Board of Directors .. .X President WILLIAM HEINTZ ’ J j I \ .-sAt. Centennial Golf Club / . V j Vice President MATTHEW CEPLO, CGCS Rockland Country Club Treasurer ROBERT NIELSEN JR., CGCS Cover: Westchester Country Club. Secretary A N TH ON Y GIRARDI, CGCS Site of Winter Seminar. Don’t miss it! See page 5for details. Bedford Golf &Tennis Club Rockrimmon Country Club Past President TIM OTHY M OO RE Knollwood Country Club ROBERT ALONZI JR. St. Andrew's Golf Club KEVIN COLLINS Aquatrols, Inc. CHARLES DENNY Salem Golf Club DAVID DUDONES Westchester Country Club GLEN DUBE, CGCS Oak Hills Park Golf Course BLAKE HALDERMAN, CGCS Brae Burn Country Club THOMAS LEAHY, CGCS Sleepy Hollow Country Club GLENN PERRY, CGCS rnthis Issue Rolling Hills Country Club Executive Secretary INEKE PIERPO IN T Tee to Green Staff Editors ROB ALONZI GLENN PERRY 914-478-5713 203-762-9484 Managing Editor PANDORA C.WOJICK Editorial Committee PAUL BOYD GLEN DUBE : h ip la ffer ty ERIC O’NEILL BILL PERLEE s c o t t n iv e n TIM O’NEILL GREGWOJICK Designer TERRIE DUNKELBERGER Photographer BILL PERLEE Advertising Manager GLENN PERRY, 203-762-9484 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, METGCSA.ORG Copyright © 2004 Career Happy: Are You or Aren’t You? Departments U pcom ing Events ............................................................................................... 5 Chapter N ew s........................................................................................................6 M ember News .....................................................................................................8 Scorecard................................................................................................................ 9 T i - ----------- Periodical Reading Room DO NOT CIRCULATE SER IA LS JAN 2 5 2005 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES he transition from fall to winter is some­ thing I’ve always looked forward to as a golf course superintendent. It not only signals the end of a demanding golf season, but also offers time to reflect on our accomplish­ ments, as well as areas for improvement. It’s vitally important that we continually scruti­ nize our operations and ask ourselves what we can do better—on the course and in our club relations. If you’ve taken a look at some of the more recent job notices that have come out, you’ve probably noticed that clubs are look­ ing for superintendents who take a proac­ tive approach to the job, who go that extra mile. You’ll find in these job notices requests for superintendents with “a passion to exceed member expectations” or “a commitment to ensure maximum member and guest satisfaction” or “the drive to take the course to the next level and beyond.” Iloed What You Hear In order to “exceed member expectations,” we need to know, first, what our member­ ship expects from us. Don’t assume you know what these expectations are; they’re often not obvious. You need to make a concerted effort to keep the line of com­ munication between you and the Green Committee direct, clear, and well worn. Pathways that aren’t well worn lend them­ selves to weeds, grasses, and even small trees. Goals and visions become obscured. In other words, you lose sight of what your members’ thoughts and expectations are. ! You see the aftermath of this kind of problem when you go for a job at another course and the club officials you’re meeting with begin venting about the outgoing superintendent and his or her maintenance practices. You’ll hear things like, “the water in the ball washers always smells” or “the bunkers are never raked in the proper fash­ ion” or “the divot mix containers on the tees are always empty” I These remarks usually reflect a serious lack of communication between the super­ intendent and the membership by way of the Green Committee. Or worse, they show that the superintendent heard the WillHeintz MetGCSA President concerns but just didn’t take them seriously. You may think a particular concern is insignificant in the scheme of things, but if membership rumblings over an issue are registering 2 or 3 on the Richter Scale, you’ve got to give it immediate attention. It takes only one or two disparaging remarks from the right person to change the whole complexion of your job. Flushing Out Problems The best preventive medicine I’ve seen in all my reading is to actively—and regu­ larly—seek feedback on your performance. The most common approach, as Jim McLoughlin suggests in his October Golf Course News article “Real Job Security,” is to request a season-ending evaluation meet­ ing. “Your discussion should focus on what went well that season, what didn’t, and what needs to be done better next season,” writes Jim, who also points out that while this pro­ cedure won’t guarantee job security, it will help to