LETTER

February 2003

of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England, Inc.
Sponsors and administrators of the Troll-Dickinson Scholarship Fund - Awarded yearly to deserving Turf Management Students.

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The golf course management company:
Threatening ©gre? Or positive development?
Golf course management companies are
in the news again. Are they an ogre for
the golf course superintendent? Are they
a threat to his present job? Are they good
for the game? Will they gradually phase
out the existing concept of golf course
management? O r are they simply a
natural evolution in progressive business
practices?
This month, with word that golf course
management companies have become
entrenched in the New England golf
landscapes, The Newsletter examines
them through the eyes of two prominent
representatives of their managerial theories
and perceptions. One is Steve Tibbels,
CGCS, who is on-site superintendent at
Acushnet River Valley Golf Course and
regional superintendent for several
northeast courses under contract to
ValleyCrest, a national maintenance
outsourcing company. The second is
Kevin Osgood, longtime superintendent
at Newton Commonwealth Golf Club
and 10-year founder and owner of
Sterling Golf Course Management, Inc.

Tibbels was the head superintendent
at the Segregansett Country Club for
seven years before joining ValleyCrest in
March 2001. Acushnet River Valley is one
of three Massachusetts courses under
Valleycrest operational teams. The others
are Swanson Meadows in Billerica and
The Ledges in South Hadley. Incidentally,
Valleycrest has been in business for 60
I = jars, but in business related to golf
course management for only the past
15 years. It manages 42 courses around
the country.

Ì think one of the biggest
benefits we offer our
superintendents is job
security. They are their
own managers in our
operation. "
Kevin Osgood
Sterling Golf Course
Management, Ine.

Tibbels emphasizes that management
companies are an option for the club or
course in question. " W e deal primarily
with public and municipal courses,
although we also manage several private
clubs," he explains. " W e believe w e can
save money and prevent headaches for
the folks who use our services. W e also
try to maintain as many people of the
existing staff as possible. It's a different
concept, but its goals are universal. W e
give owners or town officials the best
possible playing conditions for the best
possible price."
continued on page 2

INSIDE . . .
Page
Calendar of Events

. . 2

From the President

. .3

From the Editor

. .4

Remember When?

. .5

Divot Drift

. .6

Host Superintendent Profile

. .8

;

Page 2
u i i i ü i i i á i i L i i i ^

PRESIDENT
J a m e s R. Fitzroy, CGCS
3 5 7 W . S q u a n t u m Street, North Quincy, MA 0 2 1 7 1
61 7 - 3 2 8 - 1 7 7 6
Fax 61 7 - 3 2 8 - 9 4 7 9
E-Mail: Jfitz39@rcn.com
P r e s i d e n t s Golf C o u r s e
VICE P R E S I D E N T
Michael J. H e r m a n s o n
P. O. B o x 1 4 5 , Gardner, MA 0 1 4 4 0
978-632-2713
Fax 9 7 8 - 6 3 2 - 2 7 1 3
E-Mail: Fteimo68@hotmall.com
Gardner Municipal Golf C o u r s e
SECRETARY
Ronald P. D o b o s z , Jr.
1 1 3 7 P a r k S t r e e t , Stoughton, MA 0 2 0 7 2
781 -341 -8564
Fax 781 - 3 4 1 - 8 5 6 4 , *51
E - M a i l : R d o b o s z l 11 @ a o l . c o m
Cedar Hill Golf C o u r s e
TREASURER
Michael V. lacono, C G C S
5 0 N e w t o n S t r e e t , W e s t o n , MA 0 2 4 9 3
781-899-7913
Fax 7 8 1 - 6 4 7 - 0 6 0 2
E-Mail: thebrook18@aol.com
Pine B r o o k Country Club
TRUSTEE
Patrick S . K r i k s c e o n a l t i s
4 L a k e m a n s Lane, Ipswich, M A 0 1 9 3 8
978-526-4600
Fax 9 7 8 - 5 2 6 - 8 3 3 3
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 Lane
Blackstone, MA 0 1 5 0 4
781 - 3 2 6 - 3 8 0 1
Fax 7 8 1 - 3 2 6 - 3 8 0 1
E-Mail: Jayadams35@hotmail.com
Norfolk Golf Club
TRUSTEE
R u s s e l l E. Heller
4 1 Clifford S t r e e t , M e l r o s e , M A 0 2 1 2 6
617-983-2786
Fax 6 1 7 - 9 8 3 - 2 7 8 6
E-Mail: Rheller@gcsane.org
Franklin P a r k Golf C o u r s e
FINANCE CHAIRMAN
Arthur S l l v a , C G C S
3 5 Pennacook Road, T e w k s b u r y , M A 0 1 8 7 6
781-484-5440
Fax 7 8 1 - 4 8 4 - 6 6 1 3
E-Mail: Silvacgcs@aol.com
B e l m o n t Country Club
GOLF CHAIRMAN
• a v i d A. C o m e e
6 5 Marquette Street, Gardner, MA 0 1 4 4 0
978-297-1223
Fax 9 7 8 - 2 9 7 - 0 9 1 1
E-Mail: Dcomee@hotmail.com
T h e 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 2 2 8 4 , F r a m i n g h a m , M A 0 1 7 0 3
508-872-9790
Fax 5 0 8 - 8 7 2 - 5 3 9 3
E-Mail: Pat@framlnghamcc.com
F r a m i n g h a m Country Club
N E W S L E T T E R CHAIRMAN
Kenneth D. C r i m m i n g s , Jr.
1 0 1 Maple Lane, Northborough, M A 0 1 5 3 2
508-460-8933
Fax 5 0 8 - 4 6 0 - 8 9 4 3
E-Mail: Kcrimmings@charter.net
Marlborough Country Club
PAST PRESIDENT
Robert R u s z a l a
6 9 Gellnas Drive, Chlcopee, M A 0 1 0 2 0
413-256-8654
Fax 41 3 - 2 5 6 - 8 6 5 4
E-Mail: Hrcc40@aol.com
Hickory Ridge Country Club
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Sharon K. Brownell
P. O. B o x 5 6 6 , Mattapoisett, MA 0 2 7 3 9
508-758-6474
Fax 5 0 8 - 7 5 8 - 6 4 7 4
E-Mail: Sbrownell@attbl.com

NEWSLETTER
G C S A N E Headquarters
3 0 0 Arnold P a l m e r Blvd., Norton, M A 0 2 7 6 6
Tel.: (800) 8 3 3 - 4 4 5 1
Fax: ( 5 0 8 ) 7 5 8 - 6 4 7 4
W e b Site: www.gcsane.org
Newsletter Editor . . . .
Contributing E d i t o r
B u s i n e s s Manager

Kenneth C r i m m i n g s
Gerry Finn
Julie Hestern
(E-Mail: Jeh25@aol.com)

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 i s
maintained. W e would appreciate a credit line.

