LETTER

October 2006

of the Golf Course Superintendents

Association of New England, Inc.

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The Results are in
The GCSANE Superintendent Survey - Part I
By: Mark Gagne, Andrew Eick and John Eggleston
This month our feature story is based on a survey recently sent to all GCSANE superintendent members. We asked you
how you manage your crew, how you manage yourself, and how you manage particular aspects of your operation. The types of
questions we may not ask each other, but in always wanting to compare, would like to know the answers to. The survey results
will be published in two parts, with the second part being featured next month.
The response exceeded our expectations; nearly 100 of our 300 superintendent members replied. Of those who responded, 71 gave their identity and offered commentary to their responses. The group includes private, public, 9, 18 and 36
holes facilities. The group is also geographically well represented, and includes members from throughout the northeast.
We are interested In your feedback as to this new style of feature article, and are asking for topics that we might survey the
membership in similar fashion in the future.
Much effort went into responding to the questions and compiling the data. Thanks to all of who took time out to complete
the survey. Many thanks to Newsletter Committee members Andrew Eick of the Kittansett Club and John Eggleston of
Kernwood Country Club for their time and energy in developing the concept and helping to write this article. We hope you will
find the effort worthwhile and the results intriguing.

Managing Ourselves
1. How many hours do you w o r k during the golf season?
40-50
50-60
60-70
70-80
80+

13%
41%
30%
14%
2%

Most of the group works between 50 and 70 hours during prime time. According
to an International Labor Office survey, workers in the United States put in the
longest hours (among industrialized nations) on the job, nearly 2000 hours per
year. At an average of 60 hours per week during the golf season and 40 hours
during the off season, we end up working about 2,780 hours per year or 39%
more than the national average.

2. What time do you arrive to w o r k each day during the golf season?
3
4
5
6

to
to
to
to

4am
5am
6am
7am

3%
28%
58%
11%

Most of the group starts their work day between 4 and 6am during the high
season. Bill Yanakakis of Rockport Country Club prefers to be at his
course before 5am. "I like to catch up on paperwork or walk and scout the
course before the crew arrives at 6".

continued on page 2

continued from page 1
3. How many hours do you work during the off season?

Affiliated Chapter
PRESIDENT
Patrick S. Kriksceonaitis
4 Lakemans Lane, Ipswich, MA 01938-2505
978-526-4600
Fax: 978-526-8333
Email: Grounds@Essexcc.org
Essex Country Club
VICE PRESIDENT
Russell E. Heller, CGCS
41 Clifford Street, Melrose, MA 02176-0140
617-983-2786
Fax:617-983-2786
Email: Rheller@gcsane.org
Franklin Park Golf Course
SECRETARY
Patrick J. Daly, CGCS
P.O. Box 2284, Framlngham, MA 01703-2284
508-872-9790
Fax: 508-872-5393
Email: pat@framlnghamcc.com
Framingham Country Club

We all look to the off-season to get back to a more
"normal" schedule, rejuvenate and spend more time
with our families. Pat Daly, CGCS of Framingham
Country Club said "By the time late fall rolls around, I
hand more responsibility over to my assistant to help
give me a break. Having worked for superintendents
who had a '7 days a week, sun up to sun down' work ethic, I feel I need to put
in the long hours during the golf season to be where I want to be professionally and personally in my career."
20-30
30-40
40-50
50-60

3%
51%
43%
3%

4. What time do you arrive to work each day during the off season?
3
4
5
6
7

TREASURER
Jason S. Adams
27 Cherry Street, Wrentham, MA 02093
781-326-3801
Fax:781-326-3801
Email: Norfolksuper@hotmall.com
Norfolk Golf Club
TRUSTEE
Scott Lagana, CGCS
840 Oak Hill Road, Fltchburg, MA 01420-4899
978-342-6451
Fax: 978-342-0421
Email: grounds@oakhlllcc.org
Oak Hir Country Club

to
to
to
to
to

4am
5am
6am
7am
8am

0%
2%
17%

49%
32%

Naturally, the off-season provides an opportunity
to sleep in a little, or for personal/family time
before heading to work. Still, most of us are at our
clubs before the rest of the working world.
continued on page 4

TRUSTEE
Michael Luccinl, CGCS
672 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
508-520-3615
Fax: 508-528-1885
Email: mluccini@aol.com
Franklin Country Club
TRUSTEE
Ronald P. Dobosz
P.O. Box 541, Ludlow, MA 01056
413-589-9487
Ludlow Country Club

CALENDAR...

