July August 2021 Fore Your Information

FORE YOUR INFORMATION Ju l y / A u g 2 0 2 1

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Fore Your Information

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S AG E You would think after 3 years of being President of the Association it would get easier writing the Presidents Message.

Each time I sit down to write this article I try to write about something different, it’s been unfortunate that Covid and now the fires is the first thing that comes to mind. Some of our members have been evacuated due to the fires and some of us may have experienced Covid. Luckily, we Scott McCullough are getting closer to fall and then winter and hopefully that will help the fight against many of the fires.

In the last two months we have hosted two excellent events. In July the Scholarship and Research Tournament and then in August the Tri-Chapter event. We had an excellent turnout for both of those events. I was looking forward to the Presidents Cup at Bailey Creek but due to the Dixie fire we had to move the Presidents Cup Tournament. We reached out to a few golf courses but due to the last-minute notice it made it difficult to find a location in the Sierras.

Pat Finlen and Jason Conrad at Winchester Country Club were gracious enough to be able to host the event with such a short notice.

I consider the Sierra Nevada GCSA and the GCSAA like an extended family. I always try to reach out

BY

SCOTT MCCULLOUGH

to those members that are affected by a disaster such as the California wildfires. As a reminder the GCSAA has the Disaster Relief Fund and the Sierra Nevada GCSA has funds available to help.

I hope everyone has a safe and great Fall and I look forward to seeing you at the next event.

Visit us online at SierraNevadaGCSA.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SNGCSA) Check it out!

2021 SNGCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Scott McCullough The Ridge Golf Course VICE PRESIDENT John Farley Teal Bend Golf Course

Dave Bermudez Del Rio G. & C.C.

SECRETARY/TREASURER Tracy Shanahan Peach Tree Country Club

PAST PRESIDENT Bill Hamilton, CGCS Lake Wildwood Association

DIRECTORS Jeremy Payne Muhammad Ali Keith Hill, CGCS Cameron Park C.C. Bing Maloney G.C. Hidden Valley C.C. Affiliate Representatives Ryan Nichols, Nufarm Mark Stutsman Simplot Partners

Sam Samuelson, CGCS Wildhawk G.C.

Michael Cunniff Clear Creek GC

Association Managers Irene Cline and Kimberly Milne 3273 Richert Ave. Clovis, CA 559-298-6262

FORE YOUR INFORMATION Published by the Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association EDITOR Jeremy Payne OFFICE SNGCSA 3273 Richert Ave., Clovis, CA 93619 559-298-6262 Fax# 559-298-6957 sngcsaa@aol.com

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M E E T I N G DATE S

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2021

2022

September 28, 2021

January 4, 2022

President’s Cup Tournament Winchester Country Club Hosted by Jason Conrad & Patrick Finlen, CGCS

Turf Tech Workshop The Ridge G.C. Hosted by Scott McCullough

November 8, 2021

GIS Conference San Diego February 9, 2022 California Room USS Midway

Annual Election Meeting & Tournament Empire Ranch Golf Course Hosted by Juan Gonzales

December 2, 2021 Annual Holiday Event Teal Bend Golf Course Hosted by John Farley

Feb. 5-10 , 2022

March/April Grass Roots Tournament Location & Date to be confirmed

May Educational Mtg/Tournament Location & Date t be confirmed

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2021 S C H O L A R S H I P AND LEGACY AWARD WINNERS

BY IRENE CLINE

It is always exciting to receive the annual Scholarship and Legacy Award applications. It is heart warming to read the essays the applicants write. They detail their accomplishments and their dreams for their future.

We have had so many wonderful applicants over the years and I always feel the same. These young people make me proud of the industry we are in. The Legacy Award Winners are children of our superintendents and affiliate members and all are well grounded in their philosophies and their goals. This reflects well on our members and all the parents should be extremely proud of the individuals they have raised. Our Turf Applicants know that the industry they have chosen won’t be easy but the rewards can be tremendous.