defuse issues that regularly lead to job dismissal. Another approach, particularly if you sense things at the club are beginning to go sour, is to invite a group of superintend­ ents—perhaps those on our Club Relations continued on page 5 Bill Restin, a 29-year-old superintendent, has quickly elevated him self in the profession and is highly re­ garded by his club m anager and green chairm an. But despite his success, he’s never really enjoyed the day-today duties and responsibilities o f his job. The cam a­ raderie o f the profession and the high praise he frequently receives from the m em bership have kept him from calling it quits. But even so, Bill has begun to feel som ething profound is missing from his life. T im Johnson works for a prestigious golf club, earn­ ing one o f the highest salaries in the area. The club scooped him up six years ago, w hen he was just 30 and still gung-ho on doing whatever it took to make the course picture-perfect. Back then, he’d work every day, long after the typical quitting tim e. Now, with a wife and two children, he’s begun to resent his 24/7 sum m er schedule, which prevents him from spending tim e w ith his family w hen they have the m ost tim e to spend with him . Lately, T im ’s feeling he’s paying too high a price for the salary and posi­ tion that were once so attractive to him . family responsibilities. Then later, when they become dissatisfied with their career choice, they’re afraid to take a new tack that might temporarily eat into their financial security reading on your career—or job—satisfac­ tion. What you learn about yourself and your career choice may lay the groundwork for pursuing a more perfect match. If one of these patterns sounds all too famil­ iar, you’ve probably taken a false turn some­ where along your career path. Hopefully, you haven’t been in the field long so you can more easily get back on track. The test below is designed to give you a Respond to each statement below with a 0 for not true; a 5 for somewhat true; and a 1Ofor absolutely true. A space has been provided for your answers. Measuring Your Career Satisfaction Where They Went Wrong Tim and Bill are not real people, but their lives are typical of many superintendents— and managers in all types of professions— who are attempting to force a fit with a job they’re not well suited for. According to Clinical Psychologist and Career Counseling Specialist Harry Gunn, studies show that more than 60 percent of Americans feel they’re stumbling along the wrong career path. Part of the problem, Gunn feels, is that matching a person’s desires and abilities with a job track is no easy task. It takes fore­ thought and long-range planning—a prelim­ inary step too many people overlook early on in their career, when it really counts. Interestingly, in studies Gunn has con­ ducted with managers across the country, he’s found that nearly 80 percent lack the skills required to do their job well, and a good number are mismatched in both desire and ability. Gunn has identified three common pat­ terns that lead people to enter into—or stay put in—a career or particular job they’re not well-suited for. Section 1 1. I’m satisfied with the money I make. 2. My financial situation will probably improve. 3. In my field, I’ll continue to be paid an amount consistent with my abilities. 4. I can earn more money if I work harder and/or more creatively. 5. The income potential in my field continues to look good. Total: Section 2 1. I like to think about work, even after-hours. 2. I find the job fun. 3. I believe my work is important to society. 4. I look forward to going to work. 5. I feel my career allows me to grow personally. 6. My job enhances my personal life. Section 3 Total: 1. I am usually able to set my own work pace and direction on the job. 2. My job gives me the opportunity to try out my own ideas. 3. There’s great variety in my job. 4. My job is so satisfying that I often want to take on extra projects. 1. The “It’s All I Know” syndrome. All5. The fringe benefits are adequate. too often, people are persuaded to pursue a 6. There’sjust enough pressure at work to keep me on my toes. particular career purely because they haven’t 7. My job allows me enough free time to pursue outside activities. Total: thoroughly explored other alternatives. In the case of the superintendent, some have worked on a golf course and for lack of any­ Section 4 thing better, they fall into the business. 1 .1 have a sufficient amount of contact with other people. Others pursue it as a career because a family 2. I’m often able to exchange ideas with others. member is a golf course superintendent, so they launch into the field with little thought 3 .1 know my bosses appreciate my efforts on the job. 4. I meet an ample number and variety of people through work. on their natural abilities or interests. 