FINANCE CHAIRMAN
Michael W. Stachowicz
68 Westfleld Road, Westwood, MA 02090
781-326-7860
Fax: 781-326-0664
Email: Mstach@dedhamclub.org
Dedham Country and Polo Club
GOLF CHAIRMAN
James A. Small III, CGCS
690 Pine Street, Brldgewater, MA 02324-2116
508-697-4816
Fax: 508-279-3355
Email: jasili188@yahoo.com
Olde Scotland Links Golf Club
EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
David Stowe. CGCS
30 Western Avenue, Natlck, MA 01760
617-789-4631
Fax: 617-789-4631
Email: Newtonmaint@aol.com
Newton Commonwealth Golf Club

Dec. 12

Dec. 15

NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN
Mark Gagne
233 Baker Street, Walpole, MA 02081-0186
508-668-3859
Fax: 508-668-9969
Email: mgagne@walpolecc.com
Walpole Country Club
PAST PRESIDENT
Michael J. Hermanson
140 Ryan Street, Gardner, MA 01440-0145
978-632-2713
Fax: 978-632-2713
Email: herm068@hotmall.com
Gardner Municipal Golf Course

Jan. 31
2007

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Woodland Golf Club
Auburndale, MA
Host: David Mucciarone
GCSANE Holiday Gala
Belmont Country Club
Tewksbury, MA
Host: Arthur Silva, CGCS

Feb. 16-21
2007

GCSAA National
Championship &
Golf Classic / Four Ball
Palm Springs, CA

Feb. 19-24
2007

Golf Industry Show
Anaheim, CA

GCSANE Annual Meeting
Walpole Country Club
Walpole, MA
Host: Mark Gagne

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Sharon K. Brownell
P.O. Box 566, Mattapolsett, MA 02739-0566
508-758-6474
Fax: 508-758-3688
Email: Sbrownell@gcsane.org

GCSANE Headquarters
300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766
Tel: (800) 833-4451
Fax: (508) 758-6474
Web Site: www.gcsane.org
Newsletter Editor

Mark Gagne

Business Manager
Julie Heston
(401-934-3677; Email: jheston@verlzon.net)

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. We would appreciate a credit line.

Page 2

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President's Message Update on Recent GCSAA Delegates
I'm on my way back from the delegates meeting in Lawrence and I'm
excited about the direction of the
GCSAA. There have been incremental
changes the last several years for the
betterment of our association but this
year the fruits of
these small
changes appear
to be adding up.
The golf industry
show continues to
grow and expand
our educational
opportunities.
Field staffing is
finally underway.
The transparency of how the organization operates has improved as has
access to information by all members.
And the willingness to listen on how to
best help the local groups is apparent to
all in attendance.
Like it or not after 9/11 the golf
industry and our annual conference
were down. Business had pulled in the
reigns on spending. In order to keep up

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with the changing times, our national
board decided to invite in allied groups
and grow the show into a larger, more
inclusive event. There was some
grumbling but it was a wise move and
we retain control over the show and the
revenues. The opportunities to learn and
network have never been better.
This year a pilot program has been
started with field staff hired to help local
organizations. One such person is
helping the superintendent groups in
Pennsylvania and Michigan organize
their many small groups into larger units
for better coordination of services and
resources. If this pilot program is
successful, It will be expanded on to
better assist the local superintendents.
In the distant past there was some
displeasure as to the secrecy of the
national. Whether this was true or not, I
don't know, but the perception was
there. It has taken a few years to open
the doors but the secrecy has finally
disappeared. I have to thank the recent
board members for pursuing this

Meeting

mission and also the staff in Lawrence
for their willingness to change.
The delegates meeting was all
about listening to the 104 delegates in
attendance and exchanging ideas to
further our goals and industry. The
superintendent board and the paid staff
all do a great job. Give them a thank you
next time you see any of them.
On another note, I'd be remiss if I
didn't recognize Capt. Kirk's retirement
party at the Needham Golf Club. After 45
years of service, Ronnie is passing the
baton so that he can dedicate more time
to internet pursuits.
In addition to the Captain's retirement is my own. Although mine wasn't
voluntary like Ron's was, the result is the
same. Because of this the holiday party
has been moved from December 9lh at
Essex to December 15th at Belmont
Country Club. Thank you to Arthur for
stepping up and opening your club to us.
Until next month,
Pat Kriksceonaitis
GCSANE President

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continued from page 2
5.

How many rounds of golf do you play each year?
0-10
10-20
20-30
30-40

6.

46%
40%
10%
4%

With the demands on our time during the golf season, most of the group plays less
than 10 rounds and almost all less than 20 rounds of golf per year. According to a
recent National Golf Foundation study, the "average golfer" in the US manages to
play 21 rounds a year.

What percent do y o u play home and away?
Ken Crimmings, CGCS, at Marlborough Country Club likes to combine his golf with
member interaction. "I play about half of my rounds at association meetings, and the
Home 45%
other half at my club. I will often fill out a foursome for a member guest tournament and
Away 55%
the members love it when I do. Not only do I get to see the course during the afternoon,
but the dinner after golf is a great opportunity to communicate, interact and be visible.
Also, if I hear of some members that are in the lounge complaining about a particular issue
on the golf course, then I will make the effort to join them for a round. Playing golf with that group changes everything. In a relaxed setting, I can explain things like why the greens weren't as fast as usual for a recent tournament. At the end of the round, they have a much better understanding of what we are trying to accomplish; it's
worked out well for me here." Chris Donato of Bass Rocks Golf Club fits the norm, playing half his rounds at home
and half away. "It just seems to work out that way. I like to see how my course plays but I also like to get away
and see what other guys are doing and take new ideas back to my course." Chris is no slouch when he tees it up,
playing to an 8.3 handicap index. "I play in some of the member tournaments and think that by playing golf reasonably well, I have more credibility with my members, especially when it comes to making changes to the course."