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"If for some reason
the contract at my
present club isn't
renewed, and I have
not been negligent in
my duties, I have the
chance to move
somewhere else
within the company's
managerial network
Steve Tibbels, CGCS
ValleyCrest

One of the attractions for a superintendent working for a maintenance company
like ValleyCrest is the significant reduction
or absence of "politics" and its influence
on the superintendent's job and operation.
"The responsibilities and duties of both
parties are clearly outlined in a contract
which is administered jointly by myself
and the Golf Management and Operations
committee of Acushnet. I am responsible
to the residents of the Town of Acushnet
through the Golf Management and
Operations Committee," described
Tibbels. " W e work together toward a
common goal. Personality clashes, hidden
continued on page 4

CALENDAR . . .
M a r c h 10

G C S A N E Monthly

Meeting

T o u r n a m e n t Players Club
N o r t o n , Mass.
Supt. - T o m B r o d e u r
U S G A Rules R e f r e s h e r ;

continued from page I
A superintendent working for ValleyCrest has job security, this according to
Tibbels, who serves as an informative and
energetic spokesman for his company.
" W e work under a contract which affords
some protection for the superintendent,"
he tells. "If for some reason the contract
at my present club isn't renewed, and
I have not been negligent in my duties, I
have the chance to move somewhere else
within the company's managerial network.
But that's something I don't even think
about."
ValleyCrest gives its head superintendents the responsibility for filling staff
positions. It also has a strict regimen
of checks and balances in that the
superintendent's performance on and
off the course comes under inspection.
Regional managers visit courses once per
month to make sure the job is being
handled correctly. "The course condition
and operation are completely reviewed
twice a year," he says. " W e have weekly
safety meetings, conducted by safety
managers and reviewed by regional safety
personnel. I believe the additional checks
and balances aid in professional growth.
As for my personal input, I run the maintenance program at Acushnet to the best of
my ability as I would any other position in
our profession."

M a i n t e n a n c e Facility T o u r
A p r i l 23

G C S A N E Monthly

Meeting

joint Meeting w/Cape C o d

GCSA

Eastward Ho! Country Club
C h a t h a m , Mass.
Supt. - Brian C o w a n
M a y 12

Scholarship &

Benevolence

Tournament
Wachusett Country Club
W e s t B o y l s t o n , Mass.
Supt. - M a t t h e w Marrone, C G C S
June

G C S A N E Monthly

Meeting

Shattuck Golf Club
Jaffrey, N . H .
S u p t . - Paul L a u t n e r
J u l y 28

G C S A N E Monthly

Meeting

Supt./Club Official T o u r n a m e n t
L e B a r o n Hills C o u n t r y C l u b
Lakeville, Mass.
Supt. - M a r k Kllmm
A u g u s t 26

G C S A N E Monthly
individual

Meeting

Championship

Marlborough Country Club
M a r l b o r o u g h , Mass.
Supt. - K e n n e t h Crimmings
September
October 6

TBA
GCSANE Monthly

Meeting

J u n i p e r Hills G o l f C o u r s e
N o r t h b o r o u g h , Mass.
Supt. - T h o m a s A c k l e y , C G C S
November

GCSANE Monthly

Meeting

Annual 9-Hole Meeting
Norfolk Golf Club
N o r f o l k , Mass.
Supt. - J a s o n A d a m s

Page 2

presenting GCSINE's Distinguished Serfice âward
was enjoyable presidential duty, says Jim F§tir©j
One of the really enjoyable duties the
President of our Association has, is
the presentation of the G C S A N E
Distinguished Service Award. It certainly
was a pleasure to present this year's
award to Leon V St. Pierre at our Annual
Meeting at Charles River Country Club.
Leon served as superintendent at
the Longmeadow Country Club in
Longmeadow, Mass., for over 36 years.
He served many years on the Board of
Directors of the GCSANE and was our
President from 1965 through 1968.
When I was a student and then a young
superintendent, I remember Leon as one
of the leaders in our field and a man one
would do well to emulate. But the thing
I remember most about Leon was the
respect and admiration his peers
demonstrated towards him. W e are
very honored and delighted to have

Please mark your
calendars for Saturday,
March 8, 2003.
The Massachusetts
Golf Association
Spring Conference
will be held at the
Westin-Waltham Hotel
in Waltham, Mass.
There will be four
breakout sessions
that will address
topical issues.
We think it will be
^f - a very valuable morning
for all our members.

Leon as our 2003 Distinguished Service
Award winner.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday,
March 8, 2003. The Massachusetts Golf
Association Spring Conference will be
held at the Westin-Waltham Hotel in
Waltham, Massachusetts. There will be

FROM THE PRESIDENT
four breakout sessions that will address
topical issues, jim Snow, National Director
of the USGA Green Section will lead a
session on water conservation and pesticide prohibition. There will be time for a
question and answer period after his
presentation. After the breakout sessions,
w e will hear keynote speaker Alastair
Johnston of IMG and lunch will follow.
W e think it will be a very valuable
morning for all our members.
Cleve Willis, Dean of the University
College of Natural Resources has
announced a Turfgrass Capital Campaign.
The goal of the campaign is to construct
the Dr. Joseph Troll Turfgrass research
maintenance building and lab at the turf
research farm, and fund a revolving
professorship in turf research. The
GCSANE has been asked to provide
financial assistance, communicate the
campaign message to our members, and
to organize fundraising events. W e will
certainly value any input from our
membership.
As you may know this is the centennial
anniversary of the Massachusetts Golf
Association. Another date to save is March
29, 2003 as there will be a centennial
banquet honoring the first 100 years
of golf in the Commonwealth. A commemorative book has been published
by the MGA entitled A Commonwealth of
Golf. I just received my copy and it is a
must have for everyone inyolved in
the game.
And finally, I hope to see you all at the
"Nor'easter" Hospitality room on February 13, 2003 from 6-8 p.m. at the Atlanta
Marriott Marquis.

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Jim Fltzroy, CGCS
President, GCSANE

When I was a student
and then a young
superintendent,
I remember Leon as
one of the leaders
in our field and a man
one would do well
to emulate. Bui the
thing I remember most
about Leon was the
respect and admiration
his peers demonstrated
towards him.

Above is this year's recipient of the GCSANE Distinguished Service Award, Leon V. St. Pierre. The
award was presented at the annual meeting by Jim
Pitzroy, CGCS, GCSANE president.

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Page 2

Plenty of slots on 'extended' Newsletter Committee;
editor seeks ymr ideas, articles^ n®ws5 & photos

From the Editor,
I would like to ask all members of this
Association, Superintendent, Assistant
Superintendent, Honorary, Retired,
Affiliate, and Friends to be on the
Newsletter Committee. As a committee
w e shall provide information, stories, and
photos to our members. These items
may be informative, humorous, or a
personal experience. Although technology
(e-mail, cell phones, scanners, etc.) has
made some aspects of The Newsletter
easier to produce, the fact remains that
people are harder to reach than ever.
If each of you could supply a small piece
of material relative to our industry w e
will all benefit.

I am located in the Metrowest area of
Massachusetts, but The Newsletter is
mailed to all six New England states.
While I am aware of most happenings in
my area, there may be very important
issues in your area that myself or many
others would have no way of knowing
about. The Newsletter is a way to make us
all aware of what is happening on your

Even if such
information is not
substantial enough
for a separate article,
we can include small
bits of information
in Divot Drift.
Remember, we are
an association, and
if only one other
member benefits from
your input, then it was
worth your time.

course, town, county, or state that may
be relevant to all of us.
I understand thai putting something
together suitable for print may take a few

FROM THE EDITOR
minutes (believe me, I know), but it could
be as easy as expanding on an article you
have already written for the publication at
your own club. It may be clipping and
faxing an article from your local newspaper
pertaining to local regulations a group
is trying to get passed. Even if such
information is not substantial enough for
a separate article, w e can include small bits
of information in Divot Drift. Remember,
w e are an association, and if only one

other member benefits from your input,
then it was worth your time.
Finally, I am always looking for photos.
Everyone has pictures of their course,
whether it is wildlife, vandalism, major
projects, new facilities, celebrities, etc.
I would ask that you send them to The
Newsletter. Include a caption, or we can
make one up, although that could get
dangerous. Anything or everything should
be sent to myself or Julie Hesion via
e-mail, fax, or regular mail. All of our
contact information can be found on the
inside cover of The Newsletter.

Thank y©u,
Ken Crinmrrsings
Golf Course Superintendent
Newsletter

Editor

The goif course management company:
A threat! Or the way off the future?
Continued from page 2
agendas and partisan biases have no
significant impact on my job."
Kevin Osgood, who served as GCSANE
president in 1998-1999, takes pride in the
fact that he's a hands-on owner of his
company with extensive background in
the game and a sincere sense of compassion for those who service it. He likes to
think of his operation as a family-oriented
means to success for all involved.
Sterling has seven courses in its fold.
Newton Commonwealth is one of thern
and Osgood still lists himself as superintendent. "This (superintendent career)
has been my life," he remarks. "I've been
in and around golf since I was 13 yearsold. And I've been involved in every
aspect of its operation. When w e assume
control of a course, I try to retain all of
the existing personnel.
"Every person on staff has a chance
to retain their job. Job applications are
available and everyone can apply. Usually,
it's more likely that we will retain them.
I've gone over the list of courses we
operate, noting the situation when it
comes to superintendents. None have

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been replaced other than those who
chose not to re-apply for their positions."
On the same subject, Osgood wonders
about the notion that golf course management companies are a threat to the job
security of superintendents. "On the
contrary," he opines. "I think one
of the biggest benefits we offer our
continued on page 6

W e may not have
the sky-high salaries
of some private clubs,
but we have bells and
whistles that can
compete with them.55
Kevin Osgood __
Sterling Golf Course'
Management, Inc.

Page 2
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i i i i M f i M i i i l U A l M ::

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""Remember When?: GCStHE9s past lives on
in the yd ¡owed pages of our old ffewstetters
Memember When? is a monthly look at the
people and events of GCSANE's past.

25 Years Ag©

The budget is the original mind buster
in golf operational circles. There doesn't
seem to be any definite way of determining one that fills the needs of the game at
a universal level. What appears high in
Massachusetts might appear moderate
in Kansas. What might appear to be low
in N e w York could be just what the
accountant ordered In Louisiana.
Whatever, one glaring compromise
shared by all in bringing the golfer the
best possible playing conditions is the
realization that budgets have been placed
on the steep spiral in the past 10 years.
Budget studies, conducted by the firm
of Harris, Kerr, Foster, & Company, show
that in the decade between 1956 and
—1966 the average cost per hole for
laintenance rose from $2,680 to $3,807.
In the next decade or the one ending in
1976 the cost per hole jumped to $7,38 i.
Tag-on variables like payroll taxes, repairs
and other cost items bring that figure to
$8,441 per hole. And climbing.
The average cost stepped up another
7 percent in 1977 and at least the same
jump is expected this year. Therefore, as
costs increase and budget items multiply
it appears that golf course annual budgets
are headed for the $200,000 mark. What
will they be i 0, 20, 30 years from now?
Such projection stretches them beyond
comprehension.

