Mayjune 2014

FORE YOUR INFORMATION

M a y / Ju n e 2 0 1 4

Peach Tree Golf & Country Club 2014 SNGCSA Scholarship & Research Tournament

Tracy Shanahan Superintendent Peach Tree Golf & C.C.

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

P age 2

F o r e Y o ur I nf o r m a ti o n

F o r e Y o u r I n f o r m a ti o n

P age 3

July 21, 2014 Annual Scholarship & Research Tournament Peach Tree Golf & C.C. Hosted by Tracy Shanahan

August 11, 2014

FRONT COVER TR ACY SHANA HAN , HO ST S UPER INTEN DENT FOR THE 2 01 4 SC HOLAR HS IP & RESEARC H TO URN AMEN T, PEACH TREE GOLF & C.C.

M E E T I N G DA T E S

Tri Chapter Meeting Del Rio C.C. Hosted by Dave Bermudez

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

October Location to be confirmed

November Annual Election Meeting Location to Be confirmed

December Annual Holiday Event Information to Follow

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 Jeremy Payne Winchester C.C. OFFICE SNGCSA 5322 N. Leonard, Clovis, CA 93619 559-298-6262 Fax# 559-298-6957

F o r e Y o ur I nf o r m a ti o n

P age 4

COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY In my mind, the most important skill any Golf Course Superintendent can have is the ability to communicate. This subject has been Bill Hamilton, CGCS hashed over for years, but if you don't have it, you better get it. Your level of success in this business, and life in general, depends upon it. How else is anybody going to know that you are the expert at what you do? If your customers don't know what you are doing, then they are going to guess. Guessing is usually based upon insufficient data, and speculation ensues. Do you really want that to happen?

BY

On a recent weekend my communication skills were severely challenged when my wife and I were put to the test in constructing a Costco Gazebo Model #GZ734. First, there is the 18 page instruction manual obviously written by someone who has never before put a gazebo together. Then there is my wife who is unsure which is the working end of a screwdriver. I needed another pair of hands to make this thing go vertical. She can maneuver around a shopping mall blindfolded, but she doesn't understand directions like "it's on your other left". There were a few testy moments during the process, but by dusk we had it up. There weren’t too many leftover pieces either.

Good communication skills are essential to getting anything done. Those same skills will let your

BILL HAMILTON customers know what is going on and what to expect in the future. Here's a few hints that have served me well over the years. Apply the "KISS" principle. Keep your printed words at the 7th grade level. If you use technological terms that a reader has to Google, then you're done. You've lost them. Tell a story. Paint a picture. Add some humor. Consider topdressing greens as "a gentle rainfall of sand that will go away in a couple of days". Describe crabgrass as an evil empire that wants to take over the world. Concentrated cart traffic is now "pounding the ground with a hammer". Ever try to describe ball mark repair in words? How about "a tiny ballerina dancing around in circles on her two little legs making everything (Continued on page 5)

F o r e Y o u r I n f o r m a ti o n

P age 5

COMMUNICATION CONTINUED

FROM PAGE

4

all smooth again". It's that easy. Keep your newsletters in a conversational mode. Not many people want to read a technical brief. Your customers want to know what is going on. If there's a problem, clearly and truthfully explain what happened, what you plan to do about it, and then describe what the end result will look like. If you don't address issues on the course, customers may think that you don't see it. We all know that's not true, so let them know that it is under your control. Nothing happens quickly in agronomy, be it routine maintenance or a special project, but your ability to repeatedly get your name and face on top of a situation exhibits your mastery as the go-to guy, the expert in your domain.

Remember “Communication is the Key�

Welcome New Members Martin Davis La Contenta Golf Curse Class A Joel Jaurez Valley Crest Class C Hulises Avila Greenhorn Creek Resort Class A

F o r e Y o ur I nf o r m a ti o n

P age 6

2014 SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH TOURNAMENT PEACH TREE GOLF & C.C . BY DAVE BERMUDEZ Pictured here are 3rd year tournament co-chairs Dave Bermudez, CGCS and Kurtis Wolford

Before we know it will be time for the chapter’s Research and Scholarship Tournament. This year’s tournament is scheduled on July 21st at Peach Tree Country Club. We thank Tracy Shanahan, our host superintendent for offering us his fine facility for this special event.

