Published by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association Secretary Evan Schiller of SHANNON, CGCS Evan Schiller tan Woods Golf Club Photography. ast President BERT ALONZI nway Golf Club Directors RON CROUSE olf Club of Purchase LLIAM CYGAN pring Country Club RLES LAFFERTY Rye Golf Club AEL McCORMICK Apawamis Club In this Issue VE PETERSON ermine Golf Club NIEL ROGERS gyl Country Club lass “C” Rep MES WHITE gyl Country Club lass “AF” Rep VE CONRAD Feature nt Food Company ecutive Director The Ins and Outs of Creating Maintenance ............................2 E McCALL, CGCS Standards for Your Course cutive Secretary SAN O’DOWD o Green Staff Co-Editors Departments Y DAN ROGERS 914-400-5918 Member News ......................................................................7 anaging Editor DORA C. WOJICK Spotlight ..............................................................................8 torial Committee EWS ANTHONY MINNITI R BOB NIELSEN Scorecard..............................................................................9 O SCOTT NIVEN INS JIM PAVONETTI Spotlight ............................................................................10 EN JAMES WHITE ONE GREG WOJICK Upcoming Events ................................................................11 Designer RRIE YOUNG ertising Manager National News ....................................................................12 OGERS, 914-400-5918 shed bimonthly by the Metropolitan Golf uperintendents Association Road, Elmsford, NY 10523-2819 FAX: 914-347-3437, METGCSA.ORG Copyright © 2022 –and an superintendents face during stretches of hot, wet weather, it was a trying time for many of us pressured to make just-the-right deci- ciation sions about plant health applications, mow- ing frequency, and course closures or delays. These decisions were made all the more stressful when memberships failed to understand the critical need to protect the grass when it’s most vulnerable. Fast forward to July 2022. Many clubs had just recovered from winter injury when we found ourselves in a widespread drought. Rainfall slowed during June, and sunny days with high winds and low humidity took over. (Great for sunbathing but not growing grass!) Superintendents at clubs without Brett Chapin access to city water have had to make some MetGCSA President tough decisions about which areas to cut back on irrigation, while others have strug- gled with whether or not to purchase city challenges, whether they’re agronomic or water at a high cost. related to personnel, member relations, or Of course, the challenges don’t stop there. another issue. If it’s happening to you, you Dealing with a drought and now higher- can be sure someone, somewhere in the than-average temperatures, has begun to MetGCSA has faced a similar issue—or at take a toll on staff, especially when they’ve least knows someone who has. Of all the been working 12-hour-plus days watering benefits our association offers, none is more and grooming the course to member satis- valuable than knowing that anyone in our faction. Without any relief, employees directory will answer your call and offer become tired and easily distracted, or as a assistance in any way they can. local superintendent described it: They Even if you’ve never met the member develop “August eyes.” before, don’t let your ego get in the way of This is the time to put your creativity to dialing the number. If you’re not sure where the test. You might try cross-training your to start, call me or Mike McCall, our execu- staff, for instance, so that the watering, or tive director, and we will drop everything whatever the task, continues, while other to talk to you—except maybe the hose, if staff members take a much-needed break. I’m in the middle of watering! And know that even when the going gets Our association’s social and golf events impossibly tough, it pays to project a posi- are also great opportunities to share infor- tive, can-do attitude. A good—or bad—atti- mation and hash out concerns. The hot tude can be contagious. topic at this year’s Summer Social was, of course, the dry conditions. But the 100-plus Support Is Just a Phone Call–or attendees were also able to put the day’s challenges aside and enjoy a wonderful Event–Away evening catching up with friends and their As an association, we all deal with similar spouses who many haven’t seen since the continued on page 6 Tee to Green June/July 2022 1 Course by Jim Pavonetti, CGCS e irrigation or greens manage- r both, include how you manage gs like TDRs (shown here), tion gauges, weather stations, ture meters, etc. will show how nd effort is going into your une/July 2022 ans to guide daily operations posed budget cut will affect playing condi- improvements and required funding will customer satisfaction. tions. The document can also help forecast already exist. Any improvements on the list re, developing maintenance future budgets as certain maintenance goals should have been prioritized beforehand by your golf course can be an become more important to members and the Green Committee. to show your customers—your decisionmakers at the course. • Benefits to the green committees and goes into maintaining their green chairmen. Committee members can also identif y current and How Does Creating Maintenance come and go. So do green chairmen. When and allow course leadership to their term is up, what better way to quickly m. Standards Benefit You and the Club? acclimate a new committee member or ny golf courses have some sort • Benefits to the superintendent. When chairman to the golf course maintenance e standards in place, a fair share defining your maintenance standards, you’re operation than provide them with your for- documented or based on golfer also defining what the next level of mainte- mal maintenance standards document? creating formal maintenance nance will be and what’s involved in