r Board of Directors President A N TH ON Y GIRARDI, CGCS Rockrimmon Country Club Vice President ROBERT NIELSEN JR., CGCS Bedford G olf & Tennis Club Cover: Wykagyl Country Club. Treasurer BLAKE HALDERMAN, CGCS Brae Burn Country Club Secretary GLEN DUBE, CGCS Centennial G olf Club Past President MATTHEW CEPLO, CGCS Rockland Country Club ROBERT ALONZI JR. Fenway G olf Club KENNETH BENOIT JR., CGCS GlenArbor G olf Club MARK CHANT Colonial Springs G olf Club DAVID DUDONES North fersey Country Club PAUL GONZALEZ, CGCS The Whippoorwill Club M ARK MILLETT Old Oaks Country Club STEVEN REN ZETTI, CGCS Pinnacle Turf, Inc. ^nThis Issue SCOTT OLSON Scarsdale G olf Club Executive Secretary INEKE PIERPOINT Tee to Green Staff DAVE DUDONES 973-942-0566 Editors PAUL GONZALEZ 914-273-3755 Managing Editor PANDORA C.WOJICK Editorial Committee SCOTT NIVEN 1 KEVIN COLLINS t PAULGRABBE ERIC O’NEILL DENNIS GRANAHAN BILL PERLEE GLENN PERRY 1 CHIP LAFFERTY MIKE REEB 1 NICK LERNER MIKETOLLNER I DAVE MOFFETT GREGWOJICK Designer TERRIE DUNKELBERGER Photographer BILL PERLEE Advertising Manager MARK MILLETT, 914-949-4203 TEETOGREENispublishedbimonthly by theMetropolitan Golf 49 KnollwoodRoad, Elmsford, NY10523-2819 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437, METGCSA.ORG Copyright © 2009 USGA’s David Oatis Selected for Met’s 2010 John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award. Departments____ w National News .........................................................................................6 Member News .........................................................................................7 Upcoming Events ................................................................................. 10 Scorecard.................................................................................................11 ere we are moving full speed ahead into our “off-season.” Aside from giving us a much-needed break from daily turf pressures and woes, this is a great time to step back and reflect on how our past year went: our successes, our trials, and how we might improve on the programs we implemented. I, for one, take this time to itemize all of my programs, review my notes, and try to put a plan in place for the coming season. Setting out a course of action well before I have to put anything into practice makes for a smoother, less stressful transition from win­ ter to spring, and it allows me to more quickly produce the kind of conditions our membership will be pleased with. This opportunity to catch our breath and reevaluate our practices is, to me, one of the unique benefits of our profession. It’s our chance to improve our skill set and grow professionally without the day-to-day pres­ sures of the job. The other major plus of Tony Girardi, CGCS being a golf course superintendent, of MetGCSA President course, is having counterparts just a short ride or phone call away to compare notes with and hash out agronomic—and manage­ ipate will receive a copy of the results. ment—practices and issues. We’re hoping to collect everyone’s re­ sponses by January 31, so don’t delay! The survey is ready and waiting for you on our website. Please don’t hesitate to contact any Talking shop, sharing trade secrets ... what­ one of us on the board with any questions. ever you want to call it . . . this is a practice fundamental to our profession. It’s what we’re about. With this in mind, we’re asking for you to “talk shop,” in a more formal way with the entire membership, by participating Come one, come all to our annual Winter Seminar on January 20. As always, we have a in our Membership Survey. Paul Gonzalez has put countless hours into tremendous slate of speakers covering a wide constructing the survey, which asks that our range of relevant topics (see page 11 for membership share information on a broad details). Aside from being one of our mar­ range of job-related topics, including operat­ quee events of the year, it’s a great opportu­ ing and capital budgets, staffing for our nity to mix and mingle with your peers department, compensation packages, and the while furthering your education. On behalf of the entire MetGCSA board, size of our operation. Designed to help each and every one of us I’d like to wish everyone a happy and healthy better manage our operation, the data we New Year! See you in 2010. collect will be useful only if everyone partic­ ipates. So we, as a board, are asking all of you Tony Girardi, CGCS to take the 30 minutes or so required to President complete the survey. Only those who