April 2013 VOLUME V i \ EMBER 2 Published by the Metropolitan Eoli ('nursi1Superintendents Association Board 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 E S Cover: Wee Burn Country Club North Jersey Country Club Secretary K E N N E T H B EN O IT JR ., CGCS GlenArbor Golf Club J Past President R O B ERT NIELSEN JR ., CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club D irectors R O BERT B. A LO NZI JR . 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 HOOKS Richmond County Country Club V IN C E N T PAVONETTI, CGCS Fairview Country Club R O B ERT W OLVERTON Edgewood Country Club Class “ C ” R ep GEORGE CHAVEZ Pelham Country Club ^ B h is Issue 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 EKE P IE R P O IN T Tee to Green Staff Editor JIM PAVONETTI 203-531-8910 Managing Editor PANDORA C.WOJICK Editorial Committee MATT CEPLO SCOTT NIVEN LEVIN COLLINS LARRY PAKKALAl BILLCYGAN MIKEREEB 1 2HIP LAFFERTY TODD SALAMONE EVEN MCGLONE RYAN SEGRUE 1 GREG WOJICK Designer TERRI E YOUNG Advertising Manager BRETT CHAPIN, 203-938-9240 TEETOGREENis published bimonthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, NY 10523-2819 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437, METGCSA.ORG Copyright © 2013 Turfgrass A d vocacy D ay-G oers E n lig h ten N ew York State L egislators Departments R eg io n a l N e w s .................................................................................................... 4 U p c o m in g E v e n t s ...............................................................................................5 N a tio n a l N ew s .....................................................................................................6 N a tio n a l Scorecard ............................................................................................6 S potlight ................................................................................................................ 8 Association and Industry Headlines am sure you would all agree that it has been an interesting Spring so far. We went from below average temperatures to 80 degrees overnight. (And if you were like me, you were scrambling to get that water on and keep your sod and aerified greens alive!) Then, as quickly as the warm weather came, it left, with temps dropping a good 30 degrees-and then up and down again! I think we’ve seen over the past three years that the unpredictable weather patterns are here to stay. Let’sjust hope for a more reason­ able summer. But the weather isn’t the only headliner. Here’s an update on several noteworthy asso­ ciation and industry happenings. Ineke Pierpoint to Retire For those who haven’t heard, Ineke Pierpoint, our executive secretary of nearly 20 years, will be retiring. She has done an out­ standing job for our association, as well as a number of other client associations that work out of the MGAs Golf Central head­ quarters in Elmsford. Ineke is the spouse of George Pierpoint, a retired golf course su­ perintendent. She also has two sons who have followed in their father’s footsteps as golf course superintendents. Ineke and George will be relocating from Hartsdale to the Hudson Valley, but Ineke will continue to work until her replacement is on board. Jay Mottola, executive director of the MGA, and his team are in the process of finding a replacement for this position and are keeping the Met board up-to-date on the search. I know everyone joins me in wishing Ineke and George the very best, and I hope you all get a chance to thank her for her many years of service and dedication. Nor’easter Ski Day Doubles as Fundraiser I’d like to report that the Nor easier Ski Day organized by Agrium Advanced Technolo­ gies’ Andy Drohen, who is also our Met Area Blake Haldertnan, C G C S M etGCSA President Team Championship co-chair, was a great success. The event was held February 28 at the Killington Ski Resort in Killington, VT, and drew more than 100 golf course super­ intendents and industry representatives, along with their families. Normally, this is an event that involves a little competition on the slopes, but with the two feet of snow that fell the night before, the slalom race had to be canceled because conditions were deemed unsafe. From all accounts, skiing was superb nonetheless, and the event of­ fered a great opportunity for the golf indus­ try to get together in the off-season, enjoy the outdoors, and build on the special cama­ raderie that’s unique to our profession. This year’s Nor easier Ski Day also served as a fundraiser for Ardsley’s Matt Dutremble. Matt was seriously injured after Hurri­ cane Sandy while cleaning up stormdamaged trees on his golf course. The funds raised during the event will help him and his family get through this challenging period. I spoke to Matt recently and was pleased to hear he is expected to make a full recovery. He wanted everyone to know just how much he appreciates all the support he received from his friends within the MetGCSA and from those who participated in the Nor’easter Ski Day. A little help can go a long way. Making Great Strides at NYSTA’s Turfgrass Advocacy Day In mid-March, I, along with several other Met members, made a trip to Albany for the NYSTA Turfgrass Advocacy Day. (See page 2 for a full account.) A huge success, the day offered us the opportunity to meet with senators and assemblymen to discuss our continued on page 7 Tee to Green April 2013 ^ he 14th Annual New York State Turfgrass Advocacy Day was held March 13 at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY, with 