December p ï f li Board of Directors M e t G C eSs t 1A9 5 9 P resid en t G LEN DU BE, CG CS Centennial Golf Club V ic e P resid en t DAVID D U D O N E S Westchester Country Club Treasurer K E N N E T H B E N O IT JR ., C G C S Westchester Country Club GlenArbor Golf Club S ecreta ry R O B E R T B. A L O N Z I JR . Fenway Golf Club P ast P resid en t BLAKE H A L D E R M A N , C G C S Brae Burn Country Club D ir e c to r s M IC H A E L B R U N E L L E Upper Montclair Country Club B R E T T C H A P IN Redding Country Club DOUG DRUGO Wee Burn Country Club S T E V E N M cG L O N E Siwanoy Country Club V IN C E N T PA VON ETTI, C G C S Fairview Country Club RO BERT W OLVERTON Century Country Club Class “ C ” R ep DAVID PA R SO N The Apawamis Club Class “A F ” R ep R O B E R T S T E IN M A N Pocono Turf E x e c u tiv e D ir ec to r ED B R O C K N E R E x e c u tiv e S ecretary SU SA N O ’D O W D Tee to Green Staff E d ito r JIM PA V O N ETTI 203-531-8910 Managing Editor P A N D O R A C. W O JIC K Editorial IrO D D APGAR A D D ISO N BARD EN M A TT CEPLO K E V IN COLLINS BILL CYG AN G REG Com m ittee C H IP LAFFERTY STEV EN M C G L O N E S C O T T N IV E N T O D D SALAM ONE RYAN SEGRU E W O JICK Designer TERRI E YOUNG Advertising Manager B R E T T C H A P IN , 203-938-9240 TEETO GREEN is published bimonthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, N Y 10523-2819 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437, MEFGCSA.ORG Copyright © 2 0 1 5 n this Issue Feature A Portrait o f Paul D illo n : .................................................................... O ur 25th John R eid L ifetim e A ch ievem en t Award R ecip ien t Departments U p c o m in g E v e n t s ...............................................................................................5 N a tio n a l N ew s .................................................................................................... 6 S corecard ................................................................................................................ 8 C hapter N e w s ....................................................................................................... 9 M em ber N e w s .....................................................................................................11 resident’s would like to begin my first J president’s message by wishing you and I your families a happy, healthy, and pros­ perous 2015. Even though the holidays seemed to come and go quickly, I hope \ everyone had the opportunity to relax and I spend quality time with friends and family. Weather-wise, the 2014 season was very l good to us. But that certainly doesn’t mean { that the rigors and stresses of the job went I away. As we start the new year, please find time to disengage, decompress, and get ready for the upcoming season, i This year marks an exciting time for me. It is a huge honor to serve as your president, I and I would like to thank you all for your | vote of confidence. I certainly have some big shoes to fill. Many great leaders have ; come before me and helped pave the way for me to take the lead. A big thank you goes out to our past president, Blake Halderman, for leaving me with nothing short of a strong and healthy association. But I’m no different than any new presi­ dent before me. I have my own hopes and ; dreams for our association. ANiidge to Participate * I Like a number of my predecessors, I am I hoping to find that magic formula for iml proving membership participation. The as1sociation strives to book golf, education, and | social events that provide opportunities for i the membership to network with peers, \ gain insight into new tu rf industry trends, | and develop a sense of camaraderie and fun \ among fellow members. I know everyone is busy, juggling work, kids, and family obligations. Our time to attend events is I frequently stretched thin, but I’ve always j found a way to carve out time for our asso­ ciation’s gatherings. I look forward to them }as a way to catch up with colleagues, many of whom have become very good friends. Participating in our events also offers the perfect opportunity to meet new people. I [know there are many of you out there who I haven’t met. I ask that you make time to get [away from your course a few times this sea\ son and come to a meeting. Introduce your- Glen Dube, C G C S MetGCSA President self to me, and I’ll be sure to get the in­ troductions among fellow members going. That’s how lasting industry relationships began for me—and will most certainly begin for you. I remember years ago, when I first thought about coming to meetings, I was hesitant. But after attending one or two MetGCSA events, I got hooked. The net­ working possibilities and camaraderie that happen