Published by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association Secretary SHANNON, CGCS ttan Woods Golf Club Past President N BENOIT, CGCS Class A Directors RON CROUSE olf Club of Purchase LLIAM CYGAN Spring Country Club RLES LAFFERTY Rye Golf Club VE PETERSON vermine Golf Club NIEL ROGERS In this Issue agyl Country Club HEN WICKSTROM g Tree Country Club Class “C” Rep E WORTH ANDREWS Burn Country Club lass “AF” Rep ODD APGAR Feature tro Turf Specialists ecutive Director Professional Golfer and All-Around Class Act Peter ..................2 E McCALL, CGCS Jacobsen to Receive the 2022 MetGCSA John Reid Lifetime cutive Secretary SAN O’DOWD Achievement Award to Green Staff TY Co-Editors DAN ROGERS Departments 1 914-400-5918 Managing Editor Chapter News........................................................................6 DORA C. WOJICK itorial Committee Upcoming Events ..................................................................7 REWS STEVEN McGLONE AR ANTHONY MINNITI LO BOB NIELSEN National News ......................................................................8 INS SCOTT NIVEN EN JIM PAVONETTI Member News ......................................................................9 REG WOJICK Designer Scorecard ............................................................................10 ERRIE YOUNG vertising Manager OGERS, 914-400-5918 Spotlight ............................................................................11 lished bimonthly by the Metropolitan Golf Superintendents Association Scorecard ............................................................................12 d Road, Elmsford, NY 10523-2819 FAX: 914-347-3437, METGCSA.ORG Copyright © 2021 en–Thanks you know it.” Tony was right. It seems like just yesterday when I was writing my first ll of You! President’s Message, and here I am writing my last! I have enjoyed my term on the board and am honored to have served as MetGCSA president for the past two years. I have many people to thank for helping make my time as president so enjoyable. Mike McCall, MetGCSA executive direc- tor, continues to exceed our expectations. He is forward-thinking, bringing new ideas and initiatives to the Met and quickly became the face of our organization, appearing front and center at every event. Thank you, Mike, for your leadership, commitment, and just as important, your friendship. Rob Alonzi Second, I’d like to thank Susan O’Dowd, MetGCSA President the MetGCSA’s executive secretary. Susan continues to run the day-to-day operations, Thanks to the Met Board of Directors and despite the challenges presented by and association committee members, we Covid and working from home, she hasn’t have made excellent headway in many of missed a beat. Thank you, Susan, for your these areas and are always on the lookout for continued hard work, diligence, and for ways to improve. The board and committee keeping everything moving smoothly. members have sacrificed their personal time Pandora Wojick, our Tee to Green manag- to help sustain and enhance our association ing editor, is the glue that keeps the Tee to and most certainly deserve a round of Green together and moving forward. She has applause for their achievements over the a knack for getting the content in a timely past two years. Thank you one and all! fashion and keeping deadlines met. Pandora, I wish our new MetGCSA president, thank you for your continued dedication Brett Chapin, and the board the best of luck and focus. You and the Tee to Green, like a this year, and I look forward to serving the fine wine, continue to get better with age. association as your past president. Two years ago, I outlined our upcoming Best wishes to all for a Happy and goals for the association: Healthy 2022! • Promoting the MetGCSA members for local jobs Rob Alonzi • Continuing to strengthen the relation- President ships between allied associations • Supporting environmental initiatives • Improving meeting attendance Tee to Green November/December 2021 1 Peter Jacobsen to Receive the 2022 MetGCSA John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award by Mike McCall, CGCS November/December 2021 ording to Scott Niven, wards Committee member and nager of The Stanwich Club frequently plays when in the ter question might be why in ldn’t he be considered? u look at how much he has and how he ref lects the etGCSA golf course superin- decision was easy,” Scott said. en is a class act who we are name as the 2022 John Reid hievement Award winner.” he “Father of American Golf,” Lifetime Achievement Award uch industry luminaries as Jim Anderson, Jimmy Roberts, , Ken Venturi, and Guido e first time Peter has been rec- olf course superintendents for ions to the game of golf. In SAA named him the winner of worked in virtually every area of the club. But given his success at the collegiate level Morris Award, which is pre- During high school, both graduated to the and his lack of funds for law school, he ndividual who, through a life- golf course maintenance staff where the thought he should give the PGA tour a shot. ment to the game of golf, has mornings were early and the work more He also faced a dilemma that no collegiate the welfare of the game in