getting Spelling out future goals and daily mainte- ms like more trouble than it’s there. By creating and presenting formal nance functions are certain to smooth the . This article will highlight the standards with an eye toward future way for a quick and easy transition. of documenting your mainte- improvement, you will be recognized as a • Benefits to board members and presi- ds; it will provide an outline of golf course manager who is not only for- dents. Like committee members, every few e in your document; and it will ward-thinking, but also fully capable of years a new president and board members ey should be established and leading any course-improvement initiative will cycle onto the board. With golf course as soon as the resources become available. maintenance department standards and • Benefits to the club or facility. The club goals clearly defined, the board will quickly Maintenance Standards? or facility benefits by having every aspect of get up to speed on your department’s daily the maintenance operation defined. If the operations and priorities and hold you and easons for documenting your club hits hard times, it has a clear roadmap your department in high regard. After all, standards is to clearly define rent expectations and match he maintenance procedures. expectations are defined by k from the players and other d professionals, this document y valuable tool in determining and money spent in maintain- spects of the golf course are eas most important to the play- over you’re a bit off track, you r priorities. vantage to creating formal standards for your course is to ng guide sheet for green com- ome and go. New committees ndas that don’t match the goals ership—or the budget estab- l maintenance standards can mmittees on the straight and intenance standards will also erating budget. Since each part Each task should be outlined in the manual. Include equipment used, staff numbers, and any other materials needed. Tee to Green June/July 2022 3 Greens, Tees, Fairways, and Rough For turf area sections of the course, there are a number of standards to consider. You might start with the number of employees each task takes, the equipment that is cur- include things like soil testing, ISTRC testing (shown here), and water testing. rently used, necessary cultural practices, such as mowing heights and frequencies, her departments in a club have guidance include your assistants, interns, including time of day and when it needs to g procedures spelled out in a staff members, equipment managers, con- be completed to accommodate play. ent? When it comes time to sultants, USGA agronomists, architects, Example: The greens are mowed each day department’s budget requests men’s and women’s golf committees, and using three staff members. The height of cut is mprovements get approved, golf professionals. Of course, you don’t want .125". We use Jacobsen Eclipse mowers set up ment is going be poised for the to get mired down in too many opinions, so with grooved front rollers to complete this task. ding? pick and choose who you think might offer The greens are mowed starting at 6 a.m. to o the course finances and the best counsel. Among my favorites are accommodate the 7 a.m. first tee time. ittees. Finance committees all the agronomists and golf pros. Golf course This can be helpful in justifying tee sheet g in common, no matter what agronomists know, firsthand, golfer expec- start times and labor requirements in order or course: They all hate sur- tations, and when they visit your course, to make it all happen. defined standards and short- they note the cultural practices needed to For greens, in particular, other cultural goals will help finance com- meet those expectations. They are also help- practices to include would be when and and forecast for the future. ful in identif ying and adding credibility to how you aerate, specif ying depth and the e committee will appreciate long-range improvement projects. Golf pros type and size of the tine, as well as whether t their golf course will need are the individuals who meet and greet the course is closed during the process. n advance. your golfers on a regular basis, so who is I like to use an example of an ISTRC more aware of common issues and concerns, report to illustrate why we aerate as much ved in Setting the as well as golfer skill levels, which might as we do. If you use turf fans or subair-type dictate conditioning? systems, you should include what the parameters are for using them. you want to avoid making is What Do You Include in Your Example: We use fans at night when tem- dards in a vacuum; in other peratures are above 65, and during the day when g standards without seeking Maintenance Standards Document? the dewpoint averages about 69. of the people who matter While there aren’t any hard-and-fast rules Note topdressing procedures: What kind lfing members, who, of course, for formatting your standards, you might of topdressing is used, how much, and how green chairman and commit- want to include a cover page, table of con- is it incorporated into the holes? You might times your club president and tents, mission statement and introduction, also include similar specifications for verti- tors. and sections on the main areas of the cutting, grooming, and rolling. ther player feedback by way of golf course, including greens, tees, fair- Discuss how these areas are irrigated s or even your daily interac- ways, rough, bunkers, ponds, trees, and any (hand water, automatic, etc.), and spell out yers while on the course. It other area you feel is worthy of document- how you judge how much to irrigate (sen- o keep a notepad handy to ing. Here are the sections I’ve created sors, scouting, TDRs, E.T.). comments and observations. for Fairview’s maintenance standards It’s also important to include standards, r feedback with green com- document. such as speed, smoothness, firmness, turf oard member notes and you density, color, and pest thresholds. You will r main source of information Mission Statement/Introduction undoubtedly want to include other stan- on your document. I like to start off with a mission statement dards depending on whether you are refer- viduals you might call on for and an introduction or narrative on the ring to greens, tees, fairways, or rough. une/July 2022 I like to divide this section into two parts: equipment maintenance and f leet replacement. Fleet replacement: In this section, first include the equipment that is owned versus leased. Then create a five-year replacement ces should be included. Aeration, verticutting, topdressing, venting, and similar schedule and mention what will be pur- be part of your manual content. chased and what will be leased. Of course, include costs, what the new equipment will Drainage do to improve efficiency and course condi- helps to start by including the Like irrigation, a section on your general tions, and the age of the equipment it will be raking, as well as how you drainage infrastructure is useful in pin- replacing—if, in fact, it will be replacing nts vs. full raking, for instance. pointing areas that will require time and something. And will the new equipment her you are using the tradi- money to renovate. Include drainage sys- save labor or require additional labor? d of raking or the Aussie tems on greens, tees, fairways, and rough. Equipment maintenance: In this section, , note how many employees Note the larger catch basins and culvert pip- include recordkeeping, reel sharpening stan- rake and what time the gen- ing that all the six- and four-inch pipes run dards, back-lapping, servicing, tools, and ds to be completed to accom- to. How old are these pipes? What is their shop equipment (lifts, tire mounting condition? How often are you edging all the machine, grinders, hydraulic hose makers, also specif y the standard sand inlets? etc.). Also include any computer programs r bunkers and how often you you might be using for inventory and epths. In addition, note the Landscaping repair/maintenance tracking. ure content and firmness of Landscaping is another golf course feature ell as how often bunkers are that requires a high level of maintenance. It’s Environmental Measures at equipment is used. useful, therefore, to specif y practices needed In an era dominated by public environmen- to properly maintain the beds, shrubs, native tal concerns, every superintendent should s areas, and walls and hardscapes surrounding have environmental standards spelled out s, lakes, bays, etc., are other the clubhouse and throughout the course. for their golf course maintenance operation. ny golf courses that require It’s also helpful to acquire proper labor In this section, it pays to include all of your You should discuss how you and budget dollars. Note how much labor is environmental initiatives, such as the g these water features: For required to keep landscaped beds main- Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, ou using weed and algae con- tained and the conditions of the current the Groundwater Guardian Program, and such as aerators or diffusers, hardscapes, walls, or other similar items. any case studies/projects that you have initi- at are you doing to maintain If you have native areas, note their com- ated on the course. List buffer zones, no- position and the programs you have in place spray zones, wildlife habitat, nesting boxes, to maintain them at their best. If you have a water body protection measures, and polli- predominance of native areas, you may want nator enhancement and protection. al component of course main- to spell out your maintenance standards for You can also note best management prac- r irrigation system. It can be these areas in a separate section. tices, including chemical safety data sheet lude descriptions of the cur- locations and how often they are updated, stem, piping, sprinkler types, Trees spill kit locations, mix-and-load areas and tion, sensors, TDRs, weather Trees are an important part of the golf how they are maintained, and anything else well as any work associated course landscape that require ongoing that could fall into this category. If you use a p. For instance, how often do maintenance and attention. Before setting computer program to track chemical and coverage and efficiency of the standards of tree care, it’s wise to start with a fertilizer applications and inventory, you often do you edge the sprin- tree inventory and then a policy for future should include that here as well. boxes? tree planting and removal. As we know, A facility BMP plan can be created easily, poorly placed trees can seriously affect turf using the GCSAA’s new template. Go to quality, particularly on greens and tees. At Tee to Green June/July 2022 5 this section. drainage in an area. A picture, after all, is little R&R at the Parent/Child Tourn- worth a thousand words! ament at Mosholu, which is always great Facility Once all your facts, figures, and photos fun and a great opportunity to share a part ction on your maintenance are compiled, I recommend distributing of your profession with family members. re to mention the age, size, spiral-bound color copies of your mainte- Unfortunately, due to some rescheduling of uipment washdown system, nance standards to the Green Committee events and the dry conditions, we decided ertilizer storage, safety, organ- members and Board members and also to cancel the Family Picnic in August and ng, job board, and facilities. having a PDF on the club’s website or roll it into the West Point Football game in your department website for easy access. November. Keep your eye out for the details I take it a step further and have a page on this great event. t important asset of any main- on the club’s website that states the course As we expected, the Invitational