at Met outings and social events are invaluable, both personally and profession­ ally. Take a look at our Upcoming Events on page 5, and plan now to join us in the com­ ing months! Assistant Involvement Another aspect of our association that I would like to strengthen is our assistant superintendent involvement. Our Class C representative, Dave Parson from The Apawamis Club, is already moving things in a positive direction. He has formed a com­ mittee that includes assistants from area clubs. In addition to organizing the Class C Championship, Dave and his committee will come to the board with suggestions for encouraging assistant participation and for making them aware of all the MetGCSA has to offer. Dave Parson’s committee has already made the board aware of the fact that many assistants don’t know anything about MetGCSA history or traditions. For in­ stance, many have no idea who Sherwood Moore is and why our most highly coveted and prestigious award is named after him. They don’t know about Bill Caputi and why his name is associated with the scholarship raffle. Nor do they know who the late Dave Mahoney is and why the Two-Ball is named continued on page 7 Tee to Green December 2 014 by Scott Niven, C G C S 2 ) Teeto Green December 201 4 he MetGCSA is pleased to pres­ ent its 2015 John Reid Lifetime Achieve­ ment Award to Paul Dillon, a prominent figure— and significant contributor—in the world of golf A past USA Today article aptly described the now 80-year-old Dillon as “a master of many strokes,” referring to his tal­ ents as a golf coach, formidable foe on the course, and an accomplished artist, who for the past 30 years has painted oil portraits of countless Met-area tournament champions and numerous golf greats. In addition to adorning the walls of such clubs as Winged Foot, Ridgewood, and Baltusrol, examples of Dillon’s work hang in the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) building, an organization he has served for nearly 25 years. “The Reid Award is the MetGCSA’s most distinguished service award, reserved for someone who has made an indelible mark on the game of golf,” says Awards Commit­ tee Chair Bob Nielsen. “Paul’s obvious pas­ sion for the game, service to the industry as a leader of prominent area golf organiza­ tions, and his continual efforts to spread the traditions and values associated with the game of golf make him a natural for this year’s award,” adds Bob. For the Love oi Golf Dillon was born in Manhattan and gradu­ ated from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, working as a sales manager at a forest products company in Wayne, NJ, for 30 years. A New Yorker, through and through, he and his wife of 55 years, Mary Ellen, made their home in Mamaroneck, NY, where they raised six children, including five boys— actors Matt (50 films) and Kevin (30 films and TV) among them. Four of their five boys became avid golfers, beginning as juniors at Wykagyl and Winged Foot, where Dillon remains a member. Though he caddied as a kid, golf, for him, was an acquired taste. “I liked competitive sports,” says Dillon,“but when I was young, I thought golf was boring, a game for sissies.” It wasn’t until he actually played his first round at 23 that he was bitten by the golf bug. He has played at countless courses since, many in the Met area. When pressed to name his favorite tracks, he is quick to mention Pine Valley and Augusta National. Having always been a low single-digit handicapper with a great love for the game, Dillon was asked in 1995 to share his skill and enthusiasm as coach of the Fordham University golf team. Over the past 21 years, the team has done very well, often finishing high among the standings in the Atlantic 10 Conference golf matches. Dillon’s efforts and dedication have not gone unnoticed: In 2009, he was honored with both the Atlantic 10 Golf Coach of the Year award and Fordham Coach of the Year. And no surprise: Team members have lauded his skill as a coach, describing him as laidback and fun, while at the same time a superb instructor and motivator. “Paul is so positive and enthusiastic— especially about his team,” says Yale Golf Coach Colin Sheehan, who has seen Dillon in action at intercollegiate golf games. “He is a true gentleman and someone who respects and adores the game so much. I consider it a privilege to spend time with him,” adds Sheehan. “Everyone enjoys his company.” Though guiding the team in perfecting their swing is always top of his mind, Dillon’s ultimate goal as Fordham’s golf team coach is to see that they develop into responsible, respectable adults. And at the end, there’s a reward for staying the course: Dillon paints and presents a portrait to every graduating senior. “H e isa true gentleman and someone who respects and adores the game so much. I consider it a privilege to spend time w ith him. Everyone enjoys his company.” - Colin Sheehan Making His Mark in the New York Golf Community In addition to coaching, Dillon has held a longtime passion for public service, which he’s channeled largely into the New York golf community He has chaired most of the | governing bodies that promote and preserve the valued traditions of the game, serving as 5 president of multiple organizations. Among them are the Westchester Golf Association (WGA) and the WGA Caddie Scholarship Fund; the MGA, where he served two terms, and the MGA Foundation. Dillon continues to serve on the execu- | tive boards of these groups, as well as the Met PGA. He was also instrumental in founding the MGA’s fundraising cam­ paign called “Golf Grows Here.” This ef­ fort helped to expand the programs of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York and GOLFWORKS, which together, use the game of golf to promote such core values as integrity, perseverance, and respect, as well as job opportunities among underprivileged juniors. His leadership of the MGA Foun- M G A Past Presidents Gene Bernstein (left) and Alan Small present Paul Dillon with the 2010 M G A Distinguished Service Award. Tee to Green December 2014 Paul Dillon (left) presents one of his special portraits to CBS Sportscaster and former MetGCSA Reid Award Winner Jim Nantz. all time, he’s quick to say he’s most fond of the many paintings he has done of his children at various stages in their lives. Painting from his one-room studio near the train station in Larchmont, NY, Dillon spends about a week on a portrait, and he will often work on two or three at a time. He Finds painting fun and relaxing and is happy to paint at any time of day. Though a talented and well-rounded artist, he’s rarely called on to paint anything but people. “For some rea­ son,” he says, “people don’t ask me to paint pictures of golf holes, which I could. It’s always just portraits of golf people.” One lor the Superintendent dation also made possible the expansion of years. Another uncle, Alex Raymond, cre­ Golf Central in Elmsford, NY, the home of ated the comic strips Flash Gordon, Jungle Met-area golf associations, the MetGCSA Jim, and several others. Highly regarded for his talent in captur­ included. Although not one to boast of his accom­ ing the true likeness and inner spirit of a plishments, Dillon has been recognized for person, Dillon’s portraits hang in clubhouses his exceptional contributions to golf by the across the country and abroad. In fact, seven MGA with its 2010 Distinguished Service of his works are displayed at Winged Foot, Award and the Met PGA with its 2010 Sam seven at Baltusrol, and ten at Ridgewood Snead Award in honor of his countless con­ Country Club, to name just a few. When we tributions to the game of golf, the MGA, got talking about the John Reid Award and Westchester Golf Association, and the Met who had received it in years past, we realized PGA. In 2003, the Golf Writers Association that he had painted the portraits of onealso recognized Dillon with its Distin­ third of the total 24 recipients! Though Dillon does not restrict his guished Service Award. painting to golf subjects, some of his best work includes portraits of the biggest names in golf during the past century. Among Clearly a giving spirit, it’s no surprise that them are A. W. Tillinghast and golf greats one of his greatest passions is painting por­ Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, traits. He is the Met area’s, and perhaps the Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player. There are, world’s, most prolific golf artist. And his of course, many more—too many to list here. beautiful masterpieces become cherished Every year for the past 20, Dillon has also treasures to all those who have provided a painted the Metropolitan Golf Writers worthy and significant contribution to the Association’s national award winners who game. have most recently included Nancy Lopez Dillon knew from an early age that he and Fred Couples, as well as other award could draw. But he didn’t begin painting recipients. until he was 51 and retired. His talent could In addition to painting golf greats, Dillon almost be expected. He comes from a long has done portraits of cardinals, author Mary line of artists, starting with his mother, Bea­ Higgins Clark, and Yogi Berra—a mix of trice. His uncle, Jim Raymond, was the lead well-known and interesting subjects. Yet artist on the Blondie comic strip for 44 when asked to name his favorite portraits of Golf Portraits Are His Calling Card Tee to Green December 20 1 4 The MetGCSA has asked Dillon to paint a portrait, and he has graciously agreed to paint one of Sherwood A. Moore, the celebrated superintendent and namesake of our coveted Sherwood A. Moore Award. The MGA will hang it prominently on a wall at Golf Central for perpetuity. Upon learning of Sherwood’s many ac­ complishments, Dillon aptly noted, “Sher­ wood Moore took the superintendent out of the barn, much the same way that Wal­ ter Hagen raised the reputation of golf professionals.” Going on to share his view of golf course superintendents, Dillon noted, “It’s amazing what superintendents have done to improve golf courses over the years. They show a tre­ mendous passion, a real love for what they do, and we, golfers, are the beneficiaries of it.” Having spent time with Dillon at many an intercollegiate golf event held at Yale Golf Club, Superintendent Scott Ramsay has wit­ nessed Dillon’s high praise for superintend­ ents on more than one occasion. “We may chat about his painting, his family, his team at Fordham, classic golf course architecture, or agronomy, but he always manages to come around to mentioning the fine work of golf course superintendents,” says Scott. “W he­ ther it’s Yale, Winged Foot, or another course his team has visited, Paul always has some­ thing to say about the superintendent’s ef­ forts and successes. I look forward to his positive, appreciative, and worldly perspective each visit.” The world of golf is at the fiber of Paul Dillon’s being. “I feel spiritual about golf and its courses,” he says. “They are wonderful places.” Paul Dillon was presented with the John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award at the Winter Seminar on January 14 when he also unveiled his special tribute to our profession, his portrait of Sherwood A. Moore. Scott Niven, a member of the Tee to Green Editorial Committee, is property manager at The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, CT. M etm ì 2013 Golf Calendar bearing Completion The Tournament Committee has been hard at work securing meeting sites and dates for 2015. Here’s a peak at the prelimi­ nary schedule: Superintendent/Guest Tournament May date TEA Country Club of New Canaan New Canaan, CT Host: Mike Roe Dave Mahoney Two-Ball Championship Qualifier MetGCSA Invitational Tournament Tuesday, April 28 GlenArbor Golf Club Bedford Hills, NY Host: Ken Benoit, CGCS June date TEA Century Country Club Purchase, NY Host: Kevin Seibel, CGCS Met Championship and Met Area Team Championship Qualifier PLUS The Poa Annual Tournament September date TEA Meadow Brook Club Jericho, NY Host: John Carlone, CGCS Nine and Dine Event October date TEA Silvermine Golf Club Norwalk, CT Host: Larry Pakkala, CGCS Educational Events 18th Annual New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show Monday - Thursday,January 2 6 - 29 Rhode Island Convention Center Providence, RI For the 18th consecutive year, the confer­ ence and show provides turfgrass profes­ sionals from all areas of the industry with the opportunity to see the newest products, supplies, services, and equipment available while joining turfgrass professionals for informative educational sessions, pesticide recertification credits, and endless network­ ing opportunities. For further details, log on to www.NERTF.org or TurfShow.com or call 401-841-5490. NYSTA Southeast Regional Conference Tuesday- Wednesday, February 10 — 11 Ramada Inn Fishkill, NY Suited for a range of green industry profes­ sionals— from golf tu rf to sports tu rf—this conference offers a variety of educational sessions, as well as a trade show. For further information, contact Jill Cyr at 518-7831229 orjill@nysta.org. 2015 GCSAA Education Conference & Golf Industry Show and National Golf Championship Saturday —Thursday, February 21 —26 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Austin, TX Don’t miss this opportunity to network with fellow professionals and discuss the latest trends, products, and services in the turf­ grass industry. 2015 Nor'easter Ski Day Thursday, March 5 Killington Ski Resort Killington, VT Register now for this multi-association event that includes a day of fun—and a ski race competition—on the Killington slopes! Information and registration links can be found on the front page of the VTGCSAs website at www.vtgcsa.com. Note: There are rooms available at several locations at Killington. Space is on a firstcome, first-served basis, and certain room blocks will be released after February 6. Be sure to lock in a room before they’re all taken. Last year, there were more than 100 participants. The event can only grow from there! Turfgrass Advocacy - NYSTA's Lobby Day Wednesday, March 11 Empire State Plaza Albany, NY NYSTA welcomes all green industry profesionals to attend this event. The Turfgrass Advocacy Day offers the opportunity to at­ tend a priorty issue briefing session on cur­ rent legislation that could affect the turf­ grass and green industry, 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 details at jill@nysta.org or 518-783-1229. You can register online at www.nysta.org. 2015 MGA Green Chairman Education Seminar & Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Leaders in Golf Award Luncheon Tuesday, March 24 Alpine Country Club Demarest, NJ The Metropolitan Golf Association Foun­ dation has put together another informative program in its ongoing Green Chairman Education Seminar. An impressive roster of presenters from the USGAs Green Section and the golf industry will address a variety of turfgrass-related issues. Each of the pre­ sentations will be followed by a questionand-answer session. The day will conclude with the eighth annual Arthur P. Weber MGA Club En­ vironmental Leaders in Golf Award Luncheon. Please contact Kevin Kline at 914-3474653 or kkline@mgagolf.org for further information. Tee to Green December 2014 (i( S \ \Chapter Delegates Discuss New Model for Member Standards by Brett Chapin \ ^ y M n October, I traveled to GCSAA W Headquarters in Lawrence, KS, for the 2014 Chapter Delegates Meeting. For the past 12 years, Bob Nielsen has served as our chapter delegate, which means I have big shoes to fill in assuming this responsibility! I was one of 87 delegates from chapters across the country who attended the meet­ ing on October 14 and 15. We spent a considerable amount of time discussing GCSAAs proposed model to update both member classifications and standards. With a continued focus on education, the proposal: • Maintains CGCS as the pinnacle of con­ tinual education attainment • Provides tools for members to market themselves and their individual educational achievements • Allows for the association to promote the profession Establishing Member Classifications We discussed the importance and value of promoting the golf course superintendent profession as a whole and provided input on ways to best accomplish this goal. With this in mind, the proposal specifies Five membership classifications: • Class A and Class B. These two classifica­ tions include superintendents who are dis­ tinguished by a combination of the formal education they’ve received and their number of years of experience as a superintendent. Distinctions will no longer be made based on continuing education credits achieved. • Assistant superintendents. • Equipment managers. This new classifica­ tion was well received by delegates at the meeting. It will be placed before the mem­ bership for a vote during the 2015 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX. • Member. This is a general membership cat­ egory that includes everyone from vendors and employers to outside agencies. GCSAA President Keith Ihms explained to all the delegates that education will con­ tinue to be at the center of what GCSAA provides to its members. But while the pro­ Tee to Green December 2 0 1 4 posal will focus on the value of a well-edu­ cated superintendent, it will not place a spe­ cific membership classification on a ped­ estal. Instead, it will promote the value of the profession as a whole. The board of directors will work with staff and appropriate task groups to collect additional feedback over the next year before a formal proposal will be put to a member­ ship vote at the 2016 Golf Industry Show. Other Topics of Discussion During the remainder of the meeting, we discussed: • Strategies for boosting participation in both Rounds 4 Research and the Golf In­ dustry Show • Raising member dues • Advocacy efforts for both the golf indus­ try and the superintendent Member Dues Increase A $10 Class A/SM and $5 Class C dues in­ crease was proposed based on the Con­ sumer Price Index. Like the establishment of an equipment manager classification, the proposed dues increase will be placed before the membership for a vote during the 2015 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX. Advocating fo r the G o lf Industry GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans shared updates on the We Are Golf allied coalition, which focuses on general advocacy for the golf industry. More specifi­ cally, We Are Golf is a coalition of golf’s leading organizations, all working together to communicate to Congressional leaders the economic, charitable, environmental, and fitness benefits of golf. In addition to GCSAA, the group in­ cludes the USGA, the PGA Tour, PGA of America, National Golf Course Owners Association, World Golf Foundation, Club Manufacturers Association of America, and the U.S. Golf Manufacturers Council. It is clear the golf industry can play a vital role as policymakers continue efforts to boost employment and get the nation’s economy back on track. Advocating fo r Superintendents The collective voice of superintendents was heard in Washington, D.C., as GCSAAs stepped-up advocacy efforts yielded two important decisions on behalf of the profes­ sion in the past three months. First, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a three-year extension on the use of Nemacur stocks through October 6, 2017. (Note: Nemacur is no longer registered for use in the State of New York.) Second, the House of Representatives voted nearly 2-1 to halt the proposed regula­ tion of Waters of the U.S (WOTUS). The EPA proposal, however, is still alive. Although the comment period ended November 14, 2014, time will tell whether the Senate moves on the WOTUS bill in the lame duck session. If adopted, WOTUS could come to include all drainage ditches, storm water ditches, and water storage or treatment ponds on golf courses. The effect would add regulatory burdens and costs that would keep golf course managers from tending to routine erosion control and utilizing best manage­ ment practices for environmental steward­ ship—the exact opposite of what is intended. Generally, it could also lead to an increase in the cost of goods and services in the economy. According to Chava McKeel, associate director of GCSAA government relations, we are making a difference, and our voices are being heard in Washington, D.C. GCSAA hopes to involve more members for advocacy through its new grassroots ambassador pro­ gram. If you would like to be a grassroots ambassador, visit www.gcsaa.org to learn more. President’s Message continued from page 1 after him. In the coming months, I will call on the many MetGCSA historians (the longtimers!) and ask them to compile some back history on these individuals. We will promi­ nently display the information on our web­ site for everybody to gain insight into our association’s history and the people who have played a prominent role in making the association what it is today. What’s in Store For President John J. O ’Keefe, CGCS, Preakness Hills Country Club, Wayne, NJ For Vice President • Peter J. Grass, CGCS, Hilands Golf Club, Billings, MT For Secretary/Treasurer • Rafael Barajas, CGCS, Hacienda Golf Club, LaHabra Heights, CA • Bill H. Maynard, CGCS, Country Club of St. Albans, MO For Director • Darren J. Davis, CGCS, Olde Florida Golf Club, Naples, FL • John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS, Kalamazoo (MI) Country Club • Mark F.Jordan, CGCS, Westfield Group Country Club, Westfield Center, OH • Jeffrey F. Millies, CGCS, Edgewood Golf Course, Big Bend, WI • Rory Van Poucke, Apache Sun Golf Course, San Tan Valley, AZ • John Walker, Bentwater Yacht and Country Club, Montgomery, TX Dedication and Determination It was quite evident at the Delegates Meeting that the GCSAA is taking the necessary steps to improve the operation of our national organization, and the staff is clearly dedicated to assisting us in making the best decisions to ensure the associations ongoing success. Leaving the Delegates Meeting, I felt strongly that, with the current leadership and organization, GCSAA has a bright future. John O ’Keefe, past president of the MetGCSA, clearly has the best interest of the association and its membership at heart, and I am confident we will see posi­ tive change under John’s charge. I look for­ ward to representing our association at the 2015 Golf Industry Show. The winter conference, trade show, and sem­ inar season is upon us. This is a great time to brush up on cutting-edge turfgrass research and new products, earn pesticide and educa­ tion points, and of course, network with friends and colleagues. We started off with our Winter Seminar, graciously hosted by Dave Dudones on Jan­ uary 14 at Westchester Country Club. Edu­ cation Committee Chairman Rob Alonzi and the entire committee put together another great program that everyone clearly enjoyed. Another upcoming educational oppor­ tunity and trade show in our area is the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show in Providence, RI, on January 2629. Following close behind is the Southeast Regional Conference, sponsored by NYSTA and being held February 10-11 in Fishkill, NY Then we are off to San Antonio for the 2015 National Golf Championhip and Edu­ cational Conference and GIS. The event will be held February 21-26. After the golf championship, attendees can choose from a plethora of educational opportunities and a world-class trade show. If you’re attending this year’s GIS, we would like to remind you that the Nor easier will be held on Wednesday, February 25 at Howl at The Moon in San Antonio. Brett Chapin spearheaded last year’s event in Orlando. If you were there for that one, then you know we are in for a good time in San Antonio. Please don’t miss it! I hope you will take advantage of the off­ season to join fellow professionals in reaping the benefits of all that these upcoming events have to offer. Once again, I wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year! Glen Dube, CGCS President In addition to being the MetGCSA’s chapter delegate, Brett Chapin is superintendent at Redding Country Club in Redding, CT. Tee to Creen December 2 014 Scorecard 2014 Dave Mahoney Two-Ball Championship Builds to an Exciting Finish by Andy Drohen of Koch Agronomic Services not until next spring. Neither team was ever up more than one until Benoit put them up two after the 16th hole. With a halve on 17, Greg and Ken were on to the semis! After the round, like many other matches, they broke bread with their formidable opponents and discussed how much the industry has changed and yet, in many ways, remains the same. According to Greg, there are plans for a grudge match to settle the score between these teams! The Semi-Final Win at Whippoorwill ( ^ J 2014 David Mahoney TwoBall Championship came to a close with new champions crowned in the First and Second Flights! Congratulations to First Flight champs Sean Cain of Sunningdale Country Club and Steve Rabideau of Winged Foot Golf Club, and a round of ap­ plause to Second Flight winners Greg Gutter of The Care of Trees and Ken Benoit of GlenArbor Golf Club. Here’s a rundown on how the finals and a few matches leading up to the final victories unfolded. In the First Flight The Semis Take Surprise Turn straight up in the air and into the middle of the cup for the ol’ 4, net 3 eagle. The victory was theirs, moving them into the final match! Truly an amazing putt and one they’ll all be talking about for years to come! The Grand Finale at Piping Roduct N am e 'Total U sed 7-0-0 (N/A) Weather Sunny 55 Start Time Stop Time no wind 6am 9:30am PPE ® ® Lon9 Pants Respirator & Boots Additional Commenis u S S * '’* » ' •ffteam nic or Lon9 Sleeve; G °99les Gloves Cover-Alls G la sse s Cary Baker ~ „ 3 j XÌ9h,S R Ap form ma/h“? - -'hori¿6 good and bad. Right now, the data is only one year old, so there is still much to learn. For more information on best manage­ ment practices for anthracnose or on top­ dressing with finer sands, Dr. Murphy can be reached at murphy@aesop.rutgers.edu. How Hoes Your Water Measure lip? The day concluded with Kathy Conard, from T urf Diagnostics, speaking about ir­ rigation water quality, how it affects our tu rf conditions, and how we can manage poor water quality. When it comes to water testing, Conard emphasized the importance of using the same laboratory to keep the data as consis­ tent as possible. She also recommended test­ ing the water from both your ponds (or whatever your water source is) and a sprin­ kler, just to see if there are differences. High bicarbonates and high salts are the most common problems, but they can be managed with regular flushings and cal­ cium sulfate (gypsum). Conard also spoke about the importance of managing the pH of our spray tank water because chemicals will not work properly if they are being mixed at the wrong pH. She also gave us a list of things to consider when choosing a wetting agent. Among them: • How long do you want the wetting agent to last? • What is the soil type? • How much thatch is present? • What is the percolation rate? • What kind of disease problems have been observed? • What is the water quality? • Do you want the wetting agent to retain water or push water through the profile? There are products that are designed to fit nearly every need, you just have to go through the process to make sure that the product you choose is right for your property. For more information about water quality management, Kathy Conard can be reached at mktpros@voicenet.com. Scorecard continued from page 8 down 3 would do, with a cold beverage! Greg and Ken managed to pick up the pieces and keep the match within reach through the back nine, but every time they had the opportunity to even the match, Mike s red-hot putter and laser focus would lead to another halve. Greg managed a par on 17 to even the match and there was hope with Ken getting his last stroke on the par 5 eighteenth hole. Gutter knew that it was time to offer his partner an encouraging word on the way to the tee. With that, Benoit managed his best drive of the day, taking some pressun off and Gutter followed with one of own right down the middle! Mike’s tee ball found a tough side-hill lie in the rough and Jaime found the fescue. With their opponents in trouble on the last, Ken made a smooth par to win the hole and with it, Greg and Ken won this year’s Second Flight! Jim Pavonetti, editor of the Tee to Green, is