Earth Shaping News Spring Edition

EARTH SHAPING NEWS Published Quarterly by the Golf Course Builders Association of America

SPRING EDITION

L-R: Michael Benkusky, ASGCA; Justin Apel, GCBAA Executive Director; Hunki Yun, USGA Director, Outreach and Education, USGA Research, Science and Innovation; Ed Several, GCSAA Chief Marketing Officer; and Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO Photo Credit: Montana Pritchard/GCSAA

Inside Issue the

7

President’s Perspective

8

Executive Director Notes

9

Foundation Update

13 Developers Guide 14 Human Resources 16 Allied Updates 24 Movers & Shapers 38 GCBAA Meetings Calendar

2023 GCBAA WINTER MEETING/GCSAA

Conference & Trade Show

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CBAA Staff rolled into Orlando on February 4, 2023, for the GCBAA Winter Meeting & GCSAA Conference & Trade Show. In addition to the conference and tradeshow and GCBAA activities, an “Interactive Grass Learning Stage” build project was underway. The project was a special feature designed, supported, and built with the collaboration of GCSAA, GCBAA, USGA, and ASGCA. 176 tons of base material was delivered with the guidance of Golf Agronomics. Caterpillar, Ring Power, Kelly Tractor, Big Orange Rental, and Sunbelt Rentals, all had equipment arriving to complete the feature.

Chris Hill with Course Crafters and Mike Garbs with Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. eagerly worked on features that included a USGA Soil Profile simulation that Waupaca Sand & Solutions/ SportZMix had provided the aggregate for. They all meticulously brought this feature to life! Rain Bird Corporation and Ewing Irrigation provided the supplies for the simulation of the irrigation drip boxes.

Sod Solutions Professionals worked with three different turf farms to provide unique sod variations to be displayed on the tees, fairway, and green. Between Kirkpatrick Sod Installation’s crew, Sod Solutions’ Mark Kann, and GCBAA Staff, as well as volunteers willing to get their hands dirty

were Mark Bland, Brant Williams, Joe Lobb, and Jonathan Teague, all with Sunbelt Rentals, the sod was installed and ready for final touches on the stage and ready for the grand opening of the show Wednesday morning.

Once the stage was set at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), GCBAA conducted its annual General Membership Meeting (GMM) at the Hyatt Regency just ahead of the Opening Reception. The evening was an informative, engaging, and exciting event. It started with introductions of the GCBAA Board, Foundation Board, and Board of Governors, moving along to plaque and check presentations, “State of the Association”, and Summer Meeting updates. Once the GMM concluded, the doors were opened to over 550 attendees to network and connect with members, industry and allied partners, and other special guests. This was one of our largest Opening Receptions in quite some time. Thank you to The Toro Company for sponsoring our friends with the ASGCA. The trade show opened Wednesday morning with the floodgates of over 11,000 attendees, and over 450 exhibitors and included a “ribbon cutting” on the grand “Interactive Grass Learning Stage”.

GCBAA Executive Director Justin Apel and GCBAA President John McDonald, II had the opportunity to come together on the GCSAA.tv Live Stage to continue on pg. 2

announce the Renovation Channel. With the new layout of the show floor, attendees were treated to a wide range of exhibits, seminars, and networking opportunities, all designed to help them stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in golf course design, construction, and management. From industry experts sharing their insights on the latest best practices to vendors showcasing the newest equipment and technologies, there was something for everyone. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones, as golf industry professionals from around the world came together to share ideas, network, and explore new business opportunities.

Once the show floor closed, Golf Agronomics coordinated 10 dump trucks, clean-up began, and a sincere “Thank you” to Joel Torres, Felipe de Jesus Lopez Gonzalez, and Bernardo Lopez with Heritage Links as they helped return the OCCC to its original form and securely placed all equipment for its load out.

An overall glance at the week beyond the main events: GCBAA members conducted three education seminars and participated in a panel discussion that was held in conjunction with the ASGCA meeting. The GCBAA Board of Directors conducted business early in the week and joined fellow board members, spouses, Foundation Board members, Board of Governors, and special guests at a Board

Volunteers (including Seminar Instructors

and Panelists):

Darryl Bartlett, NMP Golf Services Jason Sloan, Frontier Golf Jeff Davis Justin Apel, GCBAA Executive Director Mike Perez, VM Golf Services Inc. Chris Lineberger, VM Golf Services, Inc. Judd Duininck, Duininck Golf John McDonald II, McDonald & Sons Inc. Jon Truttmann, Hunter Industries Ellen Davis, Waupaca Sand & Solutions/SportZmix Solutions Dennis & Nancy Seelhoff Trevor Wustrack

Dinner. The Board of Governors met to review the annual certification documents submitted by our Certified Builders, Certified Renovation Builders, and Certified Golf Course Irrigation Contractors. A

brought together key players and decision-makers from across the industry.

GCBAA Staff want to express their sincere gratitude for the contributions to this event,

shout out to Judd Duininck, Sam Duininck, Matt Lohmann, and Jon O’Donnell (all GCBAA Board of Directors) who participated in the Health in Action 5K and represented our membership in such a fantastic way. Congratulations to Sam on a 5th place finish!

The recent conference and trade show for the golf industry was an absolute success, with a packed week of events showcasing the strength of the industry and the power of partnerships. The GCBAA and its entire membership played a significant role in organizing and promoting the event, which

including sponsorships. Your time, energy, and dedication make a significant impact and we could not achieve our goals without your help.

We are aware that there may have been others who contributed but were not recognized or listed below, and we want to thank you as well. That is an oversight on our part and your efforts and support are invaluable. Please know all contributions have made a difference and are deeply appreciated.

Stephanie Zimmerman, Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. Mike Garbs, Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. Chris Hill, Course Crafters Kirk Kirkpatrick and the Kirkpatrick Sod Installation Crew Mark Kann, Sod Solutions Professionals Mark Bland, Sunbelt Rentals Brant Williams, Sunbelt Rentals Jonathan Teague, Sunbelt Rentals Joe Lobb, Sunbelt Rentals Joel Torres, Heritage Links Felipe de Jesus Lopez Gonzalez, Heritage Links Bernardo Lopez Hernandez, Heritage Links

Interactive Grass Learning Stage

GCSAA USGA ASGCA Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. Big Orange Rental/Florida Coast Equipment Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply Golf Agronomics Rain Bird Golf Corporation Ring Power/Kelly Tractor, CAT Rent Sod Solutions Professionals Sunbelt Rentals

EARTH SHAPING NEWS

©GOLF 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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

justin_apel@gcbaa.org

MYCHELLE THOMPSON

PROGRAM & PLANNING MANAGER

mychelle_thompson@gcbaa.org

LUNDMARK ADVERTISING & DESIGN DESIGN & LAYOUT

www.lundmarkadv.com

2 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

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.

WHAT WE SAID ON Social Media Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 3

2023 GCBAA WINTER

Meeting Sponsors Eagle Sponsors

Birdie Sponsors

FEATHER FLAG SPONSORS A-G Sod Farms Inc. Advanced Drainage Systems AquaFuse by CMF Global, Inc. Atlas Turf AUSA Bergman Americas Best Sand Better Billy Bunker Brown Sand Inc. Capillary Bunkers Caterpillar Choice Hotels Clarke Construction DLF USA, Inc. Drive on Cart Path Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply Frontier Golf GCBAA GCBAA Foundation Golf Creations HARCO Fittings Hotel Engine Hunter Industries Hydrema US Inc. ISCO Industries Jones Plan Landscaped Unlimited LLC Leemco Links Bridges McDonald & Sons, Inc. MCI Flowtronex 4 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

Mid-America Golf & Landscape, Inc. NIBCO, Inc. Ohio CAT Paige Electric Peat, Inc. Profile Products LLC ProPump & Controls Pure Seed Rain Bird Corp – Golf Division Regency Wire Ryangolf Corporation Silt Saver Sod Solutions Southeastern Golf SOX Erosion SportZMix Solutions Sunbelt Rentals Tee-2-Green Tee-off-Staffing The Toro Company Travelers Haven Turf & Soil Diagnostics United Golf Wadsworth Golf Construction Wadsworth Charities Watertronics Wesco Turf West Coast Turf Westlake Pipe & Fittings Yellow Transportation

Thank you for your generosity and continued support!

