TEE-OFF News
March/April 2013
Presidents Message By Josh Heptig
Inside this issue:
Attention Assistant Superintendents
3
Permits, Inspections & More
4
Meeting Schedules
5
Around the Green
6
From the Field
9
Highlights from GIS
10
Association Activities
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
I was recently asked, “What is a golf superintendent?” Images started flashing through my brain much like the Chevy Silverado television commercial when a man asks his neighbor, “What do you do?” In short I told my enquirer that a golf superintendent is the person that provides people the ability to play golf.
cry from agronomy and plant health, in which most of us are educated. At times I feel the position of golf course superintendent is more of a calling than an actual profession because we all share a passion for what we do and not many individuals would be willing to do what we do with so little recognition. But those of us who have anOver the years this swered “the call” do not profession has evolved into require recognition, although it is appreciated a position of management that includes financial, per- when it is offered. Many of us would prefer to stay out sonnel, Human Resources, of the spotlight and remain natural resources, safety, and public relations to name behind the scenes like “The a few. These areas are a far Wizard of Oz” (pay no at-
tention to the man behind the screen). The sheer fact is that we are problem solvers, period. Seriously, think of your typical day…irrigation systems malfunctioning, crew members not showing up on time, mechanical failure on the 4th green during aerification, or its 107 degrees, your greens have not been watered for 3 days, your pumps just stopped, and your Club’s member-guest tournament is tomorrow morning (Don’t ask). Our days are filled with figuring out how to get things done, how to do things better, or (Continued on page 2)
Attention Assistant Superintendents by Troy Thompson
In this article I am going to discuss three important items any Assistant Golf Course Superintendent needs to know and understand. Of course I will preface this by saying that these are my top three. In upcoming articles this list will grow. If anyone
would like to comment about the subjects that I discuss below please feel free to call me, Troy Thompson, at 559-3126270. 1) After talking to my General Managers, Foremen, and Mechanics, the
one skill they wish Assistants would have a better understanding about is how to efficiently manage a crew. Efficiently means making sure jobs get done correctly in an allotted amount of time, that jobs are performed during a part of the day that (Continued on page 3)
TEE-OFF News
Page 2
President’s Message-Continued from page 1 solution with colleagues so they too would have a solution.
Josh Heptig
asking ourselves if there is a better way. Many innovative solutions have been developed by superintendents out of necessity that help many related industries today. Take a look through any golf maintenance catalog and you see hundreds, if not thousands, of examples of the innovative ideas that superintendents have had coupled with the desire to create a solution, but no foresight to patent. Instead he or she shared the
We are a hardy bunch filled with big hearts, self-determination, and a willingness to give whatever it takes to get the job done. I am very proud to call myself a golf superintendent and to be connected to such a great group of persons throughout the world. The golf industry is pulling itself out of a difficult time and we all need to band together to find the solutions to the challenges of our industry. These challenges are to grow the game of golf, make the game more fun and enjoyable, and make the game more affordable so the first two items are more likely to happen. Many would say, “Well that’s not my job,” but not us, we are superintendents and finding solutions is what we do! Water woes, government regulations, and financial security (personally or profes-
sionally) are all problems concerning us, but solutions become easier if we can achieve these three items. It is not that these issues are brand new as many people have been seeking the solutions to these challenges for quite some time. I implore you to increase your involvement at your facility, within your community, with our chapter, and with our national golf organizations to spread the game of golf in an effort to help the golf industry thrive once more. Our profession relies upon each of us. I would like to thank each of you for answering “the call” to become part of this fraternal group. Keep the creative juices flowing by joining me and the rest of our chapter members at a meeting or two this year. I look forward to shaking your hand and thanking you in person. Best wishes!
