Golf Course Management - December 2015

INSIDE: Progress in golf’s water-conservation efforts

GCM G PAGE 68

oof the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

Tree-cycling 40 Diamonds in the rough 58 2015 article index 83

Household name

Old Tom Morris honoree Herb Kohler Jr. has the goods, on and off the course PAGE 46

Golf Course Management Magazine www.gcsaa.org • December 2015

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CONTENTS12.15

46

Wizard of Wisconsin Old Tom Morris Award recipient Herb Kohler Jr. helped grow his family’s mammoth business.

Golf, though, will be part of his lasting legacy.

Howard Richman

Groundwork for greatness At Westmoor Country Club, an internship program for Milwaukee youth has proved rewarding both for the young men who participate and the superintendent at its helm.

Bryan Bergner

On the cover: Photo courtesy of Sheboygan Press Media

10

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

58

83

2015 Article index

INSIGHTS

Turf

34 Shop

New fine-textured, cold-hardy zoysiagrass on the horizon Jack Fry, Ph.D. Ambika Chandra, Ph.D.

36

Ramped up Scott R. Nesbitt

RESEARCH

Advocacy A busy, banner year for advocacy Chava McKeel

38 Environment 40 O Christmas tree Megan Hirt

68

New study documents water conservation progress by U.S. golf courses

Technology

42

Smile for the camera era Bob Vaughey, CGCS

82 Cutting Edge Ed e Teresa Carson

Since 2005, golf courses in the U.S. have embraced water conservation measures, but additional efforts are needed to meet future challenges.

Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D. Larry Stowell, Ph.D.

ETCETERA12.15

16 18 20 32 64

12

President’s Message Inside GCM Front Nine Photo Quiz Through the Green

80 88 90 94

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Verdure Product News Industry News Climbing the Ladder

94 94 96 97

On Course Coming Up In the Field On the Move

99 99 100 104

Newly Certified New Members In Memoriam Final Shot

Golf Course Management Magazine Offcial Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

GCM MISSION

Golf Course Management magazine is dedicated to advancing the golf course superintendent profession and helping GCSAA members achieve career success. To that end, GCM provides authoritative “how-to,” career-oriented, technical and trend information by industry experts, researchers and golf course superintendents. By advancing the profession and members’ careers, the magazine contributes to the enhancement, growth and vitality of the game of golf.

GCSAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Vice President Secretary/Treasurer Immediate Past President Directors

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SCOTT SCO HOLLISTER sho shollister@gcsaa.org MEG MEGAN HIRT mhirt@gcsaa.org mhi TERESA TER CARSON tcar tcarson@gcsaa.org HOWARD HOW RICHMAN hric hrichman@gcsaa.org ROGER ROG BILLINGS rbillings@gcsaa.org rbill KELLY KEL NEIS kneis@gcsaa.org kne BRETT BRE LEONARD bleo bleonard@gcsaa.org

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(president’s message)

Spreading the good news

John J. O’Keefe, CGCS turfjok@aol.com

The results of the water survey are proof that when superintendents do the right things for the right reasons, they can achieve real and measurable results.

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

In a time when good news can often seem to be in short supply, one of the perks of serving as GCSAA president is being the regular recipient of that kind of news, information and messages.

Sometimes it comes in the form of an email, praising GCSAA for a program or service that made a real difference in the professional life of one of our members. Other times, it might be an update on the association’s advocacy efforts that have moved the needle in a positive direction for our industry.

Certainly not everything that crosses my desk is positive or encouraging. Our members face challenges and hurdles just like everyone else, and they often share those trials and issues with me. But on the whole, the good that I hear about far outweighs the bad, and as we enter a time of year when we all begin to refect on what is good and positive in our lives, that’s something for which I’m extremely grateful.

One of those opportunities to celebrate the positive came in late October at GCSAA’s annual Chapter Delegates Meeting, which this year brought more than 100 members from 90 chapters to Kansas City and Lawrence, Kan., for two days of conversations about the association and its direction.

Whether it was during the offcial business portion of these meetings or during casual conversations over lunch, the overall mood was one of optimism and satisfaction with the work of the national association.

The agenda that greeted attendees was a signifcant one. There were open and frank discussions about a number of issues, but through it all, there was a defnite sense that GCSAA and its members are doing the right things for the right reasons, and that both the association and the industry are heading in the right direction. For more on the meeting, go to www.gcsaa.org/newsroom/news/ chapters/2015/delegates-discuss-inclusivemembership-as-the-future-for-gcsaa.

As further proof of that positive momentum, I direct you to the lead research story in this issue of GCM, which highlights the results of the second round of the Golf Course Environmental Profle’s water survey (“New study documents water conservation progress

by U.S. golf courses,” Page 68). You’ve likely encountered information about this survey in a host of GCSAA communication vehicles

by now, but there’s a good reason that we’re broadcasting this news far and wide: The results were very encouraging, and they signal that GCSAA members are taking seriously their responsibilities as water managers.

There is a lot to take in from this survey, but the most notable takeaway, at least in my view, is this one: Golf’s water usage was 21.8 percent less in 2013 than it was in 2005. Obviously, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for improvement and that there aren’t areas that need our attention as an industry. But that number is concrete, and it’s something that GCSAA and the golf industry as a whole can take to lawmakers, regulators and others who may question golf courses’ role as water users as proof that when superintendents do the right things for the right reasons, they can achieve real and measurable results.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to recognize another source of great pride for both myself and the entire national board of directors: our staff at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence.

As the chapter delegates who interacted with them in October can attest, one of our association’s richest resources is the people we have working on our behalf at headquarters.

You see the quality of that work and the dedication they bring to their efforts every time you speak with a staff member on the phone, visit Lawrence, attend the Golf Industry Show or fip through the pages of this magazine. We are extremely fortunate to have such a professional and accomplished group working for us, so on behalf of the board and the more than 17,000 members of our association worldwide, thank you to the GCSAA staff for all you do for the association and the golf course management industry.

And to each of you reading this message, thank you for the efforts you put forth on behalf of your families, your employers and your profession. You are the real reason that the good news coming from our industry isn’t limited to this time of year, and I hope each of you has an enjoyable holiday season spent with family and friends. We’ll see you in 2016.

John J. O’Keefe, CGCS, is the director of golf course management at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, N.J., and a 35-year member of GCSAA.

Booth #1441 at GIS!

(inside gcm)

Take me out to the ... golf course

Scott Hollister shollister@gcsaa.org Twitter: @GCM_Magazine

The Links at Petco Park as seen from the stadium’s upper deck. Photo by Scott Hollister

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

One of golf’s biggest success stories of 2015 didn’t play out anywhere near a proper golf course. Instead, it came together in, of all places, a baseball stadium. It wasn’t attached to any of the year’s major championships — it took place in early November — and didn’t feature any of the game’s rising stars (unless you count ESPN’s Kenny Mayne in that company).

Nope, the Links at Petco Park had none of those things. But what it did have in spades was creativity, innovation and, quite frankly, loads of fun, all qualities that can serve as great lessons for a golf industry still struggling to develop viable, long-term initiatives that actually grow the game.

If this is the frst that you’re hearing about the Links at Petco Park, chances are you weren’t paying much attention last month.

Before, during and after the event’s fve-day run, Nov. 5 through 9, it received widespread national media attention. The usual suspects — Golf Digest, Golf and Golf Channel — all covered the story. Yahoo Sports took note, as did Sports Illustrated. ESPN’s Mayne was there for a feature that aired during halftime of a Monday Night Football game.

The concept was a relatively simple one, cooked up by the San Diego Padres’ promotions team with a little prodding from team president and CEO Mike Dee: Build a ninehole, par-27 course within the confnes of the team’s downtown San Diego stadium for baseball-loving golfers to live out their dreams of taking a few swings inside a real major-league ballpark. They soon partnered with Callaway Golf to add the company’s golf-specifc expertise to the planning.

Little did either entity know, however, just how enthusiastic the public’s response to that simple idea would be. Initially, the team was prepared to accommodate 144 golfers spread over four days. But demand quickly became so overwhelming that they expanded those plans to make room for 1,500 golfers over fve days.

“We had no idea (how popular the idea would be),” admits Nick Capo, the Padres’ senior director of ballpark operations, who played a key role in the design and execution of the Links at Petco Park. “As the planning went along, I don’t know that any of us had any clue what kind of impact this would have.”

Matt Balough, the team’s head groundskeeper, was charged with putting those plans into motion, most notably in the creation of the four greens on the outfeld grass that were home to the nine hole locations (Callaway took charge of the tee locations — one at home plate, one at the club level, and seven others spread around the upper deck of the stadium).

Balough’s background in golf is limited, he admits, but that didn’t stop him or his team from embracing the opportunity.

“It was a challenge, but I know my guys were all in on this one,” Balough says. “It was something different. We do corporate events during the off-season, concerts and other special events, but this was something totally different, something that broke up the monotony. It’s turned into a great event, not only for the team and Callaway, but for the city, for everyone.”

After getting an opportunity to check out the Links at Petco Park for myself on the day after it closed to public play, it was clear that few things were missed in its creation. Each tee had a different theme, including one that was an ode to Happy Gilmore, complete with a hockey stick for those wishing to take their shot with that implement. Greens — each of which was outlined in paint and then overseeded to give the surface itself a slightly different color from the surrounding turf — came complete with bunkers and water features. Music played throughout the experience. There were food and drink options all along the nine-hole tract.

In short, the Links at Petco Park offered up the kinds of things that not only attracted people to the event, but kept them talking about it long after they had left. That’s exactly the outcome that most player-development programs in golf profess to strive for, but so seldom actually achieve.

So let’s take a lesson from the Links at Petco Park. Fun and creativity sell. And any time we can inject those into our game, we should. If it worked for the Padres and Callaway Golf, it can work for our entire industry.

Scott Hollister is GCM’s editor-in-chief.

Homecoming To say it looks all too familiar for Kevin Klafehn would be untrue.

When Klafehn returned to Palmetto-Pine Country Club in Cape Coral, Fla., this past summer as its golf course superintendent, it oozed homecoming. After all, Klafehn had spent a dozen years there through 2007. Yet upon his return this year, Palmetto-Pine CC did not completely resemble what he remembered eight years ago. In some instances, it was neither recognizable nor a pretty sight.

Klafehn witnessed hedges so high they appeared to have legs. Shrubbery was either dead or badly mismatched.

Greens struggled to reach 6.5 on the Stimpmeter. Although he had been gone, Klafehn still seemed to have a sense of ownership in Palmetto-Pine CC. “I was like, ‘What happened to my golf course?’ I was appalled. The greens were on the verge of death,” Klafehn, a seven-year member of GCSAA, says.

Now it seems there is life after death at Palmetto-Pine CC. In his short time on the job, Klafehn has begun the task of restoring a facility that opened 45 years ago this month to its glory days. Now, the greens reach 11.5 on the Stimpmeter.

Plant and turf health is on the mend. Weeds are being eradicated daily. Palmetto-Pine’s PGA club professional Brian Ross praises Klafehn for what he has already accomplished.

“I’ve seen a complete turnaround,” says Ross, in his fourth year at the semi-private club, which does approximately 32,000 rounds annually. “It was at its worst about three years ago. There have been slight improvements (until Klafehn returned), but it had become stagnant. Already, the course has changed aesthetically. We’ve had positive feedback from members, and Kevin has really been good to work with. His communication is pretty much top-notch.”

Klafehn, 60, keeps a camera nearby whenever he is on the course in case he sees an image worth capturing. Who better to shoot pictures? After all, Klafehn spent 16 years of his working life at Eastman-Kodak, the photography innovators based in Rochester, N.Y., which is close to where he was raised. His frst job after high school was sweeping foors at Eastman-Kodak, but he eventually worked his way into the bigger picture (Klafehn went on to earn a degree from the New York Institute of Photography) as a photographer who shot NFL games.

“If a picture I took ended up hanging on somebody’s wall, it was gratifying,” Klafehn says.

Photo by Michael Pistella, Cape Coral Breeze

By the NUMBERS Superintendent salaries through the years GCSAA’s 2016 Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Awards will be presented to (from left to right) Dave Fearis, CGCS Retired; Paul McGinnis, CGCS; and Al Turgeon, Ph.D.

Salary

1993

1995

1998

$44,500 $49,269 $53,205

2000

$57,057

2003

$63,065

2005

$68,914

2007

$73,766

2009

$78,898

2011

$81,044

2013

$82,573

2015

$85,204 0 ,00 110 0 ,00

000

100

000

90,

000

80,

000

70,

000

60,

000

50,

000

40,

000

30,

000

20,

10,

Source: GCSAA Superintendent Profle Report, October 2015

He and his wife, Kathleen, moved to Florida in 1996.

When photography opportunities withered, Klafehn looked at other options. He noticed that Palmetto-Pine CC had an entry-level opening to do things such as rake bunkers and weed lake beds. He landed the job. Eventually, on three different occasions, Klafehn served as interim superintendent. Instead of hoping he would be named permanent superintendent, Klafehn ultimately left.

Rick Cirino, CGCS, originally hired Klafehn at Palmetto-Pine CC. When Cirino departed Palmetto-Pine CC, he felt certain that Klafehn was the right person to replace him. That, however, didn’t happen.

“They didn’t give him a chance to show what he could do. He’s an aggressive, hardworking man. In this day and time, that’s hard to fnd,” Cirino says.

Klafehn moved on to Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla., where he spent eight years as an assistant for Martin Wierengo, who quickly learned he’d made a good hire.

“Kevin is very tenacious, very knowledgeable. He started making a difference day one,” Wierengo says. “To change professions like he did when he came to Florida takes a lot of motivation and character. I don’t think everybody could do that.”

Proving he held no grudge, and that home really is where the heart is, Klafehn seized the opportunity to fnally be superintendent at Palmetto-Pine CC. The course, however, is not all that has changed since Klafehn was away.

His personal life is also much different. Kathleen, who has gallantly battled cancer and was even cancer-free for 18 months, is now losing that battle.

“It (cancer) has returned. Terminal cancer,” Klafehn says. “Its frightening. It’s terrible. We’ve cried rivers of tears, but we deal with it.”

Klafehn carries on, pouring his heart into reviving Palmetto-Pine CC. That mission never wavers.

“I came back with a clean slate. I am so appreciative of these folks,” Klafehn says. “Some of them remember my work. It’s going to take a couple years, but we’re going to bring this place back.”

— Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

Three to receive DSA honor Two past GCSAA presidents and a legendary turfgrass professor have been selected as the recipients of the 2016 Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award (DSA).

Paul McGinnis, CGCS; Dave Fearis, CGCS Retired; and Al Turgeon, Ph.D., will be recognized Feb. 9 at the Golf Industry Show in San Diego. The DSA is given to individuals who have made an outstanding, substantive and enduring contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profession. The award was renamed in 2009 in honor of Morley, GCSAA’s founder and frst president. He was the frst to earn the DSA in 1932, and he received it again in 1940.

McGinnis, director of golf course maintenance at Pebble Creek (Ariz.) Golf Resort, served as GCSAA president in 1997. A 38-year member of GCSAA, McGinnis was on the association board of directors for nine years. He has also been a three-time president of the Cactus & Pine GCSA. McGinnis is passionate about the role superintendents play in environmental stewardship. He served on the Governor’s Panel for Water Conservation, and is currently a Grassroots Ambassador for GCSAA. Fearis was a superintendent for 29 years, much of it at Blue Hills Country Club in Kansas City, Mo. He served for eight years on the GCSAA board, including the position of president in 1999. A graduate of Purdue University, Fearis has been active in the Heart of America GCSA, Central Illinois GCSA, The First Tee of Kansas City, the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation and the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation.

Turgeon has been educating students in turfgrass management for four decades. After earning his Ph.D. from Michigan State University, Turgeon was head of the agronomy department at Penn State in 1986, and today holds the position of professor emeritus. He was instrumental in spearheading the drive to launch Penn State’s online program in 1998, which has grown from 15 students to more than 6,000 worldwide. Turgeon taught education classes at the Golf Industry Show from 1975 to 2012.

Read more about McGinnis, Fearis and Turgeon in the January issue of GCM.

Life off the Watch g golf

e s r u Co

4 411

The

18% Very often 39% Often 33% Sometimes 1% Never

9% Rarely

OTHER MINIVAN 7% 2%

Vehicle Type yp

4-DOOR SEDAN 11% TRUCK 51%

Personal Use

SUV 29%

Source: GCSAA Superintendent Profle Report, October 2015

24

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

49% Hiking

49% Camping

52% Boating

55% Attend football games

61% Travel

65% Do-it-yourself work

69% Fishing

83% Playing golf

Hobbies

McDonough receives President’s Award Peter McDonough, superintendent at the Keswick Hall and Golf Club in Keswick, Va., was selected to receive the 2016 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship by the board of directors of GCSAA. McDonough will offcially receive the honor Feb. 9 during the Opening Session of the Golf Industry Show in San Diego. The Opening Session is presented in partnership with Syngenta.

The GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognize “an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf; a contribution that further exemplifes the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land.”

A 26-year member of GCSAA, McDonough has remained active in environmental projects and issues from the start of his career. McDonough, who served as president of the Old Dominion GCSA and the Virginia GCSA, was one of the founding members of the Virginia Council to serve his region on important environmental issues. McDonough served as the chair of the VGCSA Government Relations Committee when severe drought conditions affected the region in 2002. Since that time, he has worked directly with the governor’s offce, the Department of Environmental Quality and state legislators to adopt practical policies for water conservation and water management. In 2008, McDonough won GCSAA’s Excellence in Government Relations Award.

In 2011, McDonough was responsible for the publication of a handbook of best management practices for Virginia golf courses, showing superintendents how to effciently manage natural resources with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Read more about McDonough in the February issue of GCM.

Green Start Academy: 10 years strong Renee Geyer was “that kid” who toted her toy lawn mower around the neighborhood, and she learned how to play golf from her uncle when she was 11.

Though her path to a career in golf course management had some detours — she pursued another interest, vocal music performance and education, for three years in college — it eventually led to her current position, assistant superintendent at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

Fortunately, too, Geyer says, her path recently included a stop at the Green Start Academy, Oct. 7 through 9 in the Raleigh area of North Carolina. Being immersed in two days of industry-specifc professional development and surrounded by peers was just the experience Geyer, 31, was looking for at this point in her career.

“My goal in going was to fnd out the mindset of people in the same situation as I am, but from courses with different geographic and economic circumstances,” Geyer says.

“A lot of times when you go to professional development, you feel intimidated, like you don’t want to ask too many questions or be in someone’s way. But at Green Start, everyone — the presenters and the other assistants — was so open and willing to talk to you.”

Now in its 10th year, the annual event is a collaboration between Bayer and John Deere that brings together 50 up-and-coming assistant superintendents from across the U.S. and Canada. Attendees are chosen by a panel of veteran superintendents, and the 2015 class was culled from a pool of more than 200 applicants.

The group convened Wednesday evening with a welcome mixer and dinner. On Thursday, participants toured the John Deere Turf Care factory in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., home to production of 10 models of commercial mowing and golf equipment. Speakers took the spotlight later in the morning at the Bayer Technical Training Center in Clayton, N.C. Duke University Golf Club general manager Ed Ibarguen and superintendent Billy Weeks discussed fnding the job that’s the perfect ft; Chris Dew, superintendent at The National Golf Club of Canada, shared wisdom on

26

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Classroom time (left) and the opportunity to network with other assistant superintendents from across the U.S. and Canada were the primary attractions at the 2015 edition of the Green Start Academy, presented by Bayer and John Deere. Photos courtesy of John Deere getting the most from employees; and Bob Farren, CGCS, director of golf course management at Pinehurst Resort, spoke about building business relationships. The frst day also allowed for plenty of time outside the classroom, with a series of friendly golf challenges and a look at Bayer’s Bee Care Center.

“The best thing about Green Start Academy is that you’re in a room where everyone wants to learn and is receptive and excited, and that’s fun,” says Bryan Stromme, Midwest/West regional director of agronomy for Billy Casper Golf and a member of the committee that selected the 2015 GSA attendees. This was Stromme’s third year of involvement with GSA, and he attributes the event’s impressive decade-long run to its exclusivity, as well as to the partnership between Bayer and John Deere. “You have two companies that do different things in the golf industry coming together and investing in the future of our profession, and that’s phenomenal,” he says.

Stromme was among the speakers on the fnal day at the John Deere Agriculture & Turf Equipment center in Cary, N.C., and, teamed up with superintendent Chris Condon of Tetherow Golf Club in Bend, Ore., presented on the basics of building a budget, emphasizing to assistants the importance and value of being engaged with their facility’s budget even before reaching a head superintendent role.

The second day also brought insight from Carol Rau, owner of career consulting frm Career Advantage and a GCM columnist, who offered résumé and cover letter tips geared toward standing out from the pack in the highly competitive golf course management job market.

Jeff Corcoran, superintendent at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y., and Lukus Harvey, director of agronomy at Atlanta Athletic Club, gave guidance on prepping for the job you want and excelling at it. Pat Finlen, CGCS, general manager of The Olympic Club in San Francisco, closed with a talk about choreographing a career path to achieve both success and personal satisfaction. Sprinkled throughout each day’s activities were small-group breakout sessions and dedicated networking time.

“It was great being with 49 other like-minded individuals, talking turf, talking career, talking about the industry going forward,” says Rob Podleski, 37, assistant superintendent at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Va. A slice of advice that particularly resonated with Podleski was a frsthand account from Corcoran. “He went through how he gets his assistants ready to interview,” Podleski recalls. “I didn’t do all the things he described, and he really opened my eyes to what I need to do to advance.”

For his next steps, Podleski says he was spurred to put the fnishing touches on his professional website, and credits Green Start Academy with injecting some vigor into the day-to-day of his vocation. “It gave me a sense of purpose in my career,” Podleski says. “It re-energized me to get out there and start taking those next steps.”

For more information on Green Start Academy, go to www.backedbybayer.com/golf-course-management/ green-start-academy.

— Megan Hirt, GCM managing editor

Industry loses two legends in Happ, Murphy In the span of a week this fall, the industry mourned the passing of two key fgures.

Keith Happ, a longtime USGA Green Section agronomist, died Oct. 27. A few days later, on Nov. 2, Garold “Jerry” Murphy, CGCS Retired, died.

Happ, 58, launched his career as a golf course superintendent at Legend Lake Golf Club in Chadron, Ohio, where he also achieved GCSAA certifcation. In 1993, Happ joined the USGA Green Section as an agronomist in the Mid-Atlantic region. He opened a sub-regional USGA Green Section Turf Advisory Offce in Pittsburgh, Pa., providing on-site consultation and outreach for superintendents throughout the area. He was appointed as the director of the North Central Region in 2013, a post he held until earlier this year.

Murphy, 77, was among the very frst certifed superintendents when he presided over Somerset Country Club

Elliott receives Leo Feser Award

in St. Paul, Minn., for more than four decades. Murphy, a 55-year member of GCSAA, graduated from Penn State University. In 1971, Murphy served as president of the Minnesota GCSA. He also served the national association as a member of its board of directors in 1970 and 1971.

Murphy was one of the frst seven people to achieve certifed status.

USGA, University of Minnesota join forces The USGA and the University of Minnesota are partnering on a fve-year effort to study and develop solutions to golf’s present and future challenges.

“Participation and growth are central issues for the health of our game, but there are many other critical and complex factors that will contribute to its long-term sustainability,” says Mike Davis, USGA executive director.

“This agreement will further the USGA’s mission to apply fact-based research and deliver tested solutions back to the industry, particularly in three areas: the game’s cost, the time it takes to play and golfer enjoyment.”

The partnership, which allows both parties to identify projects and assign funding on an individual basis, leverages the full assets of the University of Minnesota, recognized as one of the most comprehensive public research universities in the U.S. The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Carlson School of Management, College of Science and Engineering, and Humphrey School of Public Affairs are among those that are expected to contribute throughout the fve-year period.

The partnership will utilize the university’s Les Bolstad Golf Course as a living laboratory to support critical research projects, and as a classroom for demonstrating best practices in course design, maintenance and operations.

“In this time of signifcant societal change, it’s important that golf remain relevant to its broad customer base,” says Brian Horgan, Ph.D., professor in the university’s Department of Horticulture Science and Extension.

“A transdisciplinary approach to research will allow golf to be responsible in its consumption of resources, and help golf facilities provide an experience that is affordable, enjoyable and compatible with the time people have available for recreation.”

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Tom Elliott, CGCS, is the 2015 recipient of the Leo Feser Award from GCSAA. Elliott, a 28-year member of the association, is the superintendent at Monarch Dunes Golf Course in Nipomo, Calif. His article in the May issue of GCM was titled “Rx for Recovery” and focused on Monarch Dunes’ efforts to provide cancer patients with a therapeutic outlet by bringing them to the golf course, where they could putt, chat and enjoy the outdoors. From that came the program “Swing Thru Cancer,” which is free to participants on the third Wednesday of every month.

In the past year, Elliott also developed a 12-hole, par-3 program called “Learn Golf!” that features 8-inch cups and forward tees that are 50 feet from the green.

The Feser Award is presented annually to the author of the best superintendent-written story published in GCM. The award honors Feser, a pioneer golf course superintendent and a charter member of GCSAA. Feser is credited with keeping the association’s offcial publication alive during the Great Depression.

Elliott will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2016 Golf Industry Show in San Diego, and will also have his name engraved on a plaque permanently displayed at GCSAA headquarters.

for recovery

Photo © Ichumpitaz/Dollar Photo Club

A California superintendent and his wife get the ball rolling on a program to help cancer patients.

Tom Elliott, CGCS

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

05.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

North Carolina course lands USGA event Charlotte (N.C.) Country Club will be the site for the 2018 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. The dates are Sept. 22 through 27.

This will be the fourth USGA championship for the golf course, which was designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. John Szklinski is the golf course superintendent.

In the

NEWS Sharp Park for sale?

