January/February 2013
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Presidents Message By Josh Heptig
Inside this issue:
Investing or Not
2
Mallard Duck Nesting Tubes
4
Meeting Schedules
5
Be Different in 2013
6
From the Field
8
Irrigation Efficiency
9
Highlights from Winter Symposium
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
Sunny weather is on the horizon! Well, we do live in California after all. What I am referencing here is the indicators are trending upward for the golf industry as a whole after a favorable 2012 golf season. The amount of paid rounds increased 6.1% nationally and the State of California showed an increase of 3.1% during 2012 as reported by the National Golf Foundation. Let’s hope that this trend continues into 2013 and well beyond. If you are looking for more rays of sun, San Diego was the place to be this February. Not only
was the sun shining, but there was many opportunities to expand your knowledge and brilliant ideas that may help your facility navigate toward success. The trade show included all of the latest and greatest toys we all had on our wish list this past holiday season as well as great promotional offers available only to attendees . The education at the show is always fantastic and this years’ lineup of topics and presenters was no disappointment. On top of all of that, there were numerous networking opportunities available including our very own California
Room aboatd the U.S.S. Midway. This was a must attend event, that included over 600 of our California members. Our 2013 Chapter event schedule started with a bright and sunny beginning on the coast as Tennessee McBroom and Sandpiper Golf Club hosted the first event of the year. What a gorgeous day! We were welcomed by a beautiful sunrise and those that stayed for golf were bid adieu as the sun began to set over the Pacific as we headed home. The meeting was equally as great as we kicked off 2013 with our new GCSAA presi(Continued on page 3)
By Laws Changes by Steven Showers The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Central California (GCSACC) last amended the chapter’s by-laws in 2006. At that time the changes made were in order for our chapter to remain in line with the Golf Course Superintendents
Association of America (GCSAA) regarding the dual membership requirements. The board of directors has decided to again amend our by-laws in a few minor areas. The proposed changes we are considering include:
Inserting language in the by-laws relating to the ability of the board of directors to assess a $50.00 reinstatement fee to members who let their membership lapse and then reapply for membership with the chapter. (Continued on page 3)
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Investing or Not
Michael Swing, CGCS President California GCSAA So how’s your 401K, stocks, savings account or money tucked neatly in the mattress doing these days? Hopefully, we all will do well. We all invest in one way or another to protect our future when the great day of retirement arrives. But until then, how do you invest in your career? For many successful superintendents it’s active involvement in GCSAA, California GCSA or your Local Chapter. It’s one of those things, the more you invest the greater the return. So what am I leading to? Each level of the associations has its own unique offerings, or as I call it “Tools”. These tools are necessary in solving issues of today and with hundreds of tools available, you are now prepared to tackle almost anything. Doubt me? Just open these websites and see for yourself. You will get lost in the
maze of resources, benefits, links, and more. One of the biggest benefits among the 3 associations is the behind the scenes support you (member or not) receive as a professional in the eyes of golfers and the public. It comes in many ways such as TV commercials, Radio announcements, Golf Commentary, or local superintendent interview to name only a few. The increased awareness of what we do results in greater salaries, benefits, and recognition now and in the future. Networking is the path to enhance these tools. Meeting new professionals and talking shop is a great way of learning. It is also a great way to establish a connection or consultant for a particular issue at some point in time. In many cases your colleague may bring forth new ideas or better options to the table.
Establishing these relationships becomes synergistic with continued education. Have you ever noticed that the most successful superintendents are present at almost every event, seminar or function in golf? They understand the value and the future of this profession. The alternative, and there is always one, is to not invest in your knowledge of Golf Course Management, float along and eventually become obsolete. Remember, we are replaceable and in today’s market, many college graduates and assistant superintendents are looking at you for a spot. More importantly, your club needs you to be at the forefront of course management.
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President’s Message-Continued from page 1
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By Laws Changes Continued from page 1
dent to be Pat Finlen, CGCS from The Olympic Club. Pat provided some great information about where GCSAA has been, where we are, and where we are striving to be in the future. Pat was followed by Pat Gross from the USGA. Pat was our featured speaker last year at Alisal and he did not disappoint us this year as he provided cost saving tips and regional upJosh Heptig dates for the attendees. The final leg of our educational relay was Bruce Williams with the California Turf and Landscape Foundation. Bruce brought home the baton as he spoke about the importance of turf research and how University funding is lacking here in our State. The Foundation has been established to increase the awareness of research as well as provide a mechanism so that funds can be allocated to benefit our industry. As a golf course superintendent, your position has been shown to be the most important to your customers’ satisfaction. That means that each of us must continue to inspire our staffs toward making our golf facilities as enjoyable as possible. The golf course superintendent has been rated above the Golf Professional, the Marshall, the outside attendant, and even the General Manager. However, no facility can be successful without the continued effort and support from the entire team. Our chapter is an example of just that…TEAMWORK and TEAM EFFORT! We need your support, participation, and feedback. One of the officers, Board of Directors, or myself may call on you this year to encourage your attendance at an event or outing. We see the importance of TEAM and we would enjoy having each of our teammates get involved in 2013. So consider setting time aside this year to attend at least one event with YOUR chapter and peers. The information, ideas, and relationships that you take away will make it worthwhile I guarantee. Your Board’s goal this year is to ensure that our Chapter is the membership in which you cannot afford to pass up!