2. The “Make It Big Fast” syndrome. 5. I feel that my people skills are constantly improving as a result of my work. This hits some turf professionals early in their Total: careers. They grab the first assistant’sjob they can out of school, and then seven years later, Section 5 they find themselves stuck in the same posi­ 1. I’m making adequate advancement through my career. tion with little hope of securing that high2. My career will continue to provide ample job flexibility in the future. paying superintendent’s position. But inertia 3. I’ll be able to reach my career goals in my present field. sets in, and they decide to slog it out, unhappy that the profession seems to offer 4. My career won’t run dry of challenges. little potential for growth. 3. The “It’s a Living” syndrome. This 5. I’m in a growing field. Total: strikes when a superintendent has succeeded in reaching a reasonable salary level, feeling compelled to make more money because of “Many managers, even those who are financially successful, are deeply dissatisfied with their lives because they simply do notfeel good about their jobs. ” - Harry Gunn, clinical psychologist and career counseling specialist Soore Analysis you’re probably well suited psychologically leading you down your desired career path. to your career. A score of under 35 indicates Similarly, if you feel the field itself doesn’t Add up the numerical value of your answers that you’re not particularly pleased with provide adequate advancement potential or in each section, and study the evaluations what you’re doing. an ample variety of job opportunities, you’ll that follow. end up nowhere fast. Section 3: Working Conditions. This Section 1: Financial Rewards. If you section sizes up how well your working con­ scored higher than 30 in this section, the ditions match your goals and personality. Are financial rewards of your career probably you a self-starter, for instance? Do you want Understand that a particularly high or low measure up to your expectations. A score of to determine your own work schedule? Do score in any one category does not, in itself, 25 to 30 indicates your needs and income perks and competition spur you on to give you a definitive reading on your are moderately well matched, while 25 or greater productivity and enhance your job career—or job—satisfaction. A consistently below can signal trouble. Your needs and enjoyment? score in all five sections, however, is a salary—or potential salary—are so far out of If these factors are important to you, a high sign that you’re probably on track. Similarly, line that your performance and working score of 40 or more is the tip-off that you if you score in every section, you’d be relationships may begin to suffer, if they and your working environment are a superb well advisedlow to challenge all your major haven’t already. fit. If you came in under 40, you might want career assumptions. If you’re deliberating a career switch, be to step back and scrutinize your career Before making a radical leap to something sure to examine whether your income will choice. new, however, it’s wise to attempt to make an continue to improve at a suitable rate in that adjustment your current position or even field. It’s also a good idea to understand pay Section 4: The Interpersonal Aspect. change jobsinwithin same field. “A hasty and raise structures in the industry you’re Here, we’re exploring the people side of the career switch, just totheescape from a painful considering, advises Gunn. Some fields are equation. If you scored 30 or below, you situation, often leads to unhappy more apt to allow you to determine your probably don’t mind the often solitary nature warns Donald Whyte, a vice presidentresults,” earnings by the effort you put into the job: of the job of superintendent. A score of 30 Chicago-based Hay Career Consultants.of the how hard you work; how ingenious you are. or above, shows you may be better served by Whyte has counseled many executives Others are bound by rigid pay structures and pursuing a job or field that involves more through tough career calls. To keep them on give only scheduled increases, regardless of people contact—or making a concerted the straight and narrow, he makes it a prac­ any contributions above and beyond the call effort to put yourself in front of the mem­ tice to challenge clients even after they think of duty. bership and other club staff. they’ve reached a fully jelled career decision. “More often than not, their response is to Section 2: Psychological and Em o­ Section 5: Job Potential. Job potential is step back and give their decision more tional Rewards. It’s vitally important that another vital element in your career choice. thought,” he says. you enjoy your work and feel