TEE-OFF News
Page 3
Attention Assistant Superintendents Continued from page 1 can be done with high productivity, and the most important part is that the day is planned out before it happens. In today’s golfing world labor is money. Of course that comment should not be anything new. Most budgets have labor lines that make up over 55 percent of the maintenance budget. It is truly amazing how many of us Superintendents could do better. Just by networking and talking to other Superintendents I have found better, easier, and more efficient ways of doing daily tasks. We also need to allow our Assistants to make efficiency mistakes so they can learn before they get held to the fire. Most of the time the Superintendent does the daily schedule and the Assistant implements it. Unfortunately this does not help an aspiring Assistant learn how to schedule. It is very hard for us to give up this responsibility because it is the number one thing we do every day that makes us look good or makes us look like we have no idea what is going on in our department when our members get onto the golf course. 2) Spend some time with the mechanic. At some point in your career your mechanic will either go on vacation, quit, get fired, or need help. If you do not have a good basic knowledge of how to work on the turf equipment you will make a quick hire that will probably not be the best candidate. Plus if you have a good knowledge of the equipment you can ask educated questions to see if the candidate truly knows what they are talking about. Learn the cutting unit. What is the attitude of cut? When should you use solid vs. whillie rollers? How do you grind,
set heights, and adjust cutting units? How do you perform the weekly checks on the tees and green mowers? How do you trouble shoot equipment that does not want to start? Why is tire pressure so important to cutting heights? How do you use the troubleshooting lights on most equipment to find out what is wrong? How do you mount a tire on a rim? How do you read wiring diagrams and part break down books? Remember if a mower is not cutting properly you are the one everyone will blame. If you get an understanding of the above questions your conversation with your mechanic will also be much more productive. 3) Here is a statistic you need to know in depth. There is a 99 percent chance you will NOT retire as a Golf Course Superintendent. Start talking to the people that have been in this industry for over ten years. Ask them how many people they know that have retired as a Golf Course Superintendent. Now ask them how many people they know that are no longer in the industry. Understand you are an employee. Your signature is not on the lower right hand of the checks. Pay attention to your life; your wife and family. There is a balance. Yes, your job makes it possible to have the house, car and life style. What good are these material items when you have no one to share them with? Most people move onto different careers. Plan for this. Continue your education in fields you enjoy. Make contacts in other business types that interest you. Most people outside the golf industry have no idea how good of a per-
Troy Thompson Senior Agronomist CourseCo/Valley Oaks Golf
sonnel manager, money manager, time manager and sales person we as Golf Course Superintendents are. If you stay in this profession long enough you will be fired. Be prepared. I have been a Golf Course Superintendent for 16 years, in the business for 26 years. I would not change a thing. The successes have been worth the hard work.
WELCOME NEW MEMBER Jon Paul Brinkman Turf Star, Inc. Class Affiliate
Page 4
TEE-OFF News
Permits, Inspections and More Working as a golf course superintendent over the past several years I have noticed that the number of permits we are required to maintain seems to increase each year. Many of these permits additionally require inspections by various individuals. Over the past several months Airways Golf Course has received a number of visits by different regulatory or compliance officers. Just last week I was lucky enough to participate in the courses three year visit from the Department of Public Health – Environmental Health Division inspector. This is a routine inspection of any property that stores certain levels of, or generates, any hazardous waste/materials. Effective last year the county of Fresno initiated
By Steven Showers
mandatory online submission of all Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBP), so I was sure that the paperwork was up to date and the inspection went well, with only some minor posting and training issues that I needed to correct. I installed new labeling on the waste oil and oil filter drums and posted the required emergency contact form near the telephone at the shop, including the map of the facility from the HMBP. I was also lacking a documented attendance log from the safety training of the golf course staff in the event of a hazardous material/waste spill requiring evacuation of the facility. When I reviewed the plan with staff I also had the opportunity to explain what is classed as a haz-
ardous material and safe ways to store and work around these chemicals. In early February it was the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s (SJVUAPCD) turn to perform their annual inspection. At Airways, our fuel tank is a ConVault duel 500 aboveground tank with standard pumps similar to what you would find at your local gas station. This year no issues were found with our fuel tank, that has typically not been the case. Last year the hose retractor needed adjustment, it was out of compliance with executive order 6-70-116. The adjustment was made and the follow-up inspection went fine. Two years ago we had a (Continued on page 7)
TEE-OFF News
Page 5
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
TURF PRO 2013 Dairy Creek Golf Course 2990 Dairy Creek Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA April 10, 2013
June 12, 2013
September 11, 2013 November 13, 2013 Copper River Country Club 11500 N. Friant Rd. Fresno, CA April 11, 2013
June 13, 2013
September 12, 2013 November 14, 2013 For Additional Information Contact Mike Cline (559) 269-7342
Page 6
TEE-OFF News
