JulyAug2017

FORE YOUR INFORMATION Ju l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

2017 President’s Cup Tournament Coyote Moon Golf Club September 18, 2017 Host Ram Sena

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P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S AG E

Scott Dickson

This has been a busy couple of months for our chapter. In July we held the Scholarship and Research Tournament which was very well attended and the Auction was a success. We want to “THANK” Jim Husting, CGCS and his staff for hosting this event and for providing a wonderful venue. Also a huge “THANK YOU” to all the vendors that supported the event financially and for providing auction items for us. This year we were able to give out $11,000 in scholarships and Leg-

BY

SCOTT DICKSON

acy Awards to students. The funds raised this year will go towards scholarships for next year.

We just held the Tri Chapter meeting at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento on August 21st. There was a great turnout with all three chapters having excellent representation. Presidents from NorCal, Central, and of course Sierra Nevada were present as well as several members of each of their boards. This event is always a great opportunity to visit with members that we don’t get to see to often.

Visiting Del Paso was like going home for me after spending 4 1/2 years as the assistant there. I had the opportunity to visit with some staff members that I haven’t seen in quite a while. We can’t thank superintendent Mark McKinney,CGCS enough for not only hosting the event but for providing an excellent educational program. Mark invited Brian Whitlark to assist with the educa-

tional presentation and it was extremely interesting and very interactive with the group attending.

We want to “THANK” Belkorp for providing the group with beverages on the course during the tournament as well as Turf Star, Simplot Partners, Syngenta, BASF, and OGT for their support of the event. These types of events wouldn’t be as successful if not for the support of our affiliate members. Thank you, again for your continued support.

We are looking forward to our next event. The President’s Cup Tournament, that will be held on September 18th at Coyote Moon Golf Course. Ram Sena is hosting the event and has a fun day planned for us. The weather should hold up for us as the temperatures don’t seem to be heading down any time soon. See you all at Coyote Moon.

2017 SNGCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Scott Dickson Brightview VICE PRESIDENT William Hamilton CGCS Lake Wildwood Association

SECRETARY/TREASURER John Jorgensen The Reserve at Spanos Park

PAST PRESIDENT Kurtis Wolford Cherry Island Golf Course

DIRECTORS Dave Bermudez Del Rio Golf & Country Club

Wes Hull Nakoma Golf Resort

Rob Williams Shaffer’s Mill

Affiliate Representatives Matt Graves Belkorp 209-484-5096 Tim McCoy, Turf Star 916-861-7924

John Farley Teal Bend G.C.

M E E T I N G DA T E S

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September 18, 2017

February 3-8, 2018

Presidents' Cup Tournament Coyote Moon Golf Course Hosted by Ram Sena

2018 GCSAA Golf Industry Show San Antonio, TX

November 6, 2017 Annual Election Meeting The Ridge Golf Course Hosted by Scott McCullough

2018 January 9, 2018 Mechanic/Irrigation Seminar The Ridge Golf Course Hosted by Scott McCullough

February 7, 2018 California Room San Antonio, Texas The Buckhorn Texas Ranger Museum & Bar

March 2018 Annual GrassRoots Tournament Location and date to be determined

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F ROM T HE F IELD BY

JEFF JENSEN GCSAA FIELD STAFF

It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to an end.

School’s back in session and before we know it the holidays will be here.

Time flies when you are having fun.

The appliJeff Jensen cation period for the GCSAA/Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA) is open thru September 30. Presented by Syngenta, the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards recognize golf course superintendents and golf courses around the world for their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Applicants must be members in good standing of GCSAA and of an affiliated GCSAA chapter. Members may apply directly for the award or they may be nominated by another GCSAA member or non-member.

Applications will be evaluated based on water conservation, water quality management, integrated pest management, energy conservation, pollution prevention, waste management,

wildlife and habitat conservation, communication and outreach/leadership.

Online applications are available at https://www.gcsaa.org/about-gcsaa/ awards/environmental-leaders-in-golfawards.

The Southwest Region has had three National Public and Overall Winners since 2011 (Tim Powers, Gary Ingram, Mark Condos) and has won numerous awards in other categories.

It’s my hope that we will see several new ELGA applicants from the Sierra Nevada GCSA. It’s a terrific opportunity to communicate your environmental efforts to the industry, community, lawmakers and media.