Once again Syngenta and Joe Ballmer purchased the tee prizes. We would like to thank all the golf industry suppliers who paid for equipment displays, donated items for the live auction, sponsored meals and for those who sponsored tee signs and games on the course. Superintendents, we also want to thank you for attending, bring-

ing guests and bringing some great prizes for the raffle. This year’s donations have already exceeded what we have done in the past. Thank you!

The money raised from this tournament goes to Scholarships, Turfgrass Research, Personal and Professional Development Program, and our Benevolence Fund.

Annually we award scholarships to a worthy student in the turf grass field and the Legacy Scholarships offer educational aid to the children of SNGCSA members. The final day scholarships were accepted was June 23rd.

As outlined by our Board Member Bill Hamilton here are 10 reasons to attend this years Scholarship & Research Tournament.

1. You'll be going to beautiful Peach Tree Golf & Country Club in Marysville.

2. You won't have to drive when you carpool with your neighbors.

3. You don't have to worry about your lack of golf skills because you'll be playing in a Scramble tournament with three cool buddies that will cover you.

4. You won't need to stop at McDonalds on the way there because you are going to eat a great breakfast at the club.

5. You are going to see all the people in your network that you keep meaning to call.

6. You are probably going to win at least one cool prize in the Raffle.

7. You'll get a sporty new tee prize.

8. You'll get a very cold beer.

9. You'll save your golf course megabucks on some awesome Auction items that you are going to need anyway.

10. You will be doing something very good for some deserving students and the industry that got you where you are now.

It will be a great event and we'll see you there on the 21st of July!!

Peach Tree Country Club was founded in 1959. The club covers approximately 200 acres of sandy river bottomland. This feature allows for effective drainage and playability all year long.

Peach Tree Country Club is located in Marysville, about thirty minutes north of Roseville and Sacramento, in Yuba County. The entrance to the club is located off Simpson Lane, just five minutes from Highway 70.

F o r e Y o u r I n f o r m a ti o n

P age 7

ROUNDS 4 RESEARCH Michael Scully 2014 Rounds 4 Research Chairman

Rounds 4 Research, is an innovative program aimed at generating resources to fund research and help ensure golf’s future.

The premise is simple: Golf facilities can support the effort by donating rounds of golf for two or four or “stay and play” packages and other items that will be auctioned off online on www.biddingforgood.com to generate funds for turf grass research.

Research funds are drying up and this is a great way for us to give back to the game of golf that we all care so much about. Let’s face the facts that rounds are down across the nation and we need to do our part to help the business be successful.

Rounds 4 Research is administered by the Environmental

BY

MICHAEL SCULLY

Institute for Golf and presented in partnership with the Toro Co. The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Whether you are an organization looking to solicit rounds or a golfer looking for the opportunity to support research while enjoying the sport you love, Rounds 4 Research provides a way for all aspects of the game to come together to ensure its future.

Since launching in July 2012, Rounds 4 Research has raised nearly $150,000 for turf grass research. Keep checking with Rounds 4 Research for news and dates for our 2014 auctions. Be a part of 2014 auctions, set for June 9-22 and Aug. 1-10, by donating a round or becoming a fundraising partner.

It is too late to donate to the June auction but it’s not too late to bid on the June auction so please spread the word and please donate rounds for the August auction.

Eighty percent of funds raised go to help support Northern California chapters of the GCSAA directly.

Please go to www.rounds4research.com then click on the donate a round tab then follow the very quick and easy di-

rections to donate a round or rounds.

If you need any help or prefer for the Sierra Nevada to get things going for you in regards to a donation then please contact Irene Cline at 559-298-6262 or Mike Scully at 209-578-9678. Thanks in advance for your support to help ensure the success and future of the game of golf through the Rounds 4 Research program!

Check out the 2014 Auction Items on our website: Sierranevadagcsa.com

F o r e Y o ur I nf o r m a ti o n

P age 8

FROM THE FIELD

JEFF JENSEN, GCSAA FIELD STAFF, SOUTHWEST REGION

The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of EngiJeff Jensen neers have proposed a new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that would bring nearly every river, stream, creek, wetland, pond, ditch and ephemeral (land that looks like a small stream during heavy rain but isn’t wet most of the time) in the United States under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act.