47 superintendents and industry professionals eager to discuss this years issues: Using Less-Than-Label Rates of Pesticides, support for the Turfgrass En­ vironmental Stewardship Fund, and the Adoption of a State Definition of IPM. Ad­ vocacy Day-goers made a record 70 legisla­ tive visits to drive home the impact these legislative issues have on their ability to do their jobs. Joining me in representing the MetGCSA were Ed Brockner, Blake Halderman, CGCS; Bob Nielsen, CGCS; Ken Benoit, CGCS; Brian Bontemps, Matt Ceplo, CGCS; John Carlone, CGCS; and Glen Dube, CGCS. I am pleased to report that optimism was high among all the attendees, since two of the bills—the State Definition of IPM and the Use of Less-Than-Label Rates of Pesticides—were unanimously passed by the Senate just the week before. by Michael Majfei, C G C S The Event Kick-off The event kicked off with an association breakfast and welcoming remarks by NYSTA Past President Steve Griffen. Jeff Williams, regulatory issues coordinator with the New York Farm Bureau, assumed the podium next with an update on budget issues and the legislative climate in Albany. Jeff also announced NYSTAs recent approval for a New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Al­ liance membership. NYSTA believes this membership will pave the way for improved communications and collaboration on joint issues. And in fact, the Farm Bureau and NYSTA have already begun a collaborative effort, working with the New York Alliance for Environmental Concerns (NYAFEC) to secure funding for the Turfgrass Environ­ mental Stewardship Fund. Wayne Lair Jr., legislative associate with The Vandervort Group and lobbyist for the New York Alliance for Environmental Con­ cerns, continued the morning briefings, of­ fering insight into the crucial role of the NYAFEC. Lair also noted that the time was right to meet with the legislators, since they were in the midst of final budget negotia­ tions. He went on to offer advocacy strate­ gies for making the most of every legislative visit, starting with identifying the legisla­ tors carrying our bills and the chairpersons of key committees, such as Environmental Conservation and Agriculture. A strong pro­ ponent of Advocacy Day, Lair felt it was the legislative visits that drove home to legisla­ tors the potential impact of their bills. “Lawmakers hear from people like me every day,” says Lair, “but when they get the opportunity to talk to people who are out in the field actually dealing with the laws and regulations they set up, it shines a bright spotlight on some of the difficulties busi­ nesses face. That’s why advocacy days like this one are so important, so legislators can get a real-world view of how what they do impacts the people they serve.” The Issues of the Hay Prior to the legislative visits, participants had the opportunity to hear what industry experts had to say about each of the follow­ ing issues. Lobbying for Less-Than-Label-Rate Use o f Pesticides Joseph Potrikus, Certified Sports Field Manager and Vice President of Greener World Landscape Maintenance, LLC Potrikus explained that it is important that turfgrass managers who are trained, licensed commercial pesticide applicators have the flexibility to apply less-than-label rates to aide their ability to reduce overall pesticide use in New York; increase adoption of reduced-risk, biological and organic pest controls; and enhance adoption of a progres­ sive turfgrass IPM program. According to Dr. Jeffery Scott, professor and chair of the Department of Entomology at Cornell, there is a long list of problems associated with regulations that do not allow less-than-label rates, especially those associated with pesticide loads on the envi­ ronment and nontarget effects. “In many cases,” notes Dr. Scott,“less-than-label rates will reduce the risk of resistance and have no effect on the speed-of-resistance evolution. In only a very few cases will using lessthan-label rates increase the risk of resist­ ance. The benefits of allowing less-thanlabel rates clearly outweighs any potential problems,” he says. NYSTA recommends that legislators support bills A5411 (introduced by Assem blyman Magee) and S2524 (introduced by Senator M arcellino), which create a new section in the Environ­ mental Conservation Law that states that unless the labeling specifically prohibits such use, a pesticide registered for use in New York State may be used by commercial Wayne Lair Jr., legislative associate with The Vandervort Group and Advocacy D ay proponent, discusses the important role of legislative visits. applicators in a dosage, concentration, or fre­ quency less than that specified on the label­ ing. This amendment is similar to a law that allows less-than-label rates to be used for agricultural purposes. Senator Marcellino’s bill has passed the Senate, and we are await­ ing action in the Assembly where, once again, this bill is not being looked on favor­ ably by the Chairman of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee. Garnering Support for the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund Michael Maffei, CGCS, Co-chair of the NYSTA Government Relations Committee and Golf Course Superintendent at Back O ’Beyond. I spoke about the status and importance of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund and reported that it was our Number One issue for the day. The 2006-2007,20072008, and 2008-2009 New York State Budgets included a $175,000 appropriation to support research that provides improved tu rf management solutions. Budget