November/December 2007 VOLUME57 NI MOLILI; M o i Directors President MATTHEW CEPLO, CGCS Rockland Country Club Vice President A N TH ON Y GIRARDI, CGCS Rockrimmon Country Club Cover: Preakness Hills Country Club. Photo by Brad Photo & Video, Wayne, NJ. Treasurer ROBERT NIELSEN JR., CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club Secretary GLENN PERRY, CGCS Rolling Hills Country Club Past President WILLIAM HEINTZ Pound Ridge Golf Club ROBERT ALONZI JR. St. Andrew's Golf Club KENNETH BENOIT JR., CGCS GlenArbor Golf Club KEVIN COLLINS Aquatrols, Inc. DAVID DUDONES North Jersey Country Club GLEN DUBE, CGCS Centennial Golf Club BLAKE HALDERMAN, CGCS Brae Burn Country Club THOMAS LEAHY, CGCS Sleepy Hollow Country Club DAVID MOFFETT Round Hill Club Executive Secretary INEKE PIERPO IN T Tee to Green Stati ROB ALONZI 914-478-5713 Editors DAVE DUDONES jf 973-942-0566 Managing Editor PANDORA C.WOJICK Editorial Committee ERIC O’NEILL IKEVIN COLLINS BILL PERLEE 1 I CHIP LAFFERTY GLENN PERRY NEIL LAUFENBERG B ave m o f f e t t MIKE REEB MIKETOLLNER ÏSCOTT NIVEN GREGWOJICK Designer TERRIE DUNKELBERGER Photographer BILL PERLEE Advertising Manager ROB ALONZI, 914-478-5713 TEETOGREENis 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 © 2007 Feature Preakness Hills’John O’Keefe Receives Met’s 2007 .........................2 Sherwood A. Moore Award Departments Upcoming Events ....................................................................................5 National News .........................................................................................6 Chapter News........................................................................................... 8 Scorecard.................................................................................................10 Member News.........................................................................................12 Message You’ve Gotta Give a Little early December, there’s a blanket of nice white snow on the ground, and we haven’t dormant fed, sprayed for snow mold, topdressed greens, or even removed all the leaves from the course. And how could we? Leaves are still on the trees! The forecast isn’t calling for a heat wave anytime soon, so this stuff may be here for awhile. Remember last year? We were playing golf into January. It just goes to show that Mother Nature is the one who really calls the shots. Now my message. I touch, here, on a number of topics, but they all circle back to one common theme: “Give and you shall receive.” In this case, I’m talking about giv­ ing your support to our professional organi­ zations—and your colleagues in the pro­ fession. Offering your support pays divi­ dends __ Really. Read on. Did You Fly the Foop? Last month, we held our Annual Meeting and elections. I’d like to thank all of you for reelecting me and the entire board. It’s hard to believe another year’s come and gone. Guess time really does fly when you’re hav­ ing fun. There is something, though, that concerns me, and that’s the attendance we had at our year-end Annual Meeting, where so many issues important to the association are aired and discussed. This past Annual Meeting was so poorly attended, it begs the question, “Where were you?” According to our By-laws, we need 20 Class A members present to have a quo­ rum and hold a meeting that would allow us to have the elections. We just squeaked by with 21! Now, I don’t really know what this means. Do you feel things with the associa­ tion are going so well that they don’t require your attention? Are you so busy that you just couldn’t make time for the meeting? This is your association, and without you, we are running blindfolded. Your input is not only important; it is vital to the health of our association. Matt Ceplo, CGCS MetGCSA President Take Your Cues From Those Stagehands As I’m sure you know, the stagehand unions have settled their strike on Broadway. The thing that struck me through this process was the stagehands’ unity. I even heard them refer to one another as “brothers.” No one crossed the picket lines. They stuck together. Could we learn a thing or two from these stagehands? Definitely. I think many of us get caught up in our own 150 acres. We concern ourselves with making our courses better than the other guy’s, thinking little about how we can work together to benefit our profession as a whole. I truly believe that if we look outside our­ selves just a little bit and unite for the good of our profession and associations, both local and national, all the things we find ourselves striving for—like elevated status and greater compensation—will come our way. Wellsupported associations, like unions, have power. They are what sends the bigger mes­ sage to our members, guests, and golfers in general. The GCSAA produces commercials, golf publications, and runs articles in magazines with the goal of enhancing our image and standing in the industry. Although not as powerful as a union president negotiating contracts for thousands of employees, GCSAA goes a long way in setting the tone for all of us at our own clubs. Just as the show won’t go on without the work of the behind-the-scenes stagehands, we’d be hardpressed to make great professional advances without the support of our associations. Give your support to our associations and fellow turfgrass professionals, and they, in turn, will support you. continued on page 7 Tee to Green November /December 2 0 0 7 Preakness Hills’ John O’Keefe Receives Met’s 2007 Sherwood A. Moore Award by David Dudones ^ * * » ^ « * * * ^ ^ n less than a m on th , at th e January 16 W in ter Sem inar, th e M etG C SA w ill award a d eservin g su p erin ten d en t w ith o n e o f its m ost prestigious hon ors . . . its 2007 Sher­ w ood A . M oore Award. T h e u n an i­ m ou sly elected recip ien t is n o n e oth er than John J. O ’K eefe, CGCS, a past M etG CSA president and current director o f g o lf course m an agem en t at P reakness H ills C oun try C lub in W ayne, NJ. John w ill take his place on the ros­ ter o f esteem ed recip ien ts as th e lu ck y nu m ber 13. T h e h on or b egan w ith th e award’s nam esake, Sher­ w ood A . M oore, in 1987 and has car­ ried on , recog n izin g th ose w ho have “ advanced th e im ag e, status, and rep u tation o f th e g o lf cou rse super­ in ten d en t. To th ose w ho know John, he fits the m old perfectly. Yet w h en Awards C o m m ittee 2 Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 7 C hair and Past M etG C SA P residen t W ill H ein