Met G CestS1959 A 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 ES Cover: GlenArbor G olf Club Westchester Country Club Secretary K E N N E T H B EN O IT JR ., CGCS GlenArbor Golf Club Past President RO B ERT NIELSEN JR ., CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club D irectors RO B ERT B. ALO NZI JR . Fenway Golf Club B RETT CH A PIN Redding Country Club D O U G D RU GO Wee Burn Country Club A N T H O N Y HOOKS Due Process Stable V IN C E N T PAVONETTI, CGCS Fairview Country Club R O B ERT W OLVERTON Class “ C ” Rep GEORGE CHAVEZ Pelham Country Club Class “A F ” Rep K EV IN COLLINS n this Issue Aquatrols E xecutive D irector ED B R O C K N E R E xecutive Secretary SUSAN O ’D OW D Tee to tireen Staff Editor JIM PAVONETTI 203-531-8910 Managing Editor PANDORA C.WOJICK Editorial Committee DDISON BARDEN STEVEN MCGLONE SCOTT NIVEN I MATT CEPLO TODD SALAMONE EVIN COLLINS BILLCYGAN RYAN SEGRUE CHIPLAFFERTY GREG WOJICK Designer TERRIE YOUNG Advertising Manager BRETT CHAPIN, 203-938-9240 T h e BM Ps for N ew York State G o lf C ourses C om e to L ife ..............2 ThePluses of Putting This New Initiative to Work on Your Course Departments ■I N a tion a l N ew s .................................................................................................... 6 N a tion a l S co rec a rd ............................................................................................7 Chapter N e w s ........................................................................................................8 R eg io n a l N ew s .................................................................................................. 11 M em ber N e w s.....................................................................................................12 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 ©2014 U p c o m in g Events ................. 14 Spotlight ............................................................................................................. 15 the distinction of having one of the Top 6 snowfall totals of all time in the New York City area! With this record-setting snowfall, I know were all looking forward to a major thaw sometime this month! Let’s hope we get our wish! Fortunately, neither rain, sleet, or snow could slow the progress of our board and committees. Behind the scenes, each com­ mittee has been working extremely hard to ensure the association is strong and vibrant as those before us have done for more than 50 years. I would like to recognize the Education Committee for their work in putting to ­ gether an outstanding lineup of speakers for our Winter Seminar, which drew more than 300 members and guests to the show. I would also like to, once again, thank Steve Mona for attending the event and congratu­ late him on receiving one of our most coveted awards: the John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award. As you know, Steve has been a tremendous ambassador to the golf industry, and we thank him for his support of the golf course superintendent. Last, I would like to, again, thank Joe Alonzi for his dedi­ cation to our association as host of the event for more than 20 years. (For a brief account of the Winter Seminar, see page 8.) The day after the Winter Seminar, many of our members took off for Vermont to participate in the Noreaster Ski Day led by Andy Drohen and committee. More than 100 skiers/snowboarders hit the slopes for a little friendly competition and camaraderie and later convened for a reception and awards ceremony at a nearby eatery. The Met didn’t take home the overall trophy that day, but we did have a few great individual ac­ complishments. (See write-up on page 11.) Noteworthy at the National It was wonderful to see so many in atten­ dance at the Golf Industry Show this year. There were many networking and learning opportunities in addition to the 184,500square-foot trade show floor, which in­ cluded numerous vendors and short learning forums. If you missed some of the educa­ tional opportunities, please be sure to look for them next year. They are a great way to pick up a few tips from professors and col­ leagues throughout the country. In addition, there were multiple meetings and events behind the scenes that our board and a num­ ber of our members attended to keep our association abreast of the happenings within the GCSAA and around the country. Some of those events included the Chap­ ter Editors Symposium, Chapter Presidents Breakfast, Certification Luncheon, the Nor’easter Social Event, New York State Best Management Practices meetings and up­ dates, the GCSAA Annual Meeting, the Opening/Closing celebrations, and the many receptions. At the Chapter Presidents Breakfast, we received a full rundown of all the happenings at the GCSAA, along with their vision and goals for the next five years. There was a lot of discussion about how to elevate the status of the Class A superintendent, which may come with a classification change of the superintendent member (SM) in the near future. We will keep you updated on that outcome as it may affect our classifications as well. The GCSAA also proposed running some of the day-to-day operations and websites for local chapters. The suggestion wasn’t over­ whelmingly well received. As far as the Met goes, we are fortunate to have an executive director and executive secretary to aid us on a daily basis, but we will always be open to considering ways we might work more closely with the GCSAA, particularly if we feel it will benefit our association. This year’s Nor’easter Event was hosted for the first time by the MetGCSA, along with seven other associations and the support of vendors from across the Northeast. (See write-up on page 7.) Held at the B.B. King’s Blues Club, the event offered great food and drink, live music, and an unparalleled oppor­ tunity to network with industry colleagues and professionals. I can’t thank the committee of Brett Chapin, Kevin Collins, and John Garcia enough for taking the lead and turning this into a “must attend” event. If you did not make it to this year’s Nor’easter, I encourage you to attend next year. Based on the event’s success, the committee is already in the plan­ ning stages for the Nor’easter in San Antonio. Hope to see you there. The next morning, I attended the New York State Best Management Practices meeting where our Environmental Committee Chair, Ken Benoit, BMP lead editor, Stacey Kingsbury, and BMP lead author, Frank Rossi from continued on page 16 Tee to Green January/February/M arch 2014 I est Management Practices (BMPs) for New York State Golf Courses. By now, you’ve at least caught wind of this initia­ tive at an association event, seminar, or in a member communication. But do you really know what the BMPs are and just how much they can benefit you and your golf course maintenance operation? They deserve your serious attention. The BMPs, after all, weren’t created on a whim. They are the outcome of countless hours of thoughtful contemplation and collaborative work by many of your colleagues, as well as the organizations and researchers you know and have come to rely on for their expertise in managing your golf courses. This article will bring you up-to-speed on what, precisely, this set of best management practices are, where they came from, and how, if well implemented, they can spare your operation from regulatory scrutiny, now and in the future. The Birth oli the BMP Initiative nitiative to Wc bockner /Feb rm ry /March As the MetGCSAs mission emphasizes, we exist “to promote environmentally friendly management practices, research, and educa­ tion opportunities that serve the needs of our professional membership, the game of golf, and the community as a whole.” It’s no surprise, then, that the MetGCSA became a driving force in the creation of a comprehensive document and website detail­ ing Best Management Practices (BMPs) for New York State Golf Courses. “As greater scrutiny was being paid to how golf courses are managed, 1 could see that it was in our best interest to take this proactive approach toward educating those outside our industry,” notes MetGCSA Government Re­ lations Chair Bob Nielsen, who first brought the BMP project to the attention of New York State superintendents at the Golf In­ dustry Show two years ago in Las Vegas, NV As the idea gained momentum among New York State tu rf professionals, MetGCSAs Environmental Committee Chair Ken Benoit stepped forward to take the lead in bringing the project to fruition, forming the New York State BMP Committee. Echoing Bob’s senti­ ments, Ken notes, “The golf industry cannot continue to be perceived as fighting envi­ ronmental legislation. Explaining the posi­ tive impact that golf has on the environment and providing a transparent resource with science-based information sends an ex­ tremely powerful message while demon­ strating our willingness to recognize the importance of our role as environmental stewards.” The New York State BMP Committee, made up of several superintendents from various state GCSAA chapters, set out to ensure the viability and effectiveness of the