Volume 30, Number 1 • January/February 2000 President's Message Special Feature Support: I t’s a Give and Take Sage Advice for Assistant Superintendents am thankful the year 2 0 0 0 arrived without much fanfare. No runs on banks; no terrorist attacks; no major computer glitches. . . yet! And for the MetGCSA, the year began without a hitch. Barely one week into the new millennium, we hosted our annual Winter Seminar at Westchester Country Club, with a record 225 individuals in attendance. Many thanks to the combined efforts o f Will Heintz, Jon Jennings, and Matt Ceplo in staging an excellent day o f education. And, o f course, a special thank to our Winter Seminar exhibitors (see listing on insert) for supporting our event. n today’s highly competitive turfgrass management market, there’s little room for error. Job-seekers must plot and plan their future path well— deciding how to most wisely prepare themselves for a successful career as a golf course superintendent. To help prospective assistants chart a thoughtful and productive course, we talked to four veteran superintendents who have prepared their fair share o f assistants for superintendent positions: Larry Pakkala, CGCS, o f Woodway Country Club in Darien, C T; Greg Wojick, CGCS, o f Greenwich Country Club in Greenwich, C T; Joe Alonzi, CGCS, o f Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY; and Fred Scheyhing, CGCS, o f Mount Kisco Country Club in Mount Kisco, NY. In this Q & A, you’ll find their candid thoughts on what it takes to make it in the golf course management industry today. I A Two-Way Street Let me also take this opportunity to thank a ll the vendors who have been longtime supporters o f the association by participating in and supporting our social, educational, and golf events. Many superintendent members probably don’t realize just how much our affiliate members contribute to the advancement o f our association— and profession. The MetGCSA does not make a profit on dues. In fact, the money raised from dues covers only a portion o f the ex­ penses involved in running the associa­ tion. Similarly, the entrance fees for our monthly golf meetings merely cover the cost o f the event. The additional money required in running (continued on page 2) W hat I t Takes to M ake I t in Our Highly Competitive Field I What do you feel assistants should land your first job, be sure to make the ■ do to prepare themselves to compete most o f it: Learn not only about day-toin today’s highly competitive job day operations, but also about budgets market? and personnel management. Q Greg: There are several things I think are important for assistants entering the golf course business today. First, extend yourself beyond course setup and spray­ ing; show an interest in every aspect o f a golf course maintenance operation. Next, be sure to take advantage o f all the educational (continued on page 6) A Larry: First and foremost, work at i a good club— even if it means marketing yourself nationally. Let’s face it. Just as corporate execs look at what schools prospective new hires have attended, the search committees at clubs are equally impressed by where you’ve “trained.” But no matter where you Also in This Issue ( z ) Tee to Green Wins GCSAA Chapter Newsletter Award (g ) Member Wins, Honors, and Career Moves (4) Meet Your Business Meeting Host ( j ) Tee to Green Co-Editor Bids Membership a Fond Fairwell (4) Help UMass Researchers in the Battle Against the Annual Bluegrass Weevil © Upcoming Events: Met Meeting Calendar Has Holes to Fill President's Message (co n t. 1) Supg®rip|ï#£ agpive and Take . mar 0 6 2000 our association comes From our affiliate members— through their direct-^pnations, JflKJHlfiarticipation in our Winter Seminar exhibit^^vV fes and our annual raffle, and their sponsorship in some o f our social events. The fact is, we need and rely on affiliate member support. Therefore, I encourage all MetGCSA superintendents to support our affiliate members by purchasing their goods and services. Another Item of Business Jon Jennings, as many o f you have probably heard through the Met grape­ vine, has accepted the golf course superintendent’s position at Chicago G olf Club in Wheaton, IL. We are extremely sad to see Jon leave the board. He has been a great asset to our associa­ tion and has done a wonderful job as co-editor o f Tee to Green and as co-chair­ man o f our Education Committee. We wish him well in his new position and best o f luck in his career. In keeping with our By-laws, I ’ve asked Sean Cain o f Sunningdale Country Club to take Jon ’s place on the board, and he has accepted the appointment. Please join me in welcoming Sean to the board o f directors. Along with this new appointment to the board, I ’ve changed some committee assignments. Sean Cain will now co­ chair the