December 2012 VOLUME42 NUMBERS Hoard of Directors ! President BLAKE HALDERM AN, CGCS Brae Burn Country Club V ice President GLEN DUBE, CGCS Centennial Golf Club Treasurer DAVID D U D O N ES North Jersey Country Club Secretary K E N N E T H B EN O IT JR ., CGCS GlenArbor Golf Club Past President R O B ERT NIELSEN JR ., CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club D irectors RO B ERT B. A LO NZI JR . Cover: The Meadow Brook Club Fenway Golf Club BRETT C H A PIN Redding Country Club D O U G D RU G O Wee Burn Country Club A N T H O N Y H OOKS Richmond County Country Club rn this Issue V IN C E N T PAVONETTI, CGCS Fairview Country Club RO B ERT W OLVERTON Edgewood Country Club Class “ C ” Rep GEORGE CHAVEZ Pelham Country Club Class “A F ” Rep K EV IN COLLINS Aquatrols E xecutive D irector ED B R O C K N E R E xecutive Secretary IN EK E P IE R P O IN T Tee to lireen Staff Features John C arlone to R eceiv e MetGCSA’s P restig io u s. Sherw ood A . M oore Award C o rn ell’s M arty P etrovic Earns C oveted John R eid L ifetim e A ch iev em en t Award Departments E ditor JIM PAVONETTI 203-531-8910 Scorecard ................ Managing Editor PANDORA C.WOJICK U p c o m in g E vents Editorial Committee MATT CEPLO SCOTT NIVEN ERIC O ’NEILL KEVIN COLLINS LARRY PAKKALA BILL CYGAN MIKE REEB CHIPLAFFERTY RYAN SEGRUE STEVEN MCGLONE GREG WOJICK Designer TERRIE YOUNG Advertising Managers BRETT CHAPIN, 203-938-9240 TEE TO GREEN is published bimonthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, NY 10523-2819 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437, METGCSA.ORG Copyright ©2012 M em b er N e w s ....... C hapter N e w s ....... here has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday that I began serving on the Met Board of Directors as Tourna­ ment Chairman under then President Will Heintz. It was exciting for me to watch Will and then, after him, Matt Ceplo, Tony Girardi, and our most immediate past presi­ dent, Bob Nielsen, run the association. They each brought a different strength to the mix, whether it was Government Relations, En­ vironmental Awareness, GCSAA Relations, or Finance. Like an intern on the job, I absorbed every­ thing I could from them about association business. I cannot thank them enough for everything they’ve taught me, and I’m grate­ ful to have Bob remaining on board with us as past president; he brings a continual wealth of knowledge to the table. You Win Some, You Lose Some All of this reminiscing brings me to the question that inevitably faces every new president: “What am I going to bring to the table?” I have always believed that running our association is a team effort among board members . . . a sharing of ideas at any and every point of serving on the board. I don’t have a grand plan ... a brilliant scheme I’ve been holding onto to announce now that I’ve assumed the role of president. My num­ ber one goal is to encourage out-of-the-box thinking among board members to help grow our association . . . as a team ... and to take advantage of the knowledge I’ve gained from the many capable people I’ve served with over the past 10 years. Unfortunately, two directors on our board have decided to step down: Sean Cain, who served from 2011-2012, chairing our Tournament Committee and Mem­ bership Committee, and Paul Gonzalez, who served from 2010-2012 and chaired our Website Committee. Our Class AF Representative Mike Cook and Class C Representative Doug Vanderlee are also leaving the board, having wrapped up their two-year terms. In addition, Tony Girardi has completed his term as past president and is leaving the board after 16 years of service. His dedication to our association goes with­ out saying. It’s hard to match that kind of work ethic, and his enthusiasm will be missed. All of these gentlemen did a fabulous job for our association over the past few years and should be commended for their hard work. As hard as it is to lose valued members of our team, I am pleased to introduce— and look forward to working with—our five new board members: Tony Hooks of Richmond County Country Club in Staten Island, NY; Bob Wolverton of Edgewood Country Club in Rivervale, NJ; Doug Drugo of Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, CT; Class AF Rep Kevin Collins of Aquatrols; and Class C Rep George Chavez of Pelham Country Club in Pelham, NY In the midst of all the movement on the board, we have a lot of projects and ideas in the works. It will take some determination to get everyone going in the right direction, but I promise you, we’ll all pull together and won’t miss a beat! Hoard Responsibilities In the coming year, Tony Hooks will be guiding our Tournament Committee and may even be reaching out to you for a site. O f course, more important than agreeing to host a meeting is actually coming out and partici­ pating in one. Membership participation, after all, is what makes for a strong, cohesive organization. Let’s bring the association back to “the good of days” so many long-term members talk about! Bob Wolverton will be chairing the Mem­ bership Committee, as well as the Social & Welfare Committee. Bob will be taking the reigns from Glen Dube who just organized a great Xmas party. They changed it up to more of a Cocktail Party format with passed hors d’oeuvres and a buffet dinner. This kept the party rolling well into the evening, so if you missed this great event, please be sure to put it on your calendar next year as a “must attend” event (see the party pictures, page 10). Doug Drugo will be coming on as the Website chairperson, charged with managcontinuted on page 11 Tee to Green December 201 2 t our January 16 Winter Seminar at the Westchester Country Club, John Carlone will receive the MetGCSAs most prestigious and coveted honor awarded to a golf course superintend­ ent: its 2012 Sherwood A. Moore Award. Reserved for those who have “advanced the image, status, and reputation of the golf course superintendent,” the award began in 1987 with its first recipient and namesake, Sherwood A. Moore. I “We cannot think of a more deserving recipient than John Carlone for this year’s I Sherwood A. Moore Award,” says Awards Committee Chairman Tony Girardi. “John has given tirelessly to our industry—locally, regionally, and nationally—for more than 25 years. I know I speak for our entire association when I note just how proud we are of John and tremendously thankful for all he has done to promote our profession and industry over the years.” John is the 16th Met member to have followed in Sherwood’s footsteps . . . as not only an advocate for the industry and pro­ fession, but also an exemplary golf course superintendent. } “I am truly honored to receive the Sherwood A. Moore Award,” says John. “And I thank the MetGCSA Awards Committee and Board of Directors for this great honor. I have never served on a board or committee with Jthe idea that I may someday be recognized for my service. I’m passionate about our industry I and have always felt strongly about making a positive impact on our profession. I couldn’t be more pleased, now, to join the roster of Sherwood A. Moore Award winners, who to me, represent some of the most accomplished and highly regarded superintendents in our association.” A Tireless Contributor Spend any amount of time with John and you can’t help but feel the passion he has for the profession and the game of golf. That passion led John to a nearly three-decade commit­ ment to serving our industry ... as a commit­ tee member, a board member, and, ultimately, a leader of three industry organizations. A certified golf course superintendent since 11991, John has been a GCSAA member for 31 years, serving on eight committees— Chapter Relations, Education, Membership, Tournament, Conference & Show, Nomi­ nations, Certification, Communications, as well as numerous special task groups. He’s also served as chapter delegate for both the MetGCSA and LIGCSA and has been a reg­ ular at the GCSAA Conference & Show, where he’s shared his expertise with fellow conference-goers as a speaker. John’s speaking engagements don’t end there. Over the years, he’s talked at numerous regional conferences and also spent two years spreading the good word about the green industry to area civic groups and schools as a member of GCSAAs Ambas­ sador Speakers Program. “I’m greatly concerned about the welfare of our industry,” says John, to explain his commitment to “talking up” golf course maintenance practices to the general public. “I’m concerned that tools we need to prop­ erly maintain high-quality golf courses will be taken away from us if we allow misper­ ceptions about our maintenance practices to persist. We should all be looking for oppor­ tunities to represent ourselves and our golf courses as stewards, rather than detractors, of the environment ... with our members, our neighbors, even our children.” Like every SAM Award winner before him, John has worked long and hard to con­ tinue the work of his predecessors in elevat­ ing the profession and industry on a local level. Serving on the MetGCSA Board of Directors for 17 years, John moved through the chairs, starting as a director in 1986 and culminating as president in 2000-2001 and then past president in 2001-2002. Also an active member of the Long Island GCSA, where he’s worked as a superintend­ ent for the past 27 years, John went from serving the MetGCSA to devoting nine years to the LIGCSA board, again moving through the chairs to president in 20062008. So thoroughly committed to the profes­ sion and the industry’s professional organi­ zations, John extended his service beyond local superintendent