This year we were able to give two Turf Scholarships. First was Ricky Fugate; Ricky is a working student. He is the superintendent at Sierra Sage G.C. and continuing his online education through Walla Walla Community College. He is majoring in Turf Management. He has maintained a 3.47 GPA . His plans are to continue his career as a superintendent with goals of becoming Director of Golf over both course which his current employer manages. He wants to work with new hires and train them for a career in turf management .

Ricky Fugate

The next Turf Scholarship winner is Michael Stieler. Michael is the son of Mike Stieler, CGCS, of Spring Creek C.C. Michael will be attending Fresno State University seeking a degree in Earth Science . He has been working on golf courses doing a multitude of different jobs and gaining a tremendous amount of experience in the maintenance field. One of his most memorable experiences was being a part of re-designing the greens at Spring Creek Country Club which was by far what he found most rewarding. “Being able to be there throughout the entire process was amazing. “ according to Michael.

Michael Stieler We were able to grant five Legacy Awards this year. First was Sydney Silveira. Sydney is the daughter of Lou Silveira from Castlewood C.C. Sydney will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara majoring in Biology. With her love of the ocean she is planning a career in Marine Biology and hopes to work at an aquarium or sanctuary.

Sydney Slveria The next winner is Natalie Kinney, daughter of Dean Kinney of Sierra Pacific Turf. Natalie if attending California State University Chico. She is majoring in Agriculture Business. She has been an member of the Women’s Golf Team at Chico and a member of the WGCA All American Scholar Team. She will be earning her Master’s of Business Admin Degree this year and plans on a position as a marketing or Producer at an insurance Natalie Kinney brokerage firm. She hopes to continue coaching as well.

Madeline Dykstra , daughter of Kyle Dykstra, CGCS of Sierra View C.C. Kyle Peter Reece Jr. was also granted a Legacy Dykstra Award. Madeline is a preaccepting (209) 602-8475 for Madenursing major at Sierra Colpreecejr@gmail.com

Top Dressing • Fertilizer • Gypsum

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2021 SCHOLARSHIP & LEGACY

AWARD WINNERS CONTND

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lege. Madeline was a volleyball, track, and water polo athlete in school and will continue her studies working towards her dream of becoming a nurse.

Lauren Bermudez- Alire, is the daughter of Dave Bermudez, Del Rio C.C. Lauren is currently a Graduate Student at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She is currently studying in Leadership and Advanced License Programs specifically Principal License. She is working as a teacher in the Widefield School District. She has been teaching for 8 years at the middle school level. During her career she has been promoted to become the Social Studies Department Coordinator and earned her Master’s Degree in TESOL from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2017. This additional educational accomplishment will help her reach her goal of becoming a leader and she feels that her ideas could really benefit student academics.

Marisa Sorbello was our final winner. Marisa is the daughter of Sal Sorbello, BelKorp AG. Marisa is in nursing school at Belmont University, which has always been a goal for her to get to this point in her life. She worked hard in undergraduate at The University of Mississippi so she could attend a good nursing school. She has always wanted to work in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) at a hospital. She is also interested in Labor & Delivery and will be working at St. Thomas Midtown hospital in Nashville in the labor and delivery unit. Marisa hopes this will get her one step closer to her goals.

We are proud to be able to help the families of our members in some small way and with your support we can do this again next year. Look for the applications to come out in the spring and if you have any questions regarding this program or any other programs please feel free to check with a board member or just call the association office.

Welcome New Members Evan McFadden Class C Martis Camp Scott Hall Class B Lincoln Hills G.C. Jordan Holcomb Class Affiliate BASF Timothy Haines, CGCS Class A Bishop Golf & C.C.

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F RO M T H E F I E L D

Jeff Jensen,

GCSAA Field Staff,

Southwest Region

The Sierra Nevada GCSA recently held their annual Scholarship & Research Tournament on July 26 at Northridge Country Club. Irene Cline, Kim Milne and the Board of Directors and host superintendent Larry Johnson put on a memorable event and raised thousands of dollars for scholarships and research.

