March April 2013 Fore Your Information

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FORE YOUR INFORMATION M I C K E G ROV E G O L F L I N K S

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

President’s Message

2

Meeting Schedule

5

Wm Land Park Field Day

7

From the Field

8

Scholarship & Research

10

Professionally & Personally

11

Wilbur News

11

Highlights From Grassroots

12

Highlights From GIS

13

Highlights From California Room

14

Dates to Remember

May 20 & 21, 2013 2013 California GCSA Annual Meeting & Golf Championship Winchester Country Club

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

BOB FRANCO SUPERINTENDENT

It isn’t an April fools joke, this course really does have a zoo.

Every day Bob goes to work with the sounds of monkeys, tigers, and lions echoing through his course. So don’t miss this experience on April 1 when the Sierra Nevada Chapter holds it’s April meeting at Micke Grove Golf Links.

In 2003 Bob was operating his own landscape business when he felt he needed a little more steady pay check coming in so he applied

for a position as a Irrigation Tech at the Reserve at Sponos Park. He was immediately hired by Greg Jones. During the interview Greg asked Bob if he had ever thought about being in the golf business. Bob’s immediate reply was “I don’t think I’m a good enough golfer”. After a few days though he understood the question and knew that he had found his calling.

He moved on from his job at the Reserve to the Asst position at Van Buskirk G.C.

working for Doc Carmichael and Valley Crest.

After a couple of years he knew he wanted to learn more and took a position as assistant at Wente Vineyards. During his time at Wente they hosted a NationWide Tour event, which Bob considers one of his career highlights.

From Wente Bob went to work for Mike Olson at Oakdale C.C. and he remembers telling Mike he wasn’t leaving there unless he (Continued on page 6)

2013 SNGCSA AWARD WINNERS

BY JESSE SEGUIN

The Sierra Nevada Superintendents Association has some outstanding achievement award winners for 2012. The recipients of this year’s awards have all been in the business for some time and they have definitely earned these awards: Dave Bermudez Distinguished Member of the Year: Dave has been

a peer and mentor superintendent to the local golf community. He has served on the boards of the Sierra Nevada Chapter as well as the Southern California Chapter. Dave is the originator of the current Scholarship & Research auction fundraiser which has increased the association’s fundraising success four fold.

Dean Kinney- Affiliate Merit Award: Dean has been a very strong affiliate supporter of the association as well as an excellent sales man.

Dean is always available if you need him for a question about a certain product or problem.

Dean not only has the knowledge but has lots (Continued on page 4)

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Fore Your Information EDITOR Jeremy Payne Winchester C.C.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

OFFICE SNGCSA 5322 N. Leonard Clovis, CA 93619 559-298-6262 Fax# 559-298-6957 sngcsaa@aol.com PRESIDENT Jeremy Payne Winchester C.C. 530-878-9099

VICE PRESIDENT Jesse Seguin Lincoln Hills Golf Course 916-434-7200

SECRETARY/TREASURER Bob Franco Micke Grove Golf Links 209-598-0564

PAST PRESIDENT Jeff Couwenhoven 916-771-7370

DIRECTORS Dave Bermudez Del Rio Golf & Country Club 209-341-2413 Scott McCullough The Ridge Golf Course 530-888-7122 ext 2 Kurtis Wolford Cherry Island Golf Course 916-991-7659 Rob Williams Stockton Golf & C.C. 209-462-6734

Affiliate Representatives Dave Wilber Sierra Pacific Turf Supply 916-630-7600 Pete Bowman Target Specialty Products 916-396-9394

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

Jeremy Payne

As this early spring descends upon us, I’m writing this President’s message as much as a reminder for myself as for those of you reading it.

As a father of two small children now, superintendent of a course just undergoing the transition to new

ownership and someone generally hopeful but cautious about all the tumultuous change going on in the nation and world at large, I find the need for balance in my life more important than ever.

We all have different needs, wants, desires and goals. We all have different amounts and types of people depending on us for one thing or another. But I constantly have to remind myself, on a near daily basis, that if I don’t take care of myself first, I’m going to have an even harder time taking care of others and my overall responsibilities.

While the time I have just for myself slips from slim to nearly non-existent, I

BY

JEREMY PAYNE

also wouldn’t trade the non -me time for anything else in the word. I love my family and spending time with my wife and kids.

The memories of our time and recent trips together will be ones I’ll remember my whole life. I love my job (as I’m sure the majority of us do, otherwise why would be in this crazy profession to begin with?!) and find myself constantly re-realizing how lucky I am to get to work outside, with great people, on a beautiful property, getting paid to do what a lot of people wish they could do instead of their “real job.”

However, I can’t say life isn’t stressful. I’d love to (Continued on page 3)

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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see more rain for the course. I have my fingers crossed that my family stays happy and healthy. I’m working my tail off to try and ensure my job security with new owners.