associations to two re­ gional organizations he feels particularly passionate about: the Tri-State Turf Re­ search Foundation and NYSTA. “The TriState and NYSTA are regional extensions of our local chapters,” says John. “Serving on these boards is an opportunity to enhance our profession and the green industry in a larger area.” John has been a NYSTA board member since 2011 and has served on the Tri-State T urf Research Foundation board for the past 15 years, once again, rising through the chairs to president in 2010-2011, a role he assumed while continuing to manage the Tri-State’s publication, Foundation News. Having passed the reigns on to good friend and fellow Superintendent Les Kennedy, John continues to serve the organization as past president and, going above-and-beyond, as the Foundation News editor. In hearing about John’s award, Les Ken­ nedy couldn’t say enough about John’s com­ mitment . . . not just to the industry, but to doing the right thing in every aspect of his life. “John and I met, and became fast friends, in 1984 when we were roommates at our first Met Area Team Championship in Wil­ mington, DE,” remembers Les. “For the past 28 years, I have had a front row seat to watch John become a first-class superintendent, dedicated husband and father, volunteer, respected leader and mentor, golf partner, fierce competitor, and a dear friend. So many times, as a friend or an association leader, I have seen John put others’ interests first while always trying to do the “right” thing. My congratulations to John! He truly epito­ mizes the spirit of the Sherwood A. Moore Award. I am honored to be his friend.” A Leader in the Making John’s commitment to the golf industry began long before most—when he was just a kid, growing up in Portsmouth, RI, near Newport. He started golfing at 11, playing junior high, high school, and finally college golf at the University of Rhode Island, against—and alongside—tour players and Rhode Island natives Billy Andrade, Brad Faxon, and PH. Horgan III. Though he toyed with the idea of turning pro, John found his way into tu rf manage­ ment, with the help of the late Dr. Richard Skogley, a professor in U P J’s Plant Sciences Department. John completed his B.S. in tu rf management in 1983, interning and then working as an assistant for two former Sherwood A. Moore Award winners. He did his placement training with Ted Horton, then superintendent at Westchester Country Club and the second SAM Award recipient (1988), following Sherwood. After graduating,John accepted an assistant’s posi­ tion with the Met’s 2010 SAM Award win­ ner, The Stanwich Club’s Scott Niven. After two-and-a-half years at Stanwich, John left for his first superintendent’s posi­ tion at Middle Bay Country Club in Oceanside, NY He stayed there 11 years, before moving on to The Meadow Brook Club in Jericho, NY, where he has been the superintendent since December 1996. A golf-only club that attracts primarily low-handicap golfers, it’s no surprise the Meadow Brook membership recruited John—a serious golfer himself. It’s at Meadow Brook that one of John’s larger professional goals has come true. “I had always wanted to run a golf course that hosted a professional tournament,” says John, “and Meadow Brook just happened to be the site of an annual senior tour event: the Champions T O U R Long Island Classic. John worked for six years—from 1997 to 2002—prepping the course for that annual tournament, which gave him the opportu­ nity to put his best foot forward among such golf world greats as Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Kite, and another Rhode Island native, Dana Quigley—to name just a few. John has a very strong belief that we can enhance our image and professional success in the golf industry by becoming an active golf enthusiast with a good golf game. “I just don’t feel I would have the opportunity to mingle with the heads of our profession if I didn’t have a love for the game,” notes John. Rich in history and tradition, The Meadow Brook Club has been through many transformations— and several loca­ tions in its 131-year history. It first opened its doors in Westbury, NY, in 1881 and eventually landed in its current location in 1955. Architect Dick Wilson built the original 18-hole championship-style golf course, which was modified in 1967 by Wilson’s protégé, Joe Lee. In John’s 16 years at the club, he has had his hand in several rounds of enhancements to the golf course. He’s installed XGD drainage in all 18 greens, reconstructed and enlarged the practice tees, and rebuilt and Tee to Green December 2 0 1 2 laser-leveled most of the course’s tee com­ plexes. In 2006, he embarked on a project with Architect Tripp Davis to reconstruct and add drainage to every one of the course’s 90 bunkers. At the helm of this proj­ ect and every effort to provide top playing conditions John has earned high praise from his colleagues and club members as a stel­ lar tu rf manager, team player, leader, and communicator. “John has done a tremendous job at Meadow Brook, both day-to-day for mem­ ber play and when we have hosted champi­ onship events,” says Meadow Brook Green Chairman Tom Lister. “He has been very thoughtful with the course, pushing it when conditions allow and protecting it in the hot, humid weeks of midsummer. This strategy has paid big dividends for the membership. “During his time at Meadow Brook, he has led a number of important projects which have improved the course without changing its feel or playability.” Equally impressed with John, personally and professionally, Meadow Brook Club Manager Dennis Harrington describes John as nothing short of SAM Award-worthy: “John is an extremely hardworking, ener­ getic, honest, and intelligent person,” says Harrington.“Always eager to take initiative, John is an indispensable part of our manage­ ment team at Meadow Brook. “There has never been a task too small or a job too large for John to tackle, and he has always demonstrated enormous care and responsibility in any project he has under­ taken and managed. John’s natural ability to think on his feet and superior communica­ tions skills have enabled him to become a true “team leader” and gain the respect and admiration of both the members and staff at Meadow Brook Club. Year in and year out, John has exhibited an extraordinary sense of teamwork, dependability, and leadership a i t has been a pleasure and honor to have had the opportu­ nity to meet and spend time w ith John Carlone as he is a devoted husband and father, a caring and trusted steward o f the game, and a wonderful ambassadorfo r his profession and the entire golf industry John is totally commit­ ted to doing his best in all his endeavors and dedicated to leav­ ing things better than he found them. I congratulate John on this most prestigious award as he has generously donated countless hours o f his personal time and p u t fo rth a Herculean effort to advance the image, status, and reputation o f all g olf course super­ intendents and everyone w ithin the golf industry. J ^ - Dennis Harrington, CCM, CCE General Manager The Meadow Brook Club while earning MVP honors along the way.” Also singing John’s praises is the club’s long-tenured golf professional, Rick Meskell. “From day one,” says Meskell, “John’s com­ mitment to communicating the day’s tu rf focus to me and my staff has been a home run! Every staff member is always prepared to answer any questions that may arise from anyone on the course that day. With our entire operation informed, we can offer a confident response. John’s willingness to share information has made everyone look good!” A Testament to His Dedication John with his sons, D avid and Daniel, at the A rm y/N a vy game on December 8 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Tee to Green December 2 0 1 2 Bodington of Sebonack Golf Club, and Ken Frank of Plandome Country Club. Reflecting on his experience working as John’s assistant at Middle Bay Country Club, Maidstone’s John Genovesi says, “John got me when I was very green and taught me many lessons. He taught me to try to learn something new every day, whether it’s turf-related or not. He’d check in at the end of the day to see if I had learned anything. If I told him that I had, he’d reply,‘Then it was a good day.’ Because of this, I take continu­ ing education very seriously. “John taught me lessons beyond the golf course . . . how to tie a Windsor knot, the importance of giving back— as he’s done throughout his career—and perhaps most important, how to be successful in life. I admired John so much as a manager, that an atta boy’ from him meant as much to me as any form of compensation. “When I left his employ,John continued to take an interest in my career. I’d get a phone call down at Pinehurst alerting me of superintendent positions that had opened up back home. “I am grateful to have a friend and men­ tor like John Carlone. In addition to being a fine superintendent, John is a tremendous family man. His success in our industry is paralleled only by his success at home, as a devoted husband and father.” John’s been married 25 years to his wife, Leslie. They have three children: Emily, 22, is a recent graduate of John’s alma mater, URI, and will begin in September 2013 working toward her master’s in speech path­ ology. David, 20, received his A.S. in Liberal Arts from Nassau Community College and plans to transfer to UConn next fall, where he’d like to try to “walk on” to the univer­ sity’s football team. Daniel, 17, is a senior at St. Anthony’s High School, where he played three years of football and was elected cap­ tain his senior year. The team’s record in his three years of playing was 28-3. He plans to play Division I college football at USMA at West Point. When John’s able to steal a little time for himself, he enjoys—aside from golf—group training sessions and spin classes at the gym, searching for fine red wines, and listening to Jimmy Buffett’s radio, Margaritaville. “Looking back at my career,” says John, “I’m glad I opted not to turn professional. First, I would be a lot skinnier, and second, I wouldn’t have met the great friends and as­ sociates I have throughout the country from this unique and fulfilling profes­ sion. I wouldn’t change a thing. I am very fortunate.” Some might say John’s driven. But there’s more to John than immediately meets fellow tu rf professionals’ eyes. John has the unusual gift of being able to set his goals and ambi­ tions aside long enough ... and often enough . . . to tend to what’s really important: his relationships with family, friends, and those who work for him. A rare and valuable quality. John has gone above-and-beyond in the time and effort he’s devoted to mentoring the many interns and assistants who have gone on to become successful superintend­ ents themselves. Among them are John Genovesi of the Maidstone Club, Michael Tim O'Neill, a former Sherwood A. Moore Benz of Middle Bay Country Club, Timothy Award winner, is superintendent at Country Benedict of the Woodmere Club, Garrett Club of Darien in Darien, CT. S^a'ti eature A Lifetime of Improving ... Cornell’s Marty Petrovic Earns Coveted John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award by Ed Brockner, M etGCSA Executive Director Dr. Petrovic at work seeding his research plots. he John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award, given annually by the MetGCSA to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the superintendent profession, has both a distinguished and eclectic list o f recip­ ients. G olf administrators, journalists, television personalities, club members, and university researchers have been honorees o f the Reid Award. Now, joining this respected group o f individuals is Dr. Anthony Martin Petrovic. While most members o f the MetGCSA and tu rf industry know Dr. Petrovic as Marty, an educator and researcher with a remarkable career at Cornell University, the residents o f Trumansburg, NY, know him as Mr. Mayor, adding yet another unique job title to the list o f Reid Award winners. Tee to Green December 2 0 12 ( 5 “M arty has supported our superintendent members for nearly three decades through his work as both an educator and a re­ searcher. In addition to guiding the development of countless turfgrass professionals as a Cornell University professor, M arty has initiated research that has supported superintendents in their role as stewards of the - Tony Girardi, C G C S For the past 15 years, Marty has served as an elected official of this village, about a dozen miles from the Cornell campus. Wearing pretty much every hat during this tenure as mayor, Marty is giving back to the town he calls home, striving to have a posi­ tive impact on the quality of life there. The same can be said for Marty’s contri­ butions to the larger community of tu rf managers, as he works tirelessly to conduct research targeted at developing methods for maximizing golf course conditions while minimizing the impact on the environment. It is in recognition of this work, and his contributions as an educator, that the MetGCSA Board of Directors and its membership have selected him for their coveted John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award. In announcing Marty’s selection, MetGCSA Awards Committee Chair Tony Girardi describes him first and foremost as “a tremendous supporter of the golf course superintendent.” “The John Reid Award is the MetGCSAs most distinguished service award reserved for someone who has made an indelible mark on the game of golf and the science of golf course management,” notes Tony. “Marty has supported our superintendent members for nearly three decades through his work as both an educator and a re­ searcher. In addition to guiding the develop­ ment of countless turfgrass professionals as a Cornell University professor, Marty has ini­ tiated research that has supported superin­ tendents in their role as stewards of the environment. “I know I speak for our entire member­ ship when I say we couldn’t be more pleased to present Dr. Marty Petrovic with the 2013 John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award.” A Turf Beginning Like many tu rf professionals, Marty was introduced by a family member to the sci­ ence and art of growing turf. When he was just 10, growing up in Robinson Township, a rural suburb of Pittsburgh, PA, Marty’s father decided he and the town’s other chil­ Tee to