A: ^

j

: f

Old Oaks Country
Club.

The A lonzi’s: A “ Super” Family— in More Ways Than O n e..............2

Spotlight: Sean Cain .........................................................................................6
Chapter N ew s....................................................................................................... 7
Spotlight: Chuck D enny................................................................................... 8
Spotlight: Mark Millett ................................................................................... 9
U pcom ing Events ............................................................................................10
Scorecard............................................................................................................. 12
Member N ew s.....................................................................................................14
Spotlight: Chris S m ith ................................................................................... 16

Building
Extraordinary
Relationships

it. If you
| want to be a grand success as a superinten| dent these days, you have to tend to a whole
| lot more than just turf Right up there with
performing the day-to-day functions of
[ your job, is the more nebulous care-andfeeding of your working relationships—
I with your green chairman, membership,
[ club staff and officials, and last, but not least,
I your crew.
Although relationship building doesn’t
| show up as a line item in our budgets, it is
critically important to our success, even sur| vival, as turfgrass managers. Knowing how
to establish good relationships can help us
l open doors for resources, motivate employi ees, create harmony with club staff, officials,
: and members. What’s more, in the long
i run, it can help make our jobs more fulfill­
ing. The burning question, then, is: How do
we actually go about building good rela­
tionships? Here are a few thoughts and
I observations.

I

Build Trust

At our 1999 Winter Seminar, one of our
guest speakers, Dr. Robert Milligan of
Cornell University, gave a presentation titled
Trust and Empathy: The Keys to Extraordinary
Interpersonal Relationships. (Dr. Milligan, by
the way, is also a regular contributor to Golf
Course News.) He believes—and I agree—
that in order to build strong bonds with oth­
ers, we must work first to earn their
trust—that is their confidence in our in­
tegrity, ability, character, and truthfulness.
Then we must develop an ability to demon­
strate empathy or an understanding for their
situation, feelings, or motives.
Remaining open and sincere with the
people we work with and then demonstrat­
ing that we can empathize with their cir­
cumstances—in other words, walk in their
shoes—goes a long way toward building
credibility and earning trust. We all like
people we can identify with—and who can
identify with us.
Activities or actions that undermine
these principles will ultimately make our

MetGCSA President

jobs more difficult. It leaves us fighting to
“mend fences” with our superiors or repair
relations with a crew whose respect we’ve
lost. Though many of us have “been there,”
we don’t want to go back. Making these
kinds of reparations can be more difficult
than getting grass to recover on damaged
greens.

Listen Well

There comes a time in all of our careers
when the club we work for stops listening ...
to us and many of our requests. Does that
mean it’s time to look for a new job? Truly, I
don’t know. What I do know, however, is that
if—and when—a club begins to turn a deaf
ear to you and your suggestions, you must
take great care not to react in kind . . . as
tempting as it might be. In other words, do
not stop listening to them.
“Listening may well be the most crucial
component of communication,” says Dr.
Milligan, who firmly believes that when
we stop listening, we stop communicating.
“When we listen,” he explains, “we begin
to understand what is expected of us.”
Although we spend a lot of time developing
our ability to lead, we must also devote time
to learning how to follow—that is, listening
closely to the people we work for.
To listen and follow our employer’s com­
mand is not a bad thing; it is, in fact, what is
expected of us. Moreover, it’s what can
make or break the perception our boss and
members have of our on-the-job effective­
ness and capabilities. Demonstrate a spirit of
cooperation and your club is likely to do the
same.
continued on page 11
Tee to Green May-July 2006

And the Met Golf Writers
Association Family of the Year
Award Goes to...

The
Alonzi’s:
A “Super” Family
—

inOne

by Peter Rappoccio, CGCS

*

[ec tof^reen May July 2006

hey’re well-known—and
highly regarded—in the New York
JVl£|xopohfan area. They occupy
three-quarters o f a page o f the Met’s
membership directory. And collec­
tively, they boast credentials and
experience that few in the turfgrass
management industry could match.

They’re doers—for the good o f our
local chapter, our national association,
and various industry-related com m u­
nity organizations, not the least o f
which are the Water Wise Counsel and
the Drought Task Force o f Westchester.
They’re the Alonzi’s—Bob and son
Rob, Joe and son Chris.

Though it’s the two eldest members of
the clan who have been showered with
numerous awards in the past— the Met’s
coveted Sherwood A. Moore Award among
them—the entire family is being honored
now with one of the Met Golf Writers
Association’s highest honors: its Family of
the Year Award.
Reserved for members of a family who
have made notable contributions to the
game of golf, the award was presented at the
organization’s National Awards Dinner on
June 6 and was the first time this award

board member adds, “The position of golf
course superintendent is critically impor­
tant to the vitality of the clubs and courses
and to the game of golf in the Met area. Joe
and Bob Alonzi and their sons have done so
much for their clubs and profession.”

tendents—not just our family.”
As for Rob and Chris . . . they expressed
nothing short of great pride and respect for
their dads. Rob noted, “My dad and Uncle
Joe have done so much for our profession.
I’m walking in their footsteps, and I’m so
very proud of them. To be a part of this
award is a great honor.”
Chris echoed cousin Robby’s feelings:
“My father and Uncle Bob are so well
Bob, the eldest, was the first to know about respected
this industry. They’ve set the
the family’s selection for the award. It just bar for me.in I’m
of them—and to be
so happens that Bruce Beck, vice president part of this familyproud
award.”

Humble Recipients

“They are looked to as leaders in the field of golf
course agronomy; their courses and grounds are among the best-groomed
anywhere in the
nation;they have taught— and helped the careers of
many assistants; and they’ve developed actual tutf management tech­
niques that have been adopted elsewhere.
-

has ever been presented to a family of
superintendents.
Chuck Stogel, past president and Golf
Writers board member echoes the senti­
ment of the entire Golf Writers board and
selection committee when he states, “Bob
and Joe Alonzi’s contributions as superin­
tendents has helped to enhance the status
and renown of the many superb golf courses
in the Met area.
“They are looked to as leaders in the field
of golf course agronomy; their courses and
grounds are among the best-groomed
anywhere in the nation; they have taught—
and helped the careers of—many assistants;
and they’ve developed actual turf manage­
ment techniques that have been adopted
elsewhere.”
Stogel goes on to say, “It is obviously a
bonus when a local family is being honored,
and the Alonzi’s join other past winners
with local roots, such as the Turnesa, Claude
Harmon, Robert Trent Jones, Jerry
Courville, Mal Galletta, Tom Nieporte, and
Jules Alexander families. National winners
over the years have included the families of
George Bush, Pete Dye, Raymond Floyd,
Jack Nicklaus, Peter Jacobsen, Karsten
Solheim, Al Geiberger, and Jay Haas.
Jay Mattola, executive director of the Met
Golf Association and Met Golf Writers

