LETTER December 2002 of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England, inc. ••bbbì^™^«™bbbb Sponsors and administrators of the Troll-Dickinson Scholarship Fund - Awarded yearly to deserving Turf Management Students. h a b a a a ^ h b Familiar surroundings boost Greg Tower as he climbs career ladder at Sterling C.C. Whoever coined the expression, "familiarity breeds contempt," couldn't have had Greg Tower in mind. In the life station that the first-year Sterling Country Club golf course superintendent occupies, "familiarity definitely breeds contentment." Want proof? Listen to what Greg contends after his first full season as top -—40g at Sterling: "If I didn't know the golf ourse, have all that knowledge about its physical makeup, its strengths and weaknesses, I never would have got through the year. With all the adverse weather conditions of last summer, it would have been tough for me if I didn't know the territory. I just felt at home. You feel comfortable at home and 1 was here. That was the difference." Of course, those incessant 90-degree days of July and August didn't go down without a fight. However, fortunately Greg had been there before and had a INSIDE . . . Page Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 2 From the President . .3 Remember When? . .3 GCSAA News . .4 GCSANE News . .5 f Divot Drift Host Superintendent Profile . .6 . .8 handle on bringing the course through near-drought conditions. Certainly, it wasn't the best of times to embark on his first head superintendent job, but Greg took the challenge and Sterling members had a course of which they can be proud. The Sterling-Tower connection is a given. Sterling is a 12-year-old private club located in the I-190 corridor about 25 miles north of Worcester, lower is a Hoiden native and took advantage of 1 had spent the better part of nine years with Chip (Bicchieri), so I knew what had to be done to be successful at Sterling. A lot of his knowledge and know-how rubbed off on me. Thai's part of what made it much easier for me to move up." Greg Tower Sterling C.C. Sterling as a financial springboard to Salem State College, where he furthered his education as a communications major and arts minor candidate. He started on the maintenance crew three years after Sterling opened and has been there ever since. "Originally, I thought of the maintenance job only as a way of getting through college," Greg told. "I worked there summers when I was at Salem State. I was serious about my communications skills and visioned a career in advertising. Then, I encountered the shirt-and-tie syndrome and suddenly that tie seemed to get tighter and tighter. I had messed around playing golf when I was in high school, liked the idea of working the outdoors at vacation time, and decided golf course maintenance was much more appealing than being stuck in an office." Not that lower is sorry he put all that time into developing expertise in communications. As a matter of fact, that expertise fits right into the pattern of moving up the golf course maintenance ¡adder. He began as a member of the Sterling conditioning crew, became second assistant and then climbed up to first assistant, working under head superintendent Chip Bicchieri, who turned into a good friend and mentor to Greg. "Chip and I were together on a day-today basis at Sterling, and he sort of put me under his wing," Greg explained. "He headed me to Stockbridge and winter turf school three years ago and encouraged me to stay in the golf business as my advancement and knowledge continued on page 2 Page 4 iiuiiiil.ljdliiiuiiillijdil.illli.iijijiili.uliiljil.ili.lilui.iijxi^li.ijdil. PRESIDENT J a m e s R. Fitzroy, C G C S 357 W . S q u a n t u m Street, North Quincy, M A 02171 617-328-1776 Fax 617-328-9479 E-Mail: Jfitz39@rcn.com Presidents Golf Course VICE PRESIDENT Michael J . Hermanson P. O. B o x 145, Gardner, M A 01440 978-632-2713 Fax 978-632-2713 E-Mail: Hermo68@hotmail.com Gardner Municipal Golf Course SECRETARY Ronald P. Dobosz, J r . 1137 Park Street, Stoughton, M A 02072 781 -341 -8564 Fax 781 -341 -8564, *51 E-Mail: Rdobosz111@aol.com C e d a r Hill Golf Course TREASURER Michael V. lacono, C G C S 50 N e w t o n Street, W e s t o n , M A 02493 781 -899-7913 Fax 781 -647-0602 E-Mail: thebrookl 8 @ a o l . c o m Pine Brook Country Club TRUSTEE Patrick S . Kriksceonaitis 4 L a k e m a n s Lane, Ipswich, M A 01938 978-526-4600 Fax 978-526-8333 E s s e x County Club TRUSTEE J a s o n A. A d a m s 11 W o o d c r e s t L a n e Blackstone, M A 01504 781 -326-3801 Fax 781 -326-3801 E-Mail: J a y a d a m s 3 5 @ h o t m a l l . c o m Norfolk Golf Club TRUSTEE Russell E. Heller 41 Clifford Street, Melrose, M A 02126 617-983-2786 Fax 617-983-2786 E-Mail: Rheller@gcsane.org Franklin Park Golf Course FINANCE CHAIRMAN Arthur Silva, C G C S 35 P e n n a c o o k Road, Tewksbury, M A 01876 781 -484-5440 Fax 781 -484-6613 E-Mail: Silvagcs@aol.com Belmont Country Club GOLF CHAIRMAN David A. C o m e e 65 Marquette Street, Gardner, M A 01440 978-297-1223 Fax 978-297-0911 E-Mail: D c o m e e @ h o t m a i l . c o m The W i n c h e n d o n Club EDUCATION CHAIRMAN Patrick J . Daly, C G C S P. O. B o x 2284, Framingham, M A 01703 508-872-9790 Fax 508-872-5393 E-Mail: P a t @ f r a m i n g h a m c c . c o m Framingham Country Club NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN Kenneth D. Crlmmlngs, J r . 