cuts in 2010 terminated Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund appropriations. Continuing research is essential in pro­ viding tu rf management solutions that are key in preserving and protecting environ­ mental quality. With this in mind, NYSTA recommended that legislators restore the $175,000 line item in the 2013-2014 budget. April 1 update: I am pleased to announce that, as a result of our advocacy efforts and partnership with The Vandervort Group and the New York Farm Bureau, the recently passed New York State Budget does provide a $150,000 allocation to the Turfgrass En­ vironmental Stewardship Fund. Adopting a State D efinition o f IPM Larry Wilson, Chairman of the New York Alliancefor Environmental Cottcerns Wilson reviewed the adoption of a State Definition of IPM, stating that NYSTA believes New York State would be best served by adopting the IPM terminology recognized by the Food Quality Protection Act, the National Integrated Pest Manage­ ment Network, and the Empire State Coun­ cil of Agricultural Organizations. Several legislative proposals define IPM as using pesticides as a last resort. As we all know, pesticides are used as a tool in an IPM program. NYSTA supports bills S2203 (spon­ sored by Senator Young) and A1172 (sponsored by Assem blywom an Gun­ ther), which define integrated pest man­ agement as a “systematic approach to managing pests that utilizes a diversity of management options to minimize health, environmental, and economic risks and impacts. These options may include biologi­ cal, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to prevent pest infestations or reduce them to acceptable levels.” Senator Young’s bill was recently unani­ mously passed by the Senate and is awaiting action in the Assembly. Best Management Practices Manual Underway At this point in the program, GlenArbor Superintendent Ken Benoit, CGCS, who is chairing the MetGCSAs newly formed En­ vironmental Committee, described an exciting new initiative the Met has spear­ headed and is collaborating on with Cornell University and golf course superintendent associations throughout New York State: It’s the development of a manual of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for New York State Golf Courses. “By spelling out Best Management Practices for every imag­ inable golf course maintenance practice, we hope to demonstrate superintendents’ envi­ ronmental awareness and responsibility,” noted Benoit.“Just as important,” he contin­ ued, “we hope this manual will foster rela­ tionships with New York State govern­ mental agencies and lawmakers and provide us with a platform with which to offer valuable input during the lawmaking process.” Last but not Least: The Legislative Visits With the various presentations complete, attendees had the opportunity to meet with legislators and share their views and con­ cerns on upcoming legislation. In addition to focusing their discussions on the issues of the day, attendees were also encouraged to present the BMP concept to legislators dur­ ing each of their visits. While they made important headway on the issues at hand, attendees felt that they received an over­ whelmingly positive response from legisla­ tors on the BMP initiative. “The NYSTA Turfgrass Advocacy Day has become an important component of our ongoing effort to educate legislators and the continued Tee to Green April 2013 Regional News NYSTA Government Relations Co-chair Steve Griffin offers opening remarks at the New York State Turfgrass Advocacy D ay event. general public about the benefits of natural turfgrass,” says NYSTAs Government Re­ lations Committee C o-chair Steve Griffen, reflecting on the day’s events. “We have many dedicated members who take time away from their busy schedules to spend the day in Albany discussing the issues that affect their profession. I am impressed with their dedication and the professional manner in which they are able to communicate with the legislators.” Your Involvement Counts! More information on NYSTAs Turfgrass Advocacy Day is available on the NYSTA website: http://www.nysta.org. Though you may not have been able to attend, con­ sider visiting your Assembly member or Senator in their district offices or writing them to discuss these issues. Either way, get involved and work toward protecting our industry—and your livelihood! Please give serious consideration to at­ tending Advocacy Day in 2014. Laws and regulations affect everyone, and your input is important. Michael Maffei, CGCS, golf course superin­ tendent at Back O ’Beyond in Brewster; NY, is a past president of NYSTA and co-chair of the NYSTA Government Relations Committee. Wee Burn Honored With MGA Award for Environmental Stewardship by M a tt Ceplo, C G C S ongratulations to Met board member Doug Drugo and Wee Burn Country Club, the recipients of the seventh annual Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Leaders in Golf Award. The award was presented at the 2013 MGA/USGA Green Chairman Edu­ cation Series and Luncheon held March 27 at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harri­ son, NY This honor recognizes an MGA member club that has demonstrated environmental stewardship through improvements in wildlife habitat, IPM, water quality & quantity, education & outreach, and re­ source conservation. This year’s award was presented by MetGCSA board member and GlenArbor Golf Club Superintendent Ken Benoit. The 2010 recipient of this high honor, Ken is chairman of the MGA En­ vironmental Award Committee. According to Ken, competition