Tourn- tion, deserves its own set of conditions and rules for the day. I also use ament at The Stanwich Club, hosted by e, note such things as the size this page to mention special course main- Scott Niven, is a sell-out. So next up is the their level of experience, and tenance or project news. I post the link to Poa Tournament at Apawamis, hosted by ot they’re supplied with uni- the maintenance standards PDF there Mike McCormick. He has done some amaz- g, annual reviews, and educa- with a brief summary of what it is and ing work at the club over the past six years. unities. Also note any safety the reason to have it. Be sure to check it out. ve put in place. Winston Churchill once wrote to ise to include a seven-day In the End Eleanor Roosevelt, “You know one works If you’re seeking your GCSAA better when one has a chance to enjoy a lit- you’re required to provide this Like any well-run business, successful golf tle leisure now and then.” We all would do lready in your portfolio sec- course operations have an idea of where well to heed Churchill’s advice. Put yourself ll justif y your daily staffing they’re headed and how they’ll get there. and your staff members at the top of your mittees and boards. Include There are a wide range of standards out to-do list, and schedule even just a momen- programs you might be using there, depending on your course size and tary break from your frantic pace. You will, post job boards, payroll, etc. budget. There may be sections mentioned no doubt, return to your work with a in this article that don’t pertain to your renewed focus and a healthier perspective. operation or other standards that you’d ection of your standards doc- like to add. Feel free to make any adjust- Brett Chapin page for notes on any progress ments you see fit. MetGCSA President needs that have cropped up in In every case, establishing a formal set category. This will give your of golf course maintenance standards ion on what needs to be done, helps take your course in the right direc- e done, and how much it is tion by managing expectations, establish- It will serve you well when it ing necessary resources and future needs, r your two-year updating. and ensuring continuity in management objectives from year to year. Not only will you elevate your department’s status Your Standards in the eyes of your course leadership and aintenance standards clearly golfers, but you’ll also have a clear road- and effort, so it is worth de- map for future success. tra effort to presenting them al manner. Adding high-qual- Jim Pavonetti, a member of the Tee to Green r instance, can enhance your Editorial Committee, is superintendent of king it more engaging for the Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT. at the same time informing une/July 2022 the stress of the season was this r Social! Orienta Beach Club spectacular evening views of delicious lobster buffet, and ou in a summertime mood— ion focus on enjoying and with industry friends! This as a wonderful reggae band, ktails, and firepits to end the we were all on an exotic vaca- Greg Wojick, Tony Girardi, Larry Pakkala, just for a few hours. If you and Scott Niven it this year, we missed you. see you at the next Met event! lsen Cocktail hour at Orienta Bob Nielsen and Yve & Ken Gentile n and Shayna & Rich Apgar Chuck Alpern, Hunter Coulthard & Kayla Hamilton, and Alexa Mennuti & James White Birth Congratulations to Apawamis Club Su- perintendent Mike McCormick and his wife, Jamie, on the birth of their 7 lb. 11 oz. baby boy, Miles Timothy McCormick on David Dudones, Brian Gjelsvik, and Rob July 11. Alonzi In Sympathy ocial by night Our condolences to Century Country Club Superintendent Kevin Seibel and his family on the passing of his father, Norman H. Seibel, on July 17. Norman was 81 years old. Tee to Green June/July 2022 7 ntendent/Guest Tournament. beauty of the property and became curious passed since the Met last made about what went into the day-to-day man- e at the 106-year-old club, agement. He took a job on the maintenance ccounts, was in superb condi- crew as a 16-year-old high school student. et’s special event. After graduating high school, Anthony Anthony Garzia perintendent Anthony Garzia enrolled at Delaware Valley College to study were poised to show off the environmental science with a concentration Hepner to supervise the project. Hepner had ed in recent years to restore in turfgrass management. His first intern- completed a similar project at The Piping harm Woodway is so well ship took him to the famed Plainfield Rock Club on Long Island. e very popular sloping park- Country Club, where Anthony got his first By August 2019, less than six months was revitalized, allowing for taste of high-end golf course management. after taking the job, Anthony broke ground site lines and a return to its It was his next internship, however, that on relining and reshaping most of the ayability. As contestants saw, proved pivotal in kickstarting his impressive course’s bunkers. But the work didn’t stop hallenges lie not in pure dis- career path. there. With construction already mobilized, rategic shot-making opportu- Anthony would spend the next 13 years at Anthony and Hepner embarked on a tee allenging large greens with the legendary Pine Valley Golf Club. After a renovation plan that included squaring up subtle breaks. successful internship there, Anthony was and aligning the tee boxes for a more con- asked to return a second summer. The sec- nected feel hole to hole. The project also ond summer turned into an offer for a full- included raising the 10th green two-and- Roots time second assistant position upon half feet to increase pin locations. Two addi- res a story similar to many graduation. Then two years later, in 2010, tional greenside bunkers were installed on clubs in the Met area. In the Anthony’s hard work was recognized with a the 10th green, which had