Tournament Committee with Jeff Wentworth. Pat Sisk will take over as co-editor o f the Tee to Green. And Matt Ceplo will chair the Education Committee. Your board o f directors will continue to work hard and should not miss a beat through this transition. Overlooked but Not Forgotten In my first President’s Message, I thanked the many people who have been helpful to me in my career and my service on the MetGCSA board. It was politely brought to my attention that I forgot to mention the Long Island GCSA— a group that I ’m not only a member o f but that has been equally important to my success. The superin­ tendent and affiliate members in this chapter are sincerely dedicated to advancing our profession, and they offer fellow members the kind o f support and camaraderie that our profession has become known for. There’s one individual, in particular, I ’d like to thank for his friendship over the past 14 years: Rick McGinnes o f the Woodmere Club. We actually served one year together on the Met board way back in 1986. H e’s taken a lot o f grief on my behalf over the years but still manages to call me a friend. Thanks, Rick, and thanks LIGCSA. I hope you are all enjoying a muchdeserved break this winter. By the time I write my next message, we will have returned from our national convention. I look forward to seeing you all at our spring Business Meeting on March 15 at The Patterson Club. JO H N CARLONE, CGCS President President JOHN CARLONE, CGCS The Meadow Brook Club Vice President TIMOTHY MOORE Knollwood Country Club Secretary WILLIAM HEINTZ Centennial Golf Club Treasurer DAVID MAHONEY Siwanoy Country Club Past President EARL MILLETT Ridgeway Country Club MATTHEW CEPLO, CGCS Rockland Country Club ANTHONY GIRARDI, CGCS Rockrimmon Country Club JONATHAN JENNINGS, CGCS The Patterson Club PETER McCORMICK TurfNet Associates, Inc. ERIC O’NEILL Scarsdale Golf Club STEVEN RENZETTI, CGCS Quaker Ridge Golf Club PATRICK SISK Country Club of Fairfield JEFFREY WENTWORTH Pelham Country Club Executive Secretary INEKE PIERPOINT Tee to Green Staff Editors JON JENNINGS We Are the Champions! Hooray for the Tee to Green, which tied for first place with Iowa GCSA’s publication, The Reporter, in the GCSAA 1999 Chapter Editors Contest. Com­ peting in Category #4— publications produced primarily by professional editors/publishers or paid chapter executives— Tee to Green put its May/June 1999 issue before the judges, which featured Herb Waterous’s Skin Cancer article. Winners were selected for their originality, excellence in editorial content and design, and overall ability to communicate useful information to readers. Special thanks and congratulations to the Tee to Green staff, whose hard work and focused efforts this past year earned our publication its award-winning status. (2 ) Tee to Green January/February 2000 203-259-7390 STEVE RENZETTI 914-725-1100 ext. 132 Managing Editor PANDORA C. WOJICK Editorial Committee BOB ALONZI SCOTTNIVEN MIKE COOK TIM O’NEILL TONY GIRARDI BILLPERLEE BLAKE HALDERMAN HERB WATEROUS PAT LUCAS JEFF WENTWORTH Photographer BILL PERLEE Advertising Manager STEVE RENZETTI, 914-725-1100 ext. 132 TEE TO GREEN is published bimonthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, NY 10523-2819 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437 Copyright © 2000 EARTH WORKS, INC. THE SOIL RESTORATION SPECIALISTS A DIVISION OF R.F. MORSE & SON, INC. Earth Works is the most comprehensive service company in the Northeast. Earth Works can provide you with all the specialized services required to achieve the level of perfection ^de^^g^^jPROQ I today's golf industry. 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Scheduled for March 15, the meeting will mark Arik’s second month on the job as superintendent. Having spent five years as assistant superintendent under Jon Jennings, Arik is well versed in the responsibilities and demands o f the job. aJ on was very supportive o f my career and involved me in all phases o f the operation,” says Arik. “I ’d like to think that with my knowl­ edge o f our programs and practices, the change in guard will be barely percep­ tible to the membership; the transition will be as smooth as our greens.” W Grand Plans Arik has a degree in Turfgrass Manage­ ment from the University o f Rhode Island, his native state. While earning his degree, he interned at Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove, NY, and at Country Club o f Darien in Darien, CT. His first job out o f school was as Patter­ son Club’s second assistant, where he says, he became truly hooked on the field. “I found working outdoors and working as part o f team to achieve goals personally satisfying.” Arik’s goals for the short term in­ volve, first and foremost, settling into his new position, then hiring a few new staff members, ridding the course of some shade areas, and continuing Jon ’s regime o f topdressing greens and tees to enhance both the playing surface and the drainage. From there, Arik intends to carry out plans to develop wells to ensure a water supply, initiate a comprehensive course mapping scheme called Global Position­ ing System (GPS), and intensify crew safety training. down Carth g o lf c o u rs e c o n s t r u c t io n G reens, tees and bunkers Excavation of all types Ponds / lakes Patterson Club Superintendent Arik Carlson D rainage S tone Over the long term, Arik will be working with G olf Course Architect Roger Rulewich to develop a master plan for further enhancing the 54-yearold Robert Trent Jones course. This past season, Roger had worked with Jon to renovate the course’s bunkers and area surrounding the green on Hole #4. Busy at Work and at Home Arik’s favorite pastimes are fishing and ice hockey, though he admits he’s had little time for either o f them lately. He and his wife, Barbara, o f four years have been busily tending to their 10-monthold son, Emerson, who Arik chides is as big as an appliance. When asked how he landed the Patterson job, Arik says experience in interviewing made all the difference. “Having interviewed for several posi­ tions over the past two years, I felt more confident in my ability to convey to the Search Committee how I might be an asset to the club— especially in view o f the fact that I ’d been helping to manage the operation for the past five years. 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Attending work­ shops and seminars gives you more than just an education, it gives you greater confidence in your knowledge and abil­ ity to assume the role o f superintendent. Immerse yourself in the game o f golf. To be successful— even respected— in your career, it’s important that you not only develop your skill as a golfer, but also understand the rules o f golf. Play other golf courses. Look at their opera­ tions, their conditions, and grooming practices. Knowing other facilities will help you talk intelligently with members about your own course— and other area courses they might have played. Last but not least, network— not just with other assistants and superinten­ dents, but with contractors and sales reps as well. These people obviously get around and are well connected with upcoming job opportunities in the area. Joe: To succeed today, assistants need to assume the stature o f a superinten­ dent. They should look the part, shav­ ing regularly and dressing appropriately, and they should maintain a professional attitude both on and off the course. You never know when you’ll run into a member— or prospective boss. Also important, I feel, is that assis­ tants develop computer skills and, probably more important, the ability to meet problems head-on and be flex­ ible— and politically correct— in their approach to solving them. By politically correct I mean always trying to take into account members’ thoughts and con­ cerns when coming up with a solution. In the end, the best way assistants can prepare themselves to compete in today’s job market is through good, old-fashioned hard work. Fred: Important to assistants’ success is, o f course, that they work hard and learn as much as they can from the superin­ tendent. But also key is that they learn how to build good public relations. They should become knowledgeable enough about the course and the entire operation to talk turf to members— and others in the community. Networking with others in the business is another good way to learn about the turf (6 ) Tee to Green January/February 2000 business— and, ultimately, about job opportunities. What role do you feel form al education plays in an assistant’s success as a superintendent? Q ■ A Larry: Education is paramount, ■absolutely the best start you can give yourself in this industry. A fouryear degree is a must these days. Also important is continuing education to keep informed o f industry trends and innovations. Greg: These days, a bachelor’s degree isn’t just nice to have, it’s a necessity— even if it’s not in turfgrass management. With a four-year degree from a good university, you can springboard into just about any area you’d like. Also, you’ll put yourself on the same plane as most o f the club members you work for; most have at least four-year degrees. Joe: You can never get enough educa­ tion. For young people going into the business, there’s no excuse for not getting a bachelor’s. And if possible, it’s not a bad idea to get a master’s. It may be what sets you apart from the pack. ably most important, whether they have the interpersonal skills and maturity needed to run a crew and communicate appropriately with members. Joe: I prefer to hire assistants who have experience working on golf courses. Being at a club