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 5

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2023 JULY 25-27, 2023 SUMMER MEETING

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MAKING GRAND CONNECTIONS NETWORKING I FAMILY FUN I EDUCATION

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

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John McDonald II GCBAA PRESIDENT

BOARD MEMBERS Chris Caccavale Caterpillar Inc. (Secretary) Wayne Deker The Toro Company Judd Duininck Duininck Golf (Past President) Sam Duininck Duininck Golf Robert Fleetwood Fleetwood Services, LLC Mike Garbs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. Chris Hill Course Crafters LLC Matt Lohmann Wadsworth Golf Construction Company Jon O’Donnell Heritage Links (Treasurer) Manny Pina Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply Rick Shriver HARCO Fittings Jason Sloan Frontier Golf Jon Truttmann Hunter Industries (Vice President)

GCBAA Treasurer, Jon O’Donnell with President John McDonald II at the Toro Reception in Orlando.

his year’s GCSAA Conference & Trade Show (CTS) in Orlando was a very busy and successful one for the GCBAA. We started the week early with the Board of Directors meeting, followed by a Board Dinner with guests from the Foundation Board, Board of Governors, and past GCBAA Presidents. As we continue to collaborate with the ASGCA and strengthen our bond and share ideas a few of us continued the CTS week being on an ASGCA panel discussion at their meeting during the CTS. This panel was moderated by Todd Quitno with GCBAA members Judd Duininck, Mike Garbs, Jon Truttmann and myself providing a builder/supplier perspective in coordination with the design efforts of architects. The questions asked led to a very good back and forth and some spirited discussion. These are the key elements that will help each of our associations understand the other better to further our working relationships in the future.

On Tuesday we opened the week with our General Membership Meeting where Justin gave his State of the Association update. We know the throngs of people in attendance were riveted with the information that Justin gave. That meeting was followed by the GCBAA Opening Reception, which had an outstanding attendance of over 550 members and industry partners. The “roar” in the room was incredible. We had an outstanding attendance, surpassing some of our pre-pandemic registration numbers. At this reception, in lieu of the Rossi Award, we choose to honor three of our members that somehow chose to all retire in the same year. Thank you, John Lawrence, Frank Warden, and Mick Jones for your significant impact on the association and the golf industry. Congratulations! It was a surprise tribute to these three and we did such a good job with the surprise that 2 of the honorees were not even in the room at the time. I guess I need to work on my timing with things like that.

We hope you noticed as you entered the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show the awesome banner prominently displaying our GCBAA logo showing our representation as presenting partners. Your GCBAA Board of Directors and Staff continue to work closely with the amazing team at GCSAA to make sure this show is successful for each and every one of us. Once the doors opened the attendees, many of the 11,000 attendees, flooded through the grand entrance and right past the Interactive Grass Stage. The GCBAA played a vital role in bringing this project to fruition.

The profound amount of thought, work, and sweat put into this stage made it an epic feature. This was such an important feature and venue that the USGA decided this was the perfect spot to announce the launch of the GS3 that uses state-of-the-art technology to calculate putting green speed, firmness, smoothness, and trueness and integrates with their USGA DEACON platform for data collection and analysis. We also saw drip/drainage boxes, as well as a USGA profile of what the land beneath the green looks like in reality. We are proud to have held an integral role in creating this stage that held education and demonstrations.

We should thank our hard-working staff, Justin and Mychelle, along with several other members of our association that made this a reality.

A major initiative that we have focused on over the last year and a half, GCBAA Renovation Channel,

a partnership between GCSAA.tv, EPIC Creative, and GCBAA, was announced during the show. This is an exciting opportunity for our association and we hit the ground running with ideas and projects to showcase.

As if the Conference and Trade Show wasn’t busy enough, my week concluded with attending the Waste Management Open and Super Bowl LVII with my brother, Erik. Talk about a busy week. Thank you to Ewing Irrigation & Landscape supply for being incredible hosts.

Shortly after the show, we at McDonald & Sons, Inc. were able to share some exciting news that you will see later in this edition. Erik and I are beyond thankful for the opportunities dad (Chip) and mom (Betty) have led throughout the years. They have shown what a family business is and what happens when we work together, they’ve impacted our lives and have taught us the value of family, quality, effort, and integrity. Dad led out by being on the GCBAA Board of Directors and taught us the importance of being involved with the association and giving back. Our family has been an active and participating member of this amazing association since 1990. Since 2006, I’ve been involved as well and will be sad when the day comes that my time of serving this Board is done but until then I will enjoy each and every moment serving this association and its members the best I can. I’ve built relationships, teammates, and mentors but most of all a large group of friends. I encourage the next generation to get involved and play a bigger role in this association that continues to grow under this leadership. Whether serving on the board or advocating for our association, it takes members of all leadership levels to remain successful and continue to grow our brand. Making sure our brand is known among all in golf and synonymous with the highest standards in golf construction should be one of our highest priorities.

In March, I, along with my McDonald & Sons team attended ConExpo with over 130,000 other attendees, where we witnessed the incredible technology and innovations in the industry. It is a show that features everything you could want in construction. Lots of new equipment, amazing technology in safety, efficiency, robotics, electric, software, and a little bit of everything. It was a great time to see so many of our Associate members that deal in equipment that also display at ConExpo along with a few of our Builder members and GCBAA Staff, Justin and Mychelle.

The GCBAA Executive Board will be holding its Spring Meeting in Nashville in April to discuss the strategic plans and focus on the renovation channel and brand awareness, as well as the financial state of the association and its growth and leadership. As always, the GCBAA Board of Directors and Staff are available to serve the members. Let us know how we can help you!

Sincerely,

John McDonald II

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 7

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NOTES

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ost of our readers are probably familiar with the phrase, "I'll get to it, and I don't need to be reminded every six months!" Well, after much planning and coordination, I finally managed to update my profile picture. In fairness to those who have been teasing me about using my High School Senior portrait for so long, this new photo is actually the third iteration since my time with GCBAA. For the first few years, we used a photo of me standing next to an office wall that didn't have any picture frame holes.

The previously retired image had lasted since 2011, and hopefully, this new version will be as close to resembling me as the last one, although there will likely be less hair and more gray. Please bear with me as I work on swapping out the old picture from all the places it appears, including this newsletter, our website, and my Uber profile.

Updating my profile picture is just one small item on a seemingly endless list of tasks we are working on in Lincoln. Since the show, we have continued to pursue initiatives and ideas to support our membership and the industry. We have been striving to provide our members with exceptional resources, networking opportunities, and access to the latest industry trends and best practices. To achieve these goals, we need your active participation in the association.

Our brand awareness campaign has been gaining momentum. We announced the creation of the gcsaa.tv/renovation channel in partnership with EPIC Creative. We have already been working with some of you on production projects underway this year. Please watch for updates and premier notices as the channel playlist populates over the next few weeks. If you have an idea for a project that would be of interest, or would like to support this initiative, please let us know.

Spring is here, and a new Masters Champion has donned the Green Jacket. National Golf Day is just around the corner, on May 10, 2023. This will be the first time in two years that attendees can return to Washington D.C. for in-person events at the capital of our nation. On Tuesday, May 9th, we will also be participating in a Community Service Project with the National Park Service, providing beautification projects around the National Mall.