that what you If you scored 30 or above in this section, When it comes to plotting new or alter­ do is useful, Gunn contends. Many man­ there’s probably sufficient growth potential nate career directions, you can almost never agers, even those who are financially success­ in your field. A lower score, however, signals overevaluate your options, says Whyte. ful, are deeply dissatisfied with their lives cause for concern. There’ s just no easy path to a new career. because they simply do not feel good about Your present enjoyment and satisfaction But you’re less apt to take a wrong turn if their jobs. are of little long-range value if the job isn’t you consider all your possibilities—inside If you scored 35 or higher in this category, and out. In the End “A hasty career switch, just to escape from a painful situation, often leads to unhappy results. - Donald Whyte, a vice president of the Chicago-based Hay Career Consultants UpcomingEvents 2005 Net Calendar of Events in the Making Here’s a look at our preliminary 2005 Meeting Calendar. Several sites are still yours for the tak­ ing, so please think about hosting an event! To secure a golf meeting, don’t delay in calling either of our Tournament Committee co-chairs:Tom Leahy at 914-941-8281 or Chuck Denny at 914-669-5959. Business Meeting March Date and Site OPEN Educational Events MetGCSA Winter Seminar Annual Assistants Championship Wednesday,January 12 Westchester Country Club, Rye, NY Host: Joe Alonzi, CGCS Don’t miss this year’s Winter Seminar trade show and exciting round of speakers and edu­ cational topics. The lineup: • The Care of Trees Dr. Rex Bastian will talk about shade tree risk assessment and management. • ArborCom Technologies’ Herb Waterous, CGCS, also a former MetGCSA superinten­ dent, will discuss how to develop a golf course shade management program that combines on-site observation with computer modeling. • Dr. Pat Vittum of the University of Massachusetts will offer important insight into the latest biological and chemical control strategies for annual bluegrass weevil. • Dr. Steve Hart of Rutgers University will discuss the fundamentals ofVelocity herbicide in controlling Poa annua and Poa trivialis in cool-season turfgrasses. • Dr. Stacy Bonos, also of Rutgers, will guide superintendents in selecting the right bentgrass, offering insight into the strengths and weaknesses of current cultivars and improved disease resistance with new cultivars. • The educational session will close with Rick Fletcher of Cleary Chemical Co., who will talk about the critical role of phosphorous in turfgrass growth and help guide you in determining whether phosphite fertilization is right for you. Call or email Education Chairman Glen Dube for further information. Phone: 203838-4960. Email: Glendube@aol.com. Met Area Team Championship The 8th Annual New England Regional Turfgrass Conference & Show Two-Ball Qualifier Monday, April 25 Trump National Golf Club Briarcliff Manor, NY Superintendent/Manager Tournament May (DateTBA) Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton, CT Host: Glenn Perry, CGCS Invitational Tournament June (DateTBA) Fairview Country Club, Greenwich, CT Host: Mike Mongon Education Meeting July Date & Site OPEN Poa Annual Tournament/First Round of Met Championship Monday, August 15 Oak Hills Park Golf Course, Norwalk, CT Host: Glen Dube, CGCS Golf Meeting September Date & Site OPEN Superintendent/Green Chairman Tournament October (Date TBA) Century Country Club, Purchase, NY Host: Kevin Seibel Date & Site OPEN Date & Site TBA Annual Meeting November Date & Site OPEN Monday —Thursday, March 7—10 Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI The annual conference and show’s educational sessions will bring you cutting edge turfgrass management tactics and techniques, while the three-day trade show will offer you easy access to the latest in equipment, products, and sup­ plies offered by more than 400 exhibitors. Call the NERTF Office at 401-841-5490 for further information. Committee—to tour your course and give you an honest appraisal of your operation. It’s not a bad idea for all of us to do this on an annual basis, just to keep our own perceptions in check. Is our operation— and the condition of our course— really as good as we think it is? Let’s face it. None of us are immune to problems; we live them everyday. I re­ member, in one of my first few years as superintendent at Hampshire Country Club, I was attending the Westchester Classic and bumped into one of my mem­ bers. It was a beautiful sunny day. I was having a great time watching the tour pros—until this member said to me, “Will, we have the worst greens in Westchester.” My heart sank to my shoes, but it was a necessary wakeup call. When you are in the midst of battling poor member perceptions, you