July August 2014

FORE YOUR INFORMATION

Ju l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 4

Whitehawk Ranch Golf Course 2014 President’s Cup Tournament

Craig Pearson Superintendent Whitehawk Ranch G.C.

Sierra Nevada GCSA An Affiliate Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

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September 22, 2014 President’s Cup WhiteHawk Ranch G.C. Hosted by Craig Pearson

October 20, 2014

FRONT COVER CRA IG PEAR SON, HO ST S UPER INTEN DENT FOR THE 2 01 4 PRES IDEN T’S C UP TOURN AMEN T, WHITE HAWK RANC H GOLF CO URSE

Wildwings G.C.

M E E T I N G DA T E S

Host Superintendent Mike Scolero

October 20, 2014 2014 NCGA BOOT CAMP Casa Munras Hotel Monterey

November 17, 2014 Annual Election Meeting Empire Ranch G.C. Host Superintendent Rodney Muller

December Annual Holiday Event Information to Follow

January 28, 2015 Mechanics Field Day The Ridge Golf Course Hosted by Scott McCullough

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Jesse Seguin

Mike Scully Valley Crest/Modesto 209-578-9678

VICE PRESIDENT Rob Williams Stockton Golf & C.C. 209-462-6734

William Hamilton Lake Wildwood Association

SECRETARY/TREASURER

530-432-2187

Kurtis Wolford Cherry Island Golf Course 916-991-7659

Affiliate Representatives

PAST PRESIDENT

Jim Barbuto Ewing Irrigation 916-502-3287

Jeremy Payne Winchester C.C. 530-878-9099

DIRECTORS Dave Bermudez Del Rio Golf & Country Club 209-341-2413

Pete Bowman Jacobsen West 916- 531-7204

FORE YOUR INFORMATION Published by the Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association

EDITOR Bill Hamilton, CGCS OFFICE SNGCSA 5322 N. Leonard, Clovis, CA 93619 559-298-6262 Fax# 559-298-6957

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2014 ELECTIONS

BY KURTIS WOLFORD

Attention SNGCSA Members: Its Election Time. The office will be sending out ballots very soon and we have some spots that need to be filled in order for the association to be run correctly and efficiently. Please remember this is a members association. It cannot function correctly without our members support and involvement. This Year our election meeting venue will be provided by Rodney Muller at Empire Ranch in Folsom on November 17th 2014. Mark it on your calendar. It will be a great venue for our meeting.

The course always looks great. I get to see it every day as I go to and come home from work.

The following officers and board member positions listed are up for election. If you would like to get involved in any of these positions throw your hat in the ring. Board meetings and business are mostly done over

group WebX, conference call, via email, or before our monthly meetings and usually take between 30 min to 1.5 hours depending on what’s happening.

Seeking the Presidentsy Rob Williams Stockton Golf & C.C.

Seeking the Vice Presidentsy Kurtis Wolford, Cherry Island G.C. Seeking Secretary/ Treasurer: Michael Scully, Valley Crest,

Seeking Election to a 2 year Board Position Scott Dickson Micke Grove Golf Course Seeking re-election to a 2 Year Board Position: Dave Bermudez, Del Rio Golf & Country Club William Hamilton Lake Wildwood Association has one more year of his two year term Pete Bowman, JacobsenWest Pete will complete his (Continued on page 5)

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ELECTIONS

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 term as affiliate representative and this position will also become available for nomination.

Jim Barbuto, Ewing Irrigation has one more year of his two year term as Affiliate Representative

We have two additional positions to fill on the board and will have the nomination forms out by Sept. 15th. One position will be a superintendent director position and one will be for the affiliate director position. If you would like to volunteer please contact Irene at the association office, 559-298-6262 or email her at sngcsaa@aol.com

The SNGCSA is now on Facebook and Twitter.

Check it out!

