September/October 2012
TEE-OFF News
2012 Annual Lowell Stone Charity Event Visalia Country Club Mike Swing, CGCS Host Superintendent
Inside this issue:
President’s Message
2
Meeting Schedules
5
Around the Green
6
From the Field
8
Highlights from Village C.C.
10
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 Swing, CGCS will be hosting the 2012 Annual Lowell Stone Charity Event. This is Mike’s 3rd time to host this very popular event and Visalia C.C. is one of the favorite spots for many of our attendees. We are expecting a full field this year as we are joining with the 1st Tee Program and their supporters to help fill the field. The 1st Tee Programs of Fresno and the Central Coast will be the beneficiary of this years fund raising efforts. This will be the eleventh year that the
GCSACC has hosted the Charity Tournament. This event that was started by Lowell Stone back in 2002 and in 2011 the GCSACC board proudly renamed the “Charities Event” to “The Lowell Stone Charities Event”. I’m sure everyone knows that if it wasn’t for Lowell, this event wouldn’t even exist. His dedication to this tournament, chapter, and the golf industry made it a very easy unanimous decision to adopt the new name. The GCSACC, through the Charity event, has proudly supported
charities such as Hospice Partners, Children’s Hospital of Fresno, Len Ross Fresno Junior Golf, Fresno Rescue Mission, Special Olympic Golf, Autism Speaks, and First Tee. During the eleven years the GCSACC has been hosting this event we have raised approximately $30,000 and have been able to provide these funds to these very worthy charities. We hope to continue for many years to come. The notices have all been sent out and all our members should have re(Continued on page 4)
2012 Election Results The 2012/2013 Elections were held at Village Country Club in September. Elected to the board were President Josh Heptig, County of San Luis Obispo, Vice President Troy Thompson, Valley Oaks G.C., Sec/Treas, Brian Daum, Palo Alto G.C., Newly elected board
members are Steven Showers, Airways G.C., and Tennessee McBroom, San Piper G.C. Remaining on the board will be Scott Walwyn, Village, Country Club, and Bob Schneiderhan, Cal Poly SLO. Newly elected as our 2012/2013 Affiliate Rep is Mike Cline, Wilbur Ellis
Co., and remaining for another year will be Kevin Eppich, Turf Star. Michael Swing will be our Past President and we thank him for his many years of service to our board and the membership of the GCSA of Central California. We also thank Trini Hernandez for his many years on the board.
Page 2
TEE-OFF News
President’s Message— Strategic Plan for the GCSACC by Josh Heptig Its fall and many of us are enjoying watching the race to October in baseball or the Josh Heptig beginning of the college and NFL seasons. All of the teams in these sports have one thing in common…they all have a strategy or game plan to accomplish their weekly or season goals. As superintendents we are also evaluating our goals and strategies that were implemented this past summer in anticipation of next year. We will analyze fertility schedules and products in the coming months to determine our STRATEGY for 2013. This past July our Board for the Central California GCSA met in Morro Bay to determine our strategy moving forward to capitalize on our forward momentum and evaluate our short comings. We were joined by Steve Randall from GCSAA headquarters and Jeff Jensen, our GCSAA Southwest Regional Rep. The group used a system of analysis called
SCOR (Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities, Risks) to help guide us through this process. I will not have enough space here to provide a detailed description of the days’ events, but rather a summary that will provide you a sense of where we are going and how we plan to get there. If you have any questions please contact a board member and we will be happy to share any thoughts or accept any ideas you may have. Our key strengths were easily defined as the number of members we have, our affordable meetings, and affordable dues as compared to other California chapters. Our challenges were a bit more difficult to narrow down, but included geographic separation, regional economics, and growing the game of golf to name a few. These strengths and weaknesses were used to determine the opportunities before us. The opportunities were plentiful and some have been implemented are in service already. These items include an abbreviated meeting schedule, educational content, fulfilling member needs through survey information, and member recognition. The primary risk that concerns us all