might want to take things a step further and invite the supers critiquing your course to join you at a Green Committee meeting to share their findings and help hash out ways the club might support you in making any neces­ sary changes. I’ll bet that in addition to identifying needed changes in mainte­ nance practices, they’ll be able to point to some voids in resources or staffing. Take the Good With the Bad It’s important that we all learn to accept criticism, as hard as it may be, and to ben­ efit from it. We need to know—and stay in touch with—the things that really bother our employers about us and our operations. We need to stay in touch with superintendents from area clubs—the clubs our members visit and compare to our own. If we keep our ears to the ground—and act on those subtle, but per­ sistent rumblings—we can’t help but make our facilities better, our members happier, and our jobs more secure. In this off-season time, get some rest, challenge your intellect with the great assortment of educational seminars avail­ able to us regionally and nationally, mend some fences in the house (if need be), and take a better look at yourself and your surroundings. Anticipating problems— before they become issues among your membership—is what being proactive, and successful in the long run, is all about. With warmest regards, Will Heintz President Joseph Troll Turi Research Center Fundraiser a Great Success by Will Heintz At the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center Fundraiser, striking a pose with Dr. Joseph Troll, retired UMass professor of agronomy (right), are Geoff Cornish, golf course architect, and Sherwood Moore, CGCS (center). Photo by Gerry Kunkel, superintendent, Pine Hollow Country Club. fQ yLn Tuesday, October 5, more than 150 golfers teed off at Hickory Ridge Country Club in Amherst, MA, to support the building of a new turf research center dedicated in honor of Joseph Troll, for his many years of service to the turfgrass industry The tourney participants, along with 25 sponsors, raised more than $40,000 for the center. In addition, matching funds of $20,000 from the State of Massachusetts will push the proceeds to more than $60,000. Perfect weather, along with great course conditioning, made for a wonderful day. Hickory Ridge owners Cathy and Doug Harper were generous in donating not only their course, but the carts for the day. And of course, Bob Ruszala should be com­ mended for organizing—and then pains­ takingly grooming his course for—this fundraising event. Special thanks, also, to Pelham Country Club Super Jeff Went­ worth for representing the MetGCSA as our chapter liaison. M Worthy of the Honor Keep Off the Grass.” This and others like it will come up, from time to time, in former students’ conversations. The construction of The Joseph Troll Turf Research Center is part of UMass’s ongoing effort to maintain the high quality and stan­ dards of the university’s turf program. According to Dean of the College of Natural Resources Cleve Willis, the university will also be hiring new turfgrass specialists and renewing its focus on research. “New England deserves the highest quality turf programs,” Willis says, “and we intend to make that a reality here at UMass Amherst.” A few days after the tournament, I received a phone call from Dr. Troll, saying how great it was to see all of us and thanking us for attending. I told him that we wouldn’t have missed it for anything. It was just a small token of thanks to someone who has had such a positive effect on all our careers. Before retiring more than 20 years ago, Dr. Troll served as a professor of agronomy and mentor to countless turfgrass students at the University of Massachusetts. The success of the UMass Winter School, a short course in turfgrass management that gained national recognition, is credited largely to Dr. Troll. His outstanding personality and people skills led to his success in placing student interns at top-notch golf facilities. Later in their careers, many of these students went on to become superintendents at some of the world’s most prestigious golf facilities. Dr. Troll taught his students lessons beyond turf management. He emphasized that equally important to a superintendent’s success is professionalism, hard work, effec­ tive communication, and public relations. There’s a lot more to the profession, he would tell us, than growing grass. He had many memorable “pearls of wis­ Will Heintz, MetGCSA president, is superin­ dom” and sayings like, “Dogs and Sailors ... tendent at Centennial Golf Club in Carmel, NY. Who’s Who on the New MetGCSA Board The November 10 MetGCSA Annual Meeting ended with the following members elected to the board: MetGCSA officers seated, left to right: Treasurer Bob Neilsen, CGCS, of Bedford Golf & Tennis