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Welcome New Members Brandon Russell Saddle Creek G.C. Class C Andrew Lopez Oakdale Golf & C.C. Class C Paul Crowder Southern Links Inc. Class Affiliate Wil Hays Sunbelt Rentals Class Affiliate

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CRAIG PEARSON HOSTS 2014 PRESIDENT’S CUP

BY IRENE CLINE

Craig Pearson will play host to the Sierra Nevada GCSA membership on September 22nd for the 2014 President’s Cup Tournament. This is Craig’s 20th year at Whitehawk so we get to celebrate this anniCraig Pearson versary with him.

Craig was born and raised in North Dakota. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a BS in Horticulture. He had originally thought that he would like a job in the sports turf industry taking care of baseball fields. It seemed that at the time everything was pointing him in the golf industry direction. Every job that came up was in the golf side of sports turf.

He started working on a little 9 hole course, Sweet Water Creek G.C. in Bowman, North Dakota, they werelooking for a college student to work as their superintendent in the summer months. Craig got the job and was there for four years. During that four year period he would work the summers in North Dakota and then head to Arizona in the winter months to work and learn more in the “trade”.

He made the move to California when he had an opportunity to take the assistant superintendent position at Hidden Valley G.C. in Reno. He worked there for six years when the owners of Whitehawk came to him to see if he would take the grow-in superintendent position. He started there in 1994 and the course opened in 1996.

He was made a partner in the company when the club opened and he continues to operate the course as superintendent, along with two primary partners Mr. Jim Bartlett and Mr. Nick Hackstock.

You may know these two individuals as they also built and own Martis

Camp, G.C. up the road in Truckee, CA. Craig says that the number one reason he has remained in this profession is because of these two individuals. “They are amazing individuals to work for.” “They care as much about their people as they do the golf course.” “They make it a joy to come to work.”

One of the things that Craig likes to do, which has become a regular event, is to play the course every two weeks along with his assistant. They make an early start and take their pen and paper with them to make notes on everything they find along the way.

“You get to see things that you just don’t notice just driving around”.

When asked what he likes about his job he says with a smile, “Sundays, because I’m off”. Seriously though Craig loves the area. The peace of the early mornings when he arrives at the course and the wildlife that share his course with him. This makes for a pretty great life for this superintendent.

Making his life even better are his wife Mary, who he met in College, and works as a pharmacist for the Kroger Co. They have a 19 year old daughter, Casey, that is going to Dickinson State University in North Dakota on a golf scholarship and a 14 year old son, Mitchell, that is a sophomore in high school.

When not working at the course Craig loves coaching baseball. Craig coaches the Little League juniors team and will also be helping out with the high school baseball team.

He is a diehard Minnesota Twins fan and never misses a game.

He may have to record

it but he does what it takes to support the team. He is holding out high hopes that they will win the World Series again someday, 1991 was a long time ago and they are due.

Whitehawk Ranch, also known as the “Crown Jewel of the Ranch” is carved out of the natural terrain of the Mohawk Valley, the immaculate fairways are framed with native grasses, California poppies and blue lupine.

Seven streams meandering through the tall pines, cedars, firs, and quaking aspens create ponds that make this course unique. The course was designed by Dick Bailey. Craig is proud that they have been ranked in the top 15 public courses in the state on several occasions and he holds their Environmental Stewardship Award as one of their most important honors. The course yardage is 6,955 and is a par 71. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to play this beautiful course and we want to THANK Craig and Whitehawk for hosting the 2014 President’s Cup tournament.

Check out the website: Sierranevadagcsa.com

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SAM SAMUELSON, CGCS

O F W I L D H AW K REN EWS PROFESSION AL CERTIFICATION Robert A. Samuelson, certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Wildhawk Golf Club, Sacramento, Calif., has Sam Samuelson, CGCS completed the renewal process for maintaining his elite status with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Samuelson has been at Wildhawk Golf Club since 2011.

A 33-year GCSAA member, he initially achieved his certification in 1989. Only about 1,500 golf course superintendents worldwide currently hold top-level status as a certified golf course superinten-

dent. “This program requires the highest set of competencies in golf course management through testing and practical application, and we are proud of the association’s Class A members who have advanced and continue to hold the highest level of professional recognition as a certified golf course superintendent,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “We congratulate Robert on his continuing accomplishment.”