Advocacy is an important member benefit and priority for GCBAA. While we have been a strong voice with other allied associations in golf, we have failed to provide our members with a behind-the-scenes look at the work we are doing on your behalf. Through GCBAA, you are a 8 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

member of the American Golf Industry Coalition, which is a unified voice of the largest leading organizations in golf. We advocate for legislative and regulatory issues, facilitate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and support Make Golf Your Thing. Take time to visit MakeGolfYourThing.Org and learn how this program can benefit you and your company. At the very least, you can see how your membership is growing the game of golf and supporting the golf industry. Make Golf Your Thing is a collaborative effort that reflects the industry's commitment to making the sport more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. This multi-faceted, multiyear movement intentionally works to invite more people to golf from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, whether you are playing, building a career, or doing business with the industry.

We look forward to joining members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, American Society of Golf Course Architects, National Golf Course Owners Association, as well as the USGA, the PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and LPGA for National Golf Day. Whether sharing the latest golf industry impact reports, advocating equitable and fair legislation and regulations, or promoting small business programs, the golf industry becomes one voice.

We receive many phone calls and emails throughout the year asking about upcoming events.

We always direct our members to visit the gcbaa. org website for the latest updates and plans. As soon as events are planned, we update the Event Page on our site. Whether you check it weekly or monthly, we recommend bookmarking the page to stay current on upcoming events. Additionally, we cannot stress enough the importance of visiting the Member Benefits page. We constantly make adjustments based on your feedback to tools and benefits that support your business. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let us know.

When asked about the Number 1 benefit of membership with GCBAA, we believe it is the networking opportunities we offer. We pride ourselves on being able to host events with open doors, welcoming all members to participate regardless of their tenure. We recognize new attendees and strive to break the ice, sharing attendee lists and helping with introductions.

Lack of participation in networking events is a common reason why some companies do not renew their membership. However, networking does not always have to involve traveling to a national or regional event. It can be as simple as

Justin Apel

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR partnering with GCBAA to send an email or mail campaign introducing your product or service to fellow members or sharing news stories for our newsletter. Networking can also be as easy as sharing news on social media and tagging us or asking us to tag and share your feed. Let us help you meet new customers and stay connected with existing ones.

Lastly, we would like to personally recognize a few fellow members and friends who helped make the GCSAA Conference and Tradeshow a success. On a cold December day, Mike Garbs traveled to Lincoln to help Mychelle and me create a golf green soil profile display. With the help of Ellen Davis, SportZMix Solutions, Waupaca Sand and Gravel, we were able to experiment and ultimately create a display box showcasing a side view of a USGA-specified green. This was an essential part of the Interactive Grass Stage, a show feature. We also need to thank our friends Dennis and Nancy Seelhoff, who are always up for an adventure and helped us make the sausage at GCBAA. Their willingness to travel and flexibility to set up, tear down, and host over 500 guests at our reception is the only way we can make it all happen. While we have detailed instructions and plans for these projects, we need individuals who are balanced, creative, and flexible. Certified Builder Chris Hill with Course Crafters and Trevor Wustrack are part of an exceptional team who can solve problems and bring a MacGyver-type solution to any problem. A shout-out to Mychelle Thompson who will be beginning her 4th year with GCBAA and keeps this train on the tracks! We couldn’t do this without you. We appreciate our Board of Directors who support our efforts and all of you who are willing to pitch in whenever you see us hard at work.

MAKE GOLF YOUR THING IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT THAT REFLECTS THE INDUSTRY'S COMMITMENT TO MAKING THE SPORT MORE DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE.

Justin Apel

GCBAA FOUNDATION UPDATE

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Ellen Davis

GCBAA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

BOARD MEMBERS John Holmes Atlas Turf International Limited Jimmy Kirchdorfer ISCO Industries Bill Kubly Landscapes Unlimited, LLC Rick Lohman The Toro Company Allan MacCurrach III MacCurrach Golf Jon Truttmann (Board Liaison) Hunter Industries Tom Shapland Shapland Golf Consultants Doug York Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply

s everyone traveled back from the GCSAA Conference Trade Show / GCBAA Winter Meeting held in Orlando, Florida and settled back in and are gearing up for what looks to be a busy year again, I just wanted to recap quickly for those members that were not in attendance and could not join us.

While we did not hold a silent auction or have raffle items at this event, it was great to visit with so many members, friends, and familiar faces throughout the week. At our GCBAA General Membership Meeting, I had the honor of presenting the check donations from three of our partner programs. Please see the images below; Caterpillar, Inc./CAT Rent ($45,000), Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. ($23,000) and Travelers Haven/Hotel Engine $116,164.97). “Hats off” to each of you and your companies, as these programs would not be successful without your commitment.

Thank you to the entire membership for the “Buy From Within” engagement and allowing us the opportunity to fulfill our Foundation mission and initiatives.

If you have any questions regarding the opportunities to participate in the Partner Programs, if you hear of any programs that may be worth checking into or have an interest in starting a Partner Program with your company, please contact GCBAA Staff. They are here to help!

I also wanted to share with you that I have been invited to represent the GCBAA and Foundation as part of a review committee. The American Golf Industry Coalition (AGIC) has been administering grants for several years and are currently in Phase IV of the Grassroots Grant Program (GGP).

GCBAA and the Sticks for Kids Foundation have

proudly supported this initiative. The program is designed to increase participation among those who are underrepresented in the sport. The GGP was developed by the Youth & Adult Player Development Work Group that was formed as part of the Make Golf Your Thing industry-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion movement. By respectfully serving this review committee, I will be joining and working alongside other industry leaders to help distribute these funds.

The AGIC shared that so far, the first three phases have served 48,130 participants, 80% non-white with an average household income of less than $75K. This is similar to the numbers, Sticks For Kids has targeted. The AGIC is also a great resource to help us deploy the remaining Sticks For Kids clubs in our inventory while at the same time supporting other Allied Associations who have partnered together with this initiative.

The review process is underway, and we hope to report back in the next newsletter that many of the remaining 500 sets of clubs have been shipped and are ready for Spring programming.

You will also see in the allied updates section of this newsletter, the announcement of the upcoming launch of “Make Golf Your Career and My Golf Journey”. Exciting things in the industry are happening and we are extremely proud to be part of them. Stay tuned for additional information on that front!

And please, remember to “Buy From Within”; you benefit, the association benefits and most importantly, Sticks for Kids and the future of golf benefits as well.

Ellen Davis

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 9

Board of Directors Update ROBERT FLEETWOOD JOINS GCBAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS BUILDER MEMBER, COMPLETING TOM WORKS' BOARD OF DIRECTORS TERM

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Robert Fleetwood

he Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) is pleased to announce that Robert Fleetwood with Fleetwood Services, LLC. has been appointed to the Board of Directors as a Builder member, effective immediately.

Fleetwood will be completing the remainder of Tom Works' Board of Directors term.

Fleetwood has over 35 years of experience in golf course construction, project management and business development, starting as a shaper in 1986 for Architect Jeff Brauer at Eastern Hills Country Club in Texas. In 2010, he accomplished his dream of heading-up his own golf course construction company, Fleetwood Services LLC. Fleetwood's vast industry knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to the GCBAA's efforts to promote and improve the golf course construction industry and the future game of golf.

"I am honored and excited to be joining the GCBAA Board of Directors," said Fleetwood. "I look forward to working with the other board members to advance the association's mission and support our members in the golf course construction industry. I have found the guidance and assistance of GCBAA to be invaluable and became a Charter Member in 2016."

Fleetwood's appointment comes as a result of the departure of Tom Works from the Board of Directors. Works served as a dedicated member of the GCBAA Board for several years and contributed greatly to the association's success.

"We are grateful for Tom Works' years of service and dedication to the GCBAA," said Justin Apel, Executive Director of the GCBAA. "We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and welcome Robert Fleetwood to the GCBAA Board of Directors."