Chuck Stogel

of the Met Golf Writers Association, is a
member of Fenway, where Bob’s currently
superintendent. So he paid Bob a personal
visit to inform him of the selection.
“I was totally surprised and honored,” says
Bob, recounting his reaction to the news.
“This award means all the more to me since
it’s shared with Joe and our sons. I have to
say, I was at a loss for words when Mr. Beck
told me about our selection for the award.”
Those of us who know Bob realize the
magnitude of this honor in his eyes. Bob is
never at a loss for words.
The official announcement of the award
was made by Jay Mattola at the Met’s
November Annual Meeting held, fittingly, at
St. Andrew’s where Bob’s son, Rob, has been
super since 2001.
Joe was scheduled to be out of town that
day, but Bob, who could sell snow to an
Eskimo, succeeded in convincing him to
stay on for the meeting. That meant all the
Alonzi’s were present when the announce­
ment was made.
Joe, like Bob, was thoroughly surprised.
“To be included with names like Nicklaus,
Trent Jones, Jacobsen, and Bush is an unbe­
lievable honor,” said Joe, reacting to the
news of the award. “There are so many
other families in the business who deserve
recognition----This award is for all superin-

An Award Well-Deserved

Superintendents in the Met area appreciate
all that Bob and Joe have done—and con­
tinue to do—to support our profession
locally, regionally, and nationally. Their will­
ingness to help fellow grass growers and to
promote professionalism within the industry
through their words and deeds and, of
course, their dedication to producing quality
golf courses . . . these are attributes many
superintendents strive for.
This award will let the national and local
golfing communities know what the
MetGCSA has known for years: Bob and
Joe Alonzi are two of the best our profession
has to offer, and it is fitting that they, along
with their two sons, be the first superintend­
ent family recognized nationally for their
noteworthy careers and contributions to the
game of golf.
Will the Alonzi line of SUPERintendents
span a third generation? Only time will tell!
Peter Rappoccio, a past president of the
MetGCSA, is superintendent at Silver Spring
Country Club in Ridgefield, CT.
Tee to Green May-July 2006

—

The Alonzi’s...
Yesterday and Today
rBob (left), presenting
the Past President’s
Plaque to Ted Horton,
1980.

Bob Alonzi, CGCS
Fenway G olf Club

Scarsdale, NY
Born in Italy not far from Rome, Bob came
to the U.S. when he was 12 years old. He
and his family lived with Bob’s grandfather
in Port Chester, NY, within 10 minutes of
Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich,
CT, where Bob got his first taste of the
world of golf
During the late 1950s, he began caddy­
ing at the club and worked on the grounds
crew on weekends while he was making his
way through high school. Encouraged by
then superintendent Ted Jozwick, Bob
completed a two-year degree in turfgrass
management from Rutgers University. He
stayed on at Tamarack until 1964, when he
was drafted into the army, serving two years
in the Vietnam War.
During the course of Bob’s lengthy
career, he’s managed some of the most pres­
tigious golf courses in the metropolitan
area. He spent three years as superintend­
ent at Rye Golf Club, a total of 11 years at
Burning Tree Country Club—six as super­
intendent, five as superintendent/general
manager—and six years at Fairview
Country Club before joining Winged Foot
as co-superintendent with Sherwood A.
Tee to Green May-July 2006

Moore for the 1984 U.S. Open Champion­
ship. Fifteen years and two major tourna­
ments later, Bob decided to take a break
from the championship course arena. He
arrived at Fenway in the fall of ’99 after a
brief return trip to Fairview.
Bob and his wife of 39 years, Kim, raised
their four children—one son and three
daughters—within a mile radius of Bob’s
Port Chester roots. They’ve lived in Green­
wich, CT, for the past 32 years in the house
Bob built in 1972.

Joe Alonzi, CGCS

W estchester Country Club
Rye, NY
When Joe was in high school, Bob encour­
aged him to follow his lead at Tamarack.
Like Bob, Joe caddied and worked on
Tamarack’s grounds crew on weekends dur­
ing high school. But Joe wasn’t as readily
convinced that this was his lifelong profes­
sion. He pursued an electrical engineering
degree from New York City Tech in the late
1960s and worked on radar systems for
United Aircraft during the Vietnam War.
When the war ended, so did his career in
the aircraft industry. Joe was without a job.
At Bob’s urging, Joe began working with
him at Burning Tree. It wasn’t long before
Joe found himself with a two-year degree
from Rutgers in turfgrass management and
on the road to his current position at
Westchester Country Club.
In 1974, he accepted his first superinten­
dent’s job at Huntington Crescent Club in
Long Island, then Fenway Golf Club in
1984, and finally Westchester, where he’s
hosted 15 PGA Tour stops—now known as
the Barclays Classics—since taking over as
superintendent there in 1992.
Joe, like Bob, has one son and three
daughters with his wife of 35 years, Judy.
They live in North Salem, NY.

Rob Alonzi
St. Andrew’s G olf Club

H astings-on-H udson, NY
Rob, it seems, was destined to become a golf
course superintendent. He too, worked as a
caddie and on the grounds crew during
high school. And like his uncle, he first pur­
sued another line of work. He entered Iona
College as a business major but, after a few
semesters, decided desk jobs weren’t for
him. In 1995, he graduated from the
University of Massachusetts with a B.S. in
plant and soil science and a minor in busi­
ness. Add to his list of credentials a stint at
Caves Valley, two years at Wykagyl, four years
as an assistant at Tamarack, and as long as he
can remember, working with his father.
In January 2001, Rob accepted his cur­
rent position as superintendent at St.
Andrew’s. Rob and his wife, Ann Marie of
six years, live in Port Chester, NY, with 4year-old Nicholas and 18-month-old Sarah.

Rob in 1979, already
praying for healthy
turfgrass.

Chris Alonzi

Elm wood Country Club
W hite Plains, NY
Growing up on a golf course, Chris knew Chris in 1984, learning the
from the start that he would pursue a career business firsthand.
in turfgrass management. After graduating
high school, he attended the State Univer­
sity of New York at Cobbleskill and, in
1994, graduated with an Associate’s in turf­
grass management.
He got his feet wet in the business as an
assistant at Brae Burn Country Club in
Purchase, NY, and then went over to
Westchester to help out his father—first as
his second assistant and then as his first. In
that role, Chris was expected to assume a
great deal of responsibility in preparing each
year for the Barclays—then known as the
Buick—Classic.
After working six years under his father’s
watchful eye, Chris accepted the superin­
tendent’s job at Woodbridge in February
2002. Four years later, in February of this
year, Chris joined the rest of his family
members in Westchester County as the
superintendent at Elmwood Country Club.
Chris lives on the club’s grounds in White
Plains, NY.

o

Sean Cain and Sunningdale Present an Evening of Education
by RobAlonzi
y f his year’s MetGCSA Education
W Meeting on July 19 found itself at
^ a n old favorite, Sunningdale Country
Club in Scarsdale, NY. Our host for this
event, Sean Cain, has been the golf
course superintendent at Sunningdale
for 10 years— and host to at least four
other Met meetings, with an Education
Meeting among them.
As those who have played the course
well know, Sunningdale is a true park­
land delight with the rolling terrain typ­
ical of Westchester County golf courses.
A precise driving course, Sunningdale
boasts seven doglegs and six severely
tilted fairways. Unfortunately, the only
taste of the course anyone got this time
around was from the clubhouse veranda.
This was, after all, an education— not a
golf—meeting. But for Sean that’s okay.
H e’s a team player who was happy to
help showcase Sunningdale’s newly
renovated clubhouse. “There’s always
another year for the golf course,” he says.

Serious about advancing his professional
standing in the industry, Sean last year
completed the requirements necessary
for GCSAA certification.