In addition to the ELGA’s, applications for the Melrose Academy are open thru Sept. 15. The Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA member superintendents by providing individuals the opportunity to attend the Golf Industry Show.

The Melrose Academy is open to those who have been Class A and B GCSAA members for more than five years and haven’t attended GIS in the last five years.

While at the show, participants

will attend a variety of seminars and education hosted by industry leaders and leading golf associations. Areas of education include risk management, efficient operations, business, communication and environmental stewardship.

Those selected to participate in the program will receive GIS full-pack registration, GIS Education and leadership seminars, round trip airfare to San Antonio, TX., five night’s hotel, $200 spending money and communication, education, tools and resources following GIS. More information including the online application is available at http://www.eifg.org/education/melroseleadership-academy.

Thanks to everyone for their continued support of GCSAA and please remember to follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_SW for daily industry updates. I hope you all have a great fall season and make sure to take a little time off to rest and enjoy yourself. The work will be there when you get back.

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Mark McKinney, CGCS

Del Paso Country Club

by Scott McCullough

Mark McKinney, CGCS

Anyone who knows Mark McKinney knows his work ethic and speed he moves is faster than most.

On May 21st Mark hosted the TriChapter meeting at Del Paso Country Club and I know everyone was looking forward to playing the course.

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Mark hosted the 2015 US Senior Open. Ten years before that Del Paso did a course renovation. The renovation was designed by Kyle Phillips with Mark overseeing everything. The course has native clay soils that were sand capped. Mark has had his challenges with growing cool season turf in the hot Sacramento heat. Luckily Mark has been able to use his education and years of experience to keep things nearly perfect at times when weather conditions are less than ideal.

Mark got interested in being a Golf Course Superintendent because he loved the outdoors and was interested in biology and agriculture.

Mark had his first job after earning a played fantastic and the greens were BS in Agronomy from the Univerfirm and fast. Brian Whitlark from sity of Missouri and a BA in Biolthe USGA spoke at the event. Eveogy from Drury College. His first ryone was engaged and enjoyed job was at the Byron Nelson Tourwhat he had to say and I think evenament in Dallas Texas and since ryone took away something. Fithen had numerous construction, nally, I would like to say a huge renovation, and grow-in projects thank you to Mark and the staff at throughout the country. Through all Del Paso for hosting a great event. his years of working at a golf courses his career highlight is the The SNGCSA is now on 2015 US Senior Open.

Facebook and Even when the course seems Twitter. perfect to most Mark is always Check it out! working on future projects. He Check out the website: wants to continue building cart paths Sierranevadagcsa.com on holes that previously had none.

He would also like to redesign some irrigation to create naturalized low maintenance non-irrigated areas. The total acreage of the course is 130 acres and the course yardage is 7,121 yards. The course has 101 years of history and the course has tested 800 MOSSDALE RD, LATHROP, CA. some of the best 209 234-1500 www.brownsandinc.com players out there such as Tommy ArPRODUCTSSERVICES AVAILABLEmour, Sam Snead, USGA Top Dressing Sand Deliveries by MAGNUM TRUCKING INC. Billy Casper, Johnny Greens Top Dressing Sand Blend Materials to Customers Specifications Bunker Sand Miller, and Tom Profile / Sand Blends Watson to just name 0-0-50 / Kiln Dried Sand blends Kiln Dried USGA Sand - 3000lbs Super Sacks a few.

Dakota Peat Sand Blends Peat Inc Sand Blends On Monday, Pea Gravel the course tested my Top Soil marginal game but Mike Stieler shot an FOR ALL YOUR MATERIAL NEEDS PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE amazing 67 and won OR the tournament for REGGIE POMICPIC – Director of Sales and Market the Sierra Nevada Cell# 209 993-5211 E-mail: reggie@brownsandinc.com GCSA. The course

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CHAPTER NEWS

BY

IR E N E C L I N E & K I M B E R LY MI L NE

One more month of summer is ahead of us. The temperatures are back up in the triple digits for the valley members and I’m sure everyone is pretty much over the heat and ready for fall. Not to make any of you jealous but Rob Williams reported that he got about 3” of rain over a weeks period up at Shaffer’s Mill.

A few changes around the area are that Dave Ing, Canyon Oaks Country Club in Chico has announced his retirement after 20 plus years at the courses. The club has named David Major as the new Superintendent there.

In other news around the area Yogi Choung formally the Assistant Superintendent at Granite Bay Country Club will be the Su-

perintendent at Empire Ranch GC in Folsom.

Rob Williams, at Shaffer’s Mill recently hired a 1st assistant Bryant Wait who comes to our chapter from Mississippi State. and a 2nd Asst. is Jason Kern from Michigan now living in Tahoe.

Mace Meadows C.C. is reopening with all new greens to show off. Owners, Kirk Wallace and Darryl Rigshaw, have been working hard and are expected to open the course on September 1st. The diner is already open. Some of you may have had the opportunity to meet Kirk at Woodbridge Golf & C.C. during the Scholarship & Research tournament. If not give them a call and make a plan to visit the facility.

Dave Bermudez announced that he will be getting a new mainte-

nance facility at Del Rio C.C. The plan is in plan check now and could be breaking ground this fall. They are also doing phase 2 of the club house and they have a three year plan to convert the full twenty seven holes of fairways to Hybrid Bermuda.

We want to send best wishes for a speedy recovery to Kewal “Singh” Hansi at Yolo Fliers Club. Singh is recovering from bypass surgery.

It is almost that time again to start processing our annual renewals. Look for your renewal and annual updates soon. Be sure that if you have had changes in your address, email addresses, or phones that you let us know. We want to be sure that you are receiving your information from the chapter.

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AFFILIATE MEMBER PROFILE C H U C K T A L L E Y , “O N E O F T H E C L A S S I C S ”

BY TIM MCCOY “August 13, 1974, starting wage was $2.50 an hour!” Without a second thought that was Chuck’s response to my first question during a recent coffee break. That was Chuck’s first day on the job in the Turf Industry. Ask Chuck about any Toro Product, (any year/model) he most likely will provide the answer, and a story to go with it. Actually, you can ask him about any brand of equipment and he probably will have your answer. Yes, he is that knowledgeable! And he has that “memory thing” going for him… Ask any Customer, (or Salesman J) who questioned a proposal! You’ll never get one over on Chuck.

From 1974 when, fresh out of the US Army, he started as a mechanic for Brady Holmes, the Toro Distributor in Sacramento at the time, to the present Chuck has been The Face of Toro Equipment in Northern California. That’s over 40 years people!!! As a Territory Salesman to Branch Manager, Chuck has made a great impact on our industry with his knowledge and experience. If you don’t believe me, just ask the Engineers and Product Development Managers at Toro!!!

If you have spoken with Chuck as of late, you know he has a

passion for motorcycles. Actually all things that go fast! He rides a BMW M1200 and has just finished restoring a 1971 Norton Commando. Chuck is the father of two, son Sean & daughter Julie. And recently he and wife of 44 years Marilyn are the very proud Grandparents of Adilyn who I hear is very fast on all fours!

In true Classic Chuck fashion, he asked that I “THANKYOU” all for this recognition as Affiliate Member of the Year. He is appreciative of the many long term friendships that have fostered here.

I will finish with these thoughts; if you need a wine recommendation, a Sunday morning motor cycle ride, or you need a belt for a 1972 something or other…He’s your guy!!! Congratulations Chuck!!!

We hope to feature other affiliate members of our association in upcoming issues of the Fore Your Information. If you would like to recommend and help out featuring a member don’t hesitate to call the association office at 559-298-6262.

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 sngcsaa@aol.com

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H I G H L I G H T S O F W O O D B R I D G E G O L F & C .C .

2017 S C H O L A R S H I P & R E S E A RC H T O U R N A M E N T It was a beautiful day for a tournament and Woodbridge Golf & C.C. was in immaculate shape. Host superintendent Jim Husting, CGCS was hosting our association for the 8th time. The turnout was great and everyone enjoyed the special events on the course, like the Commercial Pump Display pictured below. Thanks to Belkorp and Turf Star who set up equipment displays for everyone to enjoy and Thank You to Syngenta for helping purchase our Tee Prizes. Additionally Sierra Pacific Turf held a Casino Hole on the course which helped raise additional funds for our programs. Dave Bermudez, SNGCSA Board Members and Scholarship & Research Tournament Chairman continues to do an outstanding job . Kurtis Wolford is his co chair for this event and none of this would be possible if not for the hard work these two put in. During the event we were also honoring our members of the year. Jim Ferrin, CGCS was selected as SNGCSA Distinguished Member.