7.

What do you wear to work each day?
Golf attire
Uniform
Other

73%
8%
19%

Dress for success is the saying and like it or not, what we wear to work affects our
perception as professionals. Lianne Larson of White Cliffs Country Club wrote,
"What I wear to work depends on the day's work load. It can be jeans and a golf
shirt, or if I need to meet with the Board or Finance Committee, then I wear corporate attire." Many of the "other" responses fell under the general description of
"work clothes".

8. Do you take a vacation in the summer?
Chances are as few as five years ago, summer vacations were unheard of. However, with highly
trained and multiple assistants, communication technology like email and cell phones, and a
heightened societal desire for more time with family, more managers are taking summer vacations;
or at least, considering it.
Bill Yanakakis took some time out this year. "This was the first time I took a vacation in the summer in my 18 years. But
if you have a good assistant, along with cell phone, e-mail and blackberry communication, than it makes it easier." Despite
this, when duty calls we have to make adjustments. "However, I came back earlier from vacation than I planned with the
forecast of some 100 degree weather."
"Up until this year, I never thought about taking a vacation", said Ken Crimmings.
This year I was as close as ever to
taking one as my children are at the age where they can go away for a few days and we don't want to miss summer vacations
while the kids still want to take them as a family. Timing is everything though. I jokingly told my wife that we were definitely
headed to the beach this year - we just needed to wait for the first rainy day in July. Seriously though, I would like to make it
happen in the future. The club president is very supportive and has told me a number of times that I should getaway for a few
days in the summer."
No
Yes

78%
22%

9. How many hours do you spend on the computer each day?
0-1
1-2
2-3
3-4

42%
46%
10%
2%

It may be difficult to determine exactly how much time we spend behind the
monitor as we bounce back and forth between it, the course and the crew. We
might be surprised just how much time this aspect consumes if we actually
tracked it for a short period of time. However, the majority of the group believes
they spend less than 2 hours per day on the pc.

continued on page 7
Page 4

Needham Golf Club Honors Ron Kirkman
By Mark Gagne
On October 13th, the members and
staff of Needham Golf Club honored
Ron Kirkman's 45 years of service to the
club by hosting a golf tournament and
reception.
The reception was well attended
and included many GCSANE members,
as well as current and past employees
of Kirkman. GCSANE Past President
Michael Hermanson delivered a proclamation from GCSAA CEO Steve Mona,
recognizing Kirkman's contributions to
the club and years of service to the
association.
Tim Hood, who will be taking over
for Kirkman as superintendent in the
new year, entertained the crowd with a
humorous slide show of Kirkman's
adventures over the years, and how
through his efforts, the club has become
what it is today. Daryn Brown of
Braintree Municipal Golf Club (and
Kirkman's former assistant) displayed
his skills at "roasting the host" and had
everyone roaring with tales of what it
was like to work for "The Captain".
Kirkman will continue to be involved
at Needham Golf Club, assuming the
title of "Lead Agronomic Manager" next
season.
Photo Credit: Tom Halliday

"The Captain and his boys"

Front Row (L-R): Greg Holder, Supt., Webhannet GC, Maine; Rich Hasenfus, Golf Professional,
Needham GC; The Captain; Daryn Brown, Supt., Braintree Municipal GC; Tim Hood, Needham GC
Middle Row (L-R): Mark Phillips; Steve Donohue, Vice President, Tuckahoe Turf Farms; John
Connelly, former night water man, now a member at Dedham Country & Polo; Ford Peckham,
employee, Needham GC
Back Row (L-R): Steve Buckley; John O'Leary, employee, Needham GC; Tom Phillips, assistant,
Brae Burn CC; Andy Cross, former employee, past Green Chairman and past President, Needham
GC; Phil Culgin, employee, Needham GC

October Meeting Results:
Vesper Country Club, October 2, 2006
Superintendent Division
1st Gross: 67
Ron Dobosz
Jim Small
1st Net: 62
Jason Adams
Kurt Calderwood

Combination Division
1st Gross: 76
Dick Duggan
Mike Nagle
1st Net:
61
Dennis Friel
Dave Donaghue

Long Drive: Bob Dembek
Closest to pin #4: Dick Gurski
Closest to pin #14: Peter Hasak

The Captain (right) congratulates
Tim Hood

The par 5 18th at Vesper Country Club
Page 5

December Meeting - Woodland Golf Club, Auburndale, Massachusetts
December 12, 2006
Host: David Mucciarone
Format:
• Registration: 10:30 am
• Meeting: 11:00 am
• Lunch: 12 noon
• Education: Look for details on
meeting notice cards to be mailed

Woodland Golf Club was founded in
1896 and was originally laid out by
architect Wayne Stiles. In 1927, the
course was redesigned by Donald Ross.
WCC is a founding member of the MGA
and has hosted numerous state open
and amateur championships. Francis
Ouimet was a member at WCC and
today, the club is the annual site for the
final round of the Ouimet Scholarship
Tournament.
In the mid 1990's, the club developed a master plan with architect

