1st Qtr 2026 Tee Off News

President’sMessageByElliotWeber

As I sit in my office watching the rain fall outside my window and begin writing my first President’s Message, I’m reminded how proud I am to serve this association and the professionals who make it so strong.

First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank Jose Alvarez for his outstanding leadership over the past year. His dedication, steady guidance, and commitment to our chapter helped create meaningful progress. I look forward to building on that foundation and continuing the growth and enthusiasm he helped foster.

I am also pleased to welcome two new members to our Board of Directors. Dominic Peluso from Visalia Country Club has stepped into the role of Secretary/Treasurer, and Brian Rios from Bakersfield Country Club joins us as a Director as well. We are fortunate to have their leadership and willingness to serve.

In addition, David Avila was re-elected as Affiliate Director. We appreciate his continued involvement and the experience he brings to the board.

Our Annual Meeting, hosted by Dominic and the team at Visalia Country Club, was a tremendous success. The course was in excellent condition, the event was well organized, and it was great to see such strong member participation. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a memorable day.

The Board also recently participated in a strategic planning session hosted by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and facilitated by Jeff Jensen. This productive session allowed us to take a thoughtful look at where we are as a chapter and, more importantly, where we want to go.

From that discussion, we identified three primary goals for 2026.

First, we aim to increase participation in Rounds 4 Research, helping generate additional funding for research that directly supports and advances our profession.

Second, we are committed to improving communication with our members through more consistent and timely social media outreach. Our goal is to provide valuable updates, share chapter highlights, and keep everyone better connected.

Third, we will focus on outreach to non-member facilities to increase our chapter penetration rate. Growing our membership strengthens our association and ensures long-term vitality and engagement.

Finally, I encourage everyone to mark their calendars for the upcoming Mechanic Seminar on March 23, 2026, at Copper River Country Club. Please be sure to register yourself and your mechanics for this important educational opportunity. Continued learning and development are key to maintaining excellence at our facilities.

I am excited about the direction of our chapter and confident that, together, we will make 2026 a successful and impactful year.

- Elliot Weber

2026 GCSACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FromtheField JeffJensen,GCSAAFieldStaff,SouthwestRegion

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

California Room

GIS 2026 Orlando, Fl.

A Taste of Home in the Sunshine State

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.

An Evening to Remember

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.”

Looking Ahead

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.

SaveTheDates

2026

June 8

Al Glaze S&R

Monarch Dunes GC

August 31

Tri-Chapter Tournament Hosted by GCSACC

San Luis Obispo CC

November 16

Charity Tournament Stockdale CC

December 5, 2026

Holiday Event Windows on the Water

2027

January 20, 2027 GIS

California Room

New Orleans, LA

February

Annual Meeting and Awards

Location– TBD

March Mechanics Seminar Copper River CC

Annual Meeting

Visalia Country Club

Our Annual meeting on January 26, at the beautiful Visalia Country Club brought members together to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and set the stage for an exciting year ahead. The event was marked by thoughtful discussion, strategic visioning, and well-deserved recognition of our members’ contributions. We graciously Thank Dominic Peluso, Superintendent and newly appointed Secretary/Treasurer for hosting us at the club.

Annual Report Review

We began by reviewing the Annual Report for the Association, highlighting key achievements, financial updates, and the progress made toward our mission over the past year. This transparent look back provided a strong foundation for the conversations that followed. We were please to show that our financial situation is starting the year off strong, as well as the growth of our membership from 2024 to 2025.

Strategic Planning for the Future

The meeting also built on the strategic planning session held the night before by our newly elected Board of Directors. This forward-looking discussion focused on association Strengths, Challenges, and Opportunities. Setting priorities, identifying opportunities for growth, and ensuring that our association continues to serve members effectively in the years ahead. Areas we acknowledged for chapter growth included our Rounds 4 Research, Better communication through social media, and outreach to non member facilities in order to grow the membership even further.

Welcoming Our New Board Members

We were pleased to introduce and welcome the new members of our Board of Directors: Elliot Weber introduced them in his first Presidents Message and we Thank them all for being willing to join. These gentleman are volunteering of their time, leadership, expertise, and dedication. They will be invaluable as we move forward in the coming years.

Looking Ahead

With a strong plan in place, a dedicated board, and an engaged membership, we are poised for a year of growth, collaboration, and achievement. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this meeting a success.

Elliot Weber, Jeff Jensen, Herminio Plata, David Avila, Brian Rios, and Dominic Peluso were all in attendance. Not pictured, Affiliate member John Allan, and Director Josh Heptig.

Celebrating Excellence 2026 Annual Award Winners

2026 Marked the Renewal of the Annual Awards given out by the Association. This is an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that our members put into their professions each and every day.

• Distinguished Member of the year: Andy Cordova, Avila GC and Blacklake GC

Andy has been on the Board of Directors in some capacity since 2014. That’s over 10 years of service to the Central Cal Chapter. He served as the President in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024. He has always been here to fill the need when it was required, and we know that without his dedication to the Association, and his willingness to always step up, we would not be in the good standing that we currently are. Andy started as a scholarship recipient and went on to work under PAST President Mike Scott for many years. This alone puts Andy up for being a man who can withstand a lot of punishment. We thank Andy with all our hearts for the hard work he has put in. Andy is not just a great Superintendent but also a good dad, husband and friend to many in this chapter.

• Affiliate Member of the Year: Pete Bowman

Once upon a time scholarship recipient, Pete has been a long time supporter of the association. He never misses an opportunity to help sponsor an event, and anyone who has played in a tournament in the last few years has probably had the opportunity to stop and chat with him at one of his tables and games on the course. If you have ever needed a safety inspection, Pete was probably the name on everyone's lips to call. Pete's knowledge of the golf business is invaluable to anyone who has the opportunity to work with him.

• Turf

Grass Manager of the Year, Private Course: Tennessee McBroom, Montecito Club

Tennessee exemplifies that the golf course superintendent is a calling, not a job. He traveled halfway across the country leaving his family in Kansas City, to follow his mentor, Pat Finlen to land a job at MPCC. He soon left for his first superintendent's job at Sandpiper in Santa Barbara where he ran into a cute blonde girl who eventually tamed the cowboy. He has worked hard for his owner while finding time to be a great dad, a loving husband and still finding time to serve our board and ultimately becoming chapter president. Thank you Tennessee for being such a great ambassador for our profession. Tennessee has shown great dedication to all of his properties, because we all know its not just the Montecito Club he manages. He has always been supportive of the chapter, hosting an event this last year that was 3 years in the making, but also being a Past President himself.

• Turf Grass Manager of the Year, Public Course: Jason Pautsch, Hunter Ranch GC

Jason is not only a fantastic grass grower, he is a terrific human. He would give you the shirt off of his back and buy you another one if you were down on your luck. Jason is the kind of guy who wakes up and puts on a smile before he puts on his clothes. He is an "outside of the box" thinker, an honest man, and a true friend to many! Jason deserves the public course superintendent's award for his dedication to his owners, his staff, the golfers, and our association. Congratulations Jason on this long overdue recognition to your hard work and service to the golf industry! Jason has shown great dedication to his property and has always been supportive of the chapter. His willingness to host an event, or attend to support his fellow Superintendents makes him an asset to the association. He is outgoing and friendly, and more than willing to share his knowledge with others. His hard work is clearly reflected in the quality golf conditions he provides.

VendorProfile

PeteBowman

Q: Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Berkeley, CA. I am number five of eight kids. Girl - six boysgirl. For a few years we had six boys in one bedroom of a three-bedroom house. My dad was a Plant Pathologist at UC Berkeley, although he never got into turf. Potato and cotton diseases were his specialty. My mother raised us eight kids while babysitting up to six more each day for the added income, before disposable diapers.

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

One of my older brothers was already working at Tilden Park GC in the Berkeley hills, and they needed a long-haired kid (Berkeley, late ‘70s? That was pretty much every kid) with a driver’s license to pick range balls. I met the two qualifications. A couple years of that at $2.50 an hour minimum wage proved me capable of answering the phone and pushing the cash register buttons in the pro shop for an extra buck an hour. They told me I had to cut my hair for the job, dealing with the public, as I would be doing. Several months of that and I had not cut my hair yet, Golf Course Superintendent Gary Ingram asks if I want to learn how to mow greens and change cups, and stuff like that.

“Does it pay more than I’m making now?” I ask.

“Yes. It pays about $8.00 an hour, with union benefits,” says Gary.

Me: “Do I have to cut my hair?”

Gary: “Not if you can start tomorrow.” Me: “OK.”

Gary didn’t tell me until well into my first morning that it was just him and me that day because the rest of the maintenance crew was on strike. Turns out I was a scab for a few hours before I even knew what a scab was. Scabbing didn’t last long as the strike only lasted a day or two. All the guys on the maintenance crew forgave me because they all had long hair, too. The best thing about working at Tilden Park GC, though, was that I met this beautiful, young woman who was managing the restaurant at 17 years old at the time. Her name is Nina. Nina and I have been married for just over 45 years. Three kids. Dr. Peter Bowman, DDS lives and works in New Hampshire, is my oldest at almost 45 years. He wants to retire from dentistry before he’s 50 and become a Golf Course Architect when he grows up. Daughter Sarah is a Professional Organizer, living and working near Pasadena, and youngest son Michael is an accountant, living in Seaside near Monterey. Nina and I have two granddaughters and two grandsons, aged 5 to 17.

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

After a couple years of junior college in the Bay Area, while still working at Tilden Park GC, it was time to move on. With Nina and our two kids at the time in tow, we moved to Los Osos to get my last two years of schooling in at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. My major was Ornamental Horticulture. Not long after I graduated in 1985, they changed the major name to something with Environmental in it.

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

Picking range balls in Berkeley, 1977. April 1 marked my 49th year in the golf business.

Q: What part of your job excites you everyday?

As an Independent Representative with Golf Safety, Seaborn Flags, and Par West Turf Services, and selling golf course tires on my own, what I like most is being on different highways and in different towns every day. Every day I see several Superintendents and Equipment Managers, and I like to see how they all get the same job done in different ways. I like touring a course with the Superintendent, knowing that I no longer have to dig the hole to fix the leaking sprinkler. I can work as much, or as little as I want, since I’m a one-man business with no employees or boss.

PeteBowmanContinued

Q: What tool/s do you need to have everyday to make your job easier? A truck that starts and stops when it’s supposed to, and a cell phone.

Q: What hobbies or hidden talents do you have?

Hobbies? I like to play golf and ski. I used to like working in the yard. Hidden talents? Espresso art. Pro Tip from an Old Guy on How to Stay Married a Long Time: I know you all wake up very early to go to work. Buy yourself an espresso machine and make your wife a cappuccino every morning that you bring to her in bed when you kiss her goodbye for the day.

Q: What is one dream vacation destination?

Golf in Scotland. I played eight straight days, at eight different golf courses in Ireland right before COVID. I had never even played three straight days…anywhere… ever….before that. I’ll never do that again. It was brutal. Maybe five rounds of golf in a ten -day period in Scotland. Hawaii used to be a dream vacation. Not so much a dream anymore as I’ve gone four or five times a year the last few years for work.

Q: What is your favorite food or meal?

My birthday meal, prepared by an excellent chef named Nina, is usually red curry salmon or carnitas. Carnitas served on a blue cornmeal waffle are kind of like chicken and waffles, but better. We discovered that at the Hidden Kitchen in Cambria. If you’ve never been there and tried them, you’re missing out.

Q: What music do you enjoy listening to?

Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, The Doors, Mountain, Jim Hendrix, Allman Brothers, Bad Company, Neil Young, Jethro Tull, Robin Trower, Montrose, Journey before Steve Perry. I can’t stand Steve Perry. If you haven’t heard Journey before Steve Perry you’re missing out. Parliament, George Clinton, Earth Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers. About the only thing good that’s come about since then is the Black Keys.

Q: What sports do you enjoy watching? Favorite teams?

I’m not so much into watching sports anymore. Not like I used to be, anyway. No favorite team, as such. I’ll watch the four major golf tournaments, maybe a few college football and basketball games now and then. The halftime show ruined the Super Bowl for me many years ago. I’ll go out and pull weeds in the yard instead of watching the halftime show, regardless who the act is. Nina will yell out the door when it’s ok to come back in for the third quarter.

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

Don’t wait until I’m 21 and Nina is 19 to ask her to marry me.

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

Start by picking range balls, then get lucky enough to find a nice young lady to marry. Everything else will fall into place. It worked for me. If that’s not in the cards, then work at a few different golf courses for Superintendents that do things differently from each other. Learn different ways to get the same old job done. Join a local chapter or three, and join GCSAA. Attend chapter meetings and the GCSAA Conference and Show. Take seminars whenever you can. My motto is, If you stay awake long enough and pay attention you can learn something from anybody.

March MechanicsSeminar

CopperRiverCountryClub

On March 23, 2026, Copper River Country Club hosted the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Central California’s annual Mechanic Seminar, drawing turf equipment technicians, superintendents, and crew members from across the region for a morning of hands-on learning and professional networking.

The half-day program, running from 7:30 a.m. to noon, featured expert-led sessions on equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and the latest innovations in turf care technology. Attendees rotated through demonstrations covering reel grinding, hydraulic system diagnostics, and preventive maintenance strategies designed to extend the life of mowers, utility vehicles, and other essential course machinery.

Organizers emphasized the importance of the seminar in supporting the often behind-the-scenes professionals who keep golf courses running smoothly. “Mechanics are the backbone of course operations,” said one GCSACC representative. “This event gives them the tools, knowledge, and connections to excel in their work.”

Set against the scenic backdrop of Copper River’s manicured fairways and the Sierra Nevada foothills, the seminar also provided a valuable networking opportunity, allowing participants to share best practices and build relationships within the golf maintenance community.

The GCSACC Board of Directors would like to extend a Special Thanks to Copper River for hosting, and both Turf Star and Belkorp Ag for providing the education and hands on demonstrations.

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-footwide 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 finger-pointing 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.

SuperintendentProfile

JakeGrijalva SherwoodForestGolf Club

The Central California Chapter’s newest member Jake, took some time to answer questions and let us get to know him better. Thank you Jake for giving us the time !

Q. Where did you grow up?

A. Tulare, California

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

A. I really started growing interest in the golf industry when I saw how the job can bring so many people together to have a great time and make something great.

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

A. Class of 2012 Tulare western

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

A. My first paying job in the golf industry was with the maintenance crew at Visalia country club raking bunkers

Q. What part of your job excites you every day?

A. The part that excites me about my job is that I’m never going into the same old thing every day it’s always something different

Q. What tool/s do you need to have every day to make your job easier?

A. The main thing I need on the course is my crew they make the golf course what it is without a crew it wouldn’t be possible

Q. What hobbies or hidden talents do you have?

A. My hobbies are fishing, golfing and hanging out with my family

Q. What is one dream vacation destination?

A. My dream vacation would be to Mykonos, Greece

Q. What is your favorite food or meal?

A. My favorite food has to be some street tacos

Q. What music do you enjoy listening to?

A. I enjoy listening to all different types of music not really picky on Genre

Q. What sports do you enjoy watching? Favorite teams?

A. I’m a SF Giant so I really enjoy going to San Francisco Giants games with the family to enjoy a great view and some good weather

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

A. If I could tell my younger self anything it would have to be, never be afraid to ask and don't be scared to mess up that's how you learn from your mistakes

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

A. If you’re someone wanting to get into the golf industry my suggestion would be to become a sponge and absorb