For more than 40 years, the issue of what waters fell under federal scrutiny turned on whether they were “navigable” or near an adjacent wetland. This new rule goes much further. For every new body of water to be included under the CWA there has to be a significant nexus between it and the bodies of waters traditionally regulated under the CWA. The connection must be so that the water impacts the “chemical, physical or biological integrity” of the traditionally regulated water. If allowed to stand, this would include almost every water body in the U.S., except those that are geographically isolated. If finalized without sig-

800 MOSSDALE RD, LATHROP, CA. 209 234-1500 www.brownsandinc.com

PRODUCTSSERVICES AVAILABLEUSGA Top Dressing Sand Deliveries by MAGNUM TRUCKING INC. Greens Top Dressing Sand Blend Materials to Customers Specifications Bunker Sand Profile / Sand Blends 0-0-50 / Kiln Dried Sand blends Kiln Dried USGA Sand - 3000lbs Super Sacks Dakota Peat Sand Blends Peat Inc Sand Blends Pea Gravel Top Soil

FOR ALL YOUR MATERIAL NEEDS PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE OR

REGGIE POMICPIC – Director of Sales and Market Cell# 209 993-5211 E-mail: reggie@brownsandinc.com

nificant change, the rule will subject more activities on golf courses to additional permitting requirements, environmental impact analyses, costly mitigation and citizen lawsuits.

A couple of areas that could have a significant impact on golf courses include Section 402 and 404 of the Clean Water Act. Section 402 establishes the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) permitting program, in which EPA or states (with EPA oversight) can issue permits for discharges of pollutants into WOTUS. If almost all water bodies on a golf course are deemed WOTUS, many (Continued on page 9)

F o r e Y o u r I n f o r m a ti o n

F RO M

THE

CONTINUED

FROM

P age 9

FIELD PAGE 8

routine golf course management activities (such as fertilizer and pesticide applications) will be deemed to result in a discharge to those so-called WOTUS. Activities that result in a discharge cannot legally go forward without a required permit.

Section 404 allows the Corps to issue permits for discharges of dredge and fill material into WOTUS. This includes discharges that would result from moving soil, such as planting trees, installing drainage, dredging ponds/ wetlands, and fixing stream alignments or banks below the ordinary high water mark including rip rap for erosion protection. Under federal authority, proposed golf

course construction or renovation projects within jurisdictional areas may require an individual, regional or nationwide permit.

GCSAA does not support the EPA or the Army Corps of Engineers expanding the jurisdictional reach of the federal Clean Water Act. This would be an unprecedented expansion of the regulatory authority of the federal government.

Expanded federal jurisdiction would pre-empt traditional state and local government authority over land and water use decisions and alter the balance of federal and state authority.

GCSAA is currently seeking an extension on the 90-day comment period (to 180 days) regarding this

issue and support from GCSAA members is needed. An extension request letter is available at http://cqrcengage.com/gcsaa/takeaction as well as additional information on the proposed rule. The extension will give us the needed time to fight the implementation of this rule. We appreciate your support and if you have any questions, please contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org.

The SNGCSA is now on Facebook and Twitter.

Check it out!

F o r e Y o ur I nf o r m a ti o n

P age 1 0

CALIFORNIA TURFGRASS & L A N D S C A P E F O U N DA T I O N U P DA T E

The California Turfgrass and Landscape Foundation saw a very active year in 2013. We now have 2.5 years under our belt and most would consider where we have come from to our current status as a success but we are a work in progress and we have lots of room to grow.

The basics have been set as a foundation and we are growing on those cornerstones while needing to adjust to some programs that are not working well and others that are taking time to develop.

Revenues raised for 2013 were $268,119.35 Expenses for 2013 were $ 47,182.63 Research grants in the amount of $132,448.29 were distributed to UCR for research.

Our revenues come from several basic sources: GCSAA Chapters PGA Sections Golf Associations Water agencies STMA Chapters Dues Rounds 4 Research Corporate donations In addition to 5 of our GCSAA chapters we continue to

have support of many other organizations. We will work hard to get the message out to all regarding our efforts throughout the state.