Club; Secretary Tony Girardi, CGCS, of Rockrimmon CC; President Will Heintz of Centennial GC; Vice President Matt Ceplo, CGCS, of Rockland CC. Back row, left to right: Chuck Denny of Salem GC; Tom Leahy, CGCS, of Sleepy Hollow CC; Glenn Perry, CGCS, of Rolling Committee Chairmen at Your Service We’ve provided a list—with phone num­ bers—of each of the MetGCSA s committee chairs. Please feel to contact any of them with questions, comments, or helpful suggestions. Awards Committee Tim Moore, Knollwood CC 914-592-7829 Bylaws Committee Matt Ceplo, CGCS, Rockland CC 845-359-5346 Club Relations Committee • Joe Alonzi, CGCS, Westchester CC 914-798-5361 • Glenn Perry, CGCS Rolling Hills Country Club 203-762-9484 • Peter Rappoccio, CGCS, Silver Spring CC 203-438-6720 Communications Committee • Rob Alonzi, St. Andrew’s GC 914-478-5713 • Glenn Perry, CGCS Rolling Hills Country Club 203-762-9484 Education Committee Glen Dube, CGCS, Oak Hills Park GC 203-838-4960 Government Relations Committee • Glen Dube, CGCS (CT) Oak Hills Park GC 203-838-4960 • Tony Girardi, CGCS (WaterWise Council), Rockrimmon CC 914-764-5010 • Tom Leahy, CGCS (NY) Sleepy Hollow CC 914_941_8281 Long-Range Planning & Steering Committee Tim Moore, Knollwood CC 914-592-7829 Membership Committee Tony Girardi, CGCS, Rockrimmon CC 914-764-5010 MetGCSA Merchandise Dave Dudones, Westchester CC 914-798-5360 Scholarship & Research Committee • Matt Ceplo, CGCS, Rockland CC 845-359-5346 Tri-State Turf Research Subcommittee • Matt Ceplo, CGCS, Rockland CC 845-359-5346 • Tim Moore, Knollwood CC 914-592-7829 Hills CC; Blake Halderman, CGCS, of Brae Burn CC; Glen Dube, CGCS, of Oak Hills Park GC; Past President Tim Moore of Knollwood CC; Kevin Collins ofAquatrols, Inc.; Dave Dudones of Westchester CC; Rob Alonzi of St. Andrew’s GC. • Bob Nielsen, CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club 914-234-3779 Social & Welfare Committee • Chuck Denny, Salem GC 914-669-5959 • Tom Leahy, CGCS, Sleepy Hollow CC 914_941_8281 • Bob Nielsen, CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club 914-234-3779 Special Events Committee • Glen Dube, CGCS, Oak Hills Park GC 203-838-4960 • Kevin Collins, E /T Equipment Company 914-271-6126 Tournament Committee • Chuck Denny, Salem GC 914-669-5959 • Tom Leahy, CGCS, Sleepy Hollow CC 914-941-8281 • Blake Halderman, CGCS, Brae Burn CC 914-946-1074 Web Site Committee Tony Girardi, CGCS, Rockrimmon CC 914-764-5010 The Ryder Cup 2004 Through the Eyes of a Volunteer Superintendent by Peter Rappoccio, CGCS Silver Spring Superintendent Peter Rappoccio with his son and Ryder Cup assistant host Peter Jr. he 2004 Ryder Cup, held at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, MI, was r truly the greatest show in golf. Despite the failure of the USA team to get the job done, the PGA of America and the Oakland Hills Country Club staff put on a first-class show More than 500 million viewers from around the world enjoyed the beauty and difficulty of the Oakland Hills course—not to mention some great golf from the European Team. Steve Cook, golf course manager; Jeff Fentz, South Course superintendent; and Ben Messerly, North Course superintendent, directed a staff of 55 employees and 30 volunteers from around the country to provide superb playing conditions throughout the tournament. A Labor of Love I was one of the lucky ones to be chosen as a volunteer for tournament week. My primary assignment was to work with my son Peter— one of the Oakland Hills assistant supers and a MetGCSA member—doing course setup on the front nine. Pin locations were chosen by PGA Tournament Director Kerry Haigh. Despite Oakland Hills’ notoriously tough greens, Kerry provided a fair test of players’ ball striking and putting skills. Players were able to be aggressive and play their game— unlike the U.S. Open, where play resembled billiards instead of golf. Well done, Kerry! My other duties for the week included fair­ way and tee divot repair; hand watering tees, fairways, and bunker sand; course cleanup; pin and tee marker retrieval after play, and equip­ ment transportation. The staff started at 4:30 a.m. and ended between 8 and 9 p.m. Oakland Hills did a fabulous job of providing for all the needs of their crew and volunteer staff. The main equipment storage area of the maintenance facility was converted into a staff lounge, complete with carpeted dining area, couches, and several large televisions to view the action between work assignments. ATourney Beyond Compare Forty thousand golf fans packed the course daily. The combination of natural terrain and 14 sets of large bleachers, and several jumbo television screens made viewing the play enjoyable. The fans were well behaved and very respectful of the abilities of the world’s best golfers. I have been fortunate to participate