the demanding than picking range balls. Peter athlete would face today: He was named to style exemplified by Old Tom loved it. the first USA vs. Japan team match, sched- ongtime superintendent at St. “The one thing that still turns me on is uled to take place in Tokyo during finals cotland until his death in 1908. that smell of freshly cut grass in the morn- week of his senior year. Peter pleaded with EO Rhett Evans put it, “Peter ing,” he says. “It always makes me think University administrators and teachers to eat guy and a major positive about golf, want to play golf, and just get out allow him to take the finals early or when the world of golf, he is—and there to enjoy and appreciate being on a golf he returned. The reply was a “really sharp en—a great advocate for golf course.” no.” ntendents. Having met many After a couple of summers of mowing “So, I had to choose between this incredi- SA members over the past sev- greens, raking bunkers, repairing irrigation ble opportunity and taking the finals,” Peter s no surprise to me that their leaks, and all of the other tasks that go into said. “Much to the shock of my parents, I ld see Peter as someone more preparing and maintaining a golf course, chose Tokyo. I never did complete my g of their highest honor.” Peter worked on finetuning his swing and degree.” playing skills. Northwest–and Golf The hard work paid off. Peter went on to A Very Good Year the University of Oregon to play for the land, OR, Peter is the son of In 1976, Peter qualified for the PGA tour on Ducks, where he was named an All- Erling Jacobsen, who taught his very first attempt. That alone would American and his team won two conference n—Peter and his siblings Paul, have made the Bicentennial year memo- championships. usan—how to play golf at a rable, but it was also the year he married his “I had an absolute blast,” he said of his hen they got old enough to do wife, Jan. She joined him on the tour, and experience at UO,“but didn’t really have any David spent their summers together, they visited the New York area for plans for turning pro.” Instead, Peter’s initial eir hometown course, Waverly the first time. career intentions were to become a lawyer. b. Over the years, the two boys Tee to Green November/December 2021 3 singing lead vocals for Jake Trout and the Flounders. The golf course design team of Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy. not done a lot of traveling at his second shot using a 3-wood on the Par 5 start school. They then moved back to our lives and were blown away 18th. Portland to continue raising their children. much we fell in love with “I distinctly remember walking up the Peter ended up winning seven times on and the Metro New York area,” fairway when he hit that shot,” Peter the PGA tour, with two of those wins occur- Even after years of traveling recalled. “I turned to my caddie, Mike ring at nearby TPC River Highlands in country on tour, New York Cowan (Fluff), and said, ‘Wow, that looks Hartford, CT. In 2003, Peter notched his avorite. “In fact,” he said with a pretty good—that could go in.’ And it did!” second Hartford win and was named the ventually ended up buying a A double eagle is rarer than a hole-in-one. PGA Tour Comeback Player of the Year. up in Armonk to be near our That shot is memorialized with a plaque on Additionally, he was a member of two Ryder pend a lot of time there, living the spot from where Gilder hit the shot. Cup teams and the winner of the 2004 U.S. al dream of when we first vis- Peter ended up coming in third place that Senior Open and 2005 Senior Players o New York area.” week but says he will never forget that Championship. As the world soon learned, the courses that Peter says moment on one of his favorite courses. though, golf was not the only pursuit Peter m most as a young pro are Along with the love of the game that excelled in. Country Club, Winged Foot, becomes so obvious when Peter recalls his ge, Sleepy Hollow, and Stan- experiences of the life of a professional On to the Broadcast Booth as a member of Sleepy Hollow golfer is his deep love and commitment to ts of friends in the business, his family. As with his golf stories, his family Most athletes who go into broadcasting around and experience all of stories ref lect his famous sense of humor. start thinking about making the transition eat golf courses in the area, One of his favorites is about the 1980 Buick after their career is completed. Not Peter. He ore recently built courses like Open in Flint, MI. As he was preparing for had an interest in broadcasting when he was Hudson National. the trip, Jan, who’d just given birth to their in his 20s. He fondly recalls his days as an thwest guy who has spent so daughter Amy three weeks earlier, said, “I analyst for the made-for-TV show, “Skins n the Northeast, I see a lot of need to f ly out there and be with you.” Game,” working with the likes of Nicklaus, with the grasses and with the Peter’s reaction, he recalls with self-depre- Palmer, Player, Trevino, and other golf practices and operations of the cation, was not as supportive as his wife’s. greats. Not only did he cover great golfers, y opinion, there are more great “Are you kidding?” he asked. “Amy is but he also worked alongside one of the in excellent condition in the going to cry, and I’m not going to get any great broadcasting legends, Vin Scully. than anywhere in the country. sleep. I need to play and make some money.” As he got older and faced a string of bably drive a 25-mile radius Undeterred, Jan f lew out with their infant injuries, he leveraged this broadcasting great golf course every mile. daughter. Back then, most hotels did not experience by transitioning into a full-time I love about the Westchester have cribs, so the young couple made do by gig as a golf analyst for NBC, paired with modif ying one of the dresser drawers into a another golfing great, Johnny Miller. Johnny most memorable experiences makeshift crib. Peter went on to win his had a reputation for calling it as he saw it, k Met course took place dur- first professional tournament. The following and at times, his commentary could be 82 Manufacturers Hanover week, Peter came in second. hard on the players. Peter took a different Classic at the Westchester “Don’t ever complain about the kids approach. ub. Peter was playing in the coming on tour,” Jan said. “I think you broadcast the way you play nd was tied with Tom Kite for From that point on, all of the kids (Amy, golf,” he said. “I had to be positive, and I had coming into the 54th hole. Kristen, and Mick) traveled on tour with to look at a bad shot as an opportunity to he third player in the group, hit their parents until they were old enough to make a great save. Some players look at a bad November/December 2021 designs, Peter keeps in mind that while he ’t busy enough, Peter entered and his team are going to be involved in the with Peter at his sports marketing firm, rse design business with his project for only 12 to18 months, it is the golf Peter Jacobsen Sports. Their other daughter ing coach, Jim Hardy, in 1992, course superintendent who will be faced Kristen is a New York University graduate the Oregon Golf Club. The with the subsequent grow-in and daily and now a neurologist in the Westchester won accolades as the best new maintenance for years afterward. area. Son Mick, an alum of Florida Gulf e in Oregon; it was nominated Coast University, is an attorney working in ew Private Club in America” Cincinnati. and was included in the “Top A Rock Star in More Than Golf Peter still keeps a busy schedule playing in Golf Courses” by LINKS mag- “When you’re on the PGA tour, you can do Pro-Ams and charity events, designing golf ub was also tapped to host the the ‘golf thing’ for only so many hours each courses, broadcasting, and managing his Women’s Final. day,” Peter says. “A lot of the pros were into sports marketing business with Amy. a first effort. fishing and hunting, but that just wasn’t my Just this past month, Peter played in the also became the host site for thing—music was.” Ernie Els Pro-Am to raise money for the Els ne of Peter’s charitable endeav- Music was Peter’s thing since the age of 10 for Autism Foundation and Gary Koch’s Meyer Challenge, which raised or 11 when his parents bought him a guitar. event benefiting the First Tee and returning 5 million for charitable causes He took a few lessons but just didn’t like veterans. . Peter and Jim Hardy’s com- them, so he bought himself a book and “It’s fun to be able to play in these charity n Hardy Golf Course Design, taught himself to play chords. Things pro- events and benefit so many causes all around 12 additional golf courses and gressed from there—right up to the PGA the country,” he says. thers in the design or under- tour. Fellow NBC colleague and 2019 John phase. “I found out that guys like Payne Stewart, Reid Award winner Jimmy Roberts said it he loves the artistry that goes Marc Lye, and John Daly all play guitar. We best, describing Peter as, “… simply one of g a golf course.“I take the work would get together and mess around,” Peter the kindest, happiest people I’ve ever met. In we are very proud of our work. explains. “We were also fortunate to play an industry that isn’t always kind, he is gn in a room that’s in a build- golf with a lot of Rock & Roll Hall-of- relentlessly supportive of the people in his r city. We go and walk the site Famers like Glenn Frey, Stephen Stills, orbit. His accomplishments as a player— land.” Graham Nash, Huey Lewis, and Alice which are considerable—speak for them- s approach to design matched Cooper. Believe it or not, we started playing selves, but it is his personality and com- o an approach shot, Peter said, with them for fun in concerts and at golf mitment to always doing the right thing of land is different. The most tournaments.” that makes him a Hall-of-Famer. ing is to avoid getting in the Marc, Payne, and Peter decided to put a In 2013, Peter received the Payne Stewart property and the features that little group together, “Jake Trout and the Award, named after his dear friend. This e. Contrary to what others try Flounders,” with Peter as lead singer, “even honor is presented annually by the PGA mote their ‘brand,’ I’ve always though I can’t sing,” he said, laughing. The Tour to a professional golfer who best exem- of the attributes of our work is three of them would rewrite the words to all plifies the values of character, charity, and not tell who the architect is. those artists’ famous songs, replacing them sportsmanship. It is these traits and his de- ng consistent about our courses with golf lyrics. “We had a blast and even votion to the game of golf and family that nd is so different.” When all is managed to record two albums.” are among the most prominent reasons for , Peter looks to ensure that his Sadly, after the untimely and tragic death Peter Jacobsen’s selection as the winner of ayable and fun. of their dear friend, Payne Stewart, Marc the 2022 MetGCSA John Reid Lifetime er in the design process, Peter and Peter decided “that was it” for the band. Achievement Award. golf course superintendent. Peter eventually formed another band h the superintendent closely is named “Jake Trout and the Ballwashers” and Mike McCall is the executive director of the most important aspect of golf featured Peter’s daughter, Amy, in a few of MetGCSA and managing member of the ,” he says. “It’s a symphony of the songs. If you’re a Johnny Miller fan (and McCall Management Group, LLC. superintendent, and builder all who isn’t?), check out the song I Think I’m Going to Miss Johnny Miller on YouTube. Peter wrote it for Johnny’s retirement. Tee to Green November/December 2021 5 t pleasure in recognizing those Over the years, Stephen has given back by de a significant impact on our consistently grooming staff to enter the nd industry. One of our awards, industry with a high level of knowledge and ished Member Award, is being experience. Year after year, he has sent assis- Winged Foot’s Director of Golf tants out into the workforce ready to take on hen Rabideau. their own properties and not only succeed, member of the MetGCSA, but also excel with the knowledge and work displayed superior leadership ethic they learned while working for ly prepping countless assistants Stephen. ward with their careers and Among the long list of candidates he has cheering his crew on through mentored are Wes Neff, now the super at downs of prepping for the U.S. Oyster Harbors; JR LaPan, who took the hold at the start of a pandemic. reins from Tim O’Neill at Country Club of Darien; Steve Bigelow, now in the Philly area at Rolling Green; Casey Klossner at rough Adversity Tuxedo; Jon Heywood, the new super at wo years have put everyone’s Sleepy Hollow; Luke Knutson, now at silience to the test, and few became clear: Stephen and his crew would Rockville Links; Bill Cygan at Silver Spring better than Winged Foot’s have to maintain the rough in tiptop form Country Club; Joe Rolstad at Fargo ideau. through the heat of the summer, and come Country Club; Taylor Anderson, now at San or a moment, preparing to host September, there would be fewer daylight Francisco Golf Club; Billy Frank at Gardner s most prestigious events for hours to complete the sizable amount of Municipal Golf Club in Massachusetts; and de only to find out a pandemic work. Ken Lochridge, now at Glen Head Country your all-consuming prepara- The next morale buster was the agonizing Club. t less than 16 weeks before the decision on the number of fans that could Stephen knows the importance of training ed tee time. That was Stephen attend the Open. With Covid being an all too well. His first time sitting in the ality when the 2020 U.S. Open issue, crew members who would normally super’s seat was at Seawane, when his mentor old. have been welcome to attend with family became extremely ill, forcing Stephen, a nt, it was uncertain how—and were denied the opportunity. recent UMass grad, to take the reins and run would proceed. Adding to the “That was the toughest part for me,” said an operation with little experience or train- ainty was the pressing concern Stephen. “With all the blood, sweat, and ing. He will be the first to admit that it didn’t the industry that golf course tears my staff had put into prepping for the go as smoothly as it could have. Knowing, work might be deemed non- Open, and then to have the family passes firsthand, the pitfalls of being ill-prepared er countless hours of prepara- taken away, was the hardest pill for me to for a job, Stephen does his best to prepare his one-time event and then the swallow.” staff for the unknowns of golf course main- entially losing their livelihood, In the end, despite the many challenges tenance, from neighbor encounters to envi- orale took a turn for the worse. that hosting a tournament during Covid ronmental inspections. e obstacles, Stephen carried on presented, Stephen was able to remain Stephen Rabideau is, without a doubt, ve attitude while seeking ways focused on the end objective and lead his the type of person this award was created taff motivated. Finally helping team in providing the golfing nation with a for. Congratulations, Stephen, on your that golf course maintenance truly outstanding week of entertainment. well-deserved honor as the MetGCSA’s e, in the end, deemed essential 2021 Distinguished Member Award nnounced after a monthlong Cultivating Careers recipient. Open would, in fact, carry on September. Possessing the grit and leadership skills Chip Lafferty, Tee to Green Editor, is superin- h of relief was quickly replaced needed to inspire his team to move forward tendent at Rye Golf Club in Rye, NY. as the maintenance challenges with U.S. Open preparations in the midst November/December 2021 e MetGCSA: USGA Northeast Deacon or USGA research, John can be onomist John Daniels and contacted at jdaniels@usga.org. tate University Professor Dr. 2022 GCSAA Conference and Show While many courses in the area are Tuesday – Thursday February 8 –10 focused on removing trees, this year’s sem- els kicked off the seminar with San Diego Convention Center inar spent the majority of the day on of what he experienced in 2021 San Diego, CA selecting, planting, and protecting various urse care consulting visits, and Don’t miss this year’s GCSAA Golf Industry tree species. From the nursery to maturity, zed various research projects Show and Education Conference with an Dr. Cregg proved to be a true subject mat- has funded. In addition, John incomparable lineup of seminars and educa- ter expert on all areas related to trees and he Green Section’s Deacon, an tional sessions, as well as one the industry’s their successful management within a olf course management tool most comprehensive trade shows. variety of landscape settings. lp superintendents improve the For details on the conference’s educational For further information, Dr. Cregg can ence by delivering better play- offerings and trade show, log onto be contacted at cregg@msu.edu. www.golfindustryshow.com. e’s Dr. 2022 Turfgrass Advocacy – NYSTA’S t) and Lobby Day ast mist John Thursday, February 17 s Fall This year’s Lobby Day will be conducted as a dees at virtual event. Watch for details. Club. If at any point you would like further information, visit www.nysta.org or contact the NYSTA office at 518-783-1229. Nor’easter Ski Day Thursday, February 24 Killington Ski Resort Killington, VT 2022 New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation Conference & Show Tuesday – Thursday, March 8 – 10 Providence Rhode Island Convention Center Providence, RI In its 25th year, the conference and show will provide turfgrass professionals from all areas of the industry the opportunity to see the newest products, supplies, services, and equipment available. Watch for details on www.NERTF.org, or call 401-848-0004 for further information. 2022 MGA Green Chairman Seminar & Arthur P. Weber Environmental Leader Award Luncheon Thursday, March 17 Garden City Country Club Garden City, NY Tee to Green November/December 2021 7 esented the MetGCSA for the its members as the global leaders in golf sions, and we shared our thoughts on a vari- rs, and after a virtual session in course management. ety of industry issues, including workforce a pleasure to get together in Among the meeting’s other high points: and labor challenges, GCSAA profession- busy two-day event. al development opportunities, and the al event brings delegates BMPs. The discussions were engaging and GCSAA’s 98 affiliated chap- Post-Pandemic Help thoughtful. s initiatives, provide insight on As chapters move out of the COVID pan- It was particularly interesting to find out association forward, and to demic, we’re faced with new challenges and that the labor issues affecting us in the Met ions on electing board mem- opportunities. We learned that GCSAA is area are a nationwide problem. It was also ers at the Annual Meeting. prepared to help with its Board Orientation helpful to hear what other courses are doing delegates meeting had a new and Strategic Planning Opportunities. This to encourage employment. GCSAA is com- ents took place at the KCI is a free service to chapters that can help mitted to promoting workforce opportuni- iott Hotel, and only new dele- boards manage post-pandemic challenges ties with its up-to-date job board and a vited to GCSAA headquarters and commit to the BMPs, including the variety of free career services. KS, where they had the oppor- facility-specific best management practices. ur headquarters, learn the ins Town Hall Session Q&A he event and how GCSAA is Water Use Survey Wednesday’s town hall session allowed dele- ssociation forward. gates the chance to ask questions of the We also were told about the importance of elegates had the opportunity GCSAA Board. The interactive session completing the Water Use and Conserva- erson before the start of the focused on processes with the annual meet- tion Practices Survey. This will be used to y some Kansas City BBQ and ing and allowed further discussion on items compare data from the 2006 survey, and has been happening in our covered during the two-day event. results will be shared within six months. As ons. a bonus for completing the survey, respon- ghlights dents will be entered to win cash prizes. Meet the Candidates Once the candidate breakout sessions con- f the meeting included a sum- Dues Debate cluded activities, we had the opportunity to Board Policy Oversight Task listen to presentations from candidates run- A member dues discussion also took place. that I had the opportunity to ning for national office. After the presenta- GCSAA follows a dues adjustment process n 2021. Every three years the tions, we were able to meet and greet the created in 2006 from input and approval minating Committee is asked candidates to learn more about their plat- from chapter delegates. The process is tied rough review of the Board forms and philosophies. The 2022 GCSAA to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Procedures on behalf of the slate of board candidates are: equates to smaller and more frequent adjust- The findings of the group ments in dues rather than infrequent, but ed by me and Nick Kerns of For President larger adjustments. This year’s proposal is Golf Course Superintendents Kevin P. Breen, CGCS, La Rinconada the following: Our focus was to improve Country Club, Monte Sereno, CA board has to represent the • 6.6% adjustment in CPI since 2019 • $30 adjustment for A and B ($430) and For Vice President also heard from GCSAA Kevin P. Sunderman, Isla Del Sol Yacht and $15 adjustment for C ($220) is being ark Jordan and CEO Rhett Country Club, St. Petersburg, FL proposed iscussed GCSAA’s inf luence in olf, facing difficult times dur- • Approval rate for dues adjustment votes has ranged from 87% to 96% November/December 2021 r, CGCS, Fore Lakes Golf superintendent at The Stanwich Club, is • Dave Peterson of Silvermine Golf Club, e City, UT now the superintendent at Long Shore Golf and his wife, Kait, on the birth of their son, Course in Westport, CT. Henry Franklin. He was born on (electing 2 directors) • Chase Cameron, previously superin- November 11, 9 lbs. 7 ozs. . Dykstra, CGCS, White tendent at Country Club of Waterbury in • Aaron Crouse of the Golf Club of untry Club, Pinetop, AZ Waterbury, CT, is now part of the manage- Purchase, and his wife, Melissa, on the birth Hammon, Traverse City ment team at Tanto Irrigation in Elmsford, of their daughter, Eliza Patricia. She was b, Traverse City, MI NY. born on November 19, 6 lbs. 15 ozs. r A. Reverie, Allentown olf Course, Allentown, PA • Jon Heywood, previously superintend- ent at Morris County Golf Club in In Sympathy eston, CGCS, Indian Hill Morristown, NJ, is now the superintendent It is with great sadness that we inform you b, Newington, CT at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in of the passing of our good friend and mem- it, CGCS, Golf Club at Red Scarborough, NY. ber Byron Johnson Jr. on December 12. City, SD He was 72. A member of the MetGCSA nd Weston are at the end of Retired since 1979, Byron had worked for many Wishing the following MetGCSA members years with the Terre Company until his ill- terms, there will be two, 2- all the best in their retirement: ness forced him to retire in 2018. He loved terms up for election. Both • Stephen Finamore, a MetGCSA mem- the MetGCSA and came to all the meetings White are in the middle of ber since 1982, was superintendent at Alpine just to say hello. He will be dearly missed by ar director term and will Country Club in Demarest, NJ. all who knew him. Our sincere condolences e board as a director if not • Douglas George, a MetGCSA member to his family. tary/Treasurer. The mem- lso elect a one-year director vacancy left by the winner ry/Treasurer race. ward to representing the MetGCSA Members Make Merry the 2022 GCSAA Annual an Diego. The meeting will ursday, February 10 from 8- he San Diego Convention e meantime, I welcome any might have on any one of ered at this year’s Delegates O n December 9, MetGCSA mem- bers and their family and friends gathered at Emma’s Ale House in White Plains, NY, a new, more centrally located venue for our association’s annual can reach me at 203-885- Holiday Party. pin@reddingcc.com. The event proved to be a great success with many new faces attending our holiday the MetGCSA’s chapter dele- festivities and filling the dedicated bar area elected president, is superin- to capacity. Attendees were treated to cour- ding Country Club in teous and attentive servers passing around an incredible selection of culinary delights and drinks. As always, this tradition was highlighted If you weren’t able to make our holiday cel- by the camaraderie of members relaxing and ebration this year, please join us next year for sharing their year-end stories after a long a wonderful time with fellow members and and challenging season. friends. Tee to Green November/December 2021 9 ear at Saratoga National Golf and stopped his shot inside of 2 feet, winning toga, NY. Host Superintendent himself a cool virtual reality headset, just in #12 / 14' 3" Mike Hermanson d our playing field, a Roger time for Christmas! GCSA of New England m, in tiptop shape after a bru- (Sponsored by Toro) year. Joe grew in Saratoga Special Thanks ears ago and has kept the chal- #15 / 4' 2" Jeff Haas ut in the best courses of New Making the Met Area Team Championship Philadelphia AGCS nce with fantastic greens and possible are our seven major sponsors who (Sponsored by Plant Food) conditioning. continue to step up to make this one of the ome this year’s trophy was best events across North America. Please Longest Drive hia AGCS. In a tight battle at join me in thanking Allied Nutrients, BASF, #6 / Sponsors Div. Andrew Stillwell adelphia won by four strokes Bayer, Ocean Organics, Plant Food, BASF Group defending champions from Syngenta, and Toro as they continue to sup- (Sponsored by Allied Nutrients) port this fantastic event. hing third in the last Met Area Many thanks, as well, to our host, Joe #14 / Gross Div. Rene Vadeboncoeur pionship, the MetGCSA team Lucas, and his entire staff, and all the folks at GCSA of Cape Cod his year, 13 strokes off the lead. Saratoga National Golf Club for another (Sponsored by BASF) e MetGCSA team looked hard successful championship! A special thank d by scratch golfers Jason you as well to our local GCSAA representa- #16 / Net Div. Neil Lajennesse rom The Patterson Club and tive, Kevin Doyle, for help with registration Connecticut AGCS from Sunningdale. Despite and our resident photographer Shaun Barry (Sponsored by Syngenta) ple notches this year, it’s been for the great photos that can be found at year’s team was certainly the https://f lic.kr/s/aHsmWY1oRS. Low Gross Team Winners association in the competition, 69 Jeff Haas & John Gosselin tiple ’80s-style mustaches. The Complete Results Philadelphia AGCS chirping in Sean’s ear all day, What follows is a list of both the team and not concentrate with his bad proximity winners. Congratulations to one Sponsorship Team Winners ldn’t get off the right side, so he and all! 67 Joe Perry & Andrew Stillwell ly missing to the left, making BASF Group edibly difficult that day. After Team Scores (Par 288: Ties broken by first three holes, they settled in lowest gross scores, then net) Skins over par 78, and Sean went in Net ery shortly after. 1st / 282 Philadelphia AGCS Eagle on 12 / Mike Hermanson of Tony Grasso and Vince 2nd / 286 Connecticut AGCS Eagle on 17 / Mark Nichols owelton started off 9 over on 3rd / 291 Pocono Turfgrass Association Eagle on 18 / Josh Kopera holes! Fortunately, they righted 4th / 293 GCSA of New Jersey Double Eagle on 13 / Steve Smith nd played the last 16 holes in 3 5th / 295 MetGCSA Eagle on 5 / Jim Favreau a score of 74, ham and egging 6th / 298 GCSA of Cape Cod Eagle on 7 / Nick Burchard e round. 7th / 300 Long Island GCSA (72) tar Tom Ashfield from Quaker 8th / 300 Eastern Shore AGCS (80) Gross Mark Chant representing 9th / 308 Northeastern GCSA Birdie on 6 / Sean Cain ed keep the Met team in con- 10th / 309 GCSA of New York (74) Birdie on 12 / Chet Walsh the 4th best gross score of the 11th / 309 Hudson Valley GCSA (83) Birdie on 17 / Jeff Haas par 72! When Mark wasn’t 12th / 320 GCSA of New England (75) Birdie on 18 / Ryan Emerich es, he was hunting rabbits with 13th / 320 Rhode Island GCSA (82) nning tee shots. 14th / WD Mid-Atlantic AGCS Andy Drohen, Met Area Team Championship ffett of Mosholu and Jim Co-Chair and a member of the Tee to Green of Montammy posted the only Closest to the Pin Editorial Committee, is a regional manager with or the Met team with a 1 under #5 / 8' 2" Steve Whipple Allied Nutrients in Granville, MA. Net Division. Well done, guys! Hudson Valley GCSA November/December 2021 (Sponsored by Ocean Organics) ampionship with great success. he Battle of the Bridges, this provides a much-needed and d day off for assistants from the bridge. This low gross team ases whether the GCSANJ or ssistants are the more accom- s. ament has been an annual tra- 2016, when it was first held at clair Country Club and the aken home by the MetGCSA strong start for the Met assis- CSANJ assistants claimed the Our Battle of the Bridges hosts (left to right): GlenArbor Superintendent Joe Gikis and o consecutive years, winning at Assistants Keith Day and Luke Pittman. Country Club in 2017 and lls Country Club in 2018. Many thanks to GlenArbor Assistant work as an intern at The Glacier Club. Luke ants came back with a ven- Superintendents Luke Pittman and Keith describes his time there as the best golf eclaimed the trophy at Arcola Day, who along with Superintendent Joe experience in his life. b in 2019 and again in 2020 at Gikis, ensured the course was in pristine As the summer drew to a close, Luke next ountry Club. condition for everyone to enjoy. set his sights on TPC Boston for the Dell ng the Battle of the Bridges Technologies Tournament. Luke knew, utive years on Jersey soil, the About Assistant Host Luke Pittman then, that the Northeast was the place for hampionship finally made its him, and the application process began. Born and raised in Kershaw, SC, Luke is eas- With an associate’s degree in hand, Luke o New York turf, and the ily recognizable at any Met event by his once again triumphed with settled at GlenAbor where he has worked Southern drawl. Luke’s obsession with golf the past four years and is quick to say he ry! began after his scoutmaster placed an old set looks forward to a long and productive of Judy Rankins muscle backs in his hand. At future there. the Competition just 12, he had befriended the local munici- olf Club opened in 2001 and pal pro and made every effort to ensure golf d by the one and only non- was part of his daily routine. His dedication About Assistant Host Keith Day and Slam winner, Gary Player. has earned him an admirable five handicap. Keith began his turf management career in e fairways were generous, the He got his start in golf course mainte- 1997 working on the crew at PipeStone re required to have precision nance during high school, when he took a Golf Club in Miamisburg, OH. Two years off the