been part of group of golf enthusiasts cre- promotion to first assistant. Willie Park Jr.’s original design. mentary 6-hole course on Four years later, he was tapped to manage This project also included strategic tree nd. Over the next 20 years, as from tee to green the club’s short course, removal and native area installations, bring- anded and golf gained in pop- which is a fabled part of the Pine Valley ing back the original vistas from the 10th b splintered into what would experience. tee, as well as the sweeping view from the ee Burn Country Club and Then in 2016, Rick Christian, Pine 7th tee, which offers one of the best views untry Club, which moved to a Valley’s superintendent, brought Anthony in on the property. own. to be his senior first assistant. This promo- This leg of the project also included mov- oodway’s founding members tion put Anthony on the front lines of the ing the site of the original golf course airy farm on Darien’s Hoyt daily operations for the entire property. “dump” from the center of the property to Park Jr., the famed golf pro, It was his experience at Pine Valley that an area where exposure to players would be Open champion, and a pro- gave Anthony the confidence to move to minimal. “This, we really knocked out of in the region at the time, was Woodway in the fall of 2018. “When you’ve the park,” says Anthony. “While relocating ate the new club’s vision. The worked at Pine Valley, you’ve seen just about the dump, we lowered 11 and 7 tees, and ourse revered for its rolling everything,” says Anthony. everything blended beautifully!” ptional putting surfaces. Work also went into restoring the first beachfront property was pur- hole area. Once utilizing two separate blish Woodway Beach Club. Hitting the Ground Running greens that could be rotated, the extra green a popular paddle sports pro- Anthony jumped right into his role as prop- was eliminated, bringing the hole back to an exceptional clubhouse, erty superintendent by continuing Wood- its original design. Next to the first tee rs its 600-plus members a full way’s long-term golf course improvement complex (on the right side of the club’s main y club experience. plan. “The club made it clear that bunker driveway) is a short game area which was restoration was a priority and funds were revitalized. Plans are also in the works to y Start ready and waiting,” says Anthony. redo the driving range area, which is He wasted no time in securing McDonald located on the left side of the main raised in the South Jersey and Sons to begin the bunker restoration. entranceway. “One thing very important to an, just across the Delaware The club then signed on architect Bruce me is the initial impression as you drive into the property,” Anthony says. une/July 2022 and drainage work will be condition for the 2022 MetGCSA Super- some of the lower lying areas. intendent/Guest Tournament. Since arriv- Redding Country Club , the club will pivot towards a ing at Woodway in the fall of 2018, lubhouse addition that will Anthony and his staff have worked tirelessly Closest to the Pin ~ #9 ated “outdoor” amenities with Hepner Golf Designs to complete a Craig Hatt, 6'3" nhance the post-round experi- restoration of the 1916 Willie Park Jr. Guest rs. design, revealing the course as Park had nd-improved site will include intended it. Closest to the Pin ~ #12 en and expanded patio with Despite Mother Nature’s attempt at a Grover Alexander, 5'7" it and dining areas,” explains slow start to the season, the course played as Hudson Hills GC bers will also enjoy the strik- a true challenge, highlighting the club’s he 8th and 9th holes, as well as unique and deceptive greens and making Longest Drive ~ #16 matches wrapping up on the for a fun return of an event tradition, the Davis Wade greens. Yellow Ball Tournament. The Yellow Ball Guest is a Best-Ball Net event played along with Front the customary Superintendent/Guest Gross Yellow Ball Event’s Winning Results & Net competition. A Yellow Ball was given to each foursome his wife, Valeri, met as young- After the round, participants were prior to teeing off. The yellow ball was hometown, reconnected after treated to fabulous dining, a perfect way to then played by each member of the four- were married in 2016. Life cap off such a great event. Many thanks to some, rotating through and recording the y in 2018, when in just a mat- everyone at Woodway for hosting our asso- individual’s Best Ball Net Score for that Anthony began his new job at ciation. General Manager Steve McVey and particular hole. The goal is to finish the and Valeri moved from South Head Professional Michael Crawford went 18-hole event without losing the yellow walk, CT, and they welcomed out of their way to make the day special for ball. If the ball is lost, your team is out of ild, Vienna. Anthony laughs, all who attended. Justifiably, the club is the competition. e time, new job, new kid, new annually ranked by Golf Digest as one of the The winners of the Yellow Ball portion best in the state! of the tournament were Rolling Hills’ 21, Anthony and Valeri wel- Here are the results for the competition: Glenn Perry, Harrell’s Scott Tretera, Wee cond child to the family: their , born just before the spring Burn’s Doug Drugo, and Valley View Gross & Net Competition Greenhouses’ Frank Amodio, firing an njoys spending time on the First Place Gross Winners ~ 71 impressive 64. Nice shooting, fellas!! wned since his days in South Joe Rafferty, Hudson Hills GC n Norwalk allows him similar John O’Shea, Hudson Hills GC Zach Brooks, a member of the Tournament water. “With the boat being 10 Committee, is a sales consultant at Noble Turf , it makes it easy to get out on Second Place Gross Winners ~ 71 in Mt. Laurel, NJ. get a quick ride in and clear David Dudones, Westchester Country Club hony says. Mike Ballo, Guest a huge New York Yankees fan, shares with his