Stephen Kay and David has been busy
since implementing improvements,
including bunker renovation, fairway
leveling, new drainage systems and tee
renovation. Currently, David is managing
a major renovation of the 8th and 9th
holes. The fairways have been stripped
to a depth of one foot and a geotextile
installed over the subgrade. A layer of
gravel is then placed over the geotextile
for good drainage, and a root zone mix
using on site soil finishes off the surface.
DHT Golf Services is the contractor and
David says great care is being taken to
shape the finish grade for good surface
drainage. Irrigation has been replaced
where needed and new drain lines
installed. David elected to go with Penn
trio sod for the fairways, dwarf bluegrass
for the intermediate rough and a bluegrass/ryegrass blend for the primary

Chapter Delegates
Noting the association and its
members have made significant gains
on several fronts, the GCSAA Chapter
Delegates meeting, October 13-14-15,
took a strategic approach in discussing
how GCSAA could sustain that
momentum in achieving its mission,
vision and goals.
"I commend and appreciate the
Delegates for the energy they displayed
during the meeting," said Ricky Heine,
CGCS meeting chairman and GCSAA
vice-president. "They were focused and
well-prepared in giving the board of
directors and staff their perspectives on
how we achieve our long-term vision.
They took ownership of their association
and in their responsibility as delegates. It
is obvious they engaged their members
in talks before the meeting."
The exchange of ideas and
comments focused primarily on three
items: a.) the development of long-term
revenue streams to fund programs and
services; b.) growing the GCSAA
membership; c.) and positioning GCSAA
and its membership classes in the
Page 6

rough. While the fairways receive a
facelift, David is also installing new
bunkers and forward tees on #9.
John Ponti, formerly of Framingham
CC, has served as David's first assistant
for 4 years and Ethan Tease, formerly of
The Orchards GC and Walpole CC,
joined the team as 2nd assistant this
season.
David is in his 16th year as superintendent, having served previously as
assistant to his father, Norman, for 7
years. When not working, David enjoys
playing golf and spending time with his 2
sons, daughter and wife Debbie. David
and Debbie are celebrating 25 years of
marriage this year-congratulations!

Look to the Future

marketplace (primarily to employers and
influential golfers).
The financial conversations
centered on the establishment of a longterm dues pricing strategy. At the
request of the Delegates, the board and
staff presented a proposal that would tie
the establishment of membership dues
to an index (such as the Consumer
Price Index). Historically, the association
has enacted a dues increase in larger
increments on average every five to
seven years. The result has been a loss
of members. There was widespread
agreement at the meeting that smaller
dues increases would be more easily
absorbed at the facility level and less
likely to result in membership declines.
Directors further discussed the issue at
their fall meeting, October 20-21 in New
Orleans.

Tied to the discussion of revenues
was an examination of GCSAA
membership numbers. From a high of
more than 22,000 in 2001, the
association's membership has declined
approximately 10 percent to just over
20,000 today. There was agreement that

the situation has been created in large
part by a struggling golf economy and
the implementation of member
standards. Staff presented a sevenphased membership growth and
recruitment campaign enacted late last
year. Delegates supported the efforts,
realizing such an initiative will take
time to yield results and must be longterm in nature. They were especially
supportive of the GCSAA field staff
pilot program and encouraged strong
consideration for expanding it in the
near future.

The liveliest debate was on
GCSAA's philosophy regarding the
positioning of the association and its
membership classes. Delegates
shared a variety of opinions, but
ultimately agreed that for membership
standards to have value in the
marketplace, then they must be
promoted externally. There was
unanimous support that greater
resources be dedicated to marketing

continued on page 8

continued from page 4
10. Where do you eat lunch?
Break room
27%
Clubhouse
19%
Office
23%
Golf Course
5%
Combo of above 14%
Off Property
12%

Almost all of the group eats lunch on club property and the largest group prefers
the break room, no doubt to interact with the crew and join in the camaraderie.
Chris Donato usually takes his midday break in the Clubhouse. "For two reasons.
Not only is it just easier for me to have lunch in the clubhouse, but I'm also available and accessible to the members while I'm there."

11. During the golf season, do you regularly work weekends?
Surprising that most of the group works both days on the weekend? We
thought so. It stands to reason though with an average work week around 60
hours during the golf season. Chris Albrecht of Ipswich Country Club favors a
balanced approach, "I rotate every third weekend with my assistant and
foreman". In contrast, Mike Hermanson said, "I live a mile away from work. I
am a creature of habit and have been at the same course for 35 years. I love
to work and it is just a habit getting to work by 6am, seven days a week." Glen Misiaszek, CGCS of Cohasset Golf
Club added, "Working both days on the weekend is more about my comfort level than anything else. I like to stay in
a routine during the season and if I feel like I need a day off, then I take it. I typically help get the course ready for
play each morning and will come back one afternoon on the weekend to scout and help hand water if needed."
Many in the group commented that there were numerous 7 day work weeks during the 2006 season. In the "other"
category, most indicated that their need to work weekends was dependent on the weather or golf events.
Saturdays
28%
Sundays
12%
Both
43%
Alternate with Asst. 6%
Other
11%

12. How often do you feel pressed for time?
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Occasionally

52%
22%
0%
26%

Bruce Packard, CGCS of Stockbridge Golf Club wrote that he feels most pressed for time
"In the spring and fall before the help gets out of school and after they go back to school."
Russ Heller, CGCS of Franklin Park Golf Course added, "Everyone feels pressed for
time. It isn't a huge problem for me, but I do feel the crunch primarily early in the day to
get the crew going and get everything done." Pat Daly, CGCS offered his opinion, "Being
pressed for time is the nature of the business. You always feel pressed early in the
morning because the majority of the work needs to get done between 5:30 and 10:00am.
There is always more that needs to be done then time will allow." Whether related or not,
it interesting to note that the group that feels a daily time crunch was also split as to their
staff allotment being adequate or not adequate for their maintenance standards.