Jay Colvin Auburn Valley C.C. was selected as the President’s Grass Roots recipient, Mike Olson was selected as the Turf Grass Manager of the Year, and Chuck Talley received the Affiliate Member of the Year Award. All four gentlemen are well deserving of these awards and we are proud that they are members of our association. Tournament results were 1st Place team was Jim Ferrin, Jose Rios, Mike Stieler, & Tim Texeira. 2nd Place was Jim Barbuto, Rick Morgan, Brandon Russell & Pat Smythe. 3rd Place was Jordan Archulete, Jim Stein, Kevin Wolf, and Steve Wolf. 4th Place was Mike Cornett, Akoni Ganir, Nick Niles, & Mark Stutsman.

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California GCSA BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES UPDATE

The California GCSA BMP committee continues its efforts to hire a third party consultant.

The committee has received five proposals. A BMP Rating Sub Committee was formed with representatives from each of the California Chapters participating. The committee is being headed up by Josh Heptig Golf Superintendent for SLO County, who also acts as the

Central California Chapter representative.

The selection committee will rate the various proposals using the same grading system on each proposal. Each of the five primary categories, qualifications, content, responsiveness, best value analysis, and experience will all be weighted equally as determined by the full committee during their August

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Mick & Debbie Evans West Coast Golf Construction Class Affiliates Austin Brooks Textron Class Affiliate

John Alamino, Jacobsen, Class Affiliate Stephen Bryant Wait Shaffer’s Mill Class C

meeting. Sept 1st is the deadline for the subcommittee responses and the selection should be completed by Sept. 15th.

If you have questions please contact Irene Cline or Kimberly Milne at 559-298-6262 .

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H I G H L I G H T S F R O M D E L P A S O C O U N T RY C L U B The Sierra Nevada GCSA hosted the 2017 Tri Chapter Meeting & Golf Tournament. The chapters include Sierra Nevada GCSA, GCSA of Central California, and the Northern California GCSA (NorCal). Every year we take turns in hosting this event and 2017 was our turn. Mark McKinney, CGCS was asked if we could host the event at Del Paso and he agreed. It was an opportunity to have all three memberships visit him and everyone was excited to have the opportunity to play the course. It is always difficult to hold meetings and get people to attend. This was not the case for this event. We were able to have all three chapter presidents in attendance. Pictured at left are Scott Dickson, SNGCSA President, Sean Tully, Nor Cal President, and Steven Showers, GCSA Central California President. In addition we had several members from each board attend the event and by mixing up the teams they were able to visit with members they hadn’t met or hadn’t seen in a while.

BelKorp hosted the beverages and Sal Sorbello and Craig Watters provided the mobile beverage services. Our educational talk was presented by Mark McKinney, CGCS and Brian Whitlark, USGA Agronomist. It was an inside look at what it takes to put on an event such as the US Senior Open and what happens after such an event is over. It was extremely insightful and those attending the event had a lot of questions which were answered by both Brian and Mark. Thank you to our spon-

sors Syngenta, Belkorp, Turf Star, OGT, BASF, and Simplot Partners.

It was a great day to walk the Director Irene Cline, course so several members chose to do so. Executive SNGCSA & Central California and Mark Connerly, NorCal Executive Director

Mike Basile and Mike Garvale At left are Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Field Representative and Rob Williams, SNGCSA Board of Director At right and one of the walking teams is Jeff Jensen, Brain Whitlark, and Mark McKinney.

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T R I C HA P T E R T OU R NA M E N T

Sierra Nevada Chapter took team trophy home this year and Host Superintendent Mark McKinney, CGCS accepted the award for the chapter.

His score helped us win the trophy so it was only fitting he was granted the honors.

Gross play winners were 1st Place Mike Stieler, CGCS , 2nd Place Steven Spatafore, 3rd Place Steve Bryne, and 4th Place Ryan Smith. Closest to the pin was Brian Whitlark

Net winners were, 1st Place Jay Neunisnger, 2nd Place Brian Whitlark, 3rd Place Mark McKinney, and 4th Place Scott Dickson.

Steve Byrne

Above are Akoni Ganir, Mark Stutzman, Steve Kimbrough, and Berry MacBan. Right Mike Stieler, Rob Williams, Steve Byrne, and Glenn Matthews. At left are Jeremy Payne, Vince Keats, Scott Dickson, Sean Tulley, and Kevin Hauschel

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