is the solvency of our chapter. Through the SCOR analysis it was clear that our Board values our members. We want to add value and a more personal experience by enhancing our events and keeping our fees affordable. We hope to do this be reducing the number of meetings each year so that a more focused effort can be made toward each event to enhance the experience of the membership. This then led to the development of a Mission and Vision Statements which are: Mission The GCSACC is dedicated to providing value to our member through programs and services that enhance our profession. Vision Members will be consistently recognized as professionals and leaders in the golf course superintendents profession; stewards of the land; educated; supporters of scholarship/ research and charitable contributions (Continued on page 3)
TEE-OFF News
Page 3
President’s Message -Strategic Plan Continued from page 2 to the community; a network of individuals supporting the industry while maintaining a fun atmosphere; and welcoming to industry partners and allied golf organizations. We walked away with two goals. 1) Develop a member engagement/ mentorship program 2) Create a 2013 calendar with a focus on fewer meetings. Our meeting schedule has been determined and will be shared with you very soon if it has not been presented at the time of this publication and recognition program is in the works to honor a Superintendent and Industry/Affiliate
member each year at the annual Christmas Party. The Board was enthusiastic as the meeting adjourned. This strategic plan will be reviewed every one to two years to make sure our organization is on the correct path. As a board we cannot and should not be making decisions that affect us all without input from our membership. So, I would encourage you all to get involved in some form, either by attending meetings, writing emails, picking up a phone, and filling out surveys to let us know your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. We each rely on our staffs each day and our staffs on us, to provide the best
possible product for our customers at our courses. This chapter is no different. Become involved at any level and experience what the GCSACC can mean to you, your club, and your career.
Page 4
TEE-OFF News
Charity Event Continued from page 1 ceived the invitations. This is a first come first serve event that is open to the public. Mike Swing has been working diligently to raise funds from our generous sponsors. Ewing Irrigation will be hosting the barbecue lunch again, which is one of everyone’s favorite things. Come prepared to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win some great raffle prizes. We will have lots of fun out on the course and during the tournament. Remember to get your reservations in early, as we hope to have a full field and you won’t want to miss this. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact Irene or Kim at the association office ( 559-298-4853) or email them at gcsacc@aol.com. Registration deadline is fast approaching. You can register on line at
TURF PRO 2012 Dairy Creek Golf Course 2990 Dairy Creek Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 November 14, 2012
Copper River Country Club 11500 N. Friant Road Fresno, CA 93730 November 15, 2012
http://www.californiagcsa.org/central-california/events/ Contact Mike Cline 559-269-7342
TEE-OFF News Meeting Schedule November 5, 2012
February 2013
Annual Charity Event Visalia Country Club Host Superintendent Mike Swing, CGCS
Annual GCSAA Conference & Show San Diego CA
February 6, 2013 California Room - USS Midway
December 8, 2012 Annual Holiday Event Window On The Water Morro Bay
January 2013 Winter Educational Meeting Location to be determined
Register on line at Californiagccs.org
Page 5
Page 6
TEE-OFF News
Around The Green By Michael Cline
I wanted to thank all of the commercial members who voted for me to become your representative on the GCSACC Board of Directors, and I’ll do my best to represent all of our affiliate members as we go into the New Year. If any of you have thoughts or ideas that you think should be brought before the board, please let me know by e-mailing me at mcline@wilburellis.com and I’ll make sure your thoughts are heard. Some of the goings on the chapter has seen is the return of some familiar faces. Joel Brinkman has returned to the Fresno area as the Superintendent at Sunnyside Country Club. Many of you will remember Joel from his days at Belmont Country Club so it’s great to have Joel back in the Valley. Also returning to the chapter as an active Superintendent is Lowell Stone who came out of retirement to take on the head role at Madera Country Club. Superintendent Danny Moak, formerly of Valley Oaks Golf Course in Visalia, is the new Superintendent at Merced Country Club. Danny will actually be joining Environmental Care who was recently awarded the contract to manage this private country club after several years with Green Way Golf. A recent addition to the Central Chapter is Rob Lomeli who joints the Central Chapter as Superintendent for Ridge Creek Golf Course in Dinuba. Make sure to welcome Rob to the Chapter at your earliest convenience.
It’s never too early to start plugging the GCSACC Christmas Party. Windows on the Water in Morro Bay is a great venue, food is great, the liquid libations are abundant, the “White Elephant” gift exchange is a fun highlight to the evening and there are a ton of hotels within easy walking distance from the event. Watch for your official invitations in the mail and we hope to see you all there. Speaking of Rob Lomeli, since he just joined the chapter, I thought it would be great to have Rob as our featured Superintendent. Rob grew up in the golf industry, and as anyone who’s been in the Valley for any length of time would know, the name Lomeli is huge part of the San Joaquin Valley’s golfing heritage. In May of 1957, Rob’s grandfather Ralph Lomeli Sr. opened Sierra View Golf Course on the South side of Visalia. Not long after the course opened, Rob’s father, Ralph Lomeli Jr. joined the business and as most did when joining the family business, you started at the bottom and worked your way up. Ralph Lomeli Sr. retired from the business in the mid 80’s and turned the course over to his son. About this same time,
Rob joined on as a cart boy and began to work his way up in the business, finally becoming the Superintendent in 1997. Sierra View Golf Course closed its doors in May of 2006, sold to developers who never built a home on the site. The property is now planted in Walnuts. After leaving Sierra View, Rob worked as an assistant for Steve Jessup at Valley Oaks Golf Course until 2007 when he took the job as Assistant Construction Superintendent at Ridge Creek Golf Course. The construction phase of Ridge Creek lasted until July 2008, when the course Continued on page 7
(Continued on page 7)
TEE-OFF News
Page 7
Around The Green Continued from page 6 opened. Rob became Superintendent at Ridge Creek in May of 2010. Having just reached his 5th anniversary at the course, here are “10 things you didn’t know about Rob Lomeli;
What’s your favorite part of being a golf course superintendent? My favorite part of the job is being outside, I hate sitting at a desk.
First job in golf? My first job in golf was as a cart boy at the family golf course Sierra View in 1985.
What’s your least favorite part of being a golf course superintendent? My least favorite part of the job is all of the paper work that’s now required to do your job.
What was your first management job in golf? My first management job in golf was Sierra View’s Superintendent in 1997, took me 12 years to make the move up.
What’s your favorite band? My favorite band is the Zak Brown Band.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work? When I’m not at work love to hunt and fish. I don’t have any favorites; I’ll eat anything at least once.
What’s your favorite song? My favorite song is almost anything Zak Brown does.
Who is your favorite sports team and why? My favorite sports team is the Chicago Bears. In 1985, about the time I was getting old enough to care about sports, the 85 Bears won the Super Bowl. The team was all about style, glitz, glitter, headbands, and that Disco Beat song and dance they did, they were cool.
What’s your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Lonesome Dove. I know technically it wasn’t a movie, it was a TV event with multiple episodes, but it seemed like a movie to me.
If you could pick one meal, what would it be? My favorite meal is a good Rib eye Steak, baked potatoes and green beans done in my back yard.
Rob Lomeli, Ridge Creek G.C.
As always, if you know of something that might interest the membership, just give me a ring and I’ll make sure to get it in the newsletter. So until next time, I’ll see you “Around the Green”
Page 8
TEE-OFF News
From the Field
Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region As we approach November and the start of the holiday season, I want to remind Central California members that next year’s GCSAA EducaJeff Jensen tion Conference and Golf Industry Show are going to be hosted by your neighbor to the south. The 2013 event will take place at the San Diego Convention Center. The Education Conference is scheduled for Feb. 4-8 with the Golf Industry
Show taking place Feb. 6-7.
so register early.