The Starting («ate

A Sunny Future

accomplished, low-handicap golfer, a
force on the baseball field and basketball
court, a mountain biker, and probably,
first and foremost, an avid skier. As soon
as the golf season ends and the ski season
begins, Sean becomes just about a full­
time resident of Vermont, where he skis
every chance he can get with his wife of
Sean
and
I
spoke
at
length
regarding
the
Sean began his career in turfgrass man­
nearly
one year, Annie, who he met, of
agement on the grounds crew of future of his club. He was involved in course, on the slopes.
Mohawk Country Club near his home numerous improvement projects when
in Schenectady, NY. He went on to earn he signed on in 1996, and now, 10 years Rob Alonzi, a co-editor of the Tee to Green,
a B.S. from The University of Rhode later, he’s gearing up for another round of is superintendent at St. Andrew’s Golf Club
Island and had the good fortune of enhancements.
“Exciting times at Sunningdale,” says in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.
working as an intern/second assistant at
The Stanwich Club under Superinten­ Sean, explaining that the club is in the
dent Scott Niven. After two years there, beginning stages of developing a master
Sean accepted a position as first assistant plan for the entire property. “It looks like Special thanks to our great group of
at The Apawamis Club under then we’ll be renovating our bunkers, realign­ member speakers who shared their first­
Superintendent Jeff Scott. “It was Scott ing and extending a number of our holes, hand experiences on a variety of topics:
and Jeff who gave me the training, expe­ expanding several of our smaller greens, • Tim Moore of Knollwood Country
rience, and confidence I needed to make and removing some of our more prob­ Club offered important insight into plan­
it in this profession,” says Sean, who also lematic trees,” says Sean happily. Also ning and building a new maintenance
credits his past mentors with his involve­ part of the plan— and best of all in Sean’s facility.
mind—is a new maintenance facility.
ment in the Met.
• Sean Cain of Sunningdale Country Club
For four years, Sean served on the
shared
tried-and-true solutions to handling
MetGCSA Board of Directors, co-chairanthracnose.
ing the Tournament Committee and the
• Ken Benoit of GlenArbor Golf Club
Communications Committee, where he For Sean, there’s life beyond work—but, discussed
the ins and outs of golf course
became co-editor of the Tee to Green. clearly, no life without sports. H e’s an construction
and renovation.

kilting Back

9 Tee to Green May-fuly 2006

In Honor of Our U.S. Open Host

by Will Heintz

Winged Foot Golf Club’s
Eric Greytok and wife,
Kelly.

Our suppliers who funded the
reception: (front) Mike Cook
of The Care of Trees, (back,
left to right) Kevin Collins of
Aquatrols, Inc., Joe Stahl of
The Turf Connection, Bob
Lippman Jr. of Westchester
Turf Supply, and Tim
Marcoux of Atlantic
Irrigation Specialties.

Generous
Gestures

'e ’d like to recognize and
thank two of our suppliers
who have made thoughtful—and
much appreciated—contributions to our
association.
First, we’d like to thank Bill Bartels of
Tanto Irrigation, who donated to our
Scholarship Fund the $500 he won in our
Annual Bill Caputi Scholarship Raffle held
at our December 3 Christmas party.
Second, we’d like to recognize Scott Apgar
of Metro Turf Specialists, who teamed with
Quali-Pro on its early order program and
came up with a donation program to help
benefit the Met and other local associations.
Basically, Metro has agreed to make dona­
tions based on its sales of Quali-Pro prod­
ucts. So, in March, Scott presented the Met
with a check in the amount of $669.50 to be
used—in Scott’s words, “as you see fit.” The
check has been allocated to our Welfare
Fund.
Many, many thanks, again, Bill and Scott.
work and dedication of his 46 crew members
Your
support means so much to us.
and his assistants, Sean Foley and Matt Gaver,
and to the talents of his equipment techni­
cian, Steve Jordan.
Congratulations to Eric for a great Open
on Father’s Day weekend. Eric, by the way,
does have a life outside of Winged Foot. He
and his wife, Kelly, have two children—2
1/2-year-old Joe and 1-year-old Kendall—
and they live in Somers, NY.
My special thanks to Kevin Collins of
Aquatrols, Inc., Tim Marcoux of Atlantic
Irrigation Specialties, Bob Lippman Jr. of
Westchester Turf Supply, Joe Stahl of The
Turf Connection, and Mike Cook of The
Care of Trees, for making this night possible.
I greatly appreciate their friendships and
generosity.

( y W jp riends of Eric and Kelly
^ J Greytok gathered June 5 at
Franks in Mamaroneck, NY, to
wish Eric, his staff, and Winged Foot Golf
Club the very best for the 2006 U.S. Open.
Eric, at age 33, is the youngest superin­
tendent ever to hold two U.S. Opens. His
first Open was in 2001 at Pebble Beach. In
years prior, Eric has had several great train­
ing grounds—Merion, Congressional, and
Riviera—where he worked under the
skilled direction of Paul Latshaw.
Beyond possessing one of the most
impressive superintendent resumes, Eric
brings to our profession great humility, char­
acter, and integrity. He is a true gentleman
and role model for us all.
But Eric also possesses great drive, contin­
uing to deliver world-class playing condi­
tions on a daily basis while preparing the
West Course for the Open and overseeing a Will Heintz, MetGCSA president, is superin­
major renovation of Winged Foot’s East tendent at Pound Ridge Golf Club in Pound
Course. Eric credits his success to the hard Ridge, NY.

Tee to Green May-July 2006

Chuck Denny Welcomes Poa Annual Tourney to Salem (Jolt Club
by Eric O ’Neill

r y palem Golf Club was the site

^
of this years Poa Annual
^ ^ Tournament, which was held July
31 in conjunction with the Connecticut
GCSA to raise money for turf research.
Happy to host this worthy event was Charles
“Chuck” Denny, the club’s superintendent
since 1999.
Long before Chucks time as the clubs
superintendent—in the summer of 1965—
developers began work to transform what
was once a 165-acre dairy farm into the 18hole Salem Golf Club. Named The Nicholas
Farm, this prime parcel of North Salem
property was fashioned into playable terrain
by golf course architect Edward Ryder. “He
used the lay of the land to enhance the natu­
ral beauty of the property,” explains Chuck,
“so we’ve been careful not to interfere with
Ryder’s design features and the land’s natural
topography when we’ve renovated various
aspects of the course.”
Among the changes Chuck has overseen
in his tenure are new bunkers, tees, cart paths,
and a short game practice area. Also figuring
prominently in the renovations were a new
pumphouse and irrigation system.

Chuck’s Start

Chuck’s entrée into the golf world began
early. He started golfing at 8, and by 12, he’d
accepted his first position at a golf course—
the Pocono Manor Golf Club, in the moun­
tain village where his family owned a
summer home. “I was a range picker, bagroom attendant, and cart boy—all in one,”
Chuck remembers. “I made $10 a day plus
tips.”
By 14, Chuck had gotten his feet wet in
the golf course maintenance side of the busi­
ness. His family’s summer getaway happened
to be situated on the 6th hole of Pocono
Farms Country Club where Chuck worked
summers through high school on the main­
tenance crew. “I’d be out working in the
morning, stop in my house for breakfast, and
then continue on,” Chuck remembers
fondly.

Tee to Green May-July 2006

It was at Pocono Farms where Chuck actu­
ally became inspired to pursue a career in
turf management. “The club was nine holes
and decided to expand to 18 while I was still
on board. Working through the construction
is when I got the fever,” says Chuck.
“A bunch of the construction guys on the
project went to Penn State and convinced
me to pursue a degree there.” By 1989,
Chuck had earned a B.S. in agronomy.
While working toward his degree, Chuck
had the good fortune of working alongside
numerous distinguished professors—Dr.
Tom Watchske, Dr. Pat Sanders, George
Hamilton, and Dr. A1 Turgeon, to name
several—at the university’s Landscape
Management Center, which field tested
products being developed by major chemical
companies.
Chuck’s work there paid off. After gradu­
ating, it was Chuck who Dr. Turgeon
thought of when he heard there was an
opening for an assistant at Century Country
Club in Purchase, NY. That was Chuck’s one
and only stop before accepting his current
position at Salem, and Chuck credits then
Superintendent Jim Fulwider Jr. for his step
up to superintendent. “No doubt, working
with Jim gave me the knowledge and expe­
rience I needed for a superintendent’s posi­
tion,” says Chuck, who was also grateful for
the time he spent working alongside
Seawane Supeirntendent Brian Benedict. “I
worked with Brian for three years at
Century and enjoyed not just the comraderie, but also the ability to share ideas and
practices. I learned a lot from Brian too.”
A MetGCSA member since signing on at
Century in 1990, Chuck joined the board of
directors in 2004 and has served for the past
year as a co-chair of the Tournament Com­
mittee. Talking about his decision to serve
on the Met board, Chuck says, “I’ve been a
member of the Met for 16 years and feel
being affiliated with the organization has
contributed to my success as a superintend­
ent. I’m only happy to be able to step up and
give something back to the group that’s
given so much to me.”

A New Beginning

Soon, Chuck will be embarking on a new
chapter in his fife—life as a married man.
He and his soon-to-be wife, Robin, hope
to marry in February 2007. If there’s a tinge
of uncertainty in the date, it’s only because
their original plans had to be changed, when
Robin broke her wrist not long before their
first planned wedding.
“It will be a quiet ceremony on the beach
in Key West,” says Chuck, “and then on to
Grand Cayman for the honeymoon.”
One of Chuck’s favorite pastimes is spend­
ing time by the sea—where, he says, “there’s
no grass to look at.” He had built up a sub­
stantial collection of unique driftwood pieces
that he says would conjure up fond memories
of his various vacation spots. “When Robin
and I bought a house last fall,” he says, “I
decided to get rid of most of my collection,
but I just might start up again—who knows,
maybe even on my honeymoon.”
In the meantime, Chuck has a new hobby
to keep him busy: growing orchids. Right
now, he has a small collection—six of various
colors—which he devotes at least two hours
a week to their care and feeding.
A man of many interests, Chuck has, per­
haps above all else, a passion for Nascar races.
Over the years, he’s attended 12 Daytona
500s, and nowadays he says he’s just happy to
attend any race he can.
Hope you all enjoyed your day on the
links. See you at next year’s Poa Annual.
Eric O ’Neill, a member of the Tee to Green
Editorial Committee, is superintendent at Towers
Country Club in Floral Park, NY.

Spotlight

Summer Social Returns to Old Oaks
by Kevin Collins

^ F he MetGCSA Summer So^ F cial returns this year to Old Oaks
^ C o u n t r y Club on August 8 after a
one-year hiatus. The facilities at Old Oaks
are truly magnificent: the clubhouse, the
outside patio, the outdoor pool area all offer
a little bit of paradise right here in
Westchester County.
Our host for the evening is Old Oaks’s
long-tenured superintendent, Mark Millett,
and his wife of 34 years, Mary Pat. As any­
one in the association will tell you, Mark is
one of the most generous and kindhearted
persons you would ever want to meet. The
many parties and social events that Mark
and Mary Pat have held at their house are
legendary. Many of the assistant superin­
tendents, past and present, who have had the
pleasure of working with Mark, look upon
him and Mary Pat as a second Mom and
Dad and their house as a second home. A
number of years ago, Mark and Mary Pat
hosted a backyard barbecue to welcome
superintendents who were new to the area.
“We wanted to give them an opportunity
to get to know some of their colleagues,”
said Mark. A lot of close friendships grew
out of that get-together, friendships that
remain strong to this day.

The Laugh

When Kevin Seibel first came to Century
Country Club, one of Old Oaks’s close
neighbors, I decided to do a Mark/Mary
Pat Millett kind of thing and get these guys
together. I brought them out for a few
drinks.
Although Kevin and Mark had previously
met, this was the first time they really sat
down to converse and share their profes­
sional philosophies. The evening started out
innocently enough, friendly conversation
interrupted only by the numerous drink
orders we placed. And then the mood
changed. It was the “old lion” versus the
“young lion,” “old school” versus “new
school.”

Next thing I knew, Kevin and Mark were Architecture at the University of Florida, is
circling each other, throwing jabs and all set to begin a three-year graduate pro­
hooks. The judges had the bout even until gram at Columbia University this fall.
Mark pulled out his secret weapon: The Daughter Megan, 22, received her under­
Laugh. Mark has this great laugh that graduate degree from Pace University and is
could cripple a whole neighborhood. currently employed by Ossining Schools as a
Kevin had made a comment about some special education teacher. Megan is plan­
tank mix or something or other he was ning to begin working toward her Masters
doing at his club and Mark hit him with next year.
When Mark and Mary Pat have free time,
The Laugh. It was all over, a TKO in the
12th round. In fact, the people sitting at they love to get together with good friends
two tables that were close to us were in and open a few bottles of wine. They never
stitches, and they had no idea what we lose sight of the important things in life: the
were talking about. It was The Laugh that family and friends who sustain you.
One of Mark’s favorite pastimes is playing
had gotten them too.
golf with his two-ball partner, Tom Leahy. If
you’re within earshot, you can often hear
The Laugh when Tom tees off.
hope to see all of you on August 8.
You can’t think about Mark without think­ YouWecan’t
miss this fun event—or the chance
ing about Mary Pat. They are inseparable. to hear The
Laugh for yourself. Hearing,
Rarely will you meet a couple who is so in after all, is believing!
tune with each other. The love and respect
they have for each other is obvious . . .
always.
Mark and Mary Pat have raised two great Kevin Collins, a member of the Tee to Green
children who they are very proud of. Jeff, Editorial Committee, is Northeast territory man­
now 26, after finishing his degree in agerfor Aquatrols Corp. ofAmerica.