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Visit agsod.com/golf Alec LeMay 559-289-6381

10 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

AMERICAN GOLF INDUSTRY COALITION BRINGS 15TH ANNUAL “ National Golf Day” BACK TO NATION’S CAPITAL

GOLF INDUSTRY TO RELEASE NATIONAL ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY CONDUCT MORE THAN 200 MEETINGS WITH CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES, AND PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT MEDIA CONTACT: CHRIS WALKER, POPLAR GROUP ON BEHALF OF AMERICAN GOLF INDUSTRY COALITION, WALKER@POPLARGROUP.COM

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ONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (March 20, 2023) – On behalf of the golf industry, the American Golf Industry Coalition will bring the 15th annual National Golf Day back to our Nation’s Capital in May of this year. After being conducted virtually the previous two years, National Golf Day is back in Washington, D.C., taking place on Tuesday, May 9 through Wednesday, May 10.

The event will include a host of representatives from across the industry who will reinforce golf’s economic, societal, environmental, and health benefits through more than 200 meetings with Members of Congress and their staffs.

To kick off the event, attendees will participate in a Community Service Project on Tuesday, May 9. The project, in partnership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and National Park Service, will allow attendees the opportunity to participate in various beautification projects across the National Mall.

The projects will range from mulching around and pruning trees at the National Sylvan Theater, a public theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument; seeding and mowing a section of the National Mall; resodding the lawn of the GermanAmerican Friendship Garden, while also refreshing plants, and mulching and landscaping four large garden beds; and repairing and repainting the metal chain fence around Jefferson Pier Stone.

More than 225 volunteers will be participating in these important service projects.

National Golf Day 2023 will also see the return of our special Keynote Briefing Session on May 9 and Welcome Coffee on May – open to all attendees (more details to come) – as well as a private breakfast for Members of Congress, hosted by the PGA TOUR, on May 10.

In addition to its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, the industry will release an Economic

Impact Report during the event to provide an understanding of the meaningful ways in which the sport of golf is contributing to the nation’s economy and communities across the United States.

Previous economic impact reports have indicated that golf as an industry directly drives $84.1 billion in economic activity across the U.S. annually and supports nearly 2 million American jobs and $58.7 billion in compensation.

Golf as an industry has continued to grow in recent years in the United States, led by participation growth among diverse segments of the population (source – National Golf Foundation):

• 12.4 million people participate in both on-course and off-course golf activities annually.

• Golf accounts for a new record of 41.1 million participants across the U.S., which includes both on-course and ever-growing off-course components.

Representing a partnership among golf’s leading organizations, the American Golf Industry Coalition is committed to addressing the collective interests of the industry. The coalition also works to amplify tangible examples of key initiatives at both the grassroots and industry workforce levels and advocate in favor of issues that impact the industry at the state and federal levels.

• On-course golf has seen five straight years of an increase in participation, with 500,000 new golfers in 2022, for a total of 25.6 million nationally.

• A record 3.3 million people played on a golf course for the first time in 2022.

• Female and non-white golfers now represent 25 percent and 22 percent, respectively, of all on-course golfers, a record high-mark.

• The dramatic increase in off-course engagement with golf has for the first time eclipsed those who play golf on the course.

A 13 percent year-over-year jump in total off-course engagement has increased the total participation to 27.9 million.

• Even more exciting is golf’s growth amongst juniors. Almost one million new golfers aged 6-17 have started playing in the past year, and is at its highest level since 2006, with 3.4 million in total.

• Nationwide, 13 percent of the on-course golfer population, and more than 25 percent of off-course golf participants are under the age of 18.

About the American Golf Industry Coalition The American Golf Industry Coalition advocates on behalf of the golf industry including its contributions to the economy (locally and nationally), health and wellness benefits, and charitable and philanthropic giving, and further efforts at inclusion. The organization unites the golf industry in pursuit of goals designed to enhance the vitality and accessibility of both the business and recreational levels of the sport. The American Golf Industry Coalition is a division of the World Golf Foundation.

To learn more, please visit: www.golfcoalition.org.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 11

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12 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

DEVELOPERS GUIDE

BY HENRY DELOZIER

GLOBAL GOLF ADVISORS

I

ndications suggest that golf course construction and renovation is evolving to a demanding time for most golf course builders.

Why? New and different needs and priorities on the part of residential developers for new projects and uncertain, unclear, and sometimes evolving requirements for existing golf courses. One word from GCBAA members will carry the day…’yes’.

So getting to ‘yes’ will be critical to golf course builders over the coming year. In the 1981 book

by Roger Fisher and William Ury, “Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In” provides substantial guidance for golf course builders who must navigate new and emerging market conditions for the scale and scope of many projects now coming to market. Short- and alternative-concept courses are being designed for projects that require 5-, 7- and 12-hole courses are examples of shifting market demands. Many customers – be they residential community developers and builders or enthusiastic investors – will require greater time, patience, understanding, and innovation of golf course builders.

• Time will be required to develop and implement new understanding, documentation, and contract agreements with designers and customers. Taking the time to understand and to build mutual understandings with the client / customer will improve the likelihood of favorable outcomes.

• Patience needed on the part of the builder will include the need to ‘teach’ clients how plans are being estimated showing them unit-counts and costs-per-unit will underscore the builder’s professionalism and experience.

• Understanding the needs and concerns of the client will fortify builders’ stability in pricing the job and seeing it through with proper margins protected. Builders who succeed will see the project through the eyes of their customers.

• Innovation will be necessary as many new projects are unlike work some builders have performed previously. The next round of golf course projects will demand that builders can create imaginative solutions that may have little precedent.

Shifting market conditions require that golf course builders develop tools that support getting to yes. This tool box will include more robust presentation capabilities and resources which enable clients to understand the assorted options builders bring forward. Three important needs to anticipate:

In the 1981 edition and in subsequent editions in 1991 and 2011 four important principles for getting to yes were introduced. The 1991 and 2011 versions added Bruce Patton as co-author. All of the authors were members of the Harvard Negotiation Project.

• Cooperative Credibility – Clients / customers will need as much visual support as possible… drawings, financial projections, and per-unit accounting. When they see your willingness to show them details, you will have established tremendous credibility.

Getting to ‘yes’?

1. Separate the people from the problem.

Make your team an ally to the client’s team.

Eliminate interpersonal conflict and focus on shared / team problem-solving. Demonstrate that you are a part of the solution.

2. Focus on interests rather than positions.

Be transparent in showing how the client most benefits from your experience in building golf projects. See that your client understands your commitment to building a great and costeffective facility.

3. Generate a variety of options before settling on an agreement. Provide the client your best analyses of the challenges before you and how your team recommends solutions. Show various examples and recommend alternatives that can be cost-effective.

4. Keep the agreement that solutions will be based on objective criteria. Before beginning planning and negotiating, establish an agreement with the client as to what requirements must be met to make your shared efforts a “success”. Before prices and processes are discussed, agree upon what is wanted, needed, and required.

• Organizational Agility – Enable your clients to see how agile your team is in problem-solving.

Project planning enables you to make the client a part of your team…and vice versa.

• Team Durability – When working shoulderto-shoulder with clients, you build confidence in your team’s capability to bring the project to a successful completion.

When golf course builders are getting to ‘yes’ they increase their reach and extend the term of financial growth beyond changing market conditions. The willingness to find ‘yes’ enable builders to respond successfully to new and different market demands.

Henry DeLozier is a Principal and Partner at GGA Partners, a trusted advisor to private clubs, resorts, and residential communities since 1992.

He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Audubon International. Contact Henry at hdelozier@ globalgolfadvisors.com.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 13

HUMAN RESOURCES

UPDATES IN Employment Law BY: ELLIOT KUDISCH

ANDREWS MYERS, P.C.