wife, Valeri. First Place Net Winners ~ 64 tting out to as many games in Tony Girardi, Rockrimmon CC hey can. Ironically, he is also a Jim Calladio, Guest owboys fan! He laughs, “I was in the ’80s about America’s Second Place Net Winners ~ 65 Blake Halderman, Brae Burn CC Matt Snyder, Guest is VP of Sales and Operations r Turf Supply in Lincolndale, Tee to Green June/July 2022 9 raiser and Met Champion- improvements, including additional work to am Qualifier, scheduled for tee complexes, fairway expansions, the addi- omises to be a treat for all. A tion of fine fescue/native areas, and further playing just under 6,800 yards, tree removal to open up sightlines through- Mike McCormick offers a unique and challeng- out the property. rience. Playing over typically The club’s enhancement program culmi- chester terrain, the course nated in a complete overhaul of its irrigation he developed an immense passion for the uracy off the tee. The greatest system, including a full rebuild of its pump industry. At the recommendation of then wever, lies in the small greens, station in the winter of 2019, and the instal- Stow Acres Superintendent Erick Koskinen, ast and severely undulated, lation of a new Rain Bird, two-wire, HDPE Mike decided to pursue an education in efensive approach shots to spe- wall-to-wall irrigation system between the turfgrass management at The University of reas below the cup. But don’t summer of 2021 and the spring of 2022. Massachusetts. for it. Take it from golf great Over the years, the club has played host to While working toward his degree, Mike who called Apawamis “the several prominent golf tournaments. The seized the opportunity to intern at several of t golf course” he ever played. most famous among them being the 1911 the industry’s pedigree clubs, starting first, U.S. Amateur, the 1978 Curtis Cup, and the in 2008, at The International Golf Club in Old and New 2005 Senior Women’s Amateur. Apawamis Bolton, MA. Working with Dick Bator, a has also hosted numerous American Junior seasoned veteran in championship golf se at Apawamis is interesting Golf Association events. ike its history. Celebrating its preparation, Mike got a taste of the excite- No event, however, is more closely woven ment and challenges of high-end golf rsary this year, Apawamis was into the Apawamis fabric than the United 90 but did not begin building course maintenance. This piqued Mike’s States Seniors Golf Association’s Annual interest in pursuing work at other elite golf ourse until 1896, when the Championship. It was the brainchild of site was purchased. Purported courses in the Northeast. member Horace Hotchkiss, who in 1905 Bator supported Mike’s ambition and the first 100 golf clubs in invited a group of friends and acquain- ame, Apawamis, came from an directed him toward an internship at Oak tances, all of whom were at least 55 years of Hill Country Club the following summer, ian word used to describe an age, for a one-day tournament. Some 50 , NY. working under Jeff Corcoran. “Jeff offered players gathered for the world’s first-ever me yet another perspective on high-end Willie Dunn of Shinnecock “seniors” tournament. d to design the course, though maintenance,” says Mike, who had com- The event has evolved over the years into pleted his associate’s degree from UMass, en modifications made over a two-day, 36-hole competition, with about famed architects Herbert and with Jeff ’s encouragement continued 500 players at Apawamis, Blind Brook, on to earn his bachelor’s from UMass in -1911), Donald Ross (1930), Round Hill, and Bedford Golf & Tennis Tom Fazio (1977), Gil Hanse Plant, Soil, and Insect Science. While pursu- Club. This tournament brings amateur ing his B.S., he interned at yet another Tom Marzolf (2014), and dur- golfers together from all over the country ure, Keith Foster (2017-2022). highly desirable venue, Oakmont Country every year, holding a place close to the hearts Club outside Pittsburgh, PA. ring of enhancements with of the Apawamis members. began the year Mike took the “I worked with Oakmont Super John ng-time Superintendent Bill Zimmers and was able to experience all that tired in 2017. Mike’s Story went into preparing for a major event, the olf Course Enhancement Pro- Making the course a fine playing field for 2010 U.S. Women’s Open. What better in 2017 with more than the club’s notable events is Mike Mc- training ground is there than that?” of green expansions and grade Cormick, who is in his sixth year as The Having proved his mettle, Mike was to all existing putting sur- Apawamis Club’s superintendent. Mike offered a full-time grounds maintenance struction of three new USGA began his career in the industry when he position at Oakmont, which he gladly greens, the renovation of all was 11 working as a caddie at Nawshatuc accepted upon graduating in 2011 with his nsion of fairways from 19 to Country Club, which neighbors his bachelor’s from UMass. Working his way up removal of more than 1,000 Sudbury, MA, hometown. At 14, he began the ladder, Mike earned first assistant status djustments to several tee working on the grounds maintenance staff in the winter of 2014. While in this role, the at nearby Stow Acres Country Club where club went on to host the 2016 U.S. Open. “I une/July 2022 nd Assistant, Dan Schena, Greenwich, CT Join fellow MetGCSA and HVGCSA mem- in training, Bailey Warren Host: Scott Niven, CGCS bers, friends, and family for the West Point rphy, and my intern, Evan Family Football Day and Tailgate party. The Poa/Met Championship/ Food & beverages will be compliments of n very fortunate to have Met Team Qualifier our two associations. tivated and dedicated staff Monday, August 29 To register or for further information, ide me throughout my The Apawamis Club contact Susan O’Dowd at 914 -909-4843 out their incredible work Rye, NY or sodowd@mgagolf.org. on for the job, the transfor- Host: Mike