Family and Friends

Tee to Green May-July 2006

Upcoming Events

2006 Met Calendar of
Events

Westchester Country Clul
Massachusetts Turi Prog

olf Course Super Joe Alonzi
It’s not too early to contact our meeting and social chairs to volunteer your club for an event
and Westchester Country Club in
in 2007. For professional events, contact either of our Tournament Committee co-chairs: m
Rye, NY, will be hosts to the Annual
Blake Haider man at 914-946-1074 or Chuck Denny at 914-669-5959. Our Social & Welfare
Committee co-chairs are Tom Leahy (914-941-8281) and Bob Nielsen (914-234-3779). Dr. Joseph Troll Turf Education Fundraiser
on October 23. In its third year, the event is
Both are available to discuss any upcoming social events.
sponsored by the Alumni Turf Group and the
MetGCSA to raise funds for the UMass Turf
MetGCSA Championship and Met Area
Superintendent/Green Chairman
Program. Last year, the event was held at
Team Championship Qualifier
Tournament
Cape Cod National Golf Club and raised
Tuesday, September 5
Monday, October 30
more than $45,000.
Hudson National GC
Sleepy Hollow CC, Scarborough, NY
This year, Alumni Turf Group (ATG)
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Host:Tom Leahy, CGCS
committee
member Jeff Wentworth, super­
Host: Chris Smith, CGCS
Annual Meeting
intendent of Pelham Country Club, would
Met Area Team Championship
Tuesday, November 7
like to encourage Met members to bring
Tuesday, October 3
Bedford Golf & Tennis Club, Bedford, NY along their green chairmen and club officials
Fishers Island Club, Fishers Island, NY
Host: Bob Nielsen, CGCS
for this worthy cause and day of fun on the
Host: Don Beck
links.
MetGCSA Christmas Party
Annual Assistants Tournament
Saturday, December 2
Thursday, October 12
Mount Kisco CC, Mount Kisco, NY
Seawane Club, Hewlett Harbor, NY
Host: Fred Scheyhing, CGCS
Host: Brett Chapin
In addition to treating participants to a day of
golf, the fundraising event will continue its
tradition of recognizing an accomplished
UMass grad. This year’s tournament honEducational Events
oree will be Ted Horton, who is well-known
and loved by longtime members of the
3rd Annual GCSANJ Crystal Conference
University of Rhode Island 75th
MetGCSA and superintendents across the
Tuesday-Thursday, November 7—9
Turfgrass Field Day
country.
Crystal Springs Resort,Vernon, NJ
Wednesday, August 23
Ted learned his craft at Winged Foot,
URI Turf Plots, Skogley Memorial Research This two-day educational conference will under the tutelage of last year’s honoree,
kick off with a Four-Man Scramble Event on Sherwood Moore. He eventually took over
Center, Kingston, RI
The field day will offer the traditional vendor Opening Day.
as Winged Foot’s superintendent, and after
displays, demonstrations, and field tours of For further information, contact Paul 14 years, he moved to Westchester where he
research in progress in addition to a clambake Dotti at 866-GCSANJ1 or edgepaul@ oversaw a complete renovation of the facility.
dinner commemorating the field days 75th hotmail.com. You can also watch the website
In 1993, as superintendent for Pebble
as the date draws closer: http://www. Beach Co., Ted moved into the national
anniversary.
GCSANJ.org.
Registration 7:30-9 a.m.
spotlight again, this time as an environmental
Exhibitor Booths 9 a.m.—1 p.m.
steward winning several awards and forming
Empire State Green Industry Show
Plot Tours 9 a.m.-ll:30 a.m.
the historic Golf and the Environment
(Formerly the NYSTA Turf and Grounds Summit, a landmark meeting between golf
Lunch 11:30-12
Exposition)
Afternoon Plot Tours 12-1 p.m.
and environmental groups.
75th Clambake Dinner Celebration 2-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, November 14—16
“It is an absolute thrill to be able to honor
Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Ted,” says Alumni Turf Group President Steve
at Laurel Lane Golf Course
For further information, contact Dr. Rochester, NY
Curry. “To put this into further perspective,
Rebecca Brown at 401-874-2755 or brown- Save the date, and watch for details. For fur­ it is remarkable that a venue such as
ther information, contact NYSTA at 800- Westchester Country Club and a group such
reb@uri.edu.
873-8873 or nysta@nysta.org. You can also as the MetGCSA are hosting this year’s
watch the website as the date draws closer: Joseph Troll Fundraiser. This gives clarity to
http:/ / www.nysta.org/greenshow/.
the magnitude of Ted’s success and the
importance of this event.”

Recognizing a UMass Alum

Tee to Green May-July 2006

President's Message continued from page 1

Create a Positive Image

bto Host University of
ram Fundraiser

Talking about the award, Steve adds,
“This will continue a great annual tradition
of honoring inspirational and accomplished
alumni of the turf programs at the
University of Massachusetts. In this case, it
is especially poignant that Ted is being hon­
ored after his mentor, Sherwood Moore.”

About the Alumni Turf Group

*

i

The Alumni Turf Group, formed in 2005, is
made up of turf professionals who are grad­
uates of the Stockbridge School of Agricul­
ture and the University of Massachusetts.
Through fundraising, AT G hopes to further
research and education, promote UMass
alumni in the turf management profession,
and instill pride and commitment in the
turf programs at the University of
Massachusetts.
Entry forms, additional information for
this event, and ATG information are avail­
able online at www.alumniturfgroup.com.
Also feel free to contact Steve Curry
directly at 413-329-4912 or Sjc_superintendent@ yahoo.com.

Image building is important to creating
strong relationships. Clubs, like corpora­
tions, invest a good deal of time and money
in projecting the right kind of image. For
corporations, it’s customers they’re trying to
impress. At clubs, it’s the members. Both
types of organizations are looking to main­
tain a loyal following. Clubs are doing
whatever they can to keep their members
happy. They can’t, after all, afford not to.
The last thing they want is for members to
leave the club feeling they’re “paying too
much for what they’re getting.” It eventu­
ally weakens the relationship the members
have with the club, and like customers who
stop using a product that no longer meets
their needs, members eventually leave the
club—a blow to the club’s revenue.
Superintendents can look to that as a les­
son. Like the clubs we work for, we must
invest in the image we project to our mem­
bers and the people we work for. The last
thing we want to happen is to have our
membership feel they’re paying more for us
than we’re worth ... that we’re not provid­
ing enough “bang for the buck.”
How do we avoid this? We build— and
work hard to maintain—a positive image
for ourselves. In the June 2006 issue of
MCMA Prominent Link, there’s a section
called “Jim Glover’s Deep Thoughts.” In it,
Glover states, “People seldom improve
when they have no model other than them­
selves to copy after.” How true. When cre­
ating an image for yourself, therefore, it
might help to think of someone you
admire—inside or outside the business.
Decide what qualities—personal or profes­
sional—make this person admirable in your
eyes. Chances are these same qualities
would be highly regarded by your member­
ship too.
Another image-enhancing tool we
shouldn’t overlook is GCSAA’s Professional
Development Initiative (PDI). Designed to
help us project a more professional image
within our industry and among our mem­
bers and employers, the PDI guides us in
improving our competencies and ultimately
elevating our image and strengthening our
relationships.
Don’t forget, everything we do creates an
impression. Even something as simple as an
email can be telling: Spelling, vocabulary,
content, punctuation . . . they all tell the
reader something about our ability to com­
municate—and even our intelligence! In
short, everything we say or do, not to men­
tion the way we look, has an impact on our
image.