tee due to the rolling position on the crew of a local municipality later, he accepted an assistant’s position at ell-placed bunkers. If the assis- in South Carolina. It didn’t take the superin- the Country Club of the North, where he their ball in the fairways, the tendent there long to see Luke’s potential, stayed until 2001. Keith’s next stop was a as not over, since the greens and he nudged him into the turf manage- five-year stint at Shaker Run Golf Club, aculate condition and proved ment school at Horry Georgetown Tech. where he honed his skills under the guid- nge in and of themselves. While pursuing his degree, Luke gathered ance of Dave Erpenbeck. Inspired to pursue par 3s and two long drive con- a variety of experience working courses and formal training, Keith completed his cer- nament had ample opportuni- tournaments at clubs from the West to the tificate in turf management from Rut- sistants to take home a prize on East Coast. The summer of 2016, Luke gers University and then moved on to f they weren’t lucky enough moved to Myrtle Beach and was fortunate Heatherwoode Golf Club where he paid his he others or stick it close on a enough to volunteer at numerous PGA dues as an assistant for six years before being was still another chance after events, including the 2017 Players Cham- elevated to the superintendent’s seat. ent to win a gift card by land- pionship. But South Carolina couldn’t hold In addition to valuable experience, Keith the infamous f loating island Luke down. He was off to Durango, CO, to Tee to Green November/December 2021 11 g any grass grow under his MetGCSA battled it out for the title. t his sights next on a job in the For the third consecutive year, the Met team I was ready to take on addi- blew out the competition and took home Thank You! sional challenges and bring a the trophy. Here is a look at the winning After another successful Battle of the ertise to a new environment,” results: Bridges Tournament, a well-deserved thank you is in order to Superintendent Joe ed the assistant’s position at Battle of the Bridges Final Score Gikis, assistants Luke Pittman and Keith ountry Club in New Jersey, MetGCSA ~ 672 Day, GlenArbor Golf Club owner Morgan ee seasons there, he joined the GCSANJ ~ 837 Gregory, and the wonderful staff for pro- am in 2019. viding excellent golf course conditions and first-rate service. Contest Winners Also a very special thanks to our title rintendent Joe Gikis Low Gross ~ Single sponsor Dave Lippman from Westchester in Gardner, MA, and began 76 Luke Pittman, GlenArbor Golf Club Turf Supply for sponsoring the tourna- nagement career at nearby ment and Par 3 Island Green Contest, as nicipal Golf Course while in Team 1st Low Net ~ GCSANJ well as Ryan Avery from Grass Roots for With his interest in turf man- 57 Dylan McCanus/Anthony Neumann sponsoring the on-course beverages. qued, he pursued a formal Trump National Golf Club This year’s tournament could not have UMass, interning at Pelham Bedminister been the success that it was without all lub, Westchester Country who were involved, including the assistants ltusrol Golf Club. Team 2nd Low Net ~ MetGCSA who came to show their support for this duation with a B.S., Joe was 60 Chris O’Malley/Kevin Logan annual tournament. cept a second assistant’s posi- Fenway Golf Club hester Country Club. During Worth Andrews, a member of the Tee to there, Joe rose through the Closest to the Pin Green Editorial Committee, is an assistant ntually become the assistant #3 Luis Orellana 10' 9" superintendent at Brae Burn Country Club in olf and grounds. The Redding Country Club Purchase, NY. superintendent’s position at # 7 Ben Messanger 5' 10" olf Club opened, Joe felt the The Stanwich Club ht to manage a course of his #11 Hunter Rowe 3' 3" leased to be approaching his Pelham Country Club at GlenArbor but remembers #14 Keith Day 11' 1" ng tenure as an assistant. GlenArbor Golf Club y close to the assistant group,” #17 Kory Kelley, 9' 4" I was more than pleased to TPC Jasna Polana ampionship this year.” roaches another season, he has high praise for his hardwork- team. “I am so grateful to onderful assistants who are their craft, the success of nd the game of golf,” he says. e to thank all the assistants in hope they enjoyed their day at olf Club.” s, a member of the Tee to ial Committee, is an assistant at Brae Burn Country Club in November/December 2021 066 James Amodio / Raymond Colasacco www.metroturfspecialists.com “Manufacturer of Plant Protection 610-299-4470 914-949-9030 Products” Ray@EvergreenOrganicRecycling.com ✪ Noble Turf John Bresnahan: 413-333-9914 atrols.com “Helping You Grow” ✪ Ewing Irrigation john.bresnahan@syngenta.com & Turf Brian Bontemps: 845-239-7959 n Deep” Fred Rapp: 848-225-4618 Brian Gjelsvik: 973-670-7139 ✪ Tanto Irrigation, LLC -996-6267 Ofc: 914-591-9530 Zach Brooks: 914-309-2373 “Golf Course Irrigation Specialists” lfturf.com frapp@ewingirrigation.com Matt Lapinski: 978-551-0093 Tim Clarke / Paul Guillaro / Bill ticGandT Trapper Van Dunk: 914-471-7012 Bill Cimochowski: 609-923-4045 Bartels tvandunk@ewingirrigation.com info@tantoirrigation.com tion ✪ NuFarm Americas, Inc. 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