1st Qtr 2026 Fore Your Information

1st Quarter 2026

P

’ S M ESSAGE BY B

ILLY W ITT

Good Day Everyone! So much has happened in the first quarter of the year that I’m not sure where to begin. The 100th celebration of the GIS show was an amazing event. Great education was available for us to take advantage of; but I particularly enjoyed the celebration at ICON park. It was a great night with good friends. We got some amazing photos from the top of the EYE, and it was just a fun night of socializing. I believe California was well represented in attendance. Orlando can be a tricky show as traveling cross country is a challenge , and I joke that every time it’s held in Florida I I probably won’t attend; but I always seem to find a reason to participate. I found the showroom floor to be well spaced and many of the vendors that I deal with personally were in attendance. Overall my grade would be an A, superb job GCSAA!!

TURF TECH:

I must thank Vice president Lonnie Dunn for stepping up in my absence at our annual Turf Tech. I came down with the flu unexpectedly and was unable to attend. Lonnie did an amazing job as MC introducing the incredible speakers that our outgoing President Juan Gonzalez, and Board of Directors lined up. Thank you to everyone who was in attendance and Thank you to Scott McCullough for his willingness to facilitate the event at his course each year. I cannot recall the exact number of participants, but it was over 90, and what I do recall was each person I spoke to about the event said they had a great time and continued to say “you really missed out on a first-class meeting” .

Del Paso:

What a marvelous facility! From the entrance to the clubhouse, and then to the course itself, all were extraordinary. A special thanks to host Clint Luedtke and his staff for preparing the course, and hosting the meeting. After most people had left, the head pro and I were tallying the results from the competition and closest to the pins, and as we were walking out a pro shop staff member stopped me and offered a tremendous compliment. “Your group was the most respectful and well- behaved group I’ve seen here in a long time; and I want you to report back to them” so to that gentleman, I have reported back. It was very nice of him to share that after a long, eventful day. To all that attended, a sincere thank you from myself and the BOD for treating the property with respect while golfing. It was a grand start to experiencing top rated private country clubs, let’s make it a trend.

Spring has sprung, people are golfing, all of us are busy for sure. Just a reminder that we have the Grassroots event approaching quickly. Cherry Island is our host this year, April 13th. Sign up early as they were gracious enough to offer a meeting space (remarkable education provided), food and golf for an affordable price. We all have these pesky to do items, punching tees, greens, fairways etc. Maybe a pre-emergent application or three, grass to mow and the all-important question to answer of why do you sand the greens when they are putting so good and the weather is nice? But lets take a minute to thank our staff for their hard work, and treat them to a day of golf.

We have a number of quality events, at some illustrious venues planned for the remainder of this year, a good idea would be to sign up early as some of these events very well could sell out. Pay close attention to dates and dress codes for these venues, we want to respect these clubs and the honor of being able to utilize them for a day; and certainly, do not want to put a host superintendent in a difficult position. The very bare minimum when entering a private club is a tucked in shirt and no hat on inside the clubhouse, some sites require pants; so again, watch for dress codes as we move through the year and it will be clearly noted on all registration forms and emails going forward.

With that all said, I look forward to a very impressive 2026 and I hope to see you all in April.

-Billy Witt

EVENT CALENDAR

2026

April 13, 2026

Cherry Island Golf Course Grass Roots Tournament

June 15, 2026

Serrano Country Club

August 3, 2026

Granite Bay Golf Course Scholarship and Research Tournament

August 31, 2026

San Luis Obispo Country Club Tri– Chapter Tournament

Hosted by Central Chapter

September 2026

Presidents Cup TBD

November 2026

Annual Meeting TBD

December 2026

Holiday Event

TBD

2027

January Turf Tech– The Ridge

2027 GIS New Orleans

January 18-21

California Room January 20

2026 SNGCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Billy Witt

Hidden Valley Lake Assoc.

Dave Bermudez

Del Rio G. & C.C.

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Guillermo Romero Reyes

Brookside CC

Andy Lopez

VICE PRESIDENT

Lonnie Dunn

PAST PRESIDENT

Juan Gonzalez

William Land Park Empire Ranch GC

DIRECTORS

Scott McCullough PJ Kanir

Oakdale GC The Ridge

Affiliate Representatives

Dean Kinney, Sierra Pacific Turf

Brian Kerr– Assistant

Cameron Park CC Turkey Creek GC

Ryan Thornberry, California Landscape Supply

FORE YOUR INFORMATION

Published by the Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association OFFICE SNGCSA 3273 Richert Ave., Clovis, CA 93619

559-298-6262

sngcsaa@aol.com

FROM THE FIELD Jeff

Jensen, GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region

I hope this finds all of our members doing well and getting ready for a busy spring golf season.

First and foremost, thank you to all the members who made it to Orlando for the GCSAA Conference and Show. As part of GCSAA’s Centennial Celebration, the show was an overwhelming success. 12,824 individuals attended the show and a record breaking 8,074 education seats were filled during the week. The trade show floor at the Orange County Convention Center featured 523 exhibitors (vs. 464 in 2025) and 178,600 square feet of exhibit space, an increase of 16% over 2025.

The highlight of the week was the Centennial Celebration held at ICON Park. The sold out gathering of nearly 5,000 members provided members, vendors and industry the opportunity to network, connect and celebrate GCSAA’s past, present and future. It was an amazing night of food, drink and entertainment.

We look forward to heading to the “Big Easy” for the 2027 GCSAA Conference and Show. Dates for next year’s event have been moved up to January 18-21 so mark your calendars and join us in New Orleans!

Secondly, please do not forget to donate to Rounds 4 Research. The annual auction will take place April 20-26 and we are currently accepting donations at https://www.gcsaa.org/what-wedo/foundation/rounds-4-research/r4r-online-donation-form. Eighty percent of the funds raised in the online auction go back to the participating chapter in which they were solicited. The chapter can then use the funds to assist with research, education, advocacy or scholarships. You can determine blackout dates, times, etc. as well as establish a minimum bid when you submit your donation. For more info on Rounds 4 Research visit the website at https://www.gcsaa.org/whatwe-do/foundation/rounds-4-research.

Lastly, applications for the GCSAA Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA) are now open. The awards recognize golf course superintendents worldwide for exceptional environmental stewardship in water, energy, and land conservation. Numerous California members have received awards over the years including Justin Brimley of Crystal Springs Golf Course and Rob Esposo of Pacific Grove Golf Links in 2025. The application process closes May 31 and more information is available at https://www.gcsaa.org/who-we-are/aboutus/awards/environmental-leaders-in-golf-awards.

Thank you again for your support and please do not hesitate to reach out to me at jjensen@gcsaa.org for any assistance. I look forward to seeing all of you at upcoming events.

- Jeff Jensen

T URF T ECH T HE R IDGE

The 2026 Turf Tech Seminar was hosted once again at The Ridge Golf Course & Events Center. Industry professionals, turf managers, mechanics, irrigation techs, and technology innovators gathered to share insights, explore new tools, and discuss the future of turf management in an era where sustainability and precision are more important than ever.

A Day of Learning and Collaboration

The meeting brought together speakers in all areas of golf course maintenance. From fertilizers, to pesticides, to machine calibration, to personal health of the employees themselves. We highlighted the Campus Commons project in Sacramento and got all of the details of the recent renovation. It was a day filled with learning and sharing of information. Networking Opportunities – The event fostered valuable conversations between vendors, superintendents, and industry leaders, strengthening the professional community.

Special Thanks to Our Host

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Scott McCullough, Golf Course Superintendent at The Ridge, for his exceptional hospitality and dedication to making the event a success. Scott’s expertise and passion for the event are always evident in the warm, welcoming atmosphere he creates.

Gratitude to Our Sponsors

Events like the Turf Tech Meeting wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to advancing turf management technology and supporting the professional community is deeply appreciated. We truly appreciate all of the vendors and partners who contributed their time, resources, and expertise.

CAG NEWSLETTERS

Please check out the attached links to the monthly CAG Correspondence.

AB 1954 COALITION SUPPORT

COLORADO BASIN– LA TIMES

SB 1197

March Newsletter

ITS NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE TODAY! CLICK THE LINK BELOW: https://www.gcsaa.org/what-wedo/foundation/rounds-4-research/r4r-onlinedonation-form

California Room at Kavas Tacos GIS- Orlando FL.

The California Room in Orlando was a resounding success, bringing together over 200 California members for an evening of connection, celebration, and community. Hosted at the vibrant Kavas Tacos, the event offered a warm and welcoming space for members to gather, share stories, and network with fellow Californians.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Laughter, conversation, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air as members reconnected with old friends and made new ones. The California Room has always been about more than just a venue it’s about creating a sense of belonging, and this year’s gathering was no exception. Gratitude to Our Sponsors

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to our community ensures that the California Room continues to be a highlight of our annual gatherings.

A heartfelt Thank You to:

• Brown Sand

• Turf Star Belkorp/ Stotz TMT/ West Coast Sand and Gravel

• The Aquatrols Company Syngenta

• Wilbur Ellis Sierra Pacific Nutrien West Coast Turf AG Sod Gradoville & Hertzing Mngmt Group

• Desert Control Columbia River Seed Russ Mitchell Irrigation ENVU STS Turf Seed King

Your contributions helped make this evening truly special.

“The California Room is more than an event it’s a tradition that keeps our community connected, no matter where we are.”

As we reflect on this year’s success, we’re already looking forward to the next California Room.in New Orleans, LA. Next years will be earlier than usual so mark your calendars for January 20, 2027. With the continued support of our members and sponsors, we know the tradition will only grow stronger.

V ENDOR P ROFILE

G REG D UNN – W EST C OAST T URF

Greg Dunn grew up in Northern Illinois and is a graduate of the University of Montana. He has been married to his wife, Janelle, for 38 years. Greg has spent 50 years in the turf, landscape, and green industry, playing a key role in establishing West Coast Turf’s original Central California sod farm in Stevinson, CA, in 1996.

Since then, the operation has expanded and relocated to its current farms in Livingston and Patterson, CA. His early focus was sod production, later transitioning into his current role as NorCal Sales Manager, overseeing both sales and turf services.

Throughout his career, Greg has helped grow markets for sod varieties tailored to golf, sports turf, landscape, distributors, and homeowners. He has expanded WCT’s services to include stolonizing, hydroseeding, turf frazing, removal, and installation. His initial focus was developing WCT’s golf and sports turf business in Central and Northern California and Nevada. Within a few years, those markets expanded across the western United States.

Most recently, Greg has been instrumental in the development of WCT’s Ready Play Grass®, sod grown on plastic. This product has set a new standard for strength and durability in natural turf. There are many professional soccer venues and premier golf clubs such as Bel-Air and Big Canyon Country Clubs that have chosen Ready Play Grass. For more than a decade, Ready Play Grass® has been the only sod meeting the strict performance standards at Levi’s Stadium. Major sporting events played on Ready Play Grass® include several Super Bowls, the 2019 College Football Championship, CONCACAF Cup soccer matches, and this summer’s Bay Area FIFA events. Ready Play Grass® is engineered for immediate playability, eliminating the traditional turf establishment period, making it an ideal solution for rapid turnarounds on tees, driving ranges, and high-traffic playing surfaces.

When not at work, Greg spends much of his time at his family’s equestrian facility. He is a horseman, rider, and ranch hand. His wife is an equestrian professional who has competed at the international level, trained horses and riders, and is a licensed equestrian competition judge. Together, they enjoy cooking, dining out, mountain biking, hiking, and domestic and international travel.

Welcome New Members

BrandonWagner SerranoCC ClassB

JonathanMoulton MartisCamp ClassA

ColeEarley SerranoCC ClassC

JuanGarduno SerranoCC ClassC

JonRybicki SerranoCC ClassMechanic

KirkLittle WildhorseGolfClub ClassB

ChristopherMartinez BrooksideCC SprayTech

DerekMoffitt SierraPacificTurfSupply ClassAffiliate

BILLY HAUSCH

GRASS VALLEY, CA

831-333-6412

Billy@grassrootsturfsupply.com

SERVING: SACRAMENTO, RENO, LAKE TAHOE, CARSON CITY, MONO COUNTY AND GOLD COUNTRY

THOR LARSON

SALINAS, CA 831-277-4356

Thor@grassrootsturfsupply.com

SERVING: MONTEREY PENINSULA, SANTA CRUZ, SAN JOSE AND SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO

GAVIN DICKSON

MARINA, CA

831-333-6839

Gavin@grassrootsturfsupply.com

SERVING: SAN FRANCISCO, STOCKTON, CENTRAL VALLEY, BAKERSFIELD, SANTA BARBARA AND SLO

PETER J GALEA CGCS

FAIRFIELD, CA 831-234-3218

Peterjg@pacbell.net

SERVING: EAST BAY, WINE COUNTRY, NORTH COAST AND NORTHERN SIERRA

C OOKING FOR THE CREW

B Y J OHN F ARLEY

What time is it? It’s time for ribs! I enjoy baby back ribs slowly smoked with a sweet and savory dry rub then finished with a nice mopping of BBQ sauce. And that’s exactly what I cooked for my guys for this month’s Crew Q. So, let’s get right into it. I like to apply the dry rub on the rib racks the day before, so all that flavor has time to seep into the meat and bring out that great pork taste. I like to go heavy with brown sugar and a nice mix of spices such as paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt and black pepper. The ratio I use is roughly 3 parts brown sugar and 1 part spice mix. So combine 1 ½ cups of brown sugar and a teaspoon each of the spices. That will give a nice sweet dry rub. Coat the racks of ribs the night before and then wrap them in cellophane and refrigerate overnight. For the sauce, which is used towards the end of the cooking process is also sweet and savory. Start by dicing and sauteing a yellow onion along with 3 cloves of crushed garlic in olive oil. Then add 2 cups catsup, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup water, ¼ molasses, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 table spoon yellow mustard and 1 teaspoon each of; garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, black pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes and boom you have a sweet BBQ sauce that still has a nice tang to it. When it comes to cooking the ribs I use a homemade 4 chamber smoker. I start the ribs at 6:00 am at a temperature of 235 degrees and by 9:00 they are ready to eat. But a Webber BBQ works just fine. Simple use the indirect cooking method where the coals are off to the side and the ribs are in the center of the grill. I like to mop the ribs with sauce during the last hour of cooking. This keeps them from drying out and the sauce plays well with the rub. Now simply slice the ribs into single bone pieces and it’s rib time baby! I also like to reserve a bit of sauce and have it in a squeeze bottle in case the guys want a little extra on their ribs.

I hope this will inspires you to fire up the grill and treat your crew to a great meal. Grill on!

SUPERINTENDENT P ROFILE

C LINT L UEDTKE – D EL P ASO CC

After our recent event at Del Paso CC, we wanted to take a little extra time to get to know our host Clint Luedtke. Thank you Clint for taking the time to let us get to know you a little better.

Q: Where did you grow up?

Scottsdale, AZ

Q: How did your interest grow for the golf course industry?

I played golf with friends growing up and always had a desire to work outdoors. Working in the turfgrass industry allows the opportunity to be directly involved with a sport I enjoy playing and watching on TV, while working in a team-oriented atmosphere.

Q: Where did you go to school and what was you major?

Northern Arizona University - B.S. Applied Geography Penn State University - Advanced Turgrass Management Certificate

Q:What was you first paying job in the industry?

Irrigation Technician at Old Greenwood in North Tahoe

Q: What part of your job excites you everyday?

The camaraderie amongst the staff and working together to achieve goals.

Q: What tool/s do you need to have everyday to make your job easier?

Task Tracker, Mobile irrigation software platform – Cirrus

Q: What hobbies or hidden talents do you have? Snow skiing, Boating, Mountain Biking

Q: What is one dream vacation destination? Japan: touring and skiing in the winter

Q: What is your favorite food or meal? Fish tacos

Q: What music do you enjoy listening to? New Alternative

Q: What sports do you enjoy watching? Favorite teams? Football- Denver Broncos, Basketball- Sacramento Kings, Baseball- SF Giants

Q: If you could give your younger self some advice, what would that be?

Focus on the details but, keep the bigger picture in perspective. Surround yourself with dedicated teammates.

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the golf industry?

Work hard, be honest, and dependable. Seek and learn from great mentors.

MARCH MEETING

D EL P ASO CC

March 16, 2026 The Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association gathered at the historic Del Paso Country Club for its annual Spring Meeting, drawing turf professionals, industry partners, and association members from across the region.

Hosted by Del Paso’s golf course management team and Superintendent Clint Luedtke, the event featured a lineup of engaging speakers who addressed Sacramento County Laws and Regs, Information on the remodel of Del Paso CC, and a comprehensive update on the Rounds 4 Research program from Dean Kinney and “The Turf Nut,” highlighting the chapter’s significant progress toward its 2026 fundraising goal of 50 foursomes.

