TeeOff News Fourth Quarter 2025
Visalia Country Club
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President’s Message Jose Alvarez A Fond Farewell and a Year to Remember As I prepare to finish my time as the President of this remarkable association, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with connection, achievement, and moments that will stay with us for a lifetime. Serving alongside such dedicated, passionate members has been both an honor and a joy. This year was not just about meetings and agendas—it was about creating experiences that brought us closer together and made a tangible difference in our community.
The Montecito Event: A Day to Remember One of the brightest highlights of our year was The Montecito Event, which exceeded every expectation. The day’s panel discussion brought together voices of insight and inspiration, sparking conversations that continued long after the event ended. The attendance was phenomenal, a testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of our members and guests. For many, it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—an opportunity to engage with thought leaders, share ideas, and be part of something extraordinary. We can not say enough about the beauty of the Golf Course and the opportunity that they gave all who were in attendance to play it.
S&R’s Remarkable Impact Another milestone worth celebrating was the incredible success of the Al Glaze S&R’s fundraising efforts. Together, we raised over $10,000 for scholarships, opening doors for deserving students and investing in the future of our community. This achievement reflects not only generosity but also the shared belief that education changes lives.
Charity and Community Giving This year, our generosity extended far beyond scholarships:
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Over $3,000 raised for local charities, directly benefiting our community.
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$2,500 donated to CAG, supporting their important work in the golf industry.
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$1,000 donated to National GCSA for the Col. John Morley Foundation, honoring the 100-year Centennial at the GIS.
These contributions reflect our shared belief in giving back and making a difference where it matters most.
Strengthening Our Future In addition to our charitable successes, we also improved our cash position as a chapter, ensuring that we are even better positioned to give and serve in the years ahead. This financial stability is a gift to the future leadership and to the causes we champion.
Gratitude and Goodbyes I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member, volunteer, and supporter who made this year possible. Your energy, creativity, and dedication turned challenges into opportunities and ideas into reality. While my time in this role is coming to an end, the spirit of this association—the collaboration, the laughter, the shared purpose—will stay with me. I leave confident that the future is bright and that the best is yet to come. As I step aside, I invite you to carry forward the momentum we’ve built. I know that Elliot Weber will be an extraordinary President, and I look forward to watching the association grow even more under his watch.
“Adios Amigos” VICE PRESIDENT ELLIOTT WEBER THE ALISAL
DAVID AVILA HARRELLS
2025 GCSACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT JOSE ALVAREZ EAGLE SPRINGS GC PAST PRESIDENT ANDY CORDOVA Blacklake GC/ Avila Beach
Executive Director Kimberly Milne
SECRETARY/TREASURER HERMINIO PLATA MONARCH DUNES GC JOSH HEPTIG SLO COUNTY JOHN ALLAN SQM
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California Alliance for Golf Monthly Newsletter Please check out the attached link to the monthly CAG Newsletters.
Gavin Dickson
gavin@grassrootsturfsupply.com
Mobile: (831) 333-6839
CAG Newsletter-OCTOBER
CAG Newsletter- Colorado River Negotiation
David Avila 805-665-0899 davila@harrells.com
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From the Field
Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region
I hope this finds everyone enjoying the holiday season and getting to spend time with family and friends. 2025 was a wonderful year for the golf industry so let’s work hard to keep the momentum going. As we inch closer to a new year, please take the time to consider completing your facility BMP guide. GCSAA worked over the summer to update the online tool making the process quick and easy. You can finish your state guide in a matter of minutes and have a document on hand that reflects the many regulatory and environmental challenges we face in California. BMPs help protect the availability of water, pesticides and nutrients and help strengthen golf’s relationship with lawmakers at both the state and federal level. You can access the online tool at www.gcsaa.org/bmp or click on the QR-code located below. The tool is also mobile device friendly making it easier than ever to complete. 2026 will also provide you the opportunity to assist the chapter in raising funds for research, education and advocacy through the Rounds4Research auction. The 2026 auction is slated for April 20-26. 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 online through the BiddingForGood platform. Eighty percent goes to the chapter with the remaining twenty percent going to GCSAA Foundation to assist with marketing and technical costs of running the national auction. To date, the auction has raised nearly $5 million nationally. We have not had a lot of participation in this region, giving us an even greater opportunity to expand and grow, which benefits all members. Our national goal for 2026 is $832,000. Facilities can donate online at www.rounds4research.com and you can set blackout dates and times to fit your facilities needs. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes and you can send in your own certificate or GCSAA can create one for you. Thank you for your continued support and I hope you have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year! If I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org and follow me on Twitter at GCSAA_SW for industry updates. I look forward to seeing you all at some of the upcoming events in the new year. -
Jeff Jensen
Register for the GCSA Conference and Show Here
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Newsletter Title
New Members
Greg Ireland Class AF
2026 Golf Industry Show– Orlando, FL. Don’t miss out on the 2026 California Room at the Golf Industry Show in Orlando, FL. Registration will be open on 9/23/25
Register Here This year the California GCSA will host the popular event at Kavas Tacos Bar. Located directly across from the convention center at Pointe Orlando. The discounted registration price is good through 12/31/25, so don’t delay in signing up.