Assisting others is one of the Jeff Jensen primary goals of GCSAA and its 99 affiliated chapters. Sierra Nevada has been a leader in raising funds to support research throughout the state as well as providing financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in turf as well as students continuing their education in other fields of study.

In addition to the scholarship offerings through Sierra Nevada, the GCSAA Foundation administers a number of different scholarships for students pursuing careers in the golf course industry, future turfgrass researchers and educators, children and grandchildren of GCSAA members, and foreign students studying in the United States.

The most popular offerings include GCSAA Legacy Awards, GCSAA Scholars Competition and the Joseph F. Garske Collegiate Grant Program: The GCSAA Legacy Awards competition offers education aid to the children and grandchildren of GCSAA members. Awards of $1,500 each are funded by Syngenta and the GCSAA Foundation. Applicants must be enrolled full time at an accredited institution of higher learning, or for high school seniors, they must have been accepted at such an institution for the next academic year. At least one or more of the applicant's parents or grandparents must be an active Class A, B, C, Equipment Manager, A-Retired, B -Retired or AA member of GCSAA and/or IGCEMA for

five or more consecutive years.

The GCSAA Scholars Competition awards range from $500 - $6,000. Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program in a major field related to turf management, have completed at least 24 credit hours or the equivalent of one year of full-time study in the appropriate major, and be a member of GCSAA. Selection criteria for this program includes academic excellence, work experience, extracurricular activities and potential to become a leading professional in the golf course management industry Par Aide's Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grant competition offers educational aid to the children and stepchildren of GCSAA members who have been an active member of GCSAA for five or more consecutive years. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors and accepted at institutions of higher learning (including trade schools) for the upcoming year. Funded by Par Aide in honor of Joseph S. Garske and administered by the GCSAA Foundation. A total of $12,000 in scholarships are awarded yearly.

The annual deadline for Legacy Awards is April 15 with the Scholars Competition deadline June 1 and the Garske Grant deadline March 15. More information on all of the scholarship programs is available at https:// www.gcsaa.org/education/scholarships.

GCSAA is committed to investing in the future of the profession as well as assisting children of members who may look at taking a different career path through institutions of higher learning and trade schools.

We hope that you will take advantage of this member benefit and if you have any questions concerning the programs, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org.

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AROUND

THE

GREEN

BY IRENE CLINE

As the fires rage around our area of the state and force evacuation of our members and their staffs not only from their place of business but also their homes, we want to remind you that GCSAA and the Sierra Nevada Chapter are here to help. Just reach out to our office and we can give you details of how to apply for financial assistance that may be needed.

We had reports that Bailey Creek had been evacuated for a couple of weeks due to the fire. This is why we had to make the tough decision to relocate the Presidents Cup Tournament to Winchester C.C. at the last minute. Craig McDonald Superintendent at Bailey Creek reports they are back safely and the course is open again.

In the Tahoe area the Caldor Fire caused the evacuation of Tahoe Paradise G.C, Edgewood, and Lake Tahoe G.C. Colby Gunsch from Tahoe Paradise reported that somehow the fire missed the course and is safe at the moment. We have been in contact with

several superintendents in the area that are in harms way to be sure they are safe.

There have been some moves around our area.

Ram Sena has accepted a position at Tahoe Donner as the Superintendent which left an opening at Catta Verdera G.C. "Jogi" Choung has taken over the Catta Verdera superintendent position.

Spencer Nelson from Montruex has accepted the position as superintendent at Genoa Lakes. Sean O’Brien has announced his retirement and that leaves Alta Sierra C.C. in search of a superintendent.

We will soon be getting our annual dues invoices to you. Please look for those in your email and update any information that is not correct.

If you have information that you would like to share please give us a call. Remember that your association provides complimentary e-mail blasts to those in search of an employee.

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2021 TURF GRASS HALL OF FAME HONOREES At the 2021 Scholarship & Research tournament Association President Scott McCullough had the honor of announcing the induction of four of our members into the Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendent’s Association Turfgrass Hall of Fame. This honor is given to those individuals that have been consummate professionals and advocates for the golf maintenance industry at local, state, and national levels over their entire careers. Those individuals selected were Dale Achondo, Tom Unruh, Fritz Howell, and Jim Ferrin, CGCS. It was with great sadness that Tom Unruh, Fritz Howell, and Dale Achondo are no longer with us. We were fortunate that Mrs. Irene Achondo and her son Steven Achondo could join us and accept the plaque on her husband’s behalf.

Dale worked for City of Sacramento for 37 years. He started with the city as a recreation supervisor In 1959. While in that position in 1962 he was appointed to a committee that over would oversee the National Men’s Public Links Championship at Haggin Oaks. On March 1st 1966 he was named superintendent of golf for the City of Sacramento. Later he was named City Golf Manager. He retired from that position in 1996. During his tenure he oversaw the construction and development of Bing Maloney’s executive 9 hole G.C. and he also oversaw the development and construction Bartley Cavanaugh for the city. Dale was nominated as the SNGCSA’s Distinguished Member of the Year in 2005.

Pictured at right is Mrs. Achondo, her son, Steven and Scott McCullough.

Bob Thomas, long time city manager for the city of Sacramento. Said “Dale has done more than any other city employee in the city’s history in promoting the game of golf” . It was with appreciation for his dedication to our industry and to the superintendents that he helped along the way that Dale is honored by the SNGCSA. Fritz Howell was nominated as well this year. Fritz was the long term superintendent at North Ridge C.C. He had 25 + years at the course and was considered the classic old school superintendent according to Sam Samuelson, CGCS. Sam shared a story with us about Fritz. When Sam was brought in to grow in Bartley Cavanaugh G.C. for the City of Sacramento, he asked Dale who he considered to be the greatest superintendents in the Sacramento area. Dale introduced Sam to Tom Unruh and Fritz Howell. Sam says he went on to gain an immense amount of knowledge from both of these individuals and greatly appreciated the time they both took to mentor him.

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2021 TURF GRASS HALL OF FAME HONOREES CONTND Tom Unruh, CGCS worked as a Turf Technician for Bill Davis at UC Davis doing research. In 1972 he became the superintendent at the City of Davis and worked there until 1975 when he took the position at Del Paso C.C. After retiring from Del Paso in 2005 he moved to Carson City, Nevada and took on the GM position at Silver Oaks G.C. Tom was also honored by the SNGCSA as the Distinguished member of the year in 2005 along with Dale Achondo.

Jim Ferrin, CGCS receiving his plaque from the association presented by President Scott McCullough

Jim Ferrin, CGCS is one of those people that everyone should know. He's a great turf manager, a great people manager, as well as a student of Golf, Agronomy and Life.

He is a former recipient of the GCSAA Environmental Award (1988), SNGCSA Golf Course Superintendent of the Year Award (2011), and the CGCSA Writer’s Award. Jim's awards also include the coveted Leo Feser award from GCSAA. It's obvious that Jim loved his work. After all he has worked as a superintendent for almost 50 years.

Jim served as the President of SNGCSA starting in 1994 and then again in 2005. He remained ac-

tive on the Board Directors in many capacities for well over 25 years and still represents us through his involvement as the President of the California Alliance for Golf.

Jim became passionate about ADA, along with Sam Samuelson, CGCS, when he saw the positive impacts golf had on individuals with disabilities (from stroke or otherwise). After in-depth research, planning, and application, Jim and Sam, started a consulting business which provided ADA consulting services for golf facilities and helped them become ADA compliant.

Jim’s generosity and giving of his time to promote his profession and helping his colleagues navigate through times of challenge are what stand out the most. He's served in just about every possible way to make our business better. We just can’t thank Jim enough for the service, knowledge, and mentoring he has provided throughout his career.

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T H A N K YO U S P O N S O R S RECOGNIZING OUR PREFERRED PARTNERS Remember, when you are in need of products or services, please consider our supporting companies.

Ask about our Sponsor Packages

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BoTerra

Reece Spray Service

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Monocot madness sponsored by Question: These symptoms are characterized by darker green rings or circles in various sizes that develop in the spring or early summer. Rings may be sunken and have a distinct border. They can occur on both warm and cool season grasses This question was sent to our superintendent members Aug. 30th. The winner was to be the first correct answer to come into the office which was Scott Hill, pictured at right, from Lincoln Hills Golf Course. Scott will receive a $50 gift card for his quick and accurate response.

Answer: These pictures show symptoms of fairy ring. Fairy ring is different from other turf diseases in that the fungus does not infect the plant.

These symptoms are caused by fungal growth altering physical and chemical properties in the soil. The first picture shows Type II symptoms, greener rings or circles caused by fungi mineralizing organic matter releasing nitrogen and other nutrients. The dead and declining turf in the 2nd picture is characteristic of Type I symptoms. Expanding microbial growth in the soil can expand size of the rings creating zones of hydrophobicity and release of toxic compounds.

Control: Best way to control fairy ring is on a preventive basis with properly timed fungicide applications. Begin applications in the spring when soil temperatures reach 55-60F and repeat on a 28-day interval. Curative applications require a different strategy. More frequent fungicide applications are initially required to halt fungal growth along with a soil wetting agent to move fungicides into hydrophobic zones. Cultural practices such as aeration, spiking, additional soil wetting agents, hand-watering may be required to enhance turf recovery.

There are several thatch and soil dwelling basidiomycetes that cause fairy ring symptoms in turf. Fungicides in the DMI, QoI and SDHI chemical classes of fungicides have activity against fairy ring fungi. Syngenta trials have demonstrated excellent control of fairy ring with Briskway®, Velista® and Posterity® fungicides.

Sign up for fairy ring soil temperature alerts at GreenCastOnline.com/agronomicalerts Visit Greencastonline.com for more information on fairy ring including control recommendations, a GCSAA webinar and more.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. © 2021 Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Briskway®, GreenCast®, Posterity®, Velista®, the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

Thank you to Joe Balmer from Syngenta for sponsoring this issues Monocot Madness. If you are interested in doing the same for our next issue please contact Kim or Irene at the association office 559-298-6262. Questions can include technical , mechanical , or plant science. Help us make this a regular for our newsletter.

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM S & R At right the winning team from Sequoia Woods C.C. Paul Watts, Andrew Hatfield, Taylor Parsons, and Tim Hanaran. Below Paul Watts also won the Closest to the Pin.

Above the team of Larry Johnson, CGCS host superintendent, shares the fun with his team which included Kyle Dykstra, CGCS, and Melinda Grimmit. At right Glenn Matthews, CGCS, Mike Basile, and Bob Miller.

At right is the team of Juan Gonzales, Felix Martines, Maricio Rodriguez, Gama Tinoco

BelKorp was the beverage sponsor for the day and John Farley got to drive the cool equipment.

Above is Jeff Jensen with Jim Duhig

Reece Equip had displayed their unit and provided a fun game for a little challenge.

The marshmallow drive was won by Ryan Nichols and the trophy was a pink flamingo and a little cash prize.

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM TRI-CHAPTER The 2021 Tri Chapter Event was hosted by the Sierra Nevada Chapter at Del Rio C.C. on August 9th.

Approximately 80 attendees supported the event.

Dave Bermudez invited several retirees to join us for the day.

Pictured above are Don Allen, with Matt Haase, Adrian Bertens, Tim Texeira, Russ Mitchell. And Lonnie Stevens

Dr. Jim Baird talked about the research projects he was working on in the Northern California area.

This event is always a great time for old fiends to see one another. At left is Steve Showers and Dean Kinney

At right Candy Ortega and Clark Bents,

Below is Matt Graves and once again BelKorp was the beverage sponsors for the event

Pictured above is host superintendent Dave Bermudez with Lonnie Stevens, Central California rep for Wilbur Ellis along with SN President Scott McCullough.

Reception Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

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