as a vol­ unteer at the annual PGA Buick Classic at Westchester, as well as the ’84 U.S. Open and the ’97 PGA, both at Winged Foot. I’ve vis­ ited Congressional, Bethpage, and Augusta during their tournament weeks. And I can honestly say none of those events can compare to a Ryder Cup. The tremendous effort—and obviously, funds—that went into supporting this tournament was impressive. They built what amounts to a small city, complete with an enormous golf shop, corporate tents, a small stadium for the opening and closing cer­ emonies, and the list goes on. Fond Memories The memories I have of the week are many— from the opening ceremonies on September 16, to watching the last putt drop on 18 that following Sunday. First, there was my moment of fame on Chinese TV, which hap­ pened quite by chance. My son Pete and I were by the first tee waiting to go out and syringe, when the TV cameraman, who was set up nearby, asked our permission to film an interview with us about the course and our role in preparing it for the tournament. Then there was the standing ovation Pete and I received after changing the cup on the 5th hole on Friday. We were moving the pin location, with what was admittedly a bit of an anal approach, examining the pins from all angles to get them laser straight; double paint­ ing the cup. and finally, trimming the cup edge with small scissors. Then the cheers began. I think the fans just needed something to get excited about after the U.S. team got their butts kicked in the morning rounds. Another benefit of working the Ryder Cup was having the opportunity to meet and work with superintendents from all over the coun­ try. But truthfully, the greatest thrill of the event for me was getting the chance to work with my son Peter. Watching him work and handle himself in that hectic environment made me a very proud Dad. The student taught the teacher a few things that week. MetGCSA Annual Assistants Championship Results New Members Please join us in welcoming the follow new MetGCSA members: Tina M. Farr, Class C, Mahopac Golf Club, Mahopac, NY. Matthew Leverich, Class C, Greenwich Country Club, Greenwich, CT. Members on the Move Blake Halderman, CGCS, formerly superintendent at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor, NY, has accepted the superintendent’s position at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, NY. Retired Two long-time MetGCSA members have earned Life status: Jim McNally, formerly of the Rock Spring Club in West Orange, NJ, has become a Life A member. A1 Tretera, formerly of Turf Products Corporation in Enfield, CT, has become a Life AF member. Births Congratulations to: St. Andrew’s Golf Club Superintendent Rob Alonzi and his wife, Ann Marie, on the birth of their daughter, Sarah Anne, on November 19. Seawane Club Superintendent Brian Benedict and his wife, Mari, on the birth of their daughter, Grace Helene, on December 3. Forty players braved the rain to compete in this year’s Assistant’s Championship on October 14 at the Country Club of New Canaan. A special thank you to host Assistant Super John Mills and Superintendent Mike Reeb and all their staff for having the course in great shape. Thanks also to Club Manager James Connely, Head Professional J. Paul Leslie, and their staffs for providing an exceptional day all around. Here’s a look at the winning scores: Two-Man Best Ball Low Net Winners 61 Adam Poplowski Old Oaks Country Club Brett Richards Sleepy Hollow Country Club 68 Joe DeLauter Woodway Country Club Jim Schell The Stanwich Club 68 Donald Asinski Pelham Country Club Shannon Slevin Pelham Country Club Low Gross Winners 79 Mike Brunelle Bedford Golf & Tennis Club Matt Lapinski Quaker Ridge Country Club 82 Andrew Agne Sleepy Hollow Country Club DougVanderlee Sleepy Hollow Country Club 83 Dave Dudones Westchester Country Club Dennis Granaham Westchester Country Club Individual Stroke Play Low Net Winners 71 Brett Richards Sleepy Hollow Country Club 71 Scott Ingram Bonnie Briar Country Club 74 Jim Schell The Stanwich Club Low Gross Winners 75 Adam Poplowski Old Oaks Country Club 85 John Majchrzak Country Club of Darien 87 Dave Dudones Westchester Country Club Closest to the Pin Donald Asinski Pelham Country Club Longest Drive Mike Guinan Blind Brook Club Bent the Pro 1st Adam Poplowski Old Oaks Country Club 2nd Ed Kaufmann Scarsdale Country Club 5’3M airón Directory Patrons listed on this page are supporting our association. You are encouraged to support them. A1 Preston’s Gary Shashinka Massey Ferguson Tractors 203-924-1747 All Pro Horticulture John Seib/Rick Wilhelm 721 Main Street Farmingdale, NY 11735 516-777-8668 © E/T Equipment Co. Bruce Pye/John Rizza 425 South Riverside Avenue Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 914-271-6126 © Glenmore Landscape Service