est 1959 Board of Directors MetGCSA est 1959 Prèsident DAVID DUDONES Westchester Country Club Vice President KENNETH BENOIT JR., CGCS Jl B GlenArbor Golf Club Treasurer ROBERT B. ALONZI JR. Cover: Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point Fenway Golf Club Secretary BRETT CHAPIN Redding Country Club Past President GLEN DUBE, CGCS Centennial Golf Club Directors MICHAEL BRUNELLE, CGCS .. Upper Montclair Country Club BRIAN CHAPIN Paramount Country Club iMttillo STEVEN LOUGHRAN Rock Ridge Country Club STEVEN McGLONE Siwanoy Country Club VINCENT PAVONETTI, CGCS Fairview Country Club DANIEL ROGERS Wykagyl Country Club Class “C” Rep DAVE PETERSON Brae Burn Country Club Class “AF” Rep SCOTT TRETERA Harrel’s LLC Executive Director MIKE McCALL, CGCS n this Issue Feature Advocacy Day-Goers Tackle Legislative Issues...................................2 Executive Secretary SUSAN O’DOWD Tee to Green Staff Editor JIM PAVONETTI 203-531-8910 Managing Editor PANDORA C. WOJICK Editorial Committee TODD APGAR STEVEN McGLONE ANTHONY MINNITI MATT CEPLO BOB NIELSEN Levin collins SCOTT NIVEN ANDY DROHEN CHIP LAFFERTY TOM REYES GREG WOJICK Designer TERRI E YOUNG Advertising Manager Departments Member News ............................................................................................... 4 Chapter News.................................................................................................. 5 National News ............................................................................................... 6 National Scorecard....................................................................................... 6 Upcoming Events..........................................................................................7 Regional News............................................................................................... 8 MIKE BRUNELLE, 973-777-6710 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, MEfGCSA.ORG Copyright ©2017 Scorecard.......................................................................................................... 9 Spotlights........................................................................................................10 W r r ith the arrival of spring, I’ve been more than busy getting Westchester and the MetGCSA off to a good start. With the mild winter, I’m pleased to say I haven’t heard of any ice or crown hydration damage to Poa greens in our area. This is a far better way to start the season than in previous years. Finally, we are all able to focus our efforts on the many springtime priorities we have in readying our courses for a new season of play! The Hard Work of Hiring One of the greatest challenges many of us seem to be having as were gearing up for the season is finding new hires who are a good fit for our clubs. In fact, whether we are looking for assistants or laborers, it seems to be get­ ting increasingly difficult every year—par­ ticularly with the decreasing number of students enrolling in turf programs. Making a tough situation all the more difficult is the fact that minimum wage is going up a dollar a year in the Westchester area until it reaches $15 per hour in 2022. It will undoubtedly tax our budgets, and worse, potentially prevent us from hiring the staff we need to maintain our course. On a personal note, I am not looking for­ ward to the difficult task of hiring and train­ ing new employees to replace two of Westchester’s valued veterans. At 86 years old, Sam Manca, a valued crew member at Westchester for the past 18 years, is retiring. He came to Westchester after retiring from his first career as an A&P butcher! Adolf Garcia, who has maintained our tennis courts for 47 years, is also stepping down this year. I would like to thank both these gentlemen for their dedicated service to WCC. Employees with this level of expe­ rience and commitment are the backbone of many Met-area clubs and will be time-con­ suming—and costly—to replace. In a time where our springs can’t possibly get much busier, personnel management could be one of our biggest challenges. On the Positive Side... Good weather in the first week of April always produces the Augusta effect at our clubs and gets the rounds and revenue off to a strong start. The MetGCSA is off to a good start as well. It was great to see 82 players attend the Dave Mahoney Two-Ball Qualifier at Shorehaven Golf Club. Numbers were up from the past few years, and Ryan Segrue did an excellent job as host superintendent. Our Superintendent/Guest Tournament at­ tracted another nice turnout with Superin­ tendent Jason Meersman and The Patterson Club going out of their way to make the day special. All-in-all, great conditions, beautiful weather, and two courses many of us have not played before, made these events all the more enjoyable. Other positive news for the Met is that Foursomes for the Foundation went live on Charity Buzz on April 18. In one day, more than $20,000 was bid with many days left for numbers to increase even further. Other courses went out to bid on GCSAA’s Rounds for Research beginning on May 1. If we continue to have this level of success with these programs, we will be very close to reaching our goal of, once again, adding prin­ cipal to our restricted accounts. This is a great step forward for the Met, thanks to the gen­ erosity of the participating area clubs and superintendents. Executive Director Mike McCall and Edu­ cation Chair Brian Chapin have gone above and beyond in getting our Foursomes for the Foundation program off the ground and will hopefully use this as our blueprint going for­ ward in raising funds for Scholarship and Research. With a series of great golf events—and allnew venues—planned for the season, I am hoping to see our attendance numbers con­ tinue to increase. Don’t wait until the last minute to sign up for our Invitational June 6 at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. It should be a sellout! No matter what the venue, our meetings are always great opportunities to talk turf with our peers and valued sponsors and to pick up information useful in enhancing our mainte­ nance practices and operation. I’m looking forward to seeing more of you at our great roster of events! David Dudones MetGCSA President Tee to Green April/May 2017 he 18th Annual New York State Turfgrass Advocacy Day was held March 8 at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY, with 50 superintendents and other industry professionals eager to discuss this year’s priority issues: Support for the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Adoption of a State Definition of 1PM, and Parity for 3A, 3B Pesticide Applicator Fees. Advocacy Day-goers made 77 legislative visits to drive home the importance of these legislative issues. Joining me in representing the MetGCSA were Ken Benoit, CGCS; Bob Nielsen, CGCS; Matt Ceplo, CGCS; John Carlone, CGCS; Blake Halderman, CGCS; Todd Apgar; and Mike McCall, CGCS. This year the National Association of Landscape Professionals awarded NYSTA a $2,500 grant under their new Government Advocacy Partnership Program established to help their state association partners with their Advocacy efforts. NYSTA used a por­ tion of the grant to provide 10 scholarships to help individuals defray travel costs to attend Advocacy Day. The Event Kickoff The event kicked off with an association breakfast and welcoming remarks by NYSTA President Jim Hornung Jr. and NYSTA Government Relations Committee Co-Chair Michael Maffei. Jeff Williams of the New York Farm Bureau spoke on the legislative climate in Albany and budget issues currently being debated in the Legislature. He also noted that the time was right to meet with legisla­ tors since they were in the midst of final budget negotiations. Commissioner Richard Ball of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets welcomed everyone to Albany and outlined what his department is doing to enhance the agricultural and horticultural industries in New York State. Next, Todd Vandervort, representing the New York Alliance for Environmental Con­ cerns, offered attendees tips on how to make the most of their legislative visits. Provided in the attendee packets this year was a fact sheet on other New York State SERIALS MAY 22 2017 _ Metro MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY -MICHIGAN SI Alb_u v SPRING 2017 Turf Specialists Available in several sizes In-Stock PRO-SERIES PUSH SPREADERS 501b - Powder Coated 801b - Powder Coated 801b - Stainless Steel 1201b - Stainless Steel Lifetime Warranty Metal Gear System Injection-Molded Poly Hopper Sypker Dial DROP SPREADER 1201b - Powder Coated MADE IN THE USA Accu-Way™ uarantee Natura SEEDÓRESEARCH V OF OREGON 21-0-23 With UMAXX Water soluble fertilizer FLAGSTICK Plus many other varieties in stock OAquatrols Continental water hose is made of heavy duty tube with an oil resistant cover. Resists weather, abrasion and cracking. Flexible and virtually kink proof. 