Y

our workforce is your most valuable asset. It is no secret that employers in every discipline face challenging market conditions and increased costs—conditions which are aggravated by high workforce attrition. In 2021, my colleague Adam Robertson published an excellent article in GCBAA’s Earth Shaping News about using employment contracts to stabilize the construction workforce. Though employment law continues to change, the message is still the same.

Well-informed employers are better positioned to respond to tomorrow’s challenges. Below is a small collection of important changes in employment law that may affect your most valuable asset.

Labor Department Issues New Proposed Rule on Independent Contractor Classification Last fall, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued a proposed rule revising the agency’s approach to evaluating independent contractor-employee status under the FLSA. The DOL’s proposed rule marks a return to using a totality of the circumstances approach to determine whether a worker is truly an independent contractor or a W-2 employee. The rule will consider the factors below in evaluating worker classifications: • The nature and degree of the worker’s control over the work, • The worker’s opportunity for profit or loss based on personal initiative or investment, • Investments by the worker and the putative employer, • The degree of permanence of the working relationship, • The extent to which the work performed is an integral part of the putative employer’s business, and • The degree of skill and initiative exhibited by the worker.

This multifactor “economic realities” test focuses on whether workers are economically dependent on the employer or in business for themselves.

Analyzing the nature and degree of control factor will include how scheduling, supervision, pricesetting, and the ability to work for others influences the degree of control. The DOL may also consider additional factors if the circumstances suggest the workers may be in business for themselves rather than being economically dependent on an employer for work.

If a worker is found to be an independent contractor under this test, the worker must be

treated as an employee for FLSA purposes, and the employer will have to pay minimum wage and overtime if the employee is non-exempt. The application of the economic realities factors is guided by the overarching principle that the FLSA should be liberally construed to provide broad coverage for workers.

The penalty for failure to pay required overtime is backpay, plus an equal amount in liquidated damages, plus attorneys’ fees and costs—not to mention a company’s own defense attorney’s fees.

The DOL has closed its comment period on the language its proposed rule and a final rule is expected in the coming months.

Employers should also keep their eyes on the FTC’s proposed rule banning noncompete agreements. You can find more information on anticipated changes in noncompete law here.

NLRB Rules Against Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement Provisions in Severance Agreements In February, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) ruled that confidentiality and nondisparagement clauses in severance agreements violate the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”).

The decision applies to all employers whether their employees are union members. The ruling will not affect severance agreements involving managers or supervisors, whose labor rights are not protected under the NLRA. Employers should approach rankand-file employee severance agreements with care in light of this ruling.

The NLRB explained that even offering a severance agreement to a rank-and-file employee which contains confidentiality or non-disparagement clause would interfere with an employee’s right to discuss workplace issues. The NLRB emphasized that whether an employee accepts a severance agreement is immaterial to the analysis. The NLRB held that severance agreements are unlawful if they “may chill” former employees from cooperating with NLRB investigations or discussing the terms of their former employment with current employees.

The NLRB found that the confidentiality language prohibited former employees from disclosing the terms of their severance agreements with third parties, thereby restricting their rights to engage in concerted activities under the NLRA. The agreement, therefore, would dissuade the employee from filing an unfair labor practice charge or assisting a NLRB investigation into the employer’s use of the severance agreement. A non-disparagement clause in a severance agreement also interfered with former employees’ NLRA rights to make “statements to [the] Employer’s employees or to the general public [including to the NLRB] which could disparage or harm the image of [the] Employer.”

Employers should consider the following items

when drafting separation agreements under this ruling: • Whether a saving clause carving out NLRA issues, and charges before the NLRB will be sufficient to allow including broad confidentiality and nondisparagement provisions.

• The way the NLRB applies this standard to confidentiality clauses and non-disparagement provisions that are narrower in scope compared to the broad provisions at issue.

• Whether an employee who seeks the advice and counsel of a lawyer—which is often a requirement of severance agreements—can effectively waive NLRA rights.

The NLRB’s decision may be challenged in court, and it remains to be seen whether a court would find that the mere offer of a severance agreement can be unlawfully “coercive” or conclude that an agreement that only restricts post-employment activities violates the NLRA. The Supreme Court Clarifies ‘Salary Basis’ in Overtime Ruling The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) generally requires employers to pay time and a half to employees who work more than 40 hours in a week, but exempts certain executive, administrative, and professional employees from its overtime pay requirement. Under the implementing regulations, an overtime-exempt employee must be paid on a “salary basis”—meaning that they are paid on a weekly or less frequent basis and receive a predetermined amount for each pay period in which they perform any work.

The Supreme Court recently reviewed a case in which a highly compensated offshore oil rig supervisor sued for unpaid overtime under the FLSA. The supervisor worked 84-hour weeks for 28 days at a time, for which he was paid nearly $1,000 for each day he worked. In February, the Supreme Court held that the supervisor was not exempt from the FLSA’s overtime requirement because his daily rate was not a flat, predetermined amount fixed independently of the number of days he worked. The supervisor was therefore entitled to overtime because he was not paid on a “salary basis.” The Supreme Court’s opinion is available here.

The Supreme Court’s ruling shows the importance of applying the FLSA exemption criteria properly, because misclassifying someone as exempt can be costly. Employers who take creative approaches to employee compensation should review their policies and ensure compliance with the FLSA. For more information, please contact Elliot Kudisch.

Author’s Note: The information provided here does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information and content presented in this article is for general informational purposes only.

Access to this article or any links or resources contained within it does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author or the author’s employer. Readers should contact their attorney for advice about any legal matter. The views expressed in this article are those of the author in his individual capacity only—not the views of Andrews Myers, P.C. or the GCBAA. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this article are expressly disclaimed.

14 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

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© 2022 Watertronics. All rights reserved.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 15

ALLIED UPDATES

WANTS VS. NEEDS IN

Golf Course Renovations

BY BRADLEY S. KLEIN

The wish list for a golf course renovation can be long, but focusing on what a course really needs can keep the conversation grounded.

W

hen I speak with golfers, boards and green committees at courses that are considering a renovation, I always try politely to emphasize that whatever opinions they might have, they really have little or no idea about how the golf course actually works. I illustrate this by explaining the deep infrastructure it takes to give proper form to the golf course surface. Then comes the reminder that they need to respect the expertise of those who really know what’s out there – especially the superintendent.

Golfers judge the course from its surface manifestations: the color of the turfgrass, the quality of cut, how smoothly putts roll on the greens and the uniformity of bunker sand. As for the deep infrastructure of networked mechanisms that make that surface possible, it’s enough simply to start listing them and eyes begin to glaze over.

Irrigation pipe, electrical wiring, drainage channels, root structure, water quality, soil type and porosity characteristics, nutrient levels, fertility rates and moisture content all play a key role in course conditions. Most golfers know almost nothing about these things. Why should they? There are experts there to help.

Understanding the value of expertise is important in the daily routine of a golf course, but it becomes especially critical when talk turns from everyday maintenance to various golf course renovations. Here’s where most golfers mistakenly think that the matters at hand are subject to their personal opinion and preference – as if the issues of trees, bunkers, turfgrass, water quality and routing were simply a matter of taste and 16 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

individual judgment. When you’re dealing with the interconnected systems on a golf course, nothing is ever that simple.

I’ve come to appreciate that golfers, boards and facility operators deserve clear, sober accounting as to what the reasons are for proceeding with various renovation plans, as well as a metric of success that can help people evaluate proposals and eventual outcomes. There are a variety of ways to apply this approach to a golf course renovation. Replacing aging infrastructure should certainly be at the foundation of any renovation plan. Then it becomes an issue of what form the golf course features should take to meet the various design, playability and maintenance goals that have been established.