Creating a position on the GCSACC board of directors for one Class C member (Assistant Golf Course Superintendent). In order for this change to take place we need to change the current language regarding restrictions that relate to Class C members’ inability to hold office. The right of Class C members’ ability to vote is also a topic of conversation and the board is exploring the option of awarding this right to our Assistant members. Remove the language regarding the association issuing membership cards. Adding the proper name to our charity tournament, the Lowell Stone Charity Tournament. Removal of gender specific language from the by-laws. In order to amend the by-laws the board must first present proposed changes in writing to the membership at a regular meeting, potentially the August meeting. Then the amended by-laws would be voted on by secret ballot by all voting members present at the following meeting in September. The amended by-laws would be adopted if a minimum of two-thirds votes were in favor of the changes. If you have any input regarding these proposed amendments or would like to address other areas of our by-laws please contact any board member or email the association office.
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Mallard Duck Nesting Tubes The Audubon Society Mission Statement: To work with others to deliver high-quality environmental education and to facilitate the sustainable management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources in all places people live, work, and play. While interviewing for the superintendent position at The Village Country Club near Lompoc, California, I learned that the course is a certified member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (For Golf), and has been since 2001. Having worked as an assistant at The Ridge Golf Course near Roseville for a couple of years, I had some experience with various projects pertaining to the sanctuary program. Upon being hired, I was
eager to see what the course had done in the past and had planned to do in the future. I started looking around over the next few months and talking to members about the course and its wildlife. As spring rolled around I was excited to see all the Mallard ducks in our ponds and couldn’t wait for all the little yellow ducklings that would soon be following their mothers, especially for my 2 daughters. And so, nature did it’s thing and there were ducklings, but not as many as I was expecting. Later, I would find piles of down and feathers which I’m sure our resident Red-tailed hawks had something to do with. In the weeks that followed, there were fewer and fewer ducklings behind their mothers and it became apparent that be-
By Scott Walwyn tween the eggs and ducklings getting snatched by predators on the ground and the hawks, falcons, bass and egrets, mallards were not long for VCC. I started doing research on line to see what other courses were doing to assist in the Mallard populations and found an article from The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay GC and they were building nesting tubes for their Mallards. I dove into the article and discovered that these tubes work, are easy to build and inexpensive. Although there was no information on methods of protecting these little dudes from birds of prey, etc., we will try a chicken wire “blind” at one end and see if they will scurry under for (Continued on page 7)
TEE-OFF News Meeting Schedule April 3, 2013
July 15, 2013
Spring Educational Symposium Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club
Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship & Research Tournament San Luis Obispo Country Club
Host Superintendent Rob Lomeli Educational Topics Experience at Ridge Creek Continued Education—DPR—PDI PCA/PCO
Host Superintendent Joe Tompkins
August 5, 2013 Tri Chapter Meeting Hosted by Central California Spring Creek Country Club Host Superintendent Phil Brown
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Be Different in 2013 by Tennessee McBroom Over the past few years the reins have been pulled in to reduce spending and now as many are looking to hire additional staff and catch up on deferred maintenance within their properties, it is ever as important to review current operations and have a great plan in place. Our roles as Superintendent’s have changed significantly in recent times, perhaps some wear more hats, sit in on more committees, or manage additional properties, but it is my belief that we’ve found the bottom in the economy. With the current uptick in business levels, we’re reviewing the operation and every item to see what can be done differently with not always the outcome just to save money, but to improve the product on the golf course. As we continue through
this process we strive on being different; asking the hard questions to ourselves; Are we different? What sets our properties uniquely apart in the market place? What efficiencies need to be improved? What new or different approach can be taken to improve our guest/member satisfaction? Throughout this review and planning process working as a team is not only important throughout every department, but the only way to operate to know where we are as a business in today’s world. Our properties have always kept the focus on the guest/member and never losing sight of that! Operating differently and providing the best information to our ownership, management, and membership alike has improved our overall business plan. Without that relationship, when revenues were tight, it was easy for management to react and just cut budgets with little discussion and little
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knowledge of the effects. Now, having open and honest communication is ever so critical in management of expenses, generating new revenue streams, and creating new ideas to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace. Not just thinking outside of the box, but as I would say sometimes by throwing the box away entirely and just being different has helped us succeed. As we gather for chapter meetings in the future share your success stories, share your hardships and concerns with your neighbors, and take time to utilize these formats to make a difference in your properties. Ask yourself the hard questions every day, Are we different? At the end of it all we’re not only judged by our surfaces, not just the guest/member daily comments, but the bottom line as well, and sometimes you have to be different in your approach to find the solution. Cheers to a prosperous and successful 2013!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Mitch Peterson Valley Club of Montecito Class A Guy Beltchenko John Deere Landscapes Class E Simon Herrera Ocean Meadows G.C. Class A J. Ryan Bentley North Ranch C.C. Class A
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Mallard Duck Nesting Tubes protection. The premise behind the tubes is that they sit above the water not on the ground like normal Mallard nests. In this way, the eggs are at least able to hatch before they are destroyed by predators such as raccoons, foxes, rats, opossums, etc. The experiences at The Bear Trace suggest the ducks will find the tubes and have used them. The Mallard nesting tubes are made of chicken wire, burlap, pvc and zip ties. We will build 3 this spring and emplace them into the pond as they freestand in the pond and I will report back on progress and success!? Google this course and see full color step-bystep pictures on the construction of these nests. www.Bthbgcm.blogspot.com. Wish us Luck!