McCormick property would never have MetGCSA Holiday Party adds Mike. Nine & Dine Thursday, December 8 Wednesday, September 28 Emma’s Ale House se Centennial Golf Club White Plains, NY Carmel, NY is off-duty, he is on-duty Host: Glen Dube MetGCSA Winter Seminar ily. Married to his wife, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 r years, the two are more Westchester Country Club with their two young Rye, NY who is 20 months old, and Host: David Dudones is barely a month old! ns! Jamie’s love story began Industry Events orked at Oakmont. Jamie to be the club’s event plan- sure came in handy when The 16th Annual Dr. Joseph Troll cutting-edge applications and tactics to their wedding. They began Turf Classic guarantee green industry professionals’ suc- ars before the 2016 U.S. Monday, September 12 cess on the job. aintained a long-distance Pelham Country Club For further information, call 973-812- nce Mike moved to Rye, Pelham, NY 6467 or visit www.njturfgrass.org. Host: Jeff Wentworth, CGCS orked in the industry for This year’s UMass Alumni Turf Group 26th Annual New England Regional st gets it,” says Mike. “She fundraiser will be hosted by Pelham Turfgrass Conference and Show en supportive and under- Country Club in support of turf education Tuesday – Thursday, March 7 – 9 my career goals and is an and research at the University of Massa- Rhode Island Convention Center committed mom to our chusetts. MetGCSA member and Pelham Providence, RI n.” Country Club Superintendent Jeff Went- For the 26th consecutive year, the confer- n Mike has a moment to worth is this year’s honoree, recognized for ence and show provides turfgrass profes- merses himself in every- his achievements in the turfgrass manage- sionals from all areas of the industry the whether it’s playing the ment industry. opportunity to see the newest products, sup- r, or going to as many con- Please plan to attend this worthy plies, services, and equipment available llows. fundraiser. Entry forms and additional while offering a host of informative educa- er had the pleasure of play- information are available online at tional sessions, pesticide recertification cred- o-hidden gem, be sure to www.alumniturfgroup.com. its, and endless networking opportunities. fast-approaching Poa/Met Watch for details on www.NERTF.org, or p/Met Team Qualifier and 2022 GREEN EXPO Turf & Landscape call 401-841-5490 for further information. egy and conditioning that’s Conference ou back, again and again. Tuesday – Thursday, December 6 – 8 Borgata Hotel & Casino o-chair of the Tee to Green Atlantic City, NJ ittee, is superintendent at Rye The New Jersey Green Expo offers a com- ye, NY. prehensive educational program providing Tee to Green June/July 2022 11 Golf Foundation that was Union, or Canada” and (B) “registered for made toward the Personal Health In- year from We Are Golf to the use within the United States.” vestment Today (PHIT) Act S.844 / Industry Coalition and is heav- H.R. 3109 in both chambers of Congress. and attended by golf course Excerpt 2 The PHIT Act would make a variety of ts. Their goal: To prevent any IN GENERAL—Section 24 of the Federal items—including green fees, golf lessons, lations that might adversely Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and other practices that promote physical dustry from being adopted (7 U.S.C. 136v) is amended by inserting . . . activity and mental health—eligible for lative visits. This year saw (A) “. . . or any political subdivision of a payment with pre-tax dollars in HSAs, 0 participants representing all State,” after “A State” and (B) “. . . or political FSAs, and other medical spending accounts. conducting in excess of 260 subdivision” after “the State” The PHIT Act enjoys bipartisan support and meetings. continues to gain cosponsors every year. There is a great deal more to digest in the st Stop in Its Tracks bill; however, the loss of state pesticide pre- It’s a Wrap emption laws, that allow local municipali- re is at least one major federal ties to create their own pesticide use laws or After many years of attending predomi- cts or could affect golf course enforce product bans, is a completely unten- nantly New York congressional meetings, ts in the Metropolitan sec- able position for golf course superintend- this year I was assigned mostly western year was no exception. Senate ents, putting our industry in a position Connecticut congressional districts due to the “Protect America’s where we will have to battle for exemptions my recent change of residency along with a om Toxic Pesticides Act” in each of our municipalities. We, as an few New York meetings. Unfortunately, no ponsored by Senator Cory industry, have no choice but to stop this bill in its congressional members were in attendance J), may at first blush seem tracks. this year, though I will say that the staff we but on closer scrutiny, it The good news, for the moment, is that met with were very engaged and allotted us r that it would completely this bill is currently in committee (Agri- the entire 30 minutes to discuss our con- e current pesticide review and culture, Nutrition, and Forestry) and does cerns and promote best management prac- ocess. not have a House companion bill. You can tices for golf courses. Just as important, each lain. Currently, the Federal read the full text and keep an eye on updates of the offices we met with supported our ngicide, and Rodenticide Act of the bill at https://www.congress. positions on all three issues. erns federal pesticide law, gov/bi ll/117t h- cong ress/senate -bi ll/ Next year, National Golf Day is planning ironmental Protection Agen- 3283/text. to return to an in-person format. Please ministers that law. If the consider attending this advocacy day event. t in place, it would essentially The last thing you want to do is allow legis- independent evaluation, as Other Topics on the Table lators to