Glenn S. Moore 98 Hack Green Road Pound Ridge, NY 10576 914-764-4348, FAX 914-764-0519 © Atlantic Irrigation Specialties, Inc. © Greenacres Company Ray Beaudry Dave Pijnenburg 111 Lafayette Avenue NWhite Plains, NY 10603 75 Codfish Hill Road Bethel, CT 06801 914-686-0008 203-748-0558 © Blue Ridge Peat Farms © Hawthorne Bros. Tree Service, Inc. Gene Evans John R. Hawthorne 133 Peat Moss Road 5 Center Street White Haven, PA 18661 Bedford Hills, NY 10507 570-443-9596 914-666-7035 © Cardinals Inc. © Ira Wickes Arborists John Callahan JohnW.Wickes Complete Distributor of Golf Course 11 McNamara Road Accessories & Turf Maintenance Spring Valley, NY 10977 Supplies 845-354-3400 860-673-3699 © Central Irrigation Supply, Inc. Bernardo Luciano 914-347-5656, FAX 914-347-9174 6 Locations to Serve You in the Tri-State Area © Irra-Tech, Inc. Joseph D. Kennedy 18 Merritt Street Port Chester, NY 10573 914-937-7273 © DAR PAR Sales John and Dominic Richichi www. darpargolf. com 914-946-1743, FAX 914-946-0796 © DeBuck’s Sod Farm of NY, Inc. Leonard M. DeBuck 120 DeBuck s Drive Pine Island, NY 10969 845-258-4131 © Down To Earth © David Griffin All Phases of Golf Course Construction 914-576-7693, CELL 914-413-3173 Egypt Farms, Inc. Dean Snyder P.O.Box 223 White Marsh, MD 21162 800-899-7645 © Emerald Isle, Ltd. Douglas Middleton 2153 Newport Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 800-628-4769 © © Michael Serio, Inc. Michael Serio “Complete Tree Care” 914-771-8733 © Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing “Americas Premium Top-Dressings” 800-247-2326/908-637-4191 Bill and Joe Carriere: 914-937-2136 © Plant Food Company, Inc. “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” TomWeinert 914-262-0111/800-562-1291 R. Argento & Sons, Inc. Louis Argento 1 Prospect Avenue White Plains, NY 10607 914-949-1152 © Simplot Partners Joe Stahl 795 Rt. #148 Kilhngworth, CT 06419 203-209-6951 Soil Solutions LLC Anthony Decicco/John Decicco 7 Whittemore Place Ryebrook, NY 10573 914-393-0659, FAX 914-939-5010 © Stahl Holdings, LLC Wash Water Recycling Bulk Chemical Mix and Load Koonz Sprinkler Supply Company, Inc. Jeff Stahl, NY/NJ/CT: 203-858-4136 William F. Koonz Joe Stahl: 203-209-6951 39 Waverly Avenue, P.O. Box 55 © Steven Willand, Inc. Springfield, NJ 07081 Gary Mathis 973-379-9314 4 Production Drive L. DeLea & Sons, Inc. Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-5757 Vincent Sasso 444 Elwood Road Storr Tractor Company - Flowtronex E.Northport, NY 11731 Rick Krok/Gary Lynott/Fred Rapp 631-368-8022 3191 US.Hwy.22 Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. Somerville, NJ 08876 908-722-9830/800-526-3802 Rob Good GroundWater and Environmental Surfside Wetting Agents Consulting Liquid ~ Granular ~ Pellets 203-452-3100 ZAP! Defoamer EMAIL rgood@lbghq.com Robert Oechsle: 800-401-0411 LESCO, Inc. © Syngenta Greg Moran: 914-755-4798 Lee A. Kozsey CELL 914-755-4798 Banner Maxx, Daconil, Heritage, Charlie Siemers: 914-672-2087 Medallion, Primo, Subdue CELL 914-755-4202 610-861-8174, CELL 215-796-0409 Metro Turf Specialists © The Care ofTrees “Customers, Our Top Priority” 203-748-GOLF, FAX 203-743-0458 Mike Cook, NY: 914-345-8733 Brian Nadriczny, NJ: 201-445-4949 EMAIL mail@metroturfspecialists.com Ken Clear, CT: 203-847-1855 The LeveLift Company “Tools for levelheaded people” Offering Irrigation Maintenance Tool that lifts sprinkler heads to level position 60B Skyline Drive Uncasville, CT 06382 Steven Glidewell: 860-271-3006 EMAIL glidesrz8@yahoo.com © The Roger Rulewich Group David Fleury/MarshallVictor Golf Course Design, Renovation, & Construction 800-465-3668, FAX 413-648-0211 © The Terre Company of New Jersey, Inc. Byron Johnson P.O. Box 1000,206 Delawanna Avenue Clifton, NJ 07014 973_473_3393 © Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. Skip Deubel 800-243-7582, CELL 860-306-8883 www. tuckahoeturf. com © Turf Products Corp./TORO Bryan Diggle, Irrigation: 888-440-7404 AlTretera, Equipment: 866-266-6215 The Sprinkler House at Amodio s White Plains, NY: 914-328-0190 George Corgan,Yamaha Golf Cars & Utility Vehicles: 800-521-3703 United Horticultural Supply/VERDICON Gerald B. Fountain 1470 Jersey Avenue North Brunswick, NJ 08902 732-296-8448, CELL 877-697-1199 © Valley View Wholesale Greenhouses Frank Amodio 229 Smith Badge Road S. Salem, NY 10590 914-533-2526, FAX 914-533-2050 © Westchester Tractor Inc. John Apple, President 14 Meadow Street Goldens Bridge, NY 10526 914-232-7746 www.wtractor.com © Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. Bob Lippman Sr./Bob Lippman Jr./ Dave Lippman “Serving the Golf Turf Profession” 845-621-5067, FAX 845-621-7180 © Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. Glenn Gallion 19 Central Boulevard So. Hackensack, NJ 07606 888-831-0891 © Denotes M etGCSA member