But at the end of the day, when I step back and look at my life in general, the stresses are minor.

I….we…..could be much worse off. So do something for yourself today. Go play a round of golf (in bare feet if you can….trust me, it’s amazing!). Drive your course looking not at the grass and the bare areas and the sprinkler leaks, but the wildlife, the spring flowers and the people who are enjoying your handiwork. Go home and BBQ a steak, drink a beer, play ball with your kids. Go for a jog, jamming to your favorite playlist, get your blood pumping. Call up a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up

with for forever, but tell yourself you never have the time. Take your wife out to dinner and a movie (and try not to talk about the kids or work!). And most importantly remind yourself that we’re some of the luckiest people alive; doing what we love, surrounded by great people, living in a nation many people would die to be a part of.

After all, even when things seem to be really going bad, “it’s just grass…..it will grow back”, right? :o)

Jeremy

Welcome New Members Rodney Muller Empire Ranch G.C. Class A Chris Mains Discovery Bay Golf & C.C. Class A Anthony Kerr Normac Inc. Class Affiliate Dean Cooper Helena Chemical Class Affiliate

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2013 SNGCSA Award Winner Continued from page 1 Sam has worked up through the ranks to the position of superintendent. Sam has always wanted to provide an association event our crew members could participate in and founded the Grassroots Tournament which has successfully served that purpose for the past 10 years.

Jim Ferrin, CGCS 2013 Grassroots Tournament Winner: Jim has been in the business for 30 years and it has given him many opportunities to hone his golf skills.

If you have ever seen Jim play golf you know what an excellent player he is. Jim’s love for the game led him into the profession in 1974.

From left Dave Bermudez, Dean Kinney, Jim Ferrin, CGCS, Mike Azevedo, and Sam Samuelson, CGCS From there Jim earned a degree from UC San Diego in 1976. After that he worked at many courses up of experience and is a leader in Club. For the past 26 months Mike and down the California valley has been undergoing treatment for product research in our region. where he has enjoyed his love of the cancer. Mike receives radiation and Mike Azevedo game. Jim loves the fact that “golf chemotherapy on a routine basis on Turfgrass Manager of the Year: has a great history and is a great top of his demanding position as Most everyone in our area probably sport.” Jim has also won previous Superintendent. Mike is the epitome knows Mike. Mike has been a local SNGCSA golf tournaments as well of the hard-working, dedicated, sucgrass grower and superintendent for as the Distinguished Member of the cessful turfgrass manager we all over 25 years. Mike is also the faYear award in 2010. aspire to be. ther of two daughters and a husband Sam Samuelson, CGCS to his wife of many years. Most recently Mike has been the SuperinPresidents Grassroots Award: tendent at one of the most unique Sam has some of the strongest long clubs in the area, The Yolo Fliers term dedication in the profession.

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MEETING SCHEDULE April 1, 2013 Micke Grove Golf Links

August 5, 2013 Spring Creek C.C.

Host Superintendent Bob Franco

Tri Chapter Event

May 20 & 21, 2013 Winchester Country Club California GCSA Annual Meeting and Golf Championship Hosted by the Sierra Nevada GCSA Host Superintendent Jeremy Payne

June 10, 2013 Bidwell Park G.C. Host Superintendent Tom Horsman

July 8, 2013 Rancho Murieta C.C.

Hosted by Central California Chapter Host Superintendent Phil Brown

September, 16, 2013 Nakoma Golf Resort President’s Cup Tournament Host Superintendent Jason Klemesrud

October 2013 To Be Announced November 2013 Annual Election Meeting Location to be determined

Annual Scholarship & Research Tournament Host Superintendent Rich Scholes

December 2013 Annual Holiday Event

If you are interested in hosting a meeting email Jeremy Payne at jspturf@hotmail.com or Dave Wilber at davewilber@yahoo.com

Christensen Turf Products Verti Drain Service Tel: (775) 450-2761

Bruce Christensen

2754 Kayne Ave. Minden NV 89423

Fax (775-267-9382 Email: becgolf@earthlink.net

Verti Drain Service

Chr istens en T ur f Pr oducts

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M I C K E G ROV E G O L F L I N K S

BOB FRANCO SUPERINTENDENT CONTINUED got a Superintendent position, which came along in 2011 when Van Buskirk needed a superintendent and he was hired for the job. He remained at Van Buskirk until December 2012 when the position at Micke Grove Golf Links opened up.

Bob loves his job and loves the fact that he is outside.

He also loves the game of golf, and with a 10 handicap he does pretty well at it

too.

When not working on the course Bob loves being with his family. His wife, Jami, and he have been married 8 year and they have two boys Bobby, 7, and Jaxon, 5. They love spending time fishing and also love cars, hotrods in particular. Life is busy for the Franco’s and they enjoy every minute of it.