Green December 2 0 1 2 Now a professor of turfgrass science and dren should have a quality baseball field to faculty advisor for the horticulture minor play on. Without any formal tu rf training, he and program in Cornell’s Department of Horti­ young Marty went about building a “Field of culture, Marty has had a hand in countless dreams,” complete with lights, Kentucky research projects throughout the years that bluegrass sod, and an irrigation system. This have enhanced not only the turfgrass man­ was Marty’s first exposure to irrigation, agement profession, but also the turfgrass grasses, and fertilization—and to what it industry as a whole. It’s only fitting, then, that in addition to takes to produce great turf. With a golf course near his home, Marty’s attention soon receiving the MetGCSAs coveted Reid turned to golf—and the course that was his Award, Marty was awarded, in November, playground as a child became his employer NYSTAs Citation of Merit, which honors a turfgrass professional who is dedicated to through high school. He went on to complete his undergradu­ turfgrass research and education, promotes ate and graduate studies at the University of the careers of those in the turfgrass industry, Massachusetts, where he encountered ano­ is involved with NYSTA and community ther major influence in his life: Dr. Bob activities, and has earned the admiration and Carrow, then a new assistant professor of respect of their peers and colleagues. Presenting the NYSTA honor was his turfgrass science at UMass.“Dr. Carrow had the faith and patience to help develop me as friend and colleague for more than 30 years a researcher while I pursued my Master’s,” Joann Gruttadaurio, a retired senior exten­ says Marty, “and he encouraged me to get sion associate. Noting in her introduction Marty’s long list of industry accomplish­ my Ph.D.” After his graduate work at UMass was ments, she pointed out that he has more than complete, Marty earned his Ph.D. at 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications, Michigan State University in turfgrass soil along with a similarly impressive number of science and then applied for a tu rf manage­ research projects. Much of his research has focused on the ment position at Cornell University in what was then known as the Department of Flori­ environmental aspects of turfgrass produc­ culture and Ornamental Horticulture. Carl tion and management, including the fate Gortzig, who was serving as department and impact of pesticides and fertilizers chair at the time, remembers Marty as a applied to turfgrass areas, looking closely at strong candidate along with a considerable their effect on water quality. Gruttadaurio also noted that much of the number of other applicants. “As department chair, it was my responsibility to manage a work that Marty has performed over the nationwide search to fill the position,” says past three decades has established the foun­ Gortzig. “There were many excellent candi­ dation for the Best Management Practices dates, and it was tough for the faculty to that turfgrass managers follow today. It only makes sense, then, that Marty come to a decision after the many inter­ views, but in the end, Marty received, by far, Petrovic would be part of the Cornell team working with the MetGCSA and other golf the greatest number of votes.” course superintendent associations through­ out New York State to complete a compre­ Award-Worthy Achievements hensive manual of BMPs for the state. “This Marty settled into his new home in the project is exciting to me,” says Marty, “since Finger Lakes region, accepting the position it’s the first example of any tu rf group in at Cornell in 1979. It was here that Marty New York State to proactively work toward and his wife of 37 years, Renie, raised their adopting management practices to protect three children: Justin, Lindsay, and Hannah, the environment. This approach should be a who have given him two grandchildren and model for others in the landscape industry, a third on the way! as well as our Ag counterparts,” he adds. An Admiration That Goes Both Ways While MetGCSA and other New York area superintendents are, no doubt, pleased to have Marty on board with the BMP project, the respect and admiration is, apparently, mutual. “I have never found a group of profession­ als so willing to share information and ideas with each other to benefit the greater good—in this case golf,” says Marty, ad­ ding, “Their professionalism and drive to improve has made working with superin­ tendents extremely rewarding.” Marty’s first encounter with Met-area superintendents dates back to the early 1980s when he was conducting a phospho­ rus and potassium study to determine ap­ propriate application rates of each nutrient on fairways (a point still under investigation today).“I was amazed at how willing these superintendents were to participate in the study,” says Marty, noting that Ted Horton, then at Westchester Country Club, the late Sherwood Moore, then at Winged Foot Golf Club, and Chuck Martineau, then at Whip­ poorwill Club, and countless others, allowed Marty to string out hundreds of plots, apply fertilizers, and collect data on a monthly basis. “They not only allowed free access to their courses, but also gave great advice along the way. I learned a lot about golf jl^ \ / lA Jl \ 7 f T \ ~ l j \ \ L \ A Unique Perspective \ ....i........... l ansburg has shed a whole new light on how regulations are lobbied for and put into effect. “It is very interesting to be on the other side of the table, being the one who writes regulations,” says Marty. “As a re­ searcher, I’ve always tried to analyze situa­ tions and make logical and scientifically sound decisions. I have tried to use the same principals in my job as mayor of a small vil­ lage, and I would hope other politicians would do the same, particularly when try­ ing to regulate turf and golf courses.” Looking to the future, Marty believes that his continued commitment to research aimed at defining environmentally respon­ sible solutions to turf problems is particu­ larly important with the ongoing public misperception about pesticide safety and its use on golf courses. “This is an even greater concern,” says Marty, “when the public be­ lieves pesticides and fertilizers are being used for solely cosmetic reasons. It is criti­ cal,” he continues, “that superintendents and researchers get out and educate the commu­ nity about how golf courses adhering to BMPs can be a positive instead of a negative for the environment.” The MetGCSA salutes Marty for this ded­ ication, professionalism, and wisdom on be­ half of the members of our association and other turf industry organizations, and looks forward to our continued collaboration with Marty’s work as a public servant in Trum- him for many years to come. course management on some of the best courses in the world!” recalls Marty, adding, “These early interactions with such great superintendents gave me the confi­ dence and experience I needed to work effectively with superintendents my entire career.” His groundbreaking work with superin­ tendents continues today through his devel­ opment of fertilizer management plans at 27 clubs on the east end of Long Island, one of the most environmentally sensitive areas in the country. Through extensive site visits, Marty is creating soil maps for each course, and then, after reviewing the courses’ nitro­ gen fertilizer application and irrigation data, he generates a report detailing ways to improve nitrogen fertilizer management to reduce environmental risks. Used to working behind the scenes in doing research on behalf of the industry, Marty couldn’t be more pleased to be recog­ nized by the MetGCSA with the John Reid Award. “Receiving the John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award is such a special honor,” says Marty. “Looking back at the giants who have received this award makes me feel so special and truly humble for being so fortunate.” ff \ ........I \ J \i. \ \ \ 1 /\ \ j \ i \ 1\ ' j Scorecard Grand Plays in the Two-Ball Final Rounds by L arry P akkala, C G C S Tony Hooks, Tom Weinert, Blake Halderman, and Glen Dube (left to right) compete for the Two-Ball title at Garden City G olf Club in Garden City, NY. efore I report on the final rounds of the Dave Mahoney r Two -Ball Championship, I want to congratulate this (year’s winners. First Flight bracket winners were Blake Halderman and Glen Dube, who have won the Two-Ball in ’04, ’08, and now 2012. And in the Second Flight, the formidable brother duo, Bob and Joe Alonzi, claimed this year’s title. In the Semi-Finals... First Flighters Tom Weinert and Tony Hooks handily defeated Tom Ashfield and Andy Drohen 6&5 at Trump Bedminster. In the Second Flight, the veteran team of Bob and Joe Alonzi pulled off a big upset over two-time defending champs Ken Be­ noit and Greg Gutter at Old Oaks in Purchase, NY “Threepeats” are really dif­ ficult as Benoit/Gutter found out. In a blow-by-blow account of the match, Bob noted that he and Joe started out two up but were quickly even. ‘I believe,” says Bob, “that we ma4e the turn one down, won 10, lost 11. On the par o Tee to Green December 2 0 1 2 three 12th, I was the only one on the green and three-putted to halve the hole.” The 13th hole, apparently, was a differenct story. “Joe didn't make it to the fairway, and I totally topped my second shot,” says Bob, noting that, somehow, they still halved the hole. “Joe chipped in on 14 for a birdie, mak­ ing the match all square,” adds Bob. “We lost 15; on 16,1 was able to salvage a halve thanks to Greg’s missed three-foot birdie putt. Two holes to go and Joe and I were one down. I don’t remember the particu­ lars, but Ken and Greg must have wanted to make the match more interesting by losing the 17th hole. Joe and I both parred,” con­ tinues Bob, “so we were on the 18th tee all even. It all came down to the putter. Joe and Greg were both on in two: Joe twoputted; Greg, sadly, three-putted to give us our 1-up victory! In the Finals... The Finals in the First Flight were played on a cool, sunny day at the renowned Garden City Golf Club on Long Island. The W match wasn’t held until November 30, but the teams of Blake Halderman/Glen Dube and Tony Hooks/Tom Weinert stuck it out to the final hole. It was a real dog fight on the back nine. Halderman and Dube were three up with four to play. Hooks com­ mented to Halderman and Dube, “This is what I dreamed of: being three down with four to play and going birdie, birdie, birdie.” Well, Hooks proceeded to go bird­ ie, birdie, par, three-putting the final hole to give the Halderman/Dube team their third Two-Ball Championship. In the Second Flight Alonzi/Alonzi played Glenn Perry and Dave Fleury at Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, CT. The ageless Alonzi brothers team de­ feated their opponents in a 4 & 3 blowout, giving the Alonzi’s the Championship. “We brought out our best ham-and-egg match with Bob and I winning the first two holes and never looking back,” says Joe, noting the match was closed out on the 15th hole. After this year’s Two-Ball performance, the guys in the Second Flight no doubt hope brother Bob stays in Florida now that he’s retired. We had some really good matches this year. We’d like to thank all who partici­ pated, as well as the superintendents who were kind enough to host the matches at their clubs. The trophies will be presented at the W inter Seminar on January 16 at the Westchester Country Club Awards Luncheon. Congratulations to our 2012 David Mahoney Two-Ball Champions!! I hope everyone comes out to qualify for the 2013 Two-Ball Championship. Larry Pakkala, a member of the Tee to Green Editorial Committee, is territory sales manager for Plant Food Company in Cranbury, NJ. MetGCSA Winter Seminar Promises Something for Everyone • • • Speakers, Exhibitors, and a Special Awards Luncheon W i J V nee again, Education Chair Rob / Alonzi has arranged an impressive lineup of industry and university professionals to speak at our Winter Semi­ nar, being held this year on January 16 at Westchester Country Club. Speakers will cover a variety of tu rf issues and golf course maintenance practices pertinent to todays golf course superintendent. On the roster: Dr. Harry N iem czyk o f Ohio State University will share practical approaches for preventing overwintered Annual Bluegrass Weevil adults from traveling to golf course fairways, greens, and tees. Richard Fletcher o f Cleary’s Chemical Company will discuss tank mixing do’s and don’ts to ensure superintendents make the best use of this necessary golf course main­ tenance practice. Dr. Lane Tredway o f Syngenta Crop Protection will speak about the three Pythium diseases common to golf course turf: Pythium blight, Pythium root rot, and Pythium root dysfunction. He will share integrated management strategies for each disease with a focus on cultural man­ agement practices and proper fungicide selection. Dr. James Kerns o f the University o f W isconsin-M adison will share economi­ cal approaches for disease control on golf courses. He will discuss the influence of environment on fungicide persistence, dol­ lar spot forecasting, dew removal, and resist­ ant cultivars. Kerns’ ultimate goal is to encourage superintendents to experiment with methods for extending fungicide performance. Dr. John Inguagiato o f the University o f Connecticut will introduce an emerg­ ing new option for annual bluegrass control on putting green and fairway turf: methiozolin, a selective herbicide with pre- and post-emergent activity. He will discuss how to implement methiozolin to eliminate or transition from annual bluegrass on mature and newly renovated or established greens. Be sure to join fellow industry professionals at our upcoming Winter Seminar, which in addition to a superb lineup of speakers will include the presentation of the Sherwood A. Moore Award and the John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award. You will also have an opportunity to shop the wares of the exhibitors who participate in our Winter Seminar trade show. Their booths will be open during breaks for cof­ fee and lunch and after the conclusion of the program at 3:30. Educational Events CAGCS Winter Seminar Tuesday,January 15 Mystic Marriott, Mystic, CT For a look at the lineup of speakers, log on to www.cagcs.com. Southeast Regional Conferen' ■ Eagle Sponsors thecareoftrees