University it purchases h golf course

San Mateo County is looking into the possibility of purchasing Sharp Park Golf Course from the city and county of San Francisco, The Daily Journal reports. www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/201511-03/county-studies-golf-course-purchasesharp-park-golf-course-in-pacifca-owned-by-sanfrancisco/1776425152942.html

Sacred Heart University in Fairfeld, Conn., purchased Great River Golf Club, the New Haven Register reports, and plans to use it and the adjacent clubhouse to develop new academic programs in golf management and hospitality. www.nhregister.com/article/NH/20151030/ NEWS/151039953

Quite a transformation in Michigan

Is a Tiger Woods design coming to Tennessee?

What had once been a cherry farm is now an awardwinning golf course. Northport Creek Golf Course in Northport, Mich., received a 2015 Green Star Award from Golf Digest, in part thanks to it being 100 percent solar-powered, UpNorthLive.com reports. http://upnorthlive.com/news/local/cherry-farmturned-golf-course-goes-green-wins-national-award

A mixed-use community project in the state of Tennessee could possibly include a golf course designed by Tiger Woods, according to The Tennessean. www.tennessean.com/story/money/realestate/2015/10/30/tiger-woods-designed-golfcourse-eyed-thompsons-station/74902338

45

The drawing board Adam Lawrence adam.lawrence@golfcourse architecture.net Twitter: @adamlawrence

Editor’s note: The Drawing Board is a quarterly feature that spotlights new golf course development and construction projects in both the United States and around the world that are worthy of note to superintendents. The feature is authored by Adam Lawrence, the editor of Golf Course Architecture magazine as well as By Design, the quarterly publication of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.

Tweets

RETWEETS Jens Arneson @TheSodfather13 Beating Rutgers...just like we did in the @GCSAA Turf Bowl. #Badgers @AdamWepfer @p_reuteman @JoeBetcher @djsoldat

Ron Whitten @RonWhittenGD So many course name changes you need a scorecard just to keep up. A golf scorecard.

Mark Prieur @markprieur No #Chapterdelegates2015 @GCSAA would be complete without the selfe with Old Tom Morris. Always fun to serve.

The Loop at Forest Dunes GC Roscommon, Mich.

Tom Doak’s reversible 18-hole course at the Forest Dunes resort in northern Michigan is now complete and growing in. And both architect and client, Forest Dunes owner Lew Thompson, report they are happy and excited with how the unusual design concept has worked out. Doak, who says he has wanted to build a reversible course for many years, says the idea was initially inspired by the Old Course at St Andrews, where he spent a year as a young man. “I’m really pleased with it,” he says. “I’ve taken a few people out in the last month or two to walk through it in both directions, or play a few holes. Whichever way you’re playing, it never feels like you are going the wrong way.”

Two of the best holes, according to Doak, are the sixth and seventh playing in the counterclockwise direction.

“The sixth is a very short par 3 with a wide-and-shallow green, and the seventh is a short par 4 with a longand-narrow green that has a dip in the middle of it. But those are also two of the best holes playing clockwise,” Doak says. “That seventh green lays out across the line of play from right to left, with the dip separating the two hole locations, and a big pine at the back right corner of the green really guards the right half. Then you play a short par 4 down to the sixth green, approaching on the long axis. So you get one wide green and one skinny one whichever way you’re playing. But in either case, the short par 4 is one of the better holes out there.”

Ardfn Estate Isle of Jura, Scotland The Scottish island of Jura is home to less than 200 people, a malt whisky distillery and many thousands of red deer. One of Scotland’s largest but most inhospitable islands — most of Jura is covered by

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

blanket peat bog — it’s not the most obviously propitious location for a golf course. But when Australian hedge fund magnate Greg Coffey bought the estate that owns much of the south of the island a couple of years ago, that’s exactly what he decided he wanted.

Coffey brought in Australian architect Bob Harrison and Irish contractor SOL Golf to build the course, which occupies coastal, mostly cliff-top ground around Jura House, which he is rebuilding. Construction of the course has been a remarkable endeavor given that all materials have had to come in by boat, be unloaded at the small pier in the village of Craighouse, Jura’s main settlement, and then trucked several miles along a single-track road to the site. The property is mostly peat and rock, so the crew has had to harvest topsoil from elsewhere on the estate to provide a growing medium for the grass. For all that, Ardin is going to be remarkable, with perhaps the most dramatic set of par 3s this writer has ever seen. Coffey has not yet announced how the course will be run — it went through planning as a personal course for the owner and his guests — but if you get a chance to play there, take plenty of balls.

Maridoe GC Carrollton, Texas Architect Steve Smyers is halfway through his 12month stint as president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), but his association responsibilities aren’t getting in the way of his design business. Smyers has recently broken ground on the new Maridoe Golf Club, which is being built on a 214acre site in the Dallas suburb of Carrollton. Smyers, himself an elite amateur golfer for many years, has a reputation for building challenging courses, with Wolf Run Golf Club, his debut design in Indianapolis, still on many lists of toughest tests. Maridoe, it seems, will continue that trend, as the owners say the course is being created to provide a test for the game’s most skilled and accomplished players. “We are creating Maridoe to challenge not only the best players of today, but generations of elite players to come,” says the architect. Once complete, the course will measure more than 7,700 yards from its longest tees, with a par of 71. Construction is expected to take about a year, with the course scheduled to open in spring 2017 following a grow-in period. “At Maridoe, we are creating a golf club in that same spirit of innovation, respectful of the traditions and history of the game but always focused on its future,” Smyers adds.

By John Mascaro President of Turf-Tec International

(photo quiz)

Turfgrass area: Fairway

Location: Wellington, Fla.

Grass variety: Celebration bermudagrass

(a) PROBLEM

Three indentations on turf

Turfgrass area: Putting green

Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Grass variety: Mini Verde bermudagrass

(b) PROBLEM

Darker green area on turf

Presented in partnership with Jacobsen

Answers on Page 92

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

THE MOWER THEY DON’T WANT YOU TO SEE.

The competition doesn’t want you to see the Jacobsen ECLIPSE® 322 riding greens mower. They can’t match its ZERO leak points. They can’t provide individual reel control to vary cut patterns. They can’t offer programmable frequency-of-clip from an LED screen. And they can’t get anywhere near the true hybrid fuel savings or legendary quality-of-cut. When it comes to the ECLIPSE® 322, the competition can’t do anything except hope you don’t see it. I guess we just ruined that for them, too.

1.888.922.TURF | www.jacobsen.com ©2015 Jacobsen, A Textron Company/Textron Innovations Inc. All rights reserved.

Jack Fry, Ph.D. jfry@ksu.edu

Ambika Chandra, Ph.D.

(turf)

a-chandra@tamu.edu

New fne-textured, cold-hardy zoysiagrass on the horizon

KSUZ 0802 (foreground) was one of only a few zoysiagrasses to exhibit good winter survival in April 2015 in Manhattan, Kan. Photo by Jack Fry

Presented in partnership with Barenbrug

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Meyer zoysiagrass was released in 1952 and is still widely used in the transition zone, largely because of its excellent cold hardiness. Meyer has its limitations, however, including a medium-coarse leaf texture and inferior density compared with Zoysia matrella-type cultivars.

In 2004, researchers at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., and Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Dallas began working together to develop dense, fne-textured zoysiagrasses that are as cold-hardy as Meyer. Eleven years later, the frst zoysiagrass from this effort, KSUZ 0802 (a formal name is forthcoming), has been approved for release by K-State and is expected to be approved for release by Texas A&M this year.

A fne-textured, cold-tolerant zoysiagrass hybrid, KSUZ 0802 is an F1 interspecifc hybrid developed in 2001 from a cross between Cavalier, a Z. matrella cultivar, and Anderson 1, an ecotype of Z. japonica Steud., which is a derivative of Chinese Common collected from rough areas at Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence, Kan. By crossing Cavalier, a high-quality Z. matrella cultivar, with Chinese Common, which is cold-hardy, we have created a cultivar that has Z. matrella-like quality, but with good cold hardiness. KSUZ 0802 is propagated vegetatively.

Initially, more than 800 individual, genetically different hybrids were developed at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in 2001.

Grasses were planted in Manhattan, Kan., in 2004, and evaluated for quality and winter survival between 2004 and 2006. KSUZ 0802 was one of 31 hybrids selected for further evaluation in Manhattan in 2007 and 2008 under golf course conditions. These 31 were later narrowed to seven hybrids (including KSUZ 0802), which were evaluated at nine locations in the transition zone under typical lawn or golf course fairway management conditions from 2009 to 2012. These locations were Wichita and Manhattan, Kan.; Columbia, Mo.; Fletcher and Jackson Springs, N.C.; Stillwater, Okla.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Virginia Beach and Blacksburg, Va.; and Dallas.

KSUZ 0802 has repeatedly demonstrated cold hardiness equivalent to that of Meyer in

replicated feld plot research. Following a severe winter in 2013 in Manhattan, Kan., survival was greater than 99% for KSUZ 0802 and Meyer, but 78% for Empire (Z. japonica), 72% for Zeon (Z. matrella) and less than 50% for a large number of experimental Z. matrella selections. Freezing-tolerance studies conducted under controlled conditions at K-State showed that KSUZ 0802 had an LT50 (lethal temperature that kills 50% of the tillers) that was statistically similar to that of Meyer in two consecutive winters. Observed LT50 ranged from 17 F to 14 F (-8.4 C to -10.3 C) for KSUZ 0802, and from 13 F to 10 F (-10.7 C to -12.0 C) for Meyer. Based on research results, KSUZ 0802 can be used as far north as zone 6a on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (www.planthardiness.ars.usda.gov).

In general, KSUZ 0802 has a fner leaf texture and better density than Meyer, which results in better overall turf quality. At fairway height, quality of KSUZ 0802 (average, 6.9) was superior to that of Meyer (average, 5.6) at the two locations where it was evaluated (Manhattan, Kan., and Stillwater, Okla.).

Research has shown that freezing tolerance, spring green-up and fall color retention of KSUZ 0802 are equivalent to that of Meyer, but KSUZ 0802 has fner leaf texture. KSUZ 0802 is also superior to Meyer for turfgrass quality and resistance to bluegrass billbug (S enoorus parvulus) damage. KSUZ 0802 is well suited for use on golf course fairways and tees, home lawns, and other recreational areas in the transition zone.

A version of t is column was originally posted on Sept. 28, 2015, by Jared Hoyle, P D., on t e Kansas State Turf Blog (www.blogs.k-state.edu/ turf/au r/ja yle).

Jack Fry, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources at Kansas State University in Manhattan, and Ambika Chandra, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the department of Turfgrass Breeding & Molecular Genetics at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Dallas.

Scott R. Nesbitt ORPguy@windstream.net

(shop)

Ramped up There are times when you need to perform maintenance on a vehicle but don’t have the time or opportunity to use the hydraulic lift in the shop, or the vehicle is out in the feld,, where the ground won’t support a foor jack..

Sometimes, too, the vehicle is a 1-ton truck,, and the lift in the shop is too small.

Tasks such as routine oil changes andd draining the cooling system simply require getting beneath the engine with space to work.

This DIY set of basic wooden ramps will hold all kinds of vehicles to allow you to do just that. The ramps have a long, narrow angle that will ft under my wife’s Mazda MX-5 Miata or my neighbor’s front-deck mower, but they also have the beef to hoist the church bus I maintain.

This is not rocket surgery. Don’t go crazy over precision. You can use 2×12 lumber, as we did, or 2×10 if you don’t need as much height and your vehicles are lighter than a 15-passenger bus. The goal is to create two ramps of equal length that won’t wobble and that are wide enough to reduce the precision needed when driving onto them.

Start with two lengths of lumber — one 8 feet long, the other 12 feet long. We used pressure-treated lumber, because we planned to store the ramps outdoors. Untreated lumber will give you lighter ramps, but without the rot resistance.

Measure the midpoint of the 8-foot piece.

Run a straight line from the center point at one edge to each of the opposite corners of the lumber, as illustrated. Rip-cut along the angled lines frst, then make a crosscut through the center line.

You now have four triangles. Find the shortest one, and trim the tall ends of the other three to the same length.

Next, make a crosscut through the center of the 12-footer, with the saw set at 45 degrees. This angle will make driving onto the ramps easier. Place one of the new 6-foot pieces on top of the other, with the 45-degree cuts squared up. Crosscut these ramp faces at 4 feet,

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Above: Ab A ve: Make these cuts in the 8-foot and 12-foot pieces of 2×12 lumber. mb r Images by Scott R. Nesbitt

Left: Simple but sturdy wooden ramps can elevate a vehicle when a lift is unavailable or inadequate.

2 inches. This will make them about the same length as the long side of the triangles.

The short pieces left from the cuts will become the end caps. These will stabilize the ramps when in use, and provide footing for storing the ramps upright. The length of the end caps is optional, but you want them wider than the ramps, to add stability.

Assembly is simple: Use 2½- or 3-inch deck screws or galvanized lag bolts to anchor a ramp face to two of the triangles. We also used polyester wood glue, just to make sure it all holds together. Our pressure-treated wood was slightly damp, which made the wood a little more fexible, for a tighter fnal assembly.

We put the fasteners in at 6-inch intervals, and set the triangles in slightly from the edge of the ramp faces to avoid the face edges splitting.

Set the ramps on a fat surface to mount the end caps square with the triangles. If you want, you can mount a piece of 2×4 at the top of the ramps to act as a wheel stop. I don’t mount a stop on my ramps, because I often drive the vehicle onto a square box that supports the front wheels, which gives me more working room underneath.

As a fnal step, coat the ramp faces with something that will provide traction. You can use a couple of coats of exterior paint loaded with coarse sand.

I hope you’ll fnd these ramps to be an uplifting addition to your shop equipment.

Scott R. Nesbitt is a freelance writer and former GCSAA staff member. He lives in Cleveland, Ga.

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Chava McKeel cmmckeel@gcsaa.org Twitter: @GCSAA

(advocacy)

A busy, banner year for advocacy GCSAA’s Government Affairs program has evolved during 2015 — a new name, a new fve-year strategic business plan, and a new full-time presence in Washington, D.C. The Grassroots Ambassador program closes the year with nearly 225 members working to protect and advance golf’s interests. Before the new year arrives, let’s take a look back at some additional activities and accomplishments from 2015.

In January, the GCSAA Government Relations Quarterly Briefng was held, which was a 30-minute webinar that offered members the opportunity to hear from our D.C. lobbyist, headquarters staff and feld staff about government activities. The next briefng will be Jan. 6, 2016. Government Affairs staff met with our issue-specifc coalitions to develop legislative strategies to further our priority issues in the coming year, and also spoke at the Arkansas GCSA annual meeting.

At the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio in February, the department hosted “Mythbusting the Americans with Disabilities Act.” Next year’s program (on Feb. 8 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.) will focus on OSHA compliance. We honored the Florida GCSA with the Excellence in Government Relations Award, and hosted the frst-ever GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador Bootcamp, which had 80-plus ambassadors in attendance. Staff also spoke to the Wisconsin GCSA. In March, staff participated in the Association of American Pesticide Control Offcials (AAPCO) annual meeting in Washington, D.C., and discussed pesticide-related issues and policies with state and federal pesticide regulatory offcials. The department and grassroots ambassadors supported passage of the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act (NPDES pesticide permit fx), H.R. 897, as well as the reinstatement of the H-2B visa program after the Department of Labor had shut it down.

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April featured responding to California Gov. Jerry Brown’s frst-ever statewide mandatory 25 percent cut in water use. GCSAA supported introduction of a Senate bill to have the EPA withdraw the Clean Water Rule (WOTUS), and pushed back against new, burdensome H-2B visa regulations. The eighth annual National Golf Day was held, and it included 70plus Capitol Hill appointments, with the Government Relations Committee communicating concerns over the Clean Water Rule. The GRC held meetings with the Senate agriculture, appropriations and small business committees.

Through a press release, GCSAA expressed disappointment with the Clean Water Rule, which was fnalized in May. GCSAA and its grassroots ambassadors supported passage of anti-WOTUS legislation (H.R. 1732) in the U.S. House. Staff attended the Pesticide Policy Dialogue Committee (PPDC) meeting in D.C., and interacted with a diverse group of federal, state, nongovernmental and industry stakeholders to provide feedback to the EPA on various pesticide issues. The White House Pollinator Health Task Force report was released, and staff spoke at a joint meeting of the Eastern Shore and Mid-Atlantic chapters as well as the Oregon GCSA annual meeting.

GCSAA celebrated Alliance Awareness Week June 22 through 26, as well as passage of the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act after a yearlong, hard-fought battle to keep onerous anti-pesticide provisions out of it. Staff was in attendance at the AAPCO State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group biannual meeting to interact with state pesticide regulators on issues of mutual interest.

July 1 marked the one-year anniversary of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador program. Staff spoke at the Golf Course Builders Association of America annual meeting, and the GCSAA Board of Directors approved the new fve-year strategic plan for the department

looking to 2020. GCSAA hosted a well-attended Clean Water Rule webinar with leading Clean Water Act attorney Deidre Duncan.

Grassroots ambassadors were busy during August recess, meeting with their assigned federal policymakers in town halls across the country. The department and grassroots ambassadors backed passage of S. 1500, the NPDES pesticide permit fx bill, through the Senate environment and public works committee. GCSAA welcomed Bob Helland to the GCSAA advocacy team as a full-time presence in Washington, D.C. A federal judge in North Dakota put the WOTUS rule on hold in 13 states, and staff presented a WOTUS update to the Palm Beach GCSA. In September, GCSAA and other golf allied associations worked together to submit comments to the Department of Labor on proposed overtime pay regulations. Staff presented at the Golf Association of Philadelphia environment meeting, and attended the RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) annual meeting.

Staff kept busy with speaking engagements in October in Idaho, Oregon and California, and attended another PPDC meeting. The department reviewed the EPA’s proposal to increase standards for the application of restricted-use pesticides by commercial and private applicators. Lobbying focused on including policy riders GCSAA supports in appropriations bills and a fnal omnibus spending bill.

GCSAA applauded the nationwide hold on the WOTUS rule.

Last month, staff met with the Nebraska GCSA and continued its efforts to pass legislation in Congress to have the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers withdraw the WOTUS rule and bring stakeholders together to develop another rule. The department also focused on helping support passage of comprehensive H-2B legislation introduced in Congress, as well as legislation to reinstate the H-2B returning worker exemption.

This month, staff will travel to Ohio and Texas to speak at turfgrass conferences and scout for more ambassadors. Comments on the EPA’s Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP) rule will be submitted to the federal docket.

Yes, another productive and fast-paced year for Government Affairs. The above report is just a sliver of the work GCSAA, its feld staff and the membership is focused on to have our collective voice heard. We thank you for your engagement and support — now let’s gear up for 2016!

Chava McKeel is GCSAA’s director of government affairs.

Megan Hirt mhirt@gcsaa.org Twitter: @GCM_Magazine

(environment)

O Christmas tree Though the de-decking of the halls gets no festive jingle, the abundance of free plant material up for grabs each winter as millions of Christmas trees are ousted from their holiday homes is a noteworthy occasion in its own right. “Because Christmas trees are plants, they’re a valuable natural resource, and we want to get them back into the ecosystem,” says Rick Dungey, executive director of the National Christmas Tree Association. “And just a little effort can go a long way.”

In the United States, about 35 species of conifers are grown as Christmas trees, and 25 to 30 million fresh Christmas trees are sold every year. Whether you have just a tannenbaum or two from the clubhouse or a large supply courtesy of a community tree-cycling project, golf courses are uniquely positioned to return Christmas trees to nature in a variety of practical, benefcial ways — a full-circle life cycle worth celebrating.

For fs Christmas trees are exceptional among much recycled plant matter, Dungey says, because of their size — the discarded material is a large, intact entity instead of, say, leaves or grass clippings. This trait lends the plants to his favorite repurposed application: sunk whole into lakes or ponds as a habitat for fsh. The underwater mass furnishes certain fsh with a food source and a place to hide from predators and lay their eggs, and the tree then becomes a congregation post for predatory fsh looking to dine. As the woody material of the tree breaks down, it also feeds this aquatic food chain, all fostering a robust ecosystem.

To establish a Christmas tree in a lake or pond, tie a cinder block to the stump to anchor it, and make sure the top of the tree is no more than 10 feet beneath the water so that light can still reach it, Dungey advises.

For t e landscape. Christmas trees can be chipped whole — needles and all — to cre-

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Bountiful boughs: Approximately 310 million Christmas trees are currently growing on U.S. Christmas tree farms, with Oregon, North Carolina and Michigan being the highest-producing states. Photo © Shutterstock/Vlue ate mulch. The maintenance yard at Saddle Rock Golf Club in Aurora, Colo., has long been a drop-off destination on behalf of the city’s Christmas tree recycling program (a number of city-run tree recycling initiatives across the country enlist municipal courses as collection sites). Superintendent Michael Osley, CGCS, says collection commences the week of Christmas and lasts until about the end of January, with the city’s forestry department periodically coming by to chip the trees into mulch, which is then available to the public. The main beneft of the program, Osley says, is that the golf course is able to help provide a sustainability service to Aurora residents, but he also takes advantage of a share of the free mulch, using it in various places around the course for the aesthetic quality it imparts, as well as on walking paths to prevent soil erosion.

Among mulches, wood chips — referring to the combination of leaves, bark and wood resulting from chipped trees — stand out for their ability to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil as they decompose, says Tom Smiley, Ph.D., an arboriculture researcher with Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories. In turn, that organic matter enhances soil’s waterand nutrient-holding capacity. “The soil will hold nutrients in the upper 6 inches, where tree roots and shrub roots can take advantage of those nutrients,” Smiley says. “Water will percolate better through the soil, and the soil will also hold on to more of that water, so wood mulch gives the best of both worlds.”

The organic matter is also a boon to benef-

cial soil fungi and insects, and wood chips are great for areas traffcked by foot because they allow soil to resist compaction, reducing its water repellency. Smiley notes that wood mulches made with pine needles will be more acidic than others.

For wildlife. A simple, straightforward use for Christmas trees is reimagined as a refuge for birds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Tim Hiers, CGCS, director of agronomy at The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Fla., has been turning dead trees into “woodpiles” on his courses for years, and he says the strategy is as easy as it sounds. The heaps become havens for the likes of birds, rabbits, mice, lizards, and all manner of critters seeking shelter from the elements and predators. Position your pile in an out-of-sight location, and in a place where you know wildlife exist and will be able make use of it. Start with your larger trees or limbs as a base, and then “pyramid up,” says Hiers, who typically builds his woodpiles about 5 feet by 5 feet, and 3 to 5 feet tall.

In Hiers’ view, practices such as Christmas tree recycling that give back to the ecosystem allow superintendents to become stewards of the entirety of the land under their management rather than just the golf course. “It makes the superintendent’s job more interesting,” Hiers says. “And you’re able to show people — not just tell people — that you care about the environment.”

Megan Hirt is GCM’s managing editor.

(technology) Bob Vaughey, CGCS bobbyslo@me.com Twitter: @rollinghillsgcm

The most valuable outcome of using these cameras is allowing your members or customers to see a project as it proceeds, which gives them a feeling of involvement.

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Smile for the camera Our course is in the midst of an 18-month renovation project. It could be argued it is more of a new course construction then a renovation, as most of our course is moving to new property, the clubhouse is moving, and no single aspect of our old course will remain the same. All told, we will be moving over 5 million cubic yards of dirt.

With the scope of this project and for obvious safety reasons, we are not allowing members on the property during the work, yet most still want to know what’s happening. That’s why communication has been so important. We send out Twitter updates daily, email weekly videos to members, and we have also set up three live cameras so they can watch the progress on a special website, www.rhccproject.com. All of this information is also sent to the member’s home page on the club’s main website.

The particular cameras we use were actually derived from traffc cameras and were made by a company called Sensera Systems (www.senserasystems.com). The cameras run on solar power and can upload images and video through Wi-Fi or cellular connections.

We mount each camera on a tripod and can then follow the construction as it proceeds.

These cameras offer many uses from a public and administrator perspective. You can allow the general public to view live feeds, daily photos and even time lapses up to the last photo taken. These can be linked to your club’s website and used in various presentations. But the most valuable outcome of using these cameras is allowing your members or customers to see a project as it proceeds, which gives them a feeling of involvement.

The more interesting aspects, at least for me, are more from an administrator’s standpoint.

You can view live feeds anytime of day, DVR the day’s progress and document any major occurrences. Assuming the cameras have not moved in a few days, you can watch time lapses of the work, which can be particularly interesting during the grassing or germination phases.

One of the best features is being able to select any two photos and transpose them over each other to see exactly what changes have occurred.

In simple terms, these various construction cameras are pre-assembled and ready to go.

They are self-powered, self-connected cameras that can provide you and your audience a customized collection of photos, videos and live feeds. All of this documentation is uploaded

Sensera Systems’ MC-30 camera

and stored on a cloud server for easy access from any device, as well as for easy distribution to your audience.

While you may not be performing a full renovation, most courses at some point during the year do perform a construction, renovation or major cultivation project. These cameras could be quickly mounted to chronicle the process and provide you and your patrons easy access to its progress. When the project has been completed, the footage provides great documentation of the completed work.

When not in use or if you’re simply looking for another application for these cameras, consider employing them to track activity around key areas on your course, which is what we plan to use ours for upon completion of our renovation project. We will put one camera atop the clubhouse, looking at the frst tee. Another will be pointed at the driving range, and the third camera will most likely be set to look over the largest, most open part of the course.

These feeds will provide members the perk of seeing what’s going on at the course and driving range. They will be able to see how busy we are and who’s playing. After their round, they can even go back and view themselves later in the day through the time-lapse feature. For whichever purpose desired, our members and managers will have easy access to live views of the course.

Bob Vaughey, CGCS, is the director of agronomy at Rolling Hills Country Club in Palos Verdes, Calif., and a 12-year GCSAA member.

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Dan Jenkins at one of the 223 major golf championships that he has covered since 1951.

Photo courtesy of Golf Digest

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

If you want to know a thing or two about 2016 Old Tom Morris Award recipient Herb Kohler Jr., here is the whole story. Actually, let’s start with the hole story.