California Room Registration Hotels always book up fast for the show, so please see the attached GCSA list of accommodations and the map of their locations.
Hotel Accommodations
Danny Vandecoevering danny.vandecoevering@envu.com 425-606-0491
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N e w s l e t t eT r T l e- O F F Ei tE
News
Protect Yourself ! By Jose Alvarez Aside from having the golf course maintenance to worry about, there are many other duties and responsibilities that can have an adverse effect. These are things that occur on a day-by-day basis, and can hurt the performance of a golf course superintendent, when the job is not done properly. Something that recently occurred to me, and I wanted to share, is getting rid of old equipment at your place of employment. This task sounds easy enough, but certain steps and precautions should be taken at the time of removing old equipment from the property. This might be equipment in the junk pile, old equipment that is no longer in use that needs to go, or equipment that has some value that can be sold as is. I remember for many years, before I was a Superintendent at previous work places, new equipment coming in, and old equipment phasing out of the depreciation equipment list. A Superintendent would make the necessary list of equipment to go out and back to business as usual. I never saw an official form to fill out with a section for the proper signatures, or anything like that. It was just the list we kept for our own records to keep track. It was the same list where we noted if the equipment was retired as junk or sold. The problem I saw with that mind set of doing “business as usual” is that people forget things over time. Board Members change or upper management changes. In a situation like this it would be wise to have the right answers and documentation to justify actions that may be a concern to your new Board Members or managers in charge. At past meetings we have talked briefly about this matter and the common theme was always, document, document, document! I have a few professional recommendations to offer, which may already be standard practice for some. First, prepare a detailed list of equipment that is to be retired, whether for disposal or sale. Obtain approval from the appropriate authority, such as the facility director or another responsible decision-maker, to ensure alignment on the proposed actions. Once the list is finalized, secure signatures from at least two board members—ideally including a representative from Human Resources—to confirm oversight and provide documentation. This process serves as a safeguard, similar to a bill of sale, to ensure personal and organizational protection, should any questions arise. Building a strong reputation in this industry requires years of dedication, professionalism, and integrity. I encourage you to uphold these values and make informed decisions based on best practices.
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like you. But that will never through our resources and
Find a location near you at
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Save The Dates 2026 January 26 Annual Meeting Visalia CC
February GIS Orlando, FL. March Mechanic Seminar Copper River CC June 8 Al Glaze S&R Monarch Dunes GC
August 31 Tri-Chapter Tournament Hosted by GCSACC San Luis Obispo CC October Charity Tournament TBD
December 5, 2026 Holiday Event Windows on the Water
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Superintendent Profile Dominic Peluso– Visalia Country Club My Name is Dominic Peluso golf course superintendent at Visalia CC for 3 years now. I have been in this industry for 14 years. I spent the other 11 years working on the east coast. Worked at two other golf courses Sunnehanna CC and Pikewood National Golf Club. I was fortunate enough to work at a top 100 golf course in the United States for 7 years. I also spent two years as an irrigation foreman installing irrigation on golf courses all around Pittsburgh. I grew up in Hanford, Ca moved away in 2011 and moved back to Hanford three years ago. I have recently become a father. My Son Tatum turned one back in November. Out of my time in this industry my son has been my best accomplishment. Q: Where did you grow up? Born in Scotland. But I grew up in Hanford Ca Q: How did your interest grow for the golf course industry? Love working outside. Played baseball for a long time, and spent many hours working on a baseball field. Found out after high school that you can make a career out it. Decided to go the golf course route because I knew I would get bored working on a baseball field. Q: Where did you go to school and what was you major?
Westmorland County Community College in Pennsylvania. AA degree in Turf Management and AA degree in Landscaping Design Q: What part of your job excites you everyday? Everyday is a new challenge. Love seeing results seeing my crew take pride in taking care of a great golf course Q: What tool/s do you need to have everyday to make your job easier? I train my guys to have the mentality of a Swiss Army Knife. Be capable of doing everything and excel at it. With that being said, my Leatherman is one of my favorite tools to have. Q: What hobbies or hidden talents do you have?
I now have a 1-year-old son, so spending quality time with him is my hobby. I’m looking forward to having some free labor in a few years. I do enjoy golfing when the weather is right and I have time for it. Q: What is one dream vacation destination? I would like to visit Bora Bora and dig my toes in the sand and see nothing but water Q: What is your favorite food or meal? Sushi Q: What music do you enjoy listening to? Classic rock and country Q: If you could give your younger self some advice, what would that be? I wouldn’t change anything. I am blessed to be where I am at today. Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the golf industry? Work hard, ask many questions. Make sure you know what climate you want to work in.
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Winter Golf Course Maintenance Strategies for California’s Central Valley and Central Coast Climate-Specific Challenges Central Valley • Frost Events: Frequent overnight frost requires careful monitoring of greens to prevent crown hydration injury. Superintendents often delay morning play until thawing occurs to avoid mechanical damage. • Low Humidity & Wind: Dry winter air and desiccating winds can stress turf, especially on elevated greens and exposed fairways. • Dormant Bermudagrass: Warm-season turf enters dormancy, leaving courses visually brown and more susceptible to weed encroachment. Overseeding with ryegrass is common to maintain playability. Central Coast • Excess Moisture: Winter rains saturate soils, leading to compaction and drainage issues. Courses must prioritize aeration and sand topdressing to maintain infiltration. • Disease Pressure: Cool, damp conditions increase risk of fungal diseases such as dollar spot, anthracnose, and pythium blight. Preventive fungicide programs and monitoring are essential. • Salt Management: Coastal winds and spray can deposit salts, requiring periodic flushing of soils to protect turf health.
Key Maintenance Practices
Turf Management • Overseeding: Ryegrass overseeding ensures color and playability during Bermudagrass dormancy in the Valley. Coastal courses may overseed selectively depending on rainfall and disease risk. • Nutrient Programs: Reduced growth rates call for lean fertility programs. Spoon-feeding nitrogen at low rates supports turf health without promoting excessive growth that increases disease susceptibility. Irrigation Adjustments • Central Valley: Irrigation schedules are minimized but remain critical to prevent desiccation. Soil moisture sensors help fine-tune applications. • Central Coast: Rainfall often reduces irrigation needs, but drainage inspections are vital to prevent waterlogging. Infrastructure & Project Work • Bunker Renovations: Rebuilding edges, improving drainage, and refreshing sand. • Cart Path Repairs: Addressing cracks and erosion before spring traffic increases. • Tree Management: Pruning for safety and improved sunlight/airflow to turf. • Drainage Enhancements: Installing or repairing subsurface systems to handle winter rains.
Pest & Disease Monitoring • Rodents & Burrowing Animals: Gophers and ground squirrels are more active in Valley courses during winter, requiring integrated pest management. • Fungal Diseases: Preventive fungicide rotations with active ingredients targeting winter pathogens are critical. Monitoring microclimates (shaded, wet areas) helps prioritize treatments.
Superintendent Takeaways • • • •
Adapt to microclimates: Even within regions, site-specific conditions dictate maintenance priorities. Use winter for capital projects: Reduced play provides the best opportunity for disruptive work. Balance water carefully: Too little risks desiccation; too much invites disease and compaction. Stay proactive: Preventive fungicide and fertility programs are more effective than reactive measures.
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Charity Tournament Bakersfield Country Club The sun shone brightly over the rolling fairways of Bakersfield Country Club as golfers gathered for a special day of camaraderie, competition, and community spirit. On November 2, we hosted a charity golf tournament benefiting the Steve Scarborough Scholarship Fund, drawing players, sponsors, and supporters together for a cause that reaches far beyond the greens.
A Perfect Day for Golf
• The weather was ideal—crisp autumn air with just enough warmth to make play comfortable. • Participants enjoyed the pristine conditions of Bakersfield Country Club, known for its challenging layout and scenic views. • Teams teed off in the morning, with laughter, friendly rivalries, and plenty of memorable shots marking the day.
Supporting the Steve Scarborough Scholarship Fund
• The tournament was organized to raise funds for the Steve Scarborough Scholarship Fund, which provides educational opportunities to local turf students., and legacy applicants from our Chapter. • Through entry fees, sponsorships, and donations, the event generated over $3000 to put back into the Scholarship Fund for future applicants. • Attendees were reminded of the lasting impact Steve Scarborough had on the community, and how his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Community and Celebration • •
After the final putts dropped, golfers gathered for a celebratory lunch at the beautiful outdoor dining area. Awards were presented for longest drive, closest-to-the-pin, and overall team performance.
More Than Just a Tournament This wasn’t just a day of golf—it was a day of giving. The Bakersfield Country Club community came together to honor Steve Scarborough’s memory, ensuring that young scholars will have the resources they need to pursue their dreams. Bakersfield Country Club went above and beyond the normal hosting requirements. They made it a day to remember. We can not Thank them enough for the generosity and hospitality.
Winning Team for the day– Joe Elias, Matt Graves, and Guest
Matt Graves with Host Superintendent Brian Rios, and Alex Barbarena of Tulare GC
Lonnie Stevens of Wilbur Ellis with teammates, Jose Aguilar, Jose Alvarez, and Candelario Ortega
Chapter VP Elliot Wilbur of The Alisal, with his team.
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Holiday Event Windows on the Water The holiday season sparkled at Windows on the Water, where friends and families gathered for a festive evening filled with laughter, good food, and the Holiday Spirit. The restaurant, perched above the bay with its sweeping views, provided the perfect backdrop for a holiday celebration. • One of the evening’s highlights was the White Elephant gift exchange, a tradition that never fails to bring laughter. • Guests unwrapped quirky surprises ranging from novelty mugs to playful holiday trinkets, sparking goodnatured competition as gifts were swapped and stolen. • The exchange reminded everyone that the holidays are as much about shared joy and humor as they are about tradition. And sometimes a nice bottle of stolen tequila. • While the party was lively, there was a shared sense of disappointment over the cancellation of Morro Bay’s beloved Holiday Boat Parade. For many, the parade has long been a cherished tradition, with brightly lit vessels gliding across the bay in a dazzling display of community spirit.. While people expressed sorrow at its absence, noting how much the parade adds to the magic of the season, there was a shared relief over being able to find convenient parking for a change.
✨A Night of Togetherness
Despite the missing parade, the holiday party at Windows on the Water captured the essence of the season: togetherness, joy, and gratitude. Between the laughter of the gift exchange and the warmth of shared meals, attendees left with hearts full of holiday cheer—and hope that next year, the boats will once again light up Morro Bay.
Herminio Plata and Wife
Taylor Milne, Glen Matthews, and Andy Cordova
Andy, Sarah, and Theo Cordova
Craig and Amy Johnson
Kim and Taylor Milne
Mike and Irene Cline
Dave and Sherrie Goodrich
Terry and Tamara Vassey
Michael and Heather Bova
Lonnie Stevens and his date, Kathleen