200 PSI rubber. 1" Green Water hose Lighter in weight and more flexible than conventional rubber hose. Available Lengths: 100' & 125' SPECIAL SIZE 110' 3/4" Orange Pliovic Water Hose. Available Lengths: 100' & 125' SPECIAL SIZES 18'& 110' ADVANTAGE^ ADVANTAGES ADVANTAGE. > ■SSsHm BE PREPARED AND BE PROTECTED Buexss Insect Repellent IvyX IvyX Towelettes x— s Effective for 7+ hours of protection against mosquitoes and other virus carrying insects. Pre-contact barrier An invisible barrier to help protect against outdoor irritants. Post-contact skin cleanser effective in assisting in the removal of poisonous plant oils. Damminix is an environmentally friendly, easy to use and precisely targeted solution to kill deer ticks Customers, Our Top Priority 81 Commerce Dr. Brookfield, CT 06804 ( Metro Turf Specialists www.metroturfspecialists.com Nature %afe + ©Aquatrols Nature Safe 8-3-5 Fine with Synergy TOTAL NITROGEN (N)................................................................. 8.00 % AMMONICAL ................................................................. 0.20 % WATER INSOLUBLE ..............................................................7.20% WATER SOLUBLE ................................................................... 0.60% PHOSPHATE (P2O5) ..................................................................3.00 % POTASH (K^O) ‘ 5.00% SULFUR (S) 4.00% CALCIUM (Ca) ............................................................. 3 00 % MAGNESIUM (Mg) ..................................................................2.20 % Source of Nutrients: Spreader Settings .WAT ..IBiö score si SCOTS V5CÖH "Tirr5 NO 35-25' Ml fcL 5-25 Ufc.N The listed spreader settings are a starting point Setting cam vary based on terrain and the individual applicators speed Two 1 2 pound nitrogen applications will give 100 phis days of water management m fine textured soils. This is an excellent product for use on bunker banks, green surrounds, walkoff areas, primary & secondary' rough and law ns Hydrolyzed feather meal meal meal bone meat blood meal, fish meal .and langfremte This Product contains 7.2% slow release nitrogen from hydrolyzed feather meal meat meal and fish meal ft Metro x> Active Ingredient Synergy' Concentrate improves the infiltration and penetration of applied irrigation water and rainfall It also ulereases nitrogen efficacy and minimizes leaching Turf Specialists metrotiufspecialists.com 203.748 4653 SYNERGY CUSTOMERS, OUR TOP PRIORITY 501b Bag Todd Apgar 203-948-4941 Scott Apgar 914-879-9357 Rich Apgar 516-216-0731 scott.apgar@metroturfspecialists.com rich.apgar@metroturfspecialists.com todd.apgar@metroturfspecialists.com Jake Green 203-984-7501 Matt Topazio 845-821-8986 jake.green@metroturfspecialists.com matt.topazio@metroturfspecialists.com Office - Gary: Phone: (203) 748-GOLF (4653) - Fax: (203) 743-0458 I Turfgrass ADVOCACY 2017 .* , H* Tîl ‘KYOUTOOUR EVENT / Z\\ budget items supported by NYSTA. These included funding for: • the Pesticide Management Education Pro­ gram at Cornell • ongoing work on a Pollinator Protection Plan • the development of an Urban Landscapes Management Plan, which would be modeled after the golf course BMPs Rick Zimmerman, also representing the New York Alliance for Environmental Concerns, gave an overview of these bud­ get issues and urged attendees to work these issues into their conversations with legislators. The Issues of the Day Next, industry leaders spoke to attendees about the following issues: Garnering Support for the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund Greg Chorvas, Past President of the New York State Turfgrass Association Greg spoke about the status and importance of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund, reporting that it was our Number One issue for the day. The 2015-2016 New York State Budget included a $150,000 appropria­ tion to support research that provides im­ proved turf management solutions. Continuing research is essential in provid­ ing turf management solutions that are key in preserving and protecting environmental quality. With this in mind, NYSTA recomGlenArbor Superintendent and BMP Committee Chair Ken Benoit discusses importance of supporting the ongoing development of the BMPs for New York State golf courses. gy landscape PROFESSIONALS PUTINUM MetGCS, NYSTA President Jim Hornungjr. welcomes superintendents and other industry professionals to the 18th Annual Advocacy Day event. mended that legislators fund a $200,000 line item in the 2017-2018 budget. In 2016, $23,500 of this funding went toward supporting the ongoing develop­ ment of the BMPs for New York State Golf Courses. GlenArbor Superintendent Ken Benoit detailed the completion of the Strategic Plan, the Educational Plan, and the production of a Pollinator Educational Video. In addition to focusing their discussions on the issues of the day, attendees were encour­ aged to present the BMP concept to legisla­ tors during each of their visits. Adopting a State Definition of IPM Michael Majfei, CGCS, New York State Turfgrass Association Mike reviewed the Adoption of a State Definition of IPM, stating that NYSTA believes New York State would be best served by adopting the IPM terminology recognized by the Food Quality Protection Act, the National Integrated Pest Manage­ ment Network, and the Empire State Coun­ cil of Agricultural Organizations. Several legislative proposals define IPM as using pesticides as a last resort. As we all know, pes­ ticides are used as a tool in an IPM program. NYSTA supports bills S524 (intro­ duced by Senator Young) and A526 (in­ troduced by Assemblywoman Gun­ ther), which define integrated pest manage­ and economic risks and impacts. These op­ tions may include biological, cultural, physi­ cal, and chemical tools to prevent pest infestations or reduce them to acceptable levels.” Both Senator Youngs and Assembly­ woman Gunthers bills are currently in their respective Environmental Conservation committees. Parity for 3A, 3B Certified Applicator Fees Larry Wilson, Chairman of the New York Alliance for Environmental Concerns Larry explained that currently 3A, 3B certi­ fied commercial pesticide applicators pay $200 per year ($600 over three years) and have an annual certification period. By con­ trast, the other 25 classifications pay $450 every three years and have a three-year cer­ tification period. NYSTA is requesting parity within the certified commercial system by lowering the annual 3A and 3B fees to $150 per year and realigning the certi­ fication time period from one to three years. NYSTA, therefore, supBack O’ Beyond Super and NYSTA Government Relations Co-Chair Mike Majfei reviews the Adoption of a State Definition of IPM. ment as a “systematic approach to managing pests that utilizes a diversity of management options to minimize health, environmental, Tee to Green April/May 2017 “Without our industry’s presence at the Turfgrass Lobby Day, the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund and other programs, such as Integrated Pest Management, would not be recognized by legislators as critical programs worthy of continued state support.” - Rick Zimmerman ports bills S1045 (introduced by Sen­ ator Funke) and A1630 (introduced by Assemblyman Skoufis). The Benefits of Being Involved If you are not a member of NYSTA, please consider joining. Your membership pro­ vides NYSTA with the resources needed to The Legislative Visits and Closing plan and implement many informative industry-related events, not the least of Activities which is our annual Turfgrass Advocacy With the various presentations complete, Day. Particularly important to preserving attendees had the opportunity to meet with our livelihood, the Advocacy Day is legislators and share their views and recom­ mendations on the issues. After the legisla­ designed to: tive visits were completed, attendees re­ • Protect you and your golf course from turned for a luncheon and wrap-up of the losing the tools needed to perform your job mornings activities. Attendees also had the • Prevent any onerous new regulations opportunity to share any feedback they from adversely affecting our industry received during their legislator visits with • Advocate for changes to—or the repeal of—laws and regulations that affect our Rick Zimmerman for follow-up. “The annual New York State Turfgrass clubs If you would like more information on Association Lobby Day is a critical part of NYSTA or the New York State Turfgrass effective advocacy on behalf of the turfgrass Advocacy Day, you will find it on the industry,” says Rick Zimmerman, lobbyist NYSTA website: www.nysta.org. Though for the New York Alliance for Environ­ mental Concerns. “As I often say, ‘Govern­ you may not have been able to attend, con­ ment is run by those who show up.’ This sider visiting your assembly member or statement is particularly true when it comes senator in their district offices or writing to affirming support for industry programs,” them to discuss these issues. Please give serious consideration to at­ continues Zimmerman. “Without our indus­ tending the Turfgrass Advocacy Day in try’s presence at the Turfgrass Lobby Day, 2018. Laws and regulations affect everyone, the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship and your input is important! Fund and other programs, such as Integrated Pest Management, would not be recognized by legislators as critical programs worthy of Michael Maffei, golf course superintendent at continued state support. Many thanks to Back O’Beyond in Brewster, NY, is a past presi­ those who spend the time and resources to dent of NYSTA and co-chair of the NYSTA Government Relations Committee. advocate for their industry.” Special Thanks to Our Sponsors We would like to acknowledge the following sponsors who helped make this successful event possible: the Metropolitan Golf Course Superin­ tendents Association, the Hudson Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Northeastern Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Central New York Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Long Island Golf Course Superintendents Tee to Green April/May 2017 Association, the Nassau Suffolk Land­ scape Gardeners Association, the Na­ tional Association of Landscape Pro­ fessionals, RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), Helena, Dow AgroSciences, TruGreen, Syn­ genta, Bayer, Five Star Golf Cars & Utility Vehicles, Funk Lawn Care, Lawn Dawg Inc., SavaLawn/SavATree, and the Steve Smith Memorial NYSTA Challenge. New Members Please join us in welcoming the following new MetGCSA members: • Michael McKeel, Class C, Innis Arden Golf Club, Old Greenwich, CT • Marc Muniz, Class C, Century Country Club, Purchase, NY • Jonathan Heywood, Class A, Morris County Golf Club, Morristown, NJ Members on the Move • George Chavez is the new superintend­ ent at Pelham Bay/Split Rock Golf Course in Bronx, NY Previous position: Assistant superintendent at Pelham Country Club in Pelham Manor, NY • Greg Eisner is the new superintendent at Fieldstone Golf Club in Greenville, DE. Previous position: Superintendent at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in Bronx, NY • Noah McCahill is the new superin­ tendent at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in Bronx, NY Previous position: Assistant superintendent at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. • Brian O’Malley is the new superin­ tendent at Blue Hill Golf Course in Pearl River, NY Previous position: Assistant superintendent at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Scarborough, NY • Dave Parson is the new superintendent at The Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, MA. Previous position: Assistant superintendent at the Whippoorwill Club in Armonk, NY • Ray Platt is the new superintendent at Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono, ME. Previous position: Assistant superin­ tendent at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT. Newly Certified Congratulations to Jesse Shannon of Manhattan Woods Golf Club in West Nyack, NY, for completing the coursework required to become a certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) with GCSAA. Well Wishes Ridgewood Country Club Superintendent Dave Kerr’s son, Charlie, was severely in­ jured after a serious motorcycle accident mid-April. Please join us in wishing Charlie a speedy recovery. In Sympathy We would like to offer our sincere condo­ lences to Scarsdale Golf Club Superinten­ dent Matt Severino and his family. Matt’s father, Matthew L. Severino, passed away March 20. He was 85. Chapter News VI (« A Green Chairman Education Series Sheds Eight on Intricacies of Golf Course Management (^/he MGA Foundation hosted its annual Green Chairman Education —^^Series at Old Westbury Golf & Country Club on March 14. Yet another success, this year’s event drew Met Area golf course superintendents, professionals, green chairmen, and club officials who enjoyed presentations from industry professionals— many of them MetGCSA members—in the fields of golf course management, mainte­ nance, and agronomy As always, one of the highlights of the event was the awards luncheon, which hon­ ors an MGA member club that has demon­ strated environmental stewardship through golf course maintenance, construction, edu­ cation, and research. This year’s Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Leaders in Golf Award went to a club outside the MetGCSA: Newton Country Club in Newton, NJ. Superintend­ ent Les Carpenter was there to accept the award, which recognized the club for its sig­ nificant reduction in pesticide use and ener­ gy consumption. This year’s seminar featured the following presentations: Adam Moeller, Director, USGA Green Section Education Bunkers: The Most Expensive Hazard on the Course Adam Moeller gave an overview on the maintenance costs of bunker playability and controllable ways to impact their consis­ tency. In particular, he discussed the im­ portance of proper construction methods, draining, raking techniques, and sand selection. Jim Skorulski, Senior Agronomist, USGA Green Section When Every Drop Counts: Opportunities to Conserve and Improve Water Efficiency Jim Skorulski’s presentation emphasized the importance of water conservation and how clubs could save water and money by improving irrigation efficiency. Among the most effective methods were modernizing a system’s design, upgrading piping, and installing new sprinkler heads. Tony Girardi, CGCS, Superintendent, Rockrimmon Country Club A past MetGCSA president and current TriState Turfgrass Research Foundation Presi­ dent Tony Girardi gave an update on recent turfgrass research projects conducted by local universities and a variety of other re­ search partners, such as the GCSAA and the New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation. Ken Benoit, CGCS, Superintendent, GlenArbor Golf Club MetGCSA Vice President and New York State BMP Committee Chair Ken Benoit provided an update on the development of Best Management Practices for New York State golf courses. Stephen Rabideau, CGCS, Superintendent, Winged Foot Golf Club Winged Foot Restoration Project: Using Greenscan3D Laser Mapping to Rebuild Greens to USGA Guidelines While Preserving Their Original Size, Shape, and Contours MetGCSA member Stephen Rabideau pro­ vided an inside look at how Winged Foot’s use of 3D mapping allowed the club to transform their classic, soil-based greens to modern USGA greens. The rebuilding process resulted in enhanced playability and improved performance of the putting surfaces. Dave Oatis, Director, Northeast Region, USGA Green Section The Lightning Round: New Tools, Programs, and Ideas That You Can Use to Improve Your Course and Conserve Resources Dave Oatis covered a variety of topics in his presentation, including the use of GPS tracking technology to understand golfer traffic and how to calculate the best aeration date. He also introduced the USGA’s new Resource Management tool that allows superintendents to monitor the use of water, fuel, and labor. The Award Revisited For the uninitiated, the Arthur P. Weber Award is named in honor of past MGA