BMP project by pursuing the proper guid­ ance. The committee reached out, first, to Cornell University and Dr. Frank Rossi, who assembled a team to lead the research and author the documents. “The BMP project was the perfect oppor­ tunity for the Cornell Turfgrass Team to highlight the more than 30 years of turfgrass and environmental research,” says Dr. Rossi. “So when we were approached by the lead­ ers of this project to assume the lead techni­ cal role, we were excited to deliver this resource to a welcoming industry. This doc­ ument can’t help but make a strong state­ ment to policymakers and regulators that environmental stewardship is a guiding principle of the golf industry in New York State,” he adds. Second, the committee contracted Stacey Kingsbury to manage the project. Stacey’s experience in managing the Virginia BMPs made her an obvious choice for the job. Stacey has provided invaluable leadership throughout the process. The committee— now consisting of superintendents, Cornell University researchers, and a project man­ ager—agreed that, in order for this docu­ ment to be accepted by state regulators, they had to be included in the process. “We worked closely with the New York State DEC and a number of government officials as we developed the BMPs,” ex­ plains Ken. “As a result, we have cultivated new relationships within various state gov­ ernment agencies.” “The response from New York State reg­ ulators has been overwhelmingly positive and in the spirit of partnership,” adds Bob Nielsen, who in addition to his role as the “ The golf industry cannot continue to be perceived as fighting envi mentai legislation. Explaining the positive impact that golf lias on the environment and providing a transparent resource with science-based informati sends an extremely powerful message while demonstrating our willingness to recognize the importance of our role as environmental stewards. ’’ - Ken Benoit, BMP Comm ittee Chair Met’s Government Relations chair, is a BMP Committee member. “In fact, the DEC has singled out our BMP initiative as a model for what the rest of the green industry should be doing.” Scott Menrath, who is the New York State DEC’s director of the Bureau of Pest Management in the Materials Management Division, was among the supporters Bob spoke about. “Best Management Practices are the future of the industry,” says Men­ rath. “The golf course superintendents of New York put a lot of effort into developing their BMPs and did a great job with it. The rest of the green industry should take notice of these golf course professionals and follow their lead.” Also important to the initiative’s success was securing financial support. “We are grateful to a number of organizations in New York State, including seven New York State superintendent organizations in ad­ dition to the Met, as well as the MGA and the Metropolitan PGA,” says Ken. “These organizations were behind the initiative from the start, which sent out a strong mes­ sage that the entire golf community recog­ nized the importance of this project.” In addition, NYSTA provided significant funding through the Turfgrass Environ­ mental Stewardship Fund, as did GCSAA, and all the clubs that participated in our Environmental Institute for Golf Rounds 4 Research auctions. With the funding in place and an ex­ tremely knowledgeable and dedicated lead­ ership team hard at work for the past two years, the BMPs for New York State Golf Courses were born and are now easily accessible on a newly launched website, which you can access by logging on to nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu. So What, Exactly, Are BMPs and Why Are They Important to Our Industry? In short, BMPs are the methods or tech­ niques found to be most effective in pre­ venting or minimizing the effects of golf course management practices on surface and groundwater to insure and enhance public health and environmental quality. “Golf courses rely on a healthy environ­ ment that includes water and wildlife,” says Ken. “It is of paramount importance to en­ hance and protect water quality, and our new BMPs can help us do that. There is one thing for sure,” he continues, “pollu­ tion prevention is easier, less expensive, and more effective than addressing problems ‘downstream.’” The BMP website will take you through the best management practices associated with any and every aspect of golf course maintenance, including maintenance facil­ ity and landscape design, irrigation, fertil­ ization, and disease and pest management— all with an eye toward employing practices that help protect our most valuable re­ source: our water. Starting with the basics, an opening sec­ tion details the fundamental environmental concepts essential to water quality pro­ tection, such as climate and microclimates, the hydrologic cycle and watersheds, and soil texture and moisture. Because these all play a role in the fate of applied products, they are incorporated into our BMPs. Interestingly, a significant body of re­ search—all cited in the References portion of the website— exists that indicates that the successful implementation of BMPs virtu­ ally eliminates the golf course risk to water quality. In fact, several studies have shown that implementing BMPs enhances water Tee to Green January /February /March 2 0 Î4 quality on its journey on and through the golf course property. The BMPs are, in fact, an amalgam of all of these studies. So essen­ tially, if you follow the BMPs, you can t help but enhance water quality. If you are still not sold, consider these additional incentives for implementing the BMPs on your course: • They offer the potential for more effi­ ciently allocating resources by identifying specific management zones—those areas that have distinct management practices based on their potential to affect water quality. • They provide cost savings associated with reducing fertilizer and pesticide applications. • They lead to improved community relations. • They position you among club members and the community-at-large as a true stew­ ard of the environment. “The BMPs reflect the needs and interests of not only the golf industry, but also friends and neighbors outside the industry,” says Ken. “This type of cooperative approach ensures that everyone is on board and com­ mitted to this new effort to protect our waterways and environment.” When Is the Right Time to Put BMPs Into Practice? The answer is simple: Anytime is the right time to put BMPs into practice. BMPs pro­ vide a science-based approach to protecting water quality from potential risks. So whether you are maintaining or renovating an existing course or constructing a new one, BMPs can guide you in taking the most environmentally sound approach to just about any task you undertake on your course. Implementing them successfully begins with understanding a few basic environ­ mental concepts associated with land man­ agement and water. They’re detailed early on in the BMP document. Using these con­ cepts will help you gain a thorough, sitespecific understanding of vulnerable areas and will guide you in the best application of the BMPs. Golf course renovation and design proj­ ects can incorporate any number of BMPs: Those that guide landscape practices, such as creating vegetative swales to prevent run­ off and soil erosion that can jeopardize water quality; those that outline how to lo­ cate and manage maintenance and storage facilities to prevent point source release of chemicals that can reach ground or surface waters; or even BMPs specifying an irriga­ tion system design that promotes efficient distribution and use of water while, at the same time, protecting water resources. For existing courses, the BMPs are there to support golf course managers in making a variety of day-to-day management deci­ sions, such as how much water is needed and when to apply it; which fertilizers and pesti­ cides are appropriate and when, where, and how these compounds should and should not be applied. In addition, there are IPM principles that provide alternatives to ap­ plying pesticides, as well as justification for using pesticides when necessary. The list goes on. There are countless op­ portunities to put the BMPs to use on your course. And they are right there at your fin­ gertips on the new BMP website. How Hoes the Website Work? The BMP website was designed for ease of use by superintendents and anyone else who wants to learn more about tu rf manage­ ment in New York State. “The BMP Committee recognized,” explains Ken Benoit, “that having a webbased, as opposed to a print, document would allow the information to be continu­ ally updated and more easily shared with superintendents, regulators, and the general public. This will be the central place for important resources to be housed.” The other advantage to this format is that it is accessible on multiple platforms: a desk computer or mobile device. This allows the user to pull up information anywhere and anytime it’s needed out in the field. Information on the website is well organ­ ized, opening on the Home page with words of wisdom from Gary Player, re­ nowned golf course designer and profes­ sional golfer. The colorful band running across the top of the site contains seven major BMP cate­ gories with up to six sublinks each. These links allow users to easily access the infor­ mation they are looking for. In addition, running along the bottom of every page is a link to single Fact Sheets, making it simple to pull up and print out or email the one specific BMP you may want to send to employees, club officials, or regulators in order to clarify a specific issue. Also running along the bottom of every page are helpful links to everything from emergency information (what to do in case of an unintended release of fertilizer, pesti­ cide, or other chemical) to current regula­ tory information on both the state and local levels. In addition, there are links to a glos­ sary of terms and a list of acronyms, de­ signed with the layperson in mind. And finally, for those who would prefer to view the information in a traditional man­ ual format, there is a downloadable version available that could then be read online or printed out—all 185 pages! You can now access the all-new BM Ps for New York State G o lf Courses by logging on to nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu. The Best Management Practices (BMPs) for New York State Golf Courses are not written as law. But as we all know, protecting the environment is something that everyone is—and will continue to be— concerned about. And golf courses, which consume many acres of land in primarily residential areas, are prime targets for criticism, if our neighbors and legislators believe they can find fault in our practices. That’s why the New York State BMPs are so important. It is in your best interest, as superintendents, to work toward integrat­ ing the BMPs into your regular main­ tenance and renovation practices. In addi­ tion, we must continue to work closely with researchers and other tu rf industry profes- A significant body of research exists that indicates that the successful implementation of BMPs virtually eliminates the golf course risk to water quality. In fact, several studies have shown that implementing BMPs enhances water quality on its journey on and through the golf course property. sionals to communicate the message of en­ vironmental stewardship. To further this effort, the BMP Com­ mittee is currently working on a plan that will enable golf courses to conduct a self­ audit of their facility—to evaluate what they’re doing well and what they can do bet­ ter in implementing the BMPs. This is, perhaps, the most important aspect of the BMPs. Once the committee has the self-audit mechanism in place and working, lawmakers, regulators, and the nongolfing public can’t help but recognize our commit­ ment to protecting our resources and envi­ ronment as legitimate. Taking this kind of proactive approach to our golf course management practices may, at first glance, seem like more trouble than it’s worth, but there’s no doubt that adhering to these environmentally responsible prac­ tices will spare us from unwarranted criti­ cism in the community and from govern­ ment regulations that are not based on Area supers sample the mobile app for the new B M P website at the G olf Industry Show in Orlando. scientific fact. Instead, we will become part­ ners in the decision-making process as recog­ nized experts backed up by current research, and we will gain important knowledge that will help us continue to produce optimal conditions in a responsible manner as legisla­ tion evolves. The BMP guidelines will serve the needs of our professional membership by high­ lighting superintendents’ integral role on the leadership team within their clubs and as true stewards of the environment within their communities. “The BMP initiative and its ongoing devel­ opment is an extremely important endeavor that demonstrates not only the professional­ ism of the superintendent, but also of our entire organization,” says MetGCSA Presi­ dent Blake Halderman. “It projects the MetGCSA as a progressive organization with a forward-thinking membership who is using research and technology to protect the environment.” This is perhaps the most important project that the MetGCSA has ever undertaken, and we need the support and commitment of our entire membership. Going forward, we ask our members to continue to provide input on the BMPs and to get involved in future BMP self-audit initiatives. Since initiating and investing in the BMP project, we have made so much exciting progress, and with your help, the foundation we have set will pay dividends for generations to come. Final note: Please be sure to look at the BMP website’s list of acknowledgements, where credit is given to the many individuals and organizations who made the BMPs for New York State Golf Courses document possible. We thank one and all. Ed Brockner is the executive director for the MetGCSA and a member of the BMP Committee. Tee to Green January /February /March 2014 New Board Elected at GCSAA Annual Meeting in Orlando Preakness H ills ’John O ’Keefe Elected Vice President! t this years Annual Meeting— held in conjunction with the GCSAA Education Confer­ ence and Golf Industry Show in Orlando, FL—delegates elected a new board of directors with Keith Ihms, CGCS, voted in as the GCSAAs new president. A 33-year GCSAA member, Ihms is a member of the Arkansas GCSA and a past president of the Lone Star GCSA, the North Texas GCSA, and the South Texas GCSA. He is also a member and past presi­ dent of the Texas Turfgrass Association and a member of the USGA Green Section Committee. Ihms served most recently as director of golf maintenance at the Country Club of Little Rock in Arkansas. Previously, he served as superintendent at five clubs in his home state of Texas: Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas, Pine Forest Country Club in Houston, Walden on Lake Houston Golf and Country Club in Humble, and Golf Crest Country Club in Pearland. Born and raised in Llano, TX, Ihms grad­ uated from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, in 1979 with a bache­ lors in agronomy. There’s no doubt Ihms is well equipped to lead our national association. Also elected to the board: Mark Jordan, CGCS, natural resource leader of Westfield Group Country Club in Westfield Center, OH, was appointed by the board to fill the remaining year of Grass’s two-year term as director. Darren Davis, of Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, FL, remains on the board for the Final year of a two-year director term. John Fulling Jr., CGCS, of Kalamazoo (Michigan) Country Club, remains on the board for the final year of a two-year direc­ tor term. Vice President John 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!) If the buzz surrounc m | ^ 0rlanc[0>is Secretary/Treasurer Peter Grass, CGCS, superintendent of Hilands Golf Club in Billings, MT Immediate Past President Patrick Finlen, CGCS, general manager at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, CA Directors Bill Maynard, CGCS, of Country Club of Albans in St. Louis, MS, was elected to a two-year director term. Rafael Barajas, CGCS, of Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights, CA, was elected to a two-year director term. Sandy G. Queen, CGCS, manager of golf operations for the City of Overland Park, KS, retires from the board after serving the last year as immediate past president. Next Year at the Conference and Show Plan now to join fellow professionals at the 2015 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show in San Antonio, TX, on February 23 - 26. This will mark the event’s first visit to The Alamo City in more than two decades! For further information as the event approaches, visit www.gcsaa.org. the Upswing 2oi G if lndOstry S oW’ golf industry’s jour- y f ^ e ^ o a d f o recovery contin^ 3 a^eady and sustainable pace. ues at a steady s conference were on * board versus the 2 Diego. Total atten a 8 percent mcreas addition, the two-day U ^ m Sa„ 14,147, an ^ year. in ^ show> Feb. ^ qualified percent from Sen feet of exhibit sp f 7 arKj 9 percent h ib U o t^ n e 'e » * . of7 and P respectively, from 2013. ^ ! MetGCSA Takes Lead Met Members Make Their Mark in the GCSAA National Championship by Tony Hooks a great time and opportunity to catch up with industry friends and colleagues, old and new. Hosted for the first time by the MetGCSA and seven other associations (see below) at B.B. King s Blues Club, the event drew close to 400 people and was high­ lighted by a visit from GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans and newly elected GCSAA Vice President John O ’Keefe, a MetGCSA mem­ ber and past president. Sponsored by 18 manufacturers from the golf industry (see below), the event included an open bar, appetizers, food station, and a live hand. Special thanks to Aquatrols for sponsoring a cigar roller for the event. And a round of applause to our hardworking event committee members—John Garcia of Atlan­ tic Golf, Kevin Collins of Aquatrols, and current Met board member and Redding Country Club Superintendent Brett Cha­ pin—for making this an event no one will want to miss! See you all next year. Partnering Associations • Connecticut AGCS • GCSA of Cape Cod • GCSA of New England • Hudson Valley GCSA •MetGCSA • New Hampshire GCSA • Rhode Island GCSA • Vermont GCSA The National Championship The Golf Classic Commercial Sponsors • Agrium Advanced Technologies • Aquatrols Corp. of America • BASF • Bayer Environmental Science • Harrell's • Jacobsen • LaCorte Equipment ~ John Deere Golf ell, another Golf In­ with Mickey apparently didn’t do him dustry Show and cham­ any good. The next day, Ryan settled for a pionship have passed, with tie for 5th place with none other than some notable outcomes for some of Meadow Brook’s John Carlone. We are our members who played in this year’s happy to report that John’s back is feeling National Championship. All told, 420 much better, and he posted two very con­ competitors participated in some as­ sistent rounds. I had a chance to play with pect of the event, which took place at John on Saturday, and he was hitting it a country mile. Rumor has it that John was five Orlando-area golf facilities. We had a bit of a rocky start to the hanging out with AROD when he was at tournament. Everyone showed up rehab for his back! Great playing guys! looking forward to sunny Florida, but if you came down a few days early, In the Classic I Net Division . . . you encountered nothing but heavy It was Todd Apgar from Metro T urf rain and cold weather. The golf courses coming in 7th place only four points out by Saturday were so saturated that you of first! Doug Heron from Maxwell T urf would think they were trying to grow also slid into the top 15 with a 12th place cranberries instead of turf! Finally, finish of his own. the sun popped out and we were off and running for the 2014 National In the Classic II Gross Division .. • Championship. It was Pelham’s Jeff Wentworth who Here’s a look at how our competitors found himself at the top of the leader board going into the final found. Jeff fared. played his usual scrappy golf, finding his ball in some precarious spots around the course and somehow getting up and Deron Zendt, the superintendent at down for pars throughout the round. His Banyan Golf Club in West Palm, held luck ran out on day two when the only off a pack of challengers on the living thing that could find his ball was Magnolia Course at Walt Disney an alligator, so Jeff finished in 6th place. World Resort claiming the champ­ ionship with a 5 under par for two I would like to congratulate all of the days. That is incredible playing any­ members who participated in this year’s time, but under those conditions, I golf tournament and want to encourage think Zendt should give up the tu rf everyone to come out and support the business and consider the PGA tour! MetGCSAs events this year! Playing golf Locally, it was Quaker’s Tom Ash- is a great way to meet different guys in field who led the local field with two the business, build lasting friendships, consistent rounds of 78-79 to come in and get your game tuned up for the next 39th place. Congrats, Tom! year’s preconference golf event. Were San Antonio bound for the 2015 champi­ onship, so be sure to get your cowboy gear ready! In the Classic I Gross Division ... We had two of our guys in the top Tony Hooks, chair of the Tournament five! Ryan Oliver of Hudson National Committee, is superintendent at took a 1 shot lead into the final round, Due Process Stable in Colts Neck, NJ. but a night of riding roller coasters • Macro-Sorb Technologies • Nutrite • Ocean Organics • Performance Nutrition • Phoenix • Quali-Pro • Saturated Solutions • SMS Additive Solutions • Syngenta •Toro • Turf Screen E • Tee to Green January/February/M arch 2014 Chapter News Another Great MetGCSA Winter Seminar by Jim Pavonetti, CGCS ( J or the first time in several / years, MetGCSA members were able to attend our annual W inter Seminar without battling the elements to get there. Well over 300 seminar-goers convened at Westchester Country Club on January 15 to learn the latest trends in turfgrass management, peruse the 28 ven­ dor tables, and catch up with old friends. Education Chair Rob Alonzi and com­ mittee members Scott Apgar, Brett Chapin, Glen Dube, Bob Nielsen, and Peter Rappoccio put together an outstanding roster of speakers with timely topics. There’s no doubt that area supers and assis­ tants picked up a tip or two— or three— that they can put to use in the upcoming season. What follows is a quick take on the talks, along with the speakers’ contact informa­ tion so you can easily pursue any of the topics that interest you. The Kickoff The day began with Meteorologist Herb Stevens of Grass Roots Weather speaking about hurricane trends and, of course, Su­ perstorm Sandy. It was his feeling that we haven’t seen the last of these storms. He showed how the oceans, specifically the Atlantic and Pacific, have warming and cooling trends that come in 20-year cycles, and when the conditions are right (like now and for the next several years), hurricanes hit the Northeast at a much higher fre­ quency. For further information on this topic, Herb Stevens can be reached at 401965-6156 or at skiwxman@cox.net. Next, we had Dr. John Kaminski from Pennsylvania State University speak about the latest control strategies for Poa annua. Dr. Kaminski discussed Poa Cure, a new product from Korea that shows promise in Poa control and is currently being tested across the country. He also spoke about a comprehensive control program that in­ cludes very low nitrogen inputs and very high and regular ferrous sulfate applica­ tions in conjunction with frequent top- Tee to Green January /February /March 201 4 info@turfgrassdiseasesolutions.com or at 610-633-1878. Awards Luncheon Former M etGCSA and G CSAA President and Country Club of Darien Superintendent Tim O ’Neill (left) presents the M etGCSA's coveted John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award to World G olf Foundation CEO Steve Mona at the Met's 2014 Winter Seminar at Westchester Country Club. dressing applications and growth regula­ tor applications. To find out more about Poa management and control, you can reach Dr. Kaminski at 814-865-3007 or at kaminski@psu.edu. After a brief coffee break, Steven McDonald of Turfgrass Disease Solutions shared his observations from site visits and applied field research through the 2013 season. McDonald touched on everything from fans, pigmented products, wet wilt and drainage issues to control measures for such tu rf pests and diseases as hyperodes, dollar spot, fairy ring, and Waitea patch. He also discussed tu rf selection, noting how a number of courses in the New Jersey and Philadelphia areas are starting to use warm-season grasses on select areas, such as par three tees and practice range tees. Many courses, he noted, are also beginning to shift from the traditional Kentucky bluegrass rough to a turf-type tall fescue. Steven McDonald can be reached at Mid-day, seminar-goers enjoyed the al­ ways-special Westchester Country Club luncheon and Awards Ceremony, which included the presentation of our John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award to a very deserving recipient: Stephen Mona, former CEO of GCSAA and current CEO of the World Golf Foundation. Tim O ’Neill, former MetGCSA and GCSAA president, presented the award to Steve Mona, citing his many award-worthy ac­ complishments. Mona then gave an inspi­ rational acceptance speech, in which he praised the many golf course superintend­ ents he has worked with over the years and spoke about how superintendents can help grow the game and contribute to the suc­ cess of their own facilities. Afternoon Sessions After lunch, Chava McKeel, GCSAAs associate director of government relations, provided an update on current issues af­ fecting golf course superintendents and golf facilities across the country. She pointed to the growing number of restric­ tions facing golf courses, particularly sur­ rounding water and fertilizer use, and she noted the fact that the government has put golf courses on the “no FEMA money list,” along with such other businesses as liquor stores and tattoo and massage parlors! Mc­ Keel did offer hope, however, explaining that GCSAA is involved in helping to work through these issues at all levels of govern­ ment: local, state, and federal. To find out more about rules and regulations affecting our industry and what we can do to help, contact Chava McKeel at 800-472-7878, ext. 3619 or at cmmckeel@gcsaa.org. Next, Dr. Benjamin McGraw, from SUNY-Delhi, spoke about everyone’s fa­ vorite topic—you guessed it— the annual bluegrass weevil. Dr. McGraw offered a science-based program for reducing chem- ical inputs and improving current con­ trols. He gave tips on developing ABW management programs that can help pre­ vent hyperodes from becoming resistant to certain chemicals. He also advised su­ perintendents to have testing done to see if their insects have already developed a chemical resistance so they can deter­ mine the best course of action. To discuss a plan of action to mitigate hyperodes damage on your course, Dr. McGraw can be reached at mcgrawba@delhi.edu or at 607-746-4433. The last talk of the day, given by Dr. Michelle DaCosta of the University of Massachusetts, offered tips and techniques for managing summer heat stress on an­ nual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass. Dr. DaCosta started off by giving scientific reasons for grass decline during extended periods of hot, wet weather. She empha­ sized the importance of developing proper management practices before and during summer stress periods to promote the health and persistence of turfgrasses while reducing reliance on pesticides. Her ad­ vice was to develop a wilt-based irriga­ tion program early in the year, in con­ junction with a good wetting agent pro­ gram, to encourage growth of the best root system possible before the summer heat sets in. This, along with improving drainage in any way possible, she noted, will give golf course tu rf an edge in sur­ viving the high temps of summer. Dr. DaCosta can be reached at 413-545-2547 or at mdacosta@umass.edu. Special Thanks After the educational sessions concluded, attendees were able to meander through the vendor booths where company reps were on hand to answer questions and dis­ cuss the latest products and services avail­ able in our area. We would like to offer a special thank you to the many vendors who sponsored the event, especially our title sponsor, Metro T urf Specialists, and to those who had booths for the trade show portion of the day. You’ll find their names and contact information listed on the right. Finally, we would like to extend a sin­ cere thank you to Joe Alonzi and David Dudones, as well as the rest of the West­ chester staff, for not only hosting the M et’s biggest event of the year, but also making it a thoroughly enjoyable experi­ ence for all who attended. We hope you’ll join us again next year! Jim Pavonetti, editor of Tee to Green, is superintendent at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT. Special Thanks to Our 2014 Winter Seminar Exhibitors We’d like to thank all the vendors who participated in this year’s Winter Seminar. As a show of appreciation, were listing the exhibitors here, along with their areas of specialty and contact information. When the opportunity arises, we hope you’ll show these contractors and suppliers the same support they’ve shown us during our Winter Seminar—and throughout the year. A. G. Enterprises Harrell's LLC Syngenta Rick Gordon Staff Uniforms 201-488-1276 merrickl60@aol.com Scott Tretera Golf Course Supplies 203-426-7055 stretera@harrells.com Fred Montgomery, CGCS Chemical Company 518-424-0760 fred.montgomery@syngenta.com Aaua-Aid, Inc. Hicks Nursery Tanto Irrigation, LLC Bill Easton Surfactants, Verde Cal, OARS, Root Pruner, Drill & Fill 252-937-4107 info@aquaaid.com Pat Hicks Plants & Garden Accessories 516-334-0066 hicksinfo@hicksnurseries.com Bill Bartels Irrigation Installation Services 914-347-5151 wbartels@tantoirrigation.com LaCorte Equipment The Care of Trees Aquatrols, Inc. Jim Calladio John Deere Golf 631-891-2425 marketing@lacorteequipment.com Michael Cook Entire Tree Care Company 914-345-8733 mcook@thecareoftrees.com Metro Turf Specialists Turf Products LLC Scott Apgar Golf Course Supplies 203-748-4653 scott.apgar@metroturfspecialists.com Pat Cragin Toro Irrigation & Equipment 800-305-2525 pcragin@turfproductscorp.com Kevin Collins Soil & Water Quality Management Solutions 609-841-2077 kpcl0512@yahoo.com Davisson Golf Inc. Thomas Tuttle Golf Course Supplies 215-431-0393 tatatdgi@gmail.com DeLea Sod Farms Mike Hollander High-Quality Sod & Root Zone Mixes for Golf Courses 631-484-1211 mhollander@deleasod.com Plant Food Company, Inc. Turf Diagnostics Dick Neufeld The Liquid Fertilizer Experts 973-945-6318 dneufeld@plantfoodco.com Jennifer McMorrow/Kathy Conrad Disease, Water, & Soil Diagnostics 914-762-2645 turfdiagnostics@optonline.net Playbooks for Golf Westchester Tractor, Inc. Kevin Collins/Steve Jordan DryJect & Aeration Specialists 914-672-6029 mccl0512@yahoo.com Golf Course Coverage System, Field Guides, Aerials, Consulting, Career Development Greg Wojick: 203-219-0254 gwojick@goplaybooks.com Matt Leverich: 913-221-8052 mleverich@goplaybooks.com John Apple Equipment Dealer 845-278-7766 www.tractor.com Evergreen Organics Seeton Turf Warehouse James Amodio Organic Recycling 914-949-903 Brian Bontemps Golf Course Supplies 845-239-7959 brianbontemps@seetonturf.com DryJect NE / TurfPounders ¡.com Executive Turf Products Steven Willand Inc. Ken Gentile Golf Course Supplies 203-496-0891 executiveturf@aol.com George Corgan A Jacobsen Golf & Turf Equipment Growth Products, Ltd. Bob & Dave Lippman Golf Course Supplies 914-447-5192 westturf@comcast.net Westwood Organic Recycling Jamie Scoli Organic Recycling & Site Cleanup/Landscape 914-490-1694 jscoli@westwoodorganic.com Winfield / Matrix Turf Solutions, LLC 914-213-3622 Grass Roots, Inc. Ryan Batz Golf Course Supplies 973-252-6634 ryan.batz@GRIturf.com Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. Storr Tractor Company Rick Krok Golf Course Equipment & Supplies 908-722-9830 rckrok@storrtractor.com Greg Moran Golf Course Supplies 845-849-8640 gmoran@matrixturf.com Howie Gold Liquid Fertilizers 800-648-7626 hgold@growthproducts.com Tee to Green January /February /March 2014 Your MetGCSA Board Members From left to right: Rob Alonzi of Fenway GC; Class C Rep George Chavez of Pelham CC; Bob Wolverton; Executive Director Ed Brockner; Brett Chapin of Redding CC;Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, of Fairview CC; President Blake Halderman, CGCS, of Brae Burn CC; Class A F Rep Kevin Collins of Aquatrols, Inc.; Secretary Ken Benoit, CGCS, of GlenArbor GC; Vice President Glen Dube, CGCS, of Centennial GC;Treasurer David Dudones of Westchester CC;Tony Hooks of Due Process Stable; Past President Bob Nielsen, CGCS, of Bedford G olf & Tennis; Doug Drugo of Wee Burn CC. Committee Chairs You Can Call On We’ve provided a list of each of the MetGCSAs 2014 committee chairs, including their phone numbers and emails. Please feel free to contact any of them with questions, com­ ments, helpful suggestions, or to volunteer to be on a committee. Awards Committee Bob Nielsen, CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club rnbgtc@optonline.net 914-234-3779 / Cell 914-525-0604 Bylaws Committee Glen Dube, CGCS, Centennial GC glendube@aol.com 845-279-8960 / Cell 845-803-1020 Club Relations Committee Bob Nielsen, CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club r nbgtc@optonline. net 914-234-3779 / Cell 914-525-0604 Communications Committee Jim Pavonetti, CGCS (Tee to Green) Fairview CC pavonettij@yahoo.com 203-531-8910 / Cell 203-223-5403 Brett Chapin, (Advertising) Redding CC green@reddingcc.org 203-938-9640 / Cell 203-885-3109 Doug Drugo (Website) Wee Burn CC doug@weeburn.com 203-656-3843 / Cell 203-339-1493 I Tee to Green January /February /March 201 4 Education Committee Rob Alonzi, Fenway GC ralonzijr@hotmail.com 914-472-1467 / Cell 914-484-0373 Membership Committee Bob Wolverton cwolvie@hotmail.com Cell 973-222-3213 Environmental Committee Ken Benoit, CGCS, GlenArbor GC kbenoit@glenarborclub. com 914-241-0700 / Cell 914-760-3575 Scholarship & Research Committee Glen Dube, CGCS, Centennial GC glendube@aol.com 845-279-8960 / Cell 845-803-1020 Blake Halderman, CGCS (Tri-State) Brae Burn CC bhalderman@braeburncc.org 914-946-1074 / Cell 914-469-1987 Government Relations Committee Brett Chapin, (CT), Redding CC green@reddingcc.org 203-938-9640 / Cell 203-885-3109 Bob Nielsen, CGCS (NY) Bedford Golf & Tennis Club rnbgtc@optonline.net 914-234-3779 / Cell 914-525-0604 Investment Committee Glen Dube, CGCS, Centennial GC glendube@aol.com 845-279-8960 / Cell 845-803-1020 Long-Range Planning & Steering Committee Bob Nielsen, CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club rnbgtc@optonline.net 914-234-3779 / Cell 914-525-0604 Social & Welfare Committee Bob Wolverton cwolvie@hotmail.com Cell 973-222-3213 Tournament Committee Tony Hooks, Due Process Stable ahooks@dueprocessgolf. com 732-542-0317 / Cell 646-523-2273 Regional News MetGCSA Places Fourth in Second Annual Nor’easter Ski Day by Andy Drohen ine superintendent associa­ tions from as far away as Pennsylvania competed at the Second Annual Noreaster Cup at Killington Ski Resort in Killington, VT, on January 16. Once again, golf course superintendents and industry representatives, along with their families, came together for a day of cama­ raderie, great skiing, and competition on the slopes of Vermont. The turnout was fantastic with more than 100 members from the Northeast making the trek to Killington for the day’s festivities. Despite a little fog, conditions were great for the two-run giant slalom race held at the top of Killington! Teams totaled their fastest four racers for both runs, and by the slim­ mest of margins—-just 0.65 seconds—the team from Vermont won this year’s Noreaster Cup over the Northeastern As­ sociation of NY! Vermont also successfully defended their title over the Northeastern group in the Vermont Cup, a rivalry that dates back to 1993! Trophies and prizes were awarded to the “Kings and Queens of the Mountain,” with Jesse Shannon from Manhattan Woods put ting the Met on the map (Way to go,Jesse!): Fastest Male Skier: Eric McGuire from the Northeastern GCSA Fastest Female Skier: Lea Cure from the Northeastern GCSA Fastest Male Snowboarder: Jesse Shannon from the MetGCSA Fastest Female Snowboarder: Nicole Krieger from the Vermont GCSA Here’s a look at how the teams fared in the competition: Team Scores (Fastest 4 individual times totaled) Time 1st Vermont GCSA (Winner of 77.55 Nor'easter Cup and Vermont Cup) 78.20 2nd Northeastern GCSA 84.14 3rd GCSA New England 84.18 4th MetGCSA 85.70 5th Rhode Island GCSA 95.35 6th GCSA Cape Cod 106.86 7th Connecticut AGCS 112.86 8th Philadelphia AGCA DQ - only 3 times 9th Long Island GCSA Generous support from sponsors made pos­ sible an Après Ski party at the Wobbly Barn on the Killington access road. Great food and drinks along with a DJ provided enter­ tainment for a few hours after skiing, and Killington provided highly discounted ski passes for the long Martin Luther King weekend and affordable pricing on lodging! Photos of the race day can be viewed at h ttp ://www.flickr.com/photos/115122615 @N07/ Nor’easter Supports Worthy Cause Continuing our tradition of supporting our own, this year’s Nor’easter Ski Day also served as a fundraising event. This year’s Ski Day raised $2,500 to support fellow super­ intendent Jason VanBuskirk at Stow Acres Country Club in Stow, MA. Jason’s wife, Gloria, affectionately known as “Glo,” has been in an induced coma due to an unex­ plained illness that was causing seizures. The funds raised will go toward Glo’s mounting medical expenses. In an incredibly kind-hearted gesture, last’s year’s recipient and MetGCSA member Matt Dutremble of Ardsley Country Club, who was seriously injured in a tree accident after Hurricane Sandy hit, called the committee and donated $500 to Jason in a “pay it for­ ward” gesture. If you’d like to read more, Jason has been writing daily, heart-felt blogs about Glo’s progress at http://bidmcgvb.wordpress.com/. Glo is blessed to have a husband like Jason, and we are all wishing her a speedy recovery. Special thanks to all who donated so gener­ ously and to Augie Young of Sipcam, who kindly donated skis and apparel to the raffle! Thank You to Our Sponsors The Nor’easter Ski Day was great because of the overwhelming support of its sponsors! We would like to thank the following com­ panies for their help in making this event a huge success: Gold Sponsors: Sipcam Advan, Syngenta Silver Sponsors: MTE T urf Equipment, Jacobsen, Winfield, Bisco, Harrell’s, Agrium Advanced Technologies, Valent, Toro, Grass­ land Equipment, NE Specialty Soils, Helena Bronze Sponsors: Atlantic Golf & Turf, Bayer, Putnam Pipe, Andre & Son, John Deere, Westchester Turf, and the Northeast­ ern GCSA This is fast becoming a “can’t miss” event, so be sure to watch for the dates in 2015 and bring the family! Hope to see you next win­ ter on the slopes! Andy Drohen ofAgrium Advanced Technologies is one of the key organizersfor the Nor’easter Ski Day and the Met Area Team Championship. ...Livingfor the moment has never made more sense than right here and right now. Two MetGCSA Members Receive GCSAAs Revered Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award t the GCSAA Educational Conference and Golf In­ dustry Show in Orlando, two MetGCSA members— Stephen Cadenelli, CGCS, and Dr. Bruce Clarke—were honored with GCSAAs 2014 Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award. Simi­ lar in stature to our association’s John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award, this honor is awarded each year to individuals “who have made an outstanding, substantive, and enduring contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profes­ sion.” Sharing this honor with Steve and Dr. Clarke was Dr. Samuel Bruce Martin of Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research & Education Center. Though both enduring legacies to our industry, Steve and Dr. Clarke have made their own unique set of contri­ butions to our profession. Here is a quick look at some of their many award-worthy accomplishments. walls of GCSAAs headquarters building in many times for many causes, and he has Lawrence, KS. never said no. He is one of the most gener­ Newly built in 1991, it was award recipi­ ous people that I have ever met.” ent Steve Cadenelli, who presided over the dedication of that building as GCSAAs 55th president. “The pinnacle of my career,” says Steve,“was being the president, and at a time when we dedicated the new building and cemented the foundation for the organiza­ tion to grow. I’ve always believed that while Lawrence may not have been the most glamorous place in the golf industry, it was just perfect for us.” Steve, who grew up in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, received a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and is a graduate of the University of Mas­ sachusetts’ Winter School for Turfgrass Management. He is a 41-year member of GCSAA and MetGCSA member since 1978, serving as superintendent most recently at Metedeconk National and then Cape Cod National Golf Club, which he left in 2013. Among Steve’s noteworthy contributions: • He was a strong early supporter of GCSAAs move to update the requirements Dr. Bruce Clarke grew up in Cresskill, NJ, for attaining certification status. This went with a passion for turfgrass pathology, as he watched and wondered why his father’s lawn into effect in 2004. • He was instrumental in the formation was always being attacked by one mysteri­ of the Alumni Turf Group and in organiz­ ous summer malady or another. ing a fundraising tournament for the Dr. Clarke took that diagnostic curiosity to Joseph Troll Turf Research Center at Rutgers University in 1973, earning an UMass’s South Deerfield campus. The event undergraduate degree in forest manage­ has raised hundreds of thousands of dol­ ment before finishing his Ph.D. in turfgrass lars, including matching funds from the pathology in 1982 and then joining the fac­ ulty there the same year. university. Throughout his career at Rutgers, where • Steve was behind another great fundrais­ ing tradition in the Northeast: the Robert he is currently chairman of the Department Trent Jones Invitational at Metedeconk, of Plant Biology and Pathology, director of which raised funds for turfgrass research the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science, through the GCSA of New Jersey and and extension specialist in turfgrass pathol­ ogy, Clarke’s been solving major problems GCSAAs Environmental Institute for Golf. “That tournament has raised more than for golf course superintendents in the tri­ $600,000,” says Shaun Barry, executive di­ state area in collaboration with his col­ rector of the GCSANJ Foundation, adding: leagues at Rutgers. Among the mysteries he’s worked to solve: “During every phase of Steve’s professional life, he has been a great role model for all • The highly destructive summer patch dis­ superintendents, bringing respect to him­ ease that was eluding—and threatening the self and to the position of superintendent,” jobs of—many golf course superintendents Barry says. “Steve has been asked to help in the late ’80s. Dr. Bruce (llnrko Stephen Cadenelli, CGCS In 1927, Col. Morley— GCSAAs founder and first president—addressed the fledgling GCSAA membership with the words, “No life is, or can be, self-existent. We depend upon each other.” These words are so treas­ ured that they have been embossed on the Tee to Green January/February/M arch 2 0 Í4 • Gray leaf spot, a disease problem that made an appearance in the 1990s. To­ gether with a research team and two world-renowned turfgrass breeders at Rutgers, he searched the world to collect sources of disease-resistant grasses and develop more than 30 new gray leaf spotresistant cultivars of perennial ryegrass. • The highly destructive disease, anthracnose. Since 2002, Clarke and tu rf management specialist Dr. Jim Murphy, along with their graduate students, have dedicated their research to helping super­ intendents manage anthracnose through refined fertility, mowing, irrigation and sand topdressing practices. “It was an astonishing example of a uni­ versity professor and researcher under­ standing industry problems and working hard to solve them,” says Chris Carson, who served on the GCSANJ board and as superintendent at Echo Lake Country Club. “In short, he made our problem his problem, and our respect for him became unbreakable.” Clarke has also become renowned in the golf tu rf industry for his leadership in organizing the Green Industry Expo held every year in Atlantic City as well as Rutgers’ annual Turfgrass Research Field Days which attracts superintendents from more than seven states and Canada. The Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic, which was launched by Clarke, renowned Rutgers turfgrass breeder Bill Meyer, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association 19 years ago, has raised more than $1.3 mil­ lion for the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science. Clarke has authored more than 200 articles in professional journals, as well as three books on turfgrass pathology, and has received numerous professional hon­ ors, including our 2002 John Reid Life­ time Achievement Award. “The reality is that any accomplish­ ments I’ve had have been through collabo­ ration and partnerships with my col­ leagues and graduate students,” Clarke says, adding that he believes his most important work is “extending the results of our research back to superintendents, who use them to correct their problems. The goal of our work has always been to address the key concerns of the industry and to provide science-based solutions that improve the quality of tu rf through­ out the United States.” Congratulations Steve and Dr. Clarke on your many noteworthy accomplish­ ments and contributions to our industry and profession! New Members Please join us in welcoming the following new MetGCSA members: • Gregory Atanasio, Class C, Siwanoy Country Club, Bronxville, NY • Vincent P. Barnaba, Class C, the Seawane Club, Hewlett Harbor, NY • Derek Baxter, Class C, Paramount Country Club, New City, NY • Jim Biordi, Class A, Dogwood Knolls Golf Course in Hopewell Junction, NY • John Boukas, Class AF, Maxwell Turf & Supply, Hicksville, NY • Brian Conlon, Class C, Greenwich Country Club, Greenwich, CT • Jeff Davis, Class C, Sunningdale Country Club, Scarsdale, NY • Kyle DeNuys, Class C, North Jersey Country Club, Wayne, NJ • Casey Klossner, Class SM, The Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park, NY • Brent Peveich, Class C, Fresh Meadow Country Club, Great Neck, NY • Jacob Travis, Class C, Fenway Golf Club, Scarsdale, NY • Philip Woodsmall, Class C, Centennial Golf Club, Carmel, NY • Kevin Wyatt, Class AF, Emerald Tree Care Company, Scarsdale, NY can make donations in her name to Com­ munity Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729. Members on the Move • Scott Blough is the new superintendent at Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove, NY Previous position: Superintendent at Trump National Golf Club ~ Westchester in Briarcliff Manor, NY • Jesse Bulaga is the new superintendent at Southern Dutchess Country Club in Beacon, NY Previous position: Assistant su­ perintendent at Edgewood Country Club in Rivervale, NJ. • Glenn Moore is a new assistant superin­ tendent at Country Club of Darien in Darien, CT. Previous position: Northern Design, LLC in North Haven, CT. f Newly Certified Congratulations to Mike Brunei le of Up­ per Montclair Country Club in Clifton, NJ, for completing the coursework required to become a certified golf course superintend­ ent (CGCS) with GCSAA. Birth Congratulations to Grover Alexander, su­ perintendent of Hudson Hills Golf Course and his wife, Jennifer, on the birth of their son, Nathan, on February 14. He was 5 lbs. 4 ozs. In Sympathy We would like to offer our sincere condo­ lences to All Pro Horticulture’sJohn Seib, whose mother, Virginia Faith Seib, passed away February 15 at 83 years old. Members Matt Ceplo Assumes Position on Audubon International Board J M / M / e’d like to congratulate W / M / M a tt C e p lo on his election to the Board of Directors of Audubon International. A past president of the MetGCSA and winner of GCSAAs 2013 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship, Matt has spent most of his career at Rockland Country Club in Sparkill, NY, which he guided through certification in the Audu­ bon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses in 2000. He expanded his in­ volvement with Audubon International to become a member of the Audubon Steward Network and has been a tireless advocate for various environmental initiatives, espe­ cially among members of the Met and the MGA. Speaking about Matt’s new appointment, Ryan Aylesworth, president and CEO of Audubon International, says, “Matt is well respected throughout the golf industry and recognized by his peers as a leader in en­ vironmental sustainability on the golf course.” Chuck Bassett, chairman of the Audubon International board adds, “He brings to the board a depth of knowledge about the golf industry as well as a sincere dedication to sound environmental management princi­ ples and should be very effective in helping us to encourage sustainable practices in the golf business as well as other industries.” You can read M att’s complete profile in the February issue of GCM. Tee to Green January /February /March 2014 Mark Your Calendar Mow With These Upcoming Events! Dave Mahoney Two-Ball Championship Qualifier Wednesday, April 30 GlenArbor Golf Club Bedford Hills, NY Host: Ken Benoit, CGCS Superintendent/Club Official Tournament Tuesday, May 13 Rockrimmon Country Club Stamford, CT Host: Tony Girardi, CGCS MetGCSA Invitational Tournament Tuesday,June 17 Manhattan Woods Golf Club West Nyack, NY Host: Jesse Shannon Met Area Team Championship Monday, September 29 Philadelphia Country Club Gladwyne, PA Host: Mike McNulty Scholarship & Parent/Child Tournament August, DATE TEA Mosholu Golf Course Bronx, NY Host: Dave Moffett Nine and Dine Event October, DATE TEA Silvermine Golf Club Norwalk, CT Host: Larry Pakkala, CGCS Met Championship and Met Area Team Championship Qualifier PLUS The Poa Annual Tournament Monday, September 22 Rockland Country Club Sparkill, NY Host: Matt Ceplo, CGCS Educational Events 2014 MGA/USGA Green Chairman Education Series & Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Leaders in Golf Award Luncheon Thursday, March 20 North Hills Country Club Manhasset, NY The Metropolitan Golf Association Founda­ tion, in conjunction with the United States Golf Association Green Section, has put together another informative program in its ongoing Green Chairman Education Series. 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 presentations will be fol­ lowed by a question-and-answer session. The day will conclude with the seventh annual Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Envi­ ronmental Leaders in Golf Award Luncheon. For further information, please contact Kevin Kline at kkline@mgagolf.org or 914-347-4653. Tee to Green January /February /March 201 4 19th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic Monday, May 5 Fiddler s Elbow Country Club Far Hills, NJ Join fellow industry professionals for this annual fundraiser and a day of golf, educa­ tion, and fun. Your participation helps con­ tinue turfgrass research and breeding pro­ grams at Rutgers University’s Center for Turfgrass Science. For further information, call 973-8126467 or log on to www.njturfgrass.org. 2014 University of Connecticut Turfgrass Field Day Tuesday,July 15 UConn Plant Science Research and Education Facility Storrs, CT The field day will offer guided tours of a variety of research projects underway at the university followed by a delicious lunch and an opportunity to connect with fellow tu rf professionals. Exhibitors from across the region will also be present with product and service information for the turfgrass industry. Watch the website for further details as the date approaches: www.turf.uconn.edu. Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day (Golf & Fine Turf) Tuesday,July 29 Horticultural Farm II New Brunswick, NJ Save the date, and watch for details. Call 973-812-6467 or visit www.njturfgrass.org for further information. I.lni liliur's Gung-ho to Get the Season Going With the Dave Mahoney Two-Ball Qualifier by Kevin Collins TU n Wednesday, April 30, Superin/ tendent Ken Benoit and GlenArbor Golf Club will host the Dave Mahoney Two-Ball Qualifier. GlenArbor Golf Club dates back to 1966 when the course opened as Lakeover Na­ tional Golf Club, named for the former Lakeover Estate it was built on. In 1999, business partners Grant Gregory and Ken Natori purchased the course and soon after began an extensive, two-year renovation. Under the direction of architect Gary Player, three original golf holes were elimi­ nated and three new holes were added. New bunkers and tees were created, greens were regrassed, and fairways recontoured. A beautiful “Old English Manor” style club­ house was constructed along with a yearround practice facility and training center that quickly became the model that many area clubs followed. Tin11!onil to GlonArhor Ken was born and raised in the small town of Marysville, MI, about an hour north of Detroit. Ken’s love of golf began in 1978. As Ken remembers, “My mom was taking golf lessons with a friend. I swung one of mom’s golf clubs in the living room and she thought I had a pretty good swing.” Ken graduated from the University of Detroit in 1990 with a degree in marketing and, for the next five years, worked as a re­ gional manager for an environmental ser­ vices company covering seven states. “I spent three out of every four weeks on the road. After five years, the job was losing its appeal,” says Ken. A college buddy from the University of Detroit was pursuing his master’s in Turfgrass Science at Michigan State, and it piqued Ken’s interest.“I was unhappy in my chosen profession, so I applied to Michigan State to attend their two-year program,” says Ken. “Trey Rogers, who ran the pro­ gram, told me that he wanted me to work at a golf course for a year before accepting me into the two-year school.” Ken didn’t let any grass grow under his feet. He went to see Ed Hock, the superin­ tendent at Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, MI. And though Ed didn’t need any additional staff, he liked Ken’s story and took him on for the season. “I went from making $80,000 a year to $7/hour on the golf course,” Ken recalls with a laugh. It was also during this time that Ken had the opportunity to work at the 1996 U.S. Open at Oakland Hills Golf Club for Superin­ tendent Steve Glossinger. Ken spent his internship at Congressional Country Club during the Men’s U.S. Open with superintendent guru Paul Latshaw. Then after graduating in the fall of 1997, when Latshaw was splitting his time be­ tween Congressional and Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, he offered Ken an assistant’s position at Riviera, working with future Winged Foot superintendent Erik Greytok. Riviera hosted the U.S. Senior Open that summer. After a full year at Riviera, another oppor­ tunity presented itself: “I went to work for McDonald & Sons in Baltimore, MD. They were renovating Olympia Fields for the U.S. Open and I signed on as a construction su­ perintendent,” says Ken. After traveling the country, building and renovating golf courses, Ken realized that he wanted to get back to turf. Tim Moraghan, who at the time was the head agronomist for the USGA, helped Ken line up a series of interviews in the New York metropolitan area. Ken heard through the grapevine that Steve Renzetti, Quaker Ridge’s superin­ tendent at the time, was looking for an assis­ tant. The rest is history. After a year-anda-half at Quaker, the GlenArbor superinten­ dent’s position opened up, and in July of 2001, Ken got the job. “Steve was integral in helping me to get that position,” says Ken. “I’ll be forever grateful for his help.” Ken is starting his 14th season at the club. The Riviera Connection In addition to fine training, Ken’s stint at Riviera lead him to the connection of a life­ time: his wife, Melodee. Ken and Melodee Ken Benoit, C G C S met at a Dodger’s game during Ken’s LA stay. Mel remembers, “We were sitting next to each other at the game and my hands were cold so Ken loaned me his gloves. I worked for LA Film Office at the time and invited Ken to join us at our weekly Wed­ nesday happy hour at “Red Rock” on the Sunset Strip. It wasn’t immediate, but even­ tually a light bulb went off in my head and we started dating.” Ken’s side of the story: “I won Mel over with the winning combina­ tion of Old Spice cologne and the famous Benoit charm.” Mel and Ken moved in together about six months prior to Ken taking the job with McDonald & Son. “The owner, Chip McDonald, was like a dad to me,” says Ken. “Chip had Melodee fly east so he and his wife, Betty, could meet her. Chip, being the family man he was, insisted that Mel and I get together at least every four to six weeks. It was important to him.” Ken and Mel got engaged in 1999 and were married in October of 2001. “Chip’s wife, Betty, helped me pick out Mel’s en­ gagement ring,” remembers Ken. Fourteen or so years and a few jobs later, the happy couple has a beautiful old colonial in Bed­ ford, purchased in 2008, that they are slowly Tee to Green January/February/M arch 2014 renovating. They share their home with Cory, the worlds most famous and interest­ ing Border Collie. Environmentalist and Musician Ken has served on the MetGCSA Board of Directors since 2006, assuming, most re­ cently, the role of Environmental Commit­ tee Chair. Over the past two years, Ken has devoted hundreds of hours developing the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for New York State Golf Courses (see this issues Feature, page 2) in cooperation with Cornell University. Explaining the all-consuming but worthy project, Ken notes, “The BMPs are intended to develop relationships with lawmakers, regulators, and the nongolfing public. We also see it as an educational tool for superintendents. In short, it’s about doing the right things for the environment.” The program, still a work in progress, de­ buted at this year’s Golf Industry Show in Orlando with the launch of its new website: nysgolfbmp.cals.cornell.edu. Ken also serves as the chairman of the Awards Committee for the MGAs Arthur P. Weber Environmental Leaders in Golf. In 2010, GlenArbor was selected for this presti­ gious award. In 2004, Ken’s commitment to the environment also garnered GlenArbor the “North American Bluebird Society Award.” It was the only time a golf course has been awarded this honor. A true environmentalist, Ken hosts groups of area school children at GlenArbor three times a year for the “GlenArbor Environ­ mental Education Program.” Melodee teaches a classroom session on the environ­ ment, followed by a kid-friendly hayridestyle tour of the facility where Ken talks about nature and the environment. Says Ken, “We want to leave these kids with an understanding of the importance of work­ ing together with nature and what we can do for the environment.” To date, more than 1,000 local students have visited the course. In addition to all of these extracurricu­ la r, Ken finds time to play guitar in local bands. It started with Faze 2, a band that includes GlenArbor’s Head Golf Pro Brian Crowell and his wife, Wendy. That band has taken a brief hiatus but is poised to start up again at any moment. Ken, known by his stage name “Boom Boom,” also plays lead guitar in the band Will the Thrill and the Lost Souls. Band members include Pound Ridge Golf Club’s Will Heintz on bass and banjo and Rick Torres on drums and vocals with yours truly on vocals and rhythm guitar. Ken’s passion for music inspires all his band mates to pull together and work hard. There’s no doubt this band will be hanging around for a while! April 30 will be here before you know it, so dust off your clubs and come on out for a great time! Kevin Collins, a member of the Tee to Green Editorial Committee, is Mid-Atlantic and Northeast territory managerfor Aquatrols Corp. ofAmerica and the owner/president ofDryfect Northeast/ TurfPounders. President’s Message continuedfrom page 1 Cornell, hosted an open forum event to share with others in New York State the launch of the website for the New York State Best Management Practices for Golf Courses. (Check out our Feature on page 2 for a BMP update.) This is an extremely important initia­ tive that was greeted with much support and encouragement during the meeting. Not only were there more than 30 indus­ try professionals in attendance, but the meeting was also streamed online with approximately another 30 listeners. Fol­ lowing the meeting for New York State, Ken took the opportunity to share the initiative with other associations around the country that are now looking to fol­ low our lead. In addition to Ken, Stacey, and Frank, I would like to thank many members of the GCSAA for joining us at the meeting and providing important insight into the health and welfare of our industry’s gov­ ernment relations around the country. This is an extremely important part of our business, and we need to band to ­ gether to ensure the golf industry thrives for generations to come. Before the Closing Celebration, which was attended by more than 1,000 people, I sat in on the GCSAA Annual Meeting, where MetGCSA member and Past President John O ’Keefe was elected vice president of the GCSAA for 2014. John has been dedicated to our association and industry for many years, and we are honored to have him in a leadership role at the na­ tional level. Congratulations to John, and we look forward to having him assume the reigns as GCSAA president next year at this time! (See page 6 for a complete list of newly elected GCSAA Board members.) Involvement Is Key As always, I encourage you to be involved in any way you can. Whether it’s at the local or national level, join a committee, attend government lobby days, or at the very least, attend local meetings and events. There is strength in numbers, and we need that support to show the world how important the golf industry is to our society. Good luck to everyone this spring, and I hope to see you at our season-opening Dave Mahoney Two-Ball Championship Qualifier at GlenArbor on April 30! Blake Halderman, CGCS President atron Directory Patrons listed on this page are supporting our association. You are encouraged to support them. 360GOLF © Dryject N.E. / TurfPounders “Rebuilding Golf Courses From All “Your Aerification Solution” Kevin Collins / Steve Jordan / the Right Angles” Bob Lippman Chad Lemere 914-672-6029 / Fax:845-228-1728 914-625-0676 www.360golfonline.com mcc 10512@yahoo. com O A.G. Enterprises Performance, N utrition-D ivision at Lido Chem, Inc. Randy Rider Regional Manager, Northeast & Mid-Atlantic 302-319-1001 rrider@lidochem.com © Giacini Corp. G olf Course Materials Custom Golf Michael Giancini 631-433-4494 nmgiacini@verizon.net © Pinnacle Turf, Inc. 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