These are crucial considerations when making the case for a renovation. If you can identify the problems you are addressing, then the intervention and expenditure become a matter of necessity rather than mere taste.

Even when courses do see a need for investing in improvements, certain approaches are selfdefeating. The most egregious mistake I see is undertaking a golfer survey, often conducted by an outside consulting firm, to find out what current customers “really want.” In the absence of detailed education and explanation about infrastructure, site potential and what an imaginative golf course architect thinks is possible, such surveys end up pandering to a myopic perspective that can actually handicap a facility moving forward.

It’s one thing for an experienced golf architect to hold detailed focus group sessions with various constituencies – e.g., seniors, low-handicappers

or relatively new golfers – to engage them in a constructive conversation that can elicit creative possibilities. Putting up a static questionnaire about whether golfers want “fewer trees,” “more yardage options” or “better bunkers” and asking if they are willing to approve course closure to fix things is not likely to be productive.

Boards and decision-makers should lead, not follow. It takes a certain confidence to do this job properly. Along the way, the superintendent is an indispensable resource. They don’t need to lead the process, but they can certainly provide their own informed professional insights and connect the facility with outside consultants who are experts in golf architecture, course construction, irrigation, engineering and local marketing. That process starts by shifting the terms of course renovation from wants to needs.

Only then can courses begin the process of imagining larger changes that will help a course realize its full potential. The goal, after all, is to provide a golf experience that is more economically and environmentally sustainable while engaging more people than ever in the game. That kind of broad-based, long-term planning requires deeper thinking about all the infrastructure elements that make it possible to present a quality course over time.

This article is a selection from the full version which first appeared in the October 07, 2022, issue of the USGA Green Section Record. Brad Klein is a veteran freelance journalist whose biography, “Discovering Donald Ross,” won the Herbert Warren Wind Book Award for 2001.

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GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 17

ALLIED UPDATES

T

he GCBAA was a welcome guest and presenter at the recent ASGCA Winter Meeting in Orlando, Florida, once again showcasing the closeness of our two organizations. We had interesting discussions on how contractors and architects can better work together to help anyone undergoing a construction project to maximize their results.

The only downside was we didn’t have time to fully explore the benefits of the architectcontractor relationship.

We continued a back and forth discussion originally started at your regional meeting at The Breakers, headed on our side by Jan Beljan, John Sanford, and Kipp Schulties. The GCBAA panelists in Orlando reciprocated, with John McDonald II, Judd Duininck, Mike Garbs, and

M

ake Golf Your Career has officially launched!

Furthering the industry's commitment to making the game a more inclusive and diverse place for all, this initiative is a platform for job seekers and talent seekers alike to connect in a singular destination. The brand new job board features a user-friendly search engine as well as career

18 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

Jon Truttmann providing their perspectives on our respective concerns in the construction process. The only downside was that there wasn’t (and may never be) enough time to share all the things we could. I encourage both groups to continue to share their ideas.

Justin and I believe the discussions can be taken on the road as seminars aimed at educating owners, superintendents, and project representatives to make better decisions. Justin has reached out to groups and organizations that would benefit from these. Longer term, we believe that updating the joint GCBAA/ ASGCA General Conditions and other documents is a priority and have many other potential collaborations in mind.

At the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show,

we also unveiled a joint project between the GCBAA, ASGCA, GCSAA and USGA to create the main exhibit on the floor called the “Interactive Grass Stage.” We all relied heavily on Justin and your staff to pull this together. It was busy and seemed well-received. It was a great educational tool, and we were proud to work with GCBAA on the build project.

I’m looking forward to our next joint gettogethers as both organizations seek to improve educational and professional value to our members.

and resume support aimed at helping those interested in working in the golf industry. In addition, an interactive career exploration app called MyJourney Golf has been designed to help guide individuals seeking careers in golf and provide mentorship along the way.

In just 2 months since the launch, 48 employers have signed up to post jobs,

approximately 3500 jobs have been posted on the portal, and these postings have been viewed over 12,200 times.

If your company has not done so already, please visit makegolfyourcareer.org to find out how you can create an account so you can ensure your job openings can be found there as well.

Cheers.

Jeff Brauer, ASGCA Director of Outreach

ALLIED UPDATES

CMAA ANNOUNCES 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Seabrook to Serve as 2023 Chairman

T

he Club Management Association of America (CMAA) announces its elected 2023 Officers and Board of Directors. The CMAA Board of Directors is comprised of 13 club management professionals working collaboratively with the membership, National Committees and Task Forces, Partners, and the National Headquarters team, to advance the profession and the greater industry.

The 2023 Board will be led by the Executive Committee including: Chairman Michael Seabrook, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Belle Meade Country Club, Nashville, TN Vice Chairman Joe Mendez, CCM, CCE, General Manager, Riverton Country Club, Cinnaminson, NJ Secretary–Treasurer Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Beechmont Country Club, Cleveland, OH Immediate Past Chairman Mitchell Platt, MCM, CCE, General Manager, Cosmos Club, Washington, DC Newly elected or reelected as Directors are: Haissam Baityeh, CCM, CCE, Chief Operating Officer, Country Club of Spartanburg, Spartanburg, SC, elected to a three-year term

Jeff Isbell, CCM, General Manager, Renaissance Golf Club, Haverhill, MA, elected to a one-year term Joseph Krenn, CCM, CCE, General Manager/ Chief Operating Officer, Farmington Country Club, Charlottesville, VA, reelected to a three-year term Kimberly Clark Warren, CCM, General Manager/ Chief Operating Officer, Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, PA, elected to a three-year term Directors continuing to serve on the CMAA Board are: Janine Budzius, CCM, CCE, General Manager/ Chief Operating Officer, Philadelphia Country Club, Gladwyne, PA Casey Newman, CCM, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Lakeside Country Club, Houston, TX William Shonk, CCM, CCE, General Manager, Princess Anne Country Club, Virginia Beach, VA Jack Slaughter, CCM, CCE, General Manager/ Chief Operating Officer, Carolina Country Club, Raleigh, NC Michael S. Wheeler, MCM, CCE, General Manager/ Chief Operating Officer, Cherokee Town & Country Club, Atlanta, GA zThe official election results were announced at

the Closing Business Session of CMAA’s 2023 World Conference and Club Business Expo in Orlando, FL. The 2023 World Conference was a record-setting event with more than 3,600 attendees, across all registration categories, including 500 first-time attendees. More than 150 international club industry professionals attended, representing 23 different countries. The two-day Club Business Expo featured 285 exhibitors across 42,000 square feet.

About CMAA Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with more than 40 professional chapters and more than 40 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at cmaa.org.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 19

ALLIED UPDATES

GCSAA, WARRIOR ALLIANCE

Address Labor Challenges

W

hile golf course superintendents aren’t the only ones in the golf industry facing labor shortages, but finding qualified, skilled workers remains a challenge. In fact, in a 2022 labor survey conducted by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), 63 percent of respondents listed the labor market as bad or very bad.

Those numbers exactly match the 2019 survey results but are significantly higher than the 2016 survey (45%) and 2012 survey (19%). Only 9% of respondents indicated the labor market as good or very good, while 28% fell into the neither good nor bad category in the most recent survey.

One way GCSAA is working to better the labor outlook for its members needs regarding labor is with a recent agreement with The Warrior Alliance.

During the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in February, GCSAA and The Warrior Alliance signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on developing a career pathway in the golf industry for service members, veterans, their families and others.

This joint initiative will align GCSAA’s expertise of the required competencies for success in the golf course maintenance industry with The Warrior Alliance’s Operation Double Eagle, a nine-week skills development program in Augusta, Ga., which connects veterans and transitioning activeduty service members to a network of employers seeking “job-ready” veterans for nationwide career opportunities.

20 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

The program looks to provide placement of veterans and other participants in suitable positions for their validated skillsets, thus encouraging employees to stay engaged as they advance within the golf course maintenance industry.