partic­ Membership Survey is Ready and Waiting Don’t Miss Our Educational Event of the Year Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 9 by Jim Snow, National Director, USGA Green Section he MetGCSA is looking forward to awarding David Oatis, Director o f the USGA Green Section’s Northeast Region, its coveted 2010 John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award at the Winter Seminar on January 20. Presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated a “knowledge o f and commitment to the game o f golf and the science o f golf course management,” Dave was a shoe-in for this year’s award, according to the Awards Committee Chairman Matt Ceplo. “To me,” says Matt, “David Oatis is to golf courses what Jack Nicklaus is to golf, 2) Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 9 He’s that well known and respected among superintendents in the Met area—and throughout the country, for that matter. “Like E.F. Hutton,” continues Matt, “when Dave Oatis speaks, people listen. I’ve seen it . . . at area meetings, seminars, and during his USGA visits at golf courses where I’ve worked. It is his unending love for the game, com mitment to our industry, hard work, and dedication that have made him more than deserving o f this award.” Though Dave has, no doubt, received his share of accolades for the many contributions he’s made in his counsel with golf courses, he was taken by surprise when Matt called to tell him the good news. “At first I thought he was joking,” says Dave. “Then I was just plain shocked . . . really shocked. I thought, T’m not old enough to get an award like this.’ Then I looked in the rearview mirror of the car—I was driving at the time—and saw the lines on my face and thought,6Well, maybe I am old enough!’ I am very humbled and flattered because so many great people have won the award. I’m not at all sure I’m deserving, but I most certainly am grateful.” “In terms of legacies, my only hope is that I leave the game of golf better than I found it. From (¡oiler to Agronomist When people think Dave Oatis, they think USGA. After all, Dave has spent the past 22 years with the organization, visiting golf courses and providing agronomic advice and recommendations to courses throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. What some may not know is that Dave has been in and around golf a large part of his life. Growing up in Indianapolis, IN—the youngest of five children—Dave was a sports enthusiast. “Swimming, football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling ... I loved sports and played them all,” says Dave, “until I was about 12 and I picked up golf. My dad, a 10-12 handicap golfer, and I played a lot of golf together.” So enamored with the game, Dave dropped his other sports involvements and focused every spare moment on golf. At 17, he won the Woodland Jr. Invitational at his home course, making it soon after to the final four of the Indianapolis City Jr. and the City Amateur. Encouraged by his early success, Dave enrolled in Clemson University in South Carolina as an English major hoping to play golf. “Two things happened pretty quickly,” says Dave. “I did not make the golf team, and I found out that I didn’t much care for English as a major.” Dave worked that summer, first, in a Pro Shop and then on a golf course maintenance crew. “I worked for a Purdue grad named Dwight Ladd, who was a brilliant superin­ tendent and wonderful guy. After a month he looked at me and said, ‘You know, it won’t be long and we’ll have you studying turf up at Purdue.’ I looked at him and said, ‘You gotta be crazy!’but a few months later, I headed off to Purdue.” Still not quite ready to trade in his pro golf dream for a career in turf, Dave moved to California to try to play golf one more time. As fate would have it, the first course he walked onto in Southern California was Mesa Verde Country Club, where the assis­ tant superintendent had given notice just an hour or so before. “The superintendent, Reed Yenny, hired me a couple of days later as his assistant, and I ended up staying there for five years.” Dave returned to school again, earning a two-year degree at Orange Coast College and then completed his formal education with a B.S. at California State Polytechnic University in Ornamental Horticulture, with a turf emphasis. What happened next would be unprece­ dented today: Just two weeks out of school, Dave was hired as a golf course superintend­ ent at Rio Hondo Golf Club in Downey, CA. When I took over, I was handed a map of the course