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From the Field Jeff Jensen GCSAA Field Staff I wanted to update you on the progress of the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). EIFG enjoyed tremendous success in 2012 and Jeff Jensen is continuing its mission of fostering sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Nine affiliated chapters have made EIFG donations with the most recent being a $5,000 donation from the Southern Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association. Other
contributing chapters include the Alabama GCSA, Everglades GCSA, Florida GCSA, Heart of America GCSA, GCSA of New Jersey, Midwest Association of GCS, Palm Beach GCSA and Wisconsin GCSA. These donations are being used to fund projects in a variety of areas ranging from water use and energy conservation to pollution prevention including the soon to be published GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile. While the support from our affiliated chapters and industry partners has been outstanding, we still need individual support from our loyal superintendent members moving forward. To that end, EIFG established the “Give 5” campaign in the fall of 2012 to provide an easy
and affordable way to support EIFG. Take 5 seconds to donate $5 at eifg.org. It’s that easy to show your support for the industry and to ensure the game’s long-term success. Additionally, the Rounds 4 Research program has shown some early success and auction dates for 2013 will be announced shortly. Currently over 40 affiliate chapters nationwide participate in the program including all of the chapters in California. If you have not donated a foursome from your facility, I urge you to do so as 80 percent of the funds from the auctioned rounds of golf go back to the chapter in which they were secured to be used for research, education, advocacy, scholarships and environmental programs. You can donate online at
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Irrigation Efficiency Lowers Stress Levels By Kevin Eppich Turf Star Golf Irrigation Sales and Service Winter has set in and the irrigation system needs have greatly diminished. This is the time of year to review what changes need to be made to the irrigation system and plan improvements for next year. Earlier this year I worked with Mike Swing, CGCS at Visalia Country Club to assist him in an effort to raise the irrigation efficiency at his golf course. Mike was kind enough to document the benefits he saw this irrigation season in a letter to me recently. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the many benefits he achieved this year most importantly cost reduction and better playing conditions. The major change in Mike’s estimation was the reprogramming of the central computer to better fit the specific challenges the irrigation system presents. The system is 23 years old with 75 to 80 foot spacing and an undersized mainline and a central with a program he inherited from his predecessor. We redefined the hydraulic tree and created more programs to control specific areas, in doing so, the water window was reduced by three and a half hours. This lead to increased soak times for their tight soils. Some areas, rather than running 21 minutes at one time, he ran 3 cycles of 7 minutes each eliminating the wet and dry spot issue. Something he couldn’t do before and finish within his targeted watering window. Another benefit was the irrigation was now able to start at 9:00 pm versus 8:00 pm which increased member satisfaction in the evening hours. The result of maintaining the proper
pressure at the sprinkler head leads to lower runtimes. More water goes through the sprinkler at 80psi than at 65 psi. The dynamics of the irrigation system design can now be maximized. Other improvements Visalia CC has been making over the last five years is to replace the twentythree year old sprinklers with newer sprinklers that provide a better DU as well. The irrigation needs were much greater in 2012 than in 2011 due to the weather differences. There was an additional 40 acre feet of ET required at Visalia CC this year compared to 2011. Mike said in years past they would run at 80%to 100% of ET now they can’t go over 75% or they are wet. The power costs were reduced by an estimated $4,000 as a direct result of reprogramming the central computer. Visalia CC doesn’t pay for water only to pump it. Those golf courses that pay for water have the ability to recapture excess expenditures that are significant. Hand watering was greatly reduced allowing his staff to focus on other areas like bunker capes and tree shadow affected areas. Spot watering from the controller was also reduced. The end result for Mike this year was
cost reduction, improved playing conditions through less wet and dry spots and a happy membership that has seen the difference. Best of all he said his turf was under less stress which greatly reduced his stress at the time of year it is traditionally at its highest.
The GCSA of Central California is now on Facebook and Twitter. Check it out!
Three locations to serve you Lancaster
Bakersfield
Fresno
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Winter Symposium Event Highlights Sandpiper Golf Club
Pictured above are Chapter President Josh Heptig, Guest Speaker and GCSAA President Pat Finlen, CGCS, with Host superintendent Tennessee McBroom. At right is Pat Gross, USGA
Pictured above on the right is Bill Galli with Gordon Vosti . At left and right is Tennessee going over some of the course changes that have taken place with the group.
A special guest came to visit us, Tennessee’s wife Dodie with their son Bronco.
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Thank You to our Sponsors
Control Pump Tulare Golf Course
Turf Time
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.