Around the Green by Mike Cline It’s been a couple of months since my last Around the Green but for the most part, it’s been pretty quiet. The early rains of December turned into the cold, dry months of January and February and now everyone is worried about water, and the costs associated with keeping turf alive. Here’s a little bit of what’s going on around the chapter; Chuck Duren has taken over the reins at Riverside Golf Course in Fresno as the new Superintendent. Chuck was formerly at Elkhorn Golf Course in Stockton and before that, at Merced Country Club. Give Chuck a call and welcome him to the area. Sierra Golf Management has taken over the management of Tracy Country Club, reports Jon Christensen. In addition to Tracy, Jon also indicated that they would be managing Mace Meadows Golf Course in Pioneer California on a 10 month contract year. Normally we talk about people and events in our Around the Green articles, but I thought this might catch some of your interests. WILCO Distributors Inc, the makers of Wilco Gopher and Ground Squirrel Baits has decided to exit the Strychnine market effective immediately. The reasons for the move were the ever growing difficulties of buying and transporting the active ingredient strychnine. Between supply issues with India, dealing with Home Land Security with regards to importing product, technical supplies were just too unpredictable and so they decided to exit the market. To replace the single feed gopher baits formally done with
strychnine, WILCO will now offer a Restricted Use Zinc AG bait to take its place. Stay tune to this ever changing story line. I know there was much high praise for our January Meeting at Sand Piper Golf Course during our last GCSACC newsletter, but I would like to add my thanks and congratulations to Tennessee McBroom and his entire staff. Wonderful meeting and I believe a first ever GCSACC meeting in Santa Barbara. If you’d like to see more meetings in the Santa Barbara area, let your board of directors know as they plan for next year. I would like to plug for our April 3, 2013 GCSACC Educational Symposium at Ridge Creek Golf Course in Dinuba. You’ll get 2 hours of continuing education from DPR, in addition to PDI points. The meeting will lay out the vision for the 2013 “Experience at Ridge Creek” field day to be held this October 2nd. We should have a great day of golf, and some great food. Hope to see you there. Every issue I try to feature a superintendent that many of you may not know. Normally it’s a younger superintendent, or someone at a small club who isn’t able to make a lot of meetings. This time might be the exception as our featured Superintendent is Lowell Stone. Lowell has been a Superintendent since 1963 so he will be coming up on 50 years in the business very soon. It might also be noted that Lowell was a part of the original group that started the Central Chapter of the GCSAA. Not quite as active in chapter politics as
he once was, Lowell still has an opinion and isn’t afraid to let you know when it comes to the chapLowell Stone ter’s health and well being. Here is a listing of Lowell’s jobs over the last 50 years; Sunnyside C. C. – Fresno – 1963 Stockdale C. C. – Bakersfield – 1979 Madera G. C. – Madera – 1992 Madera C. C. – Madera – 2000
Lowell has actually had three tour of duties at Madera Country Club between 2000 and today. Each time he leaves, he gets called back to help out. Here’s 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Superintendent Lowell Stone First job in golf? My first job in golf was as a caddie at Stockdale Country Club. I think I was 8 or 9 years old at the time. My father worked at the club and we lived in housing furnished by the club for employees. Not sure you could do that now!
What was your first management job in golf? My first management job in golf was right after I got out of the Navy, I went to work for my brother Owen at Belmont Country Club. I’d been there a while when I asked Owen what my job was and he told me I was the assistant superintendent. First I’d heard of it, but I didn’t turn the job down.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work? (Continued on page 8)
TEE-OFF News
Page 7
Permits, Inspections, & More Continued from page 4 cracked phase II vapor recovery hose, this is a violation of the SJVUAPCD rules and regulations. In addition to replacing the hose, the course was assessed a fine of $150.00. Since this was our first violation I was able to attend a Compliance Training Course and the fine was waived. There are some new requirements for above ground tanks this year, including the installation of a new pressure/vacuum vent valve and painting the tank with a reflective coating. There are exemptions for some existing tanks and I am in the process of confirming whether or not the new requirements apply to the tank in use at the course. Last November an inspection of the facility was performed by the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation inspector, each
individual county conducts these inspections, so my inspector was from the Fresno County office. No issues were found during the inspection and the course didn’t receive any violation notices. One of the ways to limit areas of concern for the inspector is to maintain training records for any employee who comes in contact with chemicals as they are being applied to the golf course. Although I only have one employee who actually handles pesticides and is required to undergo training for each chemical that he applies. I am sure to hold at least one safety meeting a year regarding the use of pesticides with all employees and keep a copy of the training log with my permit as well as a copy in the safety folder file. These are just three exam-
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 www.stoverseed.com
ples of the regulatory districts/ government bureaus that effect the way we operate our golf courses. In the City of Fresno we are also required to annually apply for, and receive approval of, a watering exemption permit, that allows us to water seven days per week. I am sure we have all tailored our training programs and documentation of the various permits and inspections in a way that eases the impact of these chores on what should be our first priority of providing the best possible course conditions to our clientele.
TEE-OFF News
Page 8
Around the Green Continued from page 6 When I’m not at work I love to read. I have a Kindle and I must have 50 books on it. Sure is easy, just order up a book and give them your credit card and away you go.
Who is your favorite sports team and why? My favorite sports team is the Giants. I can’t say the San Francisco Giants because I fell in love with them when they where the New York Giants and they had Willie Mays playing for them. They won the World Series then they moved to San Francisco, how perfect was that.
If you could pick one meal, what would it be?
What’s your favorite part of being a golf course superintendent? My favorite part of the job is being outside, but even more, being at Madera Country Club and watching the back side greens that were built by my dad in 1962. I got to help with the construction, but seeing them brings back great memories.
What’s your least favorite part of being a golf course superintendent? My least favorite part of the job is members. Not all, some are wonderful, but you always have a bunch of them who are ruthless.
What’s your favorite band?
My favorite meal is Carne Asada Taco’s made by my crew at Madera CC. Don’t know how they do it but I just love those things.
My favorite band is Bob Wills; do you know who that is? How about Merle Haggard and the Strangers?
On a personal note, I know that Lowell should have named his favorite band as the one he played with Buck Owens in the days of the Cousin Herb Show in Bakersfield on channel 10. Now that was some history. What’s your favorite song? My favorite song is “Welcome to My World” by Jim Reeves.
What’s your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption. Not a really warm and fuzzy film but I just love to watch it.
Well that’s all for this issue but if you know of anything that you think members might like to hear about, let me know, and we’ll see you “Around the Green”.
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 9
From the Field Jeff Jensen GCSAA Field Staff
First and foremost, I would like to take a moment to thank all of our GCSA of Central California members for their particiJeff Jensen pation in the 2013 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show and the National Championship and Golf Classic. Without the support of our affiliated chapters, we would not be able to stage these successful events. The GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show featured 13,192 attendees spread over nearly 173,000 square feet of exhibit space. 517 exhibitors participated and 4,560 seminar seats were filled. Additionally, the annual California Room event aboard the U.S.S. Midway was a complete sellout with 650 California GCSA members and guests in attendance. The National Championship and Golf Classic featured nearly 450 participants. Charlie Costello, Class A superintendent at Phoenix Country Club claimed the GCSAA National Championship firing a two -day total of 3-over-par 147. Central California was well represented with defending champion Mike Stieler tying for second at 148. If you want to relive both events, visit the "Hub," at http:// social.gcsaa.org/. The “Hub” is a dynamic compilation of feeds from the GCM blog, GCSAA TV, Twitter, Facebook and Flick, plus overall
highlights from both events. In other news and notes, I wanted to make you aware of some facts and figures from the recently released 2011 Golf Economy Report. This report was researched by SRI International and commissioned by the World Golf Foundation and Golf 20/20. As an industry, it’s important that we cite the economic activity supported by golf to the media, public and various government agencies. A few highlights that I feel are important in relaying our message: The U.S. golf economy generated $68.8 billion of goods and services in 2011 Golf generated a total economic impact of $176.8 billion in 2011 Golf supported 1.98 million jobs with a wage income of $55.6 billion in 2011 Golf attracted 25.7 million participants in 2011 Revenues generated by golf’s core industries exceeds that of spectator sports, performing arts, and other amusement and recreation industries
While the industry has certainly had its share of struggles over the past 5 years, these numbers prove that golf continues to offer lifelong recreational opportunities and enjoyment for millions. Keep these figures in mind when you are promoting your profession and the game. Thank you again for all of your support and if I can be of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org or follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_SW.
Page 10
TEE-OFF News
Event Highlights GIS San Diego & USS Midway The California GCSA held the annual “California Room” on the USS Midway in San Diego. Pictured on the deck of the carrier at left are Joel Clay and Brian Daum. At right Bruce Williams and Irene Cline. Pictured below are Gordon Vosti, George Raymond, and Mike Hollarman.
Pictured above are Michael and Sandra Barber with Chuck Talley.
Below are Ken Mauser and Mike Cline
At right is Dave Rosenstraugh, CGCS. Below is Gordon Vosti Above Josh Heptig, Joel Clay with his son Jeremy
Pictured at the right and left are two of our newest members. At left Ryan Bentley and at right is Jay Ingham.
At right is Steve Scarbrough, CGCS
TEE-OFF News
Page 11
Association Board Activities Picture at left is Troy Thompson in front of the GCSAA Headquarters in Lawrence Kansas.
At left is Troy discussing further information with Dick StuntzNational Golf Course Owners Association Board of Director for-
Pictured above is Troy Thompson, VP for the Central California GCSA presenting a $2500 check to Mike Firpo of the First Tee of Fresno. The Central California GCSA remains committed to the programs that are dedicated to providing children and teens an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life enhancing values such as honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. These programs help promote the game of golf in a positive manner.
March 19—20, Troy Thompson represented the Central California Chapter while attending the GCSAA Chapter Leadership Symposium. During this networking opportunity Troy had the opportunity to meet with 54 chapter leaders and executives representing 25 different chapters across the nation. During this symposium participants learned practical skills and knowledge to help successfully lead the golf facility and their chapter. They addressed current issues and future trends impacting the golf course superintendents profession
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.