Bob is giving back to the association which he feels has offered him so many opportunities. He is presently serving as the Secretary/ Treasurer of the SNGCSA and is committed to the future of the association. He recently attended the leadership conference at GCSA Headquarter in

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Lawrence, Kansas. He had the opportunity to sit with 26 other superintendents from 26 chapters around the US. Micke Grove was opened in 1990. The construction at Micke Grove was overseen by our own Pete Bowman, CGCS. The 18 hole links style course has a yardage of 6565 from the tips.

It has 8 lakes and 42 sand bunkers to challenge you, and the signature hole, the 14th, is a 179 yard, par 3, over the water.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the course and remember to thank Bob and crew at Micke Grove for hosting the event.

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

E-mail: smithp@helenachemical.com V.M.: (800) 543-0630 Box#2417 Mob: (530) 864-6443

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

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WILLIAM LAND PARK 2013 FIELD DAY On behalf of myself and The First Tee of Greater Sacramento, I would like to thank the Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association, its members, along with the Golf Course Industry and others, for the help and support we have received at William Land Golf Course over the last eleven years.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 will be the twelfth annual First Tee of Greater Sacramento, Sierra Nevada Superintendents Association, and Greens Industry sponsored and supported Field Day at William Land G. C. This day will help us raise our standards and provide a better experience for both customers and kids.

The day will begin at 7:00 am and lunch will be provided by Ewing Irrigation for all the participants at 11:30 am, please come join us.

Scope of the work: Greens aerification and related activities Deep tine aerification of fairways

Work on irrigation Tree work

Dominant Plus bent grass (50 lbs.)

Work on drainage

Revolution (15 gals.)

Work on bunkers

Greens grade gypsum (1Ton)

Equipment needed: Spreader for topdressing Aerifying equipment Tractors and vertidrains Pro Core and Pro Sweep equipment Utility vehicles Bobcat Sod cutter Trucking for equipment Materials needed: West Coast #3 (100 Ton) Brown sand (green sand 50 Ton) Starter fertilizer (5 Acres) Rye seed 1000 lbs.

If you are able to volunteer or donate please contact: Bob Cline (916-802-2040) rcline@tftgs.org

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FROM THE FIELD

JEFF JENSEN, GCSAA FIELD STAFF, SOUTHWEST REGION

I hope this finds all of Jeff Jensen our Sierra Nevada GCSA members doing well and enjoying some nice spring weather. I recently had the opportunity to accompany the Nevada Golf Alliance to the 77th Session of the Nevada Legislature to represent GCSAA and all of our member clubs in Northern Nevada.

I was able to meet a num-

ber of legislators and had dinner with Senate Majority Leader Mo Denis. Fortunately for the golf industry in Nevada, we are not currently in the crosshairs of any legislation that could have a negative effect on the industry. However, golf facilities and all businesses in Nevada may want to keep an eye on the margins tax initiative that would implement a 2 percent tax on business revenue of more than $1 million a year which would help

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generate revenue earmarked for public schools. A margins tax would have a negative effect on businesses, stall development and kill jobs. It’s not likely this bill will go to a vote during the session, but it then would appear on the 2014 ballot for voters to decide on.

During my visits with Nevada legislators, I also took the opportunity to make them aware of some facts and figures from the recently released 2011 Golf Economic Report.

This report was researched by SRI International and commissioned by the World Golf Foundation and Golf 20/20. As an industry, it’s important that we cite the economic (Continued on page 9)

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activity supported by golf to the media, public and various government agencies. A few highlights that I feel are important in relaying our message: The U.S. golf economy generated $68.8 billion of goods and services in 2011 Golf generated a total economic impact of $176.8 billion in 2011 Golf supported 1.98 million jobs with a wage income of $55.6 billion in 2011 Golf attracted 25.7 million participants in 2011 Revenues generated by golf’s core industries exceeds that of spectator sports, performing arts, and

other amusement and recreation industries While the industry has certainly had its share of struggles over the past 5 years, these numbers prove that golf continues to offer lifelong recreational opportunities and enjoyment for millions. Keep these figures in mind when you are promoting your profession and the game.

Thank you again for all of your support and if I can be of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org or follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_SW.

The SNGCSA is now on Facebook and Twitter.

Check it out!

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2 0 13 S C H O L A R S H I P & R E S E A R C H D AV I D B E R M U D E Z T O U R NA M E N T C H A I R M A N

David Bermudez

SNGCSA Members, Before we know it, it will be time for the chapter’s Scholarship and Research Tournament. This year’s tournament is scheduled to be held on July 8th at Rancho Murieta

Country Club. We thank Rich Scholes, our host superintendent for offering us his fine facility for this special event.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those individuals who made last year’s tournament a huge success. Our major sponsor was Syngenta and Joe Ballmer, who purchased the tee prizes. We would like to thank all the golf industry suppliers that paid for equipment displays, donated items for the live auction, sponsored meals, tee signs and games on the course. Superintendents, we also want to thank you for attending, bringing guests, and providing some great prizes for the raffle.