13. When do you tour the course?
AM
PM
Both
Other

20%
1%
74%
5%

No doubt that an important part of the day is visually inspecting the turf and conditions and
most feel it necessary to do this at least twice a day. Brett Johnson, CGCS of The International is one who makes his rounds both in the morning and the afternoon. "With 36
holes spread out over a very large piece of property, it is difficult but I try to see both
courses every day. I may not see every green or tee, but between my assistants and I,
we cover the bases. We also have a 9-hole course that I count on one of my assistants to
keep an eye on."

11. What percentage of your time do you spend on the course and in the office?
Course 72%
Office 28%

No surprises here for the averages, although it was interesting to see some major
differences throughout the group in where we spend our work day. The individual
responses for time on the course ranged from as much as 99% to as little as 20%.
Time in the office ranged from as much as 80% to as little as 1%>.

continued on page 8
Page 7

continued from page 8

Managing the Crew
1.

How many assistants do you employ?
01234-

The results show the developing trend of clubs to employ more than the traditional
single assistant as expectations for conditions increase, demands on the
superintendent's time to complete more administrative work, and the need to have
assistants who can specialize in particular areas of the operation. It was a surprise
to see that 13% of the respondents do not employ an assistant and instead have to
go it on their own; we can only guess due to budget constraints.

13%
33%
42%
8%
4%

If you have more than one assistant, w h y ?
The majority of the "other reasons" for having more than one assistant
boiled down to four main areas: grooming a replacement for the first
assistant's eventual move to a superintendent's job, the need for "specialization" among assistants (irrigation, pesticide applications, crew supervision), multi course operations requiring more skilled supervision, and the
need to manage ancillary activities (pool, tennis, etc.) requires the additional help.
Scott Lagana, CGCS of Oak Hill Country Club wrote about the benefits of having more than one assistant, "A more
qualified staff will result in better course conditions. Also, the more eyes and ears to manage crew, the better." Don
D'Errico of Pleasant Valley C. C. adds, "I like to separate responsibilities. The 1st assistant performs course setup and
maintains the irrigation system and the 2nd assistant manages the staff and serves as spray tech. "
Too much w o r k for one
Avoid burnout
Other reasons

2.

How many mechanics do you employ?
0
1
2
3
4
Mech/asst.

3.

15%
70%
10%
2%
1%
2%

Most of the group employs the traditional one mechanic. However,
a growing trend, especially for clubs budgeted over$1 million, is the
need for 2 mechanics to keep up with the workload.

What is the size of you staff during the
summer season?
17%
26%
28%
18%
8%
3%

0-10
10-15
16-20
21-25
26-20
30+

5.

63%
10%
27%

4.

What is the size of your staff during the off season?

0-5
6-10
11-15
16-20

56%
36%
7%
2%

Is your staff allotment adequate for your standards of maintenance?

As the demand for more intensive practices continues, so does the need for a larger staff.
The way we condition the golf course today can be extremely labor intensive. Have budgets and
resources kept pace? More than half of the group said no. Glen Misiaszek, CGCS offered, "I feel
fortunate that we are adequately funded in the area of labor. We rely heavily on foreign labor and
in doing so, we have been able to meet our needs for manpower." Ken Crimmings, CGCS is on the other side of the fence.
"The size of our staff is probably adequate for my membership's expectations, but for what I'd like to see done, its not. For my
membership, as long as the greens are in great shape, I'm not sure if they are concerned if I'm driving for better fairways,
bunkers and tees. However, I do have two new positions budgeted for next year that will allow us to mow fairways with lightweight equipment and remove clippings" Chris Donato also said he was shorthanded. "My club is in the mid range of budgets
and like most all superintendents, I have high standards. If we had more money for labor, then we could pay greater attention to
all of the details. A heavy tournament schedule requires us to finish preparing the course early in the morning and there is often
more to do than we have time for."
Yes
No

Page 8

47%
53%

continued from page 8
6.

Who on your staff has a supervisory license?
Superintendent only
Superintendent & assistant
Supt., assistant, 2nd assistant
Supt. + 3 or more assistants

The average for the group was 2 supervisory licenses per
facility. Just more than half of the assistants have obtained
this status, which is surprising given such a license is often a
prerequisite for career advancement.

43%
37%
14%
6%

Your Budget
1. What is the amount of your operating budget?
Less than $400,000
$400-$500,000
$500-$600,000
$600-$700,000
$700-$800,000
$800-$900,000
$900-$1,000,000
$1,000,000+

17%
14%
13%
9%
13%
5%
15%
14%

Although statistically the highest percentage fell in the less
than $400,000 budget category, the group is well represented throughout the range in operating budgets.