P

. . . as costs increase
and budget items
multiply, it appears
that golf course annual
budgets are headed
for the $200,000 mart
25 Years Ago

Appointed committee chairmen for 1978
include Ronald Kirkman, membership;
Robert Johnson, finance; Pierre Coste,
education; Ken Mooradian, golf; Larry Bunn,
Newsletter; Norman Mucciarone, welfare;
Larry Bunn, employment; Burt Frederick,
publicity; Dr. Joseph Troll, turf research;
Donald Hearn, bylaws; Wayne Zoppo,
parliamentarian; Robert Grant, Donald
Hearn, MGA liaison; Max Miezwa,
monthly tickets.

REMEMBER WHEN?
President Dean Robertson reminds one
and all of the importance of the Lawrence
S. Dickinson Memorial Fund and the golf
superintendent's obligation to support it.
For those who didn't know, Professor Dickinson was the founder of the Greenskeepers
at the University of Massachusetts in 1927.
The first class had nine people enrolled.
At first, it was a i 0-week program that he
later developed into a two-year course at
Stockbridge extension. In 1962, Prof.
Dickinson was presented the USGA Green
Section Award for distinguished service.

5 5 Years Ago

The 57th Mass. Turfgrass Conference
6 Industrial Show will be staged Feb. 29 March 3 at the Springfield Civic Center.
Some of the interesting sessions include
" H o w Toxic Are Golf Course Chemicals"
to be conducted by Dr. Paul Sartoretto;
"The Golf Course Superintendent and the
Environment," Monroe S. Miller; "Turfgrass
Challenges of the South," George Thompson;
"Golf Course Restoration," Rees Jones;
"Maintaining Newly Restored Areas ofTurf,"
William Spence; "Obtaining Water the Hard
Way," Anthony Caranci and "The Biggest
Problem of Golf Course Turf," James Snow.

The MGA Spring Conference & meeting is scheduled February 27. The speaker
for the Green Section will be Tom Morgan,
USGA Green Section Agronomist in
charge of tournament preparation.
A navy blue overcoat, size 43-regular,
was taken by mistake at the Christmas
party at Needham Golf Club. Contact John
Lenhart. You have his and he has yours.

S § Years Ago

Troll-Dickinson Scholarship Award
winners include: Louis Peter Bettencourt,
Westport; Mark Daly, Boston; Richard
Gniadek, Pittsfield; Paul Hallock, Marlborough; Robert Hartley III, S. Hadley; Norman
Raymond Lafaille, Spencer; William Leger,
Southbridge; Michael Luccini, Franklin;
Jonathan Miller, Marblehead; Peter Nystrom,
Sandwich; Dennis O'Kane, Boston; Robert
S. Reichert, Deerfield; Robert Varanka,
Springfield; Jonathan Zuk, Unionville,
Conn. Awards will be presented at the
Massachusetts Turf Conference.
Bylaw change proposal: Proposed
Article IV - Section 5. "Assistant Members."
An Assistant Member shall be employed
by a golf course as an Assistant to the Golf
Course Superintendent. He shall have all
of the privileges of the Association but shall
not have the right to vote or hold office.
He shall pay such initiation fee and annual
dues as established by the Association.
Eric Newell attended the 1993
Government Relations Seminar at the
national convention in Anaheim. For those
of you interested, he has information on
how to deal with the media; pros and
cons to pre-emption; wetland issues; and
posting and notification issues.
Just in case you missed it, our
association champion Greg Misodoulakis
knocked in a hole-in-one at the Walt
Disney Golf Course.
GiftflY FINN

just in case
you missed it, our
association champion
Greg Misodoulakis
knocked in a hole-in-one
at the Walt Disney
Golf Course.
5 Years Ago

Page 6
i d L l j á ü a i J i i u L . l A U i u i J i l a U i l a L l i ^

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Management companies: Threat? Or the way of the future?
Continued

from page 4

superintendents is job security. T h e y a r e
their o w n managers in o u r operation.
A n d they can m o v e around within the
c o m p a n y to i m p r o v e their positions."
" T h e y have no o n e to answer to other
than myself and my maintenance director.
W e may not have the sky-high salaries of
s o m e private clubs, but w e have bells and
whistles that can c o m p e t e with them. F o r
example, w e have a 401K plan with a 25

" T h e r e definitely is a place for golf

percent company match. W e ' r e also able

course management companies in the

t o be flexible with vacations. W e ' r e able

business," Kevin concludes. " W e can be

t o transfer personnel to fill in to allow

a huge help to those w h o fall in that

vacations during the golf season. Being a

category. W e ' r e also good for the golf

superintendent here is a stable position."

course superintendent and the profession

Osgood, w h o started the business in

he represents. A f t e r ail, I am and remain a

1993, likes to confine involvement to

golf course superintendent. I'll always

municipal courses and public courses w i t h

think of myself as that."

non-active owners. H e ' s also convinced
that N e w England serves as his service

GERRY

grounds. H e ' s not interested in straying

FINN

beyond its boundaries.