In the End

During the throes of “the season,” we’re
often so intent on keeping our turf alive
and well, that we can forget to nurture our
relationships. While slighting the interper­
sonal aspect of our jobs may seem neces­
sary at times, it’s risky business. Remember
that no matter how skillful we are at our
jobs, a good part of our success and future
depends on how people feel about us.
If you lose a green and your green chair­
man doesn’t respect you, chances are that
more than your green will be toast. If you
drive your crew hard (which, this time of
year, it’s hard not to) without taking time
to provide feedback or recognition for
their efforts, chances are you’ll lose not
only their allegiance but their willingness
to go the extra mile for you.
As Grayson Cobb, a highly regarded
project manager at Heritage Links once
told me in conversation, “Relationships are
the most important part of every project.”
He believes that if he can’t build good rela­
tionships at the clubs he works for, his
work at those clubs will not be a success.
Relationships truly can make or break
our careers.
With that in mind, it helps to remember
the importance o f...
• respecting the image our club works
hard to project by working hard to live up
to that image ourselves—in our actions
and words
• taking into consideration others’ needs
and circumstances when managing—or
being managed
• listening to—and often heeding—what
those we work with and for have to say
In the end, it’s all about doing whatever
it takes to create goodwill and build the
kind of working relationships that stand
the test of time. This kind of thinking will
serve us well as golf course superintendents
and on any other career path we may
choose to follow down the road.
Wishing you all a successful balance of
the season__
Will Heintz
President

Tee to Green May-July 2006

Two-Ball Qualifying Teams Post First-Round R(,

Here’s the lineup ofTwo-Ball qualifiers, along with th

Wykagyl Tests Two-Ball Qualifiers

First Flight

r

J n Tuesday, May 9, more than 90 players converged on Wykagyl Country Club for
/ the 2006 Two-Ball Qualifier—-just nine days before the club was set to host the
— LPGA Sybase Classic. It was a wonderful experience to be able to play a golf course
that had been prepped for touring pros. Many thanks to Wykagl’s Super Mike Scott and the
rest of the staff at the club for hosting our event. The course was in impeccable shape, and
with the contouring greens and glasslike putting surfaces, it made for an interesting day.
This year, there were 35 teams vying for 30 positions with the first and second flight
champs from last year automatically receiving the #1 seeds. It’s a good thing, because our
last year’s first flight champions, Dave Dudones & Grover Alexander, posted a net 81, which
was way down on the leader board.
The leading net division team was Tony Grasso & Scott Tretera with a net score of 62.
Somehow these two shot an 87 and 86 respectively and still managed to ham-and-egg their
way to a 75 gross and 62 net score.
Following them in the net division on a match of cards with 63s were Greg Wojick &
Mike Reeb and Dennis DeSanctis Jr. & Mike Scott.
On the gross side, just to confirm how difficult the course was playing, we had one more
75 for first place in the gross division by the team of Brian Benedict & Bob Lippman Jr., but
80 would be the next best score by Glen Dube & Blake Halderman. A gross score of 82
took third place honors by Kevin Seibel & Ralph Meolla.
In addition to the team scores for first through third place, you’ll find the proximities for
the day. An interesting closest to the pin in this event had two gentlemen—who happen to
be brothers—in the same group on one card. You would think it couldn’t be possible until
you see it is Joe Alonzi first, only to be outdone by a low worm-burning runner by his
brother Bob Alonzi. I’m sure there wasn’t too much “brotherly love” on that green— or
when Bob got up to claim his prize. Well, it’s all in the name of fun.
Speaking of fun, you’ll also find listed here the qualifying teams for the Two-Ball, along
with the first-round results.
Please remember that you can get updates on the Two-Ball, as well as meeting notices and
information on the MetGCSA website at www.metgcsa.org.
- Blake Halderman, CGCS
Event of the Day Results
Gross Team Winners

75 Brian Benedict/Bob Lippman Jr.
Seawane Club/Westchester Turf Supply
80 Glen Dube/Blake Halderman
Centennial GC/Brae Burn CC
82 Kevin Seibel/Ralph Meolla
Century CC/Guest
(won in a match of cards)
Net Team Winners

Closest to the Pin

#4 Dave Fleury
The Roger Rulewich Group
#7 Gerry Lombardo
Guest
#11 Dan Cancelled
f A.Jackson Corp.
#13 Skip Duebel
Tuckahoe Turf Farms
#16 Bob Alonzi
Fenway GC

62 Tony Grasso/Scott Tretera
Metropolis CC/The Turf Connection
Longest Drive
63 GregWojick/Mike Reeb
Greenwich CC/CC of New Canaan
Bill Bartels
(won in a match of cards)
Tanto Irrigation
63 Dennis DeSanctis Jr./Mike Scott
Syngenta Professional Products /Wykagyl CC
Tee to Green May-July 2006

14' 7”
13M
8' 2"

1) Grover Alexander/Dave Dudones
Hudson Hills CC/North Jersey CC
defeated 2 & I
16) Jon Barlock/Kevin Seibel
Turf Products Corp. / Century CC
9) Tim Garceau/Ernie Steinhofer
The Tuxedo Club/Metro Turf Specialists
defeated 5 & 4
8) Steve Renzetti/Dave Mahoney
Quaker Ridge GC/Siwanoy CC
5) Chris Alonzi/Mike Cook
Elmwood CC/The Care of Trees
defeated 2 & t
12) Dave Fleury/Glenn Perry
The Roger Rulewich Group/
Rolling Hills CC
4) Joe Gardner/TomWeinert
Dellwood CC/Plant Food Co., Inc.
defeated 2 & i
13) Chad Esposito/Scott Zalinsky
Highland GC/Siwanoy CC
6) Glen Dube/Blake Halderman
Centennial GC/Brae Burn CC
defeated 4 & 3
11) Bob Johnston/Matt Severino
Lake Success GC/ Scarsdale GC
14) Eddie Binsse/Dan Cancelled
Waccabuc CC/J.A.Jackson Corp.
defeated i up
3) Brian Benedict/Bob Lippman Jr.
Seawane Club/Westchester Turf Supply
7) Scott Niven/Larry Pakkala
The Stanwich Club/Woodway CC
defeated 3 & 2
10) Nick Lerner/Kevin Collins
Bonnie Briar CC/Aquatrols, Inc.
15) Sean Cain/JeffWentworth
Sunningdale CC/Pelham CC
defeated 3 & t
2) Tony Grasso/Scott Tretera
Metropolis CC/The Turf Connection
Second Round Matches in Progress
First Flight

1) Grover Alexander/Dave Dudones
vs.
9) Tim Garceau/Ernie Steinhofer
9 '4M 5) Chris Alonzi/Mike Cook
vs.
4) Joe Gardner/TomWeinert
Hole #6 6) Glen Dube/Blake Halderman
vs.
14) Eddie Binsse/Dan Cancelled
7) Scott Niven/Larry Pakkala
vs.
15) Sean Cain/JeffWentworth
6’8"

¡suits

leir first-round match results:
Second Flight

1) Dennis Flynn/Peter Rappoccio
Class Life A member/Silver Spring CC
defeated 2 & i
16) Rob Alonzi/Bill Bartels
St. Andrew's GC/Tanto Irrigation
8) Mark Fuller/Byron Johnson
Connecticut GC/The Terre Co. ofNJ, Inc.
defeated 6 & 5
9) Tom Leahy/Mark Millett
Sleepy Hollow CC/Old Oaks CC
5) Paul Gonzalez/Lou Quick
Canyon Club/Anglebrook GC
defeated 3 & 1
12) Scott Apgar/Bobby Steinman
Metro Turf Specialists/Beekman CC
4) Chuck Martineau/Fred Scheyhing
Whippoorwill Club/Mt. Kisco CC
defeated in aforfeit
13) John Wickes/Jason Ziesmer
Ira Wickes-Arborists /Manhattan Woods GC
11) Bob Nielsen/Bill Perlee
Bedford Golf & Tennis/Apawamis Club
defeated 2 & l
6) Tony Campanella/Bill Middleton
Hampshire CC /Emerald Isle, Ltd.
14) Joe Kennedy/Peter Waterous
Irra-Tech/ Westchester Hills GC
defeated on i 9th hole —Sudden Death
3) Mike Reeb/GregWojick
CC of New Canaan/Greenwich CC
10) Todd Polidor/Tim Moore
Somers Pointe GC/Knollwood CC
defeated in a coin toss
7) Mark GrifF/Steve Wirth
Richmonnd County CC/Cherry Valley CC
2) Dennis DeSanctis Jr./ Mike Scott
Syngenta Professional Products/Wykagyl CC
defeated 3 & 1
15) Bob Alonzi/Joe Alonzi
Fenway GC/Westchester CC

Second Flight

1) Dennis Flynn/Peter Rappoccio
vs.
8) Mark Fuller/Byron Johnson
5) Paul Gonzalez/Lou Quick
vs.
4) Chuck Martineau/Fred Scheyhing
11) Bob Nielsen/Bill Perlee
vs.
14) Joe Kennedy/Peter Waterous
10) Todd Polidor/Tim Moore
vs.
2) Dennis DeSanctis Jr./Mike Scott

Silver Spring Takes Home
Invitational Trophy
The 2006 MetGCSA
Invitational’s winning
team: Silver Spring
Country Club}s (front, left
to right) Golf Course
Superintendent Peter
Rappoccio and Assistant
Golf Professional Colin
Amaral; (back, left to right)
Club President Steve Rice
and Green Chairman
Matt Mason.

!S il

f he 2006 MetGCSA Invitational
W was played this year at GlenArbor
Golf Club in Bedford, NY, on May
30. We had 20 teams from around the Met
Section, and considering this was the day
after a long weekend, Ken Benoit and his
staff had the course in remarkable shape for
all to enjoy.
GlenArbor is truly a special place, and we
thank the owners, club members, and staff
for their gracious hospitality.
The event teams are made up of two club
officials, the golf professional, and the golf
course superintendent from each club.
One player in each group must play as
scratch (normally the golf professional), and
the rest play best-ball gross and net, along
with the scratch player. This is a wonderful
opportunity to network with your club
officials, coworkers, and neighboring clubs.
Following the round, there were many
awards to be distributed, including a lowgross prize to the golf pro. This year, it was a
three-way tie with a score of 71 by Colin
Amaral (Silver Spring CC), Greg Pace
(Pelham CC), and Dan Tzivanis (Rolling
Hills CC).
In addition to Colin’s low-gross prize, his
score helped the Silver Spring Country
Club team of Superintendent Peter
Rappoccio and club officials Matt Mason

and Steve Rice take home the overall cham­
pion’s trophy with a low-net score of 58.
Close behind in second place was the
AspetuckValley team with a net score of 59.
In the gross division, Old Oaks took top
honors with a best-ball score of 66 on a
match of cards against the second-place
team Colonial Springs. In addition to the
team winners, we had the following indi­
vidual proximity winners:
Closest to the Pin

#3 Morgan Gregory
GlenArbor GC
#7 Rob Getreu
Brae Burn CC
#11 Griff Peck
Aspetuck Valley CC
#14 JeffJones
Rolling Hills CC
#17 Russ Aue
Colonial Springs GC

4' 1"
4’8M
6’
4’ IT'
2' 1/2"

Longest Drive

Blake Halderman, Brae Burn CC
Thank you, again, to GlenArbor Golf Club
and all the clubs that participated in the
year’s event. It was a huge success!
- Blake Halderman, CGCS
Tee to Green May-July 2006

Member News

The MetGCSA Says Goodbye to One of
the Greats... Sherwood A. Moore, t'Gt'S
M t is with our deepest sympathy
W that we announce the death of
^ Sherwood A. Moore on July 29. He
was 90. Nearly a centenarian, Sherwood
devoted more than half his life to serving
the turfgrass management profession. He
was a MetGCSA member since 1959, serv­
ing in 1965-66 as our association’s presi­
dent. In 1987, he became the first recipient
and model for our association’s most presti­
gious award, the Sherwood A. Moore
Award, an honor reserved for superintend­
ents who have “advanced the professional
image, status, and reputation of the golf
course superintendent.” This, as all who
knew him would agree, describes
Sherwood to a T.

A Pioneer

Born in West Haven, CT, on September 29,
1915, Sherwood graduated from
Northampton High School in
Northampton, MA, in 1934 and went on to
Stockbridge School of Agriculture at what
was then Massachusetts Agricultural
College. A 1937 graduate, Sherwood par­
ticipated in the Winter School for
Greenskeepers and Golf Course Foremen;
the nation’s first program of its kind, it is
still offered at UMass Amherst.
He served as superintendent at the Lake
Mohawk, Crestmont, and Hollywood
clubs, all in New Jersey; Woodway Country
Club in Darien, CT; and Winged Foot Golf
Club in Mamaroneck, NY. While at
Winged Foot, he hosted the 1959 U.S.
Open, the 1980 Senior Open, and the 1984
U.S. Open.
During 1984, he returned to his
Massachusetts roots, helping to develop the
Captain’s Golf Course in Brewster, MA.

Tee to Green May-July 2006

Sherwood Moore, surrounded by family, receives an honorary Doctor of Science degree at
UMass's 136th Commencement on May 27. From left to right: Kelly Ann Cameron,
Skip Cameron, Marie and Sherwood Moore, Rob and Sherry Napier, Glenn Moore,
Phyllis Cameron, Terry Cameron Pruneau, and Gary Cameron.
Photo courtesy of the Cameron family.

Members on the Move

Bryan Jansen is the new superintendent at
Tee-Bird Golf Club in Fort Edward, NY.
Previous position: Assistant superintendent,
Westchester Hills GC, White Plains, NY.
Robert Dorsch is the new superintendent
at Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury,
CT. Previous position: Tom Irwin, Inc.,
based in Burlington, MA.

New Member

Please join the board in welcoming new
member Steven Wirth, superintendent at
Cherry Valley Country Club in Skillman,
NJ.

Well Wishes

He Gave, anil He Received

Sherwood is considered to be the greatest
golf course superintendent of our time. He
pioneered the use of fairway contour mow­
ing and triplex greens mowers on fairways
and mentored a number of the nation’s
finest superintendents, many Met members
among them.
He has served as an articulate spokesman
for the profession, writing countless articles
on its practice and lecturing at meetings
and conferences across the U.S. and Canada.
In addition to the MetGCSA, Sherwood
has served as past president to the GCSA of
New Jersey and the GCSAA.
Sherwood never stopped. In recent years,
he was active with the Turf Advisory
Service of the USGA. He volunteered his
expertise to the International Executive
Service Corps by serving in developing
African countries, including three assign­
ments in Morocco, two in Kenya, and three
in Egypt. He also consulted independent­
ly at golf courses in Switzerland and
Mauritius.
Sherwood’s achievements and unselfish
service did not go unnoticed. He received
numerous local, state, and national awards,
including the USGA Green Section Award

We’d like to send well wishes to Bob Tosh,
who was a longtime Connecticut GCSA
in 1987 and the GCSAA Old Tom Morris member and good friend to many
Award in 1990, whose other recipients MetGCSA members. Bob, superintendent
include such luminaries as Gerald Ford, Bob at Rockrimmon Country Club before
retiring, is now fighting some serious health
Hope, and Jack Nicklaus.
issues
and would certainly appreciate cards
More recently, the 54th Massachusetts
Turfgrass Conference was dedicated to or notes from his old friends. Bob’s address
his honor, and just this year, Sherwood is 112 Apple Hill Road, Sunapee, NH
was awarded an honorary Doctor of 03782.
Science degree from the University of
Massachusetts.
Sherwood is survived by his wife, Marie,
of Brewster, MA; a brother Jackson A. We’d like to offer our condolences to
Moore of Tryon, NC; two daughters, Sherry Wayne Foster, who was a MetGCSA
Moore of Newburyport, MA, and Carol member for more than a decade, first as a
Murphy of Hawi, Hawaii; a son, MetGCSA superintendent and later as a sales rep for
member Glenn Moore of Glenmore Koonz Sprinkler Supply. Wayne’s father, A1
Landscape Services in South Salem, NY; and Foster, passed away on July 16. He was 86
years old.
five grandchildren.
A1 was a friend to many MetGCSA
Our sincere condolences to Glenn and
members
and a longtime member of the
his entire family.
Memorial donations may be made to New Jersey GCSA. Joining the association
Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 270 in 1946,A1 served as president from 1963 to
Communication Way, Hyannis, MA 02601 1964 and was honored by the association in
or to the Sherwood A. Moore Turfgrass 2002 with its Distinguished Service Award.
Research Endowment, c/o Rick Robar, He was superintendent at Hackensack Golf
Development Office, 311 Stockbridge Hall, Club in New Jersey before retiring. A1 is
80 Campus Center Way, University of survived by his wife Henrietta. Her address
is 885A Liverpool Circle, Manchester, NJ
Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003.
08759v

In Sympathy

Tee to Green May-July 2006

MetGGSA Makes First Trip to
Hudson M ional

by Glenn Perry, CGCS, & Eric O ’Neill

J
n September 5, the MetGCSA
W
/ will have a golden opportunity
V
to play Hudson National Golf
Club in the MetGCSA Championship and
Met Area Team Championship Qualifier.
Hosting our association is Chris Smith, the
club’s superintendent since 2004.

A Spectacular Course, of Course

Opened in 1996, the 260-acre site is located
on a piece of property that is the second
highest elevation in all of Westchester
County. Created by architect Tom Fazio,
Hudson National is a golf course created in
the spirit of the Golden Era of golf, complete
with fantastic views of the Hudson River.
The par 70 layout plays to 6,995 yards
from the back tees. It carries a slope of 146.
Since its opening, it has received national
recognition. Hudson National is currently
ranked 90th in the 2005-2006 Golf Digest
Top 100 Courses in America. In New York
State, it ranks 12th Best in the State. Not
too shabby, considering the great golf
courses New York has to offer.
The golf course is well bunkered. Fair­
way bunkers are strategically placed and
have steep vertical faces, and the greenside
bunkers are located close to the putting sur­
face. With its combination of bunkers, fes­
cue-lined golf holes, and fast greens,
Hudson National promises to test golfers of
all skill levels.
Chris’s words to the wise: “Everyone
should do their best to keep the ball in the
fairways; the rough is very thick and unfor­
giving.” He also warns that the greens tend
to be quick and tricky.
And Chris should know. . . . Not just
because he’s spent the past two years as
Hudson National’s superintendent, but
because he was there from the beginning,
part of the original team that helped bring
the course to life.
Chris worked under then superintendent
Gregg Stanley as an assistant from 1995 to
1997 during the course’s construction and
grow-in phases. And he worked closely with
the Fazio designers on the construction of
the bunkers.
Tee to Green May-July 2006

What Goes Around, Gomes Around

It was only natural that Chris end up in the
turf management business. He began work at
a golf course before he was even working age.
“When I was 14,” says Chris,“I took a job as a
bag boy in the Pro Shop at Wiltwyck Golf
Club, not far from where I grew up in
Kingston, NY.”
Before long, Chris swung over to the
course maintenance side of the business,
working on the grounds crew under
Superintendent Paul Pritchard for five sea­
sons. Chris was inspired to make a career in
the business by his Uncle Dudley, who was a
superintendent for 48 years before retiring
from the Silver Lake Country Club in Orland
Park, IL. “I owe my success to my uncle. I
couldn’t have made it this far without his
guidance and support,” says Chris.
While under the wings of Paul Pritchard,
Chris started a degree in turfgrass manage­
ment at SUNY Cobleskill. He completed his
B.S. in 1992 while working at Rockrimmon
Country Club under then Superintendent
Gregg Stanley—first as an intern and then as
an assistant.
In 1995, Chris followed Gregg to Hudson
National, where he gained the construction
and grow-in experience that brought him,
two years later, to the brand-new Gil Hansedesigned Inniscone Golf Club in Avonsdale,
PA, and his first superintendent’s position. He
was hired—no surprise—for the grow-in.
Four years later, in 2001, another grow-in
was calling him—this time at Trump National
Golf Club, Bedminster. He stayed on there
until 2004, then brought his career full circle,
taking over for Gregg Stanley, as the super at
Hudson National.
“After close to 10 years in a construction
mode,” says Chris, “it feels good to get back
into daily maintenance.” But in the golf
course business, is it ever really just “daily
maintenance”? It looks like Chris might
soon be putting his construction hat back on,
as the club gears up for a new driving range
and practice facility in the not-so-distant
future. “One of Hudson National’s goals is to
continually improve the golf course for its
membership,” says Chris, adding, “It’s a phi­
losophy I couldn’t agree with more.”

Chris Smith, CGCS

A Dream Gome True

Chris is realizing a dream: He works in the
outdoors at a job that brings him close to
golf, one of the sports he enjoys most. That
and boating Chris lists as two of his favorite
pastimes. He and his wife, Jennifer, of two
years, own a 20-foot motor boat, which they
take out on the Hudson, when time permits.
“We just enjoy relaxing on the water,” says
Chris.
But apart from that, it’s the off-season
when they spend most of their time together.
“Jennifer is my biggest fan,” says Chris, “and I
try to spend as much time with her in the off­
season as possible.” Among their favorite pas­
times is travel. They’ve enjoyed numerous
getaways over the years, with one of their
most memorable being Ireland.
“This year, says Chris, “we’ll probably build
our travel plans around the conference in
California.” And then, they just might take a
trip or two down to Delaware, where they
recently bought a second home near
Jennifer’s family. According to Chris, the pur­
chase was a win-win. “Jennifer can spend
time there in the summer, when I’m most
busy and least available,” says Chris, “and then
we can enjoy the house in the off-season ...
together.”
Chris and Jennifer live on club property in
Croton-on-Hudson, NY.
Glenn Perry, a co-editor of the Tee to Green, is
superintendent at Rolling Hills Country Club in
Wilton, CT.
Eric O ’Neill, a member of the Tee to Green
Editorial Committee, is superintendent at Towers
Country Club in Floral Park, NY.

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