2. What percentage of your budget is your
salary and bonus?
less than 10%
10-15%
15-20%
20%+

18%
56%
18%
8%

3. w h a t percent of your total operating budget is the
total labor budget?
Less than 30%
30-40%
40-50%
50-60%
60-70%

5%
10%
28%
37%
20%

Editors Note:
W e would like to thank Scott Niven of the Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Connecticut and former
editor of the Met G C S A newsletter, "Tee to Green", for permission to borrow the concept of this
article, which Kurt published in the September/October 2 0 0 4 issue of "Tee to Green."

Chapter Delegates - continued from page 6

the association, with a focus on Class A
as being the preferred membership
class. It was noted, however, that
promoting Class A does not mean that
marketing other membership classes
should not be part of the program.
Noting that chapters will be integral to
the success of revenue generation,
membership growth and retention, and
marketing efforts, discussion also
included an examination of chapter
effectiveness. Specifically, the delegates
were charged with providing the board
and staff direction as to how the
association could best invest resources
to enhance chapter operations. The top

three items were: a.) membership
recruitment and retention; b.) chapter
executive development and support; c.)
chapter meeting effectiveness
(attendance, timing, satisfaction, value,
etc.). It was the consensus that many of
the issues were interrelated and thus
could be addressed if programs and
services are developed and coordinated
appropriately. Once again, support for
expanding the field staff pilot program
was communicated, and suggested as a
means to implement effectiveness
programs.

advocacy efforts. They were briefed on
the process the association follows for
commenting to the EPA on product reregistration. The process includes an
element for member input to GCSAA
actions, plus the opportunity for chapters
and members to become directly
engaged as well.
Source: GCSAA Press Release

Delegates also expressed interest
in providing support to GCSAA's
Page 9

DIVOT DRIFT.. . announcements...
nament results...and

miscellaneous

MEMBERSHIP
Welcome New Members:
• Sean Parsons, Assistant,
Charles River CC
• Jeff Wood, Assistant,
Charles River CC
• Jeff Truskowski, Assistant,
Worcester CC
• Todd Farland, Superintendent,
Cohassee CC
Proposed for Membership:
• Mark McEachern, Assistant,
Eastward Ho! CC
• The Northeast Golf Company, Friend,
Saunderstown, Rl

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Well wishes go out to Robin Hayes'
mother who is recovering well from her
recent hospitalization.
Wishing Neil Wendell a speedy recovery
from his recent knee surgery.
Researchers Seeking Velvet Bentgrass:
Do you have old velvet bentgrass greens or
fairways on your course? We are launching
a project to collect the old velvet
bentgrasses of New England and the
Northeast for preservation and evaluation.
The collection will be kept at URI and
UMass. We plan to evaluate the collected
material for resistance to a range of
diseases, copperspot and anthracnose
tolerance, cultural intensity requirements,
winter color retention, traffic tolerance,
thatch tendency, salt tolerance, aggressiveness to creeping bentgrass and recovery.
The collection will also be used to study
bentgrass genetics using molecular and
cytogenetic tools, and may be used to
develop new velvet cultivars and interspecific cultivars through hybridizations with
colonial and creeping bentgrasses. If you
are interested in having us collect velvet
bentgrasses from your course, please
contact:
Dr. Rebecca Brown at brownreb@uri.edu
or Dr. Geunhwa Jung at
jung@psis.umass.edu

4 Page

10

educational

items of interest

seminars...

to the

job opportunities

...tour-

membership.

GCSANE NEWS
Web Site Update:

As you may or may not be aware, we
recently launched the newly revamped
GCSANE web site, http://www.GCSANE.org.
With the implementation of this new web
site, our goal is to provide every GCSANE
member with a powerful tool that can be
used for purposes such as planning,
communicating, researching, e-commerce,
and advertising within our membership, as
well as our allied associations.
With a shift towards fully electronic
delivery of our association's information, we
expect to become primarily an internet based
source of information for our membership
effective January 1, 2007. What this means
is that the GCSANE newsletter, as well as
membership directory and bylaws, will be
available only on the web site,
GCSANE.ORG. As a result of this shift, you
will no longer receive the newsletter and
membership directory in the mail, but will
have the capability to access, search,
download and print them out from our web
site. Provisions will be made for those
members who do not have internet access.
We will continue to offer advertising space in
the newsletter for Friends and Affiliates.
Information on advertising elsewhere on the
web site will be available soon.
Our first full month of the new GCSANE
web operation experienced nearly 900
unique visitors, 3500 visits, and approximately 40,000 individual page views based
on our research data thus far. We expect this
trend to continue, and anticipate increased
traffic to the site once we go fully electronic.
Again, please make note of this
impending change to our information delivery
system, and enjoy your new web site. I hope
you will all take advantage of everything your
new site has to offer.
Michael Luccini, CGCS, Web Site Chairman

Please Note:
Members without internet access or
email sevice may contact Sharon
Brownell at 1-800-833-4451 to
request that The Newsletter be mailed
to them. Please place your request
with Sharon prior to January 1 s1 to
ensure y o u do not miss an issue.