In addition to educational sessions, the meeting highlighted the upcoming Scholarship and Research tournament, as well as giving time to Natalie and Chloe Kinney to describe what it meant to them to have received a past scholarship and where they are today. The meeting also provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing superintendents and vendors to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen professional connections.

The SNGCSA Board of Directors would like to express our appreciation to Del Paso Country Club for its hospitality and to all participants for their contributions to the association’s mission of advancing the profession and promoting sustainable turf management.

SCHOLARHSIP AND RESEARCH TOURNMANET GRANITE BAY CC

Dear Members,

Before we know it, it will be time for the chapter’s Research and Scholarship Tournament. This year’s tournament is scheduled for August 3, 2026 at Granite Bay Country Club. We thank Matt Dillon, 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 of the golf industry suppliers whom in the past have had equipment displays, donated items for the auction, sponsored meals, tee signs and games on the course. Superintendents, we also want to thank you for attending, bringing guests, and bringing some great prizes for the raffle. In the near future the SNGCSA Board of Directors will be asking for donations for this year’s event.

The money raised from this tournament goes to Scholarships and Turfgrass Research. Over the last ten years, more than $265,000 has been raised from this event . We could not have done this without everyone’s participation. Your continued support is vital for the success of this event.

Thank you,

David Bermudez Tournament Chairman

Paul Smith Sales Representative 530-327-4985

smithp@helenaagri.com

Why Construction Specifications Matter in Golf Course Remodeling

Protecting Owners, Clarifying Liability, and Defining Contractor Duties

By Damian Pascuzzo RLA, Past President ASGCA

A superintendent friend called, frustrated by the varied bids he got for replacing an 8-foot wide cart path. When I asked what instructions he gave, he simply said, "give me a quote for replacing some 8-foot-wide cart path." That was the problem. There was no specificity about the work to be performed. Contractors were left to guess: what strength concrete? What thickness? Is there subgrade preparation? Rebar, wire mesh, or fibermesh? What kind of finish on the surface? Do you want color additives? Can I dispose of the old material on site? When do you want the work started and completed? More importantly, there was nothing that protected the golf course.

Why Construction Specifications Are Essential

When embarking on a golf course remodeling project, even a small one, the establishment of construction specifications is essential to ensure the process runs smoothly and the final outcome aligns with the client’s vision. Construction specifications serve as the blueprint for the renovation, detailing materials, methods, standards, and performance criteria that must be met. Without these specifications, misunderstandings and costly errors can arise, jeopardizing both the quality of the project and the interests of the client or owner.

Clarifying Liability and Risk

Construction specifications also play a pivotal role in clarifying liability between the parties involved. Let’s say during the cart path installation, a pipe is crushed, or an irrigation head is broken causing a large washout. A good specification would delineate the responsibilities of each stakeholder, from the designer and owner to the contractor and subcontractors. If an issue occurs during the project, such as defective materials or improper installation, the specifications help determine who is accountable. This clarity reduces the likelihood of fingerpointing and ensures that each party is held responsible for their designated tasks. Contracts built upon detailed specifications are less likely to encounter legal complications because expectations and obligations are clearly documented.

Defining Contractor Responsibilities

For contractors, specifications outline their responsibilities in executing the project. Contractors must adhere strictly to the prescribed materials, techniques, and standards, ensuring their work aligns with the project’s objectives. Specifications also provide benchmarks for quality control and performance, guiding contractors in delivering consistent, high-quality results. By following these guidelines, contractors demonstrate professionalism and reliability, fostering trust with the client and reducing the potential for costly rework or litigation.

Resources for Superintendents

As golf course superintendents, you may not have any experience in writing a specification or contract. That’s alright, there are resources available to you. If you are already working with a golf course architect or engineer, they will provide you with the necessary specifications. For a project that doesn’t require a golf course architect or engineer, then consult with your course’s legal team. They can assist in preparing appropriate specifications and contracts ensuring your interests are protected before work begins.

In summary, construction specifications are the cornerstone of successful golf course remodeling projects. They protect the owner’s interests, clarify liability, and define contractor responsibilities. Before soliciting bids or beginning any construction – no matter how small- take the time to ensure clear written specifications are in place. Doing so will save time, reduce risk, and lead to better outcomes.