DIVGT DRIFT.. oanîi@iiiïic®mesitsoaoeducaiSoiial sem¡nars...job opportunities
...tournament results...and miscellaneous items oí interest t© the membership.
MEMBERSHIP
Proposed for Membership: Tyler Cradler,
Assistant Superintendent, Haverhill Country
Club; Peter Kelleher, Assistant Superintendent,
Indian Ridge Country Club; Joseph Smith Jr.,
Assistant Superintendent, Cedar Hill Golf Course;
Thomas McManamin, Assistant Superintendent,
Worcester Country Club; William Sansone,
Assistant Superintendent, Dedham Country &
Polo Club; Jason Mulcahy, Affiliate, Lesco; Kevin
McDonough, Affiliate, R.F. Morse.
Weicome ¡New Members: Tom Albert, Superintendent, Hopedale Country Club; Kurt
Calderwood, Assistant Superintendent, Dedham
Country and Polo Club; Jess Hamilton, Assistant
Superintendent, Bass Rocks Golf Club; Michael
Ripley, Assistant Superintendent, Blue Hill Country Club; Brent Sevigny, Assistant Superintendent,
Franklin Country Club; John McCarty, Assistant
Superintendent, Franklin Country Club; Jon Targett, Assistant Superintendent, The Internationa!
Golf Club; Ryan Turner, Assistant Superintendent,
Country Club of Pittsfield; Jeff Stouffer, Affiliate,
Turf Products.

ma

and binding costs. (Checks should be made out to
the RIGCSA.) If you wish to participate, please
submit materials by March i, 2003. On the day of
our meeting, we will present to you a packet of
information summarizing ail budgets that were
submitted by March I. All information will be held
confidential and be available only to those who
participate. For more information, please contact:
Steve Tibbels, CGCS, Acushnet River Valley Golf
Course; phone: 508-985-0047; fax: 508-9850048; E-mail: AcushnetRiverValley@msn.com; or
Julie Heston at phone/fax: (401) 934-7660.
From the G C S A M E office: Please be patient
during the continued fine-tuning of the new phone
system at the Norton facility.
Congratulations to Scott Reynolds and his wife
Eleanor on the birth of their son Cole Conroy
Reynolds (10 ib. 3 oz; 22" long). Reports say he
looks just like Scotty.
Condolences are extended to Charlie Dickow
and family on the recent passing of Charlie's
mother.
Condolences are extended to Joe Rybka and
family on the recent passing of Joe's sister.

INFORMATION

Condolences to Kevin Lyons and his family on the
passing of Kevin's sister.

The annusi Caratici Budget Meeting will be
held in March 2003. The date and location are still
being coordinated, so a postcard will be sent with
pertinent information. Beginning this year Julie
Heston, executive secretary of the Rhode island
GCSÀ, will assist Brian Gibtin, CGCS, and Steve
Tibbels, CGCS, in the collection and organization
of budget survey information. Please complete all
sections of the survey. Mail one copy of the
completed survey plus one copy of your 2002
budget and one copy of your most recent pay stub
to Julie Heston, Executive Secretary, R.I. GCSA,
36 Ellsha Mathewson Rd., North Scituate, RI
02857. Also please include $8.00 to cover copying

G C S A A Professional Development: Building
on Success packet. GCSAA has developed a
packet to help members understand PDI and to
present this information and their commitment to
professional development to their employers.
This packet is free to members. For more information and a copy, please contact the GCSAA
Service Center at (800) 472-7878
UMass/Stockbridge W i n t e r School invites
alumni and friends to its Breakfast Reunion at the
N.E. Regional Turfgrass Conference & Show in
Providence, R.I. Please join Joe & Lonnie Troll as
we celebrate and reflect on 81 years of turf edu-

cation at UMass. There will be a "special" guest
speaker. Who's invited: alumni of Stockbridge,
UMass, Winter School, and all friends of the
UMass turf program. The Breakfast Reunion will
be Wed., March 19, 2003, 8 a.m., in the Rotunda
Room of the Providence Convention Center.

POSITION OPENINGS
Hudson Golf has several positions available: superintendent, Haystack G.C., Wilmington, Vt.;
assistant superintendent, Townsend Ridge G.C.,
Townsend, Mass.; 2nd assistant superintendent,
Charter Oak C.C., Hudson, Mass.; and interns at
all locations. Educational requirements for superintendent and assistant positions include a
certificate or 2- or 4-year degree in a turf related
field; and a minimum two years of experience on
a golf course. W e are also seeking summer interns
interested in improving their skills for a career in
golf course management. Applicants must be willing to work 50+ hours per week. Salary is $ 10 per
hour. Benefits include uniforms and golfing privileges. Employment begins in spring 2003.
Application deadline: positions open until filled.
Send cover letter and resume to: Scott Reynolds,
Director of Course Operations, P.O. Box 814,
Hudson, MA 01749; phone: (978) 562-0800; fax:
(978) 562-0198.
Second Assistant Superintendent. Poquoy
Brook Golf Course, Lakeville, Mass., has a fulltime position available immediately at this 18-hole
public golf course. Responsibilities include
irrigation, fertilization, pesticide application, and
supervising of maintenance crew. Applicant must
have experience in golf course maintenance and
possess a Massachusetts pesticide applicators license. Salary and benefits commensurate with
experience. Deadline for position: Open until
filled. Send resume to: Poquoy Brook Golf
Course, Mike Cummings, Superintendent, 20
Leonard Street, Lakeville, MA 02347.

H H H
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Syringing made easy...

Reelcraft Industries Inc. Introduces

A New Product for Retrofit or New
Construction

The DGM System Bringing Syringing into the "21st" Century

NEW - Hose handling concept designed to
make syringing of greens easier and more
efficient and economical,
The system utilizes a Direct under-Ground
Maintenance Retractable Hose Reel
System ("DGM" system) ™ installed permanently at each green with a seventy five
foot (75') 3/4" l,D, water hose (typical), The
system is easily and quickly accessible
whenever syringing is required and just as

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190

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musse

An Innovative Product for
Efficient Irrigation Management
A few of the tangible BENEFITS:

•

PGM Syringing System

Enhanced ability to preserve the conditions of golf course by
reducing course wear and tear/turf damage from driving carts
and dragging hoses on turf.

More professional look for golf course; do not have to drag
hoses from green or leave hoses on sides of fairways and
greens.
•

P G M 83075 OLP
PGM 85100 OLP

159#
159#
L

I.P., In.

3/4"
5/8"

100'
X

W

X

H

39'/4" X 267," X 40"

The Above Models Include
•Spring r e t r a c t a b l e h o s e reel i n c l u d e s h o s e

w i t h V 4 " m a l e h o s e t h r e a d , 3'x 3 / 4 " inlet h o s e

Irrigation system can be pressurized to act as a blower for
leaves and other debris on greens; this will save time and allow
for a much more effective mowing process (system must be
hooked-up to a compressor and the water blown out),
Maximizes labor efficiency by making the job easier and less
burdensome to greenskeepers (takes out the monotony of the
job).

3

Hose
Length, Ft.
75'

WGT.

Overall - Inches

Less interruption / inconvenience for golfers.

»

Model No.

w i t h 3 / 4 " NPTF S w i v e l fitting c o n n e c t i o n
latch ratchet.

» H i g h D e n s i t y P o l y e t h y l e n e (HDPE)

and

enclosure

with r e m o v a b l e c o v e r a n d h o s e spout with
locking cover.

•Unit is s u p p l i e d w i t h stainless s t e e l s u p p o r t
rails.

-Easy hose c h a n g e

feature.

• " N e w " Stainless s t e e l d r i v e spring.

Hand watering vs, sprinkler watering will give a more even and /
or isolated watering distribution to the green; more effective
and higher quality application will preserve and protect the
green from bad exposures,

3

r

Provides the resources to react timely in urgent situations such

3

as extreme heat stress, dry conditions, and possible hydraulic oil
leaks,
Cost of units for eighteen holes is a small fraction
compared to the overall costs of a full irrigation system.
Patent

REELS FOR ALL

Pending

YOUR TURF
CARE

NEW1

NEEDS

TOWABLE H O S E REEL TRAILER

®

ô FEELCRÂFT
2 8 4 2 E. B u s i n e s s 30 • P. O. Box 248
Columbia City, IN 4 6 7 2 5
(800)444-3134 • (260)248-8188
Fax:(800)444-4587
e-mail: reelcraft@reelcraft.com
web site: www.reelcraft.com

Authorized Reelcraft

DGM

Distributor

LIE

1 Smagwood IRood
Foster, Rl 02825
Phone/Fax: (401) 647-0550
e-mail: davem@dgmsystem.corn
w e b site: www.dgmsystem.com
Form NO.1113-302DM

c

Page 2

Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
A-OKTur! Equipment inc.

1357 Main St., Coventry, Rl 02816-8435
Articulator, Terra Topper, Greens Groomer
brush, & used equipment.
Mike Cornicelii-(401) 826-2584

A.A. Will Materials Corp.

P. 0. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles.
Dave Farina, Darin Eddy, Darren Orr
(800) 662-2585

Country Golf, Inc.

Lesco Inc.

104Wyman Rd„ Braintree, MA 02184
OSHA and EPA compliance services S training.
Ron Smith-(781) 848-5978

DHT Golf Services

71 Concord St, P. 0. Box 127, N. Reading, MA 01864
Water supply specialists; wells & pumping equipment.
(781)933-3210

5 Timberwood R d , #108, Goffstown, NH 03045
Professional stump chipping service.
Brendan McQuade - (603) 625-4165

McNulty Construction Corp.

Tee S Green Sod, Inc.

Miller Golf Construction

Tom Irwin Inc.

DGM Systems

Agreeource.Inc.

dba Weed &Feed, Inc.
20 Clark Lane, Marshfield, MA 02050
Golf course renovation & construction in all areas:
bunkers, tees, greens, drainage, irrigation, & cart paths.
Dahn Tibbett, Chip Breariey - (781) 837-3503

Michael Drake Construction, Inc.

100 Main St., Amesbury, MA 01913
Tim Gould, Guy Travers
(800)313-3320, (978) 388-5110

240 Walnut St., Framingham, MA 01702
Golf course reconstruction; professional shaper.
Michael Drake - (508) 875-8247

The Andersons Technologies, Inc.

EZGO/Tsxtron

26 Waite Ave., S. Hadley, MA 01075
Manufacturer of fertilizer S control products.
Rick Fomi-(413) 534-8896

30 Peace Pipe Terrace, Smithfield, Rl 02917
(401)419-7409

Armstrong Golf Architects, LLC

640 Hale St., Beveriy Farms, MA 01915
Complete tree care, landscape design &
construction, disease control, long-range planning.
Ben Staples - (978) 927-1590

76 S. New Boston Rd., Francestown, NH 02043
Golf course design & renovation. (603) 547-3132

Aventis Environmental Science

311 Carnage Dr., Kensington, CT 06037
Acclaim Extra. Banol. Chipco, DeltaGard, Finale,
ProGrass, ProStar, Proxy, Sevin, Turcam.
David Sylvester - (860) 828-8905

Bay State Fertilizer/MWRA

100 First Ave., Boston, MA 02129
Manufacturer & supplier of dry organic fertilizers.
Kristen Patneaude - (617) 788-4437

Bayer Environmental Science

Bayleton, Compass, Dyiox, Merit, Nemacur Tempo.
J i m Santoro - (508) 679-4797

The Borden Company

114 Summer St., Maynard, MA 01754
Bulk limestone dealer.
Jack Borden - (978) 897-2571

Boston Irrigation Supply Company

60 Sturgis Way, Dedham, MA 02026
Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories.
Andy Langlois, J . Anderson III, Ron Milenski
(800) 225-8006

ESoarke & Tannery Turf Care dba "DryJect"

48 Hardwick Terrace, Brighton, MA 02135
Aerification & filling of holes with dry material in one
pass on greens, tees, or problem spots on fairways.
Rory Bourke - (617) 779-8873

The Cardinals, Inc.

166 River Rd., P.O. Box 520, Unionville, CT 06085
Golf course and landscape supplies.
John Callahan, Dennis Friel - (800) 861-6256

Cavlcchio Landscape Supply, Inc.

110 Codjer Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776
Annuals, perennials, garden mums, ground
covers, loam, and mulch.
Darren Young - (978) 443-7177

Cedar Lawn Tree Service, Inc.

32 Nickerson Rd., Ashland, MA 01721
Pruning, fertilization, removal, & professional care.
William P. Maley - (508) 881-2622

Ciccarelli Landscaping

Wobum, MA 01801
Reverse rototilling, cultivating.
(781)938-5055

Clean Quest

P. 0. Box 1102, Southbury, CT 06488
Distributors of the Landa Water system for treating
wash water, Safety Storage chemical buildings,
& Octaflex portable wash pads.
Steven Burnett, Michael Wende - (800) 521-5585

Cornish, Silva, & ftiungeum, Inc.

207 N. Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
Golf course architects.
(508)278-3407

Sodco Inc.

I Snagwood R d „ Foster, Rl 02825
Distributor of Reelcraft products & inventor of the
Direct Underground Maintenance Syringing System.
Manny Mihailides - (401) 647-0550

Accusoils

Alien's Seed Store Inc.

Lazaro's Golf Course Supplies & Accessories

Simplst Partners, Inc.

15 Londonderry R d , Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Chuck Bramhali, Mike Kroian, Mike Nagle,
J i m Wierzbicki - (800) 228-6656

P. O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Bluegrass/Fescue, Bluegrass/Rye,
Bluegrass/Fescue/ Rye, Bentgrass.
Sean Morari, Pat Hogan - (800) 341-6900

4852 Westchester Dr„ Traverse City, Ml 49684
Golf course construction & reconstruction;
specialists in Donald Ross courses.
Jerry Deemer - (616) 947-5751

693 S. County Trail, Exeter, Rl 02822
Specializing in quality seed and related
golf course maintenance supplies.
Gregg Allen - (800) 527-3898

Landmark Construction

P.O. Box 662, Winchester, MA 01890
Tee/bunker shaping & remodeling, cart paths,
Drainage, tree planting, landscape construction.
Daniel Champion - (781) 729-3250

dba Hammond Paint and Chemical C o , inc.
738 Main S t , Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154
Complete line of golf course accessories;
Standard, Par Aide, Eagle One.
Joe Lazaro - (781) 647-3361

168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072-1748
Top dressing & bunker sand, decorative stone,
landscape materials, wholesale nursery stock.
Charlie Downing, Mike Read - (800) 4-AA-WILL

P.O. Box 1125, Carver, MA 02330
Topdressing sand & mixes, divot mix, greens & tees,
root zone mix, bunker sand, cart path mix, stablizer,
& greens care analysis.
J o e Farina, Frank Santos - (866) 222-6644

1

Country Club Enterprises

F.A. Barflett Tree Expert Co.

Gold Star Nursery a Sod Farm

250 West Rd., Canterbury, NH 03224-2127
Growers of turfgrass and ornamentals.
Malcolm McPhail
Lexington, MA-(781) 861-1111
Canterbury, NH - (603) 783-4717

20005 Lake R d , Rocky River, OH 44116
Ron Tumiski, Mike Donohue - (800) 321-5325

D.L. Matter Co.

P. 0. Box 3218, Framingham, MA 01705
Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways,
parking areas; imprinted asphalt.
John McNulty - (508) 879-8875
1 Leicester Rd„ Marblehead, MA 01945
Golf course construction 8c renovation.
Jonathon Miller-(781)631-2030

S.V. Moffett Co., Inc.

33 Thraway Park Dr., W . Henrietta, NY 14586
Commercial turf & irrigation equipment
Bill Stinson-(716) 334-0100

R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.

22 Cranberry H w y , Wareham, MA 02576
Larry Anshewiiz, Jack Cronin,
Chris Cowan, Doug Dondero - (508) 295-1553

Nardorte Sand and Grave!, inc.

Golf Cart Services. Inc.

37 Power R d , Westford, MA 01886
Topdressing sand & mixes, bunker sands, root-zone
mixes, loam, cart path materials, drainage stone.
Greg Frederick - (978) 692-8221

GPS New England Mapping

5 Cushing Dr., Wrentham, MA 02093
Sales, service, rentals, leasing, Kubota tractors
(508)384-0011

275 Wells St., Greenfield, MA 01301
Club Car golf, turf, transportation, & utility cars.
James Bemier - (800) 287-0955
39 Cedar St., Cohasset, MA 02025
Precise irrigation & drainage as-builts;
wire tracking & electrical repairs.
Greg Albanese - (781) 789-1166

Greeno, Inc.

2352 Main St., Concord, MA 01742
Tree transplanirng, landscape construction, & masonry.
Kevin Mulcahy - (800) 439-7244

Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc.

P. 0. Box 9169, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski, Robin Hayes
(800) 326-HART

Hartney Greymoat

433 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02492
Tree care, landscape construction, consulting.
Mark Tobln - (781) 444-1227

Holliston Sand Co., Inc.

P. 0. Box 1168, Titft Rd., Slatersville, Rl 02876
USGA-recommended sands, root-zone mixes, bunker &
topdressing, agresoS, compost stone-dust & pea-stone
Bob Chalifour, CGCS (ret.) - (401) 766-5010

International Golf Construction Co.

5 Purcell R d , Arlington, MA 02474
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganis - (781) 648-2351;
(508) 428-3022

Norfolk Power Equipment, Inc.

North Shore Hydraseedistg

20 Wenham S t , Danvers, MA 01923
Hydroseeding, erosion control, & tree services.
Brian King - (978) 762-8737

Partae Peat Corporation

Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, N J 07838
Heat treated topdressing, golf hole targets,
turf blankets, other specialty oolf supplies.
Jim Kelsey - (800) 247-2326

Prescription Turf Services, inc.

P. O. Box 39, Middleton, MA 01949
Deep-tine and hydro-injection services, custom
fertilizer & pesticide applications, fairway aeration,
topdressing operations. (978) 777-1663

Putnam Pipe Corp.

90 Elm S t , Hopkinton, MA 01748
Underground water, sewer, & drain piping sales.
6 distribution. 24-hour service. Eliiot Putnam,
David Putnam, Eli Potty - (508) 435-3090

R A D . Corp.

