FEBRUARY 2020
INSIDE
President’s Report Equipment Manager Tips 2019 MAAGCS Annual Meeting Minutes Fourth Annual MAAGCS Match Play Results Roundtable on Labor Assistant’s Report GCSAA Report USGA Report – George Waters
Government Relations Reinstating the Pipeline for the Turf Profession Equipment Manager’s Meeting UMD Report Getting to Know... Andrew Harrison GCSAA Government Affairs National Golf Day 2020 MAAGCS Schedule of Events Letter from the Editor
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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
President’s Report – Ryan Kraushofer Wow, is 2019 over already?! It seems like just yesterday I was sitting down to write my first article as the MAAGCS President and now here we are, a full year later! During our December Annual Meeting we had a great educational talk from Mickey McCord on golf course safety. The winter (or “lack of winter” this year) is always a good time to review your safety programs for the upcoming year. It’s also the perfect time to work on your facility BMP plan, if you haven’t worked on it recently! At the conclusion of the meeting, we also welcomed two new members to the board: Andrew Harrison (Pocono Turf) as the new IAC representative, and Alejandro Biaocchi (Woodmont Country Club) as the new Assistant Representative. I believe both of these guys are great additions to the board and I’m looking forward to working with them. Moving forward for 2020, the board will continue our advocacy and outreach efforts. MAAGCS is leading the way when it comes to recruitment efforts. Dean Graves has been doing a fantastic job working with the State of Maryland, as well as Baltimore County Public schools, to make sure they know all about the golf industry. He has also been setting up meetings with local superintendents to make sure they know which apprenticeship programs are available for them. As I mentioned in my last article, we have been busy working on a recruitment video. We showed a preview of the current product during the annual meeting and we plan on releasing it in the next few months! We’ve also shared the rough draft with local allied golf associations, as well as folks from the Baltimore County Public Schools Career and Technical Education Program. The feedback has been extremely positive.
Ryan Kraushofer
Westminster National Golf Course westminsternationalgc@yahoo.com
In the coming weeks, MAAGCS has several upcoming events. We will once again attempt to fight the Chlorpyrifos bill in the Maryland Senate. We got lucky once, so let’s hope we can get lucky again! Eric David should have an update on this bill very soon. We will also be going axe throwing on March 19th for our Annual Assistant/Superintendent challenge. This is a first for MAAGCS and guaranteed to be a fun event! April 22nd we will be hosting an Earth Day First Green Field Trip at Westminster National. Finally, don’t forget May 6th is National Golf Day. Once again, GCSAA will be relying on MAAGCS members to be team captains for the community service project in DC. If you’re interested, please reach out to me. On a personal note, I would like to announce that Sierra and I welcomed our first daughter into the world on January 25th. Amelia Lynn Kraushofer was born at 8:17pm weighing 9lbs 5oz and 21 inches long! She’s already bringing a lot of joy and sleepless nights to the both of us. Being a new dad has also taught me about the importance of family and being close to home. On February 24th, I will be returning as the Superintendent and General Manager of Westminster National Golf Course. I’ll be working a lot closer to home and working for owners that I consider my extended family. I’ve worked for them since I was 12 years old and when I made the decision to leave it was an extremely difficult one, and once I left, I realized how much I missed my extended family. I’m grateful I got the opportunity to return home and to be closer to Amelia! Lastly, thank you to all of our partners and event sponsors. Without your support, MAAGCS couldn’t be the leader of the pack when it comes to advocacy and outreach efforts! I urge everyone to please support the vendors who so graciously support our association. Thank you again for a great 2019. I am looking forward to an even better 2020.
On the Cover: MAAGCS Team at GCSAA National Golf Championships Turfgrass Matters | February 2020 3
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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
Equipment Manager Tips - Anthony Lewis Winter provides the opportunity to thoroughly inspect equipment, replace wear items, and provide a finished product that will run all season with very minimal issues. Parts lists are generated during October and early November, but it is common to find a deeper issue during service. There is a sequence for when equipment is brought in for service that follows our monthly budget starting in October with the end goal date of March 1st. The Mid-Atlantic weather is unpredictable, and I’d rather know our fleet is ready to go. A good example is spotting dust accumulation inside a rear wheel driven by a planetary gear system. This was an indicator that the seal was failing, which is a result of worn bearings. We were able to rebuild the case before it failed during the season and a rebuild kit versus a complete case is roughly a fifth the price. The winter period allows us ample time to be thorough - so take advantage of it. Typically, our assistant, Walter, and I will brainstorm a sustainable approach for maintenance checks. Any new method will be explained to our management team so we can all monitor the change, and determine if it solved the issue. Our 9009A height adjusters had a habit of coming loose during the season. I no longer wanted to make inspecting the levers part of my morning routine. We decided to secure the levers with aviation wire because they will be unable to disengage themselves and the OEM design is still intact. Depending how often we need to use trimmers, chainsaws, and backpack blowers - we will either drain the tanks, treat with Stihl Motomix or assign a scaled amount of equipment to be used and cycled through for winter refurbishment. Reorganizing the equipment storage area to streamline morning mower setup along with indoor and outdoor lighting improvements. Assigning staff to pressure wash and wax equipment when time is available is also a big help. I believe this increases pride in the appearance of the equipment fleet and can be a team building experience. Similar to my last position, my preference is to create Excel documents for each type of equipment. This way the typical filters and wear items are already on the sheet for next year, then additional parts for special projects on that type of equipment can be easily added. It is so much easier to pull in five consecutive fairway mowers, knowing everything you need is already on the shelf barring an unforeseen issue that is found during teardown. Superintendents and assistant managers can assist in communicating daily and weekly plans for the golf course. Equipment Managers tend to focus on the winter maintenance. We could be spending the entire day blindly working on a sprayer, and not have the knowledge a PTO powered blower needs to be set up for the next day. These small instances creep up from time to time.
Anthony Lewis Chevy Chase Club alewis@chevychaseclub.org
Turfgrass Matters | February 2020 5
2019 MAAGCS Annual Meeting Minutes Argyle Country Club, December 3, 2019
Present: Michael Bostian, Past President; Ryan Kraushofer, President; Chris Fernandes, Vice President/Treasurer; Brendan Rapp, Secretary/Online PR; Joe Haskins, Golf; Tyler Bloom, Newsletter; Eric David, Government Relations; Chris Sandels, Membership; Michael Huey, IAC Representative; Tyler Eastham, Chapter Executive, MAAGCS Members Call to Order: President Ryan Kraushofer called the meeting to order at 11:45 am. Request for Amendments to 2018 Minutes/Agenda: None Approval of 2018 Annual Meeting Minutes: Ryan Kraushofer made a request for approval. Kenny Ingram made a motion to approve and Scott Wunder seconded. President Ryan Kraushofer introduced the head table (with Board members present) and stated their titles. Ryan Kraushofer asked past presidents and board members to stand for recognition. President Ryan Kraushofer presented a “Year in Review” highlighting the success of the events throughout 2019 with a slideshow and thanked our partners. Ryan Kraushofer presented $2,700 raised through 50/50 in 2019 to the Robert F. Fogle III Memorial Fund representatives. Government Relations Chairman: Eric David gave a government relations update highlighting two bills that will affect golf course superintendents. The ban on chlorpyrifos and the ban on glyphosate. Eric David asked for members that oppose these bills to contact their respective representatives and let them know of their opposition. Golf Chairman: Joe Haskins announced the golf awards for the winners of this year’s biggest tournaments – The Rick Wakefield Award to Jeff Rice, Mike Hutchison Award to Ed Gasper, Bob Lynch, Jr. Award to Mark Merrick and the Craig Rhoderick Award to Jim McHenry. Awards were presented to those in attendance. Joe Haskins and Sam Camuso presented awards for the MAAGCS season long match-play tournament to the overall winners, finalists and semi-finalists. Ralph Meola and Andrew Harrison of team “Brothers from Another Mother” defeated Tim Kennelly and Kyle Trzaskos of team “McBaltimore and Sons” for the trophy. Semi-finalists Sam Camuso and Aaron Wells of team “Chemical Warfare” and Mark Merrick and Matt Kessler of team “Genesis” were also recognized. Following the awards presentations, Joe Haskins announced the MAAGCS events schedule for 2020. Past President: Mike Bostian discussed the role of Dean Graves and the new outreach program. The audience screened the rough draft of the recruitment video that was put together for this program. Secretary: Brendan Rapp presented five Member/Child scholarships. Member / Child Scholarship Anna Osterhouse - $1,000 (daughter of Dave Osterhouse) Hayden Snelsire - $1,000 (son of Eric Snelsire) Megan Barrett - $1,000 (daughter of Mike Barrett) Holly Haber - $1,000 (daughter of Dave Haber) Margaret Kingora - $1,000 (daughter of Mark Kingora) Vice President: Chris Fernandes provided a financial update that included donations made in 2019 by MAAGCS. MAAGCS is in good financial standing. MAAGCS President asks if there is any other new business. No new business was presented. GCSAA Business: GCSAA Mid-Atlantic Field Representative Chase Rogan gave an update on GCSAA national chapter to include 2019 progress and 2020 initiatives. Election of Officers: All officers have just completed the first year of their 2-year term, elected in December 2018. Nomination committee chairman Mike Bostian announced that the board has appointed Alejandro Baiocchi from Woodmont Country Club to the assistant’s representative position. Alejandro
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introduced himself to the audience and gave a short biography and thanked the board for the opportunity to serve. Mike Bostian stated that all current Officers have agreed to stay on the board for another year. Mike Bostian asked if anyone was opposed to this slate of officers. There was no opposition to the slate. Past President – Michael Bostian President – Ryan Kraushofer Vice President/Treasurer – Chris Fernandes Secretary – Brendan Rapp Mike Bostian stated that all current Directors have agreed to stay on the board for another year. Mike asked if there were any nominations from the floor. No nominations were submitted. Ballots were passed out with four names, Eric David, Tyler Bloom, Josh Fuhrman and Joe Haskins and the winner will serve a two-year team. All other candidates will serve a one-year term. A brief recess was given to allow for voting. Results were tallied and announced to the membership. Eric David won the vote and will serve a 2-year term. Mike Bostian asked for a motion to destroy the ballets. Kenny Ingram made a motion to destroy the ballets and Jim Weaver seconded, all in favor said “Aye”. The ballots were destroyed. Election of IAC Representative: Mike Huey completed the 2nd year of his 2-year term and will step down from the board. Andrew Harrison of Pocono Turf and Jeff Snyder of Helena Agri-Enterprises were on the ballot to run for the IAC position. Mike Bostian asked if there were any nominations form the floor. There were no nominations. Ballots were passed out with Andrew Harrison and Jeff Snyder listed on them. A brief recess was given to allow for voting. Results were tallied and announced to the membership. Andrew Harrison won the vote and will serve as the IAC representative. Mike Bostian made a motion to destroy the ballots, Chris Sandels 2nd, all in favor said “Aye”. The ballots were destroyed. Andrew stood to introduce himself to the membership and thank the board for the opportunity to serve. Adjourn: President Kraushofer thanked everyone in attendance and adjourned the meeting at 2:15 PM. 2020 MAAGCS Board of Directors
(L-R) Eric David, Andrew Harrison, Joe Haskins, Chris Sandels, Ryan Kraushofer, Chris Fernandes, Brendan Rapp, Alejandro Biaocchi, Mike Bostian (Not Pictured - Josh Furhman, Tyler Bloom)
Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
Fourth Annual MAAGCS Match Play Results
Ralph Meola and Andrew Harrison aka “Brothers From Another Mother” Repeat
2020 MAAGCS Match Play Champions Andrew Harrison & Ralph Meola “Brothers from Another Mother”
The fourth Annual Match Play Championship is complete. “Brothers from Another Mother” defeated “McBaltimore & Sons” in a very close finals match 1 up at Rolling Road Country Club. A special thank you goes out to Sam Camuso and Syngenta for sponsoring the event and to everyone that participated. Registration for the 2020 MAAGCS Match Play will open at the Education Seminar.
Results 1st Place
Brothers From Another Mother Ralph Meola & Andrew Harrison
2nd Place McBaltimore & Sons Tim Kennelly & Kyle Trzaskos Semifinalists: Chemical Warfare Sam Camuso & Aaron Wells Genesis Mark Merrick & Matt Kessler
Turfgrass Matters | February 2020 7
Roundtable on Labor
January 7, 2020 – Sparrows Point Country Club On January 7th, over 40 attendees from the Baltimore and Washington DC areas sat in on a four hour roundtable event at Sparrows Point Country Club. The theme of the event centralized on labor with representation from Baltimore County Public Schools, Anne Arundel Community College and the Maryland Department of Labor and Licensing. Alicia Fales, School to Career Coordinator for Baltimore County Public Schools, discussed the various methods to involve youth, and why it is critical to the local workforce. Creating business partnerships allows students the opportunity to not only explore career options, but also develop employability and “soft” skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in “work-based learning”, which involves a variety of job exploration programs from job shadowing, internships, co-ops, apprenticeships and other on-the-job training. The successes at Sparrows Point Country Club with five local high schools, has created a feeder system for employment. Tyler Bloom and Alicia Fales discussed specific ways golf courses can adopt with similar success. Scaling job descriptions to basic entry level tasks, selecting mentors within the existing team to assist in development, and creating a workplace culture of teamwork and constant feedback are some practical methods. Dawn Carter, Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), discussed the new Landscape Management Technician Apprenticeship program that will be offered this spring. Combining on-the-job learning with academic training has proven data to support employee development of new skills, employee retention and also recruit-
ment opportunities. Employers of apprentices only need to pay $400 for enrollment, which will cover costs of training at designated site, tablet for learning and oversight of the program from AACC faculty. Apprenticeships are becoming a popular choice across the country to upskill employees, while also providing a customized developmental model for employers. Providing college-type credit with structured training is a significant need in the golf industry. AACC is tasked to engage 150 landscape/lawn care professionals over the next 3-years. Finally, Jeffrey Smith, Maryland Department of Labor and Licensing, spent the last bit of time discussing the evolution and importance of Apprenticeship Maryland. Apprenticeships are offered in a variety of trades, and has been piloted as a youth apprenticeship in Howard and Washington County over the last several years. Many counties across the state are now starting this program to engage high school students into the workplace with further emphasis on academic credits and focused on-the-job training. The MAAGCS began initial stages in developing a youth mentorship program, which will continue to evolve in 2020. It is expected that both youth mentorship and apprenticeship will be a centralized focus. Interested members should contact the Board of Directors or attend the February education seminar to learn more about the vision for this program.
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Assistant’s Report by Alejandro Baiocchi - Woodmont Country Club
Alejandro Baiocchi
Assistant Superintendent Woodmont Country Club abaiocchi@woodmontcc.com @cc_woodmont
Professionally, winter usually brings on projects such as drainage improvements, irrigation upgrades, re-sodding, and sometimes even a renovation. Projects keep your brain moving, as you are required to strategize and make sure all of your resources are available in order to complete the task. Projects help to better yourself as a project manager and a leader. A winter of improving your facility is a really good thing. Not only do you improve, but your teammates improve along with you. Winter also brings meetings with coworkers to set goals and plan for the upcoming busy months ahead. For example, discussions with your superintendent or director about your facility’s annual spray and fertilizer program is key to understanding why and when we spray when we do. Winter is also a good time to sit down with your team and go over safety guidelines and focus on training. Understanding safety guidelines and training is one of the most important skills a manager should focus on. Through team meetings, communicating the proper guidelines with your team, so they understand and apply them in the field is key to your facility’s success. Continued education is something else I look forward to, because it gives you the chance to not only refresh your memory on existing knowledge, but sometimes to cash in and learn something new. In our field, new techniques and skills are always being introduced, and we need to keep up with the advances. A lot of times, you also meet new indus-
try people at continued education classes that you could possibly grow a new friendship with. Personally, winter brings a lot more “me” time - whether it’s spending more time with my family and friends or putting in more miles on my running shoes. Getting a chance to come home early enough to plan and cook a delicious meal, or going on vacation to places I love or have never seen before. We work a lot of hours during the summer and it’s good to separate yourself from work, and let your mind take a break from the everyday grind. Refocusing and refreshing are critical elements to performing well. As the winter comes to a close, start getting in the “let’s go mindset” for yourself. Not everyone may work as hard and efficiently as you, but make sure to give encouragement to your crew. Remember, they are pieces that make us look good as a team. Notice their work and attention to detail, and let them know that you noticed. Give assistance and positive guidance to those who need improvement. Be a leader. Write things down. Whether it’s in your phone or on a pad of paper. Write it down. Communicate with your boss, other assistants and mechanics. Always. “Your leadership will rise or fall, based on your ability to communicate.”
SAVE THE DATE - Thursday, April 9, 2020 The Masters Social Event/Match Play Blind Draw Backstage Grille, 2306 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093
Join us for a fun afternoon of networking, drinks, appetizers and the 5th Annual Match Play Championship blind draw! Turfgrass Matters | February 2020 9
GCSAA Report Dear Members, It’s been an absolute pleasure! I have resigned my position with GCSAA effective January 31st. The best part of this job has been the relationships it has afforded me, so thank YOU all for making it meaningful. I am transitioning to a career teaching high school students. I hope to work with the golf program, encourage kids to get involved, encourage First Green events, and hopefully help increase access for our inner city youth. If you know me, you know I love the game! Chase Rogan Chase Rogan GCSAA Field Staff, Mid-Atlantic Region. CRogan@gcsaa.org @GCSAA_MidAtl
Information regarding the open Mid-Atlantic Regional Field Staff position can be found at https://www.gcsaa.org/careers-at-GCSAA
GCSAA Unveils Health Insurance Access for Members The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has partnered with Association Health Programs (AHP), an insurance broker, to offer health insurance access as a membership benefit. The program will be available to GCSAA members beginning April 1. “We know, based on feedback from the membership, that having access to affordable health insurance plans has been a key concern for many of them,” Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO said. “We are pleased to be able to offer them access to offerings from major insurance carriers with the buying power of a group plan.” The program will be available to dues-paying GCSAA members (other than the recently introduced Friend of the Golf Course Superintendent classification) and their immediate family members. The program has options for members in 38 states. Due to state legal restrictions, the program is not available in 12 states: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. While product availability and rates will vary by state and individual circumstances, companies that AHP partners with to provide coverage as part of Preferred Provider Plans (PPO) include United Healthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cigna. GCSAA members will be responsible for the premiums and will make payments directly to the insurance providers. “For nine decades, GCSAA has been serving its members and advancing their profession,” Evans said. “With this latest member benefit, we are giving them the opportunity for some peace of mind off the course as well.”
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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
GIS SOCIAL! It was another fun event at the MAAGCS/VGCSA/ESAGCS joint social event. Thanks to everyone that came out to enjoy cold beverages, networking and music from our special guest Jonathan Moody. A special thank you goes out to all of the sponsors for making this another successful event!
Jim Weaver and Jeff Holliday
Presenting Sponsor
Entertainment Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Friends Sponsors Advanced Turf Solutions, Collins Wharf Sod, Davisson Golf, Helena Agri-Enterprises, Nutrien Solutions, Oakwood Sod Farm, PBI Gordon, Pocono Turf, PondHawk by LINNE Industries, Synatek Solutions
Turfgrass Matters | February 2020 11
USGA Report – George Waters There is a lot of variety when it comes to winter golf in the United States. In colder parts of the country, courses may close entirely or allow golfers to brave the elements. In warmer areas, winter is often prime golf season. No matter where a course is located, balancing the benefits of winter play against the issues it may create is never easy. Careful management is required to keep winter golf from causing damage to the course that may last into spring and beyond. Whether you’re playing golf all winter or only sneaking out during brief warm spells, here are some things you should know about winter on the golf course: Traffic control is more important than ever Throughout the U.S., grass grows more slowly during winter than it does at other times of year, if it’s growing at all. This means that divots and ball marks heal slowly, and concentrated traffic can wear grass down to nothing. To limit the wear and tear caused by winter play, superintendents redirect cart and golfer traffic on a regular basis. Carts are also restricted to paths more frequently. Tee markers may be shifted to locations that aren’t used as often to protect primary teeing areas and prevent concentrations of fairway divots. Putting greens may need a timeout Protecting putting greens during winter is always a priority. Courses in cold climates may cover their greens until spring to protect them from harsh winter weather. Southern courses with bermudagrass putting greens will only cover their greens during short periods of very cold temperatures, keeping them available for play otherwise. Some courses shift all winter play to temporary greens to protect their putting surfaces, while others use them only when the risk of damage is especially high. Temporary greens may not be popular, but using them can prevent serious issues. A little moisture can lead to a lot of damage Rainfall, melting snow or thawing soil can leave golf courses soft and wet during winter. Cool temperatures and limited sunlight mean that courses dry much more slowly during winter than they would in other seasons, and frozen soil does not drain well. If traffic is not managed carefully, footsteps and vehicle tires can leave wet playing surfaces rutted and bumpy. A sudden stop or slip may also shear the grass away from its roots, causing damage that will be visible into spring. There is more than one way to keep a course green The grasses used on many southern golf courses typically go dormant for part of the winter, taking on a pale straw color. While dormant playing surfaces can provide excellent playability, their natural appearance isn’t always popular. Some courses address this issue by overseeding with grasses that continue growing during the winter. Overseeding can create good playing conditions and aesthetics, but it also involves considerable cost and disruption. An increasingly popular alternative is applying turf colorants during the winter to give dormant grass a green color without the costs and turf issues that come with overseeding. While golf courses can take various steps to help us get the most from winter play, such as reducing shade on playing surfaces or improving drainage, nothing changes the fact that less sunlight and cooler temperatures limit how well a course can recover. While winter may be prime golf season for some, in most areas it’s important for us to temper our expectations during winter and enjoy whatever golf the weather allows.
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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
Government Relations EPA has concluded its regulatory review of glyphosate—the most widely used herbicide in the United States. After a thorough review of the best available science, as required under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, EPA has concluded that there are no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used according to the label and that it is not a carcinogen. These findings on human health risk are consistent with the conclusions of science reviews by many other countries and other federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency, the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority, the European Food Safety Authority, and the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The agency is requiring additional mitigation measures to help farmers target pesticide sprays to the intended pest and reduce the problem of increasing glyphosate resistance in weeds. Glyphosate has been studied for decades and the agency reviewed thousands of studies since its registration. Glyphosate is used on more than 100 food crops, including glyphosate-resistant corn, soybean, cotton, canola, and sugar beet. It is the leading herbicide for the management of invasive and noxious weeds and is used to manage pastures, rangeland, rights of ways, forests, public land, and residential areas. In addition, glyphosate has low residual soil toxicity and helps retain no-till and low-till farming operations.
Eric David United States Naval Academy @esd327 edavid@usna.edu
More information on glyphosate and EPA’s interim decision is available at www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate Background EPA uses interim decisions to finalize enforceable mitigation measures while conducting other longer-term assessments, such as an endangered species assessment. EPA will next complete a draft biological evaluation for glyphosate, which is anticipated for public comment in Fall 2020. On Jan. 23, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) released the final 2020 Clean Water Rule otherwise known as the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, redefining “Waters of the United States”. This is the second step of a process to repeal and replace the 2015 Clean Water Rule, (commonly known as “WOTUS”). GCSAA has advanced the golf industry’s opposition to the WOTUS rule since it was first proposed in 2014, including meetings with federal regulators, members of Congress and their staffs and other impacted industries to make sure golf’s voice was heard. GCSAA is pleased to see a new rule that reflects the results of advocacy efforts over the last several years, which includes the production of a rule built on cooperative federalism. The sweeping scope of WOTUS had resulted in a confusing and cumbersome permitting process for golf courses across the country. It has been replaced by a new rule that, among other things, • Limiting tributaries to surface water conveyances that contribute perennial or intermittent flow during the year. • Limiting adjacent waters to those wetlands that either touch or have a hydrological connection to a water covered by the CWA. • Limiting ditches to those that 1) fall into the category of traditional navigable waters; 2) are constructed in tributaries or relocate or alter tributaries; or 3) are constructed in adjacent wetland and meet the tributary definition. The final rule also details 12 categories of exclusions, features that are not “waters of the United States,” such as features that only contain water in direct response to rainfall (e.g., ephemeral features); groundwater; many ditches; prior converted cropland; and waste treatment systems. The Navigable Waters Protection Rule will take effect 60 days from date of publication in the Federal Register. GCSAA will continue to monitor developments as the rule becomes final and is implemented at the facility level. Editor’s Note: Information provided by the GCSAA
Turfgrass Matters | February 2020 13
Reinstating the Pipeline for the Turf Profession Hiring Dean Graves as Outreach Ambassador – by Michael Bostian Most MAAGCS board members volunteer to serve so we can give back to an industry that has been great to us. However, once we get involved and get our feet wet, we sit down look at things and say that’s not good enough. Just like in our daily jobs, we look for an issue or weakness in the operation and develop a plan to get it out of the way and move on to the next problem. My whole goal when I joined the board was to add value to the membership. Over the recent years, with the help of our partners, scholarship funds have doubled. Unfortunately very few turf students were applying, so we extended the opportunity to our members who have children in college. MAAGCS sends a super each year to GIS for free because we realize it is a strain to some people and their budgets. MAAGCS has doubled its commitment to UMD Turfgrass Pathology Fund. Our outreach has grown through programs such as the First Green, board members attend job fairs, and we are the lead chapter in the National Golf Day community service project. We also support a local cause with funds from our 50/50 raffles. We have also initiated new events in hopes of increasing participation, including the match play tournament, socials in different regions, bowling and soon to come axe throwing. All of the things listed above were all positive steps in the right direction, but we still noticed a common theme and a scary situation on the horizon. There are too many job openings and not enough turf students graduating. Whose problem is that? Answer is, it is the problem of everyone involved in golf course management, from the supers to assistants to universities and industry partners. The time had come to see who can help us and what can we do to increase the number of students attending turf programs and filling vacant assistant positions. Crying to vendors and colleagues or commiserating over beers just wasn’t getting anything done. Dr. Mathias told many of us as students to go meet your local coaches and counselors. Develop those relationships, get kids and athletes involved as soon as possible on the golf course. It seems to be such an easy thing to do, but everyone has less time and more demands on their schedules in today’s society. Anyone reading this ever said to yourself, “I have so much time on my hands, let me shoot down to the high school and meet with the guidance counselor and coaches?” I’m betting the under on this total for sure. The association has found the right individual who has the time, has developed an extraordinary set of skills over his career like Liam Neeson, and can command a room. Most importantly, he wants to do it. I knew we had found the right person for the job once I met with Dean Graves and discussed the goals of the association regarding outreach. This all didn’t come from a whim. This has evolved over the last several years. It started off learning about the success of the sports turf management program at the University of Tennessee (UT). Participation was soaring. The board learned that Dr. Brandon Horvath of UT had met with many of University of Maryland (UMD) team to share their success story. Soon after the board invited Dr. Joseph Roberts to the next board meeting, so he could explain how UT was increasing enrollment. We learned that UT had hired someone whose sole job was travelling to schools and developing relationships with counselors and school board leaders. Chris Harriman and I then setup a follow up meeting with Dr. Joe and Glori Hyman and learned more about what steps needed to take place. We learned in that meeting that marketing was a huge component, UMD was not in a financial position to hire a person for this task -- this was not a burden UMD was going to take on alone. At the end of the day we have to send them kids that have experience and a desire to learn and this is what makes turf programs successful. Very few people discover turf management on campus, they arrive knowing that this is what they want to do because they have already had an exposure to the profession. After the UMD meeting, I reached out to a marketing firm to discuss how to best tackle this hurdle. It quickly became obvious that this was not a financial avenue this association could travel down at this point in time. Long story, still no plan. 14
Driving home from that meeting I had a sick feeling in my stomach. I knew the truth, but damn, that’s a big obstacle. It was obvious no one was going to help this association solve this problem. It was time to suck it up and realize that this is our problem, the association’s problem, the superintendent’s problem. All we do for a living is solve problems, so as Dean wrote in his introduction, “See something, do something.” The next board meeting Harriman and I shared what we learned and we mentioned that it was going to be a goal of the association to hire someone at some point to help us take on this task. We asked board member Tyler Bloom a lot of questions about his experiences so far with the education professionals he had met and his experience with Career Technology Education (CTE) students. Next, news started coming around that there was a high school not far away that had a turfgrass management program, Brentsville High school in VA. So cool, how in the heck did someone pull this off? Why can’t we have a feeder program like that established in central Maryland? Why target high school kids? Far too many times in my time at Waverly Woods GC, my summer college help come to me after their second or third year and say “hey man, how can I do what you do?” I then tell my story and show them the commitment it takes from the school side and then the work experience they need to have to get a super’s job. They sit back, take it all in, go home and talk to their parents and then by the end of that season they stick to what they have started and don’t change their major. They are already too deep into a track to take a chance and change. Could I do a better job of making an impact quicker, sure, but I know I’m not the only one who has experienced this scenario. Some college kids really don’t start thinking about the job aspect of a college education until the graduation date starts approaching. I’ve had quite a few old employees come to me 7+ years after they left Waverly and say damn I miss it, wish I would have just gone for it, it’s still the best job I ever had. Telling my team “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” just doesn’t cut it. Money is a very important part of this discussion; people go where the money is. Hence why country clubs with big budgets and great staff are such highly sought after jobs. It is also why young professionals covet working at country clubs during their early years, so they can build the resume. The industry as a whole has been behind in pay, but postings are now much more attractive for assistant superintendents. A young turf professional with a 2-year degree and three summers of experience can make $50,000 pretty easily in this region. We need to get this story told. We need to find a way to expose young people to the profession. First Green is a nice program, but one reaching fifth graders is just a first step. The industry as a whole, from professors to vendors to superintendents, have noticed a problem. We now see a lack of graduates available to fill assistant positions. We must act now, and hiring Dean is a great first step. This is a big job, but one that a big team can tackle. This association is a team of turfgrass professionals that care deeply about this industry. We will need support from our members to boost the efforts of UMD, Dean and it will take time. Our association has stepped up to lead and Dean is the right man to cut through the noise and establish a process of reaching prospective supers at a younger age. In closing, if you see something do something. All we do for a living is solve problems -- our industry is not alone in this battle. That has been the mantra of this board and it will continue to be that way. If you have some ideas or are curious about what we are doing, give us a call or better yet, sign up and serve. I still love this job after 20 years of grinding, and I love this great industry. But we have all have to step up and share our story and sell this job to anyone we come across.
Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
Equipment Manager’s Meeting by Tyler Ward The MAAGCS Equipment Manager’s meeting was held at Finch Services in Westminster. I was able to learn more about the equipment we are using or could be using in the future, and other things relating to equipment and course care. We also had a chance to meet new people from other courses I could relate to. I was not aware how many golf courses were in the state of Maryland. This was an eye opening experience as I continue to explore career opportunities beyond high school. I attended the event with two of my co-workers to get a better understanding of the equipment we use, functionality, practices to improve cutting performance and equally important, the time enabled me to learn more about my co-workers, making it easier to work with them and get to know them on a personal level. I learned their interests, which include hunting and a weird taste of music. Most high school students are not exposed to this type of on-the-job learning, and opportunity to develop skills far extending employment. I have been working at Sparrows Point Country Club for six months, and this was a bit of an uncomfortable environment to be immersed with industry professionals with far more experience and technical knowledge. Paul Schultheis (Corporate Golf Sales Manager) demonstrated a variety of mowing methods and after cut appearances - good and bad. I was not aware of the intrica-
cies of mowing quality including before and after photos. It further expanded my mind on topics such as cutting the greens, tees and fairways the correct way, the importance of sharpening techniques and quality control. Expanding my connection with other people was the most important learning aspect of the day. Networking is something very new to me, and I was able to relate to some of the people based on utilizing similar equipment and work processes. After our lunch break we learned about new equipment like the non-stick blade rollers for a fairway mower that won’t collect grass as you cut. I would expect people to take this information for granted, but I was able to connect in the field practice with technical expertise. I was able to share the experience with my classmates and counselors regarding the profession with a higher understanding of the complexity to perform my task. I also walked away with a better appreciation for our Equipment Manager and the responsibilities he carries to ensure great golfing conditions. Editor’s Note: Tyler Ward is a high school work-based learning student from Chesapeake High School. Tyler is a senior and currently employed at Sparrows Point Country Club. Tyler provides perspective on his attendance at a recent Equipment Manager’s meeting at Finch Services.
UMD Report The University of Maryland has had a productive winter season. The Institute of Applied Agriculture sent students to both the STMA and GCSAA national conferences to compete in student competitions, attend education and network with professionals. The events provide students not just an opportunity to meet and see alumni cheering them on, but also provides them motivation in the classroom setting. Brandon Carbary, IAA student stated, “Competing at the Turf Bowl really pushed me to further my knowledge far beyond what I have learned in class thus far. It is a great way to see where you match up, providing confidence and encouragement to always try harder, always read a little bit more, and use your network.” The Turf Bowl Competition consisted of turfgrass, weed, disease, and insect identification; turf math problems, a case-study requiring an essay response, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, essay, short answer and matching questions, irrigation; golf course business management and reel mower part identifications. To participate in the GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition, students must meet all of the following eligibility criteria: • Must be currently enrolled in a turf program or have graduated at the end of the most recent fall semester but not yet entered a graduate program. • Must be an active GCSAA student member • Be a registered attendee at the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show
The team finished fifth in the Golf Industry Show Turf Bowl sponsored by John Deere, and a tie for fourth place in the 4-year division of the STMA competition. Ben Word, a Turf Bowl team member stated, “Fifth place is definitely something to be proud of, considering 3/4 of the team was competing in its first GIS Turf Bowl. However, with most, if not all, of the team returning next year we will most certainly be striving to win in 2021. This year brought lots of learning experiences, an opportunity to create relationships with professionals and other students.” On February 6th, Geoffrey Rinehart met with representatives of the Maryland Department of Labor and Licensing, as well as, both Dean Graves and Tyler Bloom from the MAAGCS to discuss the development of an apprenticeship program for turf management. The initial development of this program will be a value to many struggling to find quality people with affordable on-the-job training. The meeting followed an informational session at Sparrows Point Country Club on January 7th discussing apprenticeship models. The search to replace both Dr. Turner and Dr. Roberts is beginning soon. Dr. Turner’s position has been re-written for a weed scientist position and will be advertised within the next few weeks. Subsequently, Dr. Roberts turf pathology position will then be advertised sometime this Spring.
UMD Team competes in the Turf Bowl
UMD Students at Toro booth
Turfgrass Matters | February 2020 15
A R A N G E O F TO P P E R FO R M E R S REPRESENTING THE TOP MANUFACTURER AND FORMULATOR IN SEED, PLANT PROTECTANTS AND FERTILIZERS
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Tom Walsh
Fed Heinlen
Tom.walsh@nutrien.com
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Cell: 410.375.7226
Cell: 443.669.4284
MD/Northern VA
MD/Eastern Shore
A R A N G E O F TO P P E R FO R M E R S REPRESENTING THE TOP MANUFACTURER AND FORMUL ATOR IN SEED, PL ANT PROTECTANTS AND FERTILIZERS
And servicing the top golf courses in Maryland and Virgina out of our Rosedale, MD warehouse
www.NutrienAgSolutions.com ©2020 Nutrien Ag Solutions. All Rights Reservered
16
Tom Walsh
Fed Heinlen
Tom.walsh@nutrien.com
Fred.heinlen@nutrien.com
Cell: 410.375.7226
Cell: 443.669.4284
MD/Northern VA
MD/Eastern Shore
Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
Getting to Know... Andrew Harrison 1. H ow did you get into the industry?: When I was teaching elementary school, my roommate was working at the Elkridge Club, Mark Merrick was the GCS and looking for an Assistant in Training. Since I had always been a golfer, enjoyed playing the game of golf, I dabbled into the profession. I thought it would be cool to be outside, around golf and just dove in. Signed up for the IAA at University of Maryland. 2. H ow did you get into your existing role? As an Assistant Superintendent at Turf Valley, Rob Larsen was looking for someone to transition into his role with LESCO. I liked the idea of seeing a whole bunch of different golf courses, work with older classmates from college, and transition into that realm.
Andrew Harrison Pocono Turf / IAC Rep andrewpoconoturf@gmail.com
3. W hy did you get involved in the MAAGCS on the Board of Directors? I am super involved in the Mid-Atlantic with all these events, attend nearly every event, I liked the idea of being more involved and see what I could do to help other distributors to see what I can bring to the table. I want to be heard and represented well. Support the association as much as I can. 4. What are some things you look forward to in the 2020 golf season? Winning the Match Play event again. Competing, hopefully winning. Playing all the different venues such as the Stewards event being at the Elkridge Club, and having worked there. 5. W hat is one thing people wouldn’t know about Andrew Harrison? I am an avid table tennis player, and very serious about it. I previously played at the Maryland Table Tennis Association for hours, but now I play with friends. 6. A ny new technologies that you are excited about? I am excited about the EzLocator as a service to Superintendents trying to improve their operations and the set up aspect for daily play.
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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
GCSAA Government Affairs Chava McKeel, GCSAA’s director, government affairs, spent a busy week in Washington between December 9-13. The week started out with her participating in the SFIREG meeting at the U.S. EPA offices. The State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group (SFIREG) and it’s working committees provide a platform for the states and EPA to resolve challenges to successful implementation of pesticide programs and policies in the USA and territories. Full SFIREG consists of state representatives from the 10 EPA regions who come together biannually to meet with EPA staff. SFIREG’s activities are supported by a grant through EPA, in recognition of the strong co-regulatory relationship required by the states’ primacy role in pesticide enforcement and/or certification programs. McKeel is the point of contact on GCSAA’s Government Affairs team for matters that deal with state and federal regulatory issues. She monitors any proposed rules coming out of the EPA regarding pesticide or fertilizer or water issues and make sure golf’s voice is heard on these issues. Plus, she monitors all the pesticide registration and registration review activities of the agency. The SFIREG, which is focused on pesticide issues, was focused on several topics of interest to golf course management at the meeting: the national assessment of pollinator protection plans and pollinator issues; and the continuing rollout of the new Certified Pesticide Applicators Rule. Please be on the lookout for an article on the new changes to pesticide certification and training in the January 2020 issue of GCM (Advocacy column). The department will also host a webinar in the future to further explain the upcoming changes. Attending the SFIREG meeting offered McKeel a chance to learn what compliance and enforcement issues are a focus of the 10 EPA regional offices and the 50 state lead agencies as well as a chance to network with state and federal pesticide regulatory officials.
Midweek, McKeel participated in the RISE Regulatory Affairs Committee meeting. She has been a longstanding member of this committee and has a chance to interact and network with those registrants responsible for providing chemical tools necessary for golf course management. The focus of committee discussions was to identify ways to strengthen the partnership between EPA and industry in order to ensure a smooth pesticide registration and registration review process. The RISE RAC also helps plan the annual CropLife America/RISE spring regulatory conference. EPA staff are invited to attend this conference in the spring to learn more about issues facing registrants and applicators of pesticides. The committee continues to host a “Labels Live” event at the conference that includes creating several stations offering hands on learning activities. Planning is underway for a great event in April. The week ended with a focus on the 2020 National Golf Day and Community Service Project events. National Golf Day will be held on May 6 and the service project on May 5. Registration will kick off after the New Year off the We Are Golf website. National Park Service turf manager Michael Stachowicz left his position this past summer and the NGD CSP planning committee had a chance to meet his replacement Mr. James Snell, who is a 17-year member of the GCSAA. The committee is excited to be working with Snell, Finch Services, Inc., and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents to finalize plans for this exciting service project, which just won the Group of the Year Volunteer Award from the NPS. Editor’s Note: Article written by the GCSAA Government Affairs team
NATIONAL GOLF DAY We Are Golf, a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners including GCSAA, hosts the annual National Golf Day event in Washington, D.C. National Golf Day celebrates the game’s nearly $84 billion economy, nearly $4 billion annual charitable impact and many environmental and fitness benefits. Industry leaders meet with Members of Congress, the Executive Branch and federal agencies to discuss golf’s 15,000-plus diverse businesses, 2 million jobs impacted, tax revenue creation and tourism value. 2020 National Golf Day The 2020 National Golf Day Event will be May 4 – May 6, 2020. NGD20 celebrates the game’s $84.1 billion economy, nearly $4 billion annual charitable impact and many environmental and fitness benefits. Registration for National Golf Day is now open through March 13. COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT The Community Service Project on the National Mall will occur on May 5. In 2020, the day will include turf restoration projects between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. There will be opportunities to lay irrigation pipe along the Reflecting Pool, mow near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and lay sod near the Washington Monument. LOBBY DAY On May 6, GCSAA and other golf allied organizations will spend the day on Capitol Hill talking with representatives and senators to discuss golf’s 15,000 diverse businesses, 2 million jobs, tax revenue creation and tourism value. Congressional meeting prep will be provided in advance of NGD and on site. REGISTRATION Register on the We Are Golf website – (www.wearegolf.org) by March 13. A GCSAA-specific schedule of events including hotel room block and air information, is sent after you register. For more information, contact Diana DeWald, government affairs administrative coordinator at 800-472-7878, ext. 3675 Turfgrass Matters | February 2020 19
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2020 MAAGCS Schedule of Events February 19, 2020: Wednesday
MAAGCS Education Seminar, Ten Oaks Ballroom, Clarksville, MD
March 19, 2020: Thursday
Superintendent/Assistant Challenge, Urban Axes, Downtown Baltimore, MD
April-October, 2020
MAAGCS Match Play Championship, Various Locations
April 9, 2020: Thursday The Masters Social Event/Match Play Blind Draw, Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Halethorpe, MD, Westminster National, GC, Westminster, MD April 22, 2020: Wednesday
First Green Field Trip “Earth Day”, Westminster Golf Course, Westminster, MD
May 6, 2020: Tuesday
GCSAA Community Service Project, National Mall, Washington D.C.
May 7, 2020: Wednesday
National Golf Day, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
May 26, 2020: Tuesday
Chesapeake Challenge vs ESAGCS, Queenstown Harbor, MD
June 3, 2020: Wednesday
First Green Field Trip, Westminster Golf Course, Westminster, MD
June 18, 2020: Thursday
U.S. Open Social Event, Pier Oyster House, Annapolis, MD
TBA
Annual Championship, Blue Mash Golf Course, Laytonsville, MD
October 27, 2020: Tuesday
Stewards of the Chesapeake, Elkridge Country Club, Baltimore, MD
TBA
MAAGCS Annual Meeting
Thank You, 2019 MAAGCS Partners! Please patronize these outstanding companies which support the profession!
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Bronze
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Luck Ecosystems Noble Turf Oakwood Sod PondHawk by Linne Industries
Finch Services FMC Corporation Growing Solutions
Rain Bird Sunbelt Synatek Textron Golf
Harrell’s Newsome Seed PBI Gordon
Pocono Turf
Turfgrass Matters | February 2020 21
Letter from the Editor – Tyler Bloom Dear Members, We couldn’t have picked a better week to go to Orlando, Florida for the Golf Industry Show as the weather cooperated and was a nice change. Although, the off-season really hasn’t felt like winter in 2020. The big takeaways that I pulled from the Golf Industry Show include: 1. Autonomous mowers and GPS technology have great potential to change the way we manage our facilities, and consider our operations holistically. I am sure there are bugs and continued development from the R&D teams that will evolve the prototypes. We have time to really assess the fit within our operations, and adapt our regular practices and budget lines to adopt these new tools. 2. Due to contractual obligations with the Orlando Convention Center, it was a bit of a mystery on Monday/Tuesday as to where to locate registration and seminars. -My step counter on my phone exceeded 20,000 steps walking to and from the North Concourse from Monday-Wednesday. Thanks to GCSAA for keeping me on task with my 2020 wellness goals.
Tyler Bloom Superintendent, Sparrows Point Country Club @tbloom_SPCC tbloom@sparrowspointcc.org
3. Labor is universally a major challenge, and the GCSAA recognizes this is a member need. It was humbling to discuss the youth mentorship and apprenticeship program with peers from across the country and globe. I suspect in the very near future, the GCSAA will be communicating new initiatives to replicate similar programs across the country. There seems to be some positive dialogue and action from the Future Farmers of America, and I suggest reaching out to your local chapter to engage with youth. 4. T he Mid-Atlantic GCSAA brought home the hardware again in 2020. Congrats are in order for the teams and individuals at Turf Equipment and Supply Company, Finch Services, Ryan Kraushofer, Trevor Hedgepeth, Mark Jones for your recognitions. 5. Eric David represented the MAAGCS well in the Grassroots Ambassador Academy program. He detailed the communication efforts and actively representing our association with the Chlorpyrifos ban, H2-B program and advocating for our BMP program across the state. If you are not involved in the Grassroots Ambassador program, I highly suggest involving your assistants or staff members to give back and participate with minimal time commitment. The MAAGCS has a great lineup for our education seminar, and many events to provide you valuable networking and learning opportunities in 2020. The season is creeping up on us quickly, and hopefully you have all been able to recharge the batteries.
22
Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
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