impose rules and regulations with- ence behind pesticide evalua- The other topics discussed during our visits out legitimate input from those being ally leave the decision making were familiar ones covered over the past affected! Communicating our message and ernments and/or local elected couple of years. As labor shortages continue building relationships on the federal level is to confront the golf and hospitality indus- as important as ever to our industry and to wo examples taken directly tries, the issue of increasing the available ensuring a viable future. erent sections of the bill’s text number of H-2B Visas for Foreign e the importance and impact Workers to fill seasonal positions in the Mike McCall is the executive director of the U.S. has gained traction. MetGCSA and managing member of the One of the current measures that would McCall Management Group, LLC. help in this area is House Resolution H.R. rator (EPA) shall immediately 3897, the H-2B Returning Worker gistration of any active ingre- Exemption Act, which would exclude those ide product that is . . . who have received an H-2B Visa and une/July 2022 066 Hightstown, NJ 08520 Twitter: @metroturfinc 7 Whittemore Place 8-369-0368 Dennis DeSanctis Jr. / Dennis DeSanctis Sr. Ryebrook, NY 10573 Ofc: 732-580-5516 ✪ MTE Equipment Solutions, Inc. 914-393-0659 / Fax: 914-939-5010 ls.com 33 Thruway Park Drive Dennisjr@doubledturf.com soilsolutionsllc369@gmail.com Turf West Henrietta, NY 14586 Deep” ✪ Emerald Tree and Shrub Care Ofc: 888-708-5296 ✪ Sygenta 996-6267 “Master Arborists & Golf Course sales@mte.us.com “Manufacturer of Plant Protection fturf.com Specialists” mteequipmentsolutions.com Products” icGandT Steve Farrelly / Bill Demarest / Kevin John Bresnahan: 413-333-9914 Wyatt ✪ Noble Turf john.bresnahan@syngenta.com ion Ofc: 914-725-0441 “Helping You Grow” mistry” Brian Bontemps: 845-239-7959 ✪ Tanto Irrigation, LLC info@emeraldtreecare.com “Golf Course Irrigation Specialists” 8-413-2944 Brian Gjelsvik: 973-670-7139 f.com ✪ Ewing Irrigation Zach Brooks: 914-309-2373 Tim Clarke / Chase Cameron / Bill ina Fred Rapp: 848-225-4618 Matt Lapinski: 978-551-0093 Bartels Ofc: 914-591-9530 Bill Cimochowski: 609-923-4045 info@tantoirrigation.com frapp@ewingirrigation.com Twitter: @Tantoirrigation r” Trapper Van Dunk: 914-471-7012 ✪ NuFarm Americas, Inc. 60-841-3173 “Helping the World to Grow a Better ✪ Tom Irwin Inc. tvandunk@ewingirrigation.com “With Tom Irwin, You’re Not Alone” t Farms Tomorrow” ✪ Executive Turf & Synergy Turf Supply Jim Santoro: 508-207-2094 13 A Street, Burlington, MA 01803 oad “Nualgi’s Nano Technology & HumaGro’s Jeff Houde: 203-731-1776 18661 jim.santoro@nufarm.com Micro Carbon Technologies” Ofc: 800-582-5959 uck Evans Ken Gentile: 203-496-0891 ✪ Ocean Organics jeff@tomirwin.com 570-947-5888 Tim Joyce: 631-601-5294 Biostimulants ~ Fertility ~ Surfactants “All Made With Love in Maine” ✪ Turf Products LLC ials, LLC executiveturfproducts@gmail.com TORO Irrigation & Equipment ssing & Bunker Sand Kevin P. Collins: 914-621-1151 ✪ Finch Turf kevin@oceanorganics.com “Servicing Our Customers Since d & Partac 9 Venture Way 1970” r Sand Twitter: @kcseweed Eldersburg, MD 21784 Keith Kolasch: 860-214-0245 -939-4884 Ofc: 800-560-3373 ✪ Pinnacle Turf, Inc. Mark Osborn: 203-910-9114 .net George Corgan: 914-893-0868 40 Skyview Lane Erick Holm: 860-490-2787 rrigation & gcorgan@finchturf.com New Rochelle, NY 10804 Bill Conley: 860-360-0503 www.finchturf.com Steven Renzetti, CGCS Peter Hull: 860-305-2525 t 914-384-9227 Chris Francis: 413-770-1585 ✪ Fisher and Son Company srenzetti@verizon.net / 523 “Servicing the Green Industry Professionals ✪ Valley Green, Inc. homas Watroba www.Pinnacleturf.net Since 1928” “Serving the Industry since 1990” 56 Mike Weber: 347-486-0480 ✪ Plant Food Company, Inc. 205 Wilson Avenue 74 mweber@fisherandson.com “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” Norwalk, CT 06854 ltis.com Tom Weinert: 914-262-0111 Greg Moran: 845-901-1358 ✪ Grass Roots Turf Products, Inc. Dick Neufeld: 973-945-6318 Metropolitan NY “Serving Turfgrass Professionals Since Ofc: 203-831-9748 Road Tom Pepe: 609-751-1372 g.moran@valleygreenusa.com 1978” David Conrad: 914-263-3244 6804 Ryan Avery / Keith Kubik / Nick Alley ✪ Westchester Tractor, Inc. -943-6898 Twitter & Instagram: @PlantFoodCo Ofc: 973-252-6634 60 International Boulevard 58 www.GRIturf.com / sales@GRIturf.com ✪ Playbooks for Golf Brewster, NY 10509 ubcar.com Twitter: @GrassRootsTurf Mobile Coverage System, Conditions John Apple: 845-278-7766 Z-GO App, Golf Course Field Guides, ezPins, sales@wtractor.com ✪ Harrell’s LLC Consulting, Career Development, 5-637-7641 (NJ) “Growing a Better World. Partners for www.wtractor.com 6-662-3554 Professional Search Services Success” Greg Wojick: 203-219-0254 ✪ Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. I) Scott Tretera: 914-262-8638 “Proudly Serving the MetGCSA 605-0554 (CT) Matt Leverich: 913-221-8052 Mark Chant: 631-987-2522 www.goplaybooks.com Since 1976” n.com stretera@harrells.com | Bob Lippman: 914-447-6257 nj mchant@harrells.com ✪ SiteOne Landscape Supply Dave Lippman: 914-447-5192 pert Company The Golf Team at SiteOne delivers un- info@westchesterturf.com ✪ Helena Agri Enterprises, LLC paralleled, value-adding services and -668-5628 (Mt. “People . . . Products . . . Knowledge” ✪ Winfield United products from over 20 top golf brands to Tim Gerzabek: 609-221-9240 improve your course’s playability “We Help You Win” -241-8110 (Mt. Twitter: @TimG_Helena Rob Saunders: 203-249-5059 Chad Mathieu: 914-539-5675 ✪ K & J Tree Service cmathieu@siteone.com Jim Masone: 516-818-9852 203-967-6900 Pat Cash: 516-639-7784 Removal, Pruning, Planting, Stump Removal, & Plant Healthcare rssaunders@landolakes.com -906-3264 Edward Grant: 203-298-8074 Ofc: 203-722-7316 / Fax: 203-909-6506 edward@kjtreeservice.com ✪ Denotes MetGCSA member ✪ Denotes MetGCSA member