POSITION OPENINGS
Assistant Golf Course Superintendent,
LeBaron Hills Country Club, Lakeville,
Massachusetts
LeBaron Hills Country Club is a private 18hole country club located in Lakeville, Mass.
The club opened in 2001. It has G2
creeping bentgrass greens and creeping
bentgrass mix on the tees and fairways and
a Rainbird two-wire decoder irrigation system
with Cirrus central control program.
Candidate must have an A.S. or greater in
Turf Management or related field. Minimum
of five (5) years experience in golf course
maintenance preferred (2-4 considered).
Candidate must have an eye for details, a
strong work ethic and be self-motivated.
Applicant must have a MA Pesticide License
and knowledge and understanding of the
rules of golf. Ability to assist superintendent
in all phases of golf course maintenance
including staff training and supervision,
irrigation scheduling and repair, pesticide
and fertilizer applications, course set-up and
record-keeping. Salary is commensurate
with experience. Benefits include health
insurance with dental (60/40%), vacation,
national and local association dues. Position
is open until filled. Please send resume to:
Sue Dickow, Human Resources, LeBaron
Hills Country Club, 183 Rhode Island Road,
Lakeville, MA 02347
Email: hr@lebaronhills.com

Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
Marshfield Country Club, Marshfield,
Massachusetts
Marshfield Country Club is a private18-hole
golf club founded in 1922, designed by
Wayne Stiles. Qualifications include a Turf
Management degree and three (3) years
experience running a grounds crew.
Pesticide applicators license is required.
Irrigation experience with Toro Site Pro a
plus. Responsibilities include aiding the
superintendent with daily course maintenance, assist in golf course set up and
assist in all fertilizer and chemical applications as well as record-keeping. Compensation is commensurate with experience
with health benefits, meals and all dues for
local and national associations.
Deadline for applications is December 15,
2006. Please send resume to: Thomas
Harrington, Superintendent, Marshfield
Country Club, PO Box 635, Marshfield, MA
02050

Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
A-OK Turf Equipment Inc.

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

A.A. Will Materials Corp.

196 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072-1748
Root zone mixes, divot mixes, topdressing
blends, bunker sands, cart path mixes,
bridging stone, & hardscape supplies.
Charlie Downing, Ed Downing, Joe Farina (800) 4-AA-WILL

Accusoils

Outdoor World of New England
P.O. Box 16477, Hooksett, NH 03106
Topdressing sand & mixes, divot mix, greens &
tees, root zone mix, bunker sand, cart path
mix, stablizer, & greens care analysis.
(866) 222-6644

Allen's Seed Store, Inc.

693 S. County Trail, Exeter, Rl 02822
Specializing in quality seed and related goif
course maintenance supplies.
Gregg Allen - (800) 527-3898
Michelle Maltais - (401) 835-0287

Agresource, Inc.

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

The Andersons Technologies, Inc.

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

BASF Turf & Ornamental

47 Falmouth Rd., Longmeadow, MA 01106
Emerald, Insignia, Pendulum AquaCap,
Curalan, Drive, Basagran, Iprodione Pro,
Propiconazole Pro, Bifenthrin Pro, Plateau,
Sahara.
John Bresnahan - (413) 374-4102

Bay State Fertilizer/MWRA

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

The Borden Company

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

Boston Irrigation Supply Company

60 Stergis Way, Dedham, MA 02026
Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories,
featuring Rain Bird.
Andrew Langlois, Jay Anderson III, Dan Fuller,
Jeff Brown, Greg Hennessy, Chris Russo
(800) 225-8006

The Cardinals, Inc.

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

Cavicchio Landscape Supply, Inc.

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

Clean Quest

P. O. 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, & Mungeum, Inc.

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

Country Club Enterprises

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

Ken Jones Tire, Inc.

Shawnmark Industries, Inc.

20 Lawnacre Rd., Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Irrigation pumps - sales & service; northeast
warehouse/distributor for ISCO HDPE pipe &
fittings.
Richard Young - (860) 623-5207

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

Sodco Inc.

DGM Systems

11 Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02420-4483
Kevin Rudat - (781) 862-2550

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

Lazaro's Golf Course Supplies & Accessories

Sports Club Management, Inc.

DAF Services, Inc.

1 Snagwood Rd., Foster, Rl 02825
Your New England specialty products distributor:
Reelcraft, POK, Allen, Kenyon, Echo, Carhartt
Office - (401) 647-0550
Manny Mihailides - (401) 524-8999
David Mihailides - (401) 742-1177

DHT Golf Services

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 Brearley - (508) 746-3222

Michael Drake Construction, Inc.

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

E-Z-GO/Textron

EZGO golf and utility vehicles.
Doug Hopper - (800) 234-0474

G. Flalkosky Lawn Sprinklers

91 Freeman St., Newton, MA 02466
Irrigation services to golt courses throughout New
England.
Gary Fialkosky - (617) 293-8632

Gold Star Sod Farms

250 West Rd., Canterbury, NH 03224-2127
Growers of turfgrass and ornamentals.
Malcolm McPhail - (800) 648-8873;
Canterbury Office - (603) 783-4717

Golf Cart Services, Inc.

275 Wells St., Greenfield, MA 01301
Club Car golf, turf, transportation, & utility cars.
James Bernier - (800) 287-0955

GPS New England Mapping

39 Cedar St., Cohasset, MA 02025
Precise irrigation & drainage as-builts; wire
tracking & electrical repairs.
Greg Albanese - (781) 789-1166

Harrell's Turf Specialty LLC

15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Chuck Bramhall, Mike Kroian, Mike Nagle,
Jim Wierzbicki - (800) 228-6656

Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc.

304 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109
Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta, Grigg
Bros., Foliar Fertilizer, & Aquatrols.
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski, Robin Hayes (800) 326-HART

Hartney Greymont

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

Holliston Sand Co., Inc.

P. O. Box 1168, Tifft Rd., Slatersville, Rl 02876
USGA-recommended sands, root-zone mixes,
bunker & topdressing, agresoil compost, stonedust, & pea-stone
Bob Chalifour, CGCS (ret.) - (401) 766-5010

International Golf Construction Co.

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

Irrigation Management & Services

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

Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation

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

Lesco, Inc.

1301 E. 9th St., Ste. 1300, Cleveland, OH 44114
Ron Tumiski - (800) 321-5325

D.L. Maher Co.

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

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

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

Stumps Are Us

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

Tee & Green Sod, Inc.

P. O. Box 418, Exeter, Rl 02822
Bentgrass, Bluegrass & Blue/Fescue sod.
Dave Wallace - (401) 789-8177
Scott McLeod - (401) 641-3814

Tom Irwin Inc.

P. O. Box 3218, Framingham, MA 01705
Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways, parking
areas; imprinted asphalt.
John McNulty - (508) 879-8875

McNulty Construction Corp.

11 A St., Burlington, MA 01803
Turf management products.
Jack Petersen, Paul Skafas, Rob Larson, Chris
Petersen, Greg Misodoulakis, Mike DeForge
(800) 582-5959

Miller Golf Construction

Tree Tech, Inc.

P.O. Box 1008, Essex, MA 01929
Golf course construction & renovation.
Jonathon Miller - (978) 768-6600

6 Springbrook Rd., Foxbvoro, MA 02035
Foxboro, Wellesley, Fall River
Andy Felix - (508) 543-5644

S.V. Moffett Co., Inc.

Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.

33 Thruway Park Dr., W. Henrietta, NY 14586
Rain Bird Golf irrigation distributor.
Nathan Clark, Bill Stinson - (888) 708-5296

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

R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.

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

22 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, MA 02576
Professional goods, services, & John Deere
equipment for the golf course industry.
Larry Anshewitz, Mike Hannigan, Kevin
McDonough, Tom Rowell, Ren Wilkes,
John Winskowicz - (508) 295-1553

NMP Golf Construction Corp.

25 Bishop Ave., Ste. A-2, Williston, VT 05495
Golf course construction.
Mario Poirier - (888) 707-0787

Norfolk Power Equipment, Inc.

TurfLlnks, Inc.

Turf Enhancement Enterprises

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

TurfNet Associates, Inc.

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

21 Brandywine Rd., Skillman, NJ 08558
Cutting edge communication for the golf course
industry.
Peter McCormick - (800) 314-7929

North Shore Hydroseeding

Turf Products Corp.

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

Partac Peat Corporation

Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Heat treated topdressing, golf hole targets, turf
blankets, other specialty golf 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 St., Hopkinton, MA 01748
Underground water, sewer, & drain piping sales &
distribution. 24-hour service.
Elliot Putnam, David Putnam, Eli Potty (508) 435-3090

Read Custom Soils

125 Turnpike St., Canton, MA 02021
Custom soil blending, top dressing sands, root
zone blends, divot & cart path mixes.
Terry Driscoli, Garrett Whitney (888) 475-5526

157 Moody Rd., Enfield, CT 06082
Distributors of Toro irrigation & maintenance
equipment and other golf-related products. Tim
Berge, Rick Moulton, Jeff Stouffer, Mike Turner (800) 243-4355

UAP Professional Products

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

Varney Bros. Sand & Gravel

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

Winding Brook Turf Farm

Wethersfield, CT 06109
Scott Wheeler. Mike Krudwig, Sam Morgan (800) 243-0232

Philip Wogan & George F. Sargent, Jr.

17 Walker Rd., 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

4

Page 11

Sale
Jay A n d e r s o n - 203-494-5217
A n d r e w L a n g l o i s - 508-868-6996
Jeff B r o w n - 508-868-8495
Dan F u l l e r - 5 0 8 - 7 8 9 - 2 3 2 3

Servie
Chris Russo - 203-494-2845
Greg Hennessey - 978-877-0875

www.biscoirrigation.com

NEWSLETTER
k t T H E

Return to: GCSANE
300 Arnold Palmer Boulevard
Norton, MA 02766

INSIDE...
•
•
•
•
•
•

Feature: Superintendent Survey Results (Part 1)
Calendar
From the President
Needham GC honors Ron Kirkman
GCSAA Chapter Delegates Meeting Outcomes
Divot Drift