that hosts major tourna­ ments, I need people who have a good understanding o f what needs to be done — and how to get it accomplished. The other thing I look at is their schooling. In my mind, the more the better. When I have two job candidates who are very comparable, I ’ll always go with the person who has more schooling. Fred: Number one on my list is to have an assistant who gets along with others and who can handle the crew and give proper details without demotivating anyone. Everyone is different, and they need to be managed differendy. Also critical is that assistants under­ stand the technical side o f the business— everything from the equipment handling to pesticide management. Describe the best assistant you ever had. What made that person so valuable to you or your operation? Q ■ Fred: Education is extremely important. Larry: The best assistants are those This has become a very competitive field, ■ who are basically self-starters. so the more education you get, the They know how to make decisions on better your future in the business. their own, and they’re so motivated and on-the-ball that you feel confident in What specific skills or qualities do having them run the operation. A Q A ■ you look fo r in an assistant? Larry: I look for someone who can ■ communicate intelligently and who has a great deal o f maturity at a young age. At the same time, I look for people who are “on the green side”— in other words, people who aren’t already trained to do things a certain way. When I do the training, it’s easier for people to learn the ropes and become a productive part o f our operation. Greg: The best assistants are those who can make decisions as I would. They’re the ones who can take the ball and run with it and keep the course playing con­ sistently from one day to the next to the point where members couldn’t distin­ guish who is managing behind-the-scenes. Joe: The best assistants are the ones who are the first to arrive and the last to leave. They’re well aware o f the depart­ ment’s goals and o f what needs to get Greg: When hiring assistants, I usually done and when. When I find them one run through a checklist o f questions, like step ahead o f me, I know they’re ready calibration, golf rules, etc., to see that for their own superintendent’s job. they have the basic knowledge to do the job. I like to get a sense o f whether they Fred: I value people with values, people who are hardworking, honest, and can perform under pressure and, prob­ committed to the job. The best assistants are extremely reliable; they’re flexible, willing to work longer hours to get the job done. And no matter what the job, they’ll get it done properly, without a lot o f hand-holding. show them the budget process and discuss any other facet o f the business that they show an interest in. During the season, I like to give them the opportunity to make decisions and run the crew. And most important, I insist that they attend all Green Com ­ What do you do to train your mittee meetings. This way, I feel they’ll ■ assistants—-prepare them to move be better prepared to handle a variety o f ahead to a superintendent’s job? situations on their own course one day. They’ll have a good feel for what works, Larry: The best way to see that your what doesn’t, and why. ■ assistants grow is to allow them the Fred: I work with my assistant— and freedom to manage the daily operations. other key workers— every day to discuss I like to let them think for themselves, their job assignments, how they handled make a few mistakes— hopefully small them, and what, if anything, they might ones— and then learn from them. I also try to be available to my assistants— even have done better. Discussion is a key beyond work hours. I feel it’s important part o f the learning process. Also help­ ful is letting them in on the budget pro­ to spend time with them, talking about not only our specific golf course, but any cess. Working with— and within— a budget is something better learned be­ industry-related topic. fore you’re on your own. It’s also im­ Greg: One o f the first things I do is de­ portant, I feel, to send assistants to local fine my assistants’ responsibilities and seminars— and, on occasion, the National. pinpoint areas where they might need added training. I want to see them suc­ What do you feel assistants should ceed, so I ’ll work to help them fill any ■ look fo r in their fir s t assistant’s skill gaps. Also important, I feel, is job? What should they look fo r in their letting assistants— the entire staff, really— fir s t superintendent’s position? in on as much o f the inner workings o f the operation as possible. We have Larry: Assistants have to underbrainstorming sessions about how to best ■ stand that they have a lot to learn. handle various problems or routine tasks. You can’t substitute textbook knowl­ I take my assistants to Green Committee edge for practical experience. With that meetings to let them hear what members in mind, assistants should always look to have to say about our work on the course. work with a superintendent who has a Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not. reputation for training assistants and Sometimes my assistants will hear me get then supporting them in their search for criticized for something they, themselves, their own job one day. have done on the course. It gives them a When looking for a first superinten­ clear picture not only o f what’s expected dent’s job, it doesn’t pay to be too o f our department, but also o f how to picky. My feeling is that you should get communicate with a membership and a course that needs work, one where you field questions or criticisms. can demonstrate your abilities and build In the end, I try to teach my assistants a solid reputation. is to be open-minded and flexible when Greg: Students looking for their first dealing with member initiatives or issues assistant’s job should certainly be look­ related to the golf course. ing for a great club and a superintendent Joe: I want my assistants to get some­ who is known to be a good mentor. thing out o f their stay at Westchester, so Once on the job, assistants should take I work hard to put them in a position care to develop a good toolbox o f where they can easily observe the goings knowledge and experience to make sure on o f club operations. In the off-season, they’re ready for the next step. for instance, I make myself available to When looking for a superintendent’s Q A Q A position, they need to find a job that is not only challenging, but one that fits with the skills they have in their toolbox. In other words, they’ve got to think about their abilities realistically. The last thing you want to do is take a job you’re not equipped to handle. Better to stay on a year or two longer as an assistant and increase your likelihood o f success. Joe: With so many colleges requiring internships, students should use that experience to begin preparing for an assistant’s job. Once out o f school, they should look for a job with a superinten­ dent and a club that are known for developing assistants into highly quali­ fied superintendents. Don’t be afraid during an interview to ask the superin­ tendent what you can expect to learn on the job and how the superintendent helps prepare assistants for the next level. Think twice about accepting the position if you don’t like the answers you get. Before looking for their first superin­ tendent’s job, assistants need to set their own personal goals. The last thing anyone should do is settle for a job that falls short o f their goals—just to get the title o f superintendent. You have to think about where that job will bring you next. Is it a good stepping stone to a bigger and better position someday— or a dead end job that may actually harm your chances o f moving up the ladder? Fred: When looking for their first assis­ tant’s job, students should look for a course undergoing major renovations or that holds major tournaments. These always provide good learning experi­ ences. Working at a big-name club will also help them get noticed when trying to make that next jump. In a superintendent’s job, they should look for a club that’s going up the lad­ der, not down. In other words, look for a club that is planning course improve­ ments and has the budget to support the work. They should also consider whether the club they’ve set their sights on is the kind where they’ll fit in and feel a part o f the team working to enhance the facility. BLAKE HALDERMAN Minisceongo Golf Club Tee to Green January/February 2000 (7) The B est Liquid Fertilizers & Soil Amendments Available Today! Contact: TomWeinert (914)-262-0111 PIANT FOOD COMPANY INC. r PIANT FOOD COMPANY INC. @ Tee to Green The liquid Fertilizer Experts 38 Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road, Cranbury, New Jersey 08512 ♦ Phone: (609) 448-0935 ♦ Phone: (800) 562-1291 ♦ Fax: (609) 443-8038 www.plantfoodco.com E-Mail: pfc@plantfoodco.com January/February 2000 Notable Notes Environmental Stewards Recognized With GCSAA Award Scholarship Raffle Wins et’s hear a round o f applause for three MetGCSA members who have earned Environmental Steward Awards for the year 2000. Lakeover National Superintendent Dennis Petruzzelli, CGCS; Quaker Ridge Superintendent Steve Renzetti, CG CS; and Segregansett Superintendent Stephen Tibbels, CGCS, were among 52 golf course superintendents named national, chapter, or merit winners for the year 2 0 0 0 award, which is designed to recognize superinten­ dents’ environmental stewardship efforts on the golf course. Stephen was one o f 2 4 chapter winners selected, while Dennis and Steve were among the 23 m erit winners selected from GCSAA’s 101 affiliated chapters. In recognition o f the winners, program sponsors Novartis Turf & Ornamental Products, Rain Bird, Textron Turf Care And Specialty Products with Cushman, Jacobsen, Ransomes and Ryan brands, and Pursell Technologies Inc., will donate nearly $ 2 3 ,0 0 0 to The GCSAA Foundation, which is devoted to promoting education and environmental and scientific research for golf course management. he 1999 Annual Bill Caputi Scholarship Raffle, held at the December 19 Ridgeway Country Club Christmas party, raised a record $9,000 for the MetGCSA’s Scholarship Fund and, in addition, awarded $4,500 in cash prizes to 18 lucky ticket holders. Many thanks to all who contributed, and congratulations to our $ 1,000grand-prize winner, Gertrude Diller. Woodway Country Club’s Parry Pakkala sold the winning ticket at a Lyons Club dinner. Gertrude, according to Larry, is legally blind and could well use the money. The other prize winners were: L Members on the Move Jon Jennings is the new superinten­ dent at Chicago G olf Club, Wheaton, IL. Previous position: Superintendent, The Patterson Club, Fairfield, CT. (Be sure to read Jon ’s farewell below.) Arik Carlson is the new superinten­ dent at The Patterson Club, Fairfield, CT. Previous position: Assistant superintendent, The Patterson Club. Chip Lafferty is the new superinten­ dent at Wykagyl CC, New Rochelle, NY. Previous position: Assistant superintendent, Wykagyl CC. T / John Streeter, Woodbridge Country Club, $500 / Mike Cook, Alpine, the Care o f Trees, $500 / Table #9: John & Jackie Ferrucio, Steven Willand, Inc.; Jeff & Donna Weld, Bayer Corp.; Scott & Kathy Stark, Class A; Tim & Beth M oore, Knollwood Country Club, $500 / Peter Bly, Brooklawn Country Club, $250 / Lance Authlet, D.P. Golf Associates, Inc., $250 I t is with mixed feelings that I write about my resignation to the MetGCSA board o f directors. I ’ve accepted the position o f golf course superinten­ / Dennis Flynn, Brae Burn Country Club, $250 dent at Chicago G olf Club in Wheaton, IL, and will be leaving the area later this / Table #8: Tony & Lucille Grasso, month. I want to take this time to thank the membership for their show o f confidence in Metropolis CC; John & M argaret O ’Keefe, Preakness Hills CC; Tony & electing me to the board o f directors in 1997 and again this past November. It’s been a privilege serving our association and our profession while working alongside Pennie Grasso Sr., Class AFL, $250 some o f the most dedicated individuals I ’ve ever known. / Dave Frechette, DAF Services, $100 Ineke Pierpoint and Pandora Wojick are two who should be commended for / R. Capeci, Westchester Country their commitment to bettering the association. These women work tirelessly, and Club, $100 speaking from my own experience, add great depth and strength to our association’s / Rich Koualycsik, Preakness Hills efforts. Country Club, $100 I will miss my work with the Education Committee and, o f course, my role as / Arik Carlson, The Patterson Club, co-editor o f the Tee to Green. The Tee to Green is on an exciting new course and $100 will continue to flourish under the direction o f Steve Renzetti and new co-editor Pat Sisk. With their strong guidance, I am confident the Tee to Green will continue / Kevin Collins, E / T Equipment Co., $100 to provide insightful information to our membership and remain a benchmark for / Pat Sisk, Country Club o f Fairfield, other associations to follow. $100 The MetGCSA has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and / Lance Authlet, D.P. Golf Associates, professionally to a level that I only once dreamed about. And though this move is Inc., $100 undeniably a good one, I will miss the metropolitan area greatly and all the people / Dave Frechette, DAF Services, $100 I have had the good fortune to meet. / Mike M ongon, Fairview Country Best regards to all, Club, $100 JO N JEN N IN G S, CGCS / Tom Weinert, Plant Food Co., $100 Tee to Green Co-Editor Adios Amigos Tee to Green January/February 2000 (9 ) PROVIDING QUALITY TURF CARE EQUIPMENT Howard Price has a full line of mowers ranging from their commercial walk behinds to their largest model 108 with a mowing width of 16 1/2 feet. 727 with 91 in. Deck 1280 with 10 1/2ft Deck (HÌ) Tee to Green January/February 2000 W estchester Ford Tractor, Inc. Meadow Street, Golden’s Bridge New York 10526 914-232-7746 Upcoming Events 2 0 0 0 Meeting Calendar Has Holes to Fill! f ere’s a sneak peak at our year 2 0 0 0 meeting calendar. Though some sites and dates have been confirmed, we still have a lot o f holes to fill. Please consider offering your club for one o f the open meeting sites. Call either o f the Tournament Committee co-chairs— Jeff Wentworth, 9 1 4 -7 3 8 -2 7 5 2 , or Sean Cain, 9 1 4 -7 2 3 -3 2 3 8 — to lock in a meeting! H MetGCSA Business Meeting March 15 The Patterson Club, Fairfield, CT Host: Arik Carlson Two-Ball Qualifier April 25 Centennial Golf Club, Carmel, NY Host: Will Heintz Superintendent/Manager Tournament May 18 Silver Spring Country Club, Ridgefield, CT Host: Peter Rappoccio, CGCS Invitational Tournament June SITE OPEN MetGCSA Championship/ Met Area Team Championship Qualifier, Round 1 July SITE OPEN Poa Annual Tournament August ?? Brooklawn Country Club, Fairfield, CT Host: Peter Bly MetGCSA Championship/Met Area Team Championship Qualifier, Round 2 September SITE OPEN Superintendent/Green Chairman Tournament October SITE OPEN Annual Class C Outing October 5 Scarsdale Golf Club, Hartsdale, NY Host: Eric O’Neill, assistant superintendent Met Area Team Championship October 16 Country Club of Fairfield, Fairfield, CT Host: Pat Sisk MetGCSA Annual Meeting November SITE OPEN Educational Events and Seminars NYSTA Southeast Regional Conference Monday, February 28 The Holiday Inn, Suffern, NY Cosponsored by the Cornell Cooperative Exten­ sion, this conference will feature an extensive trade show and roster of lectures on nearly every aspect of turf management. For further information, contact NYSTA at 800-873-8873. New England Regional Turfgrass Conference & Show Monday - Thursday, March 6 - 9 Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, Rl Hundreds of product and equipment booths and a host of informative presentations await you. For further information, call 401-848-0004. Rutgers University Advanced Turfgrass Management Symposium Tuesday - Wednesday, February 29 - March 1 Co-sponsored by the GCSA of New Jersey and Rutgers University Center for Turfgrass Science, this symposium will gather the country’s top disease experts to discuss Gray Leaf Spot, the disease that is suddenly ravaging ryegrasses. Learn what causes it, how it grows, and strategies for controlling it. For further information, call 732-932-9271. Metro Milorganite Seminars: How to Evaluate Soil Test Results The Importance of Calcium and Organic Acids Westchester/Fairfield County Session Tuesday, March 14 at the Ethan Allen Hotel, Danbury, CT Nassau/Suffolk County Session Wednesday, March 15 in East Islip, NY Earn DEC/DEP credits while learning about the latest in turf and plant health products. For further information, call Gary Rehm at 203-748-GOLF (4653). Rutgers Continuing Education Sessions Rutgers, Cook College New Brunswick, NJ Rutgers continuing education program is offering the following series of educational sessions for turfgrass professionals. Applied Topics: Better Landscape Through Better Soils Monday-Tuesday, February 2 8 -2 9 Underground Storage Tanks Wetland Identification Tuesday, March 7/Tuesday, May 23 Beyond the Basics of Landscape Construction Tuesday-Wednesday, March 1 4 -1 5 Applied Topics: Successful Insect ID and Control for Ornamental Plants Wednesday, March 15 Hazardous Tree ID Thursday, March 16 For further information, contact Kurt Martens at 732932-8451. G e t rid o f th o se y^#% GEESE TODAY! STATIC DISPLAYS D O N 'T W O R K . Dogs are expensive. Instead use safe, harmless noisemakers to INVADE the pest’s territory with irregular Tee to Green January/February 2000 ( f j) PATRON DIRECTORY f t Alpine, the Care of Trees Mike Cook, NY: 914-948-0101 Ken Clear, CT: 203-847-1855 Peter McFarland, NJ: 201-445-4949 Patrons listed on this page are supporting our association. You are encouraged to support them. Fleet Pump & Service Group, Inc. Donald Tiedemann 100 Calvert St., Harrison, NY 10528 914-835-3801 Shemin Nurseries Inc. Horticultural and Irrigation Supplies Guy Romano: 203-531-7352 1081 King St., Greenwich, CT 06831 A1 Preston’s Garage Gary Shashinka Massey Ferguson Tractors 203-924-1747 f t Glenmore Landscape Service Glenn S. Moore 98 Hack Green Rd., Pound Ridge, NY 10576 914-764-4348 f t Sound Beach Services, Inc. White Contractors P.O. Box 484, Old Greenwich, CT 06870 James E. Morris Jr.: 203-869-8808 Aqua Turf ~ Golf Course Irrigation Gordon Holmes/Dave Arel 5 No. Payne St., Elmsford, NY 10523 914-347-5151, FAX 914-347-6323 f t Grass Roots Inc. Ken Kubik/Keith Kubik/Jay McKenna Service ~ Technical Support ~ Quality Products 973-361-5943 f t Stephen Kay, Golf Course Architects Stephen Kay/Doug Smith 499 New Rochelle Rd., Bronxville, NY 10708 914-699-4437, FAX 914-699-4479 Argento & Sons, Inc. Turf Equipment: Parts and Service Eouis Argento: 914-949-1152 1 Prospect Ave., White Plains, NY 10607 f t Greenacres Company Irrigation Contractor 75 Codfish Hill Rd., Bethel, CT 06801 Dave Pijnenburg: 203-748-0558 f t Steven Willand, Inc. Bruce Pye/John Ferrucio/Mark Ericson 4 Production Dr., Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-5757, FAX 203-775-6435 f t AT Sales ~ Premium Sod for Golf Courses Owen Regan 1787 Eouisquisset Pike, Fincoln, RI 02865 401-465-8066, PAGER 800-592-0675 f t Atlantic Irrigation Specialists Inc. Rain Bird Golf Thornwood, NY 10594 Tim Marcoux/Ed Santalone: 800-878-8873 Aventis Environmental Science David J. Sylvester 311 Carriage Dr., Kensington, CT 06037 860-828-8905 f t Blue Ridge Peat Farms Inc. White Haven, PA 18661 Gene Evans 717-443-9596 f t Hawthorne Bros. Tree Service John Hawthorne 5 Center St., Bedford Hills, NY 10507 800-235-7035 Howard Maurer Design Group, Inc. Golf Course Architecture and Land Planning P.O. Box 127, Hopedale, MA 01747 508-478-9684, FAX 508-473-5724 f t Irra-Tech, Inc. Joseph D. Kennedy 18 Merritt St., Port Chester, NY 10573 914-937-7273 James Barrett Associates, Inc. Jim Barrett Irrigation Consulting & Design 973-744-8237 Sullivan’s Construction Services Inc. Golf Course Construction and Renovation P.O. Box 854, Suffield, CT 06078 Kevin Sullivan: 860-668-2129 f t Tee and Green Sod, Inc. Owen Regan/Dave Wallace Sod Supply and Installation 401-789-8177 f t Terre Co. o f New Jersey, Inc. Byron Johnson Jr. 206 Delawanna Ave., Clifton, NJ 07014 OFFICE 973-473-3393, FAX 973-473-4402 f t The Cardinals, Inc. John Callahan Course Accessories and Maintenance Supplies 860-673-3699 f t Bruedan Corp. Frank Savakis/Mike Gesmundo/Keith Kraham Greycourt Ave., Chester, NY 800-733-6740 f t James Carriere & Sons, Inc. Bill Carriere 7 Cottage St., Port Chester, NY 10573 914-937-2136 f t The Scotts Company Jim Santoro Fertilizers, Fungicides, Growth Regulators 508-679-4797 f t Central Irrigation Supply, Inc. George Gorton, E-MAIL ggortoncis@aol.com BEEPER 914-537-8310, CELL 860-234-1034 OFFICE 914-347-5656, FAX 914-349-0506 f t Lesco, Inc. A Team of Turfgrass Professionals Greg Moran 914-331-4869, PAGER 914-449-6925 f t TurfNet Associates, Inc. Peter L. McCormick 21 Brandywine Rd., Skillman, NJ 07014 800-314-7929 f t Metro Milorganite Inc. Scott Apgar/Ernie Steinhofer/Scott Tretera 54 Miry Brook Rd., Danbury, CT 06810 203-748-G O LF (4653), FAX 203-743-0458 f t T urf Partners, Inc. Joe Stahl 8 0 0 -2 2 8 -6656/ 860-663-8048 CELL 20 3 -2 0 9 -6 9 5 1 , FAX 8 6 0 -663-3 5 6 4 DAF Services Inc. David A. Frechette/Bob Houle Flowtronics PSI Sales & Service Center 860-528-7362 M ontco/Surf-Side/Zap! Defoamer Bob Oechsle/Tom Hunter Box 404, Ambler, PA 19002 800-401-0411 f t T urf Products C orp ./T O R O Paul Mazzola, Irrigation/Al Tretera, Equipment 800-243-4355/ 860-763-3581 The Sprinkler House/Amodios: 914-328-0190 DeBuck’s Sod Farm Premium Quality Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue Blends Leonard/Valeri: 914-258-4131 Novartis Turf & Ornamental Products 325 Mill Pond Lane Oxford, PA 19363 610-998-2896 f t T urf Products Corporation Ernie Rizzio/Buddy Rizzio 47 Howell Rd., Box 296, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 973-263-1234 DeLea & Sons Sod Farms Vincent Sasso 444 Elwood Rd., E. Northport, NY 11731 800-244-7637/ 516-368-8022 O’Conner Pumps and Service Joe O ’Conner 6 Nye St., Rockville, CT 06066 860-875-6890 f t Valley View Wholesale Greenhouses Frank Amodio 229 Smithridge Rd., So. Salem, NY 10590 914-533-2526, FAX 914-533-2050 Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, NY 07838 800-247-2326/ 908-637-4191 Bill and Joe Carriere: 914-937-2136 f t Westchester Ford Tractor Inc. John Apple/Ray Beaudry Meadow St., Golden’s Bridge, NY 10526 914-232-7746 f t DAR PAR Sales John and Dominic Richichi “Your One-Stop Shop” 914-946-1743, FAX 914-946-0796 f t Down To Earth All Phases of Golf Course Construction David Griffin 914-576-7693 f t Earth Works, Inc. The Soil Aerification Specialists P.O. Box 99, West Warham, MA 02576 Pat Lucas: 800-815-1113, FAX 508-295-8187 Egypt Farms, Inc. Dean Snyder P.O. Box 223, White Marsh, MD 21162 800-899-7645/ 410-335-3700 f t Emerald Isle, Ltd. William Middleton 2153 Newport Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 800-628-G RO W (4769) f t Plant Food Company, Inc. Tom Weinert/Ted Platz 800-562-1291/ 914-262-0111 W EBSITE www.plantfoodco.com f t Westchester T urf Supply, Inc. Bob Lippman Sr./Bob Lippman Jr. “Serving the Fine Turf Profession” OFFICE 914-248-7476, FAX 914-248-6862 f t SavATree Thomas Marino, NY: 914-244-1700 Mike Schoeni, CT: 203-853-9526 Paul Carbone, NJ: 201-891-5379 f t Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. Glenn Gallion/Chris Hunt www.wilfredmacdonald.com 201-804-1000, FAX 201-804-1001 f t Sawtelle Brothers, Inc. George Wise/Jason Bassi 65 Glen St., Lawrence, MA 01843 800-999-TU RF Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc. Bill Seccareccia 240 Griswold Rd., Wethersfield, CT 06109 800-243-0232/ 860-529-6869, FAX 860-529-6807 f t E / T Equipment Co. Kevin Collins 425 S. Riverside Ave., Croton, NY 10520 914-271-6126 ( g ) Tee to Green January/February 2000 f t Denotes MetGCSA member