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March/April 2012
Stieler wins GCSAA National Championship
Central Cal Wins 2nd in Chapter Team Competition
Inside this issue:
President’s Message
2
From the Field
4
Meeting Schedules
6
Mis A Meeting Miss A Lot
6
Around The Green
8
Equipment Demo Day Highlights
11
Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Central California. The purpose of this publication is information and education for the membership. Published bi-monthly by GCSACC 5322 N. Leonard Clovis, CA 93619 Phone (559) 298-4853 Fax (559) 298-6957 Email gcsacc@aol.com Bob Schneiderhan, Newsletter Chairman Mike Scott, CGCS, Editor
Mike Stieler, CGCS, Superintendent at Riverbend Golf Club in Madera battled through a tense back nine stretch to capture his first GCSAA National Championship on Feb. 26 at the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif. Mike finished with a twoday total of 1-under-par 143. Mike had come close in several previous editions of the GCSAA tournament without taking home the top prize. He finished third in 2011 in Palm
Beach Gardens, Fla., finished fourth in 2010 in Palm Springs after leading the tournament on the back nine in the final round, and was a runner-up finisher in the 2008 tournament played in Orlando, Fla. There would be no second place this time around for Mike. Entering the back nine with a one-shot lead over threetime champion Seth Strickland, from Miami (Fla.) Shores Country Club, Mike kept up his momentum to take home the trophy. Well deserved and well done, Mike.
With the strength of Stieler, the team championship was looking good. The Central California Team placed 2nd and included Mike Stieler, CGCS, Rafael Barajas, CGCS, Tom Elliott, CGCS, Craig Johnson, and Cordie Morgan. This was the first ever win for our chapter and brought us a nice check of $1,395.00 for our chapter. (See Page 7 for a picture) This event was sponsored by Toro. Be sure to call and congratulate the winners of this years competition. We are looking forward to 2013!
30th Anniversary of the Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship Tournament Be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship Tournament. This year we mark our 30th Anniversary of this tournament and there will be many special events to honor this tradi-
tion. Kevin Wiles, Superintendent at San Joaquin Country Club in Fresno will host the event on Tuesday June 12, 2012. Be sure to look for the invitations that are coming out soon. This is the only fund raising event held by
our chapter and this year we are hoping to include not only Funds for Scholarships but for Research as well. For more information you can go to our web site at CaliforniaGCSA.org/ Central California Chapter.
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President’s Message by Michael Swing, CGCS Winter is almost over and spring is just ahead. I guess it’s too early to call it a drought year, but in Michael Swing, CGCS the valley we haven’t seen a whole lot of rain. I always give thought to what kind of summer we are going have based on what we experience in the winter and spring. I guess it really doesn’t matter, though, because it never turns out the way I envision it. So trying to guess what the weather will bring is just that – guessing! But, there is one
thing you count on and that is our meeting schedule and educational programs. We have lined up great golf courses and educational topics that will benefit everyone. On March 27th we met at Hunter Ranch and host Superintendent Jason Pautsch provided a great venue for us. My favorite holes are #11, 12 and 13. With that thought, I’m glad I packed extra balls. Jason has always provided us with excellent playing conditions and the education was certainly a winner. Josh Heptig and Brian Daum have been working hard on putting the educational programs together and this was one of the best. April 9th, at my course Visalia Country Club, we hosted the Equipment Demo Day. All of the vendors
brought out the newest equipment on the market. At the Golf Industry Show you can only look. Here, we got real hands-on experience and were able to judge for ourselves the merits of each piece of equipment. This was a great time and several superintendents took this opportunity to bring their assistants, mechanics, foremen, green chairmen, owners, and special guests to the event (did I miss anyone?). And, because of the generosity of our sponsors the registration fee for this incredible event was only be $25, including food, beverages and golf. Thank You to our sponsors. Tom Corralez of Mid Cal Tractor supplied Continued on Page 3
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President’s Message Continued from page 2 the continental breakfast. Scott Furtak and Phil Chan of Ewing Irrigation, Golf and Industrial, provided their famous BBQ lunch. During golf Graeme Parris of Parris Turf Equipment quenched our thirst on the course with plenty of beverages So that is what has happened in the last couple months. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for the May meeting in Bakersfield at River Lakes Golf Course. Harry Dawson is planning some exciting education and is looking forward to seeing everyone at his course. Don’t forget to look for the 2012 Scholarship Applications that are posted on line. We have opportuni-
Three locations to serve you Lancaster
Bakersfield
Fresno
ties for Turf Students and for Legacy Awards for our Membership and their children. This is our 30th Anniversary of the Al Glaze Scholarship Tournament and will be held at San Joaquin C.C. on June 12, 2012. This year we are raising funds not only for Scholarships but for Research as well. We are supporting the California Turf and Landscape Foundation in its efforts to raise funds for research in California. So be sure to come out and help.