President Arthur P. Weber, who passed away in 2008. Weber wrote an Environmental Code of Conduct for golf course mainte­ nance at his home club, Old Westbury on Long Island, nearly two decades ago that many Met Area clubs still use as a model. Weber was a longtime member of the USGA Green Section and helped found the MGA Green Committee and the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation. Past recipients of the award include The Whippoorwill Club (2016), Neshanic Valley Golf Course (2015), Manhattan Woods Golf Club (2014), Wee Burn Country Club (2013), Rockland Country Club (2012), the Round Hill Club (2011), GlenArbor Golf Club (2010), Westchester Country Club (2009), Sebonack Golf Club (2008), and Trump National Golf Club ~ Bedminster (2007). If you missed this year’s seminar, be sure to schedule time in to attend next year. There’s always an outstanding lineup of speakers and, we can’t forget, the opportunity to showcase your course’s environmental ef­ forts with an application for the Arthur P. Weber Environmental Leaders in Golf Award. We hope to see you in 2018! Tee to Green April/May 2017 Maynard Elected 81st President oí GCSAA Members Elect New Board, Approve Dues Increase at Annual Meeting National Championship by Steve Loughran "ill Maynard, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance ^operations at Country Club of St. Albans, MO, became GCSAA’s 81st presi­ dent at the association’s Annual Meeting held February 9 at the Golf Industry Show in Orlando, FL. A 30-year member of GCSAA, Maynard has served on the association’s board of directors since 2010. He is also a member of the Mississippi Valley GCSA and a past pres­ ident of the Heart of America GCSA, in addition to a former board member of the Carolinas GCSA. “This association needs us to need each other,” said Maynard of fellow golf industry professionals, adding that the person one encourages to become an active participant in association matters may someday end up at the helm of the whole operation. That was the case for Maynard, himself, who was spurred into service by those who mentored him early in his career. A native of Nashville, TN, Maynard earned a bachelor’s degree from the Uni­ versity of Tennessee in 1986. He was previ­ ously the superintendent at Milburn Golf & Country Club in Overland Park, KS; Champion Hills Club in Hendersonville, NC; and The Virginian Golf Club in Bristol, VA. Maynard succeeds past president Peter Grass, who served as GCSAA president in 2016. Grass will continue on the board as immediate past president. GCSAA Board of Directors at a Glance President Bill H. Maynard, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance operations at Country Club of St. Albans, MO Vice President Darren J. Davis, CGCS, superintendent at Olde Florida Golf Club, Naples, FL Secretary / Treasurer Rafael Barajas, CGCS, director of golf course operations at Boca Grove Plantation Golf & Tennis Club, Boca Raton, FL ® Tee to Green April/May 2017 Bill Maynard, CGCS GCSAA President Director • John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS, grounds and facilities manager at Kalamazoo (MI) Country Club • Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, natural resources leader at Westfield Group Country Club, Westfield Center, OH • John Walker, director of golf course main­ tenance at Bentwater Yacht and Country Club, Montgomery, TX • Kevin P. Sunderman, grounds director at Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club, St. Petersburg, FL • Kevin P. Breen, CGCS, superintend­ ent at La Rinconada Country Club, Los Gatos, CA Immediate Past President Peter J. Grass, CGCS, golf course superin­ tendent at Hilands Golf Club in Billings, MT John J. O’Keefe, CGCS, director of golf course management at Preakness Hills Country, retires from the board after serv­ ing the last year as immediate past president. Other Mews During the Annual Meeting, members passed a proposed increase in dues from $375 per year to $380 for Class A and B members, and from $190 per year to $195 for Class C members. They also approved a change to the bylaws that removed the ref­ erence to “golf industry” from the defini­ tion of an equipment manager. ff / hen the calendar turns to f/ January, that means it’s time for MetGCSA members to dust off their clubs and get ready to participate in one or more of the National Championship and Golf Classic tournaments. This year, Orlando played host to 460 par­ ticipants competing in 26 Net and Gross GCSAA Tournaments. Many MetGCSA members took advantage of the mild winter and worked on their games, producing a number of highly respectable finishes. GCSAA National Championship The National Championship was played at a pair of very difficult, but fair courses. Pan­ ther Lake at Orange County National and Grande Lakes at The Ritz-Carlton. Out of the strong field of 85 competitors, Michael Stieler from Spring Creek Golf & Country Club in Ripon, CA,put on a display of steady play to take home the title. Stieler carded back-to-back rounds of one over par and had an even-par back nine in the final round to secure the trophy for the second time. The competition was too tough for the MetGCSA participants, which included Tom Ashfield of Quaker Ridge, Sean Cain of Sunningdale, Steve Loughran of Rock Ridge, and Jason Meersman of The Patterson Club. However, all had respectable finishes in the middle of the field. The Golf Classic took place on Sunday and Monday with the flights playing at different host sites. The sites included Grande Lakes Ritz-Carlton, Orange County National Crooked Cat and Panther Lake, Celebration Golf Club, and Shingle Creek. Our MetGCSA participants played hard both days, but just like the National Champ­ ionship division, it was tough to overcome the lack of playing time over the winter. The most notable finish was by Bob Nielsen of Bedford Golf & Tennis with an eighth-place finish in the Fourth Flight Net Division. In the Senior Division, James Swiatlowski of Montammy captured Second Place Gross in the Second Flight with an impressive 53 points in the Stableford format. Addition­ ally, Tim O’Neill of Country Club of Darien lit Out in the was able to bring home a fifth-place Net finish in the Second Flight. Nice playing gentlemen! Team Events Many of our MetGCSA members teamed up for the Four-Ball Competition and placed very well in their respective flights, each finishing in the money It was a great representation of our Section. In the First Flight. . . The team ofJohn Carlone of Meadow Brook and Les Ken­ nedy of Blind Brook came in a tie for sec­ ond at -7 in the Net Division. In the Second Flight . . . The teams of David Dudones of Westchester Country Club and James Swiatlowski of Montammy and Blake Halderman of Brae Burn and Jeff Wentworth of Pelham were tied for third in the Net Division at -9. In the Third Flight... The team ofjohn Genovesi of Maidstone and his partner Ryan Hanlen won the gross division at +5, and the team of Mike Cook of The Care of Trees and his partner Scott Schukraft won the Net Division with an impressive -12. In the Chapter Team event, two teams represented the MetGCSA. The Net Team was the foursome of Rob Alonzi of Fenway, David Dudones of Westchester, Blake Halderman of Brae Burn, and Bob Nielsen of Bedford Golf & Tennis. MetGCSA’s Gross Team,Tom Ashfield of Quaker Ridge, Sean Cain of Sunningdale, Steve Loughran of Rock Ridge, and Jason Meersman of Patterson. Both teams played well but ended up falling to the middle of the field. The Lone Star GCSA won the Gross Division and the Mississippi Valley GCSA took the Net division. There’s Always Next Year If you were not able to take advantage of the warm weather in Orlando, please con­ sider joining in on the fun in San Antonio, TX, next year. It truly is a great competi­ tion, filled with camaraderie and invalu­ able networking opportunities. Mark Your Calendars With These Upcoming MetGCSA and Industry Events MetGCSA Invitational Tournament Met Area Team Championship Tuesday,June 6 Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, Bronx, NY Host: Noah McCahill Tuesday, October 16 Westchester Country Club, Rye, NY Host: David Dudones Summer Social MetGCSA/CAGCS Fall Seminar Monday, July 10 Orienta Beach Club, Mamaroneck, NY Thursday, November 9 The Patterson Club, Fairfield, CT Host: Jason Meersman Summer Picnic Wednesday,July 19 Bedford Village Memorial Park Bedford, NY MetGCSA Winter Seminar Wednesday,January 10, 2018 Westchester Country Club, Rye, NY Host: David Dudones The Poa/Met Championship/ Met Team Qualifier Monday, October 3 Sunningdale Country Club Scarsdale, NY Host: Sean Cain, CGCS Regional Events Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day (Golf & Fine Turf) Tuesday, July 25 Horticultural Farm II New Brunswick, NJ The annual Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day for Golf & Fine Turf allows in­ dustry professionals to view the university’s many research plots, as well as learn about the most current developments in turfgrass management. Field tours throughout the day will focus on disease, insect, and weed control, and attendees will have the oppor­ tunity to evaluate a variety of new golf course products. Save the date, and feel free to call 973812-6467 or visit www.njturfgrass.org for further information. 2017 UMass Turf Research Field Day Wednesday,July 26 UMass Joseph Troll Turf Research Center South Deerfield, MA Presented on a biannual basis, this field day highlights the wide range of research proj­ ects taking place at the university. Turf practitioners will have the opportunity to not only view projects underway, but also meet and speak with UMass staff. The event will include a trade show and demon­ strations and exhibits from numerous industry vendors. For further information, visit http:// ag.umass.edu/turf/ research/umass-turfresearch-field- day. 2017 GREEN EXPO Turf & Landscape Conference Tuesday — Thursday, December 5-7 The Borgata Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, NJ The New Jersey Green Expo offers a com­ prehensive educational program providing cutting-edge applications and tactics to guarantee green industry professionals’ suc­ cess on the job. Offering one of the largest trade shows in the tri-state area, the expo also provides attendees with the opportu­ nity to view the latest and greatest products and services on the market. For further information, call 973-8126467 or visit www.njturfgrass.org. Steve Loughran, our Tournament Committee Chair, is superintendent of Rock Ridge Country Club in Newtown, CT. Tee to Green April/May 2017 by Andy Drohen n February 16, nine golf course superintendent associations from the Northeast competed in the fourth annual Noreaster Ski Day event at Killington Ski Resort in Killington, VT. More than 100 superintendents and industry represen­ tatives, along with their families, came together for a day of camaraderie, great ski­ ing, and friendly competition on the slopes of Vermont. For the third time in a row, the host team from Vermont, led by the fastest male of the mountain, James Writer, took home the Noreaster Cup. They defeated their archri­ vals from the Northeastern group by just 9 seconds! The flatlanders from New Jersey claimed an impressive third place with two of their racers placing in the top six overall! And finally, at 60 years old, MetGCSA mem­ ber Jeff Scott placed fourth overall for indi­ viduals and, at the same time, helped our team to their fourth-place finish as well! The staff at Killington Mountain’s Rac­ ing School was so impressed with the skill level of our expert golfers that they set up an even more challenging course this year on their black diamond “Highline” race trail, just a few hundred feet away from where the women’s World Cup event was held in November! Conditions were just perfect this year with several Nor’easters dropping powder in time for the February event. Race conditions were described as firm and fast for the tworun giant slalom race. Each team totaled their fastest four racers and prizes were given out to the fastest overall male and female skiers and boarders! Vermont also success­ fully defended their title over the Northeastern group in the Vermont Cup, a rivalry that dates back to 1993! Top Scorers at Killington Trophies and prizes were awarded to the following “Kings and Queens of the Mountain”: Fastest Male Skier: James Writer from the Vermont GCSA Tee to Green April/May 2017 28.10 Koch Agronomic's Andy Drohen (right) on the Wobbly Barn stage with Syngenta's Brian Goudey working the event's annualfundraising raffle designed to raise money to support those in needfrom our industry. Fastest Female Skier: Claire Whitaker from the Northeastern GCSA 34.87 Fastest Male Snowboarder: Mark Finch from the Vermont GCSA Fastest Female Snowboarder: 36.69 No racers Here’s a look at how the teams fared in the competition: Team Scores Time (Fastestfour individual times totaled) 1st Vermont GCSA 2:00:64 (Winner ofNor’easter Cup & Vermont Cup) 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th Northeastern GCSA New Jersey GCSA MetGCSA GCSA New England Connecticut AGCS Rhode Island GCSA Cape Cod Long Island GCSA 2:09:93 2:18:68 2:22:45 2:24.55 2:26:38 2:34:80 2:51.55 2:56:89 The (■ rand Finale If the skiing and racing did not provide enough excitement for folks, then the Après Ski party at the Wobbly Barn proved a fine ending to a competitive day on the slopes. Support from our generous sponsors helped provide great food and an open bar for a few hours after skiing. Killington is the place to be during the winter, providing highly dis­ counted ski passes for the group and afford­ able pricing on lodging! Make sure to watch for dates for 2018 and join your associates for a great day on the slopes during the off­ season! As in years past, this event also serves as a fundraising opportunity to help industry members in times of need. Over the past sev­ eral years, proceeds from the Noreaster Ski Day have offered support to fellow superin­ tendents or their family members dealing with everything from medical challenges to recovery from a natural disaster. The event has raised thousands of dollars so far, and we are pleased to have increased that number by more than $1,000 again in 2017. If you want to send us a message rec- Shorehaven Attracts More-Than-a-Full Field of Two-Ball Qualifiers by Steve Wickstrom ommending someone in need, please feel free to contact any of the board members. In the meantime, we will start a savings account for future needs. We are all fortunate to be associated with such great folks, and we encourage all of you to join us next year as we continue to use the event to help our own. Thanks to all who donated so generously, and spe­ cial thanks to Augie Young of Sipcam, Wes Bishop of Reliable Racing, and Scott Watelet from Northern Ski Works, who all generously donated to our raffle! Another special thanks to Chris Co­ wan, who took some great photographs at the event. Photos of the race day can be viewed at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/115122615@N07/albums/72157679 762673642. Thank You to Our Sponsors The Noreaster Ski Day was made great because of the overwhelming support of its sponsors! We would like to thank the fol­ lowing companies for their help in mak­ ing this event a huge success. Platinum Sponsors: Syngenta, Jacob­ sen, MTE Turf Equipment, and Vermont Precision Reel Grinding Gold Sponsors: BASF, Sipcam Rotam, Toro, Turf Products, and Grassland Silver Sponsors: Atlantic Golf & Turf, GenNext, Aquatrols, Seeton Turf, Koch Turf & Ornamental, Northeast Golf & Turf Supply, Rain Bird, New England Specialty Soils, Sunbelt Rentals, Harrell’s, and Winfield Bronze Sponsors: Bayer, DOW Agro Sciences, Valley Green, FMC, Nufarm, Putnam Pipe, Winterberry Irrigation, Grigg Brothers, Quali-Pro, Vermont GCSA, and the Northeastern GCSA Special thanks goes out to Syngenta for supplying everyone with great T-shirts that are sure to become collectors’ items over the years! Hope to see you next winter on the slopes! Andy Drohen, a member of the Tee to Green Editorial Committee is the Northeast Sr. Ter­ ritory Manager with Koch Agronomic Services. Jf/f /e, had a large field, with 84 golfers in all, and great weather for our annual Dave Mahoney Two-Ball Qualifier held this year on April 22 at Shorehaven Country Club. Our host Superintendent Ryan Segrue and his staff had Shorehaven looking green and in mid­ season form, which had area supers feel they should rush back to their courses to get those fertilizer applications going. A big thank you to Shorehaven’s clubhouse and pro shop staffs and to Ryan and his staff for their wonderful hospitality and for going the extra mile in making this a special event. The Highlights The competition was fierce as 34 teams vied for the 32 available spots. Jason Meersman and Todd Apgar earned themselves the num­ ber one seed by winning the 2016 First Flight Championship. Steve Loughran and Brian Bontemps will be the number two seed, hav­ ing shot a gross 72 and a tournament low net of 66. Tim Walker and Ryan Batz, will be the Second Flight top seed having won the 2016 Second Flight Championship. Using course knowledge and what we can assume was some favorable course setup to his advantage, Ryan Segrue and his partner, Jim Shell, shot an 89 for a net 71 to earn the second seed. Prizes were awarded for one Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin on five holes. Low scores were also rewarded with Low Gross of the Day going to partners Tom Ashfield and Andy Drohen with a 71. Please be sure to visit our website at www.metgcsa.org to see how the teams are faring in each round of the competition. If you are playing in the event, note that all matches should be completed by the follow­ ing dates: Round One-June 30 Quarter Finals - August 4 Semi-Finals - September 8 Finals - October 6 Tournament results will be promptly up­ dated throughout the season. The winning team of each match is responsible for report­ ing their results to tournament director Steve Loughran at sloughranl7@yahoo.com. Now, a look at the day’s golf results: Events of the Day Results Low Gross Winners 71 74 Tom Ashfield/Andy Drohen Quaker Ridge GC/Koch Agronomic Services Reed Williams/Nicholas Roberto Cushman E-Z-Go Low Net Winners 66 67 68 69 Steve Loughran/Brian Bontemps Rock Ridge CC/Seeton Turf Warehouse Tony Grasso/Scott Tretera Westchester CC/Harrell's LLC Brent Peveich/Mark Chant Pine Hollow CC/Turf Science of Conn. Tim Walker/Ryan Batz Leewood GC/Grass Roots Turf Prods. Closest to the Pin #2 Jaime Devers, Canoe Brook CC 3' 2” #5 Sean Cain, Sunningdale CC 5’ 7” #13 Steve Loughran, Rock Ridge CC 9’ #15 Zach Brooks IP 11” Seeton Turf Warehouse #17 Doug Snyder, Milbrook Club IP 10” Longest Drive Brian Chapin, Paramount CC Steve Wickstrom, a member of the MetGCSA Tournament Committee, is superintendent at Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich, CT. A Finish to the Unfinished Business at the 2016 Two-Ball The First Flight Finalists, Todd Apgar & Jason Meersman and Larry Pakkala & Scott Niven finally came together to play their final match in the 2016 Dave Mahoney Two-Ball Tournament. The two teams met on April 17 to bat­ tle it out on the Hudson National links. From all accounts, it wasn’t much of a bat­ tle until the 15th hole, when Scott won it to put himself and his partner, Larry, down 3 with three to play. On 16, Larry knocked it within four feet on the par 3,230-yard hole overlook­ ing the beautiful Hudson River. Unfor­ tunately, he missed the putt, only to hand the victory to Jason and Todd. Congrat­ ulations Jason and Todd! So some things really are worth waiting for! Tee to Green April/May 2017 I Jason Meersman Welcomes Super/Guest Tournament to Patterson by Todd Apgar etGCSA members had / f / Jrj the fortunate opportu—/ nity to experience The Patterson Club in Fairfield, CT, from a whole new perspective. Host to our annual Fall Seminar, attendees have seen little more than the inside of Patterson’s impressive clubhouse. On May 1, that changed as Host Superintendent Jason Meersman wel­ comed Met members to the course to com­ pete in our annual Superintendent/Guest Tournament. ting green and greens on the sixth and eigh­ teenth holes were entirely rebuilt. As if all that weren’t enough, all greens were then regrassed with A1/A4 bentgrass during the project. “This is a course where both strong and average golfers can enjoy themselves,” says Jason. “And I am happy to provide them with a great product.” You can clearly see the members’ enjoy­ ment as they wave Jason over to thank him for his hard work.“Some of the members will joke and jab me about the changes,” says Jason, “but I know they are doing it in good fun.” Family Man and More In addition to hosting our annual Fall Sem­ inar, Jason is happy to serve the association as The Patterson Club Yesterday and a member on the Advertising Committee, a position he’s held since joining the Met in Today 2012. The Patterson Club was first organized by Made fur the Indusry Though work and industry commitments General Electric Co. employees in 1929 as a Coming from a family of golf course super­ can be more-than-a-fulltime job, Jason al­ dining and social club with 20 charter intendents, Jason Meersman always had one ways finds time for family. In fact, when I members. Its name was derived from C. E. Patterson, a vice president and general man­ thing in mind: following in his family’s foot­ stopped by to ask a few questions for this ager of GE’s Appliance and Merchandise steps and becoming a superintendent, him­ profile, there he was, sitting in his office self, one day. The legacy began with Jason’s with his daughter Malin by his side. Jason Department. By the spring of 1930, it had more than grandfather, who was a golf course superin­ and his wife of six years, Lara, have two 100 members and was located at the beauti­ tendent at South Bend Country Club, in daughters: Malin, who is 5, and, Luella, who ful Harral homestead in Bridgeport, CT. In South Bend, IN, and continued with Jason’s is almost 3. If Jason is not at the course, he’s spending 1945, the club then purchased the 163-acre father. At just 12 years old, Jason, along with his time playing with his daughters, at the gym Quasset Farm, home to Winthrop Palmer, the first female CT State Senator, so it could older brother, Dan, who is now director of with his wife, playing golf, or traveling to grounds at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, new places. be expanded to include facilities for golf. began working for their father at the 36“My family means the world to me,” says The premier golf course architect of the hole, semi-private Pine View Golf Club in Jason. “And my wife is the glue that holds time, Robert Trent Jones Sr., was commis­ sioned to design the original course, which Three Rivers, MI. Still in the turf business, our family together.” Now for a few little-known facts about opened in June of 1947. The first official Jason’s father is currently the director of parks and recreation in Kingman, AZ. Jason: When he was 18, Jason won a washer foursome on the course was GE President “We all feel very lucky to have had the and dryer and a bedroom set on The Price Is Charles E. Wilson, GE Chairman Phillip D. Reed, and renowned golfers Bobby Jones and opportunity to be part of this great game,” Right television show. Celebrating his 15 says Jason. minutes of fame, Jason took the opportunity Gene Sarazen! With a future in golf course management to chat with the famous game show host, The club has undergone many improve­ assured, Jason attended Michigan State Uni­ Bob Barker. “After he found out I was a state ments in the past 70 years, but none more successful than the renovation of the golf versity where he studied Turfgrass Manage­ champion golfer in Michigan (wow, who course and construction of the new club­ ment. Shortly after graduation, Jason was knew?), he and I had a nice conversation house, both of which opened in May of hired as an assistant superintendent at Caves about golf,” says Jason. Hope you all had the chance to pull Jason 2010. The course renovation, done by Rees Valley Golf Club in Maryland, working un­ aside at the Superintendent/Guest for the Jones, greatly enhanced the course while der Steve Glossinger. “I cannot say enough about the team lead­ scoop on his claim-to-fame story. Check out seamlessly maintaining Robert Trent Jones ers and membership at Caves Valley,” says the results on the next page to see how all Sr.’s original vision and layout. It involved Jason. “To this day, they treat me like family, who came out for this terrific event fared in rebuilding all tees and bunkers, as well as the addition of several new tees and bunkers. and I would not be where I am today without the competition. Many greens were expanded to gain new their guidance.” After six years at Caves Valley,Jason landed Todd Apgar, a member of the Tee to Green and interesting pin placements, and the put­ his first and current superintendent’s job at Editorial Committee, is a sales representative The Patterson Club in December 2011. with Metro Turf Specialists. © Tee to Green April/May 2017 Spotlig The Winning Results of the Super/Guest Tournament a by Steve Loughran J n May 1, Patterson Club / Superintendent Jason Meersman W ------' and his staff did an outstanding job of showcasing their course for our annual Superintendent/Guest Tournament. Many thanks to the entire Patterson Club staff for going out of their way to make the day special for MetGCSA superintendents and their guests. Contestants competed in a Yellow Ball Tournament, which is a Best Ball Net event, as well as the traditional Superintendent/Guest, which is a Gross & Net competition. Here’s a look at how the contestants fared: Yellow Ball Event First Place Winners - 72 Andrew Agnew, superintendent Gary Trapani/Bill Cook/Joe Ferrari, club officials Mt. Kisco Country Club Longest Drive - #4 Chad Joshpe, club official Rock Ridge Country Club Closest to the Pin - #14 Carlos Sanes, asst, superintendent Fairview Country Club Gross & Net Competition First Place Gross Winners ~ 142 by Jim Pavonetti, CGCS Dave Lippman Westchester Turf Ryan Oliver, superintendent Hudson National Jeff Gallo/Rob Saunders Winfield Solutions Second Place Gross Winners -148 David Dudones, superintendent Westchester Country Club Danny Balin, club official Westchester Country Club Jeff Wentworth, superintendent Pelham Country Club Peter Flor, club official Pelham Country Club First Place Net Winners - 123 Andrew Agnew, superintendent Gary Trapani/Bill Cook/Joe Ferrari, club officials Mt. Kisco Country Club Second Place Net Winners -126 Brett Chapin, superintendent Redding Country Club Rob Hutchinson, club official Redding Country Club Jason Dogwietz/Dave Conrad Plant Food Company NewSuper/Venue to Host MetGGSA Invitational What Is the Yellow Ball Format? Now a tradition at this annual tourna­ ment, the Yellow Ball is a four-person Best Ball Net event with a yellow ball rotating through the foursome. Each team member plays the yellow ball individually on their respective holes and posts their net score per hole. The goal is to finish the 18-hole event without losing the yellow ball. If the yellow ball is lost, your team is out of the competition. Steve Loughran, our Tournament Committee Chair, is superintendent of Rock Ridge Country Club in Newtown, CT. 2017 MetGCSA Invitational Tournament, on June 6, will showcase one of the newest courses in the Met Area: Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. Making this event all the more special is that our host superintendent, Noah McCahill, happens to be one of the newest superin­ tendents in the Met Area! The club’s first super, Greg Eisner, recently accepted a posi­ tion in Wilmington, DE, which opened the door for Noah’s promotion to superintend­ ent at Ferry Point. Located on a former municipal waste site, Ferry Point opened in 2015 after roughly 31 years of red tape and a record-setting invest­ ment of $269 million. Regarded as one of the finest public courses in the country, this course has received extraordinary reviews from architects, writers, and other industry professionals. With its rolling mounds of golden fescue bordering 7,407 yards of pristine tees, fair­ ways, and greens, Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point promises a winning golf experience and a great venue for the Met’s most popular and prestigious tournament. Tee to Green April/May 20t 7 Leading lip to Ferry Point A Unique Start at Ferry Point When I asked Noah for advice on how to play this undeniably challenging course to best advantage, he first emphasized keeping the ball on the mowed turf. “Sometimes,” he continued, “it may be more useful to use a club that you can hit straight rather than trying to outdrive your opponent. The greens are fairly large, but some of the approaches with false fronts or collection areas will penalize you if your shot isn’t cal­ culated. All in all,” he added, “accuracy is much more beneficial than distance.” When asked if he has a favorite hole, he hesitated: “It’s hard to decide my favorite, but if I had to choose, it would be the 11th hole. From the tee,” he explained, “the rela­ tively short, 352-yard par four is very in­ timidating. You’re faced with eight bunkers and not many large or forgiving landing areas. The payoff, though, is, after making it past the fairway and onto the green, you are rewarded with one of the best views of the New York City skyline.” Noah grew up in North Salem, NY, starting For Noah, working with Jack Nicklaus and out, like most of us in the turf industry, his team was beyond exciting. “Greg and I working summers for a local golf course were in direct contact with Mr. Nicklaus’s (right across the street) during and after his team members, John Sanford and Jim Lipe,” high school years. After getting his feet wet says Noah. “They would check in to make with Superintendent Chuck Denny at sure that the original design was achieved, Salem Golf Club, he knew he had found the suggesting, at one point, that we adjust rough career path he wanted to pursue. mowing lines to the shape of the bunkering He enrolled in Rutgers University’s Turf or that we groom the fescue to have a natural Management certificate program, complet­ windswept sand look. It was an ever-evolv­ ing his studies in 2006. After graduating, ing process,” says Noah. Noah secured an internship, working for The construction process, itself, added in­ then Superintendent Bill Perlee at The terest, and certainly a fair amount of chal­ Apawamis Club. lenge, to the experience. “My experience there was invaluable,” “The entire property is capped in sand says Noah. “In addition to helping me fine- rather than soil, making the grow-in process tune my turf knowledge, Bill introduced a challenge,” explains Noah. “Normal water­ me to local major golf events like the Bar­ ing practices and fertility inputs were vastly clays at Westchester Country Club and the different than what both Greg and I had U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club.” been used to at older courses,” he continues. As Noah’s internship came to a close, “Trying to establish 80 acres of unirrigated another door opened: He was hired as a sec­ native rough presented numerous challenges ond assistant at Winged Foot by Eric Grey- that forced us to think outside the box. We tock. When Eric moved on, Noah stayed became quite good at coming up with new Life Beyond Ferry Point put, working for past Superintendents Paul approaches and techniques to complete any When Noah’s workday is done, he enjoys Ramina and then Matt Burrows, who even­ task out of the normal.” various outdoor activities throughout the tually promoted him to first assistant on Noah had five years at Ferry Point under year, including boating, fishing, and ice Winged Foot’s famed West Course. his belt before accepting his current position hockey. When time permits, he enjoys Working at Winged Foot gave Noah just as the club’s superintendent. “Working for competing in a men’s ice hockey league. the right mix of knowledge and experience Greg these past five years prepared me well Fortunate to still have great relationships to manage high-performance turf and high for the position I’m in today,” says Noah, pay­ with childhood friends, Noah likes nothing expectations:“! learned how to advocate for ing great due to his former boss and mentor. more than getting together with them to the proper balance of agronomic principles Having spent his entire career working in ride—motorcycles over bicycles. that will produce excellent playability while the Met Area, Noah is no doubt accustomed A family person, he is pleased to have still maintaining healthy turfgrass,” says to achieving the highest level of course con­ stayed in the Met area where his sizable Noah, adding, “I’ve also learned that one of ditioning. So it is no surprise that when asked family is within a few hours’ commute. the key components to job success is superb how it’s been to work for Mr. Trump, Noah Every Sunday, you’ll find him dining at his communication and leadership, not only had nothing but good things to say: “Work­ older brother’s house, where he enjoys with the staff, but with members and club ing for the Trump organization has been spending time with his brother and his officials as well.” incredible,” he says. “The organization has family. After several years