z ca lled John w ith th e g o od new s, h e was sp eech less. “ I had to literally sit in m y o ffice for a few m inu tes and com p ose m y self en ou gh to call m y w ife, M argaret,” says John. “ To be a part o f th e fin e grou p o f past SAM w in n ers and to have m y nam e associated in any way w ith th e late Sherw ood M oore, is an honor.” Family time: John O ’Keefe with daugh­ ters Adrienne (left) and Maureen and wife Margaret. When you look back at John’s career and what he has given back to our industry, it’s no surprise that he is being compared to the likes of past SAM Award recipients Sherwood, of course, Ted Horton, Bruno Vadala, James Fulwider Sr., Bob Alonzi,Ted Jozwick, Mike Maffei, Pat Lucas, Joe Alonzi, Peter Rappoccio, Larry Pakkala, and Gary Crothers—such an honorable and dedicated group of superintendents. And in my book, John is more than just the superintendent down the street. I’ll never forget when I was preparing to take my first—and current—superintendent’sjob at North Jersey Country Club. ... I asked my former boss Joe Alonzi about good guys in the area. Without hesitation, Joe said, “Get in touch with John O ’Keefe. He’s only a couple drivers away, and he’s a great guy to know in the area. He’ll give you any help you need in getting adjusted to Jersey.” That proved to be some great advice. John’s helped me in numerous ways—both personally and professionally—and has become not just a valued colleague, but a trusted and good friend. I couldn’t be hap­ pier about writing this piece on John and his outstanding career and commitment to the industry. The Early Days John grew up in the Berkshires in Lenox, MA, where he gained an appreciation for the outdoors and nature that eventually led him to his current position and career. While in high school, John worked for a landscape company, and then after gradua­ tion, turned his experience into a position as property manager for a luxury condo­ minium complex. He was in charge of maintaining the grounds, 18-hole putting green, pool, and tennis courts, all the while admiring the work of Dick Bater, who at the time, managed Pittsfield Country Club—a golf course John would pass on his way to work each day. “I’ve always enjoyed playing golf,” says John, “and I was always impressed by the beauty of golf courses and what went into maintaining them.” John worked at the condo complex for three years before decid­ ing to follow his instincts and pursue a career and formal training in turfgrass management. At 21, he enrolled in the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture and began his turf management education. Dr. Joe Troll, profes­ sor emeritus of plant and soil sciences at UMass (and this year’s John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award winner), found a great first internship for John under Mark Fuller, who at the time was superintendent of the Longshore Club Park in Westport, CT. Mark thought so highly of John’s work that he offered John the position of assistant superin­ tendent when he graduated in 1979. John worked with Mark until 1981, when he landed his first superintendent’s job at Westchester Hills Country Club in White Plains, NY. When I told Mark Fuller, now at Con­ necticut Golf Club, that his former intern/ assistant had won the SAM Award, he could not have been happier: “John has always had an outstanding work ethic, impeccable char­ acter, and is continuously giving back to the industry. On top of that, he is a great family man and an all-around good person. There is no one more deserving of this honor than John,” says Mark. All in the Family Speaking of family, while working for Mark at Longshore, John married his wife, Margaret. The O ’Keefe duo have been together for more than 28 years and com­ pleted their family with the addition of daughters Adrienne and Maureen while at Westchester Hills. Adrienne, now 24, teaches third grade in Hanover Township, NJ, and Maureen, now 22, is the food and beverage coordinator and marketing and public relations manager for Green Brook Country Club in North Caldwell, NJ. Both girls graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University and spent their formative years working at Preakness Hills. Margaret earns her living at Preakness as well, currently working as the club’s website administrator and performing a variety of administrative duties. Margaret and daugh­ ters Adrienne and Maureen are equally in­ volved in supporting John and his career. When John first thought of running for the GCSAA board, he went to Margaret and “the girls” for their opinion. “It’s your turn, Dad,” his daughters told him, and with the two of them now launched into their own careers, John felt he had the freedom to get more involved on a national level. “For a long time, any spare moments I had were devoted to my kids’ activities . . . girl scouts, soccer . . . and various other family commitments. Now, with the current cam­ paign, my time with Margaret and the girls is spent a little differently . . . in the home office—a spare bedroom, actually,” says John. “With the help of my very talented family,” he continues, “I’ve produced my brochure and other materials related to my campaign, including a website. I am very thankful for Margaret, Adrienne, and Maureen’s help in this endeavor. And I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate their putting up with all the time I’ve been away over the years, volunteering my time outside the family.” Dubbed “Big Daddy” by a number of the younger superintendents John traveled with Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 7 “As president of Preakness Hills, we are so glad the industry has discovered what we have known for the past 20 plus years. John is an extremely valuable asset and has exceeded expectations in everything we have asked. This is a well-deserved honor, and we are thankful for John and his family.” —Reid Fader; President of Preakness Hills Country Club on an irrigation training trip recently, you could only wish that John could have his family marketing team do up a brochure on “how to do it right.” We younger supers just starting our careers and families would like any help we could get. Going Above and Beyond When John moved on to Westchester Hills, it was a new adventure for him and Margaret, who weren’t accustomed to the “big city” life. But it didn’t take them long to settle in, as they quickly made friends at the club and with area superintendents and their families. During that first year at Westchester