for this year’s award was fierce, with only one vote separating Wee Burn from the list of other environmentally responsible clubs. Those receiving honorable mention were Man­ hattan Woods Golf Club in West Nyack, NY; Newton Country Club in Newton, NJ; and Old Westbury Golf & Country Club in Old Westbury, NY Speriiil Thanks to Our Sponsors Environmental Stewardship in Action We would like to acknowledge the following sponsors who helped make this successful event possible: RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), the Sullivan County Challenge, the Northeastern Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Central New York Golf Course Superintendents Association, Helena Chemical Company, the Nassau Suffolk Landscape Gardeners’ As­ sociation, and Dow AgroSciences. There to accept the award for Wee Burn Country Club were Superintendent Doug Drugo and General Manager Warren Bur­ dock, who offered high praise for Doug’s efforts as a steward of the environment. In 2012, the club completed its certification as an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary. In the process, Doug developed more than 20 acres of naturalized areas, Tee to Green April 2013 rebuilt stream banks, and enhanced the club’s maintenance facility, installing new wash pads, chemical storage, and adding solar panels, which have enabled Doug to reduce his electric bill by 20 percent. The award presentation was the high­ light of the Green Chairman Education Series, a program designed to educate club leaders and the golfing public about a wide range of issues affecting Met-area clubs and golfers. This year, more than 150 club rep­ resentatives enjoyed a lineup of outstand­ ing speakers. Several MetGCSA members were among the presenters who discussed everything from green speeds, slow play issues, and regrassing to best management practices (BMPs) for golf courses and the Tri-State T urf Research Foundation’s lat­ est research efforts. Scott Niven, property manager of The Stanwich Club discussed regrassing greens from Poa Annua to bentgrass, while Les Kennedy, Blind Brook Club superintend­ ent and Tri-State T urf Research Found­ ation president, offered an update on Tri-State activities. Cornell University’s Dr. Frank Rossi was also there to walk par­ ticipants through the development of BMPs for New York State golf courses. The Award’s Beginning The award is named in honor of past MGA President Arthur P. Weber, who died in 2008. Weber wrote an Environmental Code of Conduct for golf course mainte­ nance at his home club, Old Westbury on Long Island, nearly two decades ago that many Met Area clubs still use as a model. Weber was a longtime member of the USGA Green Section and helped found the MGA Green Committee and the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation. MINI FAIRWAY G R A D E M ICRO G R E E N S G R A D E 0-0-50 Sulfate of Potash Micro 16-0-6 100% 100% Ammoniacal Nitrogen SOP . • 13-20-20 65% Methydure® SOP 14-0-12 100% Ammonium Sulfate N-Fusion™ Homogeneous SOP 21- 0-21 100% Methydure® SOP 22- 0-22 100% UMAXX® SOP • 15-0-30 50% Methydure® N-Fusion™ Homogeneous SOP 25-0-10 50% UMAXX® & 25% Duration® SOP • 19-0-19 65% Methydure® N-Fusion™ Homogeneous SOP • k SG N MID TURF G R A D E • 25-0-1050% UMAXX® & 25% X C IT + Mg, Fe SOP • 14-24-12 25% UFLEXX™ Seed Starter MOP • 28-0-12 50% UFLEXX™ & 25% XCU® + Mg, Fe MOP • 21-0-9 50% UFLEXX™ & 50% Organic from Nat Pel MOP • 28-0-10 40% Duration® MOP SOLUBLE & M IS C E L L A N E O U S 5-0-20 w/0.13% Dithiopyr MOP 19-0-3 30% XCU® W/.37 Prodiamine MOP 22-0-5 w/0.13% Dithiopyr 40% UFLEXX™ MOP 22-0-8 w/Trimec® 25% XCU® MOP 24-0-4 40% XCU® w/0.2% Mallet® MOP Dithiopyr 0.13% Granular 14-14-14 60% Duration® -180 day release SOP 20- 20-20 and 28-7-14 Water Soluble - 25lb bag 21- 0-0 Ammonium Sulfate Soluble - 50lb bag 46-0-0 UMAXX® Stabilized Nitrogen SGN 220 - 50 lb bag Sul Po Mag 0-0-22 SGN 240 11% Mg - 50 lb bag 10-0-0 Corn Gluten 80% SR - 40 lb bag Acidifying 12-3-6 45% Methydure® 2.5% Fe Use the RIGHT TECHNOLOGIES Nutrite fertilizers are formulated with premium ingredients and designed specifically to meet the needs of Turf Managers like you to deliver optimum conditions. Each of our proven and exclusive technologies will provide reliable growth response and predictable results that meet your expectations. DurationcR. Controlied-Release Fertilizer^ Is 4 d u r e M ethyljjid ure Duration CR® Duration CR® fertilizer releases nitrogen slowly and continually throughout the plant's growth cycle, resulting in precise, predictable feeding that lasts for months. Duration CR® will take the worry out of maintaining healthy turf while giving you the exceptional performance you demand. Isodure™ Isodure® is a premium quality slow release nitrogen source. It delivers high levels of efficient, available water insoluble nitrogen (WIN). Benefits include reduced nitrogen loss, reduced thatch build-up and a reduction in surge growth all season long. Isodure nutrient release is in line with nutrient demand and turfgrass growth. Methydure® Methydure® methylene urea slow release nitrogen is a trusted technology that has a gradual, consistent release. Methydure® allows for the effective feeding of turfgrass with fewer applications for up to 12 to 16 weeks with a decreased risk of nitrate leaching or runoff. N-Fusion™ N~Fusion™ homogeneous fertilizer provides uniform coverage and exceptional turf response. N~Fusion™ revolutionary dispersing granule technology minimizes mower pick-up with a light irrigation. The highly visible white granules allow for ease of application and ensures maximum results. UFLEXX UMAXX STABILIZED NIT ROGEN FERTILIZER XCU. Slow-Release Fertilizer UFLEXX™ UFLEXX™ is beneficial for turf and environmentally responsible. UFLEXX™ improves nitrogen efficiency and reduces nitrogen loss due to volatilization, leaching and denitrification.The result is an excellent nitrogen source with improved nitrogen efficiency, extended response for up to 6 to 8 weeks and an improved environmental profile due to less nitrogen loss. UMAXX® UMAXX® is a premium stabilized nitrogen fertilizer designed to maximize nitrogen efficiency and minimize nitrogen loss. Stabilized Nitrogen remains in the root zone longer in a usable form, therefore, providing consistent growth and optimum results. When it comes to performance and return on investment no other urea-based product compares to UMAXX® Stabilized Nitrogen. UMAXX® provides consistent color response for up to 12 to 16 weeks. XCU® XCU® slow-release fertilizer uses breakthrough technology to provide a unique, durable coat­ ing that allows gradual and consistent nutrient release delivering up to 8 weeks of continuous feeding. Call Your Metro Turf Specialist D ave Con rad 914-490-3698 Rich A p g a r 203-948-4941 Scott A p g a r 914-879-9357 Ernie Steinhofer, C G C S 914-760-6112 Rob Steinm an, C G C S 914-588-6593 Tim Joyce 516-369-6747 MetGCSA Invitational Tournament Monday,June 17 Wee Burn Country Club Darien, CT Host: Doug Drugo Nine and Dine: Superintendent/Manager-Guest Tournament Ken Benoit, chairman of the Environmental Award Committee, left, and Steven Green of the M G A Executive Committee, right, present Wee Burn’s superintendent, Doug Drugo, and general manager, Warren Burdock, with the M G A Club Environmental Leaders in G olf Award. Tuesday,July 16 Pelham Country Club Pelham Manor, NY Host: Jeff Wentworth, CGCS The MetGCSA Summer Pirgor914-W94843. member oí LmberrseUgiW elown. Tuesday, August 6 Mosholu Golf Course Bronx, NY Host: Dave Moffett Tuesday, September 17 Spook Rock Golf Course Suffern, NY Host: Daniel Madar Met Area Team Championship Monday, September 30 Mountain Ridge Country Club West Caldwell, NJ Host: Cliff Moore Superintendent/Green Chairperson Tournament Tuesday, October 8 Sunningdale Country Club Scarsdale, NY Host: Sean Cain, CGCS ■HHHH Educational Events Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day (Golf & Fine Turf) Tuesday,July 30 Horticultural Farm II New Brunswick, NJ Save the date, and watch for details. Visit www.njturfgrass.org or call 973-812-6467 for further information. UMass Turf Research Field Day Thursday, August 1 (8:00 a.m .- lp.m.) UMass Joseph Troll T urf Research Center South Deerfield, MA The field day will focus on the wide range of research projects that university faculty, staff, and graduate students currently have underway at the research center and at other locations. Among the studies you’ll see: the biology and integrated management of turf-damaging insects, short-and long-term weed management, pesticide exposure, fer­ tility, drought management, as well as a range of National Turfgrass Evaluation Pro­ gram fine tu rf trials. The field day will also feature displays and demonstrations from tu rf industry vendors. A barbecue lunch is included with registration. For further information, contact the UMass Extension T urf Program office by calling 508-892-0382 or by logging on to fieldday@umassturf.org. 38th Annual New Jersey Green Expo Turf and Landscape Conference Tuesday - Thursday, December 10—12 Trump Taj Mahal Resort Casino Atlantic City, NY The New Jersey Green Exp offers a com­ prehensive educational program providing cutting-edge applications and tactics to guarantee green industry professionals’ suc­ cess on the job. Offering one of the largest trade shows in the tri-state area, the expo also provides attendees with the opportu­ nity to view the latest and greatest products and services on the market. For further information, call 973-8126467 or visit www.njturfgrass.org. Tee to Green April 2013 National News New Board Elected at GCSAA Annual Meeting in San Diego Preakness H ills 9John O ’Keefe Elected Secretary/Treasurer this years Annual Meet­ ing—held in conjunction with the GCSAA Educa­ tion Conference and Golf Industry Show in San Diego, CA— delegates elected a new board of directors with Patrick Finlen, CGCS, voted in as the GCSAAs new presi­ dent. Director of golf operations at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, CA, Finlen hosted the U.S. Open this past summer at his clubs Lake Course and also completed a ren­ ovation of its Ocean Course. A graduate of Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO, Finlen got his start in the business in Kansas City at Lake Quivira Golf and Country Club, and has stops in Virginia and at the Bayonet and Black Horse Courses in Seaside, CA. He is a past recipient of the Superintendent of the Year award from the GCSA of Northern California, where he’s served as president. A 27-year member of GCSAA, Finlen is clearly well prepared to lead our national association, having also served as president of the Heart of America GCSA and of the California GCSA, where he is also currently a member. Also elected to the board: Vice President Keith A. Ihms, CGCS, of Country Club of Little Rock in Little Rock, AK Secret a ry / Treasu rer John J. O ’Keefe, CGCS, director of golf course management at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, NJ, and past presi­ dent of the MetGCSA (Congratulations, John!) Immediate Past President Sandy G. Queen, CGCS, manager of golf operations for the City of Overland Park, KS Directors Peter J. Grass, CGCS, of Hilands Golf Club in Billings, MT, was reelected to a two-year term. Darren J. Davis, GCSAA Class A mem­ ber at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, FL, was elected to a two-year term after serving a one-year appointment in 2012. John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS, of Kala­ mazoo (Michigan) Country Club, was newly elected to the board. W illiam H. Maynard, CGCS, of Country Club of St. Albans in St. Albans, MO, remains on the board for the final year of a two-year director term. Rafael Barajas, CGCS, at Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights, CA, remains on the board for thCnnalyear of a two-year director term. Robert Randquist, CGCS, of Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, FL, retires from the board after serving the past year as immediate past president. Next Year at the Conference and Show Plan now to join fellow professionals at the 2014 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show in Orlando, FL. The Education Conference is scheduled for February 3—7, along with the Golf Industry Show, which will run February 5—6. For further information, visit www.gcsaa.org. San Diego Makes for Some Healthy Competition in the GCSAA National Championship by Tony Hooks ( ) his year’s GCSAA National ^ F Championship and Golf Classic drew more than 450 players to five San Diego-area golf facilities: Torrey Pines North and South Courses—among the most challenging venues in the country—and the Aviara Golf Club, La Costa Resort & Spa, Maderas Golf Club, and Morgan Run Resort & Club. All were in great shape and made for a fun round of golf. Considering the tourney was on the West Coast, the MetGCSA made a nice show­ ing—and a notable mark on this year’s event. Here are the many noteworthy outcomes. The Four-Ball Mixer The Four-Ball, held on Sunday, February 3, Tee to Green April 2013 was the informal kick-off to the national golf competitions held Monday—Tuesday, February 4-5. The fields were broken up into three flights based on handicap. Here are the Met players who made a notable finish: In the First F lig h t . . . The team of Jeff (The Grinder) Wentworth of Pelham CC and Tony (I-can’t-win-theTwo-Ball) Hooks of Richmond County placed a respectable 8th Gross and 3rd Net. It was a Tale of Two Nines, as they were 7 under on the front nine and 7 over on the back. Better luck next year in the Two-Ball! In the Second F lig h t . . . The team of David (The Sandbagger) Dudones of North Jersey CC and Jim (The Golf Pro) Swiatlowski of Montammy GC won their flight in a match of cards. What a duo! Dave played his normal game of 4 birdies, 4 pars, and then picked it up on the other 10 holes, while his partner also played his normal game: 10 pars, 4 birdies, and 4 others. You guessed it. The four holes that Jimmy didn’t finish were the holes where Dave made his birdies! Congratulations guys! In the Third F lig h t . . . Mike (I-hit-a-country-mile) Brunelle of Upper Montclair CC and Tom (I-onlyplay-eight-days-a-week) Weinert of Plant Food Company teamed up to finish second in the Net Division. These guys were solid all day and were a good bounce and 1 or 2 lip-outs away from winning this division. Having played with both Mike and Tom, I am sure they had a lot of fun out there. The National Championship Charles Costello from Phoenix (AZ) Coun­ try Club won his first National Cham­ pionship, posting a 3 -over-par 147 for the two-round event, edging out three other play­ ers who finished at a 4 -over-par 148. The tourney was contested on the Torrey Pines South Course, which hosts the annual Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour where Tiger Woods won at 14 under par just the week before. As far as the Met goes, it was Steve Rabideau of Winged Foot GC who took local top hon­ ors, coming in 43rd overall. He played Torrey South both rounds, and the course played long and hard. There were 104 contestants, so to finish in the top 50 against the best superin­ tendents in the country is a significant accom­ plishment. It must also be very gratifying to Rabi considering we hear he’s managing 10 contractors and 91 projects, and by this time, Winged Foot could actually be considered a links course! We also heard that Sean Cain of Sunningdale CC played in the Championship Flight but forgot his calculator and had to stop count­ ing after 80. Maybe you should think about joining us higher handicappers next year! The Golf Classic In the Golf Classic, which featured two rounds of play using the point quota system, several Met supers took home a prize: In the First F lig h t . .. Its no surprise that Scott (Mr. Consistent) Niven of The Stanwich Club placed 11th Gross and 8th in the Net Division. He played his usual steady game throughout both rounds and, with a few better bounces, could have really made some noise. It wouldn’t be a sur­ prise if Scott won this division next year! In the Second F lig h t. . . Tom Weinert came in 7th Gross and 9th Net. Again, Tom is a solid player. Congrats, Tom, on a great tournament. In the Third F lig h t . . . Doug Drugo of Wee Burn CC placed 4th Gross. Doug brought his A game with him to California and was very happy with a top 5 finish. Congratulations to all who participated in this year’s golf tournament. I strongly urge anyone who is thinking about playing in this annual preconference event to join the fun in Orlando next year! Tony Hooks, chair of the Tournament Committee, is superintendent at Richmond County Country Club in Staten Island, NY. President's Message continuedfrom page l stance on environmental concerns, the BMP project, and the funding for the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund. Our persistence with the Stew­ ardship Fund paid off. It has not been funded since 2009, but this year they allo­ cated $150K, which will allow NYSTA to support turfgrass research, as well as education and outreach. Not only were we successful with this, but we also made contacts that may help us with future endeavors. I can’t say enough about the benefits of taking the time to become involved with your legislators and advocating for our profession and our commitment to envi­ ronmentally responsible practices. Bob Nielsen and Ken Benoit will be meeting with their senator, here in Westchester, sometime this summer, and Glen Dube and I are joining our senator, Greg Ball, to become part of a newly formed Turfgrass Advisory Council. This council will in­ clude other superintendents from West­ chester County, as well as professors from the state universities, and will provide an opportunity for all of us to work through issues and concerns before they become legislation. For the good of the game, I urge you to please stay connected with your legisla­ tors. Their support is vital to our success. BMPs Key Topic at Green Chairman Education Series At this year’s MGA/USGA Green Chair­ man Series, Doug Drugo, superintendent from Wee Burn Country Club, was able to showcase the many aspects of his envi­ ronmental stewardship as he accepted the Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environ­ mental Leaders in Golf Award. (See arti­ cle, page 4.) I would like to congratulate him on receiving this award and, more important, for taking a lead role in envi­ ronmental awareness. It is vital that we educate the community about how im­ portant the open spaces we care for are to both the environment and our well­ being. As Doug reminded us all, “We are already doing great things; we just need to document it and let the world know about it!” Also speaking at the event was Stanwich Club’s Scott Niven. He took us through his experience with regrassing greens from Poa to bentgrass, while Cornell’s Dr. Frank Rossi and GlenArbor’s Ken Benoit spoke about the Best Man­ agement Practices for New York State Golf Courses initiative that is underway. This is a very important endeavor, which leads to my next entry.... Please Support Rounds 4 Research! In order to ensure that the Best Manage­ ment Practices for New York State Golf Courses initiative comes to fruition, we need your support. As I mentioned in my last President’s Message, the GCSAA and the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) initiated a program called Rounds 4 Research, which is designed to help affiliated chapters and other industry partners generate funds for research and special projects. It’s based on golf facilities donating rounds of golf or other items that can be auctioned off online. The EIFG is hard at work developing an on­ line auction platform to sell the rounds and administer the various notification and revenue collection activities. The MetGCSA will receive 80 percent of the proceeds raised through this venue to help support the New York Best Management Practices initiative and other researchbased programs, such as education, schol­ arships, advocacy, and agronomic research. It will take a committed effort from all of us to make this program a success. You will be asked to solicit rounds of golf from your facilities in 2013 and 2014 to be placed up for auction. The more rounds we secure the greater the revenue we can generate in support of our chapter and members. We hope you can all support the MetGCSA and BMP initiative by asking your club to donate a round! Final Note on Involvement With all that’s happening in and around our association, I can’t urge you all enough to get involved, whether it’s advocating for our industry or helping to guide our asso­ ciation through committee work or by joining the Board of Directors. There is no doubt that by becoming closely involved in the association, you will be among the first to know about— and be prepared to act on—legislation or issues that could affect your facility or your ability to do your job effectively. W hat’s more, there’s a great deal of satisfaction to be had from volunteering your time and know-how to the industry that’s offered you so many advantages. At the very least, please be sure to support your association by attending our meetings and events. I’ll look forward to seeing you all during the season! Blake Halderman, CGCS M etG C S A President Tee to Green April 2013 Spotlight Wee Burn Welcomes June Invitational by Ed Bockner, M etG C S A Executive Director M /M W /W / / ee Burn Country Club in Darien, CT, has long been regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the state with its rolling ter­ rain and challenging layout. And over the past nine years under the watch of Golf Course Superintendent Doug Drugo, this classic gem has gotten even better through a series of renovations and upgrades that have continued to enhance its design. As a result, Met members and their guests will enjoy one of most outstanding golfing experiences in the entire region for the upcoming MetGCSA Invitational on June 17. Wee Burn’s Beginnings Like many of the clubs founded around the turn of the 20th century, Wee Burn began with a very simple course that bears no resemblance to what exists today. In fact, it was established in an entirely different loca­ tion— a field that the club’s founder, John Crimmins, and his son stumbled on when they were out for a leisurely ride in Noroton, CT. Crimmons hired George Strath, from St. Andrews in Scotland, to transform the field into a six-hole course, which opened in 1896 with Strath becoming the club’s first golf professional and greenskeeper. Three more holes were added during the winter of 1897 to 1898, and a small farmhouse on the prop­ erty was converted into the clubhouse. Strath was one of the first Scottish professionals to venture to the United States and help spread the game in America. Wee Burn moved from Noroton to its cur­ rent site in Darien in 1923, this time hiring Devereaux Emmet to design and build an 18-hole championship course, which opened for play in 1925. A true pioneer of golf course design in America, Emmet was instrumental in two of the country’s earliest— and most notable—British links-style course designs: Garden City Golf Club and National Golf Links on Long Island. After many years of perfecting his craft, Emmet created Wee Burn. The course is considered among his finest accomplishments—a wonderful mix of long and short holes with his signature small greens and steep surrounds. “We have done a lot of work on the course at Wee Burn,” says Doug, “but we haven’t o Tee to Green April 2013 touched the greens at all. It really says a lot about Emmet as a designer that they are still intact and work well after all these years.” Wee Burn Today Hired in 2004, our meeting host has worked steadily over the past nine years to not only enhance the course but also the maintenance operation. “The first project we took on in the fall o f’04,’’says Doug,“was the construc­ tion of our new maintenance facility.” Adhering closely to the master plan cre­ ated by Tom Marzolf of the Fazio Golf Course Design Group, Doug has also com­ pleted a bunker renovation that included adding 24 new bunkers and recontouring a number of the fairways to bring the club’s water features more into play. He also reno­ vated tees, rebuilding almost half of the exist­ ing tee boxes and adding new tees, which lengthened the golf course by more than 250 yards. In addition, he’s installed a new irriga­ tion system and, with the cooperation of club members, he took the steps necessary for Wee Burn to earn the distinction as a Cer­ tified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and, most recently, the 2013 Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Leaders in Golf Award. (See article on page 4.) Not one to steal the limelight, Doug is quick to credit his great team with making it possible for him to accomplish this ambi­ tious workload. Along with capable assistants Justin Miller and Mike Roe, Doug relies heavily on his head mechanic, Winston Grey, and his entire crew. “All of our success at Wee Burn is a direct result of the tremendous group of people we have on our team,” says Doug. “Wee Burn also has a great membership who wholeheartedly supports what we do,” he continues. “They really appreciate all that we have done with the course, and they’re pleased to give us the resources needed to make the course the best that it can be.” Steel City Born Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Doug worked summers during high school as a landscaper. After graduating, he set out to pursue a landscape design degree at Penn State. Thanks to the suggestion of his good friend and classmate, John Kaminski (now assistant professor of turfgrass science at Penn State), Doug took a look at the tu rf pro­ gram and ended up graduating in 1998 with a degree in both landscape design and turf­ grass management. His first stop after college was the famed Oakmont Country Club right there in his Pittsburgh, PA, hometown. He worked first for superintendent Mark Kuhns, and then two years later, when John Zimmers took over as superintendent, Doug served on his staff as an assistant from 2000 to 2003. Working at Oak­ mont, Doug learned what it was like to pro­ duce championship-quality conditions every day. “It was very demanding,” remembers Doug. “The membership wanted U.S. Open conditions, and they got it.” John Zimmers was not only a great mentor to Doug but has remained one of his closest friends. During his Oakmont tenure, Doug also met the love of his life: his wife of nearly eight years, Dana. “We met in 1999 at the last Steelers game ever played at Three Rivers Stadium,” Doug remembers fondly. The two were married in 2005 and have been living happily-ever-after in Rowayton, CT, with their 5-year-old daughter, Claire, and a hand­ ful of pets: their two pitbulls, Godiva and Penny, and their cat named Beans. His favorite pastimes? Spending time with his family and, of course, catching as many Steelers games as he can on his return trips to Pittsburgh. What You Can Expect The players in this year’s Invitational will be welcomed by a course that is not only in top condition, but also offers something for everyone. “It really tests every level of player, from a beginner to scratch player,” says Doug. “It allows you to use every club in the bag and is a fun course to play day in and day out.” Adding a word to wise, Doug cautions: “On most holes, you can be a little left or right and have a shot, but if you get in the native areas, it can make for a long afternoon.” So come out with your members and pro on June 17. You’re sure to be in for a treat at this annual MetGCSA tradition. 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