Once established, the program will be available to expand externally with various stakeholders and educational providers throughout the country providing online, classroom, hands-on, and apprenticeship skills development courses for the golf industry. This expansion will go beyond serving only veterans to include anyone interested in advancing their skills in the golf course maintenance industry.

Warrior Alliance’s Operation Double Eagle began in 2020 and provides selected veterans golf course education and job-placement assistance. Through eight sessions of training and education, 30 percent of the graduates are now working in golf course maintenance or in landscaping. In addition, 50% of the graduates have found work in similar industries.

GCSAA’s GCM magazine recently featured graduates who are working at golf courses, including Shannon Bowling. The retired Army sergeant spent 15 months at the Creek Club at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Ga. before accepting an offer to work at a Fort Gordon, Ga., golf course located on a military base.

“I told my wife I am lucky to have found a job where I love what I am doing,” Bowling said. “I work on the grass and get to play golf, too. Now I have the advantage over the people I play with. I know where

the pins are set – because I set them.”

Steve Rumsey is another example of a program success story. The army veteran served for 37 years and suffered a work injury after retiring from service. He found out about the Operation Double Eagle program and started working on golf course restorations via a landscaping company.

“I never thought I would end up on a golf course,” Rumsey said. “I do wish Operation Double Eagle would get a little more recognition. To have a course like that – never in a million years would I have thought I would do something like this. The way it is brought forward, nobody is alienated. You are no different than anybody else. You are a veteran.

You are a family member. You have the same life story as every other veteran. This program makes you feel human.”

The specifics of the GCSAA/Warrior Alliance program will be developed over the next six months, with expectations to be operational by early 2024.

“With this agreement, GCSAA and The Warrior Alliance will combine our resources to expand the veteran workforce development of Operation Double Eagle and support our GCSAA members and their golf facilities,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “This collaboration will help address golf’s labor shortage by providing a skilled workforce trained in the various maintenance practices used on golf courses.”

To learn more about The Warrior Alliance visit https://www.thewarrioralliance.org/

ALLIED UPDATES

WHAT GOLF COURSES CAN EXPECT FROM

Congress and Regulators

BY JOE TRAUGER

I

t’s taken some time for Congress to get organized due to the five days it took to elect Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) Speaker of the House. Because McCarthy was not able to shore up his vote prior to Congress convening on January 3, rather mundane things like naming committee chairs, committee assignments and hiring staff got way behind schedule, which means hearings and markups to get legislation to the floor of the House was going to be slow in coming. Things began to pick up in March after both parties held their annual policy retreats to map out their strategies for the year ahead. With a Republican House and a Democratic Senate, we’re not likely to see significant legislation beyond what Congress absolutely must do this year such as lifting the federal debt ceiling, funding the government and reauthorizing national defense programs.

Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Meanwhile, the Biden Administration kept plodding along with regulatory actions that have raised concerns among the business community, including private clubs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final rule redefining federal jurisdiction over waters of the United States (WOTUS)—the third such redefinition in eight years. The first WOTUS redefinition occurred in 2015 with the Obama administration’s version of WOTUS, which was challenged successfully in the courts and invalidated. The Trump administration provided a definition in its Navigable Waters Protection Rule in 2020 that was largely applauded by the business community due to its clarity, and

the National Club Association (NCA) joined in support of the rule because it recognized that things like ditches and ornamental bodies of water were not subject to federal jurisdiction. The Biden administration repealed that rule and replaced it with what was claimed as a compromise between the two previous versions. Notwithstanding the characterization, the WOTUS rule recently finalized is effectively the 2015 rule on a longer timeline with just as much uncertainty over who has jurisdiction between federal, state and local authorities.

The Biden WOTUS rule has been challenged in federal courts by several interested groups, perhaps most notably the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and more than 20 states as an overreach by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers. All this is happening under the specter of a pending decision from the U.S. Supreme Court in Sackett v. EPA, which could severely limit the breadth of the EPA’s authority under the Clean Water Act. If the Supreme Court sides with Sackett, it will undoubtedly throw the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule into a state of limbo at best and potentially vitiate the rule entirely at worst (or best depending on your perspective).

NCA will monitor the moving pieces, but it would be fair to say that resolution to this policy ping-pong match would be in everyone’s interest.

Overtime In addition to the EPA, the Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to release a proposed rule to increase the threshold under which employees are required to be paid overtime from the current level of just more than $35,000. The department

was scheduled to release the proposed rule last fall, but we’ve not heard why there is a delay or what timeframe we can expect to see it. NCA met with officials at DOL to share our concerns with raising the level too high and urged them to reconsider the cap on commissions that can count toward the threshold from 10% to some higher level considering its potential impact on both employees and employers.

Independent Contractors Another issue at DOL relevant to private clubs is the classification of individuals as either employees or independent contractors. The Department has proposed a rule that would make it more difficult to classify someone as an independent contractor by shifting the decision toward a “totality of circumstances” with equal weight given to all factors rather than focus on the worker’s degree of control over their work as it was under the Trump rule. NCA and the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) filed comments with the DOL in December opposing the change.

With two years remaining in President Biden’s term, a Republican House and a Democratic Senate, it’s very likely agencies will increase their regulatory output leading into 2024. If this is indeed the case, NCA stands ready to work with allies in the club community and business sector to push back on an overly aggressive regulatory agenda.

Joe Trauger is NCA’s vice president of government relations. He can be reached at trauger@nationalclub.org.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 21

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GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 23

MOVERS & SHAPERS

Passing the Baton:

THE NEXT GENERATION TAKES THE HELM AT MCDONALD & SONS GOLF PROVIDED BY PAT JONES, FLAGSTICK LLC

L-R, Erik McDonald, Chip McDonald, and John McDonald II

J

ohn McDonald II has been named President and CEO of McDonald & Sons, Inc. He succeeds his father, Chip McDonald, who founded the Jessup, Maryland-based golf course construction firm nearly 40 years ago. Erik McDonald becomes Vice President and COO of the company. Chip will step into an emeritus role while his wife Betty will continue as the company’s Secretary/ Treasurer.

“The time was right,” said John McDonald II. “Dad has been wintering in Florida for the past few years, so Erik and I had already been running the business side while Dad managed our equipment fleet. The construction business has become more complex and it’s a lot to handle. He was ready to get out from underneath that.”

Chip McDonald began working in golf course maintenance in the 1950s and built his first course, Hobbit’s Glen GC, for the City of Columbia, Md., in 1967. He stayed on there as superintendent, as well as working in other roles for the city, for 15 more years. He moved on to operate a landscape business for a while, but golf pulled him back in, particularly as the construction boom of the ‘80s and ‘90s exploded.

“We were in the right place at the right time,” says Chip. “Golf had its ups and downs along the way, but we did good work and built great relationships with clubs over the years and that made all the difference.”

Over the last 38 years, McDonald & Sons has completed more than 1,900 golf course projects, 24 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

including new construction, renovations and remodeling. They’ve established a reputation for high-quality work and a respect for the maintenance consequences of their work.

“Because dad was a superintendent, we always tried to leave the course’s superintendent with something that was maintainable,” says John II. “Yes, the club is the client, but we always try to keep the needs of the super in mind. And we think our finished work is second to none. When we leave a project, we want the new features to be the most noticed aspect, not our presence.”

That reputation has made McDonald & Sons a favorite among choosy clubs doing important renovations, preparing for big events, or simply tuning up to keep fresh. The firm’s Design Group was launched in 2002 and since then their in-house work and collaborations with many notable architects and designers have yielded spectacular results. At one point their clientele included 25 of Golf Digest’s Top 100 U.S. courses and they’ve done 54 projects at Congressional CC alone. “We’ve had an amazing run,” says John. “We did 90 projects in 2022 and things continue to look very good moving forward.”