Hills —in 1981—John joined the MetGCSA, marking the start of a long line of volunteer work for local chapters, industry organiza­ tions, and finally, the national. John was elected to the MetGCSA board in 1985, chairing numerous committees, including Bylaws, Membership, Public Relations, and Scholarship & Research. His first year on the board, he even co-chaired the Communications Committee, serving as the advertising manager for the Tee to Green. John later worked his way through the board chairs as secretary, vice president, and then president from 1996-’97. When John talks about his time on the Met board, he can’t say enough about the close friendships he developed and the respect he had for his peers and fellow board members. “Whether it was learning the ropes of the association under Peter Rappoccio in my first year on the board . . . or serving with Larry Pakkala,Joe Alonzi, and Tim O ’Neill,” says John, “I couldn’t have worked with a more respected, capable group of superin­ tendents. To this day, Earl Millet, another fel­ low board member, and I will get on the phone and discuss things like I’m still nextdoor to him at Westchester Hills—and I’ve been in Jersey now for 20 years. I treasured my time on the MetGCSA board—and especially the relationships I developed along o Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 7 the way.” When, after five years at Westchester Hills, John was first approached about the superin­ tendent’s position at Preakness, John and Margaret had no intention of uprooting their family. They quickly recognized, however, that such a great professional opportunity was an offer they couldn’t refuse. His 20-plus years at Preakness Hills have, according to John, been nothing short of wonderful. “I want to thank the members of Preakness Hills for their support and under­ standing,” says John, adding, “They have not only supported me in my service efforts, but they have also appreciated the pride and dis­ tinction it has brought to the club.” John’s noteworthy service to the industry extends well beyond the Met. He’s also been actively involved in the GCSA of New Jersey, a member of the association since 1986 and its president in 2003 and 2004. A true believer in giving back to the pro­ fession, John has also served as president of the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation, guest lectured at Rutgers University, and served on numerous local and regional pesti­ cide counsels. It’s through those affiliations that John met his dear friend Jim McNally, a member of the Met for more than 40 years. “John’s accomplishments speak for them­ selves,” says Jim. “He shows outstanding commitment to the industry and exemplifies to me what a professional in our business should be: capable, motivated, and always willing to share knowledge and experience with colleagues in the industry.” When you talk to John about all he’s ac­ complished over the course of his career, he’ll tell you he’s most proud of his contribu­ tions to the promotion of research and schol­ arships. “I feel that there’s no better use for our monies than to promote the growth of our industry and its professionals through research and scholarship,” says John. “In working on the development of the scholar­ ship funds for the MetGCSA and GCSANJ, I have had the opportunity to see, firsthand, the greater good our funds can do. Our re­ search funding has provided us with the sup­ port and answers to problems that help us on a day-to-day basis.” GCSAA Is Calling On a national level,John has been a GCSAA member since 1979, earning CGCS status in 1987. He’s served on numerous GCSAA committees, including Certification, Nomi­ nating, Career Development, Chapter Re­ lations, and Membership. He’s also served as a voting delegate and in various other volun­ teer capacities. Now, with the support of five local chap­ ters—the MetGCSA, the GCSANJ, Hudson Valley GCSA, Long Island GCSA, and the Finger Lakes GCSA—John is pursuing elec­ tion to the GCSAA Board of Directors in 2008. With his varied experience leading area chapters and organizations, John couldn’t be better perched for a director position at the national level. Says Jay Mottola, executive director of the MG A: “I have worked with John for more than 20 years. Despite all the day-to-day demands of his job, John has always found time to give back to the game and to his profession. John’s leadership in the Met and New Jersey chapters has been extraordinary. He is a true volunteer whose work has helped both individual superin­ tendents and all of the local organizations. His many years of experience would make him a real asset to the GCSAA Board of Directors.” Please be sure to attend the January 16 Winter Seminar to congratulate John on his award-winning status and to wish him well on the campaign trail. David Dudones, co-editor of the Tee to Green, is superintendent at North Jersey Country Club in Wayne, NJ. Don’t Miss These Upcoming Educational Events CAGCS Winter Seminar Tuesday,January 15 Hawthorne Inn Berlin, CT The Winter Seminar program conducted by the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents will include on its roster the following speakers and topics: • Richard Cowles, a scientist at the Connecticut Experiment Station, will discuss ways to combat the Annual Bluegrass Weevil. • University of Connecticut’s Dr. Karl Guillard, professor of agronomy, and Dr. John Kaminski, assistant professor of turfgrass pathology, will be part of an Industry Leaders Forum. • Dr. Nathaniel Mitkowski, assistant professor of plant pathology at the University of Rhode Island, will be discussing bacterial wilt. • Dr. Joseph Vargas, professor of plant pathol­ ogy at Michigan State University, will take the floor twice. In his first discussion, he will offer important insight into managing some of the most deadly turfgrass diseases, includ­ ing dollar spot, anthracnose, summer patch, take-all patch, mad tillering disease, and Pythium blight. In his second talk, Dr.Vargas will discuss summer stress and how to man­ age it. For further information, call CAGCS at 203-387-0810. MetGCSA Winter Seminar Wednesday,January 16 Westchester Country Club Rye, NY Plan now for our upcoming Winter Seminar, which in addition to our customary lineup of speakers will include a host of exhibitor booths and the presentation of both the Sherwood A. Moore and John Reid Lifetime Achievement awards. This year’s roster of speakers will include Dr. John Kaminski from The University of Connecticut, Dr. Frank Rossi from Cornell, Dr. Joseph Vargas from Michigan State University, and Karen Plumley of Cleary Chemical to talk about the Food Quality Protection Act’s impact on pesticide use restrictions. HYSTA Southeast Regional Conference Tuesday - Wednesday, February 26—21 Holiday Inn Suffern Suffern, NY Geared toward landscape and turfgrass pro­ fessionals, this conference will include a trade show and a variety of sessions on topics related to golf turf, lawn and landscape, and sports turf. The educational programming will kick off on the 26th with a seminar titled “Destructive Turfgrass Insects: Biology, Diagnosis and Control.” Dr. Daniel Potter, professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky, will offer cutting-edge informa­ tion on managing turf insect pests using new reduced-risk insecticides in conjunction with IPM and agronomic tactics. On the 27th, the educational opportuni­ ties will continue with an early bird session at 6:30 a.m., in which the USGA’s Dr. James Baird will discuss the future of turfgrass insect management. At the 8:30 general ses­ sion, Cornell’s Dr. Daniel Peck will cover the status of European Crane Flies in turfgrass of the Northeast. Attendees will also receive updates on current legislative and regulatory issues. Throughout the day, golf turf professionals will also have the opportunity to learn about advances in soil testing interpretation; deal­ ing with such nuisance pests as mound­ building ants, earthworms, and wasps; annual bluegrass weevil control, and more. To obtain a conference brochure and reg­ istration forms, call NYSTA at 800-8738873 or 518-783-1229, or visit their website at www.nysta@nysta.org. NYSTA's Annual Lobby Day: Turfgrass Advocacy 2008 Wednesday, February 13 Empire State Plaza Concourse Albany, NY NYSTA extends this complimentary offer to all green industry professionals. Lobby day offers a priority issue briefing session to inform you about current legislation that could affect the turfgrass and green industry, legislative appointments with your local elected officials, and a luncheon with a legis­ lator. Join NYSTA in Albany and have a chance to be heard. Please contact Jill Cyr for more informa­ tion at jill@nysta.org or 518-783-1229. Registration deadline is Friday, January 26! The 11th Annual New England Regional Turfgrass Conference & Show Monday —Thursday, March 3 —6 Rhode Island Convention Center Providence, RI This year’s annual conference and show’s educational sessions will bring you cuttingedge turfgrass management tactics and tech­ niques, as well as the opportunity to finetune your proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel and in handling financial issues and sit­ uations common to the job of superinten­ dent. Opening on the 4th is the three-day trade show, offering easy access to the latest in equipment, products, and supplies offered by more than 400 exhibitors. Call the NERTF Office at 401-841-5490 for further information, or visit their website at www.nertf.org/show/. r Tuhconnection Depend On Us For Four Season Solutions Joe Stahl (203)209-6951 Scott Tretera (914) 262-8638 We have fully stocked warehouses with ALL major brands for quick delivery throughout Metro NY, CT, and Long Island. HH T S Harrrli'sTurfSpecialty 64 Barnabas Rd, Unit 5 Newtown, CT 06470 www.theturfconnect.com Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 7 GCSAA 2008 Education Conference and Show he 2008 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show will run January 28 to February 2 in Orlando, FL. Like last year, superinten­ dents will be joined at the upcoming Golf Industry Show by members of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and the Club Managers Association of Amer­ ica (CMAA). I This years show is expected to attract more than 25,000 golf industry professionals and will feature approximately 1,100 exhibitors sprawled over more than 300,000 square feet of exhibit space. GIS Main Events e shows emphasis this coming year is teamwork. Events and sessions will focus on helping us become better, more informed Steam players. There’s an actual Team Day ¡planned on Friday February 1. It will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the Golf Industry Show General Session. Master storyteller Doug eeley will present the highly acclaimed pro­ gram, The Mark of a Leader, which offers a treasure chest of inspiring stories about the s greatest leaders and brands, and the principles that have made them successful. Those who attend will be inspired to think about their role and priorities as a leader, and come away with clear ways to improve their leadership skills and their “team’s” perform­ ance. This program has gained acclaim from some of the world’s most prestigious organi­ zations, companies, and associations for the powerful and positive impact it has on audi­ ences lives and businesses. Following the General Session will be two concurrent sessions: one presented by the SGA Green Section about enhancing facil­ ity and professional growth and one pre­ sented by Rob Morton from the Disney Institute about service excellence to enhance the entire golf experience. There will be no competing seminars scheduled that afternoon as golf course, facil­ ity, and club management teams are encour­ aged to walk the trade show floor together and visit each of the Solution Centers, including the Team Solutions Center, which will feature TrackTime Driving Schools’ Pit Crew Challenge. Education Conference Highlights Along with the Golf Industry Show, GCSAA, NGCOA and CMAA will be pre­ senting their annual education conferences. Our Education Conference, the largest in the turfgrass management industry, will begin January 28 and run through to the end of the show on February 2. This year, 21 new semi­ nars will be offered, in addition to the more than 100 traditional offerings. The Education Conference will hold its not-to-be-missed Opening Session on Thursday,January 31 starting at 9 a.m. High­ lighting the event will be the presentation of the 2008 Old Tom Morris Award to World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman. Known affectionately as “The Shark,” Nor­ man will also deliver a must-see keynote address to attendees. One of the most dominating players on the world golf scene, Norman has used his acu­ men, energy, and amazing people skills to diversify his success through his position as CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises. He has gained acclaim through his interests, including course design, golf