Wi

One morning a decade ago at St Andrews in Fife, Scotland, Kohler began his day by visiting a course he owns. As he drove into The Duke’s (designed by fvetime British Open champion Peter Thomson), Kohler noticed that the entry sign was, in his words, “askew.”

After completion of the business that had brought him there, Kohler started to drive away, but saw that the sign still hadn’t been fxed.

Ever attentive to detail, Kohler took matters into his own hands.

“I parked literally on the edge of the driveway next to the highway, crossed the highway, and here I am, trying to right this sign, stepping in grass 2- to 3-feet tall. Then, all of a sudden, I stepped into a 5-foot ditch,” he says.

That ditch featured straight walls. It was, according to Kohler, 2 feet wide. A foot of water was running through it. “And here this body of mine tumbles into it,” says Kohler, er, who will turn 77 on Feb. 20.

sconsin

Old Tom Morris Award recipient Herb Kohler Jr. helped grow his family’s mammoth business. Golf, though, will be part of his lasting legacy.

Howard Richman

Kohler — a Wisconsin billionaire who owns renowned golf courses and comes from a family that has a village named after it and is rather well known for its household goods manufacturing empire — was scrambling to keep his head above water.

“I tried to catch myself with my left hand going down, and, in the process, sprained my left wrist,” he says. “For a while, I’m literally trying to keep myself from drowning. The walls were slick mud, and I couldn’t grab onto anything. I tried to get my hands under me, but my wrist was so sore that I couldn’t put much pressure on it.”

Kohler felt deserted. He didn’t hear a thing coming from the ground above. “I decided things are going to get a little desperate if I don’t do something,” he recalls.

Given that he was in the United Kingdom, let’s just say Kohler got busy in a way that would make British Secret Service agent 007 James Bond proud. “I was able to put my elbows down and slide my knees under my body just enough so that I could

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Herb Kohler (right) and Pete Dye (left), the architect responsible for both of his Wisconsin golf destinations, Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, chat with professional golfer Greg Norman. Photos courtesy of Kohler and Co.

get up off of one knee and wriggle my way up,” says Kohler, describing how he hoisted himself up and out of the ditch. He proceeded to climb into his car, slathered in mud head to toe.

“I drove to the hotel and had no choice but to walk through the lobby,” says Kohler, who apparently remained undercover thanks to his muddy disguise. “I knew everyone in the lobby, but no one recognized me. I took the elevator up to my room, walked straight into the shower without taking any clothes off.”

Really. After all, he had an impending tee time at a place revered for its history.

It was at the home of golf. Yes, the Old

Top: Kohler was not a regular golfer when he embarked on his effort to bring high-level golf to Wisconsin, but was deeply involved in the creation of both Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Middle: The Straits Course at Whistling Straits has hosted three PGA Championships, the frst in 2004 when Vijay Singh (center) took home the title. He is shown here with Dye (left) and Kohler.

Bottom: Kohler’s circle of infuence in the game of golf includes some of the game’s greats. Here, he is pictured with (from left to right) Hale Irwin, Ben Crenshaw and former President George H.W. Bush.

Lights Camera Kohler Herb Kohler Jr. really killed it in his big-screen debut.

Seriously. Kohler pulled the trigger and shot a man in the 2003 drama “Open Range,” directed by and starring Kevin Costner.

This was not the frst time, however, that Kohler had acted. He was a theater major for two years at Yale University before turning his attention to business. Kohler performed in a production of “Little Foxes” at Yale. “I loved it (theater),” he says. “I had extraordinary experiences with it. It was a great challenge.”

Fast-forward to a charity golf event years later in Las Vegas. Kohler was paired with Costner, a relationship that would blossom through their similar experiences.

“Kevin went to a university to study business and took a few acting lessons at night. I went to school and majored in theater and ended up in business. I left the theater when I had to support my family and told my father I was never going to take another penny from him. The world does funny things,” Kohler says.

One day Costner called Kohler and asked him to be in his movie, a western set in the late 1800s. “He said, ‘Herb, listen to me. I’ve got a movie and a role for which you’re just right.’ I said, ‘Kevin, you’re really hitting on a weak spot.’ I said I had two conditions,” Kohler says. “I said, ‘Now listen up, because I mean it. Either you let me ride a horse in your movie, or you let me kill someone.’ There was a long hesitation.

“He said, ‘Herb, I’m going to have trouble with the horse, but I think I can write in the killing.’ He kept his promise.”

Kohler played a cafe owner (appropriately, his credit in the flm is “Cafe Man”). He shoots a ranch hand in one of the six scenes he appears in. “The hat fies, glass shatters, the body rolls, and Kohler’s got his man,” he says.

Late last summer, Kohler was contacted by another movie director for a possible role. So, will we see the Old Tom Morris Award recipient on the silver screen again?

“I don’t know what will come of it. But I’ll take a look at it,” Kohler says.

— H.R.

12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

49

Kohler (second from right) and Dye (center) with members of the golf course maintenance team during the 2010 PGA Championship.

“Herb’s impact has touched so many organizations, so many golfers. In my mind, he deserves every golf-related honor he can get.”

— David Fay

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Course, where none other than Old Tom Morris had served as greenkeeper and professional all those years ago. Speaking of time, “I had about 12 minutes to make my tee time,” Kohler says.

He did. Cue “hole story, part two.”

Kohler, sore wrist and all, played in a group that included PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem and then-USGA executive director David Fay. As Kohler reached for a 6-iron at the famed par-3 No. 11 — which has been copied and imitated in designs paying homage to it — he sensed that multiple sets of eyes were fxed on him.

“I looked through the haze, and noticed all these people milling around, and said to myself, ‘Kohler, if you’ve got one shot today, this has got to be it.’ I took a practice swing, and it hurt,” he says.

Kohler quickly learned, however, that from pain can come pleasure. He knocked the ball in for a hole-in-one.

“The whole landscape around me erupts,” Kohler says. “Quite a number of people saw what happened.”

Fay, who retired from the USGA fve years ago, still recalls what Kohler achieved 10 years ago. That ace, Fay says, could not have been better timed. More appropriate.

More deserved. Kohler now joins individu-

als such as Bob Hope, Tom Watson and Annika Sorenstam who have received the Old Tom Morris Award for their continuing lifetime commitment to the game of golf as exemplifed by Old Tom Morris.

“In a way, it was a just reward for what Herb has done in the town of St Andrews, for golf,” Fay says. “Herb just has a zest for life. When he got into golf, he got into it fully invested. It also says something about the game of golf. When it grabs you, it really grabs you. Herb’s impact has touched so many organizations, so many golfers.

In my mind, he deserves every golf-related honor he can get.”

Making a name for himself As a teenager from a family that just happens to be one of America’s most recognizable brands, Kohler made it perfectly clear that his destiny wouldn’t be handed to him on a silver platter, nor would he receive special treatment based solely on his name.

Summers in his pre-college years meant picking mustard plant weeds in farm felds for the company. In fact, Kohler made a point to work in every single division of Kohler so he could learn and understand the operation of the company inside and out.

Those who have worked for him are well aware that Kohler doesn’t take short-

cuts, and that his cutting-edge mentality never wavers.

“I would describe him as visionary, ingenious, very smart, and powerfully persuasive,” says Ed Allmann, who spent a decade working for Kohler in public relations and marketing communications, starting in 1990. “The last quality can also be inspiring. It’s sometimes said that confdence can be contagious, and, working around him, it was easy to get swept up in the belief that anything could be accomplished when Herb set his mind to it and said it could be done.”

The Kohler name emerged in 1873.

That was when Herb Kohler’s grandfather, Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler, launched a foundry in Sheboygan, Wis., that produced cast-iron and steel products.

Less than two decades later, and after the business operations had moved a few miles up the road, Kohler devised the enamelcoated product that would become known as the bathtub.

In 1912, the Village of Kohler (about an hour north of Milwaukee, population almost 2,000) was incorporated and developed as a garden and industrial community. It served as an early model for U.S. planned communities.

Herb Kohler Jr.’s father, Herb Kohler Sr., took the reins of the company in 1941.

At that juncture, it was deep into manufacturing and producing plumbing fxtures, engines and generators. When Herb Kohler Jr. became chairman and CEO in 1972, he was just 33. By that time, Kohler was manufacturing bathroom fxtures in accent colors and producing shower and bath combinations made of fberglass-reinforced plastic, with the fxtures and walls neatly molded into one piece.

In October 2015, Forbes magazine determined Herb Kohler Jr. and family’s net worth was $7.3 billion. In April of this year, he stepped down as CEO of the Kohler Co., and his son, David, became CEO and president. Nowadays, Herb Kohler Jr. is executive chairman for the Kohler Co. board of directors. Kohler is a privately held company that employs more than 30,000 people and serves an international market, with a presence on six continents.

“Whatever they (Kohlers) are involved in is as good as it gets,” says Bob Imig, whose family has owned a clothiers and cleaners in the Village of Kohler area for more than a century. “It is very refreshing

to be involved with people that are very progressive thinkers.”

Kohler, a graduate of Yale University, says of the company, “Our mission is to improve the level of gracious living for anyone touched by our products and services.”

He has a method to gauge whether it happens.

“If I run into someone who had a Kohler experience with one of our products in a hotel room, a golf course, you name it, and the recollection of that experience, the memory of it, causes that person to smile inwardly or outwardly, I think we’ve improved a sense of gracious living,” he says. “We’ve done something to elevate his or her perception. Our job is to keep doing that thousands of times every day, with everything we do.”

Working for the Kohler Co. from 1980 to 2007 provided Alice Edland quite the perspective on Kohler. She calls him charming. Wonderful. Demanding of excellence. Edland notes that before making capital purchases for the golf courses, she had to learn what every piece of equipment, such as a Bush Hog, did.

“With him, you are held to such high standards,” Edland says.

Steve Friedlander spent eight years working for Kohler as his general manager/ group director of golf. He recalls how, as a golfer, Kohler was competitive, passionate about the rules, and had a pretty good putting stroke inside of 10 feet. On the business side, well, Kohler meant business.

When he saw all-terrain vehicle tracks in the dunes on one of his Wisconsin courses, Kohler ordered that it not be repeated. The same standard went for a hat logo with improper stitching. Once was too much.

“He didn’t want anybody to be a yes man. If you were a yes man, why did he need you? He loved the argument, pro and con. You learn a lot from a visionary like Herb,” Friedlander says. “He knows what he wants. He has passion. He has a vision.

What I learned most from him is follow your dreams, and be relentless about living life to the fullest.”

A dream comes true Credit several hotel guests for helping spark a golf mecca in Wisconsin.

Kohler opened the American Club

Old Tom Morris Award winners The Old Tom Morris Award was presented for the frst time during the 1983 Conference and Show in Atlanta.

It is given to an individual who, “through a continuing lifetime commitment to the game of golf, has helped to mold the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplifed by Old Tom Morris.” The GCSAA Board of Directors determines the recipient of the honor, which is presented annually at the GCSAA Golf Industry Show. This year’s presentation in San Diego will take place Feb. 9 at the Opening Session, which is presented in partnership with Syngenta.

1983: Arnold Palmer 1984: Bob Hope 1985: Gerald R. Ford 1986: Patty Berg 1987: Robert Trent Jones Sr. 1988: Gene Sarazen 1989: Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez 1990: Sherwood A. Moore, CGCS 1991: William C. Campbell 1992: Tom Watson 1993: Dinah Shore 1994: Byron Nelson 1995: James Watson, Ph.D. 1996: Tom Fazio 1997: Ben Crenshaw 1998: Ken Venturi 1999: Jaime Ortiz-Patiño 2000: Nancy Lopez 2001: Timothy W. Finchem 2002: Walter Woods, Esq. 2003: Pete Dye 2004: Rees Jones 2005: Jack Nicklaus 2006: Joseph M. Duich, Ph.D. 2007: Charles Sifford 2008: Greg Norman 2009: Col. John Morley 2010: Judy Rankin 2011: Nick Price 2012: Peter Jacobsen 2013: Mike Hurdzan, Ph.D. 2014: Annika Sorenstam 2015: Dan Jenkins 2016: Herb Kohler Jr. 12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

51

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem (left), former President Bush and Kohler look on during the 2007 U.S. Senior Open, which was played on the Straits Course at Whistling Straits.

“Herb Kohler has done more for golf in the state of Wisconsin than anybody. This was not a golf state before Herb Kohler.”

— Bob Lang

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

(which has received the American Automobile Association’s [AAA] Five-Diamond rating signifying the ultimate in luxury and sophistication) across the street from the main company plant in 1981.

It was those hotel guests’ flling out suggestion slips for Kohler, recommending he build a golf course nearby — to save them the long drive to play elsewhere — that encouraged Kohler to, as he says, “respond to his clientele.” Although he rarely participated in the game of golf at that point in his life (“I played probably twice a year, and with my father’s wooden shafts,” he says), Kohler decided to totally immerse himself in golf and think big.

“I had this idea we were going to build for majors. Not weekly tournaments — majors,” Kohler says. “Everything we did had that in mind.”

Kohler hired famed architect Pete Dye to build his golf courses. Blackwolf Run in Kohler opened in 1988. It hosted the 1998 Women’s U.S. Open. The Straits Course at Whistling Straits, which has now been the site for two PGA Championships (including 2015) and is on the outskirts of Kohler, will welcome the Ryder Cup in 2020.

Golf Digest ranks Kohler-owned courses — both of which were designed by Dye — No. 4 (Straits Course) and No. 16 (Black-

wolf Run River Course) on its “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” list. Include No. 8 Erin Hills, a Wisconsin course that is owned by Andy Ziegler and will host the 2017 U.S. Open, and you get the picture that the state is quite the golf destination — even if it looks and feels at times on Kohler’s courses, with the mass of bunkers, dunes and vistas and the lakefront setting, that you have been transported to Ireland.

“Herb Kohler has done more for golf in the state of Wisconsin than anybody,” says Bob Lang, previous owner of Erin Hills. “This was not a golf state before Herb Kohler.”

The Kohler-Dye union pushed Wisconsin’s profle to the forefront. Their relationship, by the way, is something to behold.

“He’s wrong on everything,” Dye says, in a not-serious-at-all tone.

Kohler gladly returns the jab.

“When he wants his way, he lies,” Kohler says of Dye, punctuating his statement with a smile and laughter.

On a sincere note, Dye applauds Kohler for what he means to golf.

“Herb has been great for golf. He has done more for it than anybody knows,” Dye says.

Mike Lee, CGCS, manager of golf course operations for Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, takes note of golfers who seem to appreciate the golf courses Kohler and Dye have provided.

“We (superintendents) are the mostly unnoticed eyewitness of golfers playing a great game on our dramatic landscapes,” Lee says. “Selfes in deep pot bunkers, foursomes huddled around a tee sign for a picture, and pictures of Scottish Blackface sheep or river salmon are the norm.

The golfer’s gait at the beginning of their rounds suggests confdence and self-satisfaction of fnally arriving at a Herb Kohler golf course.”

Still going strong Kohler remains active in ensuring golf’s future. He has been a major supporter of The First Tee initiative. He has also served two three-year terms on the board of trustees for the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), GCSAA’s philanthropic organization, and was board chairman in 2001-2002.

John Deere Golf invests in the future of the profession by awarding $10,000 to the top 10 winning turf teams, and sponsors the Turf Bowl Kick-of Reception and the Closing Celebration.

Support YOUR alma mater!

Attend the Closing Celebration and learn what turf teams take home the awards and the coveted traveling trophy.

Closing Celebration (To include Turf Bowl Winning Announcements) Thursday, February 11 | Reception: 5-5:30pm Program: 5:30-7pm Ballroom 20

2016

Kohler’s infuence has been responsible for bringing some of the game’s best players, including Rory McIlroy, to Wisconsin for major tournaments played out on Kohler’s properties at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Photo courtesy of Sheboygan Press Media

“Through pictures and archives, I got to know this man called Old Tom Morris. And the more I knew about him, the more I loved it.”

— Herb Kohler

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

“It (EIFG) is doing wonderful work.

I think it’s never-ending until we eliminate all forms of contamination,” Kohler says. “We keep gaining on it a little bit at a time.”

The Kohler Co. is taking sustainability seriously too. In 2008, it established a goal of reducing its carbon footprint and solid waste by 3 percent annually and achieving a net-zero environmental footprint with offsets by 2035.

Kohler, who heartily chuckles when told he somewhat resembles Old Tom Morris (“I’d have to grow my beard down to here,” he says, pointing below his neck), has invested in an area that Morris helped make legendary. Kohler now owns the Old Course Hotel adjacent to the Road Hole at St Andrews, and he also purchased and refurbished Hamilton Hall (now called Hamilton Grand), the hotel that is a stone’s throw from the Royal and Ancient clubhouse.

The more he has learned about Morris, the more Kohler is enchanted. When he is presented with the Old Tom Morris Award on Feb. 9 during the Opening Session of the Golf Industry Show in San Diego, Kohler says a key part of it all will be controlling his emotions while accept-

ing an honor named for the man he has tried to emulate.

“Through pictures and archives, I got to know this man called Old Tom Morris.

And the more I knew about him, the more I loved it,” Kohler says. “I try in my own way to be as much like him as I can. He was an entrepreneur of the frst order. He was an inventor of a golf ball. He invented clubs used in the game. He won the British Open four times. He was the frst offcial keeper of the greens. You put all of that combination together, and he was an extraordinary man. Such a man.”

So is Kohler, if you ask Steve Stricker. A Wisconsin native who won 12 PGA Tour events and has seen Kohler help transform his state into a golf hotbed, Stricker considers Kohler an icon who is deserving of something extra special.

“He just has so much of a presence about him, and it’s pretty neat what one person has done for what has transpired in golf in Wisconsin,” Stricker says. “He just looks like a guy who should have a statue.”

Howard Richman (hrichman@gcsaa.org) is GCM’s associate editor.

AT THE TURN Bryan Bergner

During Westmoor CC’s annual golf outing for members of Operation Dream, attendees take a break from learning the basics of a golf swing to play with Billie, superintendent Bryan Bergner’s Brittany spaniel.

Photos courtesy of Bryan Bergner

(internship)

Groundwork for greatness At Westmoor Country Club, an internship program for Milwaukee youth has proved rewarding both for the young men who participate and the superintendent at its helm.

Our interns learn a lot every summer, but, in all honesty, I learn more.

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” I came across this quotation a few years ago, and it made me ask myself what I was doing for others — in particular, what I was doing for people in my own community in need of a helping hand in life. The answer, sadly, was not much. So I decided I had to do something to change that. But what?

Months passed, and I struggled to fnd a cause or an organization that really moved me to action. I also had a lot of excuses. Then, one night, as I was sitting at the dining room table working on my hiring plan for the 2013 season, my wife (knowing that I sometimes recruit high school students) asked me whether I had ever tried to recruit grounds crew applicants from the City of Milwaukee schools. I had not, for no reason other than it hadn’t been done before.

My wife pressed me on that, and she urged me to think more critically about not only my hiring plan, but about my role as a superintendent within the larger community. You see, my wife is a lawyer, so her “encouragement” is more like an interrogation, which meant I wasn’t able to get up from that table until I had good answers to her questions. But sometimes that is what it takes, and thanks to her “encouragement,” the “Diamonds in the Rough” internship program at Westmoor Country Club was born.

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In conjunction with the Diamonds in the Rough internship program, summers at Westmoor CC also include a day of demonstrations and recreation for members of Operation Dream, a Milwaukee-based mentoring organization for young males ages 4 to 17.

The boys quickly became integral members of our crew, and that allowed them to develop a sense of importance and responsibility they hadn’t always been familiar with.

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Connecting with a cause The concept was simple: Commit several summer positions to high school students who come from disadvantaged circumstances, but who demonstrate an interest in achieving success despite those setbacks. Finding those “diamonds in the rough” was not so simple, however. After developing the idea for the internship program, I spent weeks (unsuccessfully) canvassing guidance counselors, writing letters, and trying to make connections that could help me fnd my frst “diamonds in the rough.” By this time, it was the end of February, so I was not only discouraged by the lack of progress, but also anxious because I had to fnalize my crew.

Just as I was about to give up, I connected with the Operation Dream organization in Milwaukee. Operation Dream is a nonproft that serves young males ages 4 to 17 whose environments put them at particular risk, and for whom similar organizations are out of reach because of poverty and a lack of access to transportation. Like other mentoring organizations, Operation Dream provides programming designed to build academic, social and leadership skills. But unique to Operation Dream is an initiative called Op-

eration Work, which is a hands-on, incentive-based program for young men ages 11 to 17 in which they learn the basics of work, employment and self-suffciency. The fact is, many of these young men have never known a man who works, so the program helps them develop the “soft skills” so many of us learned simply by growing up around good male role models. High school students in Operation Work are then encouraged to go out and fnd employment. This, of course, is where the Operation Work program dovetailed perfectly with my Diamonds in the Rough internship.

The Operation Dream staff prepared the candidates well for their frst job interviews.

They came ready to impress, with positive attitudes and well-thought-out questions. From those interviews, we hired two young men from the Operation Work program to join our summer crew — Antwan and Demetrius.

The boys started out with little knowledge of the game of golf, let alone what goes into maintaining a high-quality golf course. Although Westmoor CC is only 14 miles west of downtown Milwaukee, from the perspective of these kids, it may as well have been a different planet.

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Part of the team Antwan and Demetrius came eager to learn. They learned how to mow greens and fairways and how to rake bunkers. We also worked on interpersonal skills, such as the importance of a frm handshake and looking people in the eye when talking to them. The boys quickly became integral members of our crew, and that allowed them to develop a sense of importance and responsibility they hadn’t always been familiar with. As the summer progressed, I watched as Antwan and Demetrius grew into confdent young men capable of holding their own with the more experienced crew members. I found it particularly refreshing that the boys did not arrive with a sense of entitlement, which is something I have encountered so often over the years with high school and college students. Overall, the internship was an overwhelming success for the boys and for our crew.

Toward the end of the summer, as a way to celebrate the successful season, we hosted a golf outing for 20 of the Operation Dream boys on our fve-hole Little Links Course. With my guidance, Antwan and Demetrius prepared a keynote presentation about their summer job experience at Westmoor, which they presented to the Operation Dream boys at the outing. Watching Antwan and Demetrius confdently explain the intricacies of mowing a green and how great it feels to be responsible for an exceptional work product was one of the most gratifying moments of my career.

We have now completed three seasons of our Diamonds in the Rough internship here at Westmoor. Each year brings its own rewards and challenges, along with many opportunities to make a lasting impact in the lives of the boys we employ. In 2014, we expanded the program to include involvement in the operation of our honey bee sanctuary. The interns are now directly engaged with our beekeeping operations, including the maintenance of three beehives on the golf course. We’ve used beekeeping as a means of building trust and teaching the boys about the importance of honey bees in our ecosystem. It has turned out to be a terrifc way to connect the boys not only with work but also with the environment. We’ve also introduced the beehives to the other Operation Dream boys who attend our now annual golf outing. I fnd it rewarding and fun to watch the boys’ eyes light up at this completely new experience as we pass around a honeycomb covered with thousands of buzzing bees.

®

Segura worked at Westmoor CC as part of the Diamonds in the Rough internship program during summer 2014.

Insignia / Trinity

Denzel Segura handles a honeycomb from Westmoor’s on-site apiary.

Above: Superintendent Bryan Bergner (right) and Diamonds in the Rough alumnus Antwan at the 2014 Operation Dream holiday party.

Right: Deontae Mayfeld mows a fairway during his internship at Westmoor CC in summer 2015.

Leo Feser Award

CANDIDATE This article is eligible for the 2016 Leo Feser Award, presented annually since 1977 to the author of the best superintendent-written article published in GCM during the previous year. Superintendents receive a $300 stipend for articles. Feser Award winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Golf Industry Show, where they are recognized.

They also have their names engraved on a plaque permanently displayed at GCSAA headquarters.

62

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Six young men have taken part in the Diamonds in the Rough internship program at Westmoor since 2013. Most made it successfully through the entire program; a couple did not. Regardless of whether they completed the program, my hope is that all the boys learned meaningful life lessons that will stay with them. After all, some lessons are harder learned than others, but are nevertheless important.

Time to shine So, where are Antwan and Demetrius now? They both completed high school, after which Antwan joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and Demetrius entered a management-training program at a local car dealership. They have told me that the hard work they invested during their summer at Westmoor helped prepare them for these career opportunities.

Both are established role models and mentors for the younger generation at Operation Dream, and I could not be more proud of them. (On a side note, Antwan was featured in the “It’s Aaron” video series with Green Bay Packers great Aaron Rodgers. I encourage you to watch the video in the Season 2 collection at www.itsaaron.com to check out what Rodgers has to say about Antwan and Operation Dream.)

Our interns learn a lot every summer, but, in all honesty, I learn more. The boys remind me of the many things I’ve taken for granted in my own life — things that enabled me to get where I am today. I understand now that my skills as a superintendent do not just allow me to grow grass and improve the golf course.

I can use those same skills, as we all can, to grow better people and improve the community around me.

Bryan Bergner is the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfeld, Wis., where he has worked since 2005. He is a 12-year member of GCSAA and lives in Milwaukee with his wife, Danielle, and 6-yearold son, Miles.

We recognize that it takes a team to perform at the highest level.

That’s why we’ve expanded ours.

GCSAA is now offering a membership classifcation for Equipment Managers, and from now through December 31, 2015 your Equipment Manager can enjoy a complimentary membership.

For more information and to request a member application, call (800) 472-7878.

(through the green)

Playing by the (local) rules Jack Fry, Ph.D. jfry@ksu.edu

Imagine if we each had the power to develop and invoke Local Rules that would make life easier or would address our biggest pet peeves.

64

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Life rarely offers one the option to modify the rules when the conditions warrant. But in golf, there is the option to implement “Local Rules,” which allow the Committee (in charge of the competition or the course) to apply rules which are not part of the 34 Rules of Golf.

As indicated in Rule 33-8a, Local Rules may be used for abnormal conditions if they are consistent with the policy established in Appendix I of the Rules of Golf. The abnormal ground conditions that lead to the imposition of Local Rules directly involve the condition of the golf course, and the superintendent should be included in these decisions.

Here are some of the more common Local Rules that apply directly to the condition of the course.

Environmentally sensitive spaces. Areas that have been identifed as environmentally sensitive, including turf nurseries, may be designated as Ground Under Repair, from which play is prohibited.

Course conditions — mud, extreme wetness, poor conditions and protection of the course. Several Local Rules can be used to account for poor playing conditions.

• Embedded ball. This Local Rule allows lifting and cleaning of an embedded ball anywhere “through the green” (includes the whole golf course except the tee and putting green on the hole the golfer is playing, and all hazards on the course). Without the Local Rule, relief for an embedded ball is permitted only on closely mown areas of the course.

• Aeration les. A Local Rule may be in place allowing a ball that has come to rest in an aeration hole to be dropped or placed elsewhere. That rule does not apply to balls on the putting surface, however.

• Seams of cut turf. This grants relief when the ball itself lies in a sod seam, which interferes with the intended area of swing.

• Preferred Lies. This is also referred to as “lift, clean and place.” The purpose of this Local Rule is to allow fair play and protect the course. “Winter Rules” refers to the fact that some courses are located in areas that commonly have wet, muddy conditions throughout the winter. However, Appendix I indicates that the Local Rule should be withdrawn as soon as conditions warrant.

Obstructions. There are times when Local Rules can be used to address movable and immovable obstructions.

• Protection of young trees. This allows relief from stakes and wires used to support young trees, and from the trees themselves.

• Stones in bunkers. Stones are considered loose impediments, and they normally cannot be moved when the golfer’s ball is in the bunker. This Local Rule permits stones in bunkers to be treated as movable obstructions.

Dropping zones. Dropping zones are set up when it is not feasible to proceed to take proper relief from immovable obstructions (Rule 24), abnormal ground conditions (Rule 25), water hazards or lateral water hazards (Rule 26), or unplayable balls (Rule 28).

Well-intentioned committees sometimes invent Local Rules that aren’t sanctioned by the USGA. Examples include allowing a drop on the side of a water hazard closest to the green when the ball fails to clear that hazard; allowing the replay of a stroke defected by a sprinkler head; allowing line-of-sight relief from irrigation control boxes; allowing relief from divot holes; and treating rough as a lateral water hazard. For more information on Local Rules, see Rule 33-8 and Appendix I of the Rules of Golf. Examples of Local Rules are provided in the Decisions on t e Rules of Golf under Rule 33-8.

Imagine if we each had the power to develop and invoke Local Rules that would make life easier or would address our biggest pet peeves.

These would be some of my own Local Rules: • No speed limit between Salina, Kan., and Denver.

• Those who approach the sales counter in person get served before whoever is calling on the phone.

• No wind when the temperature is below 50 degrees.

• Aggressive, tailgating drivers are not allowed to waste a minute of any day.

• Airlines think customer service is important, too.

Jack Fry, Ph.D., is a professor of turfgrass science and the director of the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center at Kansas State University in Manhattan. He is a 19-year educator member of GCSAA.

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Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D. Larry Stowell, Ph.D.

The second phase of the Golf Course Environmental Profle was conducted by the GCSAA and funded by the Environmental Institute for Golf through sponsorship by the United States Golf Association.

New study documents water conservation progress by U.S. golf courses Since 2005, golf courses in the U.S. have embraced water conservation measures, but additional efforts are needed to meet future challenges.

The numbers are in from GCSAA’s second “Water Use and Conservation Practices Survey,” and the results are impressive. Since 2005, when the frst survey results were collected, U.S. golf courses have decreased water use by 21.8%, or more than 500,000 acre-feet/year.

In this article, we will delve into the data, identify the factors involved in this downward trend, point out where progress has been made since 2005, and recommend areas where further research and education can aid future efforts in conservation.

use in the management of golf facilities, as well as an important tool for communicating within the golf course industry and with regulators, legislators and the general public.

Results were published in scientifc journals (7,8,9,12,13) and online on the GCSAA website (www.gcsaa.org/Environment/Environ mental-Profle/Golf-Course-EnvironmentalProfle-Overview).

In fall 2014, the second phase of the Golf Course Environmental Profle began, with

a follow-up set of surveys that mirrored the previous series. The surveys are being conducted by GCSAA and are funded by the EIFG through sponsorship by the U.S. Golf Association (USGA). Water use and conservation is the frst survey to be released in the second phase.

How it was done An initial email invitation, which included a link to an online survey, was sent to 13,786

Water use and the Golf Course Environmental Profile In 2006, the GCSAA and the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) initiated a project to conduct a series of fve surveys to document water use, fertilizer use, pest management practices, energy use, environmental stewardship and property profles on golf courses in the United States. Known as the Golf Course Environmental Profle, the results provided a baseline of information for

Acre-feet and gallons One acre-foot is equal to 325,851 gallons of water and is the equivalent of an acre of land covered with water to a depth of 1 foot.

68

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Golf courses in the United States used 21.8% less water in 2013 than in 2005. The greatest decreases in total water use occurred in the North Central, Northeast, Southeast and Transition regions. Photos by Larry Stowell

U.S. golf courses in October 2014, followed by three email reminders. A total of 1,950 completed surveys were received, representing a 12.7% response. This is roughly comparable to the 15.1% response from the 2006 survey.

PACE Turf and the National Golf Foundation (NGF) were contracted to develop and implement the survey, as well as to analyze, summarize and publish reports on the data.

This report incorporates, for the frst time, site-specifc information on each survey respondent’s climate and weather, thus providing greater insights on water use patterns.

Each respondent’s ZIP code was matched to 30-year average air temperature and precipitation data (11), as well as to specifc data for 2005 and 2013 (the years covered by the frst and second water use surveys).

Trends in national water use Golf courses in the United States used a projected 1.859 million acre-feet of water in 2013 compared with 2.379 million acre-feet of water in 2005. This represents a 21.8% decrease and a savings of 519,454 acre-feet per year since 2005. The greatest decreases in total water use occurred in the North Central, Northeast, Southeast and Transition regions (Table 1, Figure 1).

To get some perspective on the amount of water used by the golf industry in comparison with the rest of the nation, in 2013 golf courses used 1.44% of all irrigation water in the U.S. (10). That was an improvement over 2005, when golf courses used 1.66% of all irrigation water in the U.S. (6).

To get a better handle on water use effciency in different climates, we calculated an estimated water budget (see “The water budget,” Page 70) for each golf course in the survey, and then compared its actual water use against this budget. The large majority of survey respondents used less water than forecast by their water budgets, although the warmweather regions of the Southwest and, to a lesser extent, the Southeast, had a higher percentage of respondents who used more than their estimated water budgets (Table 2).

Factors involved in national water use trends A combination of factors were involved in the large decrease in projected national water use between 2005 and 2013.

• The use of almost all conservation practices has increased since 2005 (Table 3).

The most commonly reported conserva-

Projected regional water use Acre-feet/year

Region

% change

2005

2013

2,378,558

1,859,021

-21.8

North Central

266,575

198,041

-25.7

Northeast

116,930

94,194

-19.4

Pacifc

107,811

107,185

-0.6

Southeast

904,234

548,524

-39.3

Southwest

531,189

532,149

0.2

Transition

243,034

181,379

-25.4

Upper West/Mountain

208,785

197,548

-5.4

U.S.

Table 1. Projected regional water use in acre-feet, 2005 vs. 2013.

2005 208,785 9% 243,034 10%

116,930 5%

266,575 11%

531,189 22%

NC 107,811 5%

904,234 38%

NE PAC SE SW TR UW

2013 197,542 10% 181,498 10%

94,079 5% 198,160 11%

532,238 29%

548,573 29%

107,156 6%

NC NE PAC SE SW TR UW

Figure 1. Projected regional water use in acre-feet and in percentage of national total for 2005 and 2013. Abbreviations for regions: NC, North Central; NE, Northeast; PAC, Pacifc; SE, Southeast; SW, Southwest; TR, Transition; UW, Upper West/Mountain.

12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

69

Regional water use patterns for 18-hole golf courses Region

Total water use/18-hole golf course (median acre-feet)

Median acre-feet/acre/year

Estimated annual water budget (median acre-feet/acre)

2005

2013

% change

2005

2013

% change

2005

2013

North Central

62.5

53.1*

-15.0

0.95

0.81*

-14.7

0.95

0.95

Northeast

40.1

36.8

-8.2

0.74

0.63*

-14.9

0.77

0.73

Pacifc

134.4

143.6

+6.8

1.59

1.69

+6.3

1.91

1.90

Southeast

201.3

152.1*

-24.4

2.10

1.56*

-25.7

1.60

1.57

Southwest

359.6

398.4

+10.8

3.29*

3.87

+17.6

3.51

3.51

Transition

63.2

48.5*

-23.3

0.85

0.60*

-29.4

0.91

0.95

Upper West/Mountain

227.7

205.8*

-9.6

2.20

2.07

-5.9

2.17

2.23

Table 2. Water use patterns for 18-hole golf courses, by region. For two of the three comparisons in the table (total water use and acre-feet/acre), values in bold type, with the lowest value followed by an asterisk, indicate a signifcant difference between the 2005 and 2013 values, at the 90% confdence level. There were no signifcant differences in estimated annual water budget between the two years.

The water budget: A tool for measuring water conservation progress How can turf managers, golf course owners or regulators determine whether water is being used effciently? How can they know when climate is driving water use, or when other factors are involved? Against which standard should water use be compared?

A growing number of regulators, legislators, turf managers and water use specialists are advocating water budgets as a means of monitoring water use. Water conservation progress can be tracked by comparing annual actual water use against a water budget based on the climatic conditions at a particular location. Ideally, the percentage of the water budget used will go down over time, as more water conservation efforts are implemented.

In some areas, regulators have already begun to establish water budgets and to require golf courses to stay within those guidelines. Even if superintendents are not being required to use water budgets, voluntarily adopting this practice is a great idea. Possible approaches to developing a water budget are listed below.

1. ETo-based water budgets: Find the annual reference evapotranspiration (ETo) for the location and the year of interest, and compare the actual annual water use against this value. Ideally, the percentage of ETo used will go down over time.

• Advantages: ETo data is relatively easy to obtain (see “Finding evapotranspiration data” on Page 78).

• Disadvantages: The ETo calculation does not account for rainfall. For this reason, an ETo-based water budget for a rainy climate will be much larger than is needed, and actual water use will be a small fraction of the ETo. 2. Previous year-based water budgets: Select a recent year when the weather was relatively “normal,” and for which good records are available. The water use data for that year now becomes the standard against which each year’s water use can be compared. Ideally, the percentage of water used will go down over time.

• Advantages: Data is easy to obtain and is based on real-life conditions at the desired location.

• Disadvantages: Selecting one year to represent the standard water use volumes against which all other years will be compared can be tricky. Select a year that is most representative of the climatic conditions at the location.

3. EPA/Landscape Water Requirement-based water budgets: The water budgets calculated for this article (Table 2) were determined for each survey respondent’s location using an equation that includes estimates of the reference evapotranspiration, precipitation, distribution uniformity, crop coeffcient and leaching fraction. The equation used is based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Landscape Water Requirement equation (5). A detailed description of the methods used for calculating the water budget can be found online at www.gcsaa.org/Environment.

• Advantages: Because this calculation includes so many important parameters (ETo, rainfall, etc.), it provides a reasonable estimate of water use. It can be used by researchers and regulators who want to compare water budgets across many different locations.

• Disadvantages: The calculation is complex, and fnding all the necessary data may be diffcult.

70

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Irrigation system audits can help superintendents solve problems such as poor distribution uniformity, which results in non-uniform turfgrass performance.

tion practice is the use of wetting agents (soil surfactants), which can modify water fow in soils, thus saving water through reduced runoff, more uniform movement of water, and development of deeper-rooted plants that use water more effciently. Other commonly used practices include precision hand watering, keeping turf drier than in the past, use of irrigation scheduling, adjusting fertilizer practices, and mulching of landscape beds.

• The popularity of voluntary acreage reductions as a conservation tool has grown signifcantly (Table 4), from 8.2% of all golf courses in 2005 to 20.6% in 2013. As a result, the nation has seen a net decrease of 14,430 irrigated acres, with a consequent reduction in water use of 43,910 acre-feet.

• Hand-held soil moisture sensors have grown in popularity over the past three years, with 29% of all survey respondents using them for irrigation scheduling purposes. Of those using hand-held soil moisture meters, 89% say the tools have had a positive impact on water savings, turf quality and overall operations.

• In the eight years since the last survey was conducted, the number of golf facilities in the U.S. decreased by 666 (Table 5), from 16,052 to 15,386. This resulted in a projected decrease of 53,489 acres and a resulting water savings of 70,413 acre-feet per year.

Using agronomic practices to improve water conservation Water conservation practices

% of courses 2005

2013

Wetting agents

88

94

Hand watering

72

77

Keep turf drier than in past

62

74

Adjust fertilizer practices

42

52

†

50

43

48

†

46

Soil amendments

29

40

Reduce irrigated acres

20

35

Prune tree roots

17

25

Switch to lower-water-use landscape plants

14

23

Switch to drought-tolerant turf type

12

18

Water harvesting

7.2

6.5

Use irrigation management techniques Mulch landscape beds Increase no-mow acres

†

Question not asked in 2005

Table 3. Changes in agronomic practices used to improve water conservation. Values represent the percentage of facilities across the U.S. that reported the listed practice.

12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

71

Voluntary changes in irrigated acreages 2001-2005

2009-2013

Increase

Decrease

Increase

Decrease

Mean acres

13.4

12.0

9.9

11.1

Mean acre-feet

19.3

22.8

10.9

21.1

% in survey

24.0

8.2

13.6

20.6

Projected no. of golf courses nationwide

3,859

1,316

2,097

3,176

Projected national change in acreage

51,565

15,780

20,831

35,261

Projected national change in acre-feet

74,327

30,018

22,924

66,833

Projected national net change in acres

35,785

-14,430

Projected national net change in acre-feet

44,309

-43,910

Table 4. Voluntary changes in irrigated acreages, 2001-2005 vs. 2009-2013, and the impact on projected national water use.

Hand-held soil moisture sensors have grown in popularity over the past three years, with 29% of all survey respondents using them for irrigation scheduling purposes.

72

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Trends in regional water use: variation among regions For the purposes of this survey, the nation was divided into seven agronomic regions (Figure 2). In any given year, variation in water use was dramatic among these regions.

For example, total water volume used per 18hole golf course ranged from less than 23 acrefeet per year in the cool and rainy climate of the Northeast region to more than 565 acrefeet/year in the dry and warm climates of the Southwest region (Figure 3).

A complex interplay among several factors, including temperature, rainfall, length of growing season, extent of irrigated acreage and number of facilities per region, contributed to this pattern. We have summarized below some of the most important regional comparisons, but in the January issue of GCM, we will profle each of the survey’s seven agronomic regions and look more deeply into the many factors involved in regional water use.

• Precipitation. Average precipitation varies from less than 1 foot in the Southwest to more than 14 feet/year in the Pacifc region (Figure 4). This large difference in rainfall has the greatest impact on differences in regional water use patterns.

• Temperature. Average temperatures range from the Pacifc region’s 34 F to the Southeast region’s average of 78 F (Table 6).

Higher temperatures increase turf water demand and therefore have a signifcant impact on water use.

• Irrigated acreage. A large number of facilities in cooler and wetter climates can avoid irrigating signifcant portions of the golf course, particularly the roughs, whereas facilities in warm and dry climates are forced to irrigate the entire golf course. For example, an 18-hole golf course in the Northeast has 56.7 irrigated acres, but one in the Southwest has almost double that amount, at 103.5 acres. These differences are primarily due to differences in the number of acres of irrigated roughs: an average of 21.0 irrigated rough acres in the Northeast vs. 48.6 in the Southwest (Figure 5).

• Lengt f growing season. Climates with short growing seasons, such as those in the northern U.S., need to irrigate for only four to seven months of the year. Little or no irrigation is necessary when turf is not growing or is only slowly growing. In contrast, climates with long growing seasons, such

Number of golf facilities affects water use Number of U.S. golf facilities

Region

Projected change, 2005-2013

2005

2013

Change

% change

Acres

Water (acre-feet)

North Central

4,127

3,925

-202

-4.9

-12,019

-10,203

Northeast

2,746

2,677

-69

-2.5

-3,747

-2,432

655

638

-17

-2.6

-1,467

-2,874

Southeast

3,250

3,046

-204

-6.3

-21,828

-36,677

Southwest

1,224

1,201

-23

-1.9

-2,732

-10,132

Transition

2,961

2,795

-166

-5.6

-13,180

-10,777

Upper West/Mountain

1,089

1,104

15

+1.4

+1,485

+2,682

U.S.

16,052

15,386

-666

4.1

-53,489

-70,413

Pacifc

Table 5. Impact of reduced golf facility numbers on irrigated acreage and water use, 2005-2013.

Distribution of survey responses, 2014 Figure 2. Distribution of 2014 survey responses across the survey’s seven agronomic regions.

Annual water use for 18-hole golf courses Annual water use (acre-feet)

600

565

25%

500

50% 402

400

276 285

277

300

75% 291

Figure 3. Range of water use values for 18-hole golf courses in 2013. In each agronomic region, 25% of survey respondents used less than the amount indicated by the blue bar, 50% used less than indicated by the red bar, and 75% used less than the amount indicated by the green bar. Note the large range of values in the Pacifc (PAC), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW) and Upper West/ Mountain (UW) regions, and the smaller range in the North Central (NC), Northeast (NE) and Transition (TR) regions.

208

200 157 88

100 32

54

89 23 36

154

149

92

86

57 27

50

0 NC

NE

PAC

SE

SW

TR

UW

12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

73

Regional environmental factors affecting water use Average precipitation (feet/year)

Region

Average temperature (F)

Length of growing season (months)

Lowest

Highest

Lowest

Highest

Shortest

Longest

North Central

1.5

3.9

37.6

53.7

5

7

Northeast

2.7

4.6

38.4

56.2

6

7

Pacifc

0.8

14.2

34.0

62.1

4

11

Southeast

1.7

5.7

45.8

77.8

12

12

Southwest

0.3

10.2

40.5

75.2

12

12

Transition

2.0

7.1

47.2

68.6

9

9

Upper West/Mountain

0.4

4.9

34.4

64.6

5

9

Table 6. Environmental factors that affect water use in each region. Values are based on 30-year normal annual average temperatures (11) for the participants in the 2014 survey.

Regional precipitation values, 2015 Highest

14.2

PAC

0.8

Lowest

10.2

SW

0.3

TR

7.1

2 5.7

SE

1.7 4.9

UW

0.4 4.6

NE

2.7

NC

3.9

1.5 0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Figure 4. Range of precipitation values for each agronomic region. Values are based on 30-year normal annual average temperatures (11) for the participants in the 2014 survey. Abbreviations for regions: NC, North Central; NE, Northeast; PAC, Pacifc; SE, Southeast; SW, Southwest; TR, Transition; UW, Upper West/Mountain.

Average annual feet of precipitation

Irrigated total acres and rough acres

Median number of acres

120

96.8

100

60.4

60

97.3

46.1

48.6

35.8 21.6

46.6 39.1

21

0 NC

74

NE

PAC

Total

79.3

56.7

40 20

Roughs

103.5

82.8

80

SE

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

SW

as those in the southern tier of the U.S., support turf growth for the entire year. As a result, these golf facilities have to irrigate for the entire year and thus use more water (Table 6).

TR

UW

Figure 5. Median number of irrigated total acres and rough acres for a typical 18-hole golf course. Note that these acreages vary dramatically from one region to the next. Abbreviations for regions: NC, North Central; NE, Northeast; PAC, Pacifc; SE, Southeast; SW, Southwest; TR, Transition; UW, Upper West/Mountain.

Trends in water use: variation wit in agronomic regions Some regions (North Central, Northeast) have a relatively small range of temperatures and precipitation (Table 6, Figure 4), indicating that climatic conditions are relatively homogenous across that area. For these regions, the median water use values reported in Table 2 are fairly good characterizations for the entire region. In contrast, the diverse climatic conditions seen in the Pacifc region (which ranges from the hot and dry Central Valley of California to the much cooler climate of Alaska) and the Southwest region (which includes the deserts of Arizona, Nevada and California and the tropical environments of Hawaii) produce a much larger breadth of temperature and precipitation conditions.

As a result, these regions also have a wider range of water use values (Figure 3), and the median values shown in Table 2 may not represent many individual golf courses that are located at the extremes of the region’s climatic conditions. In other words, the median regional water use values are a useful guide, but they don’t necessarily tell the whole story.

For the most accurate information about the forces involved in water use and/or the effciency of water use for a particular location, comparisons of actual water use to a water budget (see “The water budget,” Page 70) that

incorporates site-specifc climatic information are best.

Factors in t e ability of regions to decrease water usage over time The majority of regions had signifcant reductions in total water use and acre-feet/ acre (Tables 1,2). Factors involved in this pattern include: • C ange in number of golf facilities. The regions with the greatest water savings were also the regions that had seen the greatest decrease in number of golf facilities since 2005 (Table 5). The decreased number of irrigated acres that resulted from this trend led to signifcant water savings in these regions. Conversely, the Southwest and Pacifc regions saw some of the smallest decreases in number of golf facilities (Table 5). As a result, water savings resulting from a reduction in irrigated acres were less in these regions.

• Recycled water. The highest percentage of facilities using recycled water occurred in the Pacifc, Southeast and Southwest regions (Table 7), indicating that regions with the hottest and/or driest climates had the greatest adoption of recycled water.

It is important to recognize that, although recycled water is currently viewed as a waste product that can be an important tool in water conservation programs, it may sometime in the future become a valuable resource for use as potable (drinking) water. When that time comes, golf courses will no longer be able to rely on recycled water as a conservation management tool and will have to adopt other water conservation measures.

A traditional catch-can water audit can help superintendents determine the precipitation rate of the irrigation system, and they can then use that information to increase water use effciency.

What about the weather?

One of most important questions to ask in dealing with all of this data is about the role of weather and climate in water use patterns.

As is clear from the regional information already mentioned, climate (conditions of the atmosphere over long periods of time) played an overwhelmingly important role in variation among and within each of the survey’s seven agronomic regions for any given year. However, when we want to explain the water use changes we see from 2005 to 2013, the weather (conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time) actually plays a surprisingly small role. The national and regional weather data for 2005 vs. 2013 shows no signifcant differences for rainfall, temper-

ature or water budget. This is despite a recordbreaking drought in portions of the Western U.S. and record-breaking rainfall in parts of the Southeast during these years.

The lack of dramatic change in weather patterns between 2005 and 2013 is puzzling at frst, until the sheer size and variability in each of the study’s seven agronomic regions is taken into account (see “Weather in 2005 vs.

2013,” Page 76).

Trends in the use of different water sources Since 2005, there has been a decrease in use of all water sources except for recycled (reclaimed) water (Figure 6). The greatest decrease was seen in the use of open water (lakes

Adopting and using recycled water Region

% of facilities adopting recycled water

Acre-feet of recycled water used

2005

2013

2005

2013

Change

North Central

3.5

7.0

3,509

9,045

+5,536

Northeast

3.5

1.6

2,082

2,219

+137

Pacifc

12.6

23.1

10,253

24,975

+14,722

Southeast

23.7

30.5

145,611

192,849

+47,238

Southwest

33.5

45.5

151,653

193,394

+41,741

Transition

5.3

6.5

12,682

18,856

+6,174

Upper West/Mountain

14.6

18.1

25,786

25,165

-621

U.S.

10.9

15.3

351,576

466,503

+114,927

Table 7. Adoption and use of recycled water.

12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

75

and ponds), with a 43.2% reduction, followed by water from rivers, streams and creeks (24.8% reduction), and well water (21.7% reduction). The greatest reduction in potable (municipal drinking) water use occurred in the Northeast (9,082 acre-feet reduction) and the Southeast (8,975 acre-feet reduction).

Use of recycled water has increased by 32.7% since 2005 and now makes up approximately 25% of all water used on golf courses in the U.S. (Table 7). Estimates show that, by far, the most recycled water is used in the Southwest (193,394 acre-feet/year) and the Southeast (192,849 acre-feet/year). Recycled water was used by 15.3% of survey respondents in 2013. The greatest adoption of recycled water has occurred in the Southwest (45.5% adoption), Southeast (30.5% adoption) and Pacifc (23.1% adoption) regions.

Increased use of recycled water allowed large reductions in the use of water from other sources, such as open water, rivers, streams and creeks, well water, and municipal water. However, recycled water should not be compared with other water sources on a one-to-one basis, because 10% to 15% additional water is usually required to manage soil salts that are introduced to soil from recycled water.

Trends in water costs It will come as no surprise to most readers that the cost of water (when all sources are combined) has signifcantly increased nationally, from $204/acre-foot in 2005 to $298/ acre-foot in 2013 (Figure 7). A statistically signifcant cost increase per acre-foot was seen

Weather in 2005 vs. 2013 Although portions of the Southwest region, such as Southern California, were severely affected by drought during 2013, other portions of the same region, such as San Antonio, had twice as much rain in 2013 as in 2005.

When these differences in weather are averaged out across the entire region, the droughty locations tend to cancel out the wet locations, and vice versa.

76

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

also a wide range of water costs, even within each agronomic region (Figure 8).

The cost of different water sources has also increased, though at varying levels. Since 2005, there have been signifcant increases in the median cost per acre-foot of recycled (from $188 to $321) and municipal/potable water (from $783 to $1,329). In contrast, the median cost per acre-foot of canal, open (lakes and ponds), river and well water has remained relatively fat since 2005, with 2013 costs per

in all but the North Central and Upper West/ Mountain regions.

Because the number of irrigated acres varies depending on region, water costs per golf course do not necessarily follow the same pattern as water costs per acre-foot. For example, while the Northeast and Transition regions had relatively high water costs on an acre-foot basis (Figure 7), their lower number of irrigated acres (Figure 5) led to low water costs per 18-hole golf course (Figure 8). There was

Water sources, 2005 vs. 2013

2005 169,698 7%

351,576 15%

Open Canals Rivers, streams, creeks Wells Recycled

722,007 31%

Municipal 741,357 32%

143,355 6% 212,298 9%

2013 Open Canals Rivers, streams, creeks Wells Recycled Municipal

155,667 8% 409,766 22% 466,503 25%

580,204 31%

115,020 6% 159,674 8%

Figure 6. Trends in the use of different water sources, 2005 vs. 2013. Volumes (in acre-feet/year) and percentage of each water source used are shown for each year.

Recommendations Water is an increasingly limited resource that the golf course industry needs to effectively manage and conserve. The data collected in this survey indicates that the golf industry has taken signifcant and positive steps since 2005 toward more effcient use of water. Some areas for continued improvements include:

2005

$1200

2013 $1000 $800 $690

$667

$600 $507

$425 $423

$400 $2456

$159

$200 $67

$0

$226

$298 $199 $204 $151

$288

$40

NC

NE

PAC

SE

SW

TR

UW

U.S.

Figure 7. Median cost of all water sources (U.S. dollars) per acre-foot in 2005 vs. 2013. Abbreviations for regions: NC, North Central; NE, Northeast; PAC, Pacifc; SE, Southeast; SW, Southwest; TR, Transition; UW, Upper West/Mountain.

Water costs, 2013 $400,000

PAC

SE

$60,300

NE

$11,915 $28,900 $69,900

NC

SW

$6,520 $20,430 $64,100

$0

$2,200 $7,200 $23,625

$50,000

$69,350

$150,000 $100,000

75%

$140,300

$159,730

$250,000 $200,000

50%

$4,900 $16,415 $55,400

$300,000

$326,400

$367,915

25% $350,000

$505 $1,734 $5,950

Trends in regulation Regulation of water use has generally increased since the 2005 survey (Table 8). The frequency with which annual recurring water allocations were imposed increased in all regions. Regions with higher water use (Southeast, Southwest and Upper West/Mountain) had the highest percentage of courses with recurring water allocations.

In addition to observing governmentmandated regulations of water use, golf courses have also begun to set up voluntary internal guidelines, with 14% to 20% of all U.S. golf courses reporting the use of written plans of some type. These plans were required by state and local authorities in some cases, but the majority of respondents indicated that these management plans were developed voluntarily.

$1,340

$1400

Dollars/acre-foot

Trends in irrigation management strategies The most common improvements seen in 2013 were relatively inexpensive equipment purchases, such as new sprinkler heads or new nozzles, as opposed to the much greater expenses of complete irrigation system upgrades or increased automation of the irrigation system.

Access to evapotranspiration (ET) data allows superintendents to more precisely determine how much water the turf needs. Obtaining ET data from on-site weather stations was adopted by 17.9% of survey respondents nationally, but in warm and/or arid regions, it was much more popular, as demonstrated in the Southwest (47.7%), Pacifc (37.4%) and Upper West/Mountain (33.3%) regions. Obtaining ET data from a weather service was also most common in the Southwest (24.1%) and the Upper West/Mountain (15.5%) regions. See “Finding evapotranspiration data� on Page 78 for more information on using ET data at your golf course.

Median water costs, 2005 vs. 2013

Annual water cost

acre-foot at $79 (canal), $64 (open), $48 (river) and $77 (well water).

TR

UW

Figure 8. Range of water costs for 18-hole golf courses in 2013. 25% of all 18-hole courses paid the value shown in the blue bar, or less; 50% paid the value in the red bar, or less; and 75% paid the value in the green bar, or less. Abbreviations for regions: NC, North Central; NE, Northeast; PAC, Pacifc; SE, Southeast; SW, Southwest; TR, Transition; UW, Upper West/Mountain.

12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

77

% golf courses with various water restrictions Region

% with required water use reporting

% with recurring annual allocations

% with additional mandatory water restrictions

2005

2013

2005

2013

2005

2013

U.S.

48.4

55.0

21.7

30.3

15.8

10.7

North Central

57.7

62.3

11.5

23.5

4.4

2.1

Northeast

50.6

63.8

24.7

33.3

28.8

4.6

Pacifc

28.9

25.0

13.7

15.0

2.0

13.9

Southeast

36.5

65.0

34.8

42.6

21.4

26.4

Southwest

57.2

53.3

36.4

40.8

11.8

18.6

Transition

35.4

48.4

10.4

23.4

14.5

4.2

Upper West/Mountain

50.9

36.0

36.1

34.7

31.3

19.1

Table 8. Percent of golf courses that have experienced various water use restrictions.

Decreasing or eliminating winter overseeding of warm-season grasses can help decrease water demand.

Finding evapotranspiration data The reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is the amount of water that is lost to the atmosphere through evaporation of water from the soil surface and transpiration of water from plant leaves (1). ETo is frequently used for irrigation scheduling, but ETo is also growing more popular as a way to calculate golf course water budgets.

Some golf courses have access to ETo data through their weather stations or through a weather service. If these resources are not available, ETo values for nearby locations may be found by searching online for the name of the state followed by the term “reference evapotranspiration.” This data is currently available in most of the arid portions of the U.S., and efforts are underway to provide this data for all locations in the country in the near future.

78

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

• Identifying a metric for monitoring water use effciency. Water budgets (“The water budget,” Page 70) should be developed for each golf course, and should serve as the basis for site-specifc golf course water management plans. An increasing number of cities and states are promoting such water budgets as the foundation for water conservation on landscapes (2,3,4,5).

• Reducing irrigated acreage. Voluntary golf course reductions in irrigated acreage made since 2005 now result in savings of approximately 43,910 acre-feet per year on a national scale. As the largest irrigated components of most golf courses, roughs and out-of-play areas have the greatest potential for irrigation reduction.

• Adopting tools to improve irrigation system effciency. Increased adoption of tools such as ET-based irrigation scheduling, soilmoisture sensors and irrigation system audits will assist superintendents in water use reductions.

• Installing water meters. Being able to measure water use allows baselines to be established and progress to be tracked. Though this can be a relatively expensive process, installation of water meters will be critical, especially in high-water-use regions of the country.

• Adopting recycled water sources. Extrapolating from the survey results, more than 450,000 acre-feet of recycled water was used nationally in 2013. Increased efforts at the state and local levels are necessary to increase availability and infrastructure for delivery of this water source. It should be recognized, however, that recycled water may not be as readily available to golf courses in

the future, because water currently handled as wastewater may be diverted for use as drinking water in some areas.

• Decreasing plant water demand. Decreasing or eliminating winter overseeding of warmseason grasses as well as switching to more drought-tolerant turf types and landscape plantings will further decrease water demand.

• Increasing golfer education. Educate golfers about the need for water conservation and the concomitant changes in turf aesthetics that may result.

• Working wit egulators. As documented by survey participants, state and local regulation of water use is on the rise in almost all regions of the country — a trend that is likely to continue as water resources become scarcer. Involvement of the golf course industry in the development of water use regulations has resulted in more agronomically feasible regulations in many cases (14).

Continued involvement of the industry in development of regulations is essential.

A concerted effort by individual golf courses, and by the industry as a whole, to educate and to implement strategies such as those described above can result in further water conservation progress that we look forward to documenting in future surveys.

Funding The second phase of the Golf Course Environmental Profle was conducted by the GCSAA and funded by its philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf, through sponsorship by the United States Golf Association.

Acknowledgments The information on which this article was based was published online in the journal Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management as “Documenting trends in water use and conservation practices on U.S. golf courses” by Wendy Gelernter, Larry Stowell, Mark Johnson, Clark Brown and Joseph Beditz. doi: 10.2134/cftm2015.0149. Date posted: Oct. 22, 2015. The content in this article was used by permission of the Crop Science Society of America Inc., Madison, Wis., USA. The full public report of the results of the second phase (2005-2013) of the Water Use and Conservation Practices on U.S. Golf Courses survey is available online at www. gcsaa.org/Environment.

Literature cited 1. Allen, R.G., L.S. Pereira, D. Raes and M. Smith.

1998. Crop evapotranspiration - guidelines for computing crop water requirements. FAO Irrigation and drainage paper 56. FAO, Rome. (www.fao.org/ docrep/x0490e/x0490e00.htm). Accessed Oct. 27, 2015.

2. Bennett, D. 2012. Lean and green: water effciency in the Las Vegas golf industry. Pages 16-20. In: Golf’s use of water: challenges and opportunities, a USGA summit on golf course water use. November 2012, Dallas, Texas. USGA, Far Hills, N.J. (http:// usga.org/Course-Care/Golf-and-the-Environment/ Water/USGA-Water-Summit). Accessed Oct. 27, 2015.

3. California Code of Regulations, 2009. Model water effcient landscape ordinance. Title 23. Waters.

Chapter 2.7. (www.water.ca.gov/wateruseeffciency/ docs/MWELO09-10-09.pdf). Accessed Oct. 27, 2015.

4. Carrow, R.N., R. Duncan and C. Waltz. 2007. Best management practices (BMPs) and water-use effciency/conservation plan for golf courses: Template and guidelines. University of Georgia, Crop and Soil Science Department, Griffn, Ga. (www.commodities. caes.uga.edu/turfgrass/georgiaturf/water/articles/ bmps_water_cons_07.pdf). Accessed Oct. 27, 2015.

5. Environmental Protection Agency. 2014. The WaterSense Water Budget Tool. Version 1.02, July 24, 2014. (www3.epa.gov/watersense/water_budget).

Accessed Oct. 27, 2015.

6. Kenny, J.F., N.L. Barber, S.S. Hutson, K.S. Linsey, J.K. Lovelace and M.A. Maupin. 2009. Estimated use of water in the United States in 2005: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1344. (http://pubs.usgs.gov/ circ/1344). Accessed Oct. 27, 2015.

7. Lyman, G.T., C.S. Throssell, M.E. Johnson, G.A. Stacey and C.D. Brown. 2007. Golf course profle describes turfgrass, landscape and environmental stewardship features. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2007-1107-01-RS 8. Lyman, G.T., M.E. Johnson, G.A. Stacey and C.D. Brown. 2012a. Golf course environmental profle measures pesticide use practices and trends. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2012-122001-RS 9. Lyman, G.T., M.E. Johnson, G.A. Stacey and C.D. Brown. 2012b. Golf course environmental profle measures energy use and energy management practices. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ ATS-2012-0228-01-RS 10. Maupin, M.A., J.F. Kenny, S.S. Hutson, J.K. Lovelace, N.L. Barber and K.S. Linsey. 2014. Estimated use of water in the United States in 2010. U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1405. (http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ cir1405). Accessed Oct. 27, 2015.

11. PRISM Climate Group. 2015. Northwest Alliance for Computational Science & Engineering (NACSE), based at Oregon State University (www.prism. oregonstate.edu). Accessed Oct. 27, 2015.

12. Throssell, C.S., G.T. Lyman, M.E. Johnson, G.A. Stacey and C.D. Brown. 2009a. Golf course environmental profle measures water use, source, cost, quality, and management and conservation strategies. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS2009-0129-01-RS 13. Throssell, C.S., G.T. Lyman, M.E. Johnson, G.A. Stacey and C.D. Brown. 2009b. Golf course environmental profle measures nutrient use and management and fertilizer restrictions, storage and equipment calibration. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2009-1203-01-RS 14. Waltz, F.C., and R.N. Carrow. 2007. Applied turfgrass water use effciency/conservation: agronomic practices and building cooperation between industry trade associations and regulatory authorities. Acta Horticulturae 783:239-245.

Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D. (gelernter@paceturf.org and www.paceturf.org), and Larry Stowell, Ph.D., are the principals of PACE Turf LLC, San Diego.

The RESEARCH SAYS • Water use by U.S. golf courses in 2013 was 21.8% lower than it was in 2005.

• Factors affecting the decrease in water use include increased use of water conservation practices, voluntary reduction of irrigated acreage, and reduction in the number of golf facilities.

• With the exception of recycled water, usage of all water sources decreased from 2005 to 2013.

• The median cost per acre-foot of water increased from $204/acre-foot in 2005 to $298/ acre-foot in 2013.

• Water is an increasingly limited resource, and golf facilities must continue to incorporate water conservation efforts into their management programs.

• Future progress in water conservation will be enhanced by: developing water budgets, reducing irrigated acreage, adopting tools to improve irrigation system efficiency, using recycled water where available, decreasing or eliminating winter overseeding of warm-season grasses, and switching to more drought-tolerant turf types and landscape plantings.

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Beth Guertal, Ph.D. guertea@auburn.edu Twitter: @AUTurfFert

(verdure)

Neonicotinoid transfer in nectar and guttation The fate of bees in our environment has been a topic of much discussion, but it’s nice when actual entomologists enter the fray, seeking to determine the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides on bees.

Specifcally, the folks at the University of Kentucky (Jonathan Larson, Ph.D., his major adviser Dan Potter, Ph.D., and Carl Redmond, Ph.D.) wanted to examine the transference of neonicotinoid insecticides into the nectar of fowering lawn weeds in Kentucky bluegrass/tall fescue, and into guttation (extruded droplets of sap from the grass leaves) of creeping bentgrass. Their objective was to determine whether concentrations of neonicotinoids in the sap or nectar were high enough to harm bees or other foraging insects. This is not the same as harm from a direct spray — the intent was to determine how much neonicotinoid was transferred into the plants, and whether there was enough in nectar or guttation to cause harm.

They did two things. First, they measured the amounts of neonicotinoid residues in the collected nectar and guttation sap.

Second, they used a bioindicator bug (Orius insidiosus) to determine possible toxicities to the neonicotinoids in sap or nectar. Just as a canary in a coal mine is a bioindicator, the Orius bug is very sensitive to neonicotinoids.

Orius were used because not enough nectar or sap was used to feed bees, and Orius are an

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

excellent indicator of when neonicotinoids are reduced to non-active levels. However, Orius are not bees, so care should be used for extrapolation of results to bees. That is why the researchers also directly measured neonicotinoid concentrations.

Different plots of turf intermixed with white clover blooms were treated at typical times for grub control (early June and midAugust) using imidacloprid (Merit 75 WSP, Bayer) or clothianidin (Arena 50 WDG, Valent). Both were applied at the high label rate of 0.45 kilogram active ingredient (ai)/ hectare. There was also an untreated control.

At 24 hours after spraying, white clover blossoms were collected from the plots and the nectar extracted. The plots were then mowed, and 13 days later, a second set of white clover blossoms was collected. For the guttation sap/ bentgrass study, only imidacloprid was used, with guttation fuid collected at one and three weeks after spraying. Concentrations of neonicotinoids were determined in all samples.

Next, Orius were fed the collected nectar or guttation fuid (check treatments of a sugar solution and an imidacloprid tank mix were also included). After 24 hours, Orius response was determined by counting: (1) alive and mobile; (2) twitching, not walking; or (3) dead.

Nectar from the white clover blossoms collected 24 hours after being directly sprayed was toxic to Orius, for both imidacloprid- and

clothianidin-sprayed blooms. Direct spraying of blooms violates label restrictions against applying neonicotinoids on plants in bloom. Sometimes, however, ensuring no fowering weeds at all are present when a lawn is being treated for grubs or other pests is diffcult. Mowing once after spraying reduced the levels of insecticides in nectar by 99.4% to 99.8% compared with their levels when fowering weeds were directly over-sprayed. For example, nectar from white clover blooms that had been directly sprayed had an imidacloprid content of 5,492 parts per billion (ppb), whereas new blooms that opened after one mowing had a concentration of 8.4 ppb.

Nectar collected from new blooms that opened after the turf had been mowed (blooms collected 13 days after mowing) was also nontoxic to Orius. That is, bugs feeding on that nectar survived, as did bugs fed nectar from the non-sprayed control plots. In all, the impact of neonicotinoid transfer into white clover nectar and bentgrass guttation was relatively low, and any (slight) negative effects were typically gone within a week. Directly spraying blooms is against label instructions for these products. If blossoms are accidentally sprayed (as white clover can be challenging to control and may be present in the turfgrass sward), mowing to remove treated blooms greatly reduces the likelihood of bees foraging on treated fowers. Because guttation fuid is mainly exuded only briefy in the early morning before bees are active and is further diluted with dew, it probably poses little or no hazard to bees. So, mow before or after treatment to remove fower heads, and follow the label.

These steps will help mitigate any possible negative effects of neonicotinoids in nectar on bees foraging on treated lawns.

Source: Larson, J.L., C.T. Redmond and D.A. Potter. 2015. Mowing mitigates bioactivity of neonicotinoid insecticides in nectar of fowering lawn weeds and turfgrass guttation. Environmental Toxicology and C emistry 34:127-132.

Beth Guertal, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and the editor-in-chief for the American Society of Agronomy. She is a 19-year member of GCSAA.

A Lot of Superintendents are Switching Back to TifEagle Bermudagrass Greens TifEagle Bermudagrass was first planted on a practice green at the Landings Club near Savannah GA in 1994. That’s over 21 years ago. Pretty impressive.

1.

2.

3.

Since then hundreds of clubs have made the switch to TifEagle, or the switch back to TifEagle. Why?

4.

If you want to get in touch with a superintendent near you who has recently replanted TifEagle, send us an email at tifeaglegrowers@gmail.com.

Because TifEagle is the only genetically stable ultradwarf on the market. Our 21 year track record proves it. The other two ultradwards have simply not stood the test of time, and more and more clubs are beginning to realize just that.

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www.tifeagle.com Drop By Booth # 3830 at GIS And Find Out Why TifEagle Is The Best Choice For High-End Putting Greens.

UPGRADE TO TIFSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP-QUALITY BERMUDAGRASS Get a leg up on your competition. Upgrade to certified TifSport Bermudagrass like the redesigned Trump National Golf Club, Jupiter, FL. TifSport has great color. It recovers very rapidly from heavy traffic, injury and droughts. It has a finer texture than Tifway 419 and most other bermudagrass varieties.

It’s extremely cold tolerant, and its upright leaf blade orientation and stiffness mean

better ball lies in cut fairways and roughs.

It also has a pleasing, uniform appearance, even during dormancy. Players love the way it plays, and you and your crew will appreciate how easy it is to manage.

TifSport. It’s ideal for fairways, roughs and tees. For more info and a list of quality licensed TifSport growers visit our website at www.tifsport.com or call 706 552-4525.

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CUTTING EDGE Teresa Carson

Photo by Miyuan Xiao

Nitrogen effects on creeping bentgrass drought tolerance Nitrogen is the most common limiting soil nutrient in agricultural situations. We investigated the relationship between nitrogen levels and turfgrass drought tolerance.

We hypothesized that low nitrogen levels before drought could increase drought tolerance, as more root growth than shoot growth could be stimulated under carbon-limited conditions. Tyee creeping bentgrass was grown on sand in 2-inch-diameter (5-cm) PVC pipes in the greenhouse. Nitrogen fertilization was applied for four weeks before drought at three levels: 0.1 gram (low rate), 0.5 gram (medium rate) and 1.0 gram (high rate) nitrogen/square meter/week. Grass was then moved to growth chambers for drought treatments: well-watered; water withheld for 10 days, rewatered once to pot capacity at day 10, then dry-down for seven days (periodic drought); and water withheld for 17 days (prolonged drought). All grass was then rewatered for seven days (drought recovery period). Photosynthesis rate, turf visual color, evapotranspiration and soil water content were measured every other day during drought. Roots at different depths and verdure were harvested at days zero, 10, 17 and 24 during the experiment. Root mass and length along with verdure relative to water content were measured for each harvest.

First-year results show that increasing the nitrogen rate increased the color and pho-

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

tosynthesis rate for all drought treatments and increased root mass above a depth of ~5 inches (12 cm). The medium nitrogen rate increased root mass at depth ~1 to 5 inches (3 to 12 cm). These results suggest that a higher nitrogen rate before drought may increase turfgrass drought tolerance through increased color and photosynthesis rate. — Miyuan Xiao and Eric Lyons, Ph.D., University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Effects on turf quality of wetting agents applied via irrigation A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate whether wetting agents applied by overhead irrigation have the potential to maintain turf quality at a reduced level of irrigation. We used a factorial combination of three irrigation schedules, three wetting agent compounds and an untreated control, with three replications. The three irrigation schedules were: fertigation every two weeks with no supplemental irrigation (FNFN), fertigation every two weeks with supplemental irrigation at 1 inch (2.54 cm) each week (FIFI), and fertigation once per month with supplemental irrigation at the same amount described above (FIII). Irrigation or wetting agent treatments were applied at a rate of 0.25 inch (0.6 cm)/hour to Rembrandt tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) established in a Mexico silt-loam soil under greenhouse conditions. Wetting agents included three

Photo courtesy of Xi Xiong

compounds (A, B and C). Preliminary results suggest that FNFN did not provide adequate water to sustain tall fescue growth, regardless of wetting agent treatment. The other irrigation schedules, FIFI and FIII, both resulted in signifcantly higher turf quality over an eightweek period compared with FNFN. Compared with FIII, fertigation twice per month (FIFI) appeared to improve weekly water content of clippings by 10%, but did not affect dry clipping biomass. Compared with the untreated control, two of three of the wetting agents tested showed improved turf quality following FIFI treatment by 15%, 8% and 12% at two, three and four weeks after initial application, respectively. A similar trend was also found following the FIII irrigation schedule. This study is ongoing. — Enzhan Song and Xi Xiong, Ph.D. (xiongx@missouri.edu), University of Missouri, Columbia

Teresa Carson (tcarson@gcsaa.org) is GCM’s science editor.

This index provides a topical overview of GCM’s editorial content from January through December 2015. It is divided into four sections: Features/Columns, The Front Nine, The Back Nine and Research.

There are subcategories in each section. Articles are listed under the subcategories chronologically as they appeared in GCM.

SUBCATEGORIES Features/Columns Career Development Construction/Renovation/ Restoration Environmental Golf Courses Equipment GCSAA Golf Courses Golf, Game of Irrigation Management/Operations Ornamentals and Tree Management Personality Profles Seed and Sod

FEATURES/ COLUMNS Career Development Been there, done that. It is believed that the art of mentoring goes way back (think Socrates). Today, it is still relevant.

Many golf course superintendents agree.

Howard Richman. July, p. 44.

Through the Green Tournament Preparation Turf Care Applications Up to Speed Verdure Water Management Weather

The Front Nine Feature Story Advocacy Career Environment Shop Technology Turf Water smooth skating for Greg Cormier, CGCS. Greg Cormier, CGCS. March, p. 56.

Don’t call it a comeback. Mark Black, CGCS, and Quail West tackle a renovation project designed to modernize greens at the club and keep it among South Florida’s elite. Hal Phillips. March, p. 72.

in China that is worthy of honors. Howard Richman. April, p. 78.

The Back Nine Climbing the Ladder The Final Shot

Equipment

Research Cultivar and Species Management Disease Updates Environment/Wildlife Management/Operations Pest Control Plant/Soil Science Turf Care Applications Water Management

September, p. 46.

Golf’s DIY network. More and more superintendents are being entrusted with overseeing all aspects of major golf course renovation projects for their facilities.

Stacie Zinn Roberts. September, p. 56.

Just rewards. GCSAA launches the International Award of Excellence. The inaugural recipients are making a difference in China that is worthy of honors. Howard Richman. April, p. 78.

Dynamic duos. When golf course superintendents and architects team up, the result is mutually benefcial relationships that improve both course maintenance and the golf experience. Norman Sinclair.

September, p. 64.

Team players. Award-winning renovation at Brentwood CC owes much to the strong partnership between GCSAA superintendent Robert O’Connell and PGA professional Patrick Casey. Roger Graves.

July, p. 60.

An irrigation renovation. By choosing a leak-free, long-lived pipe material, Southern Hills Country Club made a water-wise upgrade to its irrigation system, and was able to keep much of the labor in-house.

Susan Hylton. September, p. 82.

Dynamic duo. Near the home of this year’s Golf Industry Show in San Antonio, superintendent Jason Wiedeman and head professional/general manager Chad Donegan teamed up to help lead the renovation of Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs. Howard Richman. January, p. 64.

The quest for the perfect sand. At the heart of every great bunker is a great bunker sand. Knowing what to look for (and where to look for it) is the key to making the right choice for your golf course.

Stacie Zinn Roberts. August, p. 56.

Environmental Golf Courses

Freeze warning. Building and maintaining an ice rink for members at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, Mass., isn’t all

Links to the future? Golf course architect Andy Staples goes to great measures in pursuit of a concept that may be coming to a town near you. Howard Richman.

A pathfnder in Pennsylvania. After benefting from mentors of his own, Duane Schell is returning the favor by playing a key role in the development of other turfgrass professionals. Sally J. Sportsman.

October, p. 44.

Construction/Renovation/ Restoration

ARTICLE INDEX

Time to shine. Equipment managers have long been key cogs in the golf course management machine. Now, they’ve found an offcial new home as members of GCSAA. Stacie Zinn Roberts. July, p. 52.

Building the perfect beast. More and more equipment managers are turning to custom-built utility vehicles to ensure they have the right tool for the right job at any time on the golf course. Stephen Tucker.

October, p. 54.

Power play. Is propane the fuel of the future for golf course maintenance? A test program at Stone Mountain Golf Club and seven other properties is hoping to answer that question. Scott Hollister.

November, p. 52.

GCSAA 2015 GCSAA EDUCATION CONFERENCE AND GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW/SAN ANTONIO (JANUARY ISSUE)

• Making sense of San Antonio.

When the 2015 Golf Industry Show visits the Alamo City, a feast of sights, sounds and much more awaits attendees. Pamela Kleibrink Thompson. p. 72.

• Launch into learning in San Antonio. GCSAA takes conference education into the feld and into the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Bunny Smith. p. 78.

Teachable moments. Top ELGA honors go to the son of two lifelong educators who helped lead an environmental revolution at a municipal standout in Oakland, Calif. Scott Hollister. February, p. 56.

• Come together. Although superintendents take the spotlight at the Golf Industry Show, there is plenty to capture the attention of other golf course management professionals.

Teresa Carson. p. 84.

Just rewards. GCSAA launches the International Award of Excellence. The inaugural recipients are making a difference

• Rise above. San Antonio’s iconic Tower of the Americas fgures to be quite the conversation piece

12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

83

surrounding a slew of key events at the 2015 Golf Industry Show. Howard Richman. p. 88.

• Meet the candidates. p. 92.

• Membership milestones. p. 122.

2015 GCSAA EDUCATION CONFERENCE AND GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW/SAN ANTONIO (FEBRUARY ISSUE)

• Three-for-all. Three Texas-based companies — Gail’s Flags, All Seasons Turf Grass and Focus Golf Products — will stay in the Lone Star State to display their goods at the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio. Howard Richman, p. 102.

• GIS map. p. 110.

• Meet the exhibitors. p. 112.

2015 GCSAA EDUCATION CONFERENCE AND GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW/SAN ANTONIO (APRIL ISSUE)

• GIS lights up San Antonio. Worldclass education and a bustling trade show take the 2015 Golf Industry Show to new heights. GCM staff. April, p. 44.

Don’t call it a comeback. Mark Black, CGCS, and Quail West tackle a renovation project designed to modernize greens at the club and keep it among South Florida’s elite. Hal Phillips. March, p. 72.

Repeat business. With its dramatic lakefront vistas and 967(!) bunkers, the Straits Course at Whistling Straits is ready for yet another turn in the major championship spotlight. Scott Hollister. August, p. 44.

Links to the future? Golf course architect Andy Staples goes to great measures in pursuit of a concept that may be coming to a town near you. Howard Richman.

September, p. 46.

Tree-mendous teamwork. Sahalee Country Club uses communication, coordination and collaboration to maintain major championship conditions throughout the year. Roger Graves. November, p. 58.

Golf, Game of Rookie sensation. Playing in his frst GCSAA National Championship, Matt Cowan shook off nerves and Mother Nature’s best shot to walk away with the overall title. Scott Hollister. April, p. 62.

• Rookie sensation. Playing in his frst GCSAA National Championship, Matt Cowan shook off nerves and Mother Nature’s best shot to walk away with the overall title. Scott Hollister. April, p. 62.

Rx for recovery. A California superintendent and his wife get the ball rolling on a program to help cancer patients. Tom Elliott, CGCS. May, p. 44.

• That’s show business. Many thousands of square feet inside the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center served as a platform for new products of all shapes, sizes and colors at the 2015 Golf Industry Show. GCM staff. April, p. 70.

The great debate. Irrigation effciency vs. distribution uniformity? Determining which is more important is a dilemma facing many golf course superintendents. Stacie Zinn Roberts. June, p. 68.

Growing a grassroots infuence.

GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassador program gives golf and the golf course management profession a voice in the halls of Congress by cultivating relationships with policymakers at the local level. Here’s how and why to lend your voice to the chorus.

Kaelyn Seymour. August, p. 64.

Cause & affect. GCSAA is steadfast, tireless in taking on members’ challenges.

The addition of a full-time presence in the nation’s capital exemplifes that commitment. Howard Richman. November, p. 44.

Golf Courses Bear tamers. A shared sense of teamwork helps Jane Broderick and Lukus Harvey keep a handle on all 90 holes of golf at the busy PGA National Resort and Spa. Michael R. Abramowitz. March, p. 66.

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Irrigation

Conservation goes high-tech. Technological advances in irrigation and pump stations have elevated superintendents’ ability to save water. Dan Gregg. June, p. 82.

A change for the better. Southern California courses are fnding that improved irrigation distribution uniformity can play a vital role in continued success in the midst of historic drought. Nancy Hardwick. July, p. 68.

An irrigation renovation. By choosing a leak-free, long-lived pipe material, Southern Hills Country Club made a water-wise upgrade to its irrigation system, and was able to keep much of the labor in-house. Susan Hylton. September, p. 82.

McCarthy. June, p. 60.

Summer spectacle. Despite fnancial obstacles and unfortunate weather, Naperville (Ill.) Country Club has kept its signature Fireworks Extravaganza booming thanks to prudent post-event evaluation and some strategic tweaks. Tim Anderson, CGCS, MG. July, p. 72.

In it together. Great Northern Golf Co. has found success by trusting in what brought a trio of GCSAA and PGA of America members together in the frst place. Bill Newton. September, p. 76.

Smarter, smoother labor tracking.

A superintendent-designed program has made managing daily job duties at The Valley Club easier and more effcient, and it allows labor data to be stored and usefully displayed. Gerald Flaherty, CGCS. October, p. 62.

Groundwork for Greatness. At Westmoor Country Club, an internship program for Milwaukee youth has proved rewarding both for the young men who participate and the superintendent at its helm. Bryan Bergner. December, p. 58.

Ornamentals and Tree Management Tree-mendous teamwork. Sahalee Country Club uses communication, coordination and collaboration to maintain major championship conditions throughout the year. Roger Graves. November, p. 58.

Personality Profles Miles to go. The recipients of the 2015 GCSAA Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award are both road warriors for the industry — in vastly different ways.

Bunny Smith. January, p. 44.

Flying high. Paul L. Carter, CGCS, took on a major challenge at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay. Now, like the famed American bald eagles on the property, the career of GCSAA’s 2015 President’s Award recipient is ascending to new heights. Howard Richman. February, p. 44.

A view from the U.K. Stephen Bernhard, executive chairman of grinder manufacturer Bernhard and Co. and a Master of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners (we’ll explain), talks about his years in golf course management and the differences and similarities between England and the U.S. GCM staff. February, p. 74.

Management/Operations Hidden asset. A Minnesota superintendent’s system provides a seamless solution to daily cup-cutting and repair. John M.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Living the dream. Newly elected GCSAA President John O’Keefe, CGCS, exemplifes the American dream. Howard Richman. March, p. 44.

A dedication to service. The leadership team at Ohio’s Westfeld Group CC serve not only their club, but also their industry.

Bill Newton. May, p. 74.

Special delivery. Dean Kerns, CGCS, is encountering his toughest battle yet. The surprise he received last month proves Kerns isn’t facing the battle alone. Howard Richman. May, p. 80.

Wizard of Wisconsin. Old Tom Morris Award recipient Herb Kohler Jr. helped grow his family’s mammoth business. Golf, though, will be part of his lasting legacy.

Howard Richman. December, p. 46.

Seed and Sod Game changer. Zoysia has proved its mettle in golf as a viable warm-season turfgrass option. Now, it gets its chance to shine on one of the sport’s biggest stages — the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Stacie Zinn Roberts. January, p. 56.

2015 Seed Update. Teresa Carson. May, p. 56.

Home turf advantage. If the Jordan Spieths of golf need advice for the frst U.S. Open to be played almost entirely on fne fescue, go see Eric Johnson and Josh Lewis. They certainly are masters of this domain. Howard Richman. June, p. 46.

A state of fux. Experts agree on the benefts of ultradwarf bermudagrasses, but are also paying heed to emerging challenges facing those who manage these warm-season turfgrasses. Sam Williams.

August, p. 72.

Through the Green Jack Fry, Ph.D. At their service. February, p. 126.

Nearest point of relief. April, p. 84.

The perils of an ‘outside agency’.

June, p. 86.

Baa, baa, black sheep. August, p. 82.

Grass needs light to grow. October, p. 70.

Playing by the (local) rules. December, p. 64.

Tournament Preparation Bear tamers. A shared sense of teamwork helps Jane Broderick and Lukus Harvey keep a handle on all 90 holes of golf at the busy PGA National Resort and Spa. Michael R. Abramowitz. March, p. 66.

Neonicotinoid transfer in nectar and guttation. December, p. 80.

Green Start turns 10. Howard Richman.

October, p. 20.

Water Management

Wall of fame. Howard Richman. November, p. 20.

The great debate. Irrigation effciency vs. distribution uniformity? Determining which is more important is a dilemma facing many golf course superintendents. Stacie Zinn Roberts. June, p. 68.

A better solution. State-of-the-art turf injection systems can help save water, labor, as one classic Palm Springs course has learned. Nancy Hardwick. June, p. 78.

Conservation goes high-tech. Technological advances in irrigation and pump stations have elevated superintendents’ ability to save water. Dan Gregg. June, p. 82.

A change for the better. Southern California courses are fnding that improved irrigation distribution uniformity can play a vital role in continued success in the midst of historic drought. Nancy Hardwick.

July, p. 68.

It’s hard to be humble. November, p. 70.

Home game. A longtime participant in the GCSAA Golf Championships, Kevin Kienast, CGCS, relishes his opportunity to play host when the event comes to San Diego in February. Bill Newton. November, p. 64.

You like Poa. You really like it.

January, p. 118.

Turf Care Applications

Foliar functions fabulously. April, p. 94.

A better solution. State-of-the-art turf injection systems can help save water, labor, as one classic Palm Springs course has learned. Nancy Hardwick. June, p. 78.

Up to Speed Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D. Please pass. January, p. 104.

I’m bent on getting some nitrogen.

May, p. 96.

Sometimes a little stress is a good thing? June, p. 96.

Preventing Poa-plagued greens. July, p. 94.

To return, or not to return, that is the question. August, p. 94.

Obstacle course, part one. May, p. 84.

The answer is blowing in the wind.

September, p. 98.

Obstacle course, part two. July, p. 80.

Joyce Kilmer hates your fairway.

October, p. 86.

Sting nematodes: Microscopic and hungry! November, p. 80.

Looking ahead. Chava McKeel. January, p. 36.

A year to focus on ADA compliance.

Chava McKeel. February, p. 36.

Reaching far and wide. Chava McKeel.

March, p. 36. #NGD15: Raise your voice. Chava McKeel. April, p. 36.

Advancing GCSAA’s mission, vision.

Chava McKeel. May, p. 36.

Maps help detail impact of WOTUS. Chava McKeel. June, p. 38.

WOTUS: Defned, but not done. Chava McKeel. August, p. 36.

President proposes overtime overhaul. Kaelyn Seymour. September, p. 38.

A full-time presence in Washington, D.C. Robert Helland. October, p. 36.

THE FRONT NINE

Weighing in on rolling after aerifcation. March, p. 82.

Quoting Shakespeare. September, p. 86.

Keeping the green at 20 below.

Extreme winters and native wildlife present unique challenges for golf course managers in Jackson, Wyo. Kristen Pope.

February, p. 86.

Verdure Beth Guertal, Ph.D.

Starting 2015 with a look back in time. February, p. 140.

I see you doing that. March, p. 98.

Advocacy

August recess is around the corner.

Kaelyn Seymour. July, p. 36.

Weather

Repeat business. With its dramatic lakefront vistas and 967(!) bunkers, the Straits Course at Whistling Straits is ready for yet another turn in the major championship spotlight. Scott Hollister. August, p. 44.

Homecoming. Howard Richman. December, p. 20.

Feature Story One fnal lesson. Howard Richman.

January, p. 20.

Star powered. Howard Richman.

February, p. 20.

A presidential election primer. Kaelyn Seymour. November, p. 36.

A busy, banner year for advocacy.

Chava McKeel. December, p. 38.

Career

One of a kind. Howard Richman. March, p. 20.

Wishful thinking. Howard Richman, April, p. 20.

Go round and round. Howard Richman.

May, p. 20.

Keep off the grass. Bunny Smith. June, p. 20.

United they stand. Howard Richman.

July, p. 20.

Northern exposure. Howard Richman.

August, p. 20.

Gone but not forgotten. Howard Richman. September, p. 20.

Networking 101: Your toolkit for GIS and beyond. Carol D. Rau, PHR. January, p. 40.

References: Make them count. Carol D. Rau, PHR. March, p. 40.

The job interview, part one: The frst seven seconds. Carol D. Rau, PHR. May, p. 40.

The job interview, part two: The frst fve minutes. Carol D. Rau, PHR. July, p. 40.

Career management: Turn goals into reality. Carol D. Rau, PHR. September, p. 42.

12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

85

Jeremy Tredway, superintendent, Western Hills Country Club, Mount Vernon, Ind. March, p. 106.

Lupe Ibanez, superintendent, Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, Gold Canyon, Ariz. April, p. 108.

Chris Habich, superintendent, Bardstown (Ky.) Country Club. May, p. 110.

Taylor Olson, assistant superintendent, Creekmoor Golf Club, Raymore, Mo. June, p. 108.

Professionalism: Small steps equal big results. Carol D. Rau, PHR. November, p. 40.

Environment RCRA, CERCLA environmental liability. Pamela C. Smith, CGCS. January, p. 38.

A call to consider ... Mark Johnson.

February, p. 38.

Racing against resistance. March, p. 38.

A powerful problem. Pamela C. Smith, CGCS. April, p. 38.

Common-rail diesels. Scott. R. Nesbitt.

May, p. 34.

Odds and ends in the shop. Scott R. Nesbitt. June, p. 36.

Low-input vs. traditional turfgrass: Runoff quantity and quality. Pamela Rice, Ph.D., and Brian Horgan, Ph.D. March, p. 32.

Sticky steering solution. Scott R. Nesbitt. July, p. 34.

Ground ivy, aka creeping Charlie.

Aaron Patton, Ph.D., and Leslie Beck, Ph.D. April, p. 32.

Curiosity fuels an MVT winner. Scott Hollister. August, p. 34.

Glyphosate: More to come. Teresa Carson. May, p. 32.

A flter fx (for when the factory manual fails). Scott R. Nesbitt.

September, p. 36.

Bee survey: Summer losses are ‘very troubling’. Kim Kaplan. June, p. 34.

Two-source soldering. Scott R. Nesbitt.

October, p. 34.

Northern exposure. Bunny Smith.

May, p. 38.

Gratitude for the modern stuff. Scott R. Nesbitt. November, p. 34.

Be mindful of migratory birds. Pamela C. Smith, CGCS. July, p. 38.

Ramped up. Scott R. Nesbitt. December, p. 36.

It all adds up: Sustainable turf. Teresa Carson. July, p. 32.

Grazin’ in the grass. Teresa Carson.

August, p. 32.

Tough times for turf seed. Teresa Carson. September, p. 34.

Ryan Murphy, superintendent, Boca West Country Club (Fazio II Course), Boca Raton, Fla. July, p. 106.

Nick von Wiegen, assistant superintendent, TPC of Scottsdale (Ariz.). August, p. 106.

Timothy Davies, equipment manager, Eagle Ranch Golf Club, Eagle, Colo.

September, p. 110.

Nate Beckman, superintendent, Cloquet (Minn.) Country Club. October, p. 98.

Ben Larsen, superintendent, Green Bay (Wis.) Country Club. November, p. 92.

Scott Hendrickson, assistant superintendent, Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Club, Hollister, Mo. December, p. 94.

The Final Shot Brett Sullivan, lead assistant golf course superintendent, Pine Tree Golf Club, Boynton Beach, Fla. January, p. 152.

Lighten up. Megan Hirt. August, p. 38.

Technology

Calcium, a boon to sodic soils. Andrew Hoiberg, Ph.D. October, p. 32.

Reduce irrigation energy demand. Pamela C. Smith, CGCS. September, p. 40.

Lookin’ for tech in all the right places.

Bob Vaughey, CGCS. February, p. 40.

The fnal adventure. Teresa Carson.

November, p. 32.

Noy Sparks, GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent, Fossil Trace Golf Club, Golden, Colo. February, p. 160.

Grease-powered greenkeeping. Megan Hirt. October, p. 38.

Navigating social networks. Bob Vaughey, CGCS. April, p. 40.

Protecting the past. Pamela C. Smith, CGCS. November, p. 38.

Getting the most from your photos.

Bob Vaughey, CGCS. June, p. 42.

New fne-textured, cold-hardy zoysiagrass on the horizon. Jack Fry, Ph.D., and Ambika Chandra, Ph.D. December, p. 34.

Ryan G. Davis, golf course superintendent, Arrowhead Golf Club, Littleton, Colo.

March, p. 120.

O Christmas Tree. Megan Hirt. December, p. 40.

On course with the Apple Watch. Bob Vaughey, CGCS. August, p. 40.

Shop

A high-tech take on building security.

Bob Vaughey, CGCS. October, p. 40.

Water

The end of fat tires? Scott R. Nesbitt.

January, p. 34.

Smile for the camera. Bob Vaughey, CGCS. December, p. 42.

Off-label uses. Scott R. Nesbitt.

February, p. 34.

Turf

Saving cranks and other shafts. Scott R. Nesbitt. March, p. 34.

Poison frogs: A new weapon in fre ant control? Sandra Avant. January, p. 32.

The quest for universal oil. Scott R. Nesbitt. April, p. 34.

Fraze (frase, fraize, fraise) mowing.

Teresa Carson. February, p. 32.

86

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

A drought-survival game plan. Chris Lewis. June, p. 40.

THE BACK NINE Climbing the Ladder Nate Watkin, superintendent, The Seagate Country Club, Delray Beach, Fla. January, p. 140.

Eric Gifford, superintendent, Riverside Country Club, Provo, Utah. February, p.

148.

Will Guererri, assistant golf course superintendent, New Orleans (La.) Country Club. April, p. 120.

Brad Chutz, GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent, Pine Grove Golf Course, Grove City, Pa. May, p. 120.

Patrick Reinhardt, GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent, Georgia Southern University Golf Course, Statesboro, Ga. June, p. 120.

Devin Mergl, assistant golf course superintendent, St. George’s Golf and Country Club, East Setauket, N.Y. July, p. 116.

Darryl Glinski, GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent, BanBury Golf Club, Eagle, Idaho. August, p. 112.

Jeff Everett, Cub Cadet director of golf products, Valley Brook Country Club, McMurray, Pa. September, p. 120.

Brent Racer, golf course superintendent, Awarii Dunes, Axtell, Neb. October, p. 112.

Patrick Deme, head agronomist, Cordova Bay Golf Course, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. November, p. 104.

Dan Jurgens, GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent, Kragero Golf Club, Norway. December, p. 104.

RESEARCH Cultivar and Species Management Drought resistance of warm-season putting green cultivars with varied potassium. Bermudagrass, seashore paspalum and zoysiagrass were tested with varying N/K ratios for drought resistance on a Florida putting green. John Rowland, Ph.D., and John Cisar, Ph.D. January, p. 106.

Low-input turfgrass species for the north-central United States. Several species of low-input turfgrasses are suitable for use in the north-central region of the United States. Eric Watkins, Ph.D.; David S. Gardner, Ph.D.; John C. Stier, Ph.D.; Douglas J. Soldat, Ph.D.; Rodney A. St. John, Ph.D.; Nick E. Christians, Ph.D.; Aaron D. Hathaway, M.S.; Kenneth L. Diesburg, Ph.D.; Steven R. Poppe, A.A.S.; and Roch E. Gaussoin, Ph.D. February, p. 133.

Reducing annual bluegrass in fairways. Zac Reicher, Ph.D.; Matt Sousek; David Minner, Ph.D.; and Andrew Hoiberg, Ph.D. March, p. 91.

Tall fescue: Not your parents’ lawn.

Tall fescue has graduated from being a forage grass and a hardy home lawn favorite to a drought- and disease-tolerant grass with numerous applications. Kevin N. Morris. May, p. 86.

Goosegrass: The new king of turfgrass weeds? Goosegrass is everywhere, and few products provide effective control. Scott McElroy, Ph.D. May, p. 90.

Managing silvery-thread moss in golf course greens. Best management practices for silvery-thread moss often

confict with cultural practices used on greens. Zane Raudenbush, Ph.D.; Steven J. Keeley, Ph.D.; and Lloyd R. Stark, Ph.D. October, p. 72.

Management/Operations

FEBRUARY

Establishing Kentucky bluegrass after fraze mowing. Time to recovery after fraze mowing can be affected by seeding rates and the use of turf covers.

Kevin Hansen and Nick Christians, Ph.D. July, p. 88.

• First report of plant-parasitic nematodes on seashore paspalum in Barbados. P.C. McGroary, Ph.D.; J.L. Cisar, Ph.D.; R.M. Giblin-Davis, Ph.D.; O.F. Ruiz Jr., D.P.M.; and E.J. Nangle, Ph.D. p. 128.

Improving turfgrass establishment with multiple-depth seeding. Planting turfgrass seed at more than one depth may increase the odds of establishment in non-irrigated felds. John Grande, Ph.D., and Robert Shortell, Ph.D. August, p. 84.

• First report of Trichodorus obtusus on turfgrass in North Carolina.

W. Ye, Ph.D.; Y. Zeng, Ph.D.; and J. Kerns, Ph.D. p. 129.

Pest Control

Disease Updates

• First report of dollar spot of sandbur caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa in Oklahoma.

Francisco Flores, Ph.D., and Nathan Walker, Ph.D. p. 130.

• First report of Meloidogyne marylandi infecting bermudagrass in Oklahoma. Nathan Walker, Ph.D. p. 131.

• Severe symptoms of mosaic and necrosis in Floratam St. Augustinegrass associated with sugarcane mosaic virus in St. Petersburg, Fla. Philip F. Harmon, Ph.D.; Ricardo Ivan Alcalá-Briseño; and Jane Polston, Ph.D. p. 132.

Environment/Wildlife Petroleum diesel and biodiesel spills affect fairways differently. The effects of petroleum diesel and two types of biodiesel were tested on three turfgrass genera in Arkansas. Donald M. Johnson, Ph.D.; Don W. Edgar, Ph.D.; Douglas E. Karcher, Ph.D.; Michael D. Richardson, Ph.D.; and John H. McCalla, M.S. March, p. 84.

Field-scale monitoring of pharmaceuticals and personal care products applied to active golf courses via recycled water. The turfgrass/soil system reduces leaching of pharmaceuticals and personal care products after irrigation with recycled water. R.L. Green, Ph.D.; M.H. Young, Ph.D.; J.L. Conkle, Ph.D.; M. McCullough, M.S.; D.A. Devitt, Ph.D.; L. Wright, M.S.; B.J. Vanderford, Ph.D.; and S.A. Snyder, Ph.D. September, p. 88.

Bee basics and pollinator protection.

Changes in traditional land management practices can help pollinators coexist with current land uses, including golf courses.

Faith B. Kuehn, Ph.D. November, p. 72.

Egg-laying preferences and larval development of annual bluegrass weevil on Poa annua and selected bentgrasses. Annual bluegrass weevils prefer Poa annua over bentgrasses for egg-laying and larval development. Olga S. Kostromytska, Ph.D., and Albrecht M. Koppenhöfer, Ph.D. April, p. 86.

Japanese beetle egg-laying preferences in putting greens. Do putting green soil moisture and fungicide applications affect egg-laying behavior of the Japanese beetle? Glen R. Obear, M.S.; R. Chris Williamson, Ph.D.; and P.J. Liesch, M.S. April, p. 90.

Insecticidal control of hunting billbug in warm-season grasses. New research sheds light on hunting billbug control in warm-season turfgrasses. Diane Silcox Reynolds, Ph.D., and Rick L. Brandenburg, Ph.D. July, p. 82.

Plant/Soil Science Examining turfgrass species and management regimes for enhanced carbon sequestration. Aaron Patton, Ph.D.; Jon Trappe, M.S.; Quincy Law, M.S.; Dan Weisenberger; and Ron Turco, Ph.D. March, p. 90.

trogen source. Elizabeth Guertal, Ph.D. March, p. 93.

Evaluating organic amendments for controlling large patch on zoysia.

Xiaowei Pan; Xi Xiong, Ph.D.; Michael D. Richardson, Ph.D.; James T. English, Ph.D.; and Shiping Deng, Ph.D. March, p. 94.

Snow mold fungicide persistence.

How long do snow mold fungicides persist in variable winter conditions, and how does persistence affect disease control?

P.L. Koch, Ph.D.; J.C. Stier, Ph.D.; and J.P. Kerns, Ph.D. August, p. 89.

Infuence of temperature on fungicide persistence. When fungicides fail, could it be the temperature’s fault? Paul L. Koch, Ph.D., and James P. Kerns, Ph.D. October, p. 78.

Water Management Water-use effciency on golf courses in Utah. Over a four-year period, golf courses in Utah had water-use effciencies of 81% to 94%, far surpassing the 50% achieved by homeowners. Kelly Kopp, Ph.D.; Paul G. Johnson, Ph.D.; Eric Klotz, PE; and Craig Miller, PE. January, p. 114.

The drought in California: Recent history, legislation and regulation, and the effects on golf courses. Drought is a recurring problem in California, but numerous factors have combined to make the current situation especially worrisome.

Mike McCullough, M.S. June, p. 88.

New study documents water conservation progress by U.S. golf courses.

Since 2005, golf courses in the U.S. have embraced water conservation measures, but additional efforts are needed to meet future challenges. Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D., and Larry Stowell, Ph.D. December, p. 68.

Improved understanding and testing for salinity tolerance in cool-season turfgrasses. Paul G. Johnson, Ph.D., and B. Shaun Bushman, Ph.D. March, p. 96.

Turf Care Applications Drought resistance of warm-season putting green cultivars with varied potassium. Bermudagrass, seashore paspalum and zoysiagrass were tested with varying N/K ratios for drought resistance on a Florida putting green. John Rowland, Ph.D., and John Cisar, Ph.D. January, p. 106.

Ammonia volatilization losses from fertilized turfgrass as affected by ni-

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Ditch Witch

(product news) Ditch Witch SK752 mini skid-steer is designed to provide operators nearly 10 percent more operating capacity over similar models, the company says, along with the versatility of dozens of attachments. It features a 24.8-hp Kubota diesel engine. The machine has an 860-pound operating capacity and increased hinge-pin height to 83 inches for more effcient loading. It also boasts an ergonomic operator’s station with standard dual-lever ground drive controls, an optional joystick and a two-way auxiliary control foot pedal. The machine’s large platform measures 74 square inches. Contact Ditch Witch, 800654-6481 (www.ditchwitch.com).

Standard Golf introduced the AFGL (American FootGolf League) FootGolf Cup. The AFGL FootGolf Cup is a patent-pending, 21-inchdiameter cup with a built-in ferrule and is made exclusively for FootGolf. This cup is the offcial FootGolf cup of the American FootGolf League. The product looks like a golf cup — in fact, it closely resembles the ST 2000 Smart-Fit Cup by Standard Golf. The ferrule is built into the mold, so there is no need for further accessories to place a fagstick.

Additionally, the cup is designed with reinforced ribs to allow dirt, water and other debris to fall through it. Contact Standard Golf, 866-743-9773 (www.standardgolf.com).

Big Block

ENGINES Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power introduced its Vanguard air-cooled V-Twin Big Block EFI engine with the increased fuel effciency of a closed-loop electronic fuel injection (EFI) system. The new EFI technology is available in 33and 37-gross-hp Big Block engines. The technology features an automotive-based closed-loop EFI system for up to 25 percent better fuel economy compared with the already effcient carbureted Big Block engines. Contact Briggs & Stratton, 800-9999333 (www.vanguardengines.com).

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Maredo introduced MT210 Vibe Spiker heads. When mounted to the Mframe 319, a frame that fts behind a compact tractor of 25-hp and up, the heads result in a spike aerator behind the tractor. All heads are mechanically driven and can follow the undulations on their own. The rolling spike sections vibrate because of the driven central cam shaft, and this vibration hammers the spikes into the soil, cracks the soil, and leaves a nice, clean hole when retracted. The heads also have easy depth adjustment by hand (no tools required). Contact Maredo, 877-627-3362 (www.maredo-bv.com).

Honda Power Equipment entered the splitshaft trimmer market by introducing the VersAttach multipurpose system. With two powerhead options and six different attachments, the VersAttach system combines the power and reliability of legendary Honda four-stroke engines with a robust lineup of tools to ft a wide range of needs. Contact Honda, www.honda.com.

Gold Eagle Co. was named the recipient of the Power Equipment Trade (PET) Dealers Choice Award at GIE+EXPO in the accessory/attachment category for its new STA-BIL 360-Degree Performance fuel treatment. The product is a non-alcoholic fuel stabilizer that protects above and below the fuel line. Contact Gold Eagle, 800-367-3245 (www.goldeagle.com).

Shindaiwa

Shindaiwa launched a new lithium-ion 56-volt cordless line. The three models — the T3000 string trimmer (shown above), the EB6000 hand-held blower and the DH2000 hedge trimmer — all feature powerful brushless motors and use common 56-volt batteries. The 56-volt lithium-ion batteries come in 2-AHR and 4-AHR sizes. The tools may be purchased with or without batteries and chargers, further leveraging the investment. Contact Shindaiwa, www.shindaiwa-usa.com.

Progressive Dynamics announced the use of its PD9130 converter as a battery charging system for utility vehicles and managed feets, to avoid dead batteries and cold-weather starts. The PDI converter allows batteries to remain charged after the converter is plugged in overnight or over the weekend, and the PD9130 can be plugged into any 115-volt outlet. While plugged in, a vehicle’s battery remains at optimal voltage as the converter simultaneously charges the battery and provides an additional 30 amps for any equipment left on. Contact Progressive Dynamics, 269-781-4241 (www.progressivedyn.com).

Kubota Tractor Corp. launched the RTVX1140 K-Vertible four-passenger diesel utility vehicle. The K-Vertible cargo conversion system transforms the vehicle with minimal effort and time from two passengers and a large cargo bed to four passengers and a cargo bed. The RTV-X1140 comes standard with a hydraulic pump bed with 19.1 cubic feet/9.9 cubic feet capacity, two-seat and four-seat confguration, respectively.

It has a 24.8-hp Kubota liquid-cooled diesel engine and a variable hydraulic transmission that offers a wide torque band and a large oil cooler that boost performance and durability. Contact Kubota, 888-458-2682 (www.kubota.com).

Henke Manufacturing unveiled its Postless wing, which it calls the most sophisticated truck wing solution available on the market. The parallel linkage lift cannot bind up like traditional wings, requiring less maintenance. There is no need to grease multiple times per shift, and the wing will last longer. The “True Float” non-trailing design reduces wing chatter and increases effectiveness in cutting through packed snow and ice. It is available in 8-, 9-, 10-, 11- and 12-foot lengths, with front- or mid-mount locations. Contact Henke Manufacturing, 888-682-9010 (www.henkemfg.com).

Hannay Reels is showcasing several multipurpose lawn care reels. The EP6000 Series electric rewind reel is designed for longer hose lengths in

spray, water-blasting and water supply operations. The E1500 Series electric rewind wheel is intended for longer hose lengths in lawn care, high-pressure, pest control and water operations. The N700 Series spring rewind reel is ideal for washdown, highpressure, and general industrial operations. The GH1100 Series portable hose reel is the perfect choice for getting water to hard-to-reach places. Contact Hannay Reels, 877-467-3357 (www.hannay.com).

DeWalt expanded its offering of professional-grade battery-powered outdoor equipment with the 40-volt MAX brushless backpack blower and 40volt MAX brushless chainsaw. The 40-volt MAX brushless backpack blower generates up to 450 cubic feet per minute of air volume at 140 mph. The 40-volt MAX brushless chainsaw is equipped with a powerful motor that achieves up to 100 cuts per charge using a DCB406 40-volt MAX 6.0-Ah lithium-ion battery. Contact DeWalt, 800-433-9258 (www.dewalt.com).

Oregon introduced the SpeedCut, available in 2016, and what it calls the next-generation narrow-kerf bar and chain cutting system. SpeedCut combines Oregon’s new .325-inch pitch narrow-kerf saw chain and SpeedCut laminated guide bars. The new SpeedCut narrow-kerf saw chain offers higher cutting effciency and durability thanks to a redesigned cutter shape. Oregon’s precision grind technology ensures the SpeedCut saw chain is sharp and ready right out of the box. Contact Oregon, 800-223-5168 (www.oregonproducts.com/speedcut).

BASF has issued FIFRA Section 2(ee) recommendations expanding the application profles of two of its leading fungicides in California and Texas, giving superintendents and turf professionals a broader range of protection against four troublesome turfgrass diseases. The recommendations address the use of Xzemplar fungicide against fairy ring, leaf spot caused by Bipolaris species, and Rhizoctonia leaf and sheath spot; and the use of Lexicon Intrinsic fungicide against spring dead spot. Contact BASF, 800-669-2273 (www.basf.us).

Larson Electronics launched its EPEXC150-3X20A-10.3 triple-receptacle explosion-proof extension cord. It is designed to extend the reach of equipment in hazardous locations where power receptacles are not in close proximity to the workspace. The cord is ftted with three explosionproof twist-lock receptacles constructed of non-sparking aluminum for connection of equipment. Contact Larson Electronics, 800-369-6671 (www.larsonelectronics.com).

Indian Canyons Golf Resort in Palm Springs, Calif., purchased a feet of more than 150 E-Z-GO vehicles.

The purchase includes 155 E-Z-GO TXT 48-volt electric golf cars. Indian Canyons, a 36-hole facility, is home to the famous Disney fountain that was donated by Walt Disney.

Contact E-Z-GO, www.ezgo.com/Home/Golf/Fleet/TXT.

Extended-reach

TRIMMER Echo’s new GT-225L extended-reach trimmer takes the popular features of the straight-shaft SRM-225 and the curved-shaft GT-225 to offer what it calls the ultimate in curved-shaft trimmers. GT-225L is 7 inches longer than the GT-225, and 3 inches longer than the GT-230. The 55-inch shaft length provides extended reach for more comfortable trimming and access to hard-to-reach places. It has the same GT left-hand grip, which can easily adjust and rotate for operator comfort and edging. It uses the same shield with 16-inch cutting swath, and the same ball bearing-supported trimmer head for heavy-duty, long-lasting durability. Contact Echo, 847-540-8400 (www.echo-usa.com).

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Ak-Chin Southern Golf Club

(industry news)

Ak-Chin Southern Golf Club in Maricopa, Ariz., will be the host site of the PING Southwest PGA Section Championship from 2016 through 2020. The event features a 54-hole individual stroke-play tournament, with the winner earning a spot in the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open. Ak-Chin Southern GC is managed by Troon.

Charity golf

TOURNAMENT More than 100 golfers turned out for AgriTurf Distributing’s inaugural Malcolm Stack Charity Golf Tournament at Tustin Ranch Golf Club in Tustin, Calif., on Sept. 17. In all, more than $40,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society. Participants represented suppliers and applicators in the specialty ag chemicals industry.

The tournament was generously supported by Bell Laboratories, Brandt, UC Irvine Health, Wilbur Ellis, Cool Terra and Zoecon. Stack, for whom the tournament is named, was a pioneer in the pest control industry and the founder of Bell Laboratories. This year’s tournament was also dedicated to the memory of the late Tom Meany, founder of Orange County Pest Control and a leader in California’s pest control industry.

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Gary Leeper, executive director of the Rocky Mountain GCSA (right), received the 2015 Volunteer of the Year award from the Colorado Open Golf Foundation.

Leeper, a native of Colorado, has volunteered for 12 years at the Colorado Open Championships. The Volunteer of the Year honor is based on criteria such as number of volunteer shifts worked, the manner in which the volunteer represents the tournament and himself/herself, and the individual’s willingness to go above and beyond what is generally expected of a volunteer.

Project EverGreen and local partners delivered more than $38,000 in landscape and turf enhancements to playing felds in Texas and Wisconsin as part of Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids. projects. Working in partnership with the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department, Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department, the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association

and the Texas Water Smart Foundation, Project EverGreen and industry volunteers provided the materials and labor to restore more than 65,000 square feet of playing surfaces at Round Rock’s Old Settlers Park Silver Slugger Field and Fort Worth’s Southwest Community Center Park little league feld. In Milwaukee, volunteers from Spring Valley, Weed Man, Liesener Soils, Reinders Inc. and the West Bend School District donated labor, equipment and materials to aerate, overseed and fertilize playing surfaces at Decorah Elementary and Good Shepherd schools. The project revitalized nearly 100,000 square feet of playing and recreational surfaces used by schoolchildren during physical education classes and local recreational soccer, baseball and softball games.

Subaru Industrial Power Product received Club Car’s Supplier of the Year Award.

“We are proud to present Subaru with one of our top awards,” says Eric Powell, Club Car director of strategic resourcing. “Their exceptional warranty and 100 percent on-time delivery rate allowed us to support substantial production surge and further expand our market position.”

Subaru’s electronic fuel injection engines power many of Club Car’s golf cars and utility vehicles.

The 27th annual Sports Turf Managers Association Annual Conference & Exhibition is scheduled Jan. 19 through 22 in San Diego. Approximately 1,200 leaders in the sports turf industry will gather at the San Diego Convention Center for more than 75 hours of cutting-edge sports turf education, dedicated networking functions and exhibitor demonstrations.

Advanced Turf Solutions, an independent green industry distributor founded in 2001, announced that AgroLogics, a green industry distributor serving

RISE most of Missouri and Illinois, will become a part of Advanced Turf Solutions. The combined organization will offer an unprecedented portfolio of quality turfgrass, ornamental and aquatic products to the golf, lawn care and athletic feld markets, the company says. AgroLogics will continue to operate as a distinct brand through the end of the year; after Jan. 1, AgroLogics will operate under the Advanced Turf Solutions brand.

Atlas Turf International, worldwide distributor of quality turfgrasses, has become a Merit Leadership Partner with the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). Atlas Turf is one of a limited number of industry sponsors formally joining ASGCA in this capacity, dedicated to golf course architects and the game of golf. Atlas Turf will collaborate with ASGCA on education, outreach and the advancement of golf.

RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) celebrated 25 years as the leading advocate for the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industries during its annual meeting in September in Orlando. Josh Weeks was awarded the E. Allen James Leadership Award, and advocates working in Montgomery County, Md., received the Grassroots Excellence Award.

E-Z-GO announced its 2015 sales and service award winners. Frank Savakis was named Salesman of the Year. He is a senior feet sales representative in the Connecticut and western Massachusetts territories.

Andy Bonizzi was awarded Service Manager of the Year. He leads the southern New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and western Massachusetts service organization.

Adam Harris received Regional Director of the Year.

He covers the central U.S. region. Michael Lehman was named Rookie of the Year. Lehman was recently promoted to the position of regional sales director for the Southeast. Michael Steinmeyer was awarded Pre-Owned Sales Manager of the Year.

Matthew Foster was named chief operating offcer for Aquatrols. Most recently, Foster served as global director of new business development for FMC Corp.’s Ag Solutions business, establishing a global business model for new segments at FMC, including micronutrients, biosolutions and seed treatments.

Profle Products LLC, a provider of environmentally friendly soil-, water- and vegetation-management solutions, has acquired the erosion-control and landfll-cover businesses of Central Fiber LLC, a manufacturer of cellulose and wood fber products. The transaction includes all Central Fiber erosion-control and landfllcover businesses, as well as the company’s Canton, Ohio, production plant/distribution center, employees and sales team. The purchase augments Profle’s product portfolio with Central Fiber’s Second Nature and Enviro Fiber hydraulic mulches, complementing Profle’s broad range of products, which includes Flexterra HOP, ProMatrix and Base mulch hydroseeding solutions for erosion control.

The acquisition also encompasses Central Fiber’s Topcoat and Waste-Coat landfll-cover products, offering nontoxic and biodegradable solutions to comply with government landfll daily-cover regulations.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored The Toro Co. with a 2015 WaterSense Partner of the Year Award. As the frst-ever large irrigation product manufacturer to receive the award, Toro was selected for its development of innovative weather-based controllers, many of which are WaterSense-certifed for effciency.

The company was also recognized for its team of sales and marketing experts who have dedicated themselves to educating customers on the benefts of smart irrigation practices and technologies. By creating and educating about WaterSense-labeled products and programs, WaterSense partners helped consumers save 346 billion gallons of water in 2014.

research and extension programs at the university’s Puyallup, Wash., facility (now named the R.L. Goss Research Farm). He retired in 1988 after 30 years at Washington State. In 1978, Goss received GCSAA’s Distinguished Service Award. In 1988, he received the USGA Green Section Award. Goss’ research over the years discovered that by managing fertilizer applications for all types of turf, including those used for sports felds and golf greens, diseases and fungi could be effectively minimized, thus reducing applications of fungicides and other treatments.

Goss also instituted the use of sand as the base for sports felds and putting greens to improve drainage and reduce damage from heavy use, signifcantly increasing durability and decreasing maintenance.

Breaking

GROUND The Ledges Country Club in Huntsville, Ala., broke ground this fall on its new, state-of-the-art short-game academy designed by Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design. The 1.5-acre facility will feature a 5,500-square-foot putting green, a large chipping green surrounded by fairway approaches, a rough allowing the ability to practice up to 30-yard shots, and practice sand bunkers and green. The academy will also offer a private teaching tee on the range and, eventually, an all-weather academy building.

Roy Goss, Ph.D., an icon in the Northwest Turfgrass Association, died Oct. 10. Goss was a turfgrass specialist for Washington State University, conducting

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(photo quiz answers)

By John Mascaro President of Turf-Tec International

(a)

PROBLEM The three indentations on the 11th fairway at this South Florida course were the result of a Trauma Hawk helicopter landing there. In many similar urban locales, helicopter pilots have limited places to land because of urban sprawl, traffc on roadways and the labyrinth of power lines that go along with densely populated areas. Many of these pilots know that golf courses offer nice, open spaces, void of traffc and most often without power lines. A contract worker had been in an accident near the golf course that required medical attention, and the EMT frst responders called for the helicopter as an extra precaution in case the worker had sustained a spinal injury. The director of golf course maintenance reports that Trauma Hawk helicopters had landed on the road outside the golf course maintenance facility before, but never on the course. Given that the course was closed for aerifcation that day, perhaps the pilot thought touching down on the fairway would be fne. The areas where the tires had depressed the soil were repaired using a pitchfork like an oversized ball mark repair tool and a little divot sand.

Photos submitted by Shannon Wheeler, the GCSAA Class A director of golf course maintenance at Wycliffe Golf and Country Club in Wellington, Fla., and a 14-year member of GCSAA. Mark Horrigan, a seven-year GCSAA member, is East Course superintendent at Wycliffe.

(b)

PROBLEM The darker green patches of turf on this putting green were caused by 30- to 40-mph winds. This golf course, located in central Alabama, uses greens covers to protect the bermudagrass greens from freezing. One afternoon when the greens were covered, a strong cold front moved through the region, and high winds associated with the front blew the cover off this green, exposing the turf to temperatures that dropped to the mid-30s that evening and even lower overnight, down to near 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The next morning, crews discovered that the cover had been dislodged by the wind, and they put it back in place.

The top photo was taken two weeks later, and you can see where the cover had come loose and the turf was slightly more dormant as compared with the area where the cover had remained in place. Following another few weeks of higher temperatures and an application of 0.1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, the green’s color evened out and returned to normal.

Photos submitted by Jonathan Hollingsworth, the superintendent at Ol’ Colony Golf Complex in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and an 18-year GCSAA member.

If you would like to submit a photograph for John Mascaro’s Photo Quiz, please send it to: John Mascaro, 1471 Capital Circle NW, Suite #13, Tallahassee, FL 32303, or email it to john@turf-tec.com.

Presented in partnership with Jacobsen

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

If your photograph is selected, you will receive full credit. All photos submitted will become property of GCM and GCSAA.

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MEMBERS ONLY ON COURSE Dec. 1-4 — Champions Tour Q-School,

(climbing the ladder)

TPC Scottsdale; Roby Robertson, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance operations

Scott Hendrickson Was: Is:

Spray technician, Blessings Golf Club, Fayetteville, Ark. Assistant superintendent, Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Club, Hollister, Mo.

Dec. 3-6 — PGA Tour, Hero World Challenge, Albany, New Providence, Bahamas

Dec. 10-12 — PGA Tour, Franklin Templeton Shootout, Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Fla.; Kirk Richmond, superintendent

Dec. 10-13 — Web.com Tour, Web.

Getting to know you Although the University of Arkansas never won GCSAA’s Collegiate Turf Bowl, three-year GCSAA member Scott Hendrickson is convinced the experience was anything but a loss.

The preparation and learning involved in his three years of participation in the Turf Bowl at the Golf Industry Show served as a launching pad into the business. Hendrickson credits mentors such as Aaron Patton, Ph.D., Joey Young, Ph.D., and Jon Trappe for being excellent guides. “I got to learn from some of the best in the industry while we were preparing for the Turf Bowls,” says Hendrickson, 27, “and all of the studying and knowledge I gained from that time, including agronomics and budgets, put me in a good place moving forward.”

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

Had you always planned to attend Arkansas?

Originally, I was accepted into the turfgrass program at Arizona State, but before I got there, they canceled the program.

Dec. 12-13 — Champions Tour, PNC Father-Son Challenge, Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Andy Ragsdale, director of grounds

COMING UP Dec. 1-3 — Kansas Turfgrass Conference, Topeka Phone: 785-532-6173 Website: www.kgcsa.org

What was the last concert you attended?

Dec. 2 — GCSAA Webcast: Factors that affect pesticide fate and behavior on the golf course Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts

The band Yes. It was at The Midland in Kansas City, Mo.

Dec. 2-3 — Wisconsin Golf Course

If you won the lottery, what would you do with your newfound wealth?

Superintendents Association Turf Symposium, American Club, Kohler Phone: 608-845-6895

Do you have any pet peeves?

I don’t like when the word “supper” is used instead of “dinner.” I just don’t like that word for some reason.

I would probably travel, go to football games, attend concerts. But I don’t know for sure if I would quit working. I probably would be too bored if I stopped working entirely. Probably.

My acoustic guitar.

What topping would you put on a pizza?

Dec. 3 — Iowa GCSA December

Meatballs.

Is there any advice you have been given by a superintendent about what it takes to be successful?

If your people are happy, they are going to give you a good product on the golf course.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

Dec. 2-3 — Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association MegaSeminar, Brackett’s Crossing Country Club, Lakeville Website: www.mgcsa.org

What is your most prized possession?

— Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

94

com Tour Q-School, PGA National (Champion), Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Jeremiah Lockhart, superintendent

Seminar, Atlantic Country Club Phone: 515-635-0306 Website: www.iowagcsa.org

Dec. 3 — New York State Turfgrass Association Long Island Regional Conference, Upsky Long Island Hotel, Hauppauge Phone: 518-783-1229 Website: www.nysta.org Dec. 7— Duff Shaw Classic, North Ranch Country Club, Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Phone: 310-528-0723 Email: cyndy@cmnsupt.com Website: www.gcsasc.org Dec. 7-10 — Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference and Show, Greater Columbus Convention Center Phone: 614-285-4683 Website: www.ohioturfgrass.org

Dec. 8 — GCSAA Webcast: Turfgrass & K: Reviewing the relationship Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts

Dec. 8-10 — Washington Turf and Landscape Show, Lynnwood Convention Center

Phone: 253-219-8360 Website: www.wwwgcsa.org

Dec. 8-10 — 62nd Annual Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association Conference & Trade Show, Crown Plaza Denver International Airport, Denver Phone: 303-770-2220 Website: www.rmrta.org

Dec. 8-10 — 2015 New Jersey Green Expo Turf & Landscape Conference, The Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City Phone: 973-812-6467 Website: www.njta.wildapricot.org

Dec. 10 — GCSAA Webcast: It’s your career: What are you going to say about it?

Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts

Dec. 14-15 — Common Ground Conference, Olathe (Kan.) Convention Center Phone: 816-561-5323 Email: kweitzel@westerneda.com Website: www.hagcsa.org

Dec. 15-17 — Texas Turfgrass Annual Conference & Show, Grand Hyatt & Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio Phone: 800-830-8873 Website: www.texasturf.com

Dec. 16 — GCSAA Webcast: GDDs for PGR applications and reapplications Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts

Dec. 17 — GCSAA Webcast: Electrical technology Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts Jan. 12 — Turfgrass Producers of Texas Annual Conference & Trade Show, Civic Center, Bay City Phone: 979-533-9750 Website: www.txsod.com

Jan. 12-14 — Tennessee Turfgrass Association 50th Annual Conference,

Embassy Suites, Murfreesboro Phone: 615-533-3925 Website: www.ttaonline.org

Jan. 13 — North Carolina Sod Producers Association Annual Meeting, Greensboro Convention Center, Greensboro Phone: 919-816-9119 Website: www.greenandgrowin.com

Jan. 17-21 — BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition/Golf Business & Industry Convention, Harrogate International Centre, North Yorkshire, England Email: jill@bigga.co.uk

Jan. 19-22 — Sports Turf Managers Association 27th Annual Conference, San Diego Convention Center Phone: 800-323-3875 Website: www.stma.org Jan. 25-27 — 82nd Annual Iowa Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show, Coralville Marriott Hotel & Convention Center Phone: 515-635-0306 Website: www.iowaturfgrass.org

(i(in the field)

South Central Brian Cloudd

The members of the Lone Star GCSA rolled out the red carpet for GCSAA board member Kevin Breen, CGCS, at their highlight event of the year, the Texas Trophy, Sept. 27 through 29. For close to 30 years, the chapter has gathered superintendents, assistants and industry partners for three days of great golf, social events, networking opportunities and education. This year’s event was held smack dab in the middle of Texas, at Horseshoe Bay Resort near Marble Falls. Kevin’s attendance was part of the GCSAA Board of Directors Outreach Program, which allows board members to travel to regions outside of their home base to meet members and gain feedback. Kevin arrived Sunday night just in time for the long-drive contest. Chapters send up their longest shooters in the hope of capturing the coveted title and $500 prize. The South Texas GCSA chapter took home the Tanner Chrastecky was the winner of win, with three out of their four competitors blasting shots more than 300 yards. Tanner the Harry Yewens Medalist Championship for the second year in a row. Photo Chrastecky of Crystal Falls Golf Club in Leander, Texas, was the individual champion, with courtesy of Marian Takushi/Lone a 336-yard bomb. (Remember Tanner’s name — you’ll hear more about him in a bit.)

Star GCSA The next morning, the Central Texas GCSA hosted the education session of the event, which was headed by yours truly with a huge assist from John Daniels of the USGA. Our topic was government regulation in golf, and we had great feedback and discussion. Kevin gave a presentation on the proposed Member Standards, and also provided insight from the board of directors’ perspective regarding government regulations. A cool thing happened when I introduced Kevin to local compost tea guru Jamie Kizer. Jamie is a third-generation superintendent and has committed to managing his course in a very natural manner. He has made an incredible reduction in chemical applications and lowered costs through his work with compost tea and other natural inputs. Jamie and Kevin hit if off like long-lost brothers, and they compared notes on tea, carbon, microbes — you name it. The next day was the final round of the tournament, and for the second consecutive year, Tanner Chrastecky was crowned individual champion. He also led the Central Texas GCSA chapter to the team championship for a clean sweep of all the awards. A few days after he’d settled back into home and work, Kevin sent me a quick message. “The Texas Trophy event was the best multiday chapter event I have ever attended,” he wrote. “Everyone was very welcoming, and I enjoyed making new friendships and learning a thing or two, which is what a good association is all about.”

Mid-Atlantic Chase Rogan

I was fortunate to host GCSAA board member Rafael Barajas, CGCS, on his visit to meet and spend time with superintendents of the Virginia GCSA Oct. 18 through 20, as part of the GCSAA Board of Directors Outreach Program. Rafael is a fifth-year board member and has been the superintendent at Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights, Calif., since 1995. I picked up Rafael at the airport on Sunday afternoon, and from there we enjoyed dinner with VGCSA executive director David Norman and a few local superintendents. It was an intimate group, and the setting provided ample opportunity for networking, discussion, and simply getting to know one anVirginia GCSA President Jeff Holliday, CGCS (second from left), and GCSAA board member other. On Monday, we participated in the Joe Saylor Tournament at Hermitage CounRafael Barajas (second from right) at the Joe try Club just outside of Richmond. The tournament is a fundraiser for the Marines’ Saylor Tournament at Hermitage CC. Photo by Toys for Tots Foundation, and more than 100 toys were donated through the event.