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Welcome New Member Scott Walwyn, Class A The Village C.C. Matt Pearse Class E Crop Production Service Paul Barr Class C San Luis Obispo CC Kirk Christensen, Class C Diablo Grande G.C.
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From the Field Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region I hope this finds all of our GCSA of Central California members doing well and getting ready for a great summer. As a GCSAA Field Staff Representative, one of my primary objectives is to assist with the continued development of the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). For those of you that don’t know, EIFG is the philanthropic branch of GCSAA and its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Recently, the EIFG received a $1million donation from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation to support the professional development of golf course superintendents through participation in the annual
GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show. The Melrose Family Foundation is supported by Ken Melrose, the former CEO and chairman of the Toro Co. The gift is the largest in EIFG history. As a donating member, I am asking all GCSAA members to consider contributing to EIFG to fuel innovation through research, expand knowledge of golf course management professionals through education, tell golf’s story through advocacy and research and help bright minds pursue their dreams through scholarships. All donations, small or large, will help preserve the game, the profession and your way of life. Additionally, EIFG has a completely new look and website that provides up-to-date news, environmental and sustainable education and the ability to donate online.
Visit the new site at EIFG.org. On a lighter note, I would like to remind all superintendents and fellow dog lovers that photos for the always popular Dog Days of Golf calendar are due by Aug. 1. Sponsored by Lebanon Turf, the winning dog will be chosen at the Golf Industry Show next February in San Diego. If your dog is the winner, $3,000 will be donated to your home chapter along with a $500 donation to your local humane society. To submit your dog, email a high resolution photo to Lebturfdogcalendar@gcsaa.org. As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve your chapters and if I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.
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Meeting Schedule May 23, 2012
August 13, 2012
Riverlakes Golf Course
Tri Chapter Meeting Stone Brae C.C.
Host Superintendent Harry Dawson
Hosted by Northern California GCSA
June 12, 2012 Al Glaze Scholarship Tournament San Joaquin Country Club Host Superintendent Kevin Wiles
July 2012
September 2012 Annual Election Meeting Location to be determined
October 2012 Annual Charities Event Madera Country Club Date to be confirmed
No Monthly Meeting
TURF PRO 2012 Dairy Creek Golf Course 2990 Dairy Creek Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 June 13, 2012 September 12, 2012 November 14, 2012
Copper River Country Club 11500 N. Friant Road Fresno, CA 93730 June 14 , 2012 September 13, 2012 November 15, 2012
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Miss A Meeting—Miss A Lot by Josh Heptig
Our January meeting was hosted by Dave Rosenstraugh at The Alisal Ranch in Solvang. Stepping out of my car onto this property was an experience in itself. The grounds and facilities are very well maintained and provided a sense of “Old West” charm. The guest rooms still do not have telephones to this day and I think that is a great thing in our fast paced world in which we live in. The Ranch includes a lake for fishing and recreation, horses and stables, a pool, tennis facilities, and of course two golf courses. We were welcomed with a nice array of breakfast items by a warm fire where everyone had a chance to mingle and catch up with friends before the meeting got underway. Mike Swing welcomed everyone to the event and introduced Dave, our gracious host, and our educational presenter for the day, Pat Gross. Pat is the Southwest Regional Director for the USGA and a great resource for many of your turf problems or questions. Pat’s topic was Golf Course Maintenance Trends in California. The presentation started by discussing putting green management and some helpful tips regarding aeration and topdressing practices in an effort to maintain true surfaces with minimal disruption to golfers or your reels and bed-knives. Pat provided insight and solutions for brown ring patch (waitea patch) and thatch collapse, which are two relatively new diseases that have plagued our region. The turf issues continued with chemical control ideas for Poa annua reduction and seed head suppression, as well as, the removal of Swine cress from putting surfaces.
The hot topic of the day was Coot control strategies that other superintendents have tried/ are trying to control these winged turf pests. Strategies included green lasers, dogs, model boats, monofilament fishing line, and pink construction string. Attendees discussed these ideas and more in a great open forum where many thoughts and ideas were shared from locations in Fresno to Santa Barbara and everywhere in between. The presentation finished with new innovative tools that add technological assistance to the methods of our madness with moisture sensors, custom fertilizer mix tanks for your own mixture of N, P, and K, and GPS guided spray equipment that helps monitor applications and increase application accuracy. The presentation was followed by a round table discussion and updates of GCSAA happenings within our region and nationally. The morning session was capped off with a beautiful spread for lunch “Southwest Style”. The food was great and the time allowed for more discussions and visiting before we broke for a gorgeous day on the golf course. Overall this event was a great experience for the attendees and was a perfect example of the value of our chapter meetings. Our board strives to add value to our
meetings by providing quality educational speakers, networking opportunities, and a little stress relief by getting away from your facility to see what another superintendent is doing at their course. These opportunities are invaluable and can help to rekindle the excitement and enthusiasm that we all possess, but often wanes as we get caught up in our day to day routines. Each meeting is an opportunity to improve your bottom line by finding that idea that will save you time and money. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and if you have any thoughts or ideas for meeting topics please do not hesitate to contact me at (805) 781-1318 or jheptig@co.slo.ca.us.
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National Conference Awards For Central California Members
Mike Swing, CGCS is honored for achieving 25 years as a GCSAA Class A Certified Superintendent
Mike Stieler, CGCS wins the 2012 GCSAA National Golf Championship
Central California receives their check for the Team Championship. Receiving the check were team member Rafael Barajas, CGCS and Association President Mike Swing, CGCS
Golf Course Materials Topdressing Sand - Bunker Sand Decomposed Granite - Drain Rock 1/8� Minus Turf & Tee Bulk Humus Brush Removal Call for competitive rates
David Knott, Inc.
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Around the Green by Michael Cline
A wild and wet early April saw record rain fall in many locations around the Central Chapter with one 2 day period seeing almost 2” of rain and hail, and even a funnel cloud sighting to go along with the thunder storms. Luckily, no reports of extensive damage from anyone so we’ll take the rain and say thank you. Superintendent Doug Westbrook continues the remodel of Paso Robles Golf Course with new irrigation, cart paths, and much more. Can’t wait to see the final product and see if we could hold a chapter meeting at this great old course. I believe Ben Swinney was the Central Chapter
President when I first join the GCSACC in the early 80’s. The Al Glaze Scholarship Tournament is coming up fast and San Joaquin Country Club Superintendent Kevin Wiles is getting the course in great shape. I don’t remember having a chapter meeting at San Joaquin CC in like forever so make sure you don’t miss this one, it will be great. I was recently reading the GCS Magazine and I saw where Tony Rudge was the SuperintendentMember at Hunter Ranch, so I thought I’d check in with Tony about his new role at Hunter Ranch.
When I met with Tony, I found out he was elevated to the role of Golf Course Superintendent for Hunter Ranch in September. Tony reports to Jason Pautch who is the Director of Golf Maintenance for both Hunter and La Purisma Golf Courses. Here are, 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Superintendent Tony Rudge. First job in golf? My first job in golf was at the Cal Club in South San Francisco working for Roger Robarge. They called me the Spray Tech (Continued on page 9)
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Around the Green Continued from page 8 but you do anything and everything required to get the job done. What was your first management job in golf? My first management job in golf was also at the Cal Club when I was named second assistant. So at the time the Cal Club had Roger as the superintendent, Craig Johnson (Belmont Country Club Superintendent) was first assistant and I was second assistant. What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
When I’m not at work I love to hike the Central Coast. I’ll hike anywhere but I really love right here where I am. Who is your favorite sports team and why? My favorite sports team is the Los Angeles Dodgers, I love Dodger Blue but I can’t really tell you why or when I became a fan. If you could pick one meal, what would it be? My favorite meal is a juicy cheeseburger off my grill at home.
What’s your favorite part of being a golf course superintendent? My favorite part of the job is getting to see a project move from concept to completion. Getting to see the job done is really rewarding. What’s your least favorite part of being a golf course superintendent? My least favorite part of the job is that lousy alarm clock every morning! (Continued on page 10)
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Around the Green Continued from page 9 What’s your favorite song? I don’t really have a favorite song, I like all kinds of music just depends on how I’m feeling.
Scott Walwyn Appointed to
GCSACC Board of Directors
What’s your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Blazing Saddles, a classic comedy for all ages. Tony Rudge
What’s your favorite band? My favorite band is someone you’ve probably never heard of, they’re called Ween. Just in case, I’ll say the Beatles for those who need someone a bit better known.
As always, if you know of something that you thing might interest our members and want to get it in our Around the Green article, just let me know and we’ll get it in. Have a great spring and we’ll see you real soon Around the Green.
For over 80 years the specialty seed source for: -Native Grasses and Wildflowers -Kikuyu, Paspalum, Hybrid Bermuda -Bentgrasses, Fine Fescues, Ryegrasses Golf Course Representatives:
Scott Walwyn, Superintendent at The Village Country Club, has graciously accepted the appointment as the 2012 Board of Director for the GCSACC Board of Directors. Welcome to Scott and we look forward to working with him once again.
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Equipment Demo Day Highlights The 2012 Equipment Demo Day was attended by over 50 people. This number is up from our previous year and we are hoping that it will continue to grow. Some of the attending Superintendents brought their
crews, including mechanics and assistants. In addition we had Club members and owners.
With a price of only $25 for the day it was the perfect opportunity to share what our association is all about. We have a special Thank You to our equipment vendors. Hustler Equipment, Andy Fernandez, Mid Cal Tractor, John Deere, Pete Fredeen and Tom Corralez, Turf Star, Chuck Talley and Bob Dalton, Turf Star Irrigation, Kevin Eppich, Golf Ventures West, Jaime Ovalle, Parris Equipment, Graeme Parris, and Kern Turf Supply.
2011/2012 GCSACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT MICHAEL SWING, CGCS VISALIA COUNTRY CLUB SECRETARY/TREASURER JOSH HEPTIG SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
VICE PRESIDENT BRIAN DAUM VALLEY CREST/PALO ALTO G.C.
BOARD MEMBERS
TROY THOMPSON RIVERSIDE G. C.
TRINI HERNANDEZ
KEVIN EPPICH TURF STAR
BOB SCHNEIDERHAN CAL POLY SLO
SCOTT WALWYN THE VILLAGE C.C.
ANDY FERNANDEZ AB TURF/HUSTLER TURF EQUIP.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY IRENE CLINE PHONE (559) 298-4853 FAX (559) 298-6957 EMAIL gcsacc@aol.com