development, turf production, merchandising, and licens­ ing. An advocate of the golf course superin­ tendent and the golf course as an environ­ mental asset, he has served as chair of the Environmental Institute for Golf since 2003. On the course, Norman’s 66 career wins— including 20 on the PGA Tour and two British Open titles—earned him induction into the hall of fame in 2001. He was the dominant player from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, ranking as the top player in golf for 331 weeks. He has 29 top-10 finishes in major championships. The Opening Session will also include the presentation of GCSAA’s Distinguished Service Awards and various other honors for those who have achieved success in their careers. Annual Meeting Marks Changing of the Guard Another not-to-be-missed event is the Annual Meeting, held February 1 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. A full slate of candidates will be vying for GCSAA Board of Director slots. Voting members are being asked to elect three officers and two directors. The fol­ lowing candidates will appear on the ballot: For President David S. Downing II, CGCS, vice president of operations and construction for the Signature Golf Group in Myrtle Beach, SC For Vice President Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS, director of grounds at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, NJ For Secretary/Treasurer • James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, director/super­ intendent ofWollaston Recreational Facil­ ity/Presidents Golf Club in North Quincy, MA • Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, director of golf course and grounds at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, FL For Director (electing two) • Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance operations at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, CA • John J. O ’Keefe, CGCS, director of golf course management at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, NJ • Sanford G. Queen, CGCS, manager of golf operations for the City of Overland Park, KS Sean A. Hoolehan, CGCS, golf course superintendent at Wildhorse Resort & Casino on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Pendleton, OR, is retiring from the board of directors after serving the past year as immediate past president. Ricky D. Heine, CGCS, general manager and director of grounds at The Golf Club Star Ranch in Austin, TX, will serve on the board for one more year as immediate past president. And Keith A. Ihms, golf course superintendent at the Country Club of Little Rock in Little Rock, AR, is entering into the second year of his term as director. President's Message continuedfrom page 1 Speaking of Offering Support... The reason we held our Annual Meeting at Mosholu was to initiate a relationship with the First Tee Program. Barry McLaughlin, the executive director, spoke about the pro­ gram, which teaches children of all ages and backgrounds not just about golf, but about real-life, core values. Superintendent Erik Feldman has done an outstanding job at Mosholu. It’s a ninehole facility that has undergone major reno­ vations. Did you know, for instance, that Erik has rebuilt all the greens to USGA specs? As with anything the MGA has got­ ten involved in, it is a class act. Nonetheless, because the First Tee Program is nonprofit, Erik and Mosholu would profit from dona­ tions of used golf course equipment. Give Erik a call if you think you have equipment or supplies he could use. In the future, we hope to participate in a golf event to promote our profession and let the First Tee kids know that if they wanted to pursue a career in golf course manage­ ment, we could help. If you want to learn more, check out the web page at www. TheFirstTeeMetNY. org. respond. Without your financial support, research projects like Dr. Clarke’s won’t hap­ pen. The Tri-State supports research that targets problems specific to our area, research that we will profit from directly. If you haven’t already, please factor this contribu­ tion into your annual budget. It’s such a small price to pay for the valuable benefits you’ll receive in return. Taking a Proactive Stance You also should have received an application for an environmental award given out by the MGA. Please make an effort to fill out the form. Even if you feel the award is beyond your reach, take a look at it. You might want to use the application’s criteria as a frame­ work for developing an environmental plan for your course. Many of today’s issues revolve around the environment. Right now, Westchester is in the throes of a battle against a phosphorus ban. And if I’m not mistaken, Long Island is being forced to comply with a ban on all fertilizer applica­ tions at certain times of the year. We, as an industry, need to be proactive on the envi­ ronmental front. At the very least, we need to act responsibly to avoid attracting the kind of attention that results in severe regu­ lations on the pesticides and nutrients essen­ Last week, the MetGCSA sponsored a tial to our success on the golf course. GCSAA educational seminar. Rutgers’ Dr Bruce Clarke did a nice job reviewing the latest turf disease research. Some of the best turf research in the country is being con­ My last word to the wise: Use the coming ducted in our own backyards through fund­ months to relax, spend time with friends and ing provided by the Tri-State Turf Research family, and enjoy the holiday season. Happy Foundation. New Year, and the best of health to all of you So here is my next sales pitch. You should and your families. have received a notice from the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation asking for your Matt Ceplo support—a tax-deductible donation of $200 President is all they’re asking for. It’s critical that you Building Research Into the Budget Enough Said Haven’t Registered Yet? If you haven’t registered for the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show, you can still catch the Advance Fee rate if you send in your registration form by January 14. You can do it online at www.golfindustryshow.com or by mailing or faxing your form to GCSAA. Tee to Green November /December 2 0 0 7 Chapter News No Sparks Flew at the 2007 GCSAA Chapter Delegates Meeting by Bob Nielsen, CGCS \ ^ y M was one of 98 GCSAA chapter W delegates to attend the associa• _^ tion’s 2007 Chapter Delegates Meeting at GCSAA headquarters in Law­ rence, KS. I spent October 12 through 14 discussing GCSAAs long-term vision and goals and representing the MetGCSA s views of the industry and our national organization. There were a variety of topics discussed, though this meeting was less volatile than many previous meetings. The main concern of most of the delegates was the replacement of Steve Mona. Steve has been the CEO for 14 years and has led the GCSAA to become one of the foremost organizations in golf. He resigned to take the new position of CEO of the World Golf Foundation, though he has agreed to remain with the association for up to six months until a suitable replacement is secured. Steve will be sorely missed. We can only hope that a new successor with similar vision and commitment will be able to bring the GCSAA even further to the forefront of golf organizations. Views From the Top Still at the helm, Steve Mona updated us on a variety of programs and services that the asso­ ciation offers its members. He indicated that the GCSAA staff has as its focus “Members Matter Most.” That mantra, he explained, is supported with three global initiatives: • increasing membership • marketing its members • attracting additional resources to enhance member programs and services Steve also left us with three key points regarding the future of GCSAA and its mem­ bers. He said “image is important” as it relates to members representing their profession and facility in a positive manner. He went on to say, “inclusion is preferable to exclusion” as the association grows its membership base and works with others to advance itself and the game. Finally, he encouraged members to promote the fact that being a golf course superintendent is a profession, not just an occupation. Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 7 ployers have toward GCSAA and golf course superintendents. For example, a recent National Golf Foundation survey revealed that name re­ cognition of GCSAA was second only to the USGA as a leading golf organization and that golfers feel the golf course superintendent, more than any other golf facility employee, is responsible for their enjoyment of the game. The GCSAA logo has been adopted by 24 chapters to try to capitalize on our national associations growing name recognition. I would not, however, be looking for the MetGCSA to change its logo in the near future. Contenders for the Board Enhancing Chapter Relations On the heels of that discussion was a presen­ tation by GCSAA Past President Tim O ’Neill. Just when we thought Tim might be able to take a little break from his duties on the national level, he has been appointed chairperson of the Chapter Relations Com­ mittee. He explained the committee’s focus on enhancing the relationship between GCSAA and the chapters, describing how the committee will be taking a comprehen­ sive, long-term look at how the two entities work together, as well as how GCSAA might better serve shared members’ needs. Tim and his committee have been given long-term appointments to develop recom­ mendations that they will present to the del­ egates sometime in the future. One year as past president and he is right back at it! Delegates had the opportunity to meet and greet GCSAA board candidates. David Downing from the Carolinas will be running for GCSAA president and Mark Kuhns from Baltusrol will be running for vice president. Jim Fitzroy from New England and Bob Randquist from Florida will be vying for the secretary/treasurer position. All four of these gentlemen have served on the GCSAA board for several years and are going to be excellent leaders of the association Our own John O ’Keefe will have a tough battle against incumbents Sandy Queen from Kansas and Pat Finlen from California for the two open board positions. There will be a vacancy created upon the election of the secretary/treasurer, so an appointment to the board will be made by the president for the remainder of the lucky electee’s term. We all The discussion of dues, which began at last want to wish John good luck in his quest! year’s delegates meeting, continued this year with the GCSAA Board of Directors sup­ porting a dues increase based on the Next, we heard a presentation outlining Consumer Price Index. This will mean an GCSAAs significant investment in commu­ increase of $20 for Classes A and SM, and $10 nicating the value of both GCSAA and its for Class C members. Delegates all seemed members to avid golfers and employers. This to agree that smaller, but more frequent dues campaign continues to be a primary focus increases are more easily absorbed by clubs of the board and seems to have gone a long and less likely to result in a decline in mem­ way toward positively affecting the attitudes bership. Larger increases in the past have and perceptions that avid golfers and em­ resulted in significant drops in membership. Establishing a Dues Strategy Building a Name for Ourselves GCSAA members will vote on the in­ grams and services and the successes that crease at the 2008 Annual Meeting with a have been achieved on behalf of its mem­ bers. Members did seem to see GCSAA as simple majority required to pass. being valuable in providing a variety of pro­ grams and services that chapters cannot, but many were not aware of all that GCSAA has Committee volunteer selection was also clar­ to offer. ified at this year’s meeting. The selection process can be frustrating for individuals who Compensation and Benefits Report: This report have never volunteered before. There can be showed that salaries and benefits have been many more volunteers than positions for cer­ going up since 1993. Certified members tain committees, and some committees re­ average higher salaries than noncertifieds. quire such a significant commitment of time Class A members average higher salaries than and effort that board members often lean Class SM. In most cases, however, the toward candidates with proven track records increases have exceeded the rate of infla­ at the chapter level. tion—a credit to both the GCSAA and its We are always looking for volunteers on members! our own chapter committees and would be By the way, member superintendents who more than happy to assist any of our mem­ responded to this survey are entitled to a free bers who would like to move on to national copy of the report. Those members who did committees. not complete the survey can purchase the report for $100. Nonmembers can receive a copy for $400. Membership does have its benefits! We heard about another “guiding light” for association programs and services, and that’s Golf Course Environmental Profile Project: The feedback gleaned from various member sur­ compiled from this survey will veys. This feedback provides GCSAA leaders information be vital to developing programs and services and staff with both a measure of the associa­ that advance environmental at tion’s performance and a roadmap for the our golf facilities. It will also stewardship help us better future. Among the surveys we discussed at address the concerns of legislators/regula­ the meeting: tors, media, the environmental community, associations, and more. Member Needs Assessment: This survey indi­ allied The phases of this project are cated that, by and large, GCSAA needs to completefirstandthree should published in a sci­ better communicate the availability of pro­ entific journal by thebetime you read this. Volunteer Selection Clarified Making the Most of Member Feedback É5) John Deere This was my third year attending the Chap­ ter Delegates meeting, and I cannot overstate the dedication I see from the GCSAA Board of Directors and the staff. Their commit­ ment to serving the membership is truly remarkable. The resources they make avail­ able to chapters and individual members is unending. The website has been redesigned, and if you haven’t visited it recently, I urge you to see all that it has to offer. There is a link from the MetGCSA website, which also has a new format and great information. The research GCSAA supports, the legislative matters they deal with, and the information they have on salaries and benefits is available to each member. I suggest we all take advan­ tage of it. In addition to being the MetGCSA’s Chapter Delegate, Bob Nielsen is our association’s treasurer and superintendent at Bedford Golf & Tennis Club in Bedford, NY. Your aerification and drainage solution! • D ryject Aeration Sales Representative E/T Equipment Company, Inc. • D eep Tine Aeration • C o re Aeration "V utndutvu of 425 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520 Cell: 914-629-8667 Final Note Serving the Greater Metro NY area Jim Calladio, CGCS Phone:914-271-6126 Fax: 914-271-6163 Funded in part by the EPA, the next phase will be coming to you in early January 2008. This is going to be a more in-depth survey that will require a little more time to com­ plete, but your participation is critical. It’s designed to show how golf courses use vari­ ous pesticides and fertilizers—responsibly. GCSAA is committed to helping us with our environmental issues, but they can’t be effective without our support. • FloW ick Drainage Systems www.etequipment.com jcalladio@etequipment.com 37 Oneonta Road • Carmel, NY 10 5 12 • ( 9 14) 672-6029 Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 7 A Picture-Perfect Super/Green Chair Tourney at Tuxedo North Jersey Team Takes Home Invitational Trophy he Whippoorwill Club hosted our 2007 Invitational, and though the date was pushed back a few times before holding fast to October 29, those who played will say that it was well worth the wait. Under normal circumstances, the tourney would have been canceled after the second failed attempt, but The Whippoorwill Club was dead-set on holding the event—fortu­ nately for us. Their persistence was moti­ vated by good reason: They were intent on giving their departing superintendent, Chuck Martineau, a nice sendoff and their new superintendent, Paul Gonzalez, a big welcome. As most of you know, Chuck retired from the club after many years of ded­ icated service, and Paul took over as superin­ tendent this year. The Whippoorwill Club put on a fantastic show of food, fall color, and fun golf. But the highlight of the day was listening to Chuck deliver a heartfelt speech. He thanked all of his past green chairmen and club presi­ dents—and all of the people he worked with over the years. Near the end of his speech, he noted that he was still under contract by the club as a consultant for golf-course-related matters, but chuckling, he added that after witnessing what was accomplished on the course this year, he learned a few tricks from Paul. Great job Paul and Chuck and everyone else who helped make this year’s Invitational such a great event. Congratulations to North Jersey Country Club. They took home the first place trophy after a match of cards with the host club, revealing the two strokes received by their high handicapper on the hole made all the difference. Way to go! Here’s how the rest of the competitors fared: Low Net Winners 128 North Jersey Country Club (won in a match of cards) 128 The Whippoorwill Club Low Gross Winners 143 Brae Burn Country Club 147 Redding Country Club Closest to the Pin #11 John Reese, The Whippoorwill Club 5' 8M Net Winners #17Bob Westenberg, GlenArbor GC 12' 6M 59 Ken Benoit/Morgan Gregory #8 Paul Alexander, Brea Burn CC 45’ GlenArbor GC #4 Bob DeMarco, The Powelton Club 2” 63 Dick Neufeld/Todd Raisch Plant Food Co./Ridgewood CC Longest Drive (On Hole #18) 67 Greg Moran/George Corgan Pat Ortland, The Powelton Club Matrix T uf Solutions/Steven Willand Jim Wahl, The Whippoorwill Club Ken Benoit, GlenArbor GC Gross Winners - Ken Benoit, CGCS 71 Blake Halderman/Ken Auerbach Brae Burn CC 74 Tom Ashfield/Tom Weinert Quaker Ridge GC/Plant Food Co. The winning North 75 Mike Cook/Jon Barlok Jersey Country Club The Care ofTrees/Turf Products Corp. team strikes a pose with their Invitational Trophy (from left to right): George Mammola, president; David Dudones, superintendent; Keith Grassing, assistant pro; Erv Allaghi, green chairman. UATROLS Bringing Water and Resource Saving Technologies To The Golf Industry for More Than 50 Years | Dennis DeSanctis Syngenta Professional Products Post Office Box 18300 Greensboro, NC 27419-8300 0 Syngenta Kevin P. Collins Tel 732-580-5514 Fax 609-587-1696 Northeast Territory Manager Email Dennis.DeSanctis@Syngenta.com 37 Oneonfa Road • Carmel, NY 10512 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com www.greencastonline.com www.greenpartners.com 845-225-1761 Tel 8 4 5-228-1728 Fax 6 0 9 -841-2077 Mobile kevin.collins@aquatrols.com 800/257-7797 www.aquatrols.com D&D Turfworks, Inc . 28 Moseman Ave Katonah, NY 10536 • • • • • GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE FIELDSTONE WALLS TURF RENOVATION ATHLETIC FIELD MAINTENANCE Dennis Flynn David Griffin Cell 914.413.3173 golf course construction P.0. Box 719 Harrison, N.Y. 10528 Phone: 914-962-1871 Fax 914-962-1871 DNDTuriworks@optoniine.net THE ROGER RULEWICH GROUP Tel 914.576.7693 Fax 914.241.6986 d a vid @ d te g o lf.c o m ste v e n 2 0 3 -7 7 5 -5 7 5 7 Golf Course Design & Construction D a v id F l e u r y Fax: 2 0 3 - 7 7 5 - 6 4 3 5 pa rtn er 160 Purple Meadow Road, Bernardston, MA 01337 C e ll: 9 1 4 - 2 1 3 - 3 6 2 2 Parts: 8 6 6 - 4 3 5 - 1 3 8 0 Q u a lity T u r f E q u ip m e n t GEORGE CORGAN REGIONAL SALES MANAGER gcorgan@stevenwil!andinc.com 4 Production Drive 4 1 3 .6 4 8 .9 3 0 3 Phone 4 1 3 .6 4 8 .0 2 1 1 Fax 4 1 3 .5 3 7 .6 9 6 7 Mobile Dave@rrulewich.com E-mail Brookfield, CT 0 6 8 0 4 8 0 0 C e n tra l Street N. Sm lthfield, Rl 0 2 8 9 6 J a c o b s e n ♦ C u sh m a n ♦ Ryan ♦ C lu b C a r ♦ Steiner turf products corporation Proud Supporters of Metropolitan GCSA Jon Barlok Commercial Equipment (860) 729-2237 Pat Crag in Golf Irrigation (860)874-2812 157 M oody Road • RO. Box 1200 • Enfield, CT 06083 Office: 860-763-3581 • Fax: 860-763-5550 iron Di r ectory Patrons listed on this page are supporting our association. You are encouraged to support them. © A.G. Enterprises Rick Gordon Staff Uniforms 201-488-1276 / Fax:201-489-5830 Merrickl60@aol.com www.AGEnterprisesonline.com A1 Preston’s Gary Shashinka Massey Ferguson Tractors 203-924-1747 © Aquatrols Corp. of America Kevin P. Collins, N.E.Territory Manager “Innovative Products for Effective Resource Management” 609-841-2077 / Fax:845-228-1728 kevin.collins@aquatrols.com Argento & Sons, Inc. Louis Argento 1 Prospect Avenue White Plains, NY 10607 914-949-1152 louis@argentoandsons .com O Atlantic Irrigation Specialties, Inc. Ed Santalone / Tim Marcoux / Ray Beaudry 111 Lafayette Avenue N. White Plains, NY 10603 800-878-8873 / Fax:914-949-4901 © Bayer Environmental Science Dave Sylvester “Backed By Bayer” 860-841-3173 © Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans Topdressing ~ Divot Mix, Topdressing Sand, Bunkers 570-443-9596 / Fax: 570-443-9590 © D & D Turfworks, Inc. Dennis Flynn “Work That You Can Be Proud O f” 914-962-1871 dndturfworks@optonhne.net DeLea Sod Farm Long Island, NY Bentgrass, Bluegrass, Fescue Sod USGA Construction Mix,Topdressing Rick DeLea: 631-368-8022 © Down To Earth Golf Course Construction David Griffin “All Phases of Golf Course Renovation & Construction” 914-576-7693 / Cell: 914-413-3173 / Fax:914-241-6986 © Dryject N.E. / Turf Pounders Kevin Collins / Steve Jordan “Your Aerification and Drainage Solution” 914-672-6029 / Fax: 845-228-1728 mcc 10512@yahoo.com © © © © © © © © © East Coast Sod & Seed Kevin Driscoll Sod ~ Bentgrass, Fescues, Shortcut Blue Cell: 609-760-4099 Office: 856-769-9555 Egypt Farms, Inc. Dean Snyder P.O.Box 223 White Marsh, MD 21162 410-335-3700 / Fax:410-335-0164 dean@egyptfarms.com Emerald Isle, Ltd. Doug Middleton 2153 Newport Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-846-4167 doug@emeraldisleltd.com E /T Equipment Co. Jim Calladio / Bruce A. Pye / Gerry Grant John Deere ~ One Source 914-271-6126, ext. 112/ 914-271-6163 info@etequipment.com Greenacres Company Dave Pijnenburg 75 Codfish Hill Road Bethel, CT 06801 203-748-0558 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Joe Stahl / Scott Tretera Joe:203-209-6951 Scott: 914-262-8638 www.harrells.com IraWickes / Arborists JohnW.Wickes 11 McNamara Road Spring Valley, NY 10977 845-354-3400 / Fax:845-354-3475 info@irawickes.com Irra-Tech, Inc. Joseph D. Kennedy 18 Merritt Street Port Chester, NY 10573 914-937-7273 Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. Rob Good Professional Ground-Water and Environmental Engineering Services 860-678-0404 / 203-929-8555 LESCO, Inc. Charlie Siemers 66 Primrose Street Katonah, NY 10536 914-755-4202 Matrix Turf Solutions, LLC Greg Moran Products ~ Knowledge ~ Service 845-849-8640 © Metro Turf Specialists “Customers, Our TOP Priority” 203-748-4653 / Fax:203-743-0458 www.metroturfspecialists.com © National Lawn Sprinklers, Inc. William Gaydosh / John Luciano 645 N. Broadway,White Plains, NY 914-946-6666 / Fax:914-949-6453 JohnL@natlawn.com © Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing “Americas Premium Top-Dressings” 800-247-2326 / www.PARTAC.com Bill & Joe Carriere: 914-937-2136 © Plant Food Company, Inc. “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” TomWeinert 914-262-0111 / 800-562-1291 Soil Solutions LLC Aerification Professional Anthony Decicco / John Decicco 7 Whittemore Place Ryebrook, NY 10573 914-393-0659 / Fax:914-939-5010 © Steven Willand, Inc. Quality Turf Equipment George W. Corgan 4 Production Drive Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-5757 / Cell: 914-213-3622 © Storr Tractor Company Flowtronex PSI Rick Krok / Gary Lynott Pump Sales & Service 908-413-3403 / 516-523-2012 Surfside Wetting Agents Liquid ~ Granular ~ Pellets ZAP! Defoamer Robert Oechsle: 800-401-0411 © Syngenta Plant Protectants Dennis DeSanctis Jr. 732-580-5514 Dennis.DeSanctis@syngenta.com © Tanto Irrigation William Bartels 5 North Payne Street Elmsford, NY 914-347-5151 © The Cardinals, Inc. John Callahan Complete Distributor of Golf Course Accessories & Turf Maintenance Supplies 800-861-6256 / Fax: 860-673-8443 © The Care of Trees Mike Cook, NY: 914-345-8733 Ken Clear, CT: 203-847-1855 The Pond Connection Jeff Stahl 203-858-4136 www.thepondconnection.com © The Roger Rulewich Group David Fleury / Marshall Victor Golf Course Design, Renovation, & Construction 800-465-3668 / Fax:413-648-0211 © The Terre Company of New Jersey, Inc. Byron Johnson Seed, Pesticides, Nursery Stock, & Fertilizer 973-473-3393 © Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. Skip Deubel 800-243-7582 / Cell: 860-306-8883 www.tuckahoeturf.com © Turf Products Corp. / TORO Pat Cragin, Irrigation: 860-874-2812 Jon Barlok, Equipment: 860-729-2237 Main Office: 800-243-4355 Amodio’s: 914-328-0190 © UAP Professional Products Turf Seed ~ Fertilizer ~ Plant Protectants Gerald Fountain: 877-697-1199 Chris Hyman: 631-278-7958 © Westchester Tractor, Inc. John Apple / George Risley / Jeff Underhill 60 International Boulevard Brewster, NY 845-298-7766 www.wtractor.com © Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. Bob & Dave Lippman “Serving the Fine Turf Profession” 845-621-5067 / Fax: 845-621-7180 westturf@comcast.net © Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. Glenn Gallion 19 Central Boulevard S. Hackensack, NJ 07606 888-831-0891 / Fax:201-931-1730 William A. Kelly & Company, Inc. Charity Kelly / Eric Kelly / Tom Olver Construction Manager, General Contractor 914-232-3191 / Fax:914-232-3812 wakelly@bestweb.net Winding Brook Turf Michael Krudwig 240 Griswold Road,Wethersfield, CT 800-243-0232 / Cell: 860-883-0475 © Denotes M etGCSA member