and the keys,” remembers Dave. “No pesticide records, no knowledge of the irrigation system, nothing. Not even an experienced staff to fall back on. “I was there every day at 4 a.m. until 7 p.m., changing cups, mowing greens and roughs, spraying, and hand-watering in the afternoon.” Despite the long hours and in­ tense pressure, Dave managed the course at Rio Hondo for three years before beginning to wonder what other opportunities might come along. Then, opportunity did knock again: Dave got a call from Larry Gilhuly, Western Direc­ tor of the Green Section, who he knew from his Turf Advisory Service visits to Rio Hondo. “He called on Wednesday, out of the blue, and asked if I’d be interested in joining the Green Section,” says Dave. “That Satur­ day, I was on a plane, flying to the Golf House for an interview, and a week after that, I was embarking on a career with the USGA as an agronomist.” Agronomic Advice on the Road: Niles of Experience Dave officially signed on with the USGA May of 1988 as an agronomist in the MidAtlantic Region and, just two years later, was elevated to his current position as Northeast Region Director. Reflecting on his start with the USGA, Dave remembers, fondly, his “apprentice­ ship” with Mid-Atlantic Green Section Director Stanley Zontek: “When I trained with Stan, for the first month, I remember keeping my mouth shut except to ask ques­ tions, because I was so overwhelmed with what I was seeing there in the transition zone. There were just so many grasses, pest prob­ lems, and pest control products I wasn’t acquainted with. “Stanley was an incredible help to me, both as a professional resource and as a friend. He and his wife, Marti, virtually adopted my wife, Cindy, and me. They and a group of their friends even helped paint the inside of our house when Cindy and I finally moved to Pennsylvania. Stan and Marti were the best!” Apparently, the feeling is mutual. “David always has had one of the friendliest and most outgoing personalities of anyone I’ve ever met,” says the USGA’s Stanley Zontek. “When you couple these traits with being an outstanding agronomist, you have the ingre­ dients for a very successful career. It is with pride that I see David is receiving your presti­ gious award. It is very deserving.” In Dave’s tenure with the USGA, he’s rack­ ed up some impressive statistics. He has ... • authored numerous articles on golf course and turfgrass management issues, current­ ly sitting on the editorial review committee for Dr. James Beard’s book, Golf Course Management • spoken hundreds of times at golf courses, golf course superintendent association meet­ ings, turf conferences, and universities • made as many as 3,500 Turf Advisory and Championship visits in more than 20 differ­ ent states and Canada • been a USGA agronomist for 10 differ­ ent USGA National Championships and counting • traveled nearly a million miles and spent 1,500 nights—or four years—away from home in his 22-year tenure Whew! All this in the name of providing help and counsel to the golf course superin­ tendent, which Dave will tell you has been nothing short of a labor of love. “I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure of consulting with some of the finest superintendents and the finest golf courses in the world,” says Dave, noting his favorite visits are those where he’s been able to help courses facing significant issues develop a realistic plan for resolving the Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 9 D ave’s staff in the Easton, PA office (left to right):Adam Moeller, D iane O ’Rorke, Dave Oatis, M ary Beth Laidlaw. o problems. “Helping to turn courses around gives me tremendous satisfaction,” says Dave. “Its what I live for.” Not all visits, however, are smooth sailing. “No one ever wants to see a disaster, but I’ve seen plenty over the years,” says Dave. “The pressure can be intense when I walk into a tough situation, and I definitely feel it. You can tell by the body language and expres­ sions on peoples’ faces. Arms will be folded across chests. There will be some nervous tapping__ Sometimes you can cut the ten­ sion with a knife. I certainly don’t hope for courses to have problems, but when I encounter them, I walk in knowing that if I do my job correctly, I may be able to help them. I also know that if I don’t handle the situation well, I can pour gas on the fire. Helping a course navigate through the turf or management problems, eventually helping them to make significant improvements in the golf course is really