superintendent ofFairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT. Thu Bunciits of Qualifying For those of you who have not come out to qualify for this great season-long event, we would encourage you to join in the fun. The friendly competition is only one facet of what makes it special. Don’t get me wrong, trophies and bragging rights are always a plus, but the true significance of this event is what Dave Mahoney had envi­ sioned many years ago and what many players echoed this year: It’s sharing ideas and laughs, experiencing great courses, and spending time getting to know fellow members. I can guarantee you will benefit from the wisdom and experiences of your oppo­ nents and the commonality of the chal­ lenges we all face both on and off the golf course. If you’re not already joining in the fun, call someone in the association and sign up next year, because in the heat of the summer with all the stress in our lives, spending a morning or afternoon out at other facilities with your peers will make you understand how much more there is to life than the day-to-day rat race! I hope to see you at the qualifying round in April! New Members Please join us in welcoming the following new MetGCSA members: • Corbin Blier, Class C, Fresh Meadow Country Club, Great Neck, NY • Greg Coughlin, Class C, Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Scarborough, NY • Jonathan Erickson, Class C, The Patterson Club, Fairfield, CT • Royal Healy, Class C, Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Scarborough, NY • Dan Lusty, Class C, Quaker Ridge Golf Club, Scarsdale, NY • Christopher Tegano, Class C, Oak Hills Park Golf Course, Norwalk, CT an assistant superintendent at Westchester • Doug Snyder, superintendent at the Country Club in Rye, NY, to superintend- Millbrook Club in Greenwich, CT, and his ent of the club’s South Course. wife, Erin, on the birth of their daughter, • Joseph Gikis has been promoted from Clodagh Duffy Snyder, who was 7 lbs. 3 ozs. an assistant superintendent at Westchester and born on December 19. Country Club in Rye, NY, to construction • Stephen Wickstrom, assistant supersuperintendent/assistant director of Golf & intendent at Burning Country Club in Grounds at Westchester. Greenwich, CT, and his wife, Tina, on the • Shannon Slevin is the new superintend- birth of their son, Owen Fredrick Wickent at Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, strom, who was 8 lbs. 6 ozs. and born on NY Previous position: Superintendent at December 19. Shorehaven Golf Club in East Norwalk, CT. • Doug Vanderlee has moved from super- 111 Sympathy intendent of the South Course at West- We would like to offer our sincere condochester Country Club in Rye, NY, to super- lences to informed member Dr. Frank intendent of the clubs West Course. Rossi of Cornell University. His father, Angelo Rocco Rossi, passed away January 4. Lucky Winners in the Holiday Party Scholarship Rattle f ) he Annual Bill Caputi Scholar^ F ship Raffle, held at the Decem_ * ^ ^ b e r 5 MetGCSA Holiday Party at Via Veneto, White Plains, NY, raised an ad­ mirable sum for the Met’s Scholarship Fund and awarded $4,500 in cash prizes to 18 lucky ticket holders. The raffle, which has become an insti­ tution at our annual holiday party, is the prime source of the scholarship awards we distribute to deserving Met member de­ pendents each year. It was named in honor of Bill Caputi, one of our member superin­ tendents who initiated the Met’s Scholar­ ship program but, unfortunately, passed away unexpectedly at a young age. Many thanks to all who contributed and also to those who sold tickets for this worthwhile fundraiser. Congratulations to our $1,000-grand-prize winner, Doug Drugo, from Wee Burn Country Club. The other prize winners were: $500 Winners Bill Salinetti, National Golf Links of America Bob Wolverton, Century Country Club Bobby Steinman, Pocono Turf $250 Winners Wes Neff, Winged Foot Golf Club Paul Gonzalez, Whippoorwill Club Dave Conrad, Plant Food Company Jeff Scott, Tamarack Country Club $100 Winners Mike Keohan, Brookville Country Club Doug Mottin, Mottin Golf Course Renovations Jon Jennings, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Gary Rehm, Metro Turf Specialists Joe Stahl, Harrell’s, LLC Bill Cygan, Winged Foot Golf Club Dennis Flynn, Screamin Eagle Supply Bob Milar, St. Andrew’s Golf Club Ben Seibel, son of Kevin Seibel of Century Country Club Joe Gikis, Westchester Country Club Please remember to support the scholarship raffle again in 2015. Wouldn’t it be great to raise enough money to fund even more scholarships for our membership’s deserv­ ing sons and daughters? Tee to Green December 2014 ‘TîCet (4tem&en& ¿uzd 4, 'Panty falci o*t ‘DecemÁen 5, 20 f4 . *t/ca, *)t