The Association was among the first to institute a professional certification program, establishing its program in 1971 to recognize outstanding and progressive superintendents. The program is recognized by the National Certification Commission as one of the most extensive and comprehensive certification programs for any profession.

To qualify for GCSAA’s top certification, a candidate must have at least

G. C.

three years’ experience as a golf course superintendent, be currently employed in that capacity and meet post-secondary educational requirements and/or continuing education points. A candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities are validated through case-study scenarios and work samples; an on-site inspection of their golf facility; and a rigorous six-hour examination covering equipment, irrigation systems, materials and technology, golf course and grounds, human resources, Rules of Golf, financial and administrative systems, regulatory and programmatic systems, crisis management, project management, and ethics and values.

In order to maintain certified status, candidates are required to complete testing every five years.

To fulfill certification renewal, a candidate must participate in 150 hours of continuing education and professional development.

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FROM THE FIELD

JEFF JENSEN, GCSAA FIELD STAFF, SOUTHWEST REGION

Where has summer gone?

Labor Day is quickly approaching and Jeff Jensen GCSAA staffers are starting to prepare for the 2015 Golf Industry Show and GCSAA Golf Championships scheduled for Feb. 21-26, 2015 in San Antonio.

I am making a pre-convention visit to San Antonio in late September to preview the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the surrounding River Walk and hopefully make a

few visits to some of the host golf courses for the GCSAA Golf Championships.

Housing is now open for GIS and our partner Travel Planners features 14 properties all located within an 11 minute walk of the convention center. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio will serve as GCSAA Headquarters for the week and other featured chains include Hilton, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Omni and Westin. Travel Planners offers a low rate guarantee, no booking fees and online service 24 hours a day.

Reservations can be booked at tphousing.com.

Early registration for GIS will begin in November and we hope to

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have a large turnout from our California members in San Antonio.

More information is available at www.gcsaa.org and www.golfindustryshow.com.

In the world of technology, GCSAA recently launched the GCSAA + app for iPhone and Android. GCSAA+ is the next evolutionary step in the GCSAA smartphone app roadmap. This builds on the current app by adding basic membership functions. Now members can use their web login to access and update their member profiles and search the member directory from their mobile phones or (Continued on page 9)

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THE

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tablets. GCSAA + still provides news and the same great resources as the previous app. Links to download the app are available at http://www.gcsaa.org/newsroom/n ews/gcsaa/2014/gcsaa-applaunches.

sen@gcsaa.org if I can be of any assistance. You may also follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_SW and make sure to visit the Southwest Regional webpage at http://www.gcsaa.org/community/ regions/southwest/.

Last but not least, if you have changed jobs, relocated or updated your email address, please remember to login into your member account at gcsaa.org to update your member profile. We want to make sure that you are receiving your member materials in a timely manner and are able to communicate with you as needed.

Thank you for all of your support and please contact me at jjen-

The second phase of the 2014 Rounds 4 Research fundraising program for turfgrass studies, run by the EIFG, sold more than 200 rounds of golf and yielded $30,891 in the seven-day online

auction that closed Aug. 10. The total for the June and August auctions was $145,339.

The Sierra Nevada GCSA would like your assistance in helping us become a bigger part of this worthwhile program. It isn’t too late to start thinking about 2015.

Michael Scully and Kurtis Wolford will be spearheading these efforts. If you have any questions or want to help out contact the association office and become a part of this program.

Paul K. Smith Sales Representative Pest Control Advisor Western Specialty Division

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HELENA CHEMICAL COMPANY 3155 Southgate Lane Chico, Ca 95928 Bus: (530) 342-4786 (800) 554-5703 Fax: (530) 343-9047

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HIG HLIG HTS FROM T HE SNGCSA SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH TOURNAMENT .