rewarding.” Sometimes, however, even the best advice falls on deaf ears. That was the case at one course Dave visited in Ohio where he rec­ ommended that they remove a tree on the edge of a green. “It was just killing the green,” says Dave, “and it wasn’t a very good tree anyway.” Still, the Green Committee reviewed Dave’s report and decided they couldn’t part with the tree. A month or two later, Dave got a letter from the green chair­ man along with a Polaroid picture showing that the tree had been hit by lightning and, in Dave’s words, “blown to smithereens.” Obviously not lacking a sense of humor, the chairman wrote: “Thank you for your visit and report . . . but we had no idea of the USGA’s influence with the Lord’s Electrical Emissaries, and we bow our heads to your obvious influence.” It went on to say,“ ... we are anxiously reconsidering all of your other suggestions.” Justice was done. Mother Nature, however, doesn’t always work in the superintendent’s favor. “Crazy things happen on golf courses,” says Dave. “And it isn’t always easy to figure out exactly why certain things happen. I’ve been baffled more than a few times, and analyzing situa­ tions really tests your ability as an agrono­ mist. Sometimes there just isn’t a good Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 9 explanation. Other times it’s a series of events, combined with bad luck, that cause a problem.” In good situations and bad, one thing’s become clear to Dave: “Few golfers really appreciate how much blood, sweat, and tears superintendents invest in their golf courses and how many sacrifices they make. Being out there in the trenches with them, I can’t help but recognize their efforts,” says Dave, noting the remarkable depth and breadth of the superintendent’s knowledge and expertise. “A successful superintendent must be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of as many as possible,” he says. “They must have a work­ ing knowledge of agronomy, plant pathology, horticulture, plumbing, irrigation, electricity, hydraulics, mechanics, construction tech­ niques for golf courses and buildings, fi­ nances, budgeting ... the list goes on. They have to be salespeople and politicians too! It’s a tall order. “I, personally, owe a huge debt of gratitude to the superintendents I’ve worked with over the years,” continues Dave. “Superintendents too numerous to mention have been incred­ ibly generous in sharing their knowledge and experiences with me, and they have taught me many invaluable lessons over the course of my career. In turn, I’ve worked hard to pass on to them the knowledge and informa­ tion I’ve accumulated. “I must also mention,” continues Dave, “the many wonderful course officials I’ve worked with over the years. They have the unenviable task of convincing their fellow golfers about the merits of programs that cause short-term disruption but hold the promise of long-term benefit, and that takes a real leap of faith.” One of the beneficiaries of Dave’s sage advice has been Craig Currier, particularly in the years leading up to the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black. “I was cleaning out my desk recently and found 50 USGA reports Dave had written detailing, every step of the way, what we had to do to get the course in U.S. Open form,” says Craig. “Dave’s one of the most professional, organized, and meticulous people I’ve ever worked with—and he could­ n’t be a nicer guy.” Just as pleased with Dave’s counsel over the years is former Apawamis Green Chair (now Club President) Sam Carroll. “Dave has been visiting Apawamis as a USGA Green Section agronomist for the past 18 years,” says Carroll, adding, “During this period, he has been a precious resource to the club, our golf course superintendents, and the chairs of our Green Committee. The qualities that make Dave so effective are, in my opinion, his invaluable knowledge, extensive experience, and expert advice. Whenever I had a question—and there were many in my two years as Green Chair—he was just a phone call or email away. On top of all that, he is a great person, one whom I truly enjoyed working with. “On behalf of Apawamis Club manage­ ment, our golf course superintendent, head golf professional, the Board of Governors, and the club’s membership, I would like to con­ gratulate Dave as the recipient of the 2010 John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award.” A Full Life Dave approaches his job as a USGA Green Section agronomist with such dedication that it’s hard to imagine him having a life beyond Dave and his