PGA of Southern California has been one of our strongest supporters and we expect that to continue. STMA does nicely for their size of the organizations. I attend several of their meetings and have helped them with education.

Most importantly they understand what we are doing and want to support us the best they can. SCGA is a superstar organization and always there for us. Kevin Heaney and Craig Kessler are a delight to work with.

Landscape is not listed above as we have never received anything from that sector. Each year I attend and have a gratis booth at Long Beach and also LA Convention Center. Lots of interest but no checks coming our way. I need to develop a new strategy with that group of potential supporters.

Water agencies really stepped up this last year with significant grants for a large and now a smaller project. So we are currently under 2 grants and those surely help to support graduate assistants and some labor and equipment to keep the UCR program going.

COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS In 2013 I attended as many meetings of groups as is possible. That will continue in 2014. My suggestion is that we take a 2 step approach to gaining momentum in Nor Cal. I will make a concentrated effort to visit: NCGA Nor Cal PGA Nor Cal GCSA Sierra Nevada GCSA Nor Cal STMA UCR The field day in September was evidence of a strong program at UCR. Dr. Baird and team have 5 graduate assistants and a couple of other post-doctoral people working on breeding programs and such.

Over the next few months it is important for Dr. Baird to work on his tenure so we have him around for many years in the future!

I have written a letter of support.

WEBSITE & FACEBOOK PAGE I had a good year utilizing Facebook as that is the format I am most familiar with. I also utilized Twitter for some feeds on the UCR field day and such.

ROUNDS 4 RESEARCH This program is still in its infancy.

As I commented last year I do not see this being a main fundraising program but just as a support mechanism that could grow over time. The best news here is that the various GCSAA chapters are getting some revenues from this program that they are sharing with CTLF. (Continued on page 11)

F o r e Y o u r I n f o r m a ti o n

C T L F U P DA T E GOLFPRESERVES This program provided no income but it had no expense. Signup is slow and we had only 2 golf courses signed up with a couple of others expressing interest NC STATE PLANT DIAGNOSTICS PATHOLOGY We got a slow start to this program in 2013 since so many golf courses have their own sources for this service. We will continue to market this through the various GCSAA chapters and STMA. The team at NC State can turn around your samples quickly and at a reasonable price. Give them a try!

P age 1 1

CONTINUED

FROM PAGE

FIELD DAY Numbers were up for the 2013 Field Day. Jim and the UCR team did a great job and CTLF helped to market the event to have our biggest turnout ever! We had a great table top with room for more sponsors next year and it all helps the program at UCR. MEMBERSHIP Membership saw slight increases in 2013. This is the way it is with all organizations. You start with a core group and then build from there. While a 10 or 15% increase doesn’t mean a lot in terms of money it does mean a lot in terms of growth, support and recognition of the organization.

10

GOALS FOR 2014 • Increase revenues through membership, sponsors, collaborative programs and donations • Work on aligning with the SCTC • Continue communication and face time with various groups • Make greater inroads into the water agency and landscape communities through members like Pam, Doug and Chuck who are already networked in those areas • improve content on the website • Grow the UCR Fall Field Day • Work on alliances and support from our groups in Nor Cal

HELENA CHEMICAL COMPANY 3155 Southgate Lane Chico, Ca 95928 Bus: (530) 342-4786 (800) 554-5703 Fax: (530) 343-9047 E-mail: smithp@helenachemical.com VM.: (800) 543-0630 Box#2417 Mob: (530) 864-6443

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

P age 1 2

F o r e Y o ur I nf o r m a ti o n

F o r e Y o u r I n f o r m a ti o n

P age 1 3

JESSIE CREENCIA, CGCS

OF CAMERON PARK REN EWS PROFESSION AL CERTIFICATION Jessie Creencia, Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) at Cameron Park (Calif.)

Country Club, has completed Jessie Creencia, CGCS the renewal process for maintaining his status as a certified superintendent with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Creencia has been at Cameron Park Country Club since 2005. A 22-year GCSAA member, he initially achieved his certification in 1994. Approximately 1,500 golf course superintendents worldwide currently hold “CGCS” status.

According to GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans, “Twenty-five percent of GCSAA’s Class A members have elected to earn the highest level of recognition through the professional designation “CGCS” by completion of the GCSAA Certification Program.

This program requires their demonstration of a higher set of competen-

cies in golf course management through testing and practical application. Employers can be confident that by employing a certified golf course superintendent, they increase their chances of having consistently superior course conditions.”

GCSAA was among the first associations to institute a professional certification program, establishing its program in 1971 to recognize outstanding and progressive superintendents. In 2005, GCSAA completed a restructuring of its certification program in order to raise the level of documented professionalism through comprehensive continuing education. The restructured program was recognized by the National Certification Commission as “one of the most extensive and comprehensive certification programs for any profession.”

To qualify for GCSAA’s new competency-based certification program, a candidate must have at least three years experience as a golf course superintendent, be employed in that capacity and meet post-secondary educational requirements and/or continuing education points. The candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities are validated

C. C.

through the development of a portfolio consisting of their responses to skill statements, case-study scenarios and submission of 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.

Maintaining certified status requires renewal every five years after the initial date of certification.

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

GCSAA is the leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. GCSAA is the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses. For more information, contact Creencia at 530-417-0063 or jessiecreencia@yahoo.com.

P age 1 4

F o r e Y o ur I nf o r m a ti o n

HIGHLIGHTS

FROM

T H E R E S E RV E

Host John Jorgensen along with SNGCSA Vice President Rob Williams

AT

S PA N O S P A R K

The educational topic for the day was “WATER” Pictured above are Matt Dillon, CGCS, Tom Landwehr, of Apex Environmental Technology and Scott Miller with the City of Roseville who spoke on Understanding Your Ordinances.

Upper left our host John Jorgensen with Doug Carlson with California Water Resources.

Lower left Gary Otto, Target with Board of Director Mike Scully

Above is Scott Dickson, now the superintendent at Micke Grove Golf Resort. Congratulations Scott on the new position and on the new baby girl!

Below is Corey Eastwood, retired certified golf course superintendent.

At left enjoying the camaraderie of the day are Jessie Creencia, CGCA, Jasmine Schell, CPS, and Bob Biller, Anderson’s

F o r e Y o u r I n f o r m a ti o n

HIGHLIGHTS

P age 1 5

FROM

S E Q U O I A W O O D S C. C.

Guest Speaker John Mascaro, from Turf Tech International along with Rob Williams, SNGCSA Vice Pres.

Above is host superintendent Paul Watts, Sequoia Woods . It was an exceptional event and we thank Paul as well as the crew and staff of Sequoia Woods for allowing us to have the meeting.

At left John Jorgensen, The Reserve at Spanos Park hits a few practice shots and at right John Holmquist , Horizon smiles for the camera.

Happy Birthday to Joe Goldbronn, Cypress Lakes who is pictured above.

Meeting Sponsors Tom Corralez and Sal Sorbello from BelKorp . Thank you for the continued support

At right Kevin Eppich, Turf Star with Allen Ramorini At left, Pat Smyth, Saddle Creek, as he prepares for the day of golf on this beautiful course.

P age 1 6

F o r e Y o ur I nf o r m a ti o n

Rounds 4 Research Welcome to Rounds 4 Research, an innovative program aimed at generating resources to fund research and help ensure golf’s future. The premise is simple: Golf facilities can support the effort by donating rounds of golf for two or four or “stay and play” packages and other items that will be auctioned off online on www.biddingforgood.com to generate funds for turfgrass research. Rounds 4 Research is administered by the Environmental Institute for Golf and presented in partnership with the Toro Co. The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Whether you are an organization looking to solicit rounds or a golfer looking for the opportunity to support research while enjoying the sport you love, Rounds 4 Research provides a way for all aspects of the game to come together to ensure its future.

Since launching in July 2012, Rounds 4 Research has raised nearly $150,000 for turfgrass research. Keep checking with Rounds 4 Research for news and dates for our 2014 auctions. Be a part of of 2014 auctions, set for June 9-22 and Aug. 1-10, by donating a round or becoming a fundraising partner.

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS