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Board of Directors
—
President
BLAKE H ALDERM AN, CGCS

Brae Burn Country Club
V ice President
GLEN DUBE, CGCS

Centennial Golf Club
Treasurer
DAVID D U D O N E S

Brae Burn Country
Club.

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 N IELSEN JR ., CGCS

Bedford Golf & Tennis Club
D irectors
R O B ERT B. A LO N ZI JR .

Fenway Golf Club
BRETT C H A PIN

Redding Country Club
PAUL G O N ZA LEZ, CGCS

Whippoorwill Club
A N T H O N Y HOOKS

Richmond County Country Club
V IN C E N T PAVONETTI, CGCS

Fairview Country Club

r\Lthis Issue

R O B ERT W OLVERTON

Edgewood Country Club
Class “ C ” R ep
GEORGE CHAVEZ

Pelham Country Club

Feature

Class “A F ” R ep
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

Brae Burn’s Blake Halderman Elected MetGCSA’s
31st President

Tee to Green Staff
E ditor
JIM PAVONETTI
203-531-8910
Managing Editor
PANDORA C.WOJICK
Editorial Committee
‘ MATT CEPLO
SCOTT NIVEN
KEVIN COLLINS
ERIC O ’NEILL 1
I b il l c y g a n
LARRYPAKKALA
■ c h i p LAFFERTY
MIKE REEB
■¡TEVEN MCGLONE
RYAN SEGRUE 1
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

eDartme
m

Upcoming E ven ts..........................................................................................5
National News ............................................................................................... 6
Scorecards ....................................................................................................... 8
Member News............................................................................................... 10
Spotlight ....................................................................................................... 11

The
Last
Hurrah

t wouldn’t have felt right if, in my
final President’s Message, I didn’t talk about
the weather. But I certainly didn’t expect—
or want—the focus to be a weather event as
devastating as Hurricane Sandy has been to
tri-state area golf courses and superintend­
ents and their families.
Though countless MetGCSA and neigh­
boring association members have been seri­
ously affected by Hurricane Sandy and the
Nor’easter that followed, those along the
shore in Long Island, Connecticut, and New
Jersey appear to have been the hardest hit.
The winds and coastal flooding caused by
these storms have wreaked havoc on count­
less golf courses. Senator Charles Schumer,
the democratic senator from New York, has
shown a serious inclination toward includ­
ing golf courses in the Hurricane Sandy
Disaster Relief Bill. This is the first time golf
courses have been considered for disaster re­
lief funding, and with Senator Schumer on
the Finance Committee, there is a distinct
possibility this may actually come to frui­
tion. This would allow golf courses access to
low-interest loans for any damage not cov­
ered by insurance. What welcome support
that will be for many of the affected golf
courses!
On a more personal note, I know many of
you have suffered at both your homes and
golf courses, and I hope and pray that some
normalcy has returned to everyone’s lives.
Keep in mind that GCSAA has an Emer­
gency Relief Fund available to provide
financial assistance to members who suffer
personal loss or medical hardship due to any
natural disaster. See the GCSAA website for
further details.

Bob Nielsen, C G C S
M etGCSA President

You have to wonder, for instance, would
phosphorus have been banned for golf course
use if we had in place a BMP that clearly
specified a safe and reasonable application
rate for golf courses?
Once completed, I believe this manual
will serve to put golf in a leading role in
environmental stewardship in New York
State. Frank Rossi, the lead author for the
manual, has said that this could be the single
most important project that golf and Cornell
have collaborated on to date. And he might
just be right.
The Department of Environmental Con­
servation has seven directors that have ex­
pressed interest in reviewing and com­
menting on the manual. And the Depart­
ment of Agriculture and Markets has also
expressed interest in providing comments
on the manual. The relationships being cul­
tivated with these two departments are
unprecedented in New York State and will
hopefully open a two-way dialogue on fu­
ture regulations.
We have a winning team on the project.
BMPS for Golf Courses: A Project to Be Frank
Rossi is working with colleagues Bob
Proud Of
Portmess, Jennifer Grant, and Marty PetroI have been fortunate to serve as the Met’s vic to write the manual. What a lineup!
president during a time when we’ve made Their enthusiasm for putting this manual
notable strides in a number of areas, both together is extraordinary and really shows
inside and outside the association. I am ex­ their affinity for the golf course superin­
tremely excited and pleased, for instance, by tendent. They understand the importance of
the lead role we’ve assumed in the develop­ superintendents buying into the program,
ment of the Best Management Practices for and I am sure they will produce a manual we
Golf Courses in New York State. For the can all be proud of. The editor, Stacy Kings­
uninitiated, these BMPs are regulations we, bury, has the experience and knowledge to
ourselves, establish for every imaginable golf produce a brilliant outcome.
course maintenance practice. They will be
spelled out in a manual and are intended to My Thanks to Our Association’s Many
demonstrate superintendents’ environmen­
tal responsibility to state legislators. The Contributors
hope is to allay legislators’ concerns about As I prepare for my final term on the board,
our practices and ultimately fend off future I would like to thank the membership for
legislation that threatens to impose unjust supporting me in my role as president for the
restrictions on our maintenance practices. continuted on page 5
Tee to Green October/November 2012

ßrae Burn s Blake
Halderman Elected
MetGCSA’s 31st

:
*

I look forward to continuing to support the
mission of our association while working
with the board and membership to enhance
the many programs we have in place and
explore ways to strengthen and grow our
organization.

moting the welfare of the game of golf, the
science and art of golf course management,
the organization and business effectiveness
of the profession, and the professional image
and well-being of its individual members.”
Some things never change. As Brae Burns
Blake Halderman embarks on a two-year
term as the MetGCSAs 31st president, our
associations vision remains the same.
“I couldn’t be more excited about my term
as president of the MetGCSA,” says Blake. “I
look forward to continuing to support the
mission of our association while working
with the board and membership to enhance
the many programs we have in place and
explore ways to strengthen and grow our
organization.”
Blake is succeeding Bedford Golf & Ten­
nis’s Bob Nielsen who has devoted the past
10 years to serving on the association’s Board
of Directors and will remain on the board
for the next two years as past president. The
gavel was officially passed at the November
19 Annual Meeting, which was rescheduled
and relocated from Bedford Golf and Tennis
to a restaurant in Rye, NY, thanks to Hurri­
cane Sandy.

A Leader in the Making
Blake spent much of his childhood in
Hughesville, PA, a quiet country town lo­
cated near Williamsport, PA, home of the
Little League World Series. Blake’s parents,
Gene and Sandra, both worked at a local
GTE/Sylvania factory that produced dispos­
able camera flashbulbs. As camera technol­
ogy evolved and the demand for this product
diminished, the factory closed, leaving Gene
and Sandra— and hundreds of other local
residents—without jobs. With full-time
employment scarce, Blake’s parents worked
part-time jobs to support the family. “There
were times my dad had to shoot a deer to put
food on the table,” Blake recalls.
When Blake was 12, the family packed up
and moved to Hillsborough, NH, where his
parents were able to secure jobs at another
GTE/Sylvania factory that manufactured
car headlights. Blake attended high school in
Hillsborough where his natural leadership

qualities began to emerge. He was class
president in both his freshman and junior
years and played on the school’s basketball,
baseball, and soccer teams, becoming cap­
tain of all three teams his senior year.
Always full of initiative, Blake took a job,
at the age of 14, cleaning the factory where
his parents worked to earn a little extra
pocket money. But his earning potential
came to a screeching halt after just eight
months on the job. Blake broke his shoulder
on his dirt bike and was in a half-body cast
with his arm out to the side for weeks. He
was out of commission for the summer.
Back on his feet in the fall, Blake wasted no
time in finding another job, this time
pumping gas at a local station.
It was Blake’s next job, however, that lured
him into the turfgrass management indus­
try: a position on the crew of the nearby
nine-hole Angus Lea Golf Course. His older
sister, Renae, who was working at Angus Lea
at the time, was responsible for Blake’s
introduction into the business—and to the
Nivens. “The club was owned by Scott
Niven’s dad, Russ Niven,” explains Blake.
“And then by Scott’s brother, Curt. It was a
great experience working for both of them.”
For most of Blake’s tenure there, the crew
consisted of three workers: Blake, Toby
(Russ’s grandson), and Blake’s good friend
(till this day), Mitchel Wilkens. No surprise,
it wasn’t long before Blake stepped forward
to assume a leadership role at the club. The
way the story goes, shortly after Blake
started at Angus Lea—still just 17—the
existing crew leader went on to college,
leaving Blake and his two coworkers to
fend for themselves. “I remember all of us
just looking at each other that first morn­
ing, wondering who was going to make the
day’s schedule,” says Blake, who quickly
took the initiative to go ask Russ Niven
what he wanted them to do for the day.
“Russ looked at me and said,‘That is exactly
what I was waiting for. I wanted to see who
was going to step up and take charge of
the crew.’ It was at Angus Lea that I got my
first true taste of organizing a crew,” says
Blake. “And it was exciting for me to see,
firsthand, just how closely management
skills are tied to producing a beautiful golf
course.”

Blake was hooked. “Between my interest
in sports, my love of the outdoors, and my
passion for managing people and processes,”
says Blake,“I felt I’d found a perfect career in
golf course management.”
After graduating high school, Blake en­
rolled in the tu rf program at the University
of Rhode Island, encouraged by Scott to
attend his alma mater.

A Budding Turfgrass Manager
Blake made the most of his college years. For
one semester, he courageously decided to
give two sports teams a go that didn’t exist
for him when he was in high school: the
football and golf teams. He found employ­
ment at the school’s athletic field house—as
a supervisor, of course!—and also joined a
fraternity on campus with friend, and now
superintendent at Sebonack Golf Club, Gar­
rett Bodington. Both lived together in the
fiat house for two years as Blake served as
vice president.
Blake continued to work at Angus Lea
during his summer breaks until his sopho­
more year when he interned with Scott at
The Stanwich Club, completing the Niven
trifecta.
Broadening his scope beyond the Niven
clan, Blake interned next at Muirfield
Village Golf Club, home of “The Memorial
Tournament” in Dublin, OH, sharing the
experience with fellow intern and URI
classmate and good friend, Centennial Su­
perintendent Glen Dube.
After graduation, in May 1995, Blake set
his sights on the Metropolitan New York
area, landing his first and only assistant’s
position at Woodway Country Club in
Darien, CT. Blake spent two-and-a-half
years working for Woodway s then Super­
intendent Larry Pakkala, who he touts as
not only an incomparable mentor, but also a
close friend and confidant.
In reflecting on his experience at both
Stanwich and Woodway, Blake offers high
praise to the two superintendents who of­
fered him superb training grounds: “I know
there are a lot of great superintendents in
the area, but I am so grateful to have worked
for Scott and Larry,” says Blake. “I couldn’t
Tee to Green October/November 201 2

have asked for better mentors, both profes­
sionally and personally. They’ve not only
shown me the ins and outs of golf course
management, but also the value of being
part of our great association. They under­
stood—and have demonstrated to me—-just
how much it means to provide guidance and
support to those who work for us and just
how important it is that we all work Industry Involvement
together to ensure our profession continues After settling in at Brae Burn, Blake re­
to be strong for the next generation.”
joined the MetGCSA Board of Directors in
It’s only fitting, then, that during Blake’s 2004, gaining valuable experience and asso­
tenure at Woodway, Larry encouraged him ciation knowledge by serving on or chairing
to run for Class C rep on the Met board, a eight of the Met’s committees: the Tourna­
position Blake secured in 1996 and held for ment, Scholarship & Research, Bylaws, Club
two years.
Relations, Advertising, Government Rela­
In October of 1997, at just 24, Blake left tions, Environmental, and Tri-State Re­
Woodway for his first superintendent’s search committees.
position at Minisceongo Golf Club in Pom­
Blake also continues to be actively in­
ona, NY, moving on to Trump National in volved with the Met Area Team Champion­
Briarcliff, just three years later, when Blake ship, which he, and fellow member Andy
was enticed with a course grow-in.
Drohen, worked long and hard to resurrect
“I just couldn’t turn down the opportu­ in 2005. As a result of their combined efforts
nity to be part of the experience of building and dedication, it is now a must-attend event
an entire golf course from scratch while for area associations that normally draws a
working with the highly regarded father- waiting list.
and-son design team of Jim and Tommy
In 2008, Blake joined the Met’s Executive
Fazio. And then, of course, spending many Board as treasurer, a position he held for two
days with Mr. Trump was an interesting years before becoming vice president in
experience, as well,” says Blake with a smile. 2010. Notes Blake,“I believe that if you have
The course was completed in a year-and- aspirations of leading the association one
a-half and opened for play July 28,2002. But day, it pays to be as well rounded as possible.
Blake sat tight for just-the-right next move. That means sitting on a variety of our com­
“My goal was to do the grow-in and get my mittees, understanding the finances, getting
GCSAA certification as soon as possible so to know the lawmakers in the area, and
my resume would be ready for the job that engaging in, at least on a small scale, some
was a perfect Fit for me and my family,” says speaking engagements so you’re at ease with
Blake.
speaking before the membership at meet­
Things went according to plan. In O cto­ ings and even educational events.
ber of 2004, Brae Burn Country Club be­
“I feel my time on the board has greatly
came Blake’s next— and now longest-ten­ benefited my skills as a golf course superin­
ured—superintendent’s position.
tendent,” continues Blake. “Being actively
“I could not ask for a better membership involved has helped me to keep my Finger
and staff to work with,” says Blake of on the pulse of association and industry
the position he’s held, happily, for the past news and trends. It has been, and continues
eight years. “The membership has supported
many projects over the years that have
continually enhanced the playability of the
course. My staff has certainly been key to
my success. They understand we are here to
make the golf course as pleasurable as we
can for our current members and as invit­
ing as possible to prospective members. It
makes me proud to know we are all in this
together.
“I’m also extremely proud to have had
great assistants over the years,” says Blake.
“My current guys, Dave Peterson and Justin
Morey, are doing a fabulous job.”
Like Larry and Scott, Blake takes great
pride in grooming his assistants for future
success, both professionally and personally.
In total, Blake has had eight assistants move
on to superintendent jobs.

i i i believe that if you have aspirations of
leading the association one day, it pays to be
as well rounded as possible.

Tee to Green October/November 2 0 Í 2

to be, a mind-expanding experience. I look
forward to serving the MetGCSA as your
president.”

Blake’s Fan Club
Among Blake’s biggest, though behind-thescenes, supporters are his family, starting
with his wife of 14 years, Kristen. Blake and
Kristen met in high school and quickly
became inseparable. Blake was a year be­
hind Kristen in school, so when Blake was a
high school senior, Kristen was a freshman
attending Plymouth State College.
Kristen transferred to URI the following
year to join her guy. While Blake was work­
ing at Woodway, Kristen was working to ­
ward her master’s degree at the University
of Maine to become a dietician. The two
married in 1998 and have two children:
Emma, 10, and Brendan, 7, who keep Blake
and Kristen more than busy throughout the
year with the many sporting, club, and out­
door activities they’re involved in.
We wish you the best of luck in your
term as president, Blake, and in your ongo­
ing service to our association!
Kevin Collins, a member of the Tee to Green
Editorial Committee, is Mid-Atlantic and
Northeast territory managerfor Aquatrols Corp.
of America and the owner/president ofDryJect
Northeast/TurfPounders.

Past President Bob
Nielsen (left) strikes
a pose with the
M etG C SA }s new
president, Blake
Halderman.

President’s Message continuedfrom page 1
past two years. The support from the Board
of Directors, past presidents, and the general
membership has been extremely gratifying.
I have received far more from this associa­
tion than I have given, and I truly appreciate
all who have contributed to the success of
our truly great organization. I’d like to take
this opportunity to name some of them__
• Another exciting development coincided
with my election as MetGCSA president:
We hired our first executive director in
more than two decades, Ed Brockner. Ed has
been a wonderful addition to the association
and has certainly helped to make my job as
president much easier.
• Our executive secretary, Ineke Pierpoint,
has been with the association for more than
20 years, and we all appreciate her service
and dedication to our group.
• In Pandoras service as Tee to Green’s man­
aging editor, she has been able to work
magic on any article to improve it; while
our publications designer, Terrie Young,
makes the pages of Tee to Green look great
and flow easily. Our magazine is the quality
it is because of their efforts.
• The Board of Directors has worked tire­
lessly these past two years to improve the
programs that have existed, to introduce
new programs, and to plan for the future of
our association by exploring ways to make

Upcoming Events
SANTA WANTS

YOU
TO HAVE A HAPPY
HOLIDAY SEASON!

our organization better and stronger. I am
happy to be able to serve for two more years
as past president to support their efforts.
• And finally, I would like to thank the su­
perintendents who have hosted meetings
and events. Their efforts have helped to
solidify the professionalism and camaraderie
that our organization was built on.

My Formula for Making a Difference
As my last hurrah, I’d like to offer a few sim­
ple steps individual members can take to
make a significant difference in our associa­
tion. For instance ...
• I would like to encourage anyone who has
not hosted a meeting to consider doing so.
The rewards are well worth the effort.
• Serve on a committee. Our association
can only be as good as you make it.
• Most important: Attend our association
events! The golf meetings, seminars, and
social events all offer you an opportunity to
learn, improve, and build the kind of cama­
raderie that may actually benefit you one
day.
Golf meetings give you the opportunity
to see what your counterparts are doing at
their courses and to talk to others to see
what problems are popping up in the area.
Our seminars offer the latest in research and
technology, and the social events offer an
important opportunity to socialize with fel­

low members away from the daily grind.
W hat’s more, your spouses will learn that
they’re not the only ones who have husbands
for only four or five months a year!

Final \ote
I want to wish Blake and the new board
continued success. Join me in welcoming
new board members Tony Hooks of Rich­
mond County Country Club; Bob Wolverton of Edgewood Country Club; George
Chavez of Pelham Country Club as our
Class C rep; and Kevin Collins of Aquatrols,
Inc., as our Class AF rep. These guys make
great additions to the board.
I also want to thank outgoing board
members for their service these past two
years: Sean Cain of Sunningdale, Mike Cook
of The Care of Trees, Doug Vanderlee of
Westchester Country Club, and Past Presi­
dent Tony Girardi of Rockrimmon. Tony’s
board service over the past 16 years— and
especially his help and guidance over the
past two— are truly appreciated. I look for­
ward to the opportunity to work with the
new board in serving the membership dur­
ing my term as past president.
I wish you all the best for a wonderful
holiday season with family and friends.
Bob Nielsen, CGCS
President

Mark Your Calendars!
Educational Events
CAGCS Winter Seminar
Tuesday,January 15,2013
Mystic Marriott, Mystic, CT
MetGCSA Winter Seminar
Wednesday,January 16,2013
Westchester Country Club, Rye, NY
Southeast Regional Conference
Tuesday — Wednesday,January 22 - 23
Ramada Inn, Fishkill, NY
Join fellow professionals for two days of edu­
cation and trade show shopping. For further
information, log on to www.nysta.org or call
518-783-1229.
16th Annual New England Regional
Turfgrass Conference and Show
Monday —Thursday, March 4 - 7
Rhode Island Convention Center
Providence, RI
For the 16th consecutive year, the confer­
ence and show provides turfgrass profession­
als from all areas of the industry the op­
portunity to see the newest products, sup­

plies, services, and equipment available
while joining turfgrass professionals for in­
formative educational sessions, pesticide re­
certification credits, and endless networking
opportunities.
For further information, log on to
www.NERTF.org or TurfShow.com or call
401-841-5490.
2013 Turfgrass Advocacy - NYSTA's
Lobby Day
Wednesday, March 13
Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY
NYSTA welcomes all green industry profes­
sionals to attend this event. Lobby Day offers
the opportunity to attend a priority issue
briefing session on current legislation that
could affect the turfgrass and green indus­
try, as well as a chance to meet with your
local elected officials, and later discuss issues
over lunch with a government official.
Contact Jill Cyr for further informa­
tion or to register at 518-783-1229 or
jill@nysta.org. You can also register online
at www.nysta.org.
Tee to Green October/November 2012

Keys Issues Ip for Debate at 2012 Chapter Delegates Meeting
by Bob Nielsen, CG CS

( J

rom October 5 —7,1 was one of
79 chapter representatives to meet
with the GCSAA board and officials
in Kansas City, MO, to learn more about
association initiatives and to provide feed­
back on governance, programs and services,
and issues regarding the game and business of
golf We also heard from candidates running
for GCSAA national leadership positions.

The Mission of the Delegates Meeting
In addition to providing GCSAA board can­
didates with the opportunity to establish
themselves and launch their campaign, the
Chapter Delegates meeting serves as a forum
for our national association to understand
more fully the needs of the membership and
to communicate the policies and direction of
GCSAA.
GCSAA President Sandy Queen noted
that prior chapter delegate feedback helped
formulate the new conference and show
schedule, implement free GCSAA webcasts,
and restructure the Annual Meeting. Dis­
cussion this year will be used to “tweak” cer­
tain aspects of the Rounds 4 Research pro­
gram (see page 7), study the GCSAA Chap­
ter Affiliation Agreement, and help the
board of directors and staff prioritize pro­
grams and services.
Chapter needs and the economic climate
vary so widely throughout the country that
this meeting allows representatives from
every area to discuss the individual issues of
their chapter, as well as learn whats going on
throughout the country.

The extension was also granted to give
the association time to analyze the report of
the Membership Standards Advisory Group
(MSAG). For the past nine months, this
independent panel of members, co-chaired
by Country Club of Darien’s Tim O ’Neill,
has been studying the impact of the Pro­
fessional Development Initiative (PDI) that
resulted in the creation of membership
standards. The MSAG presented to the del­
egates its findings that the PDI had been
successful with increased advocacy with
policymakers, the creation of the IPM re­
quirement, expanded education opportuni­
ties that were accessible and affordable, and
improved playing conditions. It did note
that the faltering economy and the cost and
time necessary to effect change through a
public relations campaign worked against
the program.
Recommendations focused on member­
ship conformity, simplifying membership
classifications, and strengthening the re­
quirements for Class A status and items to
help market it.

Dues Increase Ip lor Vote

The association presented a proposed dues
increase that will be voted on at the Annual
Meeting in February in San Diego, CA.
The vote will be to increase dues $25 for
Class A and SM members and $15 for Class
C members, making annual dues $365 and
$185, respectively. The increase for Class
A/SM members is a combination of a $15
increase based on the Consumer Price In­
dex and another $10 to compensate for
GCSAAs group life insurance premium
Chapter Affiliation Agreement
being doubled by the provider.
Deliberated
It’s too bad all Met members couldn’t have
been
there to witness and better understand
One of the most lively discussions had to
do with the GCSAA Chapter Affiliation just how much we get for our GCSAA
Agreement, specifically the conformity of membership dues. And we are all the more
the Class A membership classification be­ fortunate to have the support of Chava
tween GCSAA and chapters. Ultimately, the McKeel, director of public policy, who has
board of directors opted to extend the cur­ steered us through numerous government
rent affiliation agreement to give the associ­ relations issues and projects on national,
ation and chapters an additional year to state, and local levels. For instance, she’s pro­
collect information on the dual membership vided guidance with the PCNB activities,
status and to do further study on the issue of New York State’s work to establish Best
Management Practices for Golf Courses,
Class A uniformity.
Tee to Green October/November 2 0 1 2

and then, locally, the phosphorous ban in
Westchester County. These are just several
instances in which we’ve benefited from
GCSAA support.

Bettering the Dottom Line
GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett
Evans shared the association’s InvestRecover- Grow strategy that has shaped the
association’s budgeting philosophy for the
past two years. He described how funds
have been invested in new programs, such as
Field staff, Rounds 4 Research, web technol­
ogy, advocacy, and other areas to better serve
members. Giving time to allow these pro­
grams to gain traction will ultimately help
stabilize association operations.
Evans indicated that staff will present a
balanced budget to the board in December
but will pull some funds from the associa­
tion’s reserve just as it has done in the past.
Among the new items in the budget:
• Additional technology resources.
• Funds to fill remaining field staff open­
ings in the Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast
regions.
• Headquarters facility improvements: The
facility improvement plan, announced ear­
lier this fall, focuses on necessary structural
repairs and enhancing the efficiency of the
building. In all, expenses for the project are
expected to be approximately $1.9 million.
“We are by no means out of the woods
when it comes to our financial challenges,”
Evans told us. “Golf has had some struggles.
But I believe we have been prudent in what
we have done to weather the storm and are
positioned for continued success.”

Putting Our Best Foot Forward
Among the more popular presentations
were those that demonstrated how GCSAA
resources were being used to advocate on
behalf of members. Staff outlined the vari­
ous government relations activities and the
importance of members meeting with fed­
eral, state, and local lawmakers to be heard
on policy decisions. Various examples of
GCSAA media placements on television, in
print, on the web, and on the radio were
shared as well.

Off-Season Notes
by Kevin Doyle, GCSAA Field S ta ff- Northeast Region

Evans pointed out that National Golf
Foundation studies continue to place a pre­
mium on GCSAA members for their role in
driving golfer satisfaction and facility suc­
cess. He said that reaching out to key influ­
ences— e.g., employers, avid golfers, and
policymakers— to emphasize the need for a
Class A GCSAA superintendent at their
facilities will continue to be a priority for
the association.

Candidates for the GCSAA Board
This year was no different than many oth­
ers, with a group of well-qualified candi­
dates running for office.
Pat Finlen, CGCS, of The Olympic Club
in San Francisco, CA, and Keith Ihms,
CGCS, of the Country Club of Little Rock
in Arkansas will run unopposed for the
offices of president and vice president.
Our own John O ’Keefe, CGCS, of Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, NJ, will
be vying for the position of secretary/trea­
surer against Peter Grass, CGCS, of Hilands
Golf Club in Billings, MT.
The loser of that race will join incum­
bent Darren Davis from Olde Florida Golf
Club in Naples, FL, as well as John Fulling
Jr., CGCS, of Kalamazoo Country Club in
Kalamazoo, MI; Mark Jordan, CGCS, of
Westfield Group Country Club in Westfield Center, OH; and John Walker of
Blackhorse Golf Club in Cypress, TX, in the
race for three director positions.

Fill Out Your Proxy Forms!
Chapter delegates will convene on Febru­
ary 7 at 2:30 p.m. for the association’s An­
nual Meeting in San Diego, CA, held in
conjunction with the GCSAA Education
Conference and Golf Industry Show.
As a reminder, unless you plan to cast your
own vote at the Annual Meeting, please be
sure to fill out a proxy form so that your
vote can count at the election!
In addition to being the MetGCSA’s Chapter
Delegate, Bob Nielsen is our association's past
president and superintendent at Bedford Golf &
Tennis Club in Bedford, NY.

irst, I would like to thank the
Met Team Championship commit­
tee for allowing me to help out with
this years event. The opportunity to network
with so many chapters in my region was
truly outstanding. I had discussions regard­
ing the New York State BMP initiative,
Rounds 4 Research, and Cape Cods chapter
outreach day all in one place. The event did
not disappoint either. Kudos to event organ­
izers Blake Halderman and Andy Drohen,
Scott Niven and his crew, and the entire staff
at The Stanwich Club for a great event and a
memorable day!
Now, as temperatures begin to cool down
in the Northeast, the season for educational
conferences, shows, and events begins to heat
up. Here are a few reminders worth adding to
your off-season to-do list:

Heads lip on Housing for the Education
Conference & Golf Industry Show
Don’t delay in booking your housing for the
Education Conference & Golf Industry Show
being held in San Diego, CA, February 4 —8.
You have until December 17 for advance reg­
istration savings.
As always, this event will offer a wide
range of educational opportunities and the
chance to preview some of the most innova­
tive products on the market today. There will
be 60 new additions to the show floor and 25
new seminars. You’ll find more information
on www.gcsaa.org/conference.

Is the New England Interstate Water
Pollution Control Commission on Your
Radar?
If it isn’t, it should be. For the uninitiated,
the NEIWPCC describes itself as “a leader
in forming strong bonds between the
New England and New York State environ­
mental agencies and is unique in its ability
to bring diverse interest groups together, cre­
ate forums for collaboration, and educate
with innovative products. For over six
decades, the commission has managed
interstate water conflicts by means of sound
science, information, coordination, and
adaptation.”
For more on the NEIWPCC, log on to
www.neiwpcc.org/ aboutus.
So why should the NEIWPCC be on your
radar? In the spring, this organization began
“The Northeast Voluntary T urf Fertilizer
Initiative,” by holding stakeholder meetings
to gather information regarding fertilizer

issues. Their goal is to develop a voluntary
plan for reducing nonpoint-source pollution
of waterways by fertilizers. In late May, man­
ufacturers of both synthetic and organic fer­
tilizers met with the commission to discuss
their concerns. There’s talk that sometime
this fall, end user stakeholders, such as land­
scapers and golf course superintendents, will
have an opportunity to address the commis­
sion. GCSAA is strongly considering a meet­
ing of chapter members from around the
region to develop a united message to bring
forward when our opportunity comes.

Rounds \ Research Gaining Ground
Rounds 4 Research is an innovative program
administered by GCSAAs Environmental
Institute for Golf that’s aimed at helping
affiliated chapters as well as local turfgrass
foundations and other industry partners, to
generate funds for research. Golf facilities
donate rounds of golf for two or four, “stay
and play” packages, or other items that can be
auctioned off online to generate funds for
turfgrass research. The EIFG then distributes
monies back to the participating organiza­
tions to fund research in their local areas.
More than $6,000 dollars was raised in the
first auction that will benefit the donating
chapters. Another auction is currently under
way, with more than 60 rounds of golf up for
bid. To learn more about the facilities and the
program, visit www.rounds4research.com.

East Note
There is a great lineup of webinars coming
up: Great education and GCSAA CEUs in the
comfort of your office. How can you go
wrong? They are also archived for viewing at
a later date. Among some of the more recent
and upcoming webinars you might want to
check out:
• Dec. 13: Tips and Tricksfor Building a
Personal Website
• Dec. 19: Dollar Spot Resistance and
Management Strategies
• Jan. 10: Bolster Turf’s Ability to Use Natural
Defenses Against Stress
• Jan. 15: Dealing With Moss on Putting
Greens
• Jan. 23: Cost Benefits of Today's Solar
Systems
Thank you, and as always, please do not hesi­
tate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
You can reach me at 816-807-3103 or at
kdoyle@gcsaa.org.
Tee to Green October/November 2 0 1 2

Super/Green Chair
Event at Purchase

MetGCSA Makes Repeat Performance in
Met Area Team Championship
by Blake Halderman and Andy Drohen, Met Area Team Championship Co-Chairs

J f n true championship fashion, the Cain/Tony Hooks (81) and Les Kennedy/
W Met Area Team Championship Matt Ceplo (81) in the Gross Division and
competition was held this year on Scott Niven/Ken Benoit (66) and Glen
et members and their October 18 at The Stanwich Club in Dube/George Corgan (76) in the Net
/ W / W / O green chairs or guests Greenwich, CT. Now in its 32nd year, this Division, pulled Second Place with a 304
were treated to an out­ season-ending golf tournament brings for the second consecutive year—just
standing day hosted by Bob Miller at Golf together superintendents from the upper behind our neighbors to the North, the
Club of Purchase on October 9. The course Mid-Atlantic region to Western Pennsyl­ Hudson Valley GCSA, who took home the
was in fabulous shape and yielded some vania and throughout the entire Northeast title this year.
Placing second out of 13 teams was no
for a little camaraderie, networking, and
great scores for our winning teams.
small feat. We’ve been close to taking home
In the Superintendent/Green Chair Di­ bragging rights for one year.
Growing in popularity over the past sev­ the trophy. Maybe 2013 will be our year!
vision, Blake Halderman and Michael Bareral
years, this event boasts such host sites as Great playing gentlemen!
asch from Brae Burn won the Net with a
Fishers
Island, Bethpage Black, Winged
61, while M att Severino and Chris Con­
Foot West, The Bridge, and of course this Noteworthy
nolly from Scarsdale shot a Gross 71.
The team of Grover Alexander (Hudson year’s host, The Stanwich Club, which
If you’ve never participated m this champi­
Hills) and Jim Calladio (LaCorte) won the players are willing to drive far and wide to
onship, do yourself a favor and try to qual­
enjoy.
This
year
we
had
13
associations
net in the Member/Guest Division with a
ify for the MetGCSA team. You’re guar­
64 while Aquatrols’ Kevin Collins and part­ competing with a total field of 120 players.
anteed to have a great time playing golf
We
would
like
to
thank
Stanwich
Gen­
ner Tony Vos, who had the closest to pin as
with your peers while experiencing one of
eral
Manager
Peter
Tunley
and
Director
of
well, took down the Gross prize with a 71.
the best courses in the country.
Thank you to everyone at Purchase, Golf Mike Summa and their staffs, who all
W hat’s more, funds raised during the
especially Director of Golf Carl Alexander went well above and beyond to make sure
championship go to a charity of the
our
day
was
a
success.
We
also
would
like
to
and General Manager Caryn Epstein, for
extend an extra-special thank you to Scott MetGCSA board’s choice. This year, we
helping to make our event special.
Niven and his staff for all their hard work were happy to send support to a fellow
Here are the full results:
in creating true tournament conditions for superintendent from Central New York
the day. The players are still talking about GCSA who was badly injured after falling
Supcrintendent/Green Chairperson
the picture-perfect conditions and the fab­ from a ladder and has been unable to work
ulous layout. (We even had a nice hole-in- for months.
Division
Last but not least, special thanks to our
one thanks to a last-minute move of the pin
on #13. See story page 9.). Scott is the only seven national sponsors—Agrium Ad­
Net Winner
two-tim e host of the Met Area Team vanced Technologies, Aquatrols, BASF,
61 Blake Halderman/Michael Barasch
Championship, having hosted the event in Bayer, The Care of Trees, Syngenta, and
Brae Burn Country Club
Toro—for their continuing support in
1985, when it was in its sixth year.
Thank you, Scott, for your continued making this a truly wonderful event.
Gross Winner
dedication to the MetGCSA and the golf
71 Matt Severino/Chris Connolly
industry. We appreciate your support.
The Full Picture
Scarsdale Country Club
What follows is a list of team and proxim­
A
True
Test
of
Golf
ity winners. Congratulations to one and
Member/Guest Division
all!
Judging
from
the
scores,
it
seems
the
speedy
Net Winner
greens got the best of most players. Chet
64 Grover Alexander/Jim Calladio
Walsh from Philadelphia AGCS did man­ Team Scores (Par 288)
Hudson Hills Golf Course/LaCorte
Hudson Valley GCSA
age to shoot a respectable 76 to take Low 1 s t / 300
Equipment
MetGCSA
Gross honors, but our best team score— 2nd / 304
Philadelphia AGCS
including the Net players—was from the 3rd / 305
Gross Winner
4th
/
308
Central New York GCSA
Hudson Valley with a 300 (12 over par). We
71 Kevin Collins/Tony Vos
Long Island GCSA
played a Two-Man Best Ball format with 5 t h / 313
Aquatrols, Inc. /Guest
Northeastern GCSA
half the Field playing Gross and half playing 6 t h / 315
7
t
h
/
317
Connecticut AGCS
at 80 percent of Net format. It was so tough
8
t
h
/
318
Pocono
Turfgrass
out there that one of the Two-Man Gross
Association
teams couldn’t break 90!
GCSA of New Jersey
The MetGCSA team, consisting of Sean 9th / 320
by Ed Brockner, Executive Director

o

Tee to Green October/November 2 0 1 2

(

10th / 321
1 1 t h / 324
12th / 326
13th / 335

Central Penn GCSA
Mid-Atlantic AGCS
Rhode Island GCSA
GCSA of Cape Cod

Gross Div.

Sponsors Div.
Closest to the Pin
#4 / 1' 10"
Drew Cummins
Rhode Island GCSA
(Sponsored by Syngenta)
#8 / 7' 0"
Vinnie Barnaba
Long Island GCSA
(Sponsored by BASF)
Kevin Doyle
#13 / O' 0"
GCSAA
(Sponsored by Aquatrols)
#16 / 2' 7"
Ian Kunesch
GC&4 of New Jersey
(Sponsored by Toro)
Longest Drive
Net Div.
Mike Warner
Central New York GCSA
(Sponsored by Bayer)

Chet Walsh
Philadelphia AGCS
(Sponsored by Agrium
Advanced Technologies)
Tom Ashfield
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
(Sponsored by The Care of
Trees)

Individual Gross
76
Chet Walsh
Philadelphia AGCS
Sponsorship Team Winners
71
Scott Tretera / Bob
DeMarco
Harrell's LLC
Two-Man Team High Score
Gross / 91
Jerry Noons / Mike
Whitehead
Rhode Island GCSA
Net / 84
Steve Thys / Joe Goulart
GC&4 of Cape Cod

An Ace to Remember: A Firsthand Account
by Ed Brockner, Executive Director

Area Championship'
The Startwich Club

Kevin

October 18,2012

Doyle

Twenty thousand doll,
Pole in One

Championship Co-Chairs Blake Halderman (left) and Andy Drohen (right) present
Kevin Doyle with his winning check.

y playing partner,
/ W / W
Kevin Doyle, GCSAA
'
Fs
field staff member for
the Northeast Region, made his mark at
the Met Area Team Championship with
his first hole-in-one on Stanwich’s 13th
hole. With a crisp stroke of the 4 -iron, the
shot looked good all the way as it turned
gently right to left toward the flag. After
the ball disappeared over a ridge, our group
thought it might have gone over the back,
but those by the green quickly signaled
that it had found the hole.
Word on the street is that Kevin might
have Scott Niven and Blake Halderman to
thank, just a little, for his winning shot.

Apparently, Scott and Blake conferred be­
fore the round about the pin location,
which had been tucked back left over the
bunker and then moved toward the center
of the green making it an easier shot.
Well, Kevin certainly picked the right
time and place for his first ace: A hole in
one at this event was worth $20,000! His
excitement soon turned to concern, how­
ever, worrying that picking up the bar tab
for the more than 100 players might exceed
his prize winnings. But luckily, the drinks
were already taken care of as part of the
day’s festivities! Congratulations to Kevin
on this great feat!

Assistants Play
Old Oaks
by Ed Brockner, Executive Director

fter hosting another memo­
rable Summer Social sev­
eral months before, Mark
Millett and assistants Jason Anderson and
Todd Stites welcomed this year’s Assistants
Championship to Old Oaks Country Club
on October 23. There was a great turnout,
despite the fact that the event had to be
rescheduled due to rain, and everyone en­
joyed excellent conditions and outstanding
hospitality from the entire staff.
Special thanks to Bobby Heins, Nick
Maselli, and Greg Callaro from the pro­
fessional staff and Old Oaks’ Events Coor­
dinator Tyler Demerest for all of his help
in setting up the day and outstanding
reception.
There were some fine scores posted by
the participants, most notably by Wee
Burn’s Justin Miller and David McCaffrey
who led the Gross Division with a 72, fol­
lowed by Blind Brook’s Alex Matos and
Michael Guinan with a team score of 74.
Michael, by the way, was low individual
with an impressive 75.
In the Net scoring, Fairview’s A.J. Lewis
and Scott Wiiki fired a 57 while Siwanoy’s
Max Lenz and Matt Neus had a 64. Justin
Miller was the Longest Drive winner, and
Todd Stites of Old Oaks and Matt Lenz of
Siwanoy each put their tee shots on the
Closest to the Pin holes within four feet.
Here are the full results:
Net Team Winners
57 A.J. Lewis / Scott Wiiki
Fairview Country Club
64 Max Lenz / Matt Neus
Siwanoy Country Club
Gross Team Winners
72 Justin Miller / David McCaffrey, Wee
Burn Country Club
74 Alex Matos / Michael Guinan
The Blind Brook Club
Closest to the Pin
#7 Max Lenz
Siwanoy Country Club
#16 Todd Stites
Old Oaks Country Club
Longest Drive
#8 Justin Miller
Wee Burn Country Club

Tee to Green October /Novem ber 201 2

S

A Fond Farewell to a Very
Special Member
y f

J y n November 19,
/ the MetGCSA lost
a very special mem­
ber. A member who served
on our board of directors,
selflessly, for 16 years . . .
working his way through
the chairs to president in
2002 and 2003 and serving
on numerous association
committees over the course
of his 35 years as an associa­
tion member.
He was the MetGCSAs
longest-tenured editor of
Tee to Green, a volunteer
position most members shy
away from . .. even though
they can share the burden,
now, with an outside editor.
He didn’t have that advan­
tage when he agreed to take
charge of the Tee to Green. I
know, because I was the edi­
tor hired to work with this
very special member ... and
very, very special person ...
Tim Moore.
We started our work together when Tim
was superintendent at Knollwood Country
Club, where he remained for 26 years until
retiring from the business in 2009.
We began, in 1989, paving the way for a
new-and-improved publication. Tim was
open to suggestions, feedback, and my end­
less phone calls. It was an exciting time for
the association—and the Tee to Green.
Tim would ease the “pain” of our regular
committee meetings by making sure to
have coffee and donuts on hand for all of us.
At Christmastime, invariably there’d be a
knock on my door and Tim would be stand­
ing there with a large and beautiful poinsettia as a small token of his appreciation . . .
when I should have been showing my
appreciation to him. Those are just several
small, but not insignificant, memories of the
kind of thoughtful individual Tim Moore
was.

9

Tee to Green October/November 2 0 t 2

GCSAA Honors Supers
Certified for 25 Years
Seven M etG CSA
members reach
certification
milestone

Tim was so passionate about the associa­
tion he served that, in his passing, his family
has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial
donations may be made to the MetGCSAs
Scholarship Fund. How Fitting. Tim Moore
continues to give.
Tim was also a member of NYSTA, the
GCSAA, and the Hudson Valley GCSA.
Tim, who passed at just 58, is survived
by his wife of 34 years, Beth, and his chil­
dren, Meredith and Brian. Please keep his
family, who are as special as he was, in your
thoughts and prayers.
I, along with the many Met members
who knew him well, will miss Tim. May his
soul rest in peace.
Pandora Wojick
Managing Editor
Tee to Green

^ F he GCSAA recognized a total
~ ^ F of 44 members—seven of them
*—" ^ f r o m the MetGCSA—who have cel­
ebrated 25 years as certified golf course
superintendents (CGCS).
“More than 25 percent of GCSAAs Class
A members have achieved the highest level
of recognition through the CGCS profes­
sional designation,” said GCSAA President
Sandy G. Queen, who has also held the
CGCS designation for 25-plus years. “This
program requires their demonstration of a
higher set of competencies in golf course
management through testing and practical
application. Employers can feel confident
they employ a career professional who has
made a strong commitment to professional
development.”
Maintaining certified status requires
renewal every five years after the initial date
of certification. To fulfill certification re­
newal requirements, a candidate must par­
ticipate in 150 hours of continuing edu­
cation and professional development.
We would like to congratulate the fol­
lowing MetGCSA members honored for
achieving 25 years of certification:
• Robert U. Alonzi, CGCS, Greenwich, CT
• Mark G. Fuller, CGCS, The Connecticut
Golf Club, Easton, CT
• Les Kennedy Jr., CGCS, Blind Brook
Club, Purchase, NY
• Timothy M. McAvoy, CGCS, Fox Hollow
Golf Club, Somerville, NJ
• Lawrence J. Pakkala, CGCS, Norwalk, CT
• Dan E. Rackliffe, CGCS, Longshore Club
Park, Westport, CT
• Peter Rappoccio Jr., CGCS, Silver Spring
Country Club, Ridgefield, CT

Members on the Move
• Sean Crawford is the new superin­
tendent at LaTourette Golf Course in
Staten Island, NY. Previous position:
Assistant superintendent at Pelham/
Split Rock Golf Club in Bronx, NY
• Kenneth Lochridge is the new
superintendent at Glen Head Country
Club in Glen Head, NY. Previous posi­
tion: Superintendent at Muttontown
Club in East Norwich, NY
• Ryan Oliver is the new superintend­
ent at Hudson National Golf Club,
Croton-on-Hudson, NY Previous posi­
tion: Superintendent at Metedeconk
National Golf Club, Jackson, NJ.
• Ryan Segrue is the new superin­
tendent at Lake Isle Country Club in
Eastchester, NY. Previous position:
Assistant superintendent at The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, CT.
Just Married
Congratulations to ...
• Bill Cygan, assistant superintendent
at Innis Arden Golf Club, on his mar­
riage September 22 to Calista.
• Doug Vanderlee, assistant superin­
tendent at Westchester Country Club,
on his marriage October 13 to Eliza­
beth Cunningham.

I
New Member Jason Meersman Hosts Fall
Seminar at The Patterson Club
by Ryan Segrue

W ( J J ]n November 28, Jason Meersman
/ and The Patterson Club were hosts
w ^ t o the MetGCSA/CAGCS Fall Semi­
nar, which offered an outstanding lineup of
educational sessions (see page 12) thanks to
the combined efforts of MetGCSA Edu­
cation Chair Rob Alonzi of Fenway Golf
Club and CAGCS Education Chair Marc
Weston of Indian Hill Country Club.

All About Patterson
The Patterson Club was founded in 1929
when General Electric employees, who had a
dining and social club in Bridgeport, CT,
purchased the 163-acre Carlton H. Palmer
property in Fairfield. The premier golf
course architect of the time, Robert Trent
Jones, was commissioned to design the origi­
nal course, which opened in June of 1947.
The club has undergone many improve­
ments in the past 65 years, but none more
successful than the renovation of the golf
course and construction of the new club­
house, both of which opened in May of
2010. The course renovation, done by Rees
Jones, involved rebuilding all tees and bunk­
ers, as well as the addition of several new tees
and bunkers. Many greens were expanded to
gain new and interesting pin placements,
and the putting green and greens on the
sixth and eighteenth holes were entirely
rebuilt. As if all that weren’t enough, all
greens were then regrassed with A1/A4
bentgrass during the project. Whew!

Jason Meersman

the direction of Steve Glossinger. That
experience served him well as he was named
golf course superintendent at The Patterson
Club last fall, at around the same time he
and wife, Lara, welcomed their daughter,
Malin. “A new job and a new baby at the
same time has made for a very fast year,”
says Jason.
Though his year at Patterson has been allconsuming, Jason still manages to make
time to explore New England with his fam­
ily and rarely misses an evening walk to the
Sound with his wife and daughter.
A brand-new member of the Met, Jason
About Our Host
has wasted little time in getting involved.
You might say Jason Meersman was born to “I’ve just started to work with Brett Chapin
be a golf course superintendent. He and his on the Advertising Committee,” he says,
older brother, Dan, who is now director of noting that he is looking forward to doing
grounds at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, anything he can to help the association.
Jason is also hoping to host another meet­
grew up working for their father at the 36hole, semi-private Pine View Golf Club in ing at the club— this time for golf, so every­
one can enjoy a little more than just the
Three Rivers, MI.
With a future in the golf management clubhouse!
industry all but assured, Jason decided to
attend Michigan State University. After Ryan Segrue, a member of the Tee to Green
graduation, he moved to Maryland to per­ Editorial Committee, is superintendent at Lake
fect his craft at Caves Valley Golf Club under Isle Country Club in Eastchester, NY.

Tee to Green October /November 2 0 1 2

Many Thanks to Our Fall
Seminar Speakers...
• Dr. Frank Wong of Bayer Environmental
Science offered sensible practices for man­
aging some of golf courses’ most problem­
atic diseases, including root pythium,
summer tu rf decline, and snow mold.
• USGA Agronomist Adam Moeller re­
viewed what he and the other local USGA
Agronomists observed in 2012 during their
many site visits. He touched on everything

from aeration and topdressing, to disease
problems, nematodes, the hurricane, the
heat, shade management, and Poa and Green
Killinga controls.
• Plant Food Company’sJason Dowgiewicz,
M.S., discussed practical measures for man­
aging summer stress.
• Dr. Jason Henderson of the University of
Connecticut discussed what his research

over the past five years has told him about
fairway topdressing application rates and
sand types.
• Dr. Haim Gunner of EcoTech Manage­
ment discussed the ins and outs of Ecosys­
tem Management.
• Dr. Nathaniel Mitkowski of the University
of Rhode Island offered tips and techniques
for keeping bacterial wilt at bay.

Speakers Adam Moeller of the USGA, Dr. Haim Gunner of EcoTech
Management, and Dr. Frank Wong of Bayer Environmental Science join
Education Chair Rob A lonzi (left) and M etGCSA President Blake
Halderman (right) during a break in the action at the Fall Seminar.

Bayer Environmental Science's Dr. Frank Wong offers tips
and techniques for managing a host of golf course diseases.

Education Chair Rob A lonzi introduces USGA Agronomist
Adam Moeller to the crowd of 100 M etGCSA and CAGCS
superintendents at the Fall Seminar.

Patrons listed on this page are supporting our association.
You are encouraged to support them.
© A.G. Enterprises
Staff Uniforms
Rick Gordon
201-488-1276
Fax: 201-489-5830
merrickl60@aol.com
www.AGEnterprisesonline.com
A. John Harvey G olf Course
Design
491 Naughright Road
Long Valley, NJ
201-280-8389
jharvey442@gmail.com
© Aquatrols Corp. o f America
Kevin P. Collins, Territory Mgr.
37 Oneonta Road
Carmel, NY 10512
609-841-2077
kevin.collins@Aquatrols.com
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Louis Argento
1 Prospect Avenue
White Plains, NY 10607
914-949-1152
Fax:914-948-0255
louis@argentoandsons.com
© Atlantic Irrigation
Specialists, Inc.
Rain Bird & All Related Supplies
Ray Beaudry / Tim Marcoux
800-878-8873
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www.BetterTurf.com
John.Bresnahan@basf.com

© Executive Turf Products
“Specializing in Performance
Nutrients”
Ken Gentile
203-496-0891
executiveturf@aol.com

© Nutrite
Supplier of T urf & Specialty
Fertilizers
Bob Griffin
Cell: 401-862-5873
bgriffm@nutrite.com

© Grass R oots, Inc.
Ryan Batz, Tech. Sales Rep.
973-252-6634
Cell: 631-872-5357

© Pinnacle Turf, Inc.
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914-384-9227
www.pinnacleturf.net
srenzetti@verizon.net

© Growth Products, LTD
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80 Lafayette Avenue
White Plains, NY 10603
800-648-7626
Fax:914-428-2780
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“Growing a Better World. Partners for
Success”
Joe Stahl: 203-209-6951
Scott Tretera: 914-262-8638
jstahl@harrells.com
www.harrells.com
© LaCorte Equipment ~
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“Your Trusted Northeast John Deere
Golf Dealer”
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800-560-3373 ext 4
Fax: 631-591-3447
golf@lacorteequipment.com

© Leggette, Brashears &
Graham, Inc.
Hydrogeologie Consulting &
© Bayer Environmental Science
Environmental Engineering Services
“Backed by Bayer”
Rob Good
Dave Sylvester
860-678-0404
860-841-3173
rgood@lbgc t.com
© Blue R idge Peat Farms
LidoChem, Inc.
Gene Evans / Chuck Evans
Performance, Nutrition Division
Topdressing, Divot, Bunker
Randy Rider, Regional Manager
570-443-9596 / 570-443-9590
302-319-1001
rrider@lidochem.com
DeLea Sod Farms
Bentgrass, Fescue, & Bluegrass Sod © Matrix Turf Solutions, LLC
& U.S. Silica Topdressing
Gregory R. Moran
Mike Hollander / Scott Geiser
259 Lucas Avenue
800-344-7637
Kingston, NY 12401
845-338-3650
D & S Turf Products
Cell: 845-849-8640
FloratineJRM, Greenleaf
gmoran@matr ixtur f. com
Analync & ISTRC Soil Testing
203-258-7911
© Metro Turf Specialists
Fax: 860-349-1291
“Customers, Our Top Priority”
Scott / Ernie / Rob / Tim / Dave
© Dryject N.E. / TurfPounders
203-748-4653
“Your Aerification Solution”
www.metroturfspecialists.com
Kevin Collins / Steve Jordan /
Bob Lippman
Morris G olf
914-672-6029
Mike Morris
Fax:845-228-1728
48 Red Gate Road
mcc 10512@yahoo.com
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-600-9249 / Fax: 908-766-7747
Egypt Farms Inc.
Topdressing, Greensmix, Bagged
Products
Dan Snyder
800-899-7645

© Plant Food Company, Inc.
“The Liquid Fertilizer Experts”
Larry Pakkala, CGCS: 203-505-3750
Tom Weinert: 914-262-0111
Dick Neufeld: 973-945-6318
© Playbooks for G olf
Golf Course Field Guides, Aerials,
Consulting, Career Development
Greg Wojick, CGCS: 201-219-0254
Matt Leverich: 913-221-8052
www.goplaybooks.com

© The Terre Company o f New
Jersey, Inc.
Seed, Pesticides, Nursery Stock, &
Fertilizer
Byron Johnson
973_473-3393
Fax: 973-473-4402
bfleury@terrecompany.com
© Tom Irwin Inc.
“With Tom Irwin, You Are Not
Alone”
Rob Larson / Jeff Houde
800-582-5959
Fax:781-273-4804
© Turf Products Corporation
Buddy Rizzio
P.O.Box 296
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
br826@aol.com
© Turf Products LLC / TORO
Toro Irrigation & Equipment
Pat Cragin: 860-874-2812
Main Office: 800-243-4355

© Quali-Pro
Quality Turf and Ornamental Products © Valley View Wholesale
Phil O ’Brien
Greenhouses
856-252-4725
229 Smith Ridge Road
PhilO@quali-pro.com
South Salem, NY 10590
914-533-2526
© Seeton Turf Warehouse, LLC
Fax:914-533-3059
Brian Bontemps
www.valleyviewgreenhouses.com
Cell: 845-239-7959
brianbontemps@seetonturf.com
© Westchester Tractor, Inc.
60 International Boulevard
Soil Solutions, LLC
Brewster, NY 10509
Aerification Professionals
845-278-7766
Anthony Decicco / John Decicco
www.wtractor.com
7 Whittemore Place
Ryebrook, NY 10573
© Westchester Turf Supply, Inc.
914-393-0659 / Fax: 914-939-5010
“Serving the MetGCSA for 36
Years”
© Steven W illand, Inc.
Bob Lippman: 914-447-6257,
“Quality Turf Equipment”
bobwestturf@comcast.net
George Corgan
Dave Lippman: 914-447-5192,
4 Production Drive
westturf@comcast.net
Brookfield, CT 06804
Cell: 914-213-3622
o Westwood Organic Recycling
www.StevenWillandInc.com
James Scoli
914-949-3224
© Syngenta
Cell: 914-490-1649
Fred Montgomery, CGCS
jscoli@westwoodorganic.com
23 Roslyn Drive
Ballston Lake, NY 12019
© Wickes / Arborists
518-424-0760 / Fax: 518-399-6588
“Your Property Is Our Branch
Fred.Montgomery@syngenta.com
Office”
11 McNamera Road
© Tanto Irrigation, LLC
Spring Valley, NY 10977
William Bartels
845-354-3400
914-347-5151 / Fax: 914-347-6323
www.irawickes.com
wbartels@tantoirrigation.com
© Wilfred M acDonald, Inc.
© The Cardinals, Inc.
Glenn Gallion
Complete Distributor of Golf Course
Cell: 201-954-5878
Accessories & T urf Maint. Supplies
www.wilfredmacdonald.com
John Callahan
W illiam A. Kelly and
800-861-6256 / Fax: 860-673-8443
Company
© The Care o f Trees
General Contractor ~
Mike Cook: 914-345-8733
Construction Manager
Jeremiah Green: 914-241-8110
Erick Kelly / Charity Kelly
Ken Clear: 203-847-1855
914-232-3191
www.thecareoftrees.com
er ic@wakellyco. com

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