This year’s Education Conference will feature over 100 seminars providing you the in-depth education you need to meet today's challenges and prepare for tomorrow. 16 new seminars have been added featuring a variety of topics including turfgrass management, communications, finance, leadership and technology. Led by the industry's most renowned researchers, industry experts and superintendents, seminars are available in full-day, six-hour, half-day and two-hour formats. Education points are offered for completing the seminars and enrollment is limited,
The Golf Industry Show, presented by GCSAA and NGCOA is an innovative trade show designed for owners and operators of golf facilities and golf course management professionals. Featuring the largest exhibit floor in the industry, the event combines education, networking and solutions for golf course superintendents, equipment managers, owners/ operators, general managers, chief operating officers, and architects and builders. In addition, a number of networking events will be held during the conference and show including a Welcome Reception, Opening Session,
For over 80 years the specialty seed source for: -Native Grasses and Wildflowers -Kikuyu, Paspalum, Hybrid Bermuda -Bentgrasses, Fine Fescues, Ryegrasses Golf Course Representatives: Jim Culley 213-268-3193 Don Lewis 213-247-3266 Home Office: 800-621-0315
TEE-OFF News
Page 9
From the Field Continued from page 8 General Session and the19th Annual GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl. Early conference and show registration for GCSAA members begins Nov. 1 and can be completed online at www2.gcsaa.org/conference/ registration. We look forward to a big turnout from all of our California affiliated chapters and we appreciate your support of this event as it returns to the West Coast. In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the California GCSA “California Room” that will be held Wednesday, Feb. 6 during conference and show. The annual cocktail party and social will take place this year aboard the aircraft carrier USSMidway
in San Diego Harbor. The Midway now serves as a naval aviation museum and will offer members and guests the opportunity to tour the carrier and participate in flight simulations and other activities. The event was attended by nearly 600 participants last year in Las Vegas and this
year promises to be even bigger. More information will be forthcoming and registration will be available online at www.californiagcsa.org. As always, if I can be of any assistance to you, please email me at jjensen@gcsaa.org and make sure to follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_SW.
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. (559) 449-8935 or (559) 760-5387
TEE-OFF News
Page 10
Highlights from Village Country Club Thank you to Scott Walwyn for hosting the 2012 Election Meeting at Village C.C. Scott is pictured at right with incoming president Josh Heptig. Below with Tennessee is GCSAA Field Rep Jeff Jensen
Newest Board Member Tennessee McBroom
Pictured above is Josh Heptig with David Goodrich from CPS our Educational Speaker for the day. At left is Bob Schneiderhan, Mike Scott, Mike Farmen, and Randy Haines.
Above with Josh is Mike Brown
The weather was amazing for the golfers. Pictured above for the fun tournament was from left Mike Scott, CGCS, Mike Cline, Jeff Jensen, Dave Rosenstraugh, CGCS, and Allan, Goethe. At left pictured are Bob Schneiderhan, Josh Heptig, Randy Haines, and Kevin Eppich.
TEE-OFF News
Thank You to our Sponsors
Page 11
5322. N. Leonard Ave. Clovis, CA 93619
2012/2013 GCSACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT JOSH HEPTIG SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SECRETARY/TREASURER BRIAN DAUM VALLEY CREST/PALO ALTO G.C.
VICE PRESIDENT TROY THOMPSON VALLEY OAKS GOLF COURSE
BOARD MEMBERS STEVEN SHOWERS AIRWAYS G. C.
TENNESSEE MCBROOM SANDPIPER GOLF COURSE KEVIN EPPICH TURF STAR
BOB SCHNEIDERHAN CAL POLY SLO MICHAEL CLINE WILBUR ELLIS COMPANY
EXECUTIVE STAFF IRENE CLINE/KIMBERLY MILNE PHONE (559) 298-4853 FAX (559) 298-6957 EMAIL gcsacc@aol.com
SCOTT WALWYN THE VILLAGE C.C.