269 Hanover S t , Hanover, MA 02339
Golf course construction, greens, tees, bunkers,
drainage, earth-moving, ponds, & water features.
Robert M. Delmonico - (781) 826-2800

Rotondo Precast

2910 Dranefirld R d , Lakeland, FL 33811
Ray Duffy - (800) 995-8720, (860) 646-0259

151 Old Farms Road, Avon, CT 06001
Precast concrete buildings for chemical & equipment
storage. Fully-equipped restroom buildings also available. Bob Anania - (860) 673-3291

irrigation Management & Services

Sawtelle Brothers, Inc.

international Turf Applicators

21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760
Irrigation consultation, design, and system evaluation.
Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (508) 653-0625

Ken Jones Tire, Inc.

65 Glenn S t , Lawrence, MA 01843
Larry Bunn,, Jim Favreau, John Lenhart,
Al Vadala, George Wise - (800) 999-8873

SBI Turf Services

71-73 Chandler S t , Worcester, MA 01613
Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, tracks,
cars, industrial equipment, and golf cars.
Gerry Jones - (508) 755-5255

65 Glenn S t , Lawrence, MA 01843
Deep-tine, core, & water-injection aerification,
D0L & Verti-Seed overseeding, irrigation services.
J i m Favreau - (800) 999-TURF

Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation

Shawnmark Industries, Inc.

I I Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02420-4483
Marc Utera-(781) 862-2550

.tiiiUli.ijtUi.iU^Ll^iUii.iiiihi^

P. O. Box 8966, Warwick, Rl 02999
MattHowland-(401) 295-1673

Sports Club Management

Stumps Are Us

P.O. Box 418, Exeter, Rl 02822
Bentgrass, Bluegrass, & Blue/Fescue sod.
Dave Wallace-(401) 789-8177
Scott McLeod-(401) 641-3814
11 A S t , Burlington, MA 01803
Turf management products.
Jack Petersen, Paul Skafas, Rob Larson, Chris Petersen,
Greg Mlsodoulakis, Mike Fontaine
(800) 582-5959

Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.

P. 0. Box 167, Wood River Junction, Rl 02894
Chris Beasley - (800) 556-6985

Turfgrass Environmental Consulting

47 Falmouth Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106
IPM plans for permit projects, wildlife enhancement
projects, & water quality monitoring programs.
John Bresnahan - (413) 565-5340

TtirtLinks, Inc.

16 Kane Industrial Dr., Hudson, MA 01749
Distributor of quality fertilzer, grass seed,
6 control products for the golf course industry.
Kevin Lyons, Scott Mackintosh, J i m Cohen
(866) 567-9221

Turf Enhancement Enterprises

6 Jessica J Dr., Millbury, MA 01527
Floratine products, Precision Small Engine C o ,
Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts.
Tom Fox-(508) 865-9150

TurfNet Associates, Inc.

21 Brandywine R d , Skiliman, NJ 08558
Cutting edge communicaion for the golf course industry.
Peter McCormick - (800) 314-7929

Turf Products Corp.

157 Moody R d , Enfield, CT 06082
Distributors of Torn irrigation & maintenance
equipment and other golf-related products.
Tim Berge, Mark Daly, Paul Hallock,
Rick Moulton, Mike Turner - (800) 243-4355

United Horticultural Supply

18 Legate Hill R d , Sterling, MA 01564
Fertilizer, seed, chemicals, & IPM.
Glenn Larabee, Bruce Chapman, Mark Miller
(800) 224-4440

Varney Bros. Sand & Gravel

79 Hartford Ave, Bellingham, MA 02019
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian - (800) 441-7373

Waterfiowers Ecological Design

116 North Street, North Reading, MA 01864
Environmental audits, planning/design,
& permits for all environmental details.
Terry Bastian - (978) 664-8059

Winding Brook Turf Farm

Wethersfield, CT 06109
Peter DeBrusk - (800) 243-0232

WinfieltJ Nursery, Inc.

1700 Mountain R d , W. Suffield, CT 06093
Wholesale nursery supplies, including fertilizer, grass seed,
turf control products, and landscaping trees & shrubs.
J o e Trosky - (860) 668-5225

Philip Wogan & George F. Sargent, Jr.

17 Walker R d , Topsfield, MA 01983
Golf course architects.
(978) 887-3672

Zip Type Printing Services, Inc.

50 Kent Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
Design, printing, mailing, advertising specialties.
Sheila Johnson - (978) 462-9358

Page 8

AÜÜALiMiiiMÜALUdLlAULLiiÜALljdLiiiiiALiäiiL

Meet Host Superintendent Tom Brodeur, Tournament Players ClubHost superintendent for the March meeting of the G C S A N E is Tom Brodeur of
Tournament Players Club of Boston in
Norton, Mass.

Tom graduated from the Stockbridge
School of Agriculture at UMass in 1978,
and continued his career at golf courses in
Massachusetts and Illinois. Previous to his
role at TPC, he was the superintendent at
Essex Country Club in Manchester-bythe-Sea, Mass. (1986-1991) and then at
Crystal Tree Golf & Country Club in
Orland Park, 111.(1991 -2001). He is a 7year member of G C S A N E and has also
served on the board of directors of the

Chicagoland Association of Goif Course
Superintendents.

HOST PROFILE
He enjoys his time at home with his
wife Maureen and their four daughters.
His other interests include photography
and skiing.

Tournament Players Q u b Facts:
Superintendent: . . . . Thomas Brodeur
Goif Professional: . . . . . Douglas Erhalt
General Manager
Jim O'Mara
Number of Members:
260
Terrain:
Slightly rolling
Architect:
Arnold Palmer
Year Organized:
2002
Par:
72

Regular Yardage:

6656
(Rating: 72.7/137)
Ladies Yardage:
5282
(Rating: 71.9/127)
Championship Yardage:
7178
(Rating: 74.8/143)
Greens (yardage & type): . 151,000 sq. ft.
A-4 Creeping Bent
Tees (yardage & type): . . 232,000 sq. ft.
Princeville Creeping Bent
Fairways (acres and type): . . 31.5 acres
Princeville Creeping Bent
Roughs (acres and type): . . . . 60 acres
Fescue/Blue Mix
Carts:
Continuous cart paths

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