Over the next few months

the SNGCSA Board of Directors will be contacting you to again ask you to support our tournament. As you know the money raised from this tournament goes to Scholarships, Legacy Awards, Turf Grass Research, Personal and Professional Development Programs for our members, and our Benevolent Fund.

We have the Turf Grass Scholarships ready for those that may know of a student that would qualify for this and we have the Legacy Award applications ready for those members that have a college age child. You can call the association office 559-298-6262 to have Irene or Kim send one to you.

Put the date, July 8, 2013 on your calendars. We will have the information out to you soon. Please help us invest in the future of golf.

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Wilber’s Sierra Nevada News

BY ROB WILLIAMS

by Dave Wilber

Spring and summer is just around the corner with several warm days raising the soil temperatures and teasing the Bermuda grass out of its' winter slumber. The courses on the eastern side of the Sierras mountains will be looking forward to no more days of freeze and thaw. The courses in the mountains will soon be getting anxious to see how well the snow insulated their greens during the winter. All too soon we will all Rob Williams be back into the daily dance of preparing and presenting the best course conditions we can achieve.

As our summers become increasingly busy we see less and less of our family and friends. We too quickly get to the point of long hours at work and little to no personal time for ourselves. This can not only put a strain on our family life and relationships, but also a strain on our health and well being.

The next time you look at your calendar on the wall, I-Phone or office computer, schedule some regular personal time to spend with loved ones or a buddy to go fishing, golfing, hiking, catch a baseball game or a movie, anything to find a way to recharge the batteries and be fresh for the golf course.

With the stress of budgets getting tighter by the year and the need for us to find innovative and more efficient ways to maintain course conditions, the Sierra Nevada chapter events offer a great opportunity to network and discuss with our peers and friends any problems or issues that we may be facing. I challenge every member to call a fellow superintendent in their local area for a chat and to invite them along to a chapter meeting to take advantage of the support and networking opportunities.

Everyone in attendance at this year's Grass Roots event had a special treat. Thanks to Sam Samuelson and the staff at Wildhawk G.C. for greatness. Award winners well deserved and I've heard a Dave Wilber dozen recounts of the emotion from my good friend Mike Azevedo of The Yolo Fliers Club. I hope the farmers, errrr, members who think they know better than Mike will take some notice of what we all feel about him.

Job movement has been a little slow. Pete Bowman, who has held the area together for Target Specialty Products is moving on to Jacobsen West.

Pete works hard for the SNGCSA board and we wish him well in his transition to Iron sales.

I shouldn't have to beat this drum, but I will. Come to a meeting. In fact come to many meetings. It only gets good if everyone makes an effort to show up. We have great events planned. Come.

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2 0 13 G R A S S R O OT S H I G H T L I G H T

Above are our tournament winners. Corbet Rankin, Jim Ferrin, CGCS, and Steve Byrne. At top right our host superintendent Sam Samuelson, CGCS.

Above Mike Azevedo graciously accepts his award presented to him by Jeremy Payne. At right our educational speaker for the day, Ted Horton, who provided an interesting talk. On the left is a glimpse of the 100+ attendees.

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H I G H L I G H T S F R O M GI S I N S A N D I E G O At left is Cliff Wagoner. Cliff has served the associations, the golf industry, and our members for many years. It was an honor to have him once again attend the GIS.

At right Jessie Creencia, CGCS was caught taking a little rest on the trade show floor Above are Don Nauman, Dean Kinney, and Tim Powers, CGCS. At right Sam Samuelson, CGCS and Jim Ferrin, CGCS pose for the camera

At left is Kevin Breen, CGCS, and Above Pete Fredeen takes a moment to have their pictures taken.

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CALIFORNIA ROOM HIGHLIGHTS Mike Swing, CGCS, Jim Alwine, Manny Pina, and Jason Green, helped all the California Members get aboard the ship safely and quickly.

The USS Midway was the home to our 2013 California Room. 620 California Chapter members and guests attended the event.

Tours, Special Presentations, Flight Simulators, all were available to the attendees. SNGCSA members Ben and Jason Showard, pictured at right

GCSAA President Pat Finlen, CGCS made a special presentation to Cliff Wagoner and his wife Myrtle for their many years of service to our associations. Pictured at left are Jim Husting and his wife, with Chuck Talley and Jim Alwine. At right are Ram Sena and Beau Miller enjoying the ship and the company.

At right are Kimberly Milne, Irene Cline, Jeremy and Molly Payne.

Thank you to Emmy Moore Minister for the photos

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ROUNDS FOR RESEARCH

For Information please contact Michael Scully 209-575-9680 or Irene Cline 559-298-6262