at Winged Foot, Noah helped me perfect my eye for detail to keep The MetGCSA’s 2017 Invitational should moved on to the North Shore of Long Island the golf course conditioning to a Jack Nick­ be an awesome event. Be sure not to miss and The Creek Club, working for Super­ laus Signature Design standard.” this tournament and a chance to meet intendent Adam Wilkins. Noah and his team, while enjoying a day of Then, two seasons later, in July of 2012, The Secret to Shooting a Good Score golf on one of the newest and most chal­ Noah accepted a new and interesting chal­ lenging courses in the area. lenge working for Greg Eisner at the Trump Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point was Golf Links at Ferry Point. “I had worked at designed and built for championship-level Jim Pavonetti, editor of the Tee to Green, is parkland-style and links-style golf courses,” golf. “It is our expectation to deliver a major superintendent at Fairview Country Club in says Noah. “Now at Trump, I was offered golf event to New York City in the future,” Greenwich, NY. the opportunity to not only grow in a says Noah, noting that the course plays a championship golf course, but also work challenging 7,407 yards from the tips, with a slope rating of 146. with topnotch Architect Jack Nicklaus.” atron Directory Patrons listed on this page are supporting our association. You are encouraged to support them. O A.G. Enterprises O Evergreen Organic Recycling 1160 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 James Amodio / Raymond Colasacco 914_949_9030 Ray@EvergreenOrganicRecycling.com Rick Gordon ~ Staff Uniforms 201-488-1276 / Fax:201-489-5830 merrickl 60@gmail.com www.AGEnterprisesonline.com O All Pro Horticulture, Inc. John Seib 0 Executive Turf Products 92 Vine Road, Stamford, CT 06905 80 East Gates Avenue Ken Gentile: 203-496-0891 Lindenhurst, NY 11757 executiveturfproducts@gmail.com 631-789-6680 / Fax: 631-789-5711 humagroturf.com john@allprohort.com O Aquatrols Corp, of America ? 0 Fisher and Son Company “The World Leader in Soil Surfactants & Wetting Agents” 800-257-7757 info@aquatrols.com “Green Industry Supplier Since 1928” Mike Weber: 347-486-0480 mweber@fisherandson.com Argento & Sons, Inc. 504 Gloucester Avenue Middlesboro, KY 40965 Samson Bailey, CEO Jessica Teaney, Business Admin 609-248-7453 / Fax: 606-896-8006 golfpreservations@yahoo.com Golf Preservations, Inc. Louis Argento 1 Prospect Avenue White Plains, NY 10607 914-949-1152 / Fax:914-948-0255 louis@argentoandsons.com 0 Atlantic Golf & Turf O Grass Roots Turf Products, Inc. “Serving Turfgrass Professionals Since 1978” Ryan Batz / Keith Kubik Ofc: 973-252-6634 www.GRIturf.com / sales@GRIturf.com 9 Industrial Boulevard Turner Falls, MA 01376 John Garcia: 203-996-6267 jngarc@gmail.com 0 BASF “We Create Chemistry” Peter Jacobson: 919-530-9062 peter.jacobson@basf.com 0 Growth Products, LTD Fertilizers, Organics, & Fungicide Products 80 Lafayette Avenue White Plains, NY 10603 Howie Gold: 917-559-4425 Ofc: 800-648-7626 hgold@growt hproduc t s. com 0 Bayer Environmental Science I “Backed by Bayer” Dave Sylvester: 860-841-3173 0 Blue Ridge Peat Farms 133 Peat Moss Road White Haven, PA 18661 Gene Evans / Chuck Evans 570-443-9596 / 570-947-5888 0 Cushman / E-Z-GO Nick Roberto: 845-637-7641 nroberto@textron.com Marc Santospirito: 516-662-3554 0 Custom Golf Golf Course Materials Michael Giacini: 631-433-4494 nmgiacini@verizon.net DeLea Sod Farms Bentgrass, Fescue, Bluegrass Sod, & U.S. Silica Topdressing Scott Geiser: 800-344-7637 sgeiser@deleasod.com O Double‘D’Turf, LLC Drill & Fill Specialist Dennis DeSanctis Sr.: 732-241-7378 Dennis@doubleDturf.com Dennis DeSanctis Jr.: 732-580-5516 DennisJr@doubleDturf.com 0 Emerald Tree & Shrub Care Company 26 Fox Meadow Road Scarsdale, NY 10583 Steve Farrelly: 914-725-0441 Kevin Wyatt: 203-422-2441 William Demarest: 914-725-0441 q Harrell’s “Growing a Better World. Partners for Success” Scott Tretera: 914-262-8638 stretera@harrells.com / www.harrells.com LaBar Golf Renovations 170 Mount Airy Road, Suite A1 Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Rich LaBar: 908-502-5253 rich@labargolf.com W LaCorte Equipment ~ John Deere Golf “Premier John Deere Golf Distributor in the Northeast” Eric Berg / Jeff Sutphen / Jim Calladio 800-560-3373 / Fax: 631-591-3447 golfparts@LaCorteEquipment.com www.LaCorteEquipment.com © Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. Hydrogeologic Consulting & Environmental Engineering Services Rob Good: 860-678-0404 rgood@lbgct.com Mark Eliot Design, LLC Mark Sosnowitz, ASLA, MG 914-318-4476 msosnowitz@aol.com Q Metro Turf Specialists Proudly Celebrating 50 Years in Business “Customers, Our TOP Priority” Scott / Todd / Rich / Matt / Jake 203-748-GOLF (4653) www.metroturfspecialists.com O Pinnacle Turf, Inc. 40 Skyview Lane New Rochelle, NY 10804 Steven Renzetti, CGCS 914-384-9227 srenzetti@verizon.net www.Pinnacleturf.net 0 Plant Food Company, Inc. “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” Tom Weinert: 914-262-0111 Dick Neufeld: 973-945-6318 Tom Pepe: 609-751-1372 David Conrad: 914-263-3244 O Playbooks for Golf O The Care of Trees Mike Cook: 914-345-8733 Jeremiah Green: 914-241-8110 Ken Clear: 203-863-0900 Greg Gutter: 914-241-8110 o The Terre Company of New Jersey, Inc. Seed, Pesticides, Nursery Stock, & Fertilizer Byron Johnson: 973-473-3393 jmitovski@terrecompany.com 0 Tom Irwin Inc. “With Tom Irwin, You Are Not Alone” 13 A Street, Burlington, MA 01803 Jeff Houde: 203-731-1776 800-582-5959 jeff@tomirwin.com Golf Course Coverage System, Conditions Software Platform, Golf Course Field Guides, ezPins, Career Development Greg Wojick: 203-219-0254 gwojick@goplaybooks.com O Turf Products LLC ~ TORO Matt Leverich: 913-221-8052 Irrigation & Equipment mieverich@goplaybooks.com “Servicing Our Customers www.goplaybooks.com Since 1970” Saturated Solutions ~ US Pitchcare Pat Cragin: 860-874-2812 “Simplifying Cultural” Bill Conley: 860-360-0503 18 Evergreen Road Dave Dynowski: 860-490-9396 Shawn Donovan: 203-910-9114 Northford, CT 06472 Paul Boyd Jr.: 203-219-7459 Peter Hull: 860-305-2525 saturatedservices@gmail.com 0 Valley Green, Inc. Seeton Turf Warehouse, LLC Brian Bontemps: 845-239-7959 Brian Gjelsvik: 973-670-7139 Zach Brooks: 914-309-2373 Bill Cimochowski: 609-923-4045 SiteOne Landscape Supply 5 Leo Lane, New Windsor, NY 12553 Chad Mathieu: 914-539-5675 cmathieu@siteone.com Soil Solutions, LLC ~ Aerification Professionals 7 Whittemore Place Ryebrook, NY 10573 914-393-0659 / Fax:914-939-5010 O Steven Willand, Inc. “Quality Turf Equipment” 4 Production Drive Brookfield, CT 06804 George Corgan: 914-213-3622 gcorgan@stevenwillandinc.com www.switurf.com 0 Synergy Turf Supply “Agronomic Professionals” Bobby Steinman, CGCS: 860-488-2822 bobby7777@aol.com 0 Syngenta 205 Wilson Avenue Norwalk, CT 06854 Greg Moran Cell: 845-901-1358 Ofc: 203-831-9748 g.moran@valleygreenusa.com 0 Valley View Wholesale Greenhouses 229 Smith Ridge Road South Salem, NY 10590 Frank Amodio: wgh@aol.com Kevin Amodio kevin.wgh@yahoo.com 914-533-2526 0 Westchester Tractor, Inc. 60 International Boulevard Brewster, NY 10509 John Apple / Charlie Siemers 845-278-7766 www.wtractor.com O Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. “Serving the MetGCSA for 40 Years” Bob Lippman: 914-447-6257 Dave Lippman: 914-447-5192 info@westchesterturf.com Manufacturer of Plant Protection Products 0 Wickes Arborists 11 McNamara Road 24 Forest Street, Burnt Hills, NY 12077 Spring Valley, NY 10977 Brian Goudey: 518-764-2412 John Wickes: 914-906-3264 brian.goudey@syngenta.com Ofc: 845-354-3400 O Tanto Irrigation, LLC “Golf Course Irrigation Specialists” Steve Kubicki / Jeff Gennerelli info@tantoirrigation.com 0 The Cardinals, Inc. Complete Distributor of Golf Course Accessories & Turf Maintenance Supplies John Callahan: 800-861-6256 Fax:860-673-8443 O Denotes MetGCSA member 0 Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. “Turf Equipment Specialists” South Hackensack, NJ 07606 Glenn Gallion: 201-954-5878 888-831-0891 / Fax:201-931-1730 ggwilmac@aol.com 0 Winfield Solutions, Inc. “Service, Solutions, Insight” Rob Saunders: 203-249-5059 rssauders@landolakes.com www.winfieldpro.com ‘Hl! Ace Sponsors Club Car COMPANY, INC Metro TORO Turf Specialists Double Eagle Sponsors Growing A Better World ■ John C^ality Turf Equipmc^ c '1* □EETON lURF •Warehouse,LU> syngenta