P E A C H T R E E C. C. G O L F At left is the team of Alexander Kropp, 2014 Legacy Award Winner, Sam Samuelson, CGCS, Michael Kropp, and Ryan Gomes

Host Superintendent Tracy Shanahan along with SNGCSA President Jessie Sequin

Everyone had a great day playing golf and visiting with the vendors on the course.

At right Commercial Pump had a few “freebees” for everyone and was popular with the players.

At right the team of Scott Dickson, Jim Barbuto, Colby Gunsch, and Manny Pina

Above is The Ridge Team with Patrick Dopplemeyer, Scott McCullough, Jerry Rogers, Beau Scott.. Pictured below Pete Bowman present Alexander Scott with his Legacy Award

2014 Scholarship Award Winners The 2014 Turf Student Scholarship went to Dustin Wallace, Dustin is working at Stockton Golf & C.C. as a greenskeeper while attending San Joaquin Delta College majoring in Horticulture & Turf Management. Legacy Awards were granted to Alexander Kropp, son of Michael Kropp, Kaila Olson, daughter of Mike Olson, Marissa Fackler, daughter of Steve Fackler, CGCS, Hayley McIntyre, daughter of Dan McIntyre, and Brigette Creencia, daughter of Jessie Creencia, CGCS. A total of $7500 in scholarships and Legacy Awards were granted as well as a $5000 research donation to the Turf & Landscape Foundation. These are your dollars at work for our industry and for our members.

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2014 TRI CHAPTER MEETING “HONORING A LEGEND”

BY DAVE BERMUDEZ

Course Superintendent asked some interesting questions.

Ed Silva. It was 1954 In addition, prior to the Superinwhen Cliff became Del tendent’s meeting Cliff was interRio’s second superintenviewed by Ron Agostini of The dent and ran the property Modesto Bee Newspaper. Ron wrote a very nice article in the for over 30 years. paper about Cliff. The article can He was a strong advocate for the industry and for superintendents everywhere. He was the Northern California Cliff Wagoner with Dave Bermudez GCSA President in 1959, 1965 and 1967. Cliff was very I would like to thank involved with the formation of everyone who attended the Trithe California Federation of Golf Chapter Meeting on August 11th Course Superintendent’s now at Del Rio Golf and Country known as California State Su- Myrtle Wagoner sharing a laugh with guests Club. At that meeting we perintendent’s Association. He “Honored a Legend Clifford be found on our Superintendent’s was the second president of the State Website. Howard Richman Wagoner CGCS”.

California state in 1965. Cliff of GCSAA Golf Management The following was Clifwas elected to the GCSAA Board magazine was also here. Howard ford’s introduction at this meetof Directors and became GCSAA is featuring an article about Cliff ing: It was 1946 when a young President in 1973. While on the in the October edition of GCM. 26 year old Cliff Wagoner met board he co-chaired the CertificaPlease take a minute to read it. It Golf Course Architect William P. tion Program and helped build was a great day to “Honor a LegBell for the first time. They our GCSAA Headquarters. Cliff end” walked the property which was has won awards through the an old turkey farm back then. years, the GCSAA Distinguished Cliff helped Mr. Bell lay out the Service Award “1985”, Sal Sorbello and BelKorp were popular on the course as they hosted the beverrouting plan for a golf course GCSANC Honorary Membership ages for the day. which is now known as Del Rio “1985”, GCSANC George Golf and Country Club. As a Santana Distinguished Service young assistant Superintendent Award “1996”, and GCSANC Cliff helped build the golf course Superintendent of the Year under the direction of Golf Award “1974”. Cliff is also Del Rio’s only HonorIn honor of Cliff Wagoner, Del Rio C.C. hosted several retired members from the Tri Chapters: From left are Jim Bantrup, ary Member.

Steve Carlton, Cliff Wagoner, Jose Rodriquez, Corey EastCliff with wood, Rod Kilcoyne, and Emil Yappert. his wife Myrtle at his side spoke to the audience of almost 100 industry people for over 30 minutes.

He was very entertaining, quick witted, and held his own when

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Thank You Sponsor for the 2014 Tri Chapter Event

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS