GCBAA- ESN 2nd Quarter 2017

EARTH SHAPING NEWS www.gcbaa.org

Published Quarterly by the Golf Course Builders Association of America

2nd Quarter 2017

GCBAA Launches New Website June is always an exciting time of year. It signals the beginning of summer for many kids and adults, and the start (or intermission) to what’s hopefully a busy construction season for many of you. For GCBAA, it signaled the launch of our new website! While the URL hasn’t changed (www.gcbaa.org), just about everything else has!

With it being a digitally driven world, the GCBAA Board of Directors made plans nearly 18 months ago to invest in the website. With more and more people getting their information online, it is critical that we provide you with an effective tool to make your engagement with the association easier.

After thorough vetting of endless proposals and demos, we found a great fit with Etchasoft – a software design firm headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. They took time to understand the needs of our membership and welcomed the opportunity to create a website that would represent GCBAA. As a trade association representing individuals as well as organizations, the system required a lot of customization.

We spoke with members and young professionals outside our industry to ensure we were capturing the most relevant features and content. A special thanks to board members Judd Duininck (Duininck Golf), Ronnie Adkins (Aspen Corporation) and Rick Williamson (LASCO Fittings, Inc.) for their leadership throughout the project.

Quickly get news that’s pushed out on GCBAA’s social pages. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram are hot buttons on the home page. And if you’re not the “liking” and “retweeting” kind, the home page features the most current news going on in your organization.

What we might be most proud of is the new look and feel of the online membership directory. Within a matter of seconds, find complete contact information for any member of the organization. As a member, you can make edits to your profile in real time, add projects you’re working on, social handles and much more!

Finally we hope you’ll spend some time on the website and find the entire website mobile friendly! As always, we welcome your feedback and are here to answer any questions.

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INSIDE President & Executive Directors’ Perspective Foundation Update Human Resources Developer’s Guide Allied Associations New Members Movers & Shapers Advertisers

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President and Executive Director’s Perspective

Scott Veazey GCBAA PRESIDENT

CHARTER MEMBERS ACC GOLF CONSTRUCTION ADS/HANCOR, INC. ASPEN CORPORATION BOYD IRRIGATION, INC. BRYANT TAYLOR GORDON GOLF CAL OLSON GOLF ARCHITECTURE CATERPILLAR, INC. COLORADO LINING INTERNATIONAL, INC. DUININCK GOLF DYE DESIGNS INTERNATIONAL EAGLE GOLF & LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS EWING IRRIGATION FLEETWOOD SERVICES LLC FLOWTRONEX FORWARD GROUP GLASE GOLF, INC. HARCO FITTINGS HARTMAN COMPANIES, INC. HENDERSON & COMPANY, INC. HERITAGE LINKS HUNTER INDUSTRIES ISCO INDUSTRIES J L PIERMAN INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATES, INC. JACKLINGOLF JOHN DEERE LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED, LLC LANDIRR, INC. LASCO FITTINGS INC. LEEMCO INC. LEPANTO GOLF CONSTRUCTION INC. MACCURRACH GOLF MCDONALD & SONS, INC. MEDALIST GOLF MID-AMERICA GOLF & LANDSCAPE, INC. NMP GOLF CONSTRUCTION, CORP. PROFILE PRODUCTS LLC QGS DEVELOPMENT, INC. RAIN BIRD CORPORATION – GOLF DIVISION RYAN INC. CENTRAL RYANGOLF CORPORATION SHAPEMASTERS, INC. SOUTHEASTERN GOLF, INC. SPORTZMIX – WAUPACA SAND & SOLUTIONS SUNBELT RENTALS TDI INTERNATIONAL, INC. TEE-2-GREEN THE CART PATH COMPANY THE TORO COMPANY UNITED GOLF, LLC WADSWORTH GOLF CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WEST COAST TURF

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Scott and I wanted to try something different this issue. While we feel it is important to give an update from the President as well as the Executive Director, in this issue there are so many important updates that there is no better way to send out a communication than by doing it jointly. First and foremost, Scott and I want to share our excitement of the great news GCBAA past-president Rick Boylan and his wife Melanie received. Rick’s news of the successful treatments and being cancer free is certainly a reason to celebrate! We are very excited for Rick and his family and look forward to seeing him again soon. We are also very happy for GCBAA Board member Dennis Wagner and his wife Sherri and want to take this time with Dennis to help encourage everyone to get checked frequently for skin cancer. We all need to do a better job wearing sunscreen and taking sun exposure seriously.

We have kept busy as you will see in this issue with traveling and attending our allied association events. A few we have been able to attend together while others I have represented the GCBAA. New this year was our attendance at the National Club Association Annual Meeting held in New York City. We have worked more closely with the NCA the past two years and have found their membership and ours have a number of similar issues. Many of our members are small business owners and operators and issues affecting health care, immigration, business taxes, minimum wage and overtime rules affect us the same. We are pleased to be able to align our resources and address these issues together. You will also see in this issue the GCBAA involvement with the upcoming Golf Industry Show. We feel investing our time and resources into future shows is a significant return on the investment. As the show grows that is a direct benefit to GCBAA members and our industry.

It is hard to believe that Scott is winding down his presidency with the scheduling of our last Executive Meeting this Fall with him as President. While it would be easy to say that time has flown by, in many ways the past two years have been extremely evenly paced. Under his leadership he incubated and implemented new pilot programs to benefit the membership and organization as a whole. Scott worked closely with past presidents Kurt Huseman and Rick Boylan, picking up where they left off with our strategic plan. Most notably was the implementation of expanded membership meetings with Regional Events. These events and their flexible agenda and locations have had proven success and benefits while reaching a new audience of our members and industry friends.

Scott was also able to assist the office with some significant housekeeping changes.

Changes to tax regulations and operating procedures of not for profit organizations are ever changing and the organization and Foundation have needed to make some changes to responsibilities of board officers. Both organizations have kept current by implementing changes suggested by our attorney and accountant to protect our tax status. Last but certainly not least is Scott’s leadership to staff. Any office can show productivity but to be consistent in growing an organization across all our activities, Scott has been a true leader and supporter of the staff. We are proud to say we have a unique culture at GCBAA and the staff takes a positive approach to all of our projects and activities.

The Foundation’s flagship program Sticks for Kids is a unique industry program that does not get enough attention; yet has captured the interest of many in our conversations. Scott and I are pleased to see the entire golf industry focusing attention on player development programs and keeping an open mind to what is working and what could use improvement.

The market is showing positive signs and many members are seeing an increase to their workloads and orders but we need to keep working together on investing in the next generation of players.

As I visit with Scott about what I’m thinking as I travel to nearly every event where our industry is being talked about, I am concerned that the recent uptick in the market might diminish all of the progress the allieds have made in recent years. I use the analogy of when areas are in drought and various groups band together to implement restrictions and best management practices, and then it rains. I am proud to represent GCBAA in meetings encouraging the golf industry to keep working together.

We are encouraged as we both receive invitations to meetings and GCBAA is asked to be a part of many of the conversations about the game. While it is not easy to be at every event, we are proud that we have a staff that can represent our interests in the industry. Without a doubt the GCBAA brand has grown significantly in recent years around the globe and our members are treated as the experts in our field.

Finally, Justin and I both want to thank Samantha on her five years of service to the GCBAA as well as Stephanie who is approaching her one year anniversary. I encourage everyone to either follow the team on Facebook or Twitter and never pass an opportunity to stop by our office in Lincoln. We are lucky to have these three working tirelessly for our membership. I personally appreciate the attention to detail they give to all our members and their willingness to try new ideas to grow our member benefit programs.

Be sure to pay attention to the new member benefit programs coming out from our partners LMC Insurance & Risk Management as well as Wacker Neuson.

We hope to see you in Charlotte for the Summer Meeting!

Scott Veazey & Justin Apel

Justin Apel GCBAA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EARTH SHAPING NEWS ŠGOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

6040 S. 58th St., Suite D Lincoln, NE 68516 TEL (402) 476-4444 FAX (402) 476-4489 information@gcbaa.org www.gcbaa.org

Justin Apel EX ECUTIVE DIR ECTOR

justin_apel@gcbaa.org

Samantha Huff PROGR A M & PL A NNING M A NAGER

samantha_huff@gcbaa.org

Stephanie Bruss INFOR M ATION & EDUCATION COOR DINATOR

stephanie_bruss@gcbaa.org

Nebraska Printing Center DESIGN & L AYOUT

www.npcenter.com

PAST PRESIDENT PERRY DYE, PAST DON ROSSI RECIPIENTS JACK NICKLAUS, PETE DYE, AND REES JONES, AND GCBAA PRESIDENT SCOTT VEAZEY AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JUSTIN APEL

Information in this publication may be reproduced for non-profit education purposes.

Please include source credit if reproducing.

Contact the Executive Director if material is used for any other purpose to obtain written permission. News releases via email or fax are welcomed and encouraged.

Archived issues available at www.gcbaa.org.

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GCBAA FOUNDATION

Foundation Update It is with great contentment that I address our members, sponsors, volunteers and avid followers. So far, this year we’ve experienced amazing growth with our Sticks for Kids programs and we could not have done it without you all. I would like to touch on a few of the many strides that we’ve taken so far in 2017. We have established a Sticks for Kids program at the School District of Terlingua, Texas, we have received a generous $5,000 donation from GCBAA Charter

Tom Shapland GCBAA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

Member Sunbelt Rentals to replace rundown equipment at existing Sticks for Kids programs, and finally in conjunction with the Jim Ager Golf Course, GCBAA member Kevin Grieder with Sunbelt Rentals hosted a day of junior golf instruction for around 40 kids from the Calvert Recreation Center and the Lincoln Lighthouse.

We are delighted that our mission to diversify and make golf inclusive and more accessible has become yours as well. Your hard work, dedication and resilience have not gone unnoticed and for that we are forever thankful.

My job as President is to continue to put forth energy and dedication to our mission, give you the incentive to continue to support us and continue to

BOARD MEMBERS MARK ARRIMOUR TOTAL TURF SERVICES

I hope to see all of you in Charlotte this August for the GCBAA Summer

JIMMY KIRCHDORFER ISCO INDUSTRIES

that will allow us to continue supporting junior golfers through the Sticks for

BILL KUBLY LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED, LLC KUN LI FORWARD GROUP RICK LOHMAN THE TORO COMPANY DENNIS WAGNER HUNTER INDUSTRIES DOUG YORK EWING IRRIGATION

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recognize and praise your good work.

Meeting. We’re looking forward to yet another fun, successful auction and raffle Kids program. Please contact the office if you or your company would like to donate to this year’s auction or raffle. Thank you for your unchanging support.

Tom Shapland

New Sticks for Kids Programs granted in 2017 This year, the GCBAA Foundation approved funding for 12 new Sticks for Kids programs.

These programs serve children and disabled adults throughout the United States, making the game of golf accessible and affordable to their local communities.

Welcome! We can’t wait to watch your program grow!

Hickory Swing Golf Course Contact: Billy Thompson Location: Great Falls, MT

Ball Golf Center Contact: Stan Ball Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Kankaee Valley Junior Golf Association Contact: Thomas Dolliger Location: Bourbonnais, IL

City of Middleton, Public Lands, Recreation & Forestry Contact: Rebecca Price Location: Middleton, WI

The First Tee of Silicon Valley Contact: George Maxe Location: San Jose, CA

MPS Golf Contact: Mark Psensky Location: Algonquin, IL

The Jazzii A. Foundation Contact: Phillip Pratt Location: Alamo, TN

Terlingua Common School District Contact: Reagan Reed Location: Terlingua, TX

North American Martyrs School Contact: Mary Kate Miner Location: Lincoln, NE

The First Tee of Monmouth and Ocean Contact: Tara Kelly Location: Ocean, NJ

Pine Lake Jr. Golf Center Contact: Dave Malone Location: Lincoln, NE

Twin Brooks Golf Course Contact: Fred Lasena Location: Hyannis, MA

The GCBAA Foundation also awarded the following maintenance grant requests for 2017!

Mid-Atlantic Junior Blind Golf Association Contact: Norman Kritz Location: Cherry Hill, NJ

Peoria Park District-Golf Division Contact: Sarah Cordis Location: Peoria, IL

Tapply-Thompson Community Center Contact: Dan Maclean Location: Bristol, NH

Pittsfield Parks & Recreation Program Contact: Rebecca Manship Location: Pittsfield, MA

Coldstrip Park and Recreation District Contact: Rick Harbin Location: Colstrip, MT

City of Palm Beach Garden Sandhill Crane Golf Club Contact: Sherri Pla Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Dekalb Park District Contact: Pam Tyska Location: Dekalb, IL

Twin Peaks Golf Course Contact: Keith Martin Location: Longmont, CO

Town of Cheektowaga Youth & Recreational Services Contact: Jillian Gorman-King Location: Cheektowaga, NY

Manteno Golf Club and Learning Center Contact: Thomas Dolliger Location: Manteno, IL

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GCBAA Charter Member Sunbelt Rentals supports program at Jim Ager Golf Course Sticks for Kids is having an excellent summer and the GCBAA Foundation would like to thank GCBAA Charter Member Sunbelt Rentals for their generous donation of $5,000 and the Jim Ager Golf Course for getting us closer to our goal of inclusivity in golf.

We admire their belief in our mission and its drive to continue to work with us in exposing underprivileged and at risk youth to the game of golf. Sunbelt Rentals’ dedication was greatly noticed when GCBAA Member Kevin Grieder attended the Jim Ager’s Sticks for Kids event this June in Lincoln.

On June 8th, 2017, Sunbelt Rentals and Jim Ager Golf Course joined forces to host 40 kids from both the Calvert Recreation Center and the Lincoln Lighthouse for a wonderful day of junior golf instruction. Jim Ager Golf Course opened its facilities for the eager children to play and learn the game of golf. Sunbelt Rentals sponsored snacks, beverages and prizes throughout the day. Many of the children who

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attended had never been on a golf course nor played the game but were ecstatic to learn. The first group was separated into three groups, with different stations at each. The first group was on the putting green, which was set up as a miniature puttputt course being taught by PGA Certified Golf Professional Joe Canny. The second group was at the driving range being instructed by PGA Teaching Professional Tim Fox, and the final group was with PGA Professional Wade Foreman receiving instruction at the chipping area. Once everyone went through each station, they broke for lunch and had a great time talking about their experience. Each group rejoined for a game a footgolf and the kids had a blast.

Thanks to the Jim Ager Golf Course for allowing the Sticks for Kids programs in the area to use its course for teaching and practicing purposes. We admire their dedication to our cause and it reminded us first-hand how the GCBAA Foundation is positively affecting the children in our community. We continue to thank our sponsors for believing in us and helping us bring our mission to life.

GCBAA Member Wacker Neuson Offers New Partner Program to Membership The GCBAA Office is excited to announce a new member benefit program in partnership with GCBAA Member Wacker Neuson. GCBAA members in the Builder categories as well as some Associates that may qualify can benefit from a National Accounts discount program through the over 160 Wacker Neuson distributors around the United States. Sign up is easy, simply contact the GCBAA Executive Office (402) 476-4444 or GCBAA Member Jonah Yezzi at jonah.yezzi@wackerneuson.com or (585) 7382228. Wacker Neuson joined the GCBAA in 2014 and has been active supporting GCBAA National and Regional Meetings.

Listening to Builder’s unique needs on construction sites, Wacker Neuson offers a specialty machine that has been of great benefit to renovation work. If you are interested in a free demonstration of one of these machines, we encourage you to contact Jonah above. We appreciate the support of our members and their willingness to create national account programs to support our member benefit program and the “Buy from Within” model.

About Wacker Neuson Wacker Neuson is a global manufacturer of quality light and compact equipment used in a variety of industries. The company got its start back in 1848 as a blacksmith shop in Dresden, Germany, and is responsible for the original rammer, that revolutionized soil compaction for the construction industry. Today, the company offers over 300 products, many of them produced at the company’s US headquarters in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Wacker Neuson is celebrating several milestones in 2017. In addition to its 60th anniversary in the USA and 50th anniversary in Canada, this year also marks the introduction of a new line of skid steer and compact track loaders that were designed, developed and manufactured at the Wisconsin production facility.

Wacker Neuson offers a variety of equipment that excels on manicured turf, on uneven terrain and in tight areas. The equipment is designed for professionals who value stability, versatility and comfort during long days on the job. The range of material handling and general construction equipment offers a solution for golf course construction and renovation. For example, all Wacker Neuson wheel loaders, skid steers and telehandlers come with a universal attachment plate, which provides the versatility to work with a wide array to tools, including those you already have in your fleet. The line of dumpers are especially suited for the golf course construction and renovation work. The dumpers are very versatile and feature a skip that will can precisely deliver materials from the front or either side, plus turf tires that will not disturb existing landscape. Whether you need a small pump and rammer or a wheel loader, skid steer or dumper, you can trust Wacker Neuson for equipment designed to increase efficiency, saving you time and money.

GCBAA Executive Director Justin Apel was able to tour Wacker Neuson’s Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin factory the week of the US Open. Pictured left with GCBAA Member Jonah Yezzi; they were able to finalize a national account agreement as a member benefit to GCBAA Builder Members. Additionally, Wacker Neuson equipment could be seen around Erin Hills

spreading material to help with spectator traffic with all of the rain received during the event. GCBAA Member Mottin Golf is pictured on the right keeping the walking areas passable. Be sure to check the GCBAA website as well as the featured article on the national account agreement in this issue.

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10th Annual National Golf Day a Grand Slam for Industry Members of the We Are Golf coalition arrived in Washington D.C. April 25 to participate in the first-ever community service project in conjunction with National Golf Day. More than 100 turf professionals showed up to volunteer their time and expertise to spruce up the National Mall. The initiative focused on beautification, preservation and helping the National Park Service with turf deferred maintenance. A heavy rain ended the project early, but not before the group made significant improvements to the area!

The following day, April 26, a record 175 Congressional meetings were scheduled and nearly 200 attendees from 35 U.S. states participated in National Golf Day. GCBAA was represented by member Jon Truttmann of Hunter Industries, Executive Director Justin Apel and Program & Planning Manager Samantha Huff. While staff had appointments with their delegates in Nebraska, Jon doubled his efforts and met with representatives from his home state of Wisconsin along with California, where Hunter Industries is headquartered.

Prior to the senate and congressional appointments, GCBAA staff attended the Nebraska Breakfast. The Nebraska Breakfast is the oldest ongoing tradition of its kind on Capitol Hill. All Nebraskans visiting Washington D.C. and their guests are invited to attend and visit with their Congressional delegation at this breakfast. Truly a unique event to be a part of!

In addition to the GCBAA, organizations participating were the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association, Links to Freedom, National Alliance for Accessible Golf, National Golf Course Owners Association, American Society of Golf Course Architects, PGA TOUR, Salute Military Golf Association, The First Tee, U.S. Golf Manufacturers Council, United States Golf Association, World Golf Foundation and several others.

We hope you’ll consider joining us next year for the 11th annual National Golf Day. Please contact the GCBAA office for more information.

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GCBAA Attends National Alliance for Accessible Golf Meeting The National Alliance for Accessible Golf once again gathered after National Golf Day at the Club Managers Association of America Executive Office in Alexandria, Virginia. The Alliance whose headquarters are now located with the World Golf Foundation in St. Augustine, Florida gathers at this annual event to discuss programs and plans for the upcoming year. Board Members include representatives from the GCSAA, CMAA, NGCOA, ASGCA, LPGA, USGA, The PGA TOUR, and PGA of America as well as Advisory Board members from accessible golf programs and teaching and coaching associations. The day’s business agenda was filled with discussion on plans for a summit bringing the various groups and programs involved in inclusion together for one on one networking and discussions as well as education. The group is working on plans for a 2018 gathering to be held in conjunction with the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida.

For more information on the National Alliance for Accessible Golf visit their website at www.accessgolf.org

Left to Right NAAG President Mike Tinkey, Henry Wallmeyer National Club Association, Chava McKeel GCSAA, Melissa Low CMAA, Nancy Henderson LPGA, Beth Major USGA, Peggy Norton World Golf Foundation, NAAG Executive Director Stephen Jubb, Samantha Huff, Stephanie Bruss, and Justin Apel GCBAA, and Ronnie Miles NGCOA.

Golf Industry Represented at Earth Day Texas 2017 According to the “Earth Day Texas 2017 Event Guide” Earth Day Texas has grown significantly since 2011 when their initial two-day event spanned several blocks in downtown Dallas’ Arts District with 130 entities and 48,000 attendees to an anticipated 150,000 attendees and 800 organizations. The event was held over five days from April 19 – 23 at Fair Park in Dallas. GCBAA participated in a panel discussion on Saturday, April 22 to discuss “Staying Green on the Green” – The changing face of Golf Sustainability. A panel of industry leaders included Dr. Kimberly Erush, USGA, Robert Trent Jones, II, ASGCA Justin Apel, and John Daniels, USGA. Concluding the panel discussion and question and answer session was a field trip to Maridoe Golf Club. ASGCA Past President Steve Smyers oversaw the remaking of the old Columbia Golf Club and provided a guided tour and showed sustainability in design.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

The Essentials of Employee Documentation

BY JACK L. SHULTZ & KRAMER L. LYONS O’NEILL, HEINRICH, DAMKROGER, BERGMEYER & SHULTZ, P.C., L.L.O.

Many lawsuits in the labor and employment area involve the alleged discrimination or wrongful termination of an employee.

Sound record keeping may provide employers a defense to many of these allegations. This article provides some basic essentials for documenting workplace performance and disciplinary issues.

1. Do it! If an action of an employee may lead to future discipline or termination, document it. Most lawsuits arise out of terminations where the employee claims he or she was fired for unlawful or discriminatory reasons, while the employer claims the employee was fired because of a performance or disciplinary problem. The employer should have documentation to prove its position and support its testimony.

2. Juries Demand Documentation. Jury surveys consistently confirm two facts: (1) juries distrust employers, and (2) juries expect employers to document performance and discipline problems. The failure to document problems may lead juries to infer negligence or liability on the part of the employer.

3. Know Your Audience. The first person you should consider when documenting an incident is the subject employee. The documentation should educate the employee as to the nature and seriousness of the issue as well as lay out the employer’s expectations and the likely consequences going forward. The documentation should also be prepared with third parties in mind, such as the employee’s attorney. The employee’s attorney may be less likely to pursue the matter in the face of persuasive documentation or may be more willing to settle on more favorable terms. Other third parties, such as anti-discrimination agencies, judges and juries may be more likely to believe the employer if the employer contemporaneously documented the employee’s shortcomings.

4. Follow the Rules. Before taking any action against an employee, including discharge, the employer should review its handbooks, policies, offer letters and contracts to see if they place any restrictions on the employee’s right to discipline or discharge. The employer should also review how it has handled similar problems in the past and make sure its decision is consistent with the past practice. An employer who fails to act consistently may unwittingly treat a member of a protected class differently. Employers should also be careful not to discipline for legally protected behavior, such as absenteeism which may be protected by the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the employee’s “bad attitude” or complaints about work which may implicate concerted protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act. 5. Tell the Story. The most important element of disciplinary documentation is factually describing what happened and why it matters. Before documenting an issue, it is imperative that the employer know the facts. If the facts are not known firsthand to the person preparing the documentation, such person should interview witnesses who do. The documentation needs to explain who, what, where, when and why. It is also important to provide any background context that may be necessary for an outsider to get a full picture, such as past discipline or other similar situations involving the same employee(s). The documentation should avoid conclusions so to allow the reader to judge whether or not the issue is in violation of a rule as well as the level of seriousness of the incident.

6. Explain the Consequences. Ordinarily, an employer should preserve its flexibility to terminate. For example, a statement such as “Further discipline or performance issues will result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination” is more flexible than “Further discipline issues will result in termination.” Likewise the statement “You must make immediate and sustained improvement, failure to do so, or any further performance or disciplinary issues, will result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination” is much better than “You are placed on 30 days probation” or “If you falsify your time again, you will be terminated.” The employer should state the current consequence while providing flexibility to discipline for future incidents.

7. Include Appropriate Logistical Details. The documentation needs to show who wrote it and when it was recorded. Documentation that does not contain these two pieces of information may prove difficult to use in court. The documentation also needs to include the first and last names of the employees, managers or anyone else involved in the issue, as well as whether or not the documentation was shown to the employee. Finally, the documentation should be legible, as words or phrases which are not legible may require additional time and resources if the documentation is ever needed in a lawsuit.

Documentation is an important part of addressing employee performance in your business. If an employee’s action CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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DEVELOPER’S GUIDE

Tell Your Story through Content

BY HENRY DELOZIER, GLOBAL GOLF ADVISORS

Content marketing is a powerful tool for golf course builders to use in educating and maintaining a top-of-mind relationship with clients. Here’s the catch: one must organize the “content”; organize the organization for delivering it; and generate interesting material on a constant basis. Content marketing is fresh, productive, and extremely cost-effective.

According to the Content Marketing Institute (www.contentmarketinginstitute.com), “Content marketing is a marketing technique of creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and acquire a clearly defined audience – with the objective of driving profitable customer action.”

Golf course builders constantly generate content for clients – estimates, photographic images, and project stories so, to put content marketing to work for your company, begin with three important steps: Organizing Content – As is the case with many sources and types of information, GCBAA members must organize content for its efficient and effective usage. Consider the type of content – drawings and sketches, photographic images, case studies, cost estimates – and how to best share them with existing and prospective clients.

Things to consider when organizing content are: 1.

How will the content be delivered to the client? E-mail? Social media? Postcard? Brochure? One of the keys to costeffectiveness is sorting and storing the content in ready-to-use formats.

2. What are the most important attributes – values and capabilities – that your content should reveal about your company and its people? First, your clients want to see how your company works and what results you achieve. Then, the client wants to know how your pricing model works?

3. What is the personality of your existing or targeted client? Do they have current technology and adequate bandwidth to benefit from site photography? Are there certain aspects of golf course construction that intrigue them? Are they interested in understanding your workflow process? Will they want to know the key performance metrics of golf course construction?

4.

How will you deliver the content? Do you have adequate bandwidth and access to the human resources to sustain a content marketing campaign?

The long-standing advice that is “plan your work and work your plan” certainly applies here. Advanced planning will make your results more effective.

Organizing Your Team – Who in your company will do this work? Organizing, curating, and deploying your content requires a mix of skills which include creativity, organizational ability, attention to detail, and punctuality. In many companies, the answer is a team approach since “team-tackling” enables you to call on several people with the needed skillset without overloading any one person.

Here are some tips that may make your use of content marketing productive for you: 1.

Think “young” to tap into a relatively new method. The old dogs who will not learn new tricks will only slow or defeat your content marketing program before it begins. Challenge your newest team-members to undertake your content marketing program.

2. Consider out-sourcing to a third-party expert in content marketing. Or, if your funding is limited, make this a project for college interns who want to gain hands-on experience and credentials. The key here is to engage enthusiastic people who are fluent in the language and tools for social media and using real-life content.

3.

Be comprehensive with your planning. Just as you would not begin a major renovation without a plan, develop a careful plan of content – who will produce it; how will it be delivered; and, what is the deadline for distribution?

A well-organized and consistently delivered content marketing program is extremely cost-effective and has great “stickiness” with your customers. Everyone is curious about how golf courses get built and rebuilt.

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DEVELOPER’S GUIDE Generating Content – Many builders will say, “We don’t create content, we create golf courses! How the heck will we do this?” In fact, the very process of golf course construction is ripe with content for your use.

Following are several examples: 1.

Photographic images are used to record before and after site conditions. That’s content. Images of interesting trees, features, and site activities – like foxes, snakes, and wildcats – engage your customers in your work. That’s content. Team photos that show how professionally you conduct your business reveal how effective you will be for other clients. That’s content!

2. Case studies that describe the project and your role in bringing it to fruition are extremely useful to those evaluating your firm for a remodel or renovation. Remember that a good case study is fewer than 500 words (fewer than this article). Be sure to include real people, accurate numbers, and interesting results.

3. Testimonials mean a great deal in fields where the buyer lacks experience or in-depth knowledge. Where would TripAdvisor or Yelp be without the powerful punch of customer testimonials?

4.

Short stories from your team reveal your culture, commitment to excellence, and trustworthiness. Tell the stories that show who you are and how great you are at what you do. People remember stories long after they have forgotten your bid amount.

The most expensive part of content marketing is allocating the time to execute effective content marketing. Time is a valuable resource and one to be meted out carefully. It is also the key to highly effective content marketing. In a time when fewer golf construction contracts are available, efficient and productive marketing initiatives are essential to your success.

Henry DeLozier is a partner and principal at Global Golf Advisors, the leading consulting firm in the world that specializes in golf.

GGA headquarters in Toronto with working offices in Dublin (IR), Phoenix, and Sydney (AUS).

HUMAN RESOURCES THE ESSENTIALS OF EMPLOYEE DOCUMENTATION (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11)

may lead to future discipline, employers should be documenting that. Failure to do so may result in litigation, or may unnecessarily prolong the employment of a problem employee. When the decision to document is made, following the above steps should produce more complete and usable documentation.

Editor’s Note: This article is not intended to provide legal advice to our readers. Rather, this article is intended to alert our readers to new and developing issues and to provide some common sense answers to complex legal questions. Readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel or the authors of this article if the reader wishes to obtain a specific legal opinion regarding how these legal standards may apply to their particular circumstances. The authors of this article, Jack L. Shultz and Kramer L. Lyons can be contacted at (402) 434-3000, or at O’Neill, Heinrich, Damkroger, Bergmeyer & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O., P.O. Box 82028, Lincoln, NE 68501-2028, jshultz@ohdbslaw.com and klyons@ohdbslaw.com.

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2017 GCBAA Summer Meeting Forecast With the 4th of July behind us, it’s time to blow out the sparklers and finalize your plans for the 2017 Summer Meeting.

Hosted alongside the PGA Championship, this year’s event won’t fall short of things to do, places to go, and people to see.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to spend much time in Charlotte, you’re in for a real treat. Home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Motor Speedway, the town is literally buzzing 24-7. We think you’ll enjoy the location of our headquarter hotel, the Omni Charlotte. It’s in the heart of downtown Charlotte and a hopscotch game away from the EpiCentre – an entertainment district perfect for entertaining family or customers no matter the time of day.

The Meetings and Education Committee have worked hard to put together a fun, yet informative schedule. We’ll kick off the meeting with some offsite irrigation training at the facility of GCBAA member Smith Turf & Irrigation. After a few hours in the sun, you’ll have worked up an appetite just in time for the Opening Reception back at the hotel. While it’s always nice catching up with friends you haven’t seen in awhile, we hope you’ll walk the ballroom and visit with the many trade show exhibitors that are there to support the meeting and meet YOU. Pack your running shoes because Wednesday is a marathon. Or maybe more like a mud run, or one of those color runs your friends do to get a free t-shirt. It’s a busy day, but it’s not all work and no play. We anticipate one of the best education lineups we’ve had in a number of years with sessions that are pertinent to you and your business. One we’re especially looking forward to is from our keynote speaker, Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist from the Economic Outlook Group, who will share his U.S. & International Economic Outlook. Attendees will also be treated to a talk from Ron Whitten, writer for Golf Digest and also known for having a major hand in the design of Erin Hills, host of the 2017 U.S. Open.

Wednesday evening is the much anticipated Buy From Within Reception, Dinner and Auction. It’ll be an electric atmosphere with countless items and trips up for bid. Be sure to check our website for a current list of things you could walk away with!

Make sure you set your alarm for the Sticks for Kids Golf Outing the following morning. We’re excited to take players to Rocky River Golf Club in Concord, NC. This is always a fun event, in large part because proceeds benefit the GCBAA Foundation and its Sticks for Kids program. You heard right, you get to play golf AND give back! And while the golf tournament concludes the GCBAA Summer Meeting, the PGA Championship will have just gotten started. Remember, your 2017 GCBAA Membership Card, when accompanied by a photo ID, extends complimentary grounds admission into the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

New this year will be a mobile event app for the Summer Meeting. Be on the lookout for the app download and stay current on events, speakers, and other changes that come up last minute that week. All sponsors will be recognized on the app and we hope you’ll enjoy the added exposure!

Not to end on a low note, but our headquarter hotel will be undergoing improvements to the physical facilities during the Summer Meeting. While none of our function space will be impacted by the work taking place, the motor lobby, main lobby, pool deck and some sleeping rooms will be undergoing phase two of a three phase project. We are working closely with hotel management on the progress of the renovation, however we understand if you would rather stay outside of our hotel block if you are concerned about the renovations that will be taking place. Please contact our office with any concerns you may have, and we look forward to seeing you in Charlotte!

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Registration Open at gcbaa.org/news-events/summer-meeting 15

Executive Board Meeting travels to Chicago GCBAA Executive Board Members hosted their Spring Executive Meeting at the Midwest Golf House in Lemont, Illinois in April. The Midwest Golf House is a 22,000 square foot facility opening in 2001 near Cog Hill now homes the Chicago District Golf Association, Sunshine Through Golf Foundation, Illinois Junior Golf Association, Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents, American Junior Golf Association, United States Golf Association, First Tee, and the University of Illinois. In addition to administrative offices the facility offers a museum and library, state of the art turfgrass and research facility, and three-hole “sunshine” course on the 15-acre donated property.

Executive Board members met April 10th and April 11th to discuss association business. An important discussion was the discussion of “Inside the Ropes” from the 2017 Golf Industry Show and plans for 2018. Additionally, strategic discussions on regional meetings as well as upcoming events with GCBAA involvement such as Texas Earth Day, National Golf Day, and Partnership Programs were visited.

We were pleased to have ASGCA President Greg Martin join us for a closing luncheon at Cog Hill. The GCBAA Executive Board will meet with the entire board at the GCBAA Summer Meeting in Charlotte and again this fall.

National Golf Course Owners Association – Multiple Course Owners retreat returns to Monterey The National Golf Course Owners Association – Multiple Course Owners retreat returned to Monterey on June 20 – 21st. This event of multiple course operators broke from the traditional meeting location in California last year while hosting the event at The Park Hotel in New York City. Regardless of the location, the event brings together the top executives of golf companies and resorts as well as Top Agronomic Officers from the industry. GCBAA was represented by executive Director Justin Apel. Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist from the Economic Outlook Group captured the room with is firms data on the economic and geopolitical outlook for 2017 – 2018. One of the largest brands in the world shared insight and tips on enhancing facility performance; Joe Carrillo with Marriott Select Brands discussed challenges in creating a consistent product and value across multiple locations. This event is a great opportunity to work with facility operators on their challenges as well as network with NGCOA Premier, Presenting, Participating, and Supporting Sponsors and Partners.

GCBAA MEETINGS CALENDAR Carolinas GCSAA Conference and Show November 13-15, 2017

South Florida Regional Meeting December 13-15, 2017 16

Future Golf Industry Show Sites

February 7-8, 2018 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX February 6-7, 2019 San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA

GCBAA Hosts Spring Regional Meeting in North Carolina Around the world, Pinehurst is where the American golf story is rooted, and where it continues to flourish. But on May 9, it became home to GCBAA’s sixth regional meeting. It was a fitting site for golf course builders, suppliers, and industry friends – many of whom have worked on the sacred ground known as Pinehurst Resort.

Before the meeting, guests enjoyed an evening reception on the front porch of the Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst. We couldn’t have asked for better weather as the group spent the evening networking with one another.

No two regional meetings are alike as the education varies from demographic to demographic. And while we lean on our members to present the bulk of the education content, we always welcome the knowledge and expertise of our allied partners. Pinehurst was no different as we welcomed ASGCA’s Richard Mandell to the event. Richard gave a remarkable presentation on restoration, design, and ways to utilize the lay of the land. We enjoyed his remarks so much that we invited him back later in the day to do a deep dive on sustainability and affordable golf. We hope you’ll join us again Richard!

Local to the Pinehurst area was Nancy Talton, executive director of the Sandhills Area Land Trust. She spoke at length about how they partner with landowners, local businesses, and government agencies to protect their most sensitive lands and waters.

It was a treat to have Bob Farren with us throughout the meeting. Bob is the Director of Golf Course and Ground Management for Pinehurst Resort and does a fantastic job with their facilities. The group got a behindthe-scenes look at Pinehurst along with the improvements that have been made along the way.

Industry Show. While at the GIS, they had a front row seat to Inside the Ropes and saw firsthand the good work GCBAA members were doing. Links Bridges has a unique product as they supply custom, fiberglass bridges for golf courses, municipal parks and other users.

After a quick lunch break, we picked up with a session on the ASGCA Longleaf Program, given by Jeff Cowell, General Manager of Longleaf Golf and Family Club. For those who may not be familiar, the Longleaf Tee Initiative from the American Society of Golf Course Architects Foundation, increases course playability and golfer enjoyment for players of all ages and skillset. The initiative is modeled off of the renovation of Longleaf Golf and Family Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

With the assistance of Bill Bergin, ASGCA, Longleaf added multiple tee locations – as many as seven per hole – at yardages that encourage players to tee off from locations based on how far they carry their drive. It’s truly an excellent program and making the game more enjoyable!

Thank you to our Pinehurst Regional Meeting Sponsors!

Eagle Support

Par Support

Closing out the day was an eye-opening discussion from our new members at LMC Insurance and Risk Management. Talking about risk management and coverages was Chip Bryant, Chris Seiberling, and Chuck Higgins. If your company hires subcontractors or maybe is a subcontractor, this is a must-hear. We look forward to having LMC join us in Charlotte at our Summer Meeting where they’ll offer attendees a closer look into the coverages their business should be carrying and the risk in not doing so.

These meetings wouldn’t go on without the support from our sponsors. Many members, time and time again, go to bat for this great organization and while it’s humbling to see many of the same names and logos up there, we love seeing new companies get involved.

If your company is ever interested in attending, sponsoring, presenting education, or even hosting a regional meeting in your backyard, we encourage you to contact the GCBAA office.

We were pleased to welcome new member, Don Ferrar of Links Bridges, to the meeting. Links Bridges is headquartered in Ontario, Canada and joined GCBAA this spring after they exhibited at the Golf

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GCBAA Leadership represented at ASGCA’s Annual Meeting GCBAA President Scott Veazey and Executive Director Justin Apel joined over 100 American Society of Golf Course Architects May 19 – 23 in Jupiter, Florida. This was their 71st Annual Meeting and honored ASGCA Fellow Alice Dye with their Donald Ross Award. Alice is a Past President of the ASGCA and has an impressive history as a player with more than 50 amateur titles. She continues to be instrumental in advocating for course design and set-up for women.

In addition to golf outings and networking events the meeting agenda was filled with beneficial updates on Water Quality and Quantity technologies, Drainage, and updates on new product developments by ASGCA partners. The USGA provided an update on Rules as well as an informative and unique approach to understanding the costs associated with trying to control Green speeds. Finally GCBAA Member John Holes with Atlas Turf International, John Holmes on shared insight on turf varieties and availability.

ASGCA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS VICE PRESIDENT JEFF BLUME, CURRENT PRESIDENT JOHN SANFORD, SCOTT VEAZEY, GREG MARTIN, JUSTIN APEL, JAN BEL JAN, & STEVE SMYERS (NOT PICTURED SECRETARY FORREST RICHARDSON)

GCBAA Members join Advisory Board of Turf Pros Turf Pros is a wide array of professionals who have dedicated their life to turf. Golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, golf course builders, university researchers, equipment managers, lawn and landscape contractors, and industry manufacturers. Turf Pros provides insight from professionals who maintain the finest playing surfaces in the world so landowners can apply it to home uses. Members of the board include GCBAA Board member Ronnie Adkins, Charter and Certified Member Aspen Corporation; Eric Boedeker; GCBAA International Committee Chairman John Holmes, Atlas Turf International Limited; Dr. Bernd Leinauer, Brad Minnick, Alan Nees, Lee Strutt, Stephen Tucker, and Bruce Williams. For more information visit turfpros.com.

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ALLIED ASSOCIATIONS

American Society of Golf Course Architects

Pace of Play

CHECKLIST

& TIPS

D. Routing & Sequence ■ Does the current routing pose any routing obstacles?

■ Where are the issues?

■ Does the par order and lengths of holes work for (or against) good pace?

Five elected Associate for working with yourmembers of the American COURS E ARCHITECT Society of Golf Course Architects

A. Initial Steps to Sizing Up the Issues of Pace of Play

■ Are there solutions that may not involve physical change? (Easy fixes)

■ What type of course do you operate?

■ What are some ideas that may be “thinking out of the box”?

■ What type of golfers (Hcps.) do you cater to?

■ Cart/Walking policies

The American are your current ■ What round times?

Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) welcomed five new Associate members to ■ Are round times consistent or varied? its — ranks at the group’s recent 71st Annual Meeting in ■ What is your idea Jupiter, Florida.

Their elections increase the number of an ideal round time? are the bottle■ Where of ASGCA members who practice around the world to necks on your course? nearly 180. The new members are: Gene Bates, Thad B. Understanding Site Bell, Mike Gogel, Brandon Johnson and Sean Quinn.

Constraints ■ How set-in-stone is your routing and course • Bates heads footprint?

Bates Golf Design Group, Inc., North Florida. He attended Ohio University and Colorado State University and started his design career ■ Quantify the grade and site constraints with Kirby, Player & Associates as a design apprentice Pace of Play has become a household term in golf. What was ■ Quantity soil types, vegetationin and1979. firmnessAfter stint with Jack Nicklaus Golf oncearegarded as “something only the group aheadServices could solve” is now being tackled by all of golf’s major organizations. as V.P. of Design, he opened his own studio in 1988.

The members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects C.The Design Intent (ASGCA) are uniquely qualified to assist course owners and operators of the His Course representative courses include: Canyons Golf, in improving pace of play at their facilities. Getting players to move ■ History and legacy faster —Salish and smoother — involves basic ingredients: Park City, Utah; Cliffs Golf five Course, Shelton, ■ Identify the essential (1) Course design — The key variable that sets it all in motion. design characteristics Washington; The Ridge, West Valley, Utah; Soldier (2) How the course is being managed (e.g., the starting time interval, ■ How does the design sequencing at the first Utah; tee, assisting players, etc.)

Hollow Gold Course, Midway, and Soldier dictate set-up?

(3) Course set-up (e.g., tee flexibility, hole lengths, hole placement, etc.) the design ■ How does Hollow Silver Course, Midway, (4) Maintenance and Turf Utah.

Conditions (green speeds, rough heights, dictate maintenance?

Beach, any room for ■ Is therePalm change and adjustment?

■ Does the design limit flexibility • (tees, Belllengths)? received

tall grasses, visibility, etc.)

(5) Player abilities, and the varying types of players on a course at any

E.Ranch Course Set-up, - Glaze Meadow, Length & Flexibility

Black Butte Ranch, Oregon; The Dallas Country Club, Dallas; Country Club of ■ Is tee flexibility ample?

Is there a teeJackson, use policy Mississippi; Wayzata Country Club, ■Jackson, and a way to enforce it?

Minnesota; and Riverside Country Club, Are there solutions ■Wayzata, to set-up where wait Provo, times can be Utah. reduced or eliminated?

■ Have you implemented

•TeeJohnson his Landscape Architecture degree It Forward earned tools? from North Carolina State University in 1997, and F. Course Conditions Masters Greens speeds in Landscape Architecture from Harvard ■his Rough heights in 1999. He began his career as Manager of ■University ■ Tall grasses, and their proximity to frequent play First Tee, and moved to Arnold Palmer Design for The ■ Fairway widths Design in 2006, where he is currently Vice President/ ■ Hazard difficulty Golf Course Architect. His representative Forced carries ■Senior Tree overgrowth ■courses include: Spring Island, Old Tabby Links, (blind areas, visibility) South Carolina; Wexford Plantation, Hilton Hole locations ■Okatie, Firmness,Island, roll, lies South Carolina; Pure Scene Golf and ■Head G.Country Follow-up Club, Kunming, China; Lakewood National, Master planning relative ■Bradenton, Florida; Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando, to Pace of Play solutions Turf area evaluation ■Florida; and Frenchman’s Reserve, Palm Beach ■ Tee addition planning Gardens, Florida.

his Landscape Architecture degree from Produced in cooperation given time. with the United States Golf ■ What changes to the The goal is to create an even flow of golfers as they play the game, • Quinn holds a turfgrass diploma from Cape Technikon thewould University of Georgia in 1991. He started his golf Association design intent be minimizing wait times and creating a more enjoyable experience. possible and beneficial? www.usga.org/paceofplay in Cape Town, South Africa. He began his career as course architecture career with Jack Nicklaus Design, Your Golf Course Architect also has the goal of preserving the spirit ■ What type of golfers of the game — to make sure that your course offers the fun and chal(Hcps.) doand you cater to? a construction superintendent, moved to designer in joined Ernie Els Design in 2006. His representative lenging aspects that lure people to play time and time again.

2001, and was hired as a designer by Jack Nicklaus courses include: Anahita Four Seasons Golf Club, For more information visit: www.asgca.org Design in 2004. His representative courses include: Mauritius; The Els Club Teluk Datai, Langkawi, St. Francis Links, St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, Malaysia; The Els Club Desaru Coast (Coast and Lakes South Africa; Serengeti Golf Club, Johannesburg, Course), Johor, Malaysia; The Els Club Valley Course, South Africa; The Club at Steyn City, Johannesburg, Johor, Malaysia; and The Els Club Desaru Coast, The South Africa; Houghton Golf Club, Houghton, Ridge, Johor, Malaysia.

Johannesburg, South Africa; and Australian Golf Club, • Gogel is a 1993 graduate of Northeastern State Kensington, Sydney, Australia.

University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with a degree Candidates for Associate membership in ASGCA in engineering. He began his career in golf on the complete a rigorous, multi-phase application process construction side, and worked for Tripp Davis, that includes peer review of four completed courses, ASGCA, Scott Miller, and John Fought, ASGCA, discussions with project owners and a personal interview before opening Mike Gogel Golf Design, Inc., in to assess the candidate’s professional capabilities.

2012. His representative courses include: Grand Canyon University Golf Course, Phoenix; Black Butte

© 2014 ASGCA

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ALLIED ASSOCIATIONS

The Club Foundation Exceeds $100,000 in Support of Tee It Up for the Troops Contact: Melissa Low • melissa.low@cmaa.org • (703) 739-9500 Tee It Up for the Troops - Tim Wegscheid, President/Executive Director for Tee It Up for the Troops, tim@ teeitupforthetroops.org

Alexandria, VA – The Club Foundation is excited to announce that it has surpassed more than $100,000 in contributions to Tee It Up for the Troops, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves U.S. military veterans and their families. Since 2008, The Club Foundation has donated $108,200 to Tee It Up for the Troops, providing much-needed support to assist the organization in fulfilling its mission to help veterans and military families successfully reintegrate into their communities.

The Club Foundation’s most recent contribution of $20,000 was presented to Tee It Up for the Troops at the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) 90th World Conference on Club Management and Club Business Expo in Orlando, FL, in February. The check was presented to Tim Wegscheid, Tee It Up for the Troops President and Executive Director; Matthew Terry, Navy veteran and Tee It Up for the Troops employee; and David Booth, a 20 year Army Master Sergeant (Ret.) and Purple Heart recipient, who served as a combat medic and was severely injured in September 2006 in Iraq. These men were acknowledged with a standing ovation from CMAA’s attendees for their service to their country.

Since 2005, Tee It Up for the Troops has hosted more than 360 golf fundraising events across the nation and has donated more than $7 million to various veteran service organizations. Their financial support is targeted across the most pressing areas of need including: housing, sports rehabilitation, treatment of PTSD and TBI, service dogs and arts therapy, suicide prevention, emergency support, employment and caregiver support.

Tim Wegscheid, Tee It Up for the Troops President and Executive Director, shared: “We are thankful for The Club Founda-

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tion’s ongoing and generous support. It is vital to help military veterans and their families, and it is clearly helping to make a positive difference in their lives.”

About The Club Foundation The Club Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established

by CMAA in 1988. The Foundation seeks to fund the life cycle of a club manager’s career, providing financial support for five key areas: students, faculty, club managers, CMAA chapters and the club industry at large. It supports the advancement of club management professionals, funding industry education programs through scholarships and grants. Learn more at www.clubfoundation.org.

About Tee It Up for the Troops Tee It Up for the Troops is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves U.S. military veterans and their families.

Based in Minnesota, Tee it Up for the Troops inspires communities across the country to organize golf events to raise funds for partnering veteran service organizations who deliver critically needed services to military families. These locally-supported events also greatly assist returning service members to successfully reintegrate into their communities. Established in 2005, Tee It Up for the Troops has hosted over 360 events in more than 40 states and has donated over $7 million to more than 300 various organizations serving veterans across the country. In addition, through their REUNION initiative, Tee It Up for the Troops has reunited over 260 combat altered veterans who were separated due to battlefield injuries or changes in rehabilitation status.

Through these reunions, participating veterans enhance their transition process into productive and fulfilling civilian lifestyles.

Learn more at www.teeitupforthetroops.org.

Rounds 4 Research May auction raises $217,000 for turfgrass studies National program has raised more than $782,000 since 2012 Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell) csmith@gcsaa.org

Lawrence, Kan. (May 30, 2017) -- The 2017 Rounds 4 Research fundraising program to support turfgrass studies, managed by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), sold more than 1,080 rounds and yielded in excess of $217,000 in its May online auction, making it the most successful in the history of the six-year program. The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association raised $50,000 and was the leader among more than 70 GCSAA affiliated chapters and turfgrass organizations that received proceeds from the auction to support turfgrass research at the local level. The Georgia GCSA was next with nearly $20,000 raised for its association.

The top bid was $5,200 for a round of golf for four donated by Sage Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, S.C. Other high bids included $2,650 for four players at East Lake Golf Club outside of Atlanta, and $1,600 for four players at The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Conn.

“I made the decision that this was for a good cause and it was something I wanted to do,” said Dr. Christian Clark, a gastroenterologist in the Tulsa area who placed the top bid to play at Sage Valley. “It will be well worth the price to be able to play with several friends. I used to live in South Carolina, and I am looking forward to making the trip.”

“We are thrilled that Rounds 4 Research had its most successful year ever,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “This is a wonderful program that allows golfers to help support the future of the game through important turfgrass research while playing the courses they love.”

The national campaign is supported by a $50,000 donation from The Toro Co. The Golf Channel, Golf Advisor and GolfNow provided promotional support. Nearly 60 golf course management companies donated more than 350 rounds to the auction, including Billy Casper Golf, ClubCorp, Marriott Golf, the PGA Tour TPC network of courses and Troon Golf. The program has raised more than $782,000 since launching in 2012.

About GCSAA and the EIFG

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game.

Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org. or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

National Club Association Survey Finds That Most Private Clubs Promote Sustainability

By Cindy Vizza

Three out of every four private clubs pursue sustainability, and the majority of clubs that don’t have sustainable practices plan to implement them in the future. This is just one of the key findings of the National Club Association’s (NCA) Environmental Behaviors & Practices survey, the first study of its kind to evaluate the environmental practices of private clubs across the United States. McMahon Group, a full service private club consulting firm in St, Louis, Mo., conducted the survey in conjunction with NCA, Dr. SoJung Lee of Iowa State University, and Jim

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ALLIED ASSOCIATIONS

Butler, general manager at Grey Oaks Country Club in Sarasota, Florida.

“Sustainability is a vitally important issue to golf clubs across the United States,” said Henry Wallmeyer, president and CEO of the National Club Association. “The Environmental Behaviors & Practices survey marks the first time that the environmental practices and plans of private clubs has been measured. It marks an important step in the efforts of the private club industry to foster the values and practices that will assure that America’s private clubs continue to be good environmental stewards.”

Key findings of the survey include the following: • 74% of private clubs surveyed stated they have sustainable practices; • Of clubs that allocate funds specifically for environmental practices, the average allocation is $49,357 Top environmental practices included: • 85% use environmentally safe products on their golf courses; • 78% have reduced the amount of water they use on all golf property; • 75% use more recycled materials than in the past; • 56% have staff training programs in place to teach sustainable practices; • 56% participate in voluntary environmental programs like Audubon International.

Water practices specifically related to golf course irrigation show that 55 percent of private clubs pump water from a well on property and 45 percent pump water that travels through the property. In addition, 24 percent purchase potable water and 12 percent purchase recycled water.

About 6 percent receive recycled water for free.

Nearly half (45%) of private clubs have updated their irrigation system in the past five years and another 22 percent updated the system six to 10 years ago.

“The environment is central to the mission and success of private clubs, particularly those that offer golf,” said Wallmeyer. “Clearly, there’s more that private clubs can and will do to promote sustainability. However as this survey demonstrates, clubs take their role as environmental stewards seriously, and they are willing to invest the resources necessary to protect the environment, not just for their members but for the wider community as well.”

For more information about the Environmental Behaviors & Practices survey, please contact Cindy Vizza, NCA vice president of communications at (202) 822-9822.

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Teaching Tech The educational lineup has been set for the NGCOA’s inaugural Golf Business TechCon in Las Vegas later this year. Don’t miss this chance to grow your knowledge at this one-of-a-kind event Following weeks of fine-tuning, the educational lineup for the inaugural Golf Business TechCon (September 27-28; Las Vegas, Nevada) has been set. The offerings, which are designed to appeal to owners, operators, general managers, club professionals and anyone else interested in learning more about applying technology in the golf business, spotlight the cutting-edge tools and revolutionary tactics that are transforming the golf industry.

Education for TechCon is divided into two tracks: marketing and operations. The marketing track will feature basic and advanced classes focusing on social media, websites and email. Presenters, who come from inside and outside the industry, will dive deep into tactical execution of marketing with technology and guide attendees through the process of using modern innovations to execute specific programs to grow their businesses.

The operations track, on the other hand, is much broader in nature and will showcase tips and tactics that can help attendees run a truly integrated golf operation. From technology that can improve on- and off-course management to dynamic pricing and tools that can enhance the player experience, sessions in this track will highlight an array of innovations that can bolster operational efficiencies and generate revenue.

In addition to the core educational curriculum, TechCon will feature a panel discussion with some of the industry’s leading sellers of online tee times, as well as a group talk with representatives from a few companies making substantial investments in the golf technology space. Participants in that session, which will close the educational component of the event, include Greg Norman, who recently forged a new partnership with Verizon; Maury Gallagher, CEO of Allegiant Airlines and a primary investor in Teesnap; and Andy Rhodes, chief information officer for the USGA. TechCon will also offer ample opportunities for attendees to engage with technology vendors and sample the companies’ products and services that will be on display throughout the event. Prior to the start of Wednesday’s educational sessions, conference-goers can peruse the various offerings. Additional times for engagement with technology providers include all networking breaks and at Thursday morning’s breakfast.

From beginning to end, TechCon promises to deliver the

training and education facility managers need to improve their operations and position themselves for success in the modern age.

For the full educational lineup and other highlights, visit www.golfbusinesstechcon.com.

Ingrid Thorson, Director of Marketing & Communications National Golf Course Owners Association 843.881.9956, ext. 208 www.golfbusiness.com • www.ngcoa.org www.golfbusinessconference.com Address: 291 Seven Farms Dr., 2nd Floor

Since their original publication in 1960, the Recommendations have continuously evolved as a result of scientific research and practical experience. There were significant revisions in 1973, 1989, 1993 and again in 2004. The current revision process will focus on updating the Recommendations and providing supporting materials with the following important goals in mind: • The revised Recommendations will reflect current testing methods available for determining the suitability of materials for putting green construction, including root zone mixtures and gravel.

• The revised Recommendations will preserve the clarity and broad applicability of the current Recommendations, ensuring that they remain useful to golf courses around the world.

Revisions Coming to USGA Putting Green Construction Recommendations The USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction have helped golf courses around the world deliver consistent, high-quality playing conditions and healthy turfgrass for decades. The USGA is currently working with a review committee of university scientists, accredited soil laboratories, golf course builders, architects and superintendents to review the Recommendations and create an updated version. The revision process will review current scientific research, modern construction techniques and technology, and current material testing methods. The revised Recommendations will continue to provide the golf industry with a repeatable and successful method of putting green construction.

The USGA first published its Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction in 1960 to help golf courses handle the increasingly high demands for putting green performance. Prior to this time, putting greens were primarily constructed with native soils or various mixtures of sand, soil and organic matter. Internal drainage was often limited if it was present at all. There was very little consistency to the materials used or the methods of construction. As interest in golf grew – and as golfers developed higher expectations – there was a growing need to build putting greens that could withstand increased demands while providing more consistent playing conditions. The USGA, with its long history of supporting scientific research, developed the Recommendations to meet this need.

• The USGA will develop a wide range of educational materials to accompany the revised Recommendations.

These materials will increase awareness and improve understanding of the principles and scientific research that support the Recommendations.

• The USGA will create an updated “tips for success” document that reflects modern construction techniques and technology. This document will contain a variety of information that will help golf course builders and superintendents have continued success building USGA putting greens.

The updated USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction will not be a dramatic change from the current version, rather another refinement in an ongoing evolution. The USGA-recommended putting green construction method remains the most widely used and researched in the world. When built and maintained properly, USGA putting greens have provided consistently positive results for golf courses over many years. The revised USGA recommendations will be released in early 2018.

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NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Bedford Technology, LLC PO Box 609 Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 372-5558 Contact: Marc Hollahan, Product Marketing Manager Email: marc.hollahan@bedfordtech.com Website: www.plasticboards.com Plastic lumber from Bedford Technology is made using high quality High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). It is a better choice than wood as it’s stronger, colorfast, more durable and carries a 50year warranty

Sunstate Equipment Co. 5552 E. Washington Phoenix, AZ 85034 Phone: (602) 683-2272 Contact: Roger Curtis, National Account Manager Email: rcurtis@sunstateequip.com Website: www.sunstateequip.com Construction Equipment and Tool Rentals

INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS

Asian Golf Construction 26th Floor, 88 Hing Fat Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Phone: 6676620099 Contact: Ben Davis, Director Email: ben@asiangolfconstruction.com Website: www.asiangolfconstruction.com Golf Course Construction, Maintenance, and Consultancy Movers & Shapers

OBITUARIES Vicki Martz, ASGCA Fellow, Dies at 72 APR 13, 2017 | ALL NEWS, ASGCA NEWS Vicki Martz, a Fellow of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), died April 13, 2017. She was 72.

Martz was president of Victoria Martz Golf Design in Jacksonville, Florida, “a golf architecture firm dedicated to enhancing the environment through sensitive land management and designs that creatively utilize the natural features of the landscape.”

After studying Landscape Architecture at the University of Kentucky, Martz began her golf course design career when she was hired for a drafting position with McCumber Golf in 1981 by Mark McCumber, ASGCA. She later took a similar position with Arnold Palmer Course Design Company, where she would work for 25 years.

Growing under the tutelage of Palmer, ASGCA, and ASGCA Past President Ed Seay, ASGCA, Martz would become Senior Golf Course Architect, Vice President, and the Director of Environmental Design. In 2010, she began Victoria Martz Golf Design.

“I think Ed (Seay) and Mr. Palmer were both gender blind,” Martz told Golf Digest in 2005. “I think Ed thought I would have some difficulty when I went out into the field, that people might intimidate me or not listen to me. And I found almost exactly the opposite to be true.”

In that same article, Palmer said, “She designs really good golf holes. In many instances, people are requesting her to do the work, which is about as great a compliment as you can get.

When she works somewhere, they want her back.”

“Always ready with a smile, Vicki was gracious, encouraging and thoughtful,” ASGCA President Greg Martin said. “She made everyone feel like a friend. Vicki was a soft-spoken, pure-hearted pioneer. The twinkle in her eye and the smile on her face cannot be extinguished because we have been graced with her light. We will miss our friend, Vicki.”

With more than 35 years as a golf course architect, Martz’s course list included: The Legacy Course at Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Florida; King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, Conway, South Carolina; Bay Creek Golf Club, Cape Charles, Virginia; Eagle Ranch Golf Course, Eagle, Colorado; and TPC of the Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota.

Martz became an ASGCA member in 2000.

She is survived by her husband, Gary, and their two children, Christopher and Heidi.

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MOVERS & SHAPERS 40 Under 40: Samantha Huff

By Connect Staff, May 4, 2017 Samantha Huff, 31, works in Lincoln, Nebraska, as program and planning manager at Golf Course Builders Association of America. As a 2017 40 Under 40 honoree, Huff discusses her passion for the events industry.

Impressive stats: Audiovisual is often compared to the redheaded stepchild that tends to get ignored during budget discussions. Sadly, the idea of bringing in borrowed projectors and megaphones still exists, and when we received a quote for $28,000 for those at our last event, we got out the Pledge to dust off the outdated projector in our storage room. Luckily, the hotel sharpened its pencils, and we got creative to get nearly the same value in equipment for $8,000. While we can’t expect that every time, we have gotten our group to dedicate additional resources to AV by showing the returned value.

A specific improvement I’ve made: We are partnering with TripBuilder Media to offer a mobile event app at our next meeting. We’re always looking for ways to help our members network, communicate and engage, and I think this is the perfect platform to do that.

What I’m working on: As a national organization with only two annual meetings, one challenge we have is staying connected to our membership. To help offset this, we’ve started regional meetings where GCBAA will go to our members’ backyards and host a day of education and an evening (or two) of networking.

What I do outside of work: Most evenings consist of running interference between a 10-year-old basset and an 8-monthold German wirehaired pointer. When they give me a break, my husband and I play on coed kickball, softball, sand volleyball and trivia teams. I also give time to Nebraska No Kill Canine Rescue and The Salvation Army.

Atlas Turf Wins Small Business Rock Star Award Posted in Atlas in the News on May 24, 2017 The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) recognized Atlas Turf International as a Small Business Rock Star.

“Georgia’s more than 650,000 small businesses have a huge impact in every community in our state,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “These companies keep our economy thriving and help Georgia maintain its status as the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business. This is an incredible opportunity to put a spotlight on Georgia’s small businesses and highlight some of our fastest growing companies. It is an honor to congratulate this year’s winners for their hard work and dedication.”

Atlas Turf International was one of four businesses selected from 135 nominations. Standing out as a company that demonstrated steady, yet controlled growth, Atlas Turf has utilized assistance from industry professionals and focused strategic planning to expand in size, reach, and scope. As a global supplier of premium turfgrasses, Atlas Turf provides projects all over the globe with licensed and certified product for golf courses, sports field, landscape, and commercial projects.

“We are proud to be recognized as a Small Business Rock Star,” said Atlas Turf president John Holmes. “Much of the credit for our growth is due to the support we have received from the UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC), introduced to us by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. When faced with growth opportunities and industry challenges, we have utilized SBDC services to guide the way.”

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MOVERS & SHAPERS Colorado Lining Launches New Website – http://www.coloradolining.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 11, 2017 [Parker, CO] – Colorado Lining International, Inc. invites customers and industry media to explore their new website layout. http://www.coloradolining.com The website is intended to highlight their custom fabrication capabilities, design-build expertise, and value-add services, which make CLI’s comprehensive approach to servicing the geosynthetic industry a complete solution for many of their customers.

In addition to updated information on many of the same reliable products and materials it has offered for decades, important re-organized sections will detail new and evolving products like Floating Cover applications/services, Spray Liner, and many Specialty Custom Fabricated Products. The site also introduces new programs and services including new Inspection & Maintenance offerings, Equipment Sales & Rental and a Submersible Pump Partnership with Munro.

The goal is to communicate regularly with the industry and customers that CLI often leads with innovative solutions; willing to develop systems and products that make the most sense for each project, customer and the geosynthetic industry. As part of that initiative, the new website will feature a Blog section, and regular Project Profiles that detail news and innovation for CLI as a company.

About Colorado Lining International, Inc. Colorado Lining International, Inc. is a full service geosynthetic contractor offering Geomembrane Materials & Spray Liner, Custom Fabrication, Certified Installation, and Design-Build services. CLI has 3 complete fabrication facilities & offices located in: Parker, CO; New Caney, TX and Colton, CA.

Henry Delozier Elected Chairman of Board at Audubon International Specialist in investment banking, real estate development and golf asset ownership and operations supports global mission of environmental care.

Troy, NY, June 10, 2017 --(PR.com)-- Henry Delozier was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Audubon International at the organization’s 2017 annual meeting.

Mr. Delozier is a Partner in Global Golf Advisors, the international specialist providing consulting services to the investment banking, real estate development and golf asset ownership and operations business segments.

Delozier is known across the globe for his thought leadership in golf-related businesses. He is called one of the “Most Influential People in Golf” since 1999 by the Crittenden publications, and serves as an expert source for Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bloomberg News, Business Week, CNBC-Squawk Box, the Financial Times of London, GOLF magazine, Golf Digest, Golf Business, the New York Times, PGA Tour Network, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

Delozier is a Past President of the Board of Directors for the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) in America and has served for many years on the Employers Advisory Council for the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA). He was also honored by Board Room magazine with its 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Audubon International fulfills a global mission of environmental care and commitment,” says Delozier. “Good stewardship is good citizenship.” And he adds, “Being a big believer in the mission of Audubon International, I am proud to pitch in. I believe that everyone should find a way to support any have p m o c r u o environmentalism.”

Does y hare?

Christine Kane, Executive Director of Audubon International, looks forward to Delozier’s leadership role at the organization. “We’re fortunate to have Henry’s vision and leadership on our Board of Directors. He has a deep understanding of our organization and I look forward to working with him as we move into a new stage of growth for Audubon International.”

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ews to s exciting n he word! t d a e r p s you We’ll help russ: stephanie_bruss @gcbaa.org

tephanie B 402-476 -4444 Contact S or ca ll

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PROUD TO BE THE CHOICE OF MANY TOP-RANKED GOLF COURSES IN AMERICA FOR OVER 30 YEARS Bethpage State Park Farmingdale, NY

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