ciated workers in the golf industry,” said Hanse, who designed CapRock, which is 140 miles north of GrayBull. “Their ability to react quickly, creatively, and intuitively to issues in the turf world is under-reported.” From Australia, where he is currently working, Hanse saluted the cohesive and well-thought-out measures of the GrayBull staff. “To get something like this, where they have to think on their feet, not to defeat a pest or disease in the turf, but to save their golf course. “I would expect nothing less from the su- perintendents that I know. Hard-working, dedicated, and conscientious are words that do not even adequately describe the passion they have for their craft.” What shouldn’t be a surprise is that Sheely and colleagues did find more work after GrayBull was safely secured the evening of the 26th. They drove the water truck, which is filled from the lake on property, and joined the rest of the North Platte community to continue the firefight. 32 33 The Newsletter “Everybody out here helps everybody,” said Sheely, a native of Lincoln in the eastern side of Nebraska. “You just have to do what it takes.” Sheely and his GrayBull staff will host a wa- ter-fill training for the Maxwell Volunteer Fire Department and a fundraiser has been initiated. All funds up to $100,000 will be matched by Dormie Network Foundation to add another fire truck and expand Maxwell’s facilities. Time for a big sigh of relief. Well, yes and no. This is the Nebraska Sandhills, where so much of the flat surface is wind sculptured. Grass-covered, stabilized sand dunes that is the sort of turf that Coore and Crenshaw, Hanse (CapRock, the 10-hole Horse Course at Prairie Club), Tom Doak (the Red Course at Dismal River), and McLay Kidd embrace. But there are inherent concerns in the Sandhills, said Sheely, “and if we don’t get some rain, we’ll have our work cut out for us.” That’s because “if we lose our native grasses, we lose our sand,” and that means the work for the agronomist and his staff will be compounded. Snow fences might have to be employed to keep sand in bunkers and mea- sures will be to be taken to alleviate sand blown onto fairways. In other words, Sheely and his staff did incredible work to help put out a fire. “But we’re not out of the woods yet,” he said, laughing softly because he appreciates the constant challenges he and fellow agrono- mists face. So, too, does Hanse. “It is a tough job, but the guys I know in the Sandhills come to work every day and enjoy the wonders that nature has provided them in that region. They remain committed to providing amaz- ing playing conditions.” 32 33 March - April 2024 This article was submitted by Dave Pease, Executive Secretary of the Alumni Turf Group (ATG) STOCKBRIDGE ALUMNI SUPPORT STUDENT PARTICIPATION AT NATIONAL CONFERENCES UMass Turf Students placed 3rd out of 63 teams competing in the 2024 GCSAA Turf Bowl at the GCSAA Conference & Trade Show. Many of these students work at Golf Course and Turfgrass Facilities throughout New England and the North East. Collegiate teams from 28 universities gathered in Phoenix at the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show for the 30th annual Turf Bowl. A total of 63 teams competed, with 245 participants entered.  Patrick Armstrong, Harrison Culhane, Will Morris and Jacob Zeliger, placed third in the GCSAA Turf Bowl knowledge com- petition and earned a $1,000 prize that will support Stockbridge turfgrass programs. The other student team competing at the Turf Bowl comprised Matt Gillis, Lucas Melanson and Colby Soltysik. For the first time in several years, Stockbridge sent four students to Daytona, Florida, to the Student Challenge of the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) national conference. Students Carson Brean, Jack Collins, Jack Greeley and Ryan Malloy partic- ipated and also had the opportunity to network with Stockbridge alumni working in the turfgrass and field management industries. https://www.umass.edu/news/article/stockbridge-alumni-sup- port-student-participation-national-conferences 2024 Turf Bowl results Team #51 from Purdue University wins 2024 Turf Bowl Purdue’s Team #51 took first place in GCSAA’s Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition, presented in partnership with John Deere Golf. The winning team includes Broden Piel, Jacob Winger, Hayden Flick, Eli Ziliak and advisor Cale Bigelow, Ph.D. Rounding out the top 10: Penn State University - Team 1 University of Massachusetts - Amherst - Team 8 Penn State University - Team 2 Penn State University - Team 3 University of Nebraska - Team 35 Iowa State University - Team 22 Colorado State University - Team 40 Cal Poly Pomona - Team 62 SUNY Delhi - Team 15 34 35 The Newsletter The Cornell Turf Show is back! Welcome back ShortCUTT readers! As the growing season eases into gear (stalling this week), we are happy to announce the return of the Cornell Turf Show for its 5th season! One notable change is a move to a once-a-week format for 60 minutes. Don’t worry, we’ll still cover golf, sports and lawn turf, just in one episode a week. Register for our FREE, live shows held on Thursdays at 10am ET on the Cornell Turfgrass website. For those who can’t attend live, we’ll post show recordings on YouTube, and audio recordings on Apple podcasts. New ForeCast Tools Another exciting announcement is the addition of several NEW tools to our ForeCast website! These tools are meant to provide guidance on timing of standard turf maintenance practices with the goal of optimizing how we use resources. Our hope is that these tools can help you “get more, with less”. Our new Lawn Watering Tool predicts the level of available soil water based on your location and soil type, and recommends irrigation strategies based on your goals. This is a preferred alternative to the M/W/F irrigation cycles that many homeowners default to, and has the capacity to reduce water use by over 50%. While it was built for lawn height turf, you may find it’s a good approximation for the irrigation of sports fields or fairways on native soils. goal of this tool is to eliminate unnecessary mowing events that waste fuel, emit greenhouse gases, and needlessly wound the plant. However, you may find it also helps you time fertilizer applications or cultural practices like aeration. Dandelion and clover are two common flowering plants in turf systems that attract pollinators. Of course, we should mow these flowers off before pesticide applications (a BMP), but we can further minimize the risk to pollinators by timing pesticides when these weeds are not flowering. Our Pollinator Protection Tool forecasts the flowering periods of dandelion and clover in the spring to help target these “flower-free” windows. Specifically, this may be useful when making preventative grub applications when a window will form between the end of dandelion flowering and start of clover flowering. 34 35 What is the optimal mowing frequency? Well, it depends on how fast the turf is growing. Lawns mowing frequencies can fluctuate between 5 and 21 days during the season based temperature, soil moisture, and day length. Our Growth Potential Tool takes these factors into account to recommend mowing strategies. The March - April 2024 It is paramount to avoid applications of pesticides and fertilizers during conditions when material may runoff and cause water quality concerns. This Runoff Risk tool considers soil moisture and precipitation forecasts to indicate risk of runoff when applying these materials. If you’re planning an application, look at this tool a couple days before to make sure your application won’t be made when runoff risk is high. As we progress through the season, we’ll be reaching out to you for feedback. What do you like about the tool? How do you use it? What can be better? We’ll need input from YOU, the users, to make these tools the best they can be. Please don’t hesitate to send us a note with questions or comments! Looking forward to a successful 2024 season, Cornell Turf Team Quality & Trust Since 1892 THE CHAS. C. HART SEED CO. 304 Main Street Wethersfield, CT 06109-1826 36 37 The Newsletter Atlantic Golf & Turf Corbett Irigation Harrison McPhee, Inc 27 Industrial Boulevard Turners Falls, MA 01376 Specializing in agronomy through the distribution of fertilizer, seed & chemicals throughout New England. Chris Cowan (413) 530-5040 Dan Tower (781) 540-4348 dan@atlanticgolfandturf.com Scott Mackintosh CPAg (774) 551-6083 www.atlanticgolfandturf.com Concord, MA Golf Course GIS as-built and mapping services Integrate into your existing control system map Or Google Earth Kyle McNerney (978) 897-9004 Visit Corbett GIS Mapping Country Club Enterprises PO Box 670, 29 Tobey Rd. W. Wareham, MA 02676 1420A Main Street Millis, MA 02054 (508) 520-0084 A tree care and preservation company. Inspired by nature and committed to providing elite care to our urban forests, our skilled arborists plant, prune, preserve and protect one of New England’s most beautiful assets. We focus on healthy soils for a healthy planet and use the most natural approaches to ensure ongoing health and longevity of your trees. A-OK Turf Equipment Inc. Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles. 1357 Main St. Coventry, RI 02816-8435 Lastec, Tycrop, Blec, Wiedenmann, Therrien, Graden, Sweep & Fill, Baroness, & used equipment. Mike Cornicelli (401) 826-2584 www.pavewithasi.com BASF Turf & Ornamental 169 Kings Hwy Hancock, NH 03449 “We don’t make the turf. We make it better.” Pete Jacobson (919) 530-9062 peter.jacobson@basf.com Keith Tortorella (508) 982-4820 Mike Giles (978) 454-5472 Andrew Ingham (508) 570-1818 DAF Services, Inc. 20 Lawnacre Rd. Windsor Locks, CT 06096 Custom pumping solutions. Custom pump controls. Complete pump service. Serving all of New England. Tim Berge, Sales Manager c (860) 690-1192 o (860) 623-5207 x227 tberge@dafsvcs.com Beals & Thomas, Inc. Envu 144 Turnpike Road Southborough, MA 01772 32 Court Street Plymouth, MA 02360 Civil Engineers–Landscape Architects–Land Surveyors–Planners–Environmental Specialists Sarah Stearns (508) 366-0560 sstearns@bealsandthomas.com Beals & Thomas specializes in golf course site design services including irrigation pond analysis & design, drainage & utility improvements, permitting, hydrogeologic evaluations, construction administration, boundary & topographic surveys, master planning & project design. Cardinals, Inc. 166 River Rd., PO Box 520 Unionville, CT 06085 Golf course & landscape supplies. John Callahan (860) 916-3947 Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc. 304 Main St. Wethersfield, CT 06109 Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta, Grigg Brothers foliar fertilizers, & Aquatrols. Specializing in custom seed blends. Robin Hayes (508) 237-2642 At Envu, we’re committed to helping you uncover new information and strategies that can make your job easier and your turf healthier. Brian Giblin (508) 439-9809 brian.giblin@envu.com www.us.envu.com Finch Turf Finch Turf is your premier John Deere Golf Distributor in the Northeast. Bill Rockwell (508) 789-5293 Mark Casey (617) 447-4076 Ryan Lane (978) 758-8671 Call or visit our website at www.finchturf.com FMC Corporation Mike Marino, CGCS Market Specialist – New England and New York Region 2929 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (860) 287-3334 mike.marino@fmc.com Fore The Turf Proudly representing Floratine Products Group, JRM Inc., and Greenleaf Technologies. Brian Juneau (781) 738-3201 brianjuneau21@yahoo.com Harrell’s LLC 19 Technology Drive Auburn, MA 01501 Turf & Ornamental supplies. Chuck Bramhall (508) 400-0600 Jim Cohen (978) 337-0222 Jim Favreau (978) 227-2785 Mike Kroian (401) 265-5353 Kent Lemme (413) 281-8087 Helena Agri-Enterprises 101 Elm Street Hatfield, MA 01038 National distributors of all your turf chemicals & fertilizers. Extensive line of Helena Branded wetting agents, foliars, micro nutrients & adjuvants. Lou Bettencourt (978) 580-8166 Jeff Urquhart (781) 571-1164 www.HelenaProfessional.com Heritage PPG 2 Commerce Boulevard Plainville, MA 02762 Using industry-leading insights to provide you with the products that help you win. Jay Popko (413) 454-3847 Jay.Popko@heritageppg.com Chris Leonard (339) 793-0727 Chris.Leonard@heritageppg.com Hunter Industries Hunter manufactures comprehensive golf irrigation solutions designed to simplify irrigation. From our Pilot Command Center irrigation management software to the most reliable total top serviceable rotors in the industry to rotary nozzles for bunkers or landscape lighting for the clubhouse, Hunter has a solution for every golf course. Dave Antunes (401) 644-2777 david.antunes@hunterindustries.com hunterindustries.com/golf 36 37 Please patronize these Friends of the AssociationMarch - April 2024 Iron Tree Service, LLC Mayer Tree Service NMP Golf Construction Corp. 64 Dunham Road Beverly, MA 01915 Full-service tree care and removal company servicing Boston’s North Shore, MetroWest, and the Greater Metropolitan area. Austin McLear, Sales Arborist C (978) 998-2864 O (978) 468-6688 austin@irontreeservice.com Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation 11 Larchmont Lane Lexington, MA 02420 Offering a full range of inventory for irrigation drainage, pumps, fountains & landscape lighting products & services for all of your residential & commercial needs. (781) 862-2550 Susan Tropeano Lazaro’s Golf Course Supplies & Accessories dba Hammond Paint & Chemical Co., Inc. 738 Main St., Suite 223 Waltham, MA 02154 Complete line for all your of golf course supplies. Par Aide, Standard, Eagle One, turf & ornamentals, aquatics, turf marking paint, safety items, adjuvants. Joe Lazaro–cell: (617) 285-8670 Fax: (781) 647-0787 Email: jlazaro698@aol.com www.lazarogolfcoursesupplies.com Maher Services 71 Concord Street N. Reading, MA 01864 Well drilling, pump service & well maintenance Peter Maher cell: (781) 953-8167 or (978) 664-WELL (9355) Fax (978) 664-9356 www.maherserv.com MAS Golf Course Construction 60 Lumber St. Hopkinton, MA 01748 Fulfilling all your renovation and construction needs. Matthew Staffieri (508) 243-2443 matt@masgolfconstruction.com www.masgolfconstruction.com Providing a wide range of tree care from Plant Health Care to tree removal. Mobile wood waste grinding services. Stump grinding. Land clearing. Loam and mulch delivery. Tree pruning to enhance shot value and playability. 25 Bishop Ave. Ste. A-2 Williston, VT 05495 Golf course construction Mario Poirier (888) 707-0787 Richard Grant (978) 500-8849 rich@mayertree.com McNulty Construction Corp. P. O. Box 3218 Framingham, MA 01705 Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways, parking areas; imprinted asphalt. John McNulty (508) 879-8875 MTE, Inc. Equipment Solutions 115 Franklin Street Extension Derry, NH 03038 New England’s source for equipment: New & pre-owned mowers, tractors, & maintenance items from: Jacobsen, Turfco, Smithco, Ventrac, Redexim, Neary Grinders, Ryan, Buffalo Turbine, Mahindra, Gravely, Standard, Par-Aide & others. Sales, Parts, & Service all brands. Derry Shop: (603) 404-2286 Sean Smith NE Sales Mgr., (603) 303-4237 Lucas Doucette North Eastern MA/Boston Cell (617) 990-2427 ldoucette@mte.us.com Aaron Bunn Western MA Cell (508) 825-6639 Abunn@mte.us.com Dana Northrop South Shore/Cape Cod Cell (978) 857-3726 Dnorthrop@mte.us.com Elliot Leonard Norfolk/Bristol MA Cell (508) 272-0699 eleonard@mte.us.com Eric Burke NH Cell (603) 212-6395 eburke@mte.us.com Matt Hunter ME Cell (207) 385-6684 mhunter@mte.us.com Mungeam Golf Design, Inc. 195 SW Main Street Douglas, MA 01516 Golf course architect Office: (508) 476-5630 Cell: (508) 873-0103 Email: markamungeam@gmail.com Contact: Mark A. Mungeam, ASGCA www.golfdesignconsultant.com New England Turf Farm, Inc. P.O. Box 777 West Kingston, RI 02892 Many types of tallgrasses and bentgrass available for golf courses, sports turf and landscapers. Expert installation available. Office: (800) 451-2900 Ernie Ketchum (508) 364-4428 erniesod@comcast.net Mike Brown (508) 272-1827 www.newenglandturf.com Northeast Golf & Turf Supply 6 Dearborn Road Peabody, MA 01960 Complete line of Golf Course, Landscape & Lawn Care Construction & Maintenance Supplies Dan Fuller dfuller@northeastnursery.com (508) 789-2323 Patrick Hennessy phennessy@northeastnursery.com (978) 594-2125 Dan Read dread@northeastnursery.com (508) 641-7102 Tom Rowell trowell@northeastnursery.com (978) 317-0673 Patrick Sevigny psevigny@northeastnursery.com (978) 317-6817 North Shore Hydroseeding 49 North Putnam St. Danvers, MA 01923 Hydroseeding & erosion control services. Brian King (978) 762-8737 www.nshydro.com NuFarm Jim Santoro Nufarm Americas Regional Sales Manager Phone 508-207-2094 Email jim.santoro@nufarm.com Twitter @jim Santoro Nutrien Solutions Suppliers of Chemicals, Fertilizer, & Grass Seed (978) 685-3300 Nick Burchard (401) 601-7213 Drew Cummins (401) 952-4219 www.nutrien.com On-Course Golf Inc., Design/Build 16 Maple Street Acton, MA 01720 Golf Course Craftsmen. We serve all your remodeling and renovation needs. You can trust your project with us! We make you look good! Sean Hanley (978) 337-6661 www.on-coursegolf.com 38 39 Please patronize these Friends of the AssociationThe Newsletter PBI Gordon Corporation “Inspired Innovations for green spaces, pets, and people” www.pbigordonturf.com SiteOne Golf 7 Lincoln Road Foxboro, MA 02035 Offering our customers the most complete line of products, service & expertise in the industry. Precision Laboratories Ron Tumiski (508) 697-2757 1428 S. Shields Drive Waukegan, IL 60083 Specialized chemistries that enhance plants, seeds, soil and water. Greg Bennett (978) 877-3772 www.precisionlab.com Prime Source 3208 Peach Street Erie, PA 16508 National, full line distributor of turf, ornamental & specialty products. Exclusive distributor of Prime Source branded pesticides & specialty products. Mike Blatt, Northeast Territory Manager (814) 440-7658 Putnam Pipe Corp. Hopkinton & Taunton, MA Providence, RI Distributor of water, sewer, drain and stormwater pipe & fittings. Erosion & sediment control products. Free delivery & 24-hour service. David Purnam (508) 435-3090 Read Custom Soils Read Custom Soils 158 Tihonet Road Wareham, MA 02571 New England’s source for USGA grade topdressing sand, bunker sand, rootzone mixes, divot mixes, colored sand, and kiln-dried topdressing sand. Plus, useful golf course aggregates: cart path mixes, stabilized stonedust, natural round stone, crushed stone, mulch, and soils. Bob Doran (207) 337-5464 Ed Downing (508) 440-1833 Mark Pendergast (617) 686-5590 Jeff Toomey (603) 235-8420 Garrett Whitney (617) 697-4247 www.readcustomsoils.com Reel Sharp LLC 100 Clarkson Ave Pittsfield, MA, 01201 Over twenty years in the used turf equipment business specializing in golf course equipment. Nick Merrill (617) 631-8873 nick@rsturf.com www.rsturf.com Sodco Inc. PO Box 2 Slocum, Rl 02877 1-800-341-6900 Black Beauty, Tall Fescue, Green & Fairway Height Bent, Short Cut Black Beauty, Short Cut Blue, 90-10 Fine Fescue Installation options available Contact: Jim Studley (401) 743-7616 SumCo Eco-Contracting Pond Management • Boardwalks • Streams & Wetlands • Water Infrastructure 2 Centennial Drive Suite 4d Peabody, MA 01960 P: (978) 744-1515 E: INFO@SUMCOECO.COM Syngenta Professional Products P.O. Box 1775 Wells, ME 04090 John Bresnahan (413) 333-9914 Melissa Hyner Gugliotti (860) 221-5712 Target Specialty Products 165 Grove Street, Suite 70 Franklin, MA 02038 Supplier of fertilizer, chemicals & grass seed. Jim Pritchard, Territory Manager 401-862-1098 Glenn Larrabee (774) 670-8880 Tanto Irrigation 5 N. Payne Street Elmsford, NY 10532 Golf Irrigation specialists. Proudly providing the Golf Industry with irrigation services for over 50 Years. Bill Bartels (914) 347-5151 Chase Cameron (203) 233-1482 Tim Clark (845) 325-3868 tantoirrigation.com Tom Irwin, Inc. 13 A Street Burlington, MA 01803 (800) 582-5959 www.tomirwin.com We bring you a network of professionals and innovative solutions dedicated to your success. With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone. Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. PO Box 167 Wood River Junction, Rl 02894 Tuckahoe Turf grows some of the finest sod in the Northeast. We grow Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, Tall Fescue, and Blue/Fescue blends. We also have several bentgrass varieties at both tee and green height. Please call for details. Scott McLeod (401) 230-2631 Peter DeBrusk (603) 819-9700 800-556-6985 Turf & Golf Services 13 Bachelor St. West Newbury, MA 01985 Turf & Golf Services provides golf course superintendents with resources to maximize used equipment resale value and a resource for reasonably priced, quality turf equipment. Contact Ryan Green (603) 512-2898 ryan@golfandturfservice.com Turf Products 157 Moody Rd. Enfield, CT 06082 Toro Equipment & Irrigation– Serving the industry since 1970 800-243-4355 Bill Conley Nat Binns (332) 351-5189 www.turfproductscorp.com Valley Green 14 Copper Beech Drive Kingston, MA 02364 Phone: (413) 533-0726 Fax: (413) 533-0792 “Wholesale distributor of turf products” Doug Dondero (508) 944-3262 Welch Mechanical Welch Mechanical is a mobile repair company specializing in golf course equipment. We provide a variety of services including but not limited to hydraulic and electrical systems repairs, engine repair, Sprayer calibration and repair, welding/ fabrication, and rebuilding mower reels. Please check out our website www.welchmechanical.com Winding Brook Turf Farm Wethersfield, CT and Lyman, ME 240 Griswold Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 Kathy Arcari (401) 639-5462 karcari@windingbrookturf.net www.windingbrookturf.com 39 38 Please patronize these Friends of the AssociationMarch - April 2024 Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England The Newsletter–Rate Schedule THE NEWSLETTER DISPLAY ADVERTISING ORDER FORM Company Name: Address: Contact Name: Phone: Email: Issues (List month or months of publications where we will publish your ad): Amount of payment: Payment can be made by check payable to GCSANE or by credit card using the Pay Pal link on the home page of the Association's website at gcsane.org. You do not need a Pay Pal account to use your credit card. Member Rates: Monthly Rate 3 Times Per Yr. (Save 5%) 6 Times Per Yr. (Save 10%)   ❏  1/4 page (vertical; 3.75” wide x 5” deep) ❏  $ 100.00 ❏  $ 285.00 ❏  $ 540.00   ❏  1/2 page (horizontal; 7.5” wide x 5” deep) ❏  $ 165.00 ❏  $ 470.00 ❏  $ 890.00   ❏  Full Page (vertical; 7.5” wide x 10” deep) ❏  $ 220.00 ❏  $ 630.00 ❏  $ 1190.00 Non-Member Rates: *All payments must be received in full before the ad appears in The Newsletter.   ❏  1/4 page (vertical; 3.75” wide x 5” deep) ❏  $ 130.00 ❏  $ 370.00 ❏  $ 700.00   ❏  1/2 page (horizontal; 7.5” wide x 5” deep) ❏  $ 200.00 ❏  $ 570.00 ❏  $ 1080.00   ❏  Full Page (vertical; 7.5” wide x 10” deep) ❏  $ 265.00 ❏  $ 755.00 ❏  $ 1430.00 * Deadline for ads: The first of the month for that month’s issue. Ad Preparation Specifications: File Specifications for Ads Supplied in Digital Format: Files should be created at 300dpi at the correct size for that ad. Formats preferred are JPG and PDF. Full color is available with all ads. Please send ads to Don Hearn at the email address below. The newsletter is published in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Send all Newsletter ads to: Don Hearn, Executive Director 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Email: donhearn@gcsane.org O. 774-430-9040 40 PB The Newsletter