David Norman On Monday night, the VGCSA held its annual meeting in the clubhouse of Hermitage CC, and approximately 85 members were in attendance. In addition to a nice dinner and standard annual meeting business, the VGCSA honored three members with awards for their career accomplishments. Rick Viancour, CGCS, of Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, Va., took home the Presidents Award for Lifetime Achievement, VGCSA’s highest honor. Ken Giedd, CGCS Retired, was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award, and Dan Taylor, CGCS, of Independence Golf Club in Midlothian, Va., was honored for his environmental stewardship. On Tuesday, Rafael and I attended the VGCSA annual conference, also hosted in the clubhouse at Hermitage CC. Rafael was part of a great lineup of speakers, and he discussed “The GCSAA Perspective.” His presentation prompted three superintendents to sign up for GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassador program, which will help our government relations efforts in Virginia and across the country.

For the latest updates from all of GCSAA’s feld staff representatives, go to www.gcsaa.org/ community/regions.

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Jan. 26 — Mechanic Seminar sponsored by Sierra Nevada GCSA, The Ridge Golf Club, Auburn, Calif.

Phone: 559-298-6262 Website: www.sierranevadagcsa.com Jan. 27 — Irrigation Seminar sponsored by Sierra Nevada GCSA, The Ridge Golf Club, Auburn, Calif.

Phone: 559-298-6262 Website: www.sierranevadagcsa.com Jan. 27-28 — New York State Turfgrass Association Southeast Regional Conference, Ramada Inn, Fishkill Phone: 518-783-1229 Website: www.nysta.org Feb. 6-11 — GCSAA Golf Industry Show, San Diego Convention Center Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org Feb. 17-18 — 2016 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium “Time to Grow,” University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada Website: www.golfsupers.com/en Feb. 22-23 — New York State Turfgrass Association Western Regional Conference, Millennium Hotel, Buffalo Phone: 518-783-1229 Website: www.nysta.org

Feb. 22-25 — Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) 2016 International Education Conference & Field Day, Hyatt Regency, Houston Phone: 800-405-8873 Website: www.turfgrasssod.org Feb. 23-24 — Idaho GCSA Spring Meeting & Trade Show, Boise Phone: 406-273-0845 Website: www.idahogcsa.org Feb. 29-March 2 — New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show, Providence, R.I. Phone: 774-430-9040 Website: www.gcsane.org

ON THE MOVE ARIZONA Cory S. Woo, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Desert Mountain Golf Club, is now (Supt.

Mbr.) at Anthem Golf & Country ClubPersimmon Course in Phoenix.

CALIFORNIA Peter Bachman, formerly (C) at Pebble Beach Golf Links, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at San Jose Country Club in San Jose.

Jose A. Garcia, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Birch Hills Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Links at Summerly in Lake Elsinore.

Josh Lewis, formerly (A) at Chambers Bay Golf Course, is now (A) at Almaden Golf & Country Club in San Jose.

Mario A. Mandujano, formerly (C) at Meadow Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Peacock Gap Golf & Country Club in San Rafael.

Jorge A. Rocha, formerly (C) at Hillcrest Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles.

Kevin S. Shipley, formerly (Supt Mbr.) at Carmel Highland Golf Resort and Spa, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Tilden Park Golf Course in Berkeley.

COLORADO Jeff Goessling, formerly (C) at Plum Creek Golf & Country Club, is now (C) at Country Club at Castle Pines in Castle Rock.

Sam Reznicek, CGCS, formerly (A) at Grand Forks Country Club, is now (A) at Windwalker Ranch in Steamboat Springs.

Matthew L. Schutter, formerly (A) at Todd Creek Golf Club, is now (E) at Front Range Community College in Westminster.

CONNECTICUT Ryan E. O’Neal, formerly (C) at Country Club of Farmington, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Country Club of Farmington in Farmington.

FLORIDA David D. Adkins, formerly (C) at Club at Olde Cypress, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Club at Olde Cypress in Naples.

Brian S. Anderson, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Costa del Sol Golf Club, is now (Supt.

Mbr.) at Fort Lauderdale Country Club in Fort Lauderdale.

Robert F. Gates, formerly (A) at Valley Crest Golf Maintenance, is now (A) at Mira Mesa Course at The Villages-Championship in The Villages.

Raymond S. Griffn, formerly (Supt.

Mbr.) at Colony Golf & Bay Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Eastwood Golf Course in Fort Myers.

Lance K. Hawk, formerly (C) at Stoneybrook Golf Club, is now (AS) at Royal Poinciana Golf Club Inc. in Naples.

Justin I. Jacobsen, formerly (C) at Wildwood Country Club Inc., is now (C) at Holiday Golf Club in Panama City Beach.

Gerald D. Kara Jr., formerly (EM) at Prairie Lakes Golf Club, is now (EM) at Venice Golf & Country Club in Venice.

Brian Mortillaro, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Saddlebrook Resort, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Hunter’s Green Country Club in Tampa.

Dario Pascua-Ponce, formerly (A) at Sherbrooke Golf & Country Club, is now (A) at The Polo Club of Boca Raton in Delray Beach.

Chris J. Pitts, formerly (C) at Bonita National Golf & Country Club, is now (C) at Stoneybrook Golf Club in Estero.

R. Jeff Plotts, formerly (A) at TPC of Scottsdale, is now (A) at TPC at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.

GEORGIA Joey G. Franco Jr., CGCS, formerly (A) at Brookstone Country Club, is now (A) at North Course at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta.

Ross T. Fuller, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Sea Island Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Ocean Forest Golf Club in Sea Island.

Harold J. Hollis, formerly (C) at Atlanta Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Atlanta Country Club in Marietta.

David F. Younger, formerly (C) at The Plantation at Ponte Vedra, is now (Supt.

Mbr.) at Cabin Bluff in Woodbine.

ILLINOIS Thomas A. Hoaglin, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Rolling Greens Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Jacksonville Country Club in Jacksonville.

Nicholas S. Marfse, formerly (Supt.

Mbr.) at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Wilmette Golf Club in Wilmette.

Josh R. Potter, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Cedar Crest Country Club, is now (Supt.

Mbr.) at Rolling Greens Golf Course in Mount Sterling.

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Brent A. Richard, formerly (C) at Willow Crest Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at River Bend Golf Course in Lisle.

KENTUCKY Kirk Brown, formerly (C) at Seneca Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Seneca Golf Course in Louisville.

Jason W. Clary, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Henry County Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Standard Country Club in Louisville.

Mariano Galindo, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Highland Springs Village Golf Club. is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Pennyrile Forest State Resort in Dawson Springs.

Mark G. Goessling, formerly (A) at Lincoln Homestead State Park G.C., is now (A) at Barren River State Park Golf Course in Lucas.

LOUISIANA Michael J. Brennan, formerly (C) at Lakewood Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Lakewood Golf Club in New Orleans.

MARYLAND Brian P. Hogan, formerly (S) at the University of Maryland, is now (C) at Argyle Country Club in Silver Spring.

Adam Suelfow, formerly (C) at Wood-

mont Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville.

MICHIGAN Richard L. Fogarsi, formerly (A) at Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort, is now (A) at Stoatin Brae Golf Club in Augusta.

Adam T. Hahn, formerly (C) at Woodside Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Woodside Golf Course in Bath.

Alex R. Lincoln, formerly (C) at Lost Dunes Golf Club, is now (C) at Chikaming Country Club in Harbert.

MINNESOTA Peter G. Braun Jr., formerly (SW) at Ohio State University, is now (AS) at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska.

MISSOURI Scott D. Hendrickson, formerly (S) at the University of Arkansas, is now (C) at Buffalo Ridge Golf Club in Hollister.

NEBRASKA Casey Ballou, formerly (C) at Arbor Links, is now (C) at Tara Hills Golf Course in Papillion.

Owen W. Schmoldt, formerly (C) at The Cliffs Resort, is now (C) at Rivers Edge Golf Club in North Platte.

NEVADA Michael W. Reinecke, formerly (Supt.

Mbr.) at Raven Golf Club of Phoenix, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at OB Sports in Aliante.

NEW JERSEY Craig Kraft, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Pinch Brook Golf Course, is now (Supt.

Mbr.) at Berkshire Valley Country Club in Oak Ridge.

NEW YORK Nicholas Ciaccio, formerly (C) at River Oaks Golf Club, is now (C) at Brierwood Country Club in Hamburg.

Samuel A. Hess, formerly (C) at Creek Club, is now (C) at Fresh Meadow Country Club in Great Neck.

John W. Hoyle, CGCS, formerly (A) at Oakhurst Country Club, is now (A) at Corning Country Club in Corning.

NORTH CAROLINA Chad Cromer, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Trump National Doral, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Sedgefeld Country Club in Greensboro.

Peter Speziale, formerly (A) at Oak Hollow Golf Course, is now (A) at Blair Park Golf Course in High Point.

OKLAHOMA Bo B. Baize, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at River Bend Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Lawton Country Club in Lawton.

OREGON Michael Combs, CGCS, formerly (A) at Orchard Hills Golf & Country Club, is now (A) at Silvies Valley Ranch in Seneca.

PENNSYLVANIA Adam C. Goedde, formerly (S) at Lake Land College, is now (S) at Penn State Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program in University Park.

Kurt Jensen, formerly (C) at Overbrook Golf Club, is now (C) at Huntingdon Valley Country Club in Huntingdon Valley.

Matthew V. Stout, formerly (A) at Hopewell Valley Golf Course, is now (A) at Lulu Temple Country Club in Glenside.

SOUTH CAROLINA Steven J. Kellerman, formerly (Supt.

Mbr.) at Harborside International Golf Center, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Kiawah Island Resort Ocean Course in Johns Island.

Brook Sentell, formerly (A) at Diamondhead Country Club, is now (A) at Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head Island.

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TENNESSEE Rodney Lingle, CGCS, formerly (A) at Memphis Country Club, is now (A) at Ridgeway Country Club in Germantown.

Zekiel D. Rogers, formerly (C) at Wade Hampton Golf Club, is now (C) at Willow Creek Golf Club in Knoxville.

TEXAS Grant E. Harrison, formerly (AS) at The Alotian Club, is now (C) at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas.

Derick Hashimoto, formerly (C) at Lake Windcrest Golf Club, is now (C) at The Oaks Canongate at the Woodlands in Spring.

Nick J. Miller, formerly (C) at Wichita Falls Country Club, is now (C) at Coyote Ridge Golf Club in Carrollton.

James Mullen, formerly (C) at Fort Lauderdale Country Club, is now (C) at Wolfdancer Golf Club in Cedar Creek.

Kyle E. Soller, formerly (C) at Blessings Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Canyon Creek Country Club in Richardson.

Jason R. Wiedeman, formerly (A) at Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs, is now (A) at Cross Timbers Golf Course in Azle.

Brandon Zerface, formerly (C) at Golf Club of Houston, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Golf Club of Houston in Humble.

VIRGINIA Adam M. Kerr, formerly (C) at Country Club of Virginia, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Country Club of Virginia in Henrico.

Ryan J. Peach, formerly (C) at Potomac Shores Golf Club, is now (C) at Westwood Country Club in Vienna.

WASHINGTON Jason Krogman, formerly (AS) at Chambers Bay Golf Course, is now (C) at Aldarra Golf Club in Sammamish.

Reed E. Perry, formerly (AS) at Broadmoor Golf Club, is now (C) at The Golf Club at Newcastle in Newcastle.

Ryan Semritc, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Kayak Point Golf Course, is now (Supt.

Mbr.) at Willows Run Golf Club in Redmond.

Craig N. Stockhaus, formerly (Supt.

Mbr.) at Rivers Edge Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Lewis River Golf Course in Woodland.

WISCONSIN Ryan T. McFarlin, CGCS, formerly (A) at The Estancia Club, is now (A) at David J. Frank Landscape in Germantown.

Robert A. Rafferty III, CGCS, formerly (A) at The Bruce Co., is now (AF) at The Bruce Co. in Middleton.

RUSSIA Will Righton, formerly (ISM) at Costa Navarino, is now (ISM) at Mill Creek Country Club in St. Petersburg.

NEWLY CERTIFIED James W. Davis, CGCS, Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, Gulf Shores, Ala. Stephen Gross, CGCS, Mirror Lake Golf Club, Villa Rica, Ga.

NEW MEMBERS ALABAMA David L. Hall, Class C, Birmingham John M. Peppers, Student, Auburn CALIFORNIA Greg E. Crist, Class C, Auburn Brian Hildick, EM, Walnut Creek Sylvia Kenmuir, Affliate Co. Rep., Santa Fe Springs Clarence F. Mellott, EM, Angels Camp Andrew Myers, EM, Carmel Juan L. Reynoso, EM, San Marcos Chris R. Rush, Class C, Calabasas

COLORADO Brian Anderson, EM, Aurora Jody R. Hyde, EM, Grand Junction Larry G. Iamurri, EM, Aurora FLORIDA Alex G. Allen, EM, Key West John C. Callahan, Class C, Ocala Timothy M. Freeman, EM, Venice Jason A. Hobbs, Class C, Ocala Charles D. Holloway II, EM, Fort Myers Larry Hughes, EM, Pensacola Joseph R. Williams Jr., Supt. Mbr., Melbourne GEORGIA Jason A. Loubier, EM, Albany Chris Moore, EM, Albany ILLINOIS James Aldridge, EM, Rockford Anthony Mieske, Class C, Lake Forest Gordon Warson, EM, Rockford IOWA Jeff D. Hulen, Student, Ames John Nissen, EM, Okoboji KANSAS Justin J. Cecchini, Student, Manhattan Brandon L. Dillon, Student, Manhattan

NEW YORK Nick R. DeCandia, Student, Delhi Michael D. Dorosky, Class C, Dolgeville

Justin C. Pattimore, EM, Olathe Derek T. Price, Student, Manhattan KENTUCKY Evan L. Sears, Class C, Lexington

NORTH CAROLINA Frank M. Canon, EM, Raleigh

MASSASCHUSETTS John F. Van Winkle, Associate, North Oxford MICHIGAN Alan D. Currie, EM, Livonia Lewis J. Nowakowski, Student, East Lansing Martin D. Thompson, EM, Ann Arbor MINNESOTA Randy Harris, Affliate Co. Rep., Bloomington Greg Knezevich, Class C, Byron Zachary D. Werner, Student, Anoka MISSOURI Josh R. Brandon, Supt. Mbr., Savannah Mark Christopher, Associate, Savannah NEVADA Ryan Swagler, EM, Dayton NEW JERSEY Michael Laterza, EM, Bedminster

OHIO Charles J. Mader, Student, Wooster Jeremy Lewis Price, Student, Columbus Jiahao Zhong, Student, Columbus Andrew Stuart Cowie, Student, Columbus OKLAHOMA Michael T. Black, Class C, Tulsa Paul M. Brown, EM, Oklahoma City Kevin D. Tinsley, EM, Oklahoma City OREGON James Albert Chaffn, Supt. Mbr., Eugene Robert J. Guzman, EM, Klamath Falls PENNSYLVANIA Brett B. Blackwood, Student, University Park Ian S. Courtney, Student, University Park Mark DelSantro, Affliate, King of Prussia Furman D. Hendrickson, EM, Buckingham

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Christopher L. Hoffmaster, EM, State College Bradley P. Jackson, Student, University Park Scott D. Nichols, EM, Mohnton Jacob S. Shughart, Student, University Park SOUTH CAROLINA Robert W. Bell, Class C, Conway John K. Blackwood, Class C, Salem Jeff Irwin, Educator, Charleston Eugene P. McCune Jr., Class C, St. Helena Island Alejandro Molina, Class C, Bluffton TENNESSEE Quintis D. Collier, Associate, Lenoir City Eric Reasor, Student, Knoxville Kyle Talley, Student, Knoxville Paul Toledo, EM, Lenoir City Paul J. Worley Jr., EM, Chattanooga TEXAS Richard William Clark, Student, Waco Frank D. Darnell, Supt. Mbr., Dallas Jerry Heady, EM, Fort Worth VIRGINIA Robert H. Burnett, EM, Chesapeake Tyler N. Warner, Class C, Virginia Beach WASHINGTON Randy G. Hayes, Class C, Pullman Curt Jokinen, EM, Seattle WEST VIRGINIA Daren Brannen, EM, Huntington Robert W. Young, Supt. Mbr., Davis WISCONSIN Jake J. Igel, Student, Appleton Steve J. Wisnicky, EM, Luxemburg ARGENTINA Blas I. Spina Fernandez, ISM, Ascochinga, Cordoba BARBADOS Craig Payne, EM, St. James CANADA Joseph A. Adams, ISM, Copetown, Ontario Morgan M. Creighton, Student, Olds, Alberta

Yvon Jeanaurond, EM, Victoria, British Columbia Andre J. Lens, Student, Guelph, Ontario Curtis James Playfair, Student, Olds, Alberta Dalton J. Rowbotham, Student, Guelph, Ontario Kent Waddekk, Student, Guelph, Ontario INDIA Nikhil Sanwal, Class C, West Bengal SCOTLAND Sean Tonner, Student, Cupar, Fife SWITZERLAND Yannick Asaf, Class C, Wangen

IN MEMORIAM Wade Barrett, 60, died Aug. 26, 2015.

Mr. Barrett, a 32-year member of GCSAA, began his career in the industry on a part-time basis in 1978 at Potomac Valley Country Club in Poolesville, Md. (which was later renamed Poolesville Golf Course). He landed a full-time position there as an assistant in 1980.

In 1983, Mr. Barrett was selected as superintendent at Poolesville GC, where he stayed for more than two decades.

He was involved in many projects early on in his tenure there, including the installation of a fully automatic irrigation system, the construction of a treatment plant, and the construction of the pro shop. He was also certifed for wastewater management and pesticide application.

Mr. Barrett was dedicated to his job and his family. He put his children in junior golf camp to introduce them to the game of golf, and to give them insight into what his job entailed. His daughter, Rebecca, benefted from her father’s position: The band Hootie & the Blowfsh made a music video at the clubhouse, and Mr. Barrett, knowing his daughter was a big fan, secured autographs for her from all the band members. Mr. Barrett is survived by his wife, Laura Barrett; daughter, Rebecca (Brandon) Clabaugh; son, Jay (Megan) Barrett; grandchildren, Owen Clabaugh, Allyson Clabaugh, Robby Larrimore, Caroline Barrett and Wade Barrett; brother, Jay Barrett; and sisters, Elizabeth Drapen and Nancy Carpenter.

GCM (ISSN 0192-3048 [print]; ISSN 2157-3085 [online]) is published monthly by GCSAA Communications Inc., 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-3859, 785-841-2240. Subscriptions (all amounts U.S. funds only): $60 a year. Outside the United States and Canada, write for rates. Single copy: $5 for members, $7.50 for nonmembers. Offce of publication and editorial offce is at GCSAA, 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-3859. Periodicals postage paid at Lawrence, Kan., and at additional mailing offces. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: Golf Course Management, 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049. CANADA POST: Publications mail agreement No. 40030949. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to P.O. Box 122, Niagara Falls, ONT L2E 6S8.

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PLATINUM PARTNERS

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

GOLD PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNER

Partner Recognition Program LebanonTurf is an innovative and progressive manufacturer of both granular fertilizer products as well as the pioneer in the emerging feld of biological plant nutrition. With more than 60 years of experience, LebanonTurf brings the most advanced research and technology to the development of practical and innovative fertilizer and grass seed solutions for the turf industry.

Country Club MD, LebanonTurf’s newest innovative golf course fertilizer, is redefning how a superintendent manages their turf. In addition to providing premium nutrients for the turf, Country Club MD also delivers stress-buffering biostimulants that help prepare plants for the inevitable stressful conditions that occur in every growing season. This unique combination affords superintendents the opportunity to have their turf maintain optimum performance longer into stressful conditions and recover faster once growing conditions return to normal.

The Lebanon, Pa. base company is a longtime supporter of the GCSAA and its philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf.

LebanonTurf’s Dog Days of Golf Calendar Contest LebanonTurf has been supporting golf course superintendents and their chapters through the Dog Days of Golf Calendar for ffteen years. With hundreds of submissions to choose from, the 2016 Dog Days of Golf calendar was printed and mailed with the November issue of GSM. 2016 will mark the 13th annual Dog of the Year contest to be conducted on the trade show foor during the Golf Industry Show in San Diego, February 10-1. The winning dog earns $3,000 for the golf course superintendent’s local golf course association and a $500 cash prize from LebanonTurf. Again this year, LebanonTurf is excited to partner with GCSAA for a 1,000 donation to the Train a Dog, Save a Warrior (TADSAW) foundation. TADSAW provides training for a Medical Alert service dog for any wounded warrior who is surviving with trauma disorder such as PTSD.

The Par Aide name is grounded in a long-standing tradition of innovation and integrity. When we started back in 1955, we made a promise to produce only the highest quality golf course accessories to not only meet, but exceed our customers’ expectations. We’ve kept that promise and can proudly say that Par Aide graces the most prestigious golf courses in the world.

Throughout the past fve decades, we’ve remained focused on innovation, quality, value and support. We have an undeniable passion for details that doesn’t stop with our products. We put as much effort into hiring top-quality people as we do in creating top-quality products. We listen to our customers. We imagine new ways to make our products more productive and functional. But most importantly, we fnd solutions to make the Superintendents’ job easier and their course the best it can possibly be.

Par Aide has understood and appreciated the work of the GCSAA in promoting the Superin-tendent, providing education, and facilitating commerce between the Superintendents and the suppliers to them. To further support the GCSAA members, Par Aide has pioneered The Garske Grant, in honor of our founder, Joseph S. Garske. The program assists children of GCSAA mem-bers to fund their education at an accredited college or trade school by awarding $7,500 annually in scholarship funds. In partnering with the GCSAA with this scholarship, as well as all other facets of our support to the organization, we are pleased and committed to continue our efforts to strengthen the GCSAA and its members to the beneft of our industry.

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The Toro Co. ..................................................IFC-1 (888) 664-7489 ..........www.toro.com/leaderboard

BoardTronics...................................................... 6-7 (800) 782-9938 ....................www.boardtronics.com Champion Turf Farms ......................................... 8-9 (888) 290-7377 ..........www.championturffarms.com

GOLD PARTNERS Jacobsen .....................................................33, 93 (800) 232-5907 ......................www.jacobsen.com Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC ................. Cover 4 (909) 308-1633 ..................................................... ............. www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com

East Coast Sod & Seed ................................... 103 (856) 769-9555 ............... www.eastcoastsod.com GCSAA Services......................................................

(800) 447-1840 ...............................www.gcsaa.org GCSAA TV .......................................................... 55 ..........................................................www.gcsaa.tv Georgia Seed Development Commission .........81* (303) 431-7333 ........................ www.tifeagle.com Golf-Lift Div. Derek Weaver Co., Inc. ................... 103 (800) 788-9789 ............................www.golf-lift.com

SILVER PARTNERS The Andersons, Inc. .......................................... 11 (800) 253-5296 .............. www.AndersonsPro.com Barenbrug USA ................................................35* (800) 547-4101 ......................... www.barusa.com Baroness / Kyoeisha USA ................................. 19 (707) 283-0610 .........................www.baroness.us Lebanon Turf ................................................14, 15 (800) 350-6650 ................www.lebanonturf.com/ Nufarm ............................................................. 95 (800) 345-3330 .................. www.nufarm.com/US Par Aide Products Co. ......................................2-3 (888) 893-2433 ........................ www.paraide.com PBI Gordon Corp......................................... 21, 39* (800) 884-3179 .................... www.pbigordon.com Quali-Pro........................................................... 31 (888) 584-6598 ......................www.quali-pro.com R & R Products Inc. ........................................... 99 (800) 528-3446 ....................www.rrproducts.com Standard Golf Co. .............................................65* (866) 743-9773 ................ www.standardgolf.com Tee-2-Green Corp. ......................................... 44-45 (800) 547-0255 .................... www.tee-2-green.com

Grigg Bros. ........................................................ 17 (888) 623-7285 .....................www.griggbros.com Growth Products Ltd. ........................................ 25 (800) 648-7626 ...........www.growthproducts.com Kochek ............................................................ 102 (800) 420-4673 .........................www.kochek.com New England Regional Turfgrass .......................... 41 (800) 881-4832 .................................www.nertf.org Oregon Fine/Tall Fescue ................................... 13 (888) 246-8873 http://www.oregontallfescue.org/ Peat, Inc. .......................................................... 103 (800) 441-1880 ........................... www.peatinc.com PlanetAir Turf Products ..................................... 27 (877) 800-8845 .........................www.planetair.biz Precision Laboratories, Inc. .............................. 23 800-323-6280...................www.precisionlab.com Richway Industries ............................................ 103 (800) 553-2404 ...........................www.richway.com Sensient Industrial Colors................................. 37 (800) 325-8110 ........www.sensientindustrial.com Smithco, Inc. ............................................. Cover 3 (877) 833-7648 ........................www.smithco.com Steven’s Water Monitoring...........................56-57 215-908-0044................. www.stevenswater.com T3 Surfacing Technology .................................. 98 (800) 893-9150 .www.t3surfacingtechnology.com TRIMS Software International Inc. .................. 103 (800) 608-7467 ............................www.trims.com Trojan Battery Company ...................................... 29 (800) 423-6569 . www.trojanbattery.com/competition Vinylguard Golf ................................................... 97 (866) 254-5201 ................. www.vinylguardgolf.com * Denotes regional advertisement Bold denotes affliate member

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 12.15

BENTGRASS SOD

Greens Height • Tee/Fairway Height

FESCUE

Fine • Blue/Fine • Tall

BLUEGRASS

Regular • Short-Cut INSTALLATION AVAILABLE

EAST COAST SOD & SEED 596 Pointers Auburn Road • Pilesgrove, NJ 08098 www.eastcoastsod.com

856-769-9555

12.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

103

Photographer: Dan Jurgens • Title: GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent • Course: Kragero Golf Club, Norway • GCSAA membership: 16 years • The shot: Following several days of heavy rainfall at this Norwegian resort course, located in the southeast portion of the country along the North Sea, the sun popped through the clouds and gave Jurgens the opportunity to capture this photo of his facility’s frst hole, with the clubhouse and resort in the background. • Camera: iPhone 6