101 M a p l e Lane, Northborough, M A 01532 508-460-8933 Fax 508-460-8943 E-Mail: Kcrimmings@charter.net Marlborough Country Club PAST PRESIDENT Robert Ruszala 69 Gellnas Drive, Chicopee, M A 01020 413-256-8654 Fax 413-256-8654 E-Mail: H r c c 4 0 @ a o l . c o m Hickory R i d g e Country Club EXECUTIVE SECRETARY S h a r o n K. Brownell P. O. B o x 566, Mattapolsett, M A 02739 508-758-6474 Fax 508-758-6474 E-Mail: Sbrownell@attbl.com m t t h e i NEWSLETTER G C S A N E Headquarters 300 Arnold P a l m e r Blvd., Norton, M A 02766 Tel.: (800) 833-4451 Fax: (508) 758-6474 W e b Site: w w w . g c s a n e . o r g Newsletter Editor . Contributing Editor Business Manager Kenneth Crimmings Gerry Finn Julie Heston (E-Mail: J e h 2 5 @ a o l . c o m ) Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the position of GCSANE. Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or In part, without special permission as long as the true context is maintained. W e would appreciate a credit line. 7 knew there be a lot of pressure on me, a lot on my shoulders. The sense of having all that responsibility was something else. I had to keep a successful maintenance operation on track." Greg Tower Sterling C. C. continued from page I progressed. Then, when he decided to start his own landscaping business last yea-", he recommended me to be his successor." The transition from assistant to head superintendent went smoothly for Greg, who was thrilled to be considered for the job and to follow such a well-regarded and respected superintendent as Bicchieri. "I had spent the better part of nine years with Chip, so I knew what had to be done to be successful at Sterling," Greg remarked. 'A lot of his knowledge and know-how rubbed off on me. That's part of what made it much easier for me to move up." lower realized that the jump from assistant to headman was a big one. "It wasn't simply a case of moving from one desk to another," he reasoned. "I knew there'd be a lot of pressure on me, a lot on my shoulders. The sense of having all that responsibility was something else. I had to keep a successful maintenance operation on track." A strong show of rapport between Tower and the Sterling crew was a big plus when he took over. "These were guys I'd worked with day in and day out," Greg said. 'And they were great. They were the same faces. A real atmosphere of familiarity existed. They knew I was there to do the same things Chip did and they backed me from day one. My two assistants, Courtney Manning and Russ Gray were an instrumental part of Sterling's success this year. Without their commit- ment to the golf course and profession, I would have had a much more difficult year."'" Greg didn't go heavy on new projects his first season calling the shots. He initiated improvements to the irrigation system even though the big heat of the summer months presented a big challenge along conditioning lines. "We got through some tough weather times," he told. "But again my experience with the course all those years learning about the subtleties of turf. Ail of that came in handy when the choking heat threatened to do its damage." Tower got his first taste of dicey decisionmaking late in the season when Sterling felt the blows of two different sneak snow attacks. "I had to make the call and I closed the course two times, once last month (October), and just the other week (November)," Greg informed. "Then, it was back to the little projects I'd lined up for the fall." A little sparring also ensued during Greg's first head superintendent year when a local newspaper editorial reviewed Sterling's position as an a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Tower regarded it as only friendly banter when the ^ designation was made known. "I conside this an honor for the course and the profession," Greg commented. "We met strict criteria to become recognized. We (superintendents) are environmental stewards. I think this helps solidify the point." Greg is looking forward to his second season and another big event on his personal calendar. Next September he and fiance, jamie Sumner, will be married. Meanwhile, he's just completed drawing up his first budget. "That was big stuff," he cracked. "But I did a lot of looking over Chip's shoulder when he did it. Like I said, being on board all these years has been a big boost in my career. It really helped." GERRY FINN! CALENDAR . . . January 15, G C S A N E Annual Meeting 2003 Charles River Country Club Newton, Mass. Supt. - Jim Reinertson February 5, G C S A N E Monthly Meeting 2003 Framingham Country Club Framingham, Mass. Supt. - Pat Daly, C G C S Guest Speaker: Paul Sachs, North Country Organics Page 4 lijii.ili.lidiirtuii.iijii.ili.ijtiiiijjjiil.ljtui.iijiiulj Urtli.Ulli.iiJ II A i , l ü l i u A reminder fremi President Fitzroy: A couple ©f 'don't miss9 meetings this winter On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England, I would like to wish everyone a joyous, happy, and healthy FROM THE PRESIDENT holiday season. Our business slows this time of year and gives a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our past year and ourfamilyand friends that make our lives so wonderful. We certainly do have a couple of "don't miss" meetings on the horizon. On January 15 our annual meeting will be held at Charles River Country Club. In addition to the annual elections of officers, we will discuss the GCSAA issues that Mike Hermanson reviewed with us from the Chapter Delegates Meeting. This will be a pivotal year in determining the direction of our national association for the foreseeable future. And the Board uses the open This will be a pivotal year in determining the direction of our national association in the foreseeable future. discussion to guide our association. So please make an effort to attend and actively participate in the meeting. Pat Daly has a solid winter program put together and it is anchored by the March meeting. It will be held at the new William E Connell Golf House and Museum. There will be a golf rules refresher seminar, lunch at the TPC Boston clubhouse, and a tour of the maintenance facility. If you have not been to the Norton facility, this is a wonderful opportunity to see the state's new home of golf. Seasons greetings to everyone. Jirra Fitzroy, GGCS President, GCSAME Remember When?: Looking at CS€SÄNE9g past history Remember When? is a monthly look back ».at individuals and events of GCSANE's past. 30 years ag© A note from William H. Daniel, director of "Turf Research and Extension at Purdue University, commenting on the dilemma created by some questionable moves in the hiring and releasing of golf course superintendents: "There are some rules of thumb on the subject: 1. Always be above board with the man being replaced. Always assume the word will get out locally and there is no point in trying to be secretive, kind, understanding. If there is reason to replace him, admit it. 2. Allow time to canvass the field. I have heard of SO people inquiring about one job. i have seen a committee sort out more than 20 letters and applications. Fine! We can do the same thing with engineers, public relations firms, architects, or any other professional group. 3. There is prestige connected with education, and we keep telling people turf is technical and getting scientific and that there is much to learn about turf care. That is why when someone ignores their professional expertise their position can erode. Finally, it seems to me superintendents have never had security or better conditions for their continued professional practice than now. Certainly, as I work, I see men interested in upgrading good conditions rather than trying to cover poor conditions." REMEMBER WHEN? It seems they just keep going and going. Jim Browning and Phil Cassidy of Weston G.C. won the John Shanahan Pro-Superintendent championship again this year at Brae Burn C.C. This is the fifth time they've won the tournament since 1960. Cassidy has played the event for the past 2! years. 20 Years Ago A nationwide campaign has begun to remove the game of golf from an oftenpictured villainous role within nature's water cycle. A logo has been adopted and will serve as a readily identifiable symbol of the beneficial role golf plays in the challenge to equitably distribute a finite water supply. This effort is spearheaded by a Research Task Force representing the National Golf Foundation community. According to GCSAA executive director James E. McLoughlin, "What we're trying to get across is that golf courses recycle water, whether it's by filtering water or by natural sources. The new water logo represents golf's initial effort to tell the public that it is not part of the water problem. It is part of the solution." Members of GCSANE joined other members of the golfing family perpetuating the memory of Orville Clapper, who died earlier this year. He was a giant in the development and distribution of golf course maintenance equipment, most of which revolutionized golf course conditioning. Arthur Anderson, a venerable giant in his own right in the profession, said: "Orville was one of a kind. He could make a sale without blinking an eyelash, which is testimony to his overwhelming personality. But he never pushed a product on the superintendent. He was a friend, first, and a businessman afterward." Remarked former GCSANE president Leon St. Pierre: "He was always there with wisdom, advice and certain tangibles which new associations need. He was a very special kind of person. Sure, he promoted his livelihood, but never at anyone's expense. His input to the success of our profession is incalculable." Congratulations to Kip "Tyler and Billy Ziobro of Salem C.C. for winning the prosuperintendent title at Brae Burn. A great day was had at the November meeting at Needham. "Tourney winners included Brian Cowan, low gross; Doug Johnson, low net; and Max Mierzwa, 2nd low net. continued on page 8 MMMàLML Page 4 liliali ih .itili it L.ljtUiiiiJ il <1 li,iitUi.iiJ Li iilJll ili i,l ¿ill.) ikiiMMk A brielng to members^ W Michael Hermanson reports on GCSAA Chapter Delegates meeting To: GCSANE Members: From November I to November 3 I had the privilege of representing you as your Chapter Delegate to the GCSAA in Lawrence, Kansas. Many important issues were discussed during three very busy days. One hundred of the 102 GCSAA Chapters were represented. Some of the items of interest that were discussed were as follows: S. A $50.00 dues increase for Class A & Superintendent Members. 2. PD1 initiative. 3. A possible GCSAA move from Lawrence, Kansas. 4. The GCSAA financial position. 5. A joint trade show with the National Course Owners Association. 6. 2003 GCSAA Candidates. 7. 2003 Compensation & Benefits Survey. 8. Future Conference and Show Sites. 9. GCSAA Board Travel Policy. I will briefly explain each as follows: The $50.00 dues increase (20%) was discussed in great detail. This is the first dues increase since 1997 and represents a compounded 3% annual increase. This increase will generate a projected increase in revenue for FY 2003-04 of $803,000.00. I will discuss this more in the financial explanation. We have all been saturated with information regarding the PDI Initiative since GCSAA began working on this concept in 1997. On July 1, 2003, the GCSAA implements new, higher standards to qualify for a Class A Superintendent and ongoing standards to remain in the class. These standards include a wide-ranging combination of Competency-based Education, which ensures that information being taught has been developed to address specific needs: service to community, GCSAA, the golf industry, or other professional development activity; tenure as a superintendent; and validation of environmental stewardship by possessing a pesticide license or by passing a Integrated Pest Management exam. For the past eighteen months, a behind the scenes GCSAA committee has explored the option of moving our headquarters from Lawrence, Kansas to another site. FPL Associates LP from Chicago (a business location consultant firm), has been retained GCSAA NEWS to research possible relocation cities and to represent GCSAA in preliminary talks with local government officials. As of November I, $87,000.00 has been spent with FPL Associates. An original list of 300 cities has been whittled down to eight. They are Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, and Orlando. An informal straw poll by the 100 delegates in attendance favored relocation from Kansas to a Florida site. For the GCSAA Board of Directors to proceed with this process, the Articles of Incorporation must be changed in Atlanta in February. A vote would be required to remove Lawrence, Kansas from these Articles. Superintendent News covers this topic in greater detail in its Nov. 29 issue. A brief synopsis of GCSAA's financial picture is as follows. GCSAA is in a strong financial position. As of June 30, 2002, total assets were $ 17,1 ! 7,000 with no debt. Member equity was $ 10,429,000. However, these figures are less than those ending June 30, 2001. $18,353,000 in total assets and $ 1 1,232,000 in member equity. The GCSAA is broken down into the following three companies: On July I, 2003, the GCSAA implements new, higher standards to qualify for a Class A Superintendent, and ongoing standards to remain in the class. 1. GCSAA: 501 (c)(6) Tax Exempt Professional Society. 2. GCSAA Communications: For-Profit Taxable Subsidiary. 3. GCSAA Foundation: (50l)(c)(3) Tax Exempt Charitable Organization; separate Board of Trustees. GCSAA will report a bottom line loss as of June 30, 2002 of $802,000, which includes a net investment loss of $ 1,017,000 (not unlike many of our own personal investments). This is why GCSAA is proposing a $50.00 dues increase, which is projected to generate $803,000. In 1999 and 2000, a total of $ 1,650,000 was set aside in an accrual for future program initiatives. GCSAA, by prioritizing programs, controlling expenses, and drawing from this accrual, has done what is necessary to run our business. Unfortunately, user fees _ were ds+vn $ 150,000 from our Orlando trade show, impacted by the events of 9/1 I. Overall industry support, including advertising sales, exhibit sales, and sponsorships were off nearly $ i ,000,000 to 2001 to 2002. Program accrual funds of $750,000 in 2001 and $400,000 in 2002 were used to create a more favorable bottom line. As a result of the decrease in revenues, expenses were challenged and have come down as well. Specifically, the largest components include: GCM production costs have decreased substantially as a result of lower ad sales and lower page counts (50/50 advertisingto-editorial page ratio). National image efforts were substantially reduced in favor of more targeted media relations efforts. Conference and show expenditures were reduced. These changes alone amounted to over $ 1,500,000. The majority of the remaining expense savings resulted from reducing the scope of specific programs and postponing others. (For example, reducing the ^ size of the chapter leadership conference from 50 to 25 participants and postponing the salary survey to early 2003.) As many continued on page 6 .iiiii.iii.ij^lil.iu xj .i ii.iiiili.iu i^l.ilji-liili t.iaxiljii.ii^ri^liaihuij^l.laiil.iuxl.iliij ^ili t j ^ i l i jjal.iij-il iJxl,ili.ljilll.ilJi.i,ilJil,iJ.i.liiiiilJil,iL.liiili,i GCSANE announces proposed bylaw changes The following are the proposed changes to the GCSANE bylaws for 2003: Article 8V - Membership Sec. I. Members. Item # 7 currently reads: Effective July 7, 1997. Each applicant for Regular of Association membership must present the Membership Committee an application for membership or evidence of membership with the GCSAA. New Language: Effective January 14, 2002, each applicant for Class A-Golf Course Superintendent, Golf Course Superintendent, and Assistant Golf Course Superintendent membership must present to the Membership Committee an application for membership and evidence of membership with the GCSAA. Sec. 2. Classes of Membership. Currently reads: There will be seven classes of Membership: Regular, Associate, Assistant, Honorary, Life, Affiliate, and Student. New Language: There will be nine classes of membership: Class AA- Life Members, Class A- Golf Course Superintendent, Golf Course Superintendent, Class C-Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, Honorary, Affiliate, Associate, Student, andjnactive. Sec. 3. Regular Members will change to Class A - Golf Course Superintendent. Sec. 4. Associate Members will change to: Golf Course Superintendent. Sec. 5. Assistant Members will change to: Class C - Assistant Golf Course Superintendent. Sec. 6. Honorary members stay the same. Sec. 7. Life Members will change to Class AA - Life Members. Sec. 8. Affiliate members stay the same. Sec. 9. Student Members stays the same. Sec. 10. Inactive Member (New Classification). An inactive member is an individual who, by reason of unemployment, illness or other adverse circumstances, lias been placed in this class upon his or her application. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to act on such application and to place a member on Inactive Status subject to terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may specify by Standing Rules. Sec. I I. Associate Member: (New Classification). An Associate members is an individual that is involved in the growing or p r o d u c t i o n of fine turfgrass and who does lot qualify for membership in another category. He or she shall have all the privileges of the association except to vote and to hold office. He or she shall pay such initiation fee and annua! dues as established by the Association. Sec. 10. Initiation Fees and Dues will change to Section 12. Sec. 11. Delinquency and Restoration will change to Section 13. Sec. 12. Reprimand, Suspension, and Expulsion will change to Section 14. Sec. 13. Resignation will change to Sec. 15. GCSANE NEWS Article V . - Government Sec. 2. Currently reads: The association shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of the aforementioned officers, three Trustees, the chairman of the Finance Committee, Educational Committee, Golf Committee, Newsletter Committee, and the immediate Past-President, all of whom shall be regular members of the association and a majority of whom shall be Class A or B members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. They shall be elected for a term of one year, excepting the Trustees. New Language: The association shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of the aforementioned officers, three Trustees, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Educational Committee, Golf Committee, Newsletter Committee, and the Immediate Past President, all of whom shall be Class A members of the Association and a majority of whom shall be Class A or B members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. They shall be elected for a term of one year, excepting the Trustees. Article VI i - Duties of Officers, Directors, Trustees, asid Auditors. Sec. 5. - Board of Directors: Item # 5 currently reads: I. The entire management of the association, its affairs, properties, and assets are vested in a Board of Directors consisting of twelve regular members of the association, elected as provided in Article VI, Section 3, subject, however, at all times, to the order of the members of the association in meetings assembled. New Language: I. The entire management of the association, its affairs, properties, and assets are vested in a Board of Directors consisting of twelve Class A members of the association, elected as provided in Article VI, Section 3, subject, however, at all times, to the order of the members of the association in meetings assembled. Article VII - Committee Sec. 3 - Duties and Responsibilities: Item # 3 currently reads: This Committee shall have the general supervision of the educational affairs and formulate the educational policies of the association, working in close cooperation with the Directors. It shall plan an education program for the year, arrange for meeting places (except the regular meetings in the summer which wili be the responsibility of the Golf Committee), speakers, demonstrations, and luncheons for any and all functions of the association. The committee shall strive to arrange an educational program of the highest order, with variety and supplying data and information of the greatest interest and value to the members. The committee shall be in close touch with The Newsletter and Publicity Committees in order to publicize coming educational events, and with the Golf Committee during summer meetings to avoid duplication of efforts. This committee shall serve from April of any year to the following Aprii. New Language: Would eliminate "This committee shall serve from April of any year to the following year". Article I X - Meetings Sec. I. Currently reads: Regular meetings of the association shall be held monthly on a date approved by the Board of Directors. New Language: Regular meetings of the association shall be held on a date approved by the Board of Directors. GCSIiE announces 2003 nominations The nominations for 2003 GCSANE Board of Directors are as follows: James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, President; Michael J. Hermanson, Vice President; Ronald P Dobosz Jr., Secretary; Michael V lacono, CGCS, Treasurer; Russell E. Heller, Trustee; Arthur Silva, CGCS, Finance Chmn.; David A. Comee. Golf Chmn.; Patrick J. Daly, CGCS, Education Chmn.; and Kenneth D. Crimmings Jr., Newsletter Chmn. The 2003 Nomination Committee: Michael J. Hermanson, Chmn.; Michael V lacono, CGCS; A. Roy Mackintosh; Donald E. Hearn, CGCS; and David Barber, CGCS. • Page 6 .luilalidili.uiuljlu^lilu^ G C S A A Chapter Delegates meeting covers broad range ©f issues continued from page S of you know, GCSAA has also increased, where appropriate, the use of telephone conferences, e-mail, and listserves for board, committee, and industry involvement. Another item discussed is a possible joint trade show with GCSAA and The National Golf Course Owners Association, possibly as soon as 2005. This would not only benefit both associations but would be of tremendous importance to vendors. I had a chance to meet and question ail the 2003 GCSAA candidates. Information on these candidates will be found in Golf Course Management. As many of you are aware, GCSAA will be conducting a comprehensive wage and benefit survey in January. This may be mailed in or done on the web. Results will be available in May. This is a tremendous benefit to all of us. Please participate! GCSAA is looking at changing how it books future Conference and Show sites. Their plan is to return to Orlando and a California site such as San Diego once in every three years. In between these two sites, there would be a rotation of sites such as New Orleans or Las Vegas, etc. Last but not least, delegates discussed, debated, and questioned GCSAA officers regarding its board travel policy for the following: GCSAA Board Representation; PGA Championship (officers and spouses); Canadian Fall Field Day (P&VP and spouses); Ryder Cup (every two years, officers and spouses); Fall Board Meeting (full board and spouses); PGA Annual Meeting (every two years, P&VP and spouses); John Deere Team Championship (P&VP and spouses); Planning Meeting (full board and spouses); BIGGA Annual Meeting (P&IPP and spouses); CMAA Annual Meeting (P&VP and spouses); GCSAA Conference & Show (Full board and spouses); Canadian International Conference & Show (Officers and spouses); _ Masters Tournament (Officers); and US Open Championship (Officers and spouses). Also discussed: Reimbursement of the volunteer for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The organization provides for business expenses: corporate Visa card, corporate calling card, airline club membership, and Avis preferred card. The vast majority of delegates supported the Board Travel Policy but felt the policy should have been made available to members long ago to dispel any hint of impropriety. This is a synopsis of many of the items discussed in Lawrence. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and if I can't answer them I can direct you to someone who can. Michael j. Hermanson Vice President, GCSANE DIVOT DRIFT.. eannouncements