In addition to being known for the quality of their finished work, they also strive to give clients open bookkeeping and good communications along the way. “They always know where they stand,” says John. “We try to minimize surprises. We don’t typically have to do change orders.”

While John worked in and grew the business side, his younger brother Erik excelled in the field. “He took to the equipment operation like a duck to water,” says John.

Erik says he’s excited and proud to carry on his father’s legacy: “We’re going to continue to provide the kind of high-quality, professional work the company has been known for since he got started in 1984. My dad’s values – quality, trust and professionalism – are why I think we’ll continue to prosper. Everything we do goes toward bettering the game of golf and the land it’s played on.”

The other legacy that will continue is the company’s commitment to the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA).

John McDonald II currently serves as GCBAA’s president. “The association has grown and improved opportunities for builders and the industry tremendously over the years. I’ve been honored to follow in my dad’s footsteps on the board and to now lead the association.”

His goals for the association? “I want to promote the fact that using GCBAA members is good for the golf business. Our members are experts in what we do. We did a survey at last year’s show and found there’s still a lack of awareness about the value our members bring.

We’re going to change that. I’d love for the golf course builders to get mentioned on T V more often.”

Justin Apel, GCBAA’s CEO, says it’s hard to calculate the magnitude of the McDonald family’s impact on the association and the industry as a whole. “Their humility is what impresses me the most. They don’t brag and they’re just good people and good friends to so many of us. But when you look at the company, the scope of what they’ve done and who they’ve done it for, it’s just unbelievable.”

Apel adds that, “The talent on their team is amazing and it’s inspiring to see how well they take care of their people. Yes, it’s a family business but your last name doesn’t have to be McDonald for them to treat you like family.”

It’s noteworthy that Chip may be stepping away from McDonald & Sons but he’s hardly done working. His other business, Chesapeake Specialty Equipment, still keeps him very busy providing dumpers, forklifts and telehandlers to construction firms – including the one now run by his sons. He’s even adding a new supplier, AUSA, to his equipment offerings. “I am happy at the opportunity to bring the AUSA line to market and I think it will be a gamechanger for our customers,” says Chip.

Learn more about McDonald & Sons, Inc., at mcdonaldgolfinc.com and visit GCBAA.org for additional information on the builder’s association.

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Doesn’t it make sense to talk to a superintendent who’s managing his or her greens under the same conditions you are? The same climate, the same seasons, and probably close to the same kind of soil profile. Get on the horn and see what someone who’s been working with TifEagle has to say about it. Find out what their members think about TifEagle. What their crews think. A lot of folks have been managing TifEagle going on 25 years now, so they know what you’re likely to run into. Talk to someone who knows this ultradwarf bermudagrass for greens inside and out. A superintendent who will tell you like it is.

www.tifeagle.com www.tifeaglegrowers.com

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 25

MOVERS & SHAPERS

DUININCK ELECTED TO GOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Leadership Board

MEDIA CONTACT: SAM DUININCK, SAM.DUININCK@DUININCK.COM, 404-895-6716

A

tlanta, GA – Duininck Golf is pleased to announce Sam Duininck has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA). Duininck, Director of Business Development of Duininck Golf, recognized as a rising star in the Duininck organization was nominated by his peers to serve on the Board as Judd Duininck, General Manager of Duininck Golf completed his twoyear term as President of the GCBAA in February 2021.

“It’s an honor to be chosen to serve on the Board of the GCBAA and I look forward to continuing the work that Judd and other

26 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

industry leaders have underway,” said Sam Duininck. “The GCBAA represents all segments of the golf course construction industry and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the organization and the golf course construction industry.”

Duininck, a fourth-generation family member started his career in golf construction as a laborer on new construction and remodeling projects throughout the United States. Earning respect from his peers in the field for his attention to detail and leadership skills, Duininck rose through the organization and was promoted to Director of Business Development in 2021 and instrumental in opening Duininck Golf’s Atlanta office in 2022.

“Sam’s knowledge of all aspects of golf construction gained from starting in the field and moving throughout various areas of our business has been an integral part of his professional development. Add with the, his ability to connect with people is a tremendous asset,” said Judd Duininck.

Founded in the early 1970’s, the GCBAA members represent the world’s foremost golf course builders and suppliers to the golf course industry. Justin Apel, Executive Director of the GCBAA states, “In recent years, the association has experienced the foresight of our membership grooming the next generation of leaders, not only for their companies, but also

for leadership positions within GCBAA. Sam is another great example that will bring a new perspective of ideas helping the association remain relevant and modern to the golf construction industry.”

Duininck Golf, founded in 1988 is the golf division of the Duininck Companies founded in 1926. Other Duininck companies include Prinsco, Inc, Duininck Concrete, Duininck Inc MN, Duininck Inc TX. For more information about Duininck Golf, visit http://duininckgolf.com/ About Duininck Golf Duininck Golf is part of the Duininck Companies established in 1926 based in Prinsburg, MN. A member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), Duininck Golf has completed new course, renovation and irrigation installation projects throughout the United States working alongside many well-known golf course architects, many who are members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). With offices in Minnesota, Texas and Georgia, Duininck Golf has the resources and regional expertise to provide uncompromised service and attention to detail to its clients.

MOVERS & SHAPERS

LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED COMPLETES PROJECTS AT Sahalee Country Club MEDIA CONTACT: RICH KATZ, RKATZ@KATZSTRATEGY.COM, 703.283.4852

L

INCOLN, NE – Golf course developer and construction company Landscapes Unlimited has completed enhancement projects at the private Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington, 30 minutes east of Seattle.

In collaboration with Rees Jones, Inc., Landscapes Unlimited recently worked on the nine-hole North, South and East Courses, primarily shaping and strategically moving select bunkers to enhance playability for low and high handicappers alike.

Landscapes Unlimited implemented the first phase of the Rees Jones, Inc. Golf Course Master Plan focused primarily on the bunkers, including improvements to the shapes, sizes, locations and depths and the installation of new drainage, modern liners and bunker sand, all contributing to bunkers built for efficient maintenance and longer life spans.

The modifications will also benefit players at the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee.

“It has been a pleasure working with Landscapes Unlimited on the renovation at Sahalee Country Club,” says Rees Jones, President of Rees Jones, Inc. “Its craftsmanship is first class, and the final results are quite stunning.”

“Sahalee is a Pacific Northwest treasure,” says Jake Riekstins, Chief Development Officer of Landscapes Unlimited. “Any time there’s an

opportunity to smartly add modern infrastructure to a storied golf course while achieving a golden age style, the results are ‘wow’ experiences for different generations.”

“Landscapes Unlimited is the ultimate construction teammate,” says Charlie Schauwecker, Director of Agronomy at Sahalee, a Native American word for “High Heavenly Ground.” “The Landscapes corporate and on-site teams meld blocking-andtacking technical work, creativity and practicality to make great golf courses even better.”

In addition to hosting the upcoming 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the 27-hole Sahalee is famous for hosting the 1998 PGA Championship, 2002 WGC-NEC Invitational, 2010 U.S. Senior Open, 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship as well as the Sahalee Players Championship.

Ranging from 5,712 to 7,003 yards, three ninehole courses played in different combinations inject fun, variety and challenge to experiences. Heavily forested, tall evergreen trees frame fairways laid over rolling topography ideally suited for golf.

Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards often create daring moments.

Sahalee opened in 1969, its three nines designed

by Ted Robinson and renovated by Rees Jones from 1996 to 1998. The original clubhouse was replaced in 2001 with a new, 43,000-square-foot structure.

The first head professional was Paul Runyan who won

29 times on the PGA TOUR, including the 1934 and 1938 PGA Championship, More information: www.sahalee.com, 424.868.8800.

About Landscapes Unlimited Forty-five