daughter; Rachael. work. But he does. And his personal life, like his professional one, is chockfull. Some of his time off has been occupied with his lifelong passion for reading and pas­ times like shooting sporting clays, camping, fishing, and the outdoors. He’s also devoted time to coaching softball, baseball, and lacrosse, activities his children participated in. “Rachael and Zach have played sports for years, and I’ve watched every game/ meet/match I could possibly get to,” says Dave. Which brings us to one of his greatest pleasures in life: his family. “I’m blessed,” says Dave, “to have a won­ derful wife and two incredible kids. My wife, Cindy, is a terrific mother to our kids, and she is a community volunteer-aholic. Cindy was recently given a civic recognition award for her many contributions to our community. My daughter, Rachael, is a sophomore at Quinnipiac University, thor­ oughly enjoying her nursing major, and my son, Zach, is a high school junior who’s extremely committed to swimming and hopes to continue the sport in college. I’m so proud of all of them—each one uniquely successful in their own right. Given the chance, would Dave do any­ thing differently? “Oh, I wouldn’t mind writing fewer reports or spending more time MAXIMIZE YOUR NITROGEN DOLLARS WITH ST A H L PROFESSIONAL NITROGEN EN V IR O N M *4 Barnabas RoadNewtown Connecticut06470 UM AX* nYDREXK 5TABIIIZEDNITROGEN at home with my family,” says Dave, “but my time with the USGA has been unbelievably rewarding. I remain very proud to work for and represent the United States Golf Associ­ ation. Combine working for the USGA with being able to work with some of the best golf course superintendents at some of the best courses in the world? It’s really been a magi­ cal journey. I’ve been incredibly fortunate.” BSD STABILIZER W a ste NY G Jeff J. 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For the first time, almost all events—education confer­ ences and trade show—are scheduled to run on weekdays with virtually no events com­ peting with the trade show, which is set for Wednesday and Thursday, February 10 and 11. But this is only part of what will make the 2010 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show a must-attend event. In addition to the many essential career-build­ ing traditional offerings, GCSAA’s put together all-new special events and offerings that will set this year’s conference in sunny San Diego, CA, apart from any other. Here’s the rundown. Designed to benefit every member of the golf course, club, and facility management team, this years Golf Industry Show will fea­ ture approximately 550 exhibitors sprawled over more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space. The highlights: • Kicking off the trade show each day will be a General Session, featuring keynote ad­ dresses that will inspire, entertain, and help you grow both professionally and personally. From 8 to 9 a.m. on February 10, Dr. Brian Little, described as a cross between Robin Williams and Einstein, will present “Multiple Personalities in the World of Golf: Strange Creatures and True Characters.” Distinguished research professor emeritus at Carleton College, Dr. Little will offer new psychological insights merged with practical examples of what it takes—personally and professionally—to succeed in the current business environment. At the February 11 General Session, key­ note speaker Chris Gardner will take the floor. Probably best known as the author of The Pursuit of Happyness, which inspired the acclaimed movie by the same name, Gardner Tee to Green November/December 2 0 0 9 shares his “rags to riches” story which began in the 1980s when he found himself home­ less and the sole guardian of his toddler son, Chris Jr. Unwilling to give up his son or his dreams, Gardner climbed the financial indus­ try ladder from the very bottom, finally becoming owner and CEO of the brokerage firm Gardner Rich LLC. Gardners aim, through his speaking engagements and media projects, is to help others achieve their full potential. Be there at 8 a.m. to hear this truly motivating talk. • One very special—and unique—aspect of this year’s show is its all-new volunteer proj­ ect,“^ One Should Go Hungry.” Begin­ ning on February 8, the partnering associ­ ations of the Golf Industry Show are team­ ing up with the San Diego Food Bank to help feed the more than 480,000 people in San Diego County, alone, who are fighting hunger. If you’re not able to volunteer your time at the food bank (participation involves a $25 registration fee), there are other ways you can help: From February 8 to 13, you are able to drop off food or monetary donations at various sites in the convention center. Don’t miss this great opportunity to make a difference. • Several exciting giveaways will be an­ nounced during the show. Be sure to stop by the Test Drive Technology Lab in Booth 3148 to register for these great prizes: • Two HP Netbook computers • One Lenovo laptop computer • Four iPod Nanos • This year’s Golf Industry Show will close in style with a Show Floor Happy Hour, pro­ viding a relaxed atmosphere to conduct business and enjoy entertainment and net­ working opportunities with colleagues and industry experts. On the Education Front Along with the Golf Industry Show, GCSAA will join forces with the NGCOA and CMAA to present our annual education conferences from February 8 to 12 in San Diego. Still the largest show in the turfgrass management industry, this year’s conference will feature more than 95 seminars and 40 additional hours of education sessions, cover­ ing all aspects of golf course management, including agronomics, communication, and business management. One of the highlights of the Education Conference will be an all-new Celebrate GCSAA! program on the evening of February 9. Formerly the Opening Session and Welcoming Reception, the event will be hosted by GCSAA President Mark Kuhns, as conference goers celebrate his term as presi­ dent and the winning accomplishments of numerous well-deserving GCSAA members and industry friends. • GCSAA’s highest honor, the Old Tom Morris Award, will be presented to World Golf Hall of Fame member and golf com­ mentator Judy Rankin, who will also head­ line the event as the featured speaker. • Other GCSAA top awards that will be pre­ sented are the National Championship Award, the Leo Feser Award, the Excellence in Government Relations Award, GCSAA/ Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards, the President’s Award for Environ­ mental Stewardship, and the Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award. The celebration will continue with food and beverages, entertainment, and the com­ pany of fellow members. Annual Meeting Goers Elect Mew Board The Annual Meeting, to be held February 12, ushers in the close of the Education Confer­ ence and the “changing of the guard” at GCSAA. During the meeting, voting mem­ bers will elect three officers and two direc­ tors. Here’s who will appear on the ballot: For President James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, Wollaston Recrea­ tional Facility/Presidents Golf Club in North Quincy, MA Continued on page 12 Member Sews New Members Please join us in welcoming the following new MetGCSA members: • Shaun Bradford, Class C,The St. Andrew s Golf Club, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY • Zach Brooks, Class C, Round Hill Club, Greenwich, CT • Gregory J. Deckerd, Class C,Wykagyl Country Club, New Rochelle, NY • Jonathan Hill, Class C, Dellwood Country Club, New City, NY • Daniel Manning, Class C, Greenwich Country Club, Greenwich, CT • Danny J. Sattler Jr., Class C, Dellwood Country Club, New City, NY • Robert W. White III, Class C, Greenwich Country Club, Greenwich, CT Recertified Congratulations to the following MetGCSA members for completing the renewal process for maintaining their CGCS status with GCSAA: • Jim Calladio of LaCorte Equipment Co. in Calverton, NY • Scott Niven of The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, CT Birth Congratulations to Greenwich Country Club Superintendent Paul Boyd and his wife, Mariella, on the birth of their daughter, Layla Marie, born on October 2. In Sympathy We would like to offer our sincere condo­ lences to Sterling Farms Superintendent Tracey Holliday whose father, Ronald Holliday, passed away on November 1. Members on the Move Jesse Shannon is the new superintendent at Manhattan Woods Golf Club in West Nyack, NY. Previous position: Assistant superintend­ ent at Manhattan Woods Golf Club. Certification Congratulations to Woodmere Club Super­ intendent Tim Benedict for completing the coursework required in becoming a Cer­ tified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) with GCSAA. Glenn Gallion Sales Representative syngenta To learn about Syngenta Professional Products, please contact: Dennis DeSanctis P.O. Box 18300 Greensboro, NC 27419-8300 Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. (888)831-0891 V. Mail Ext. 210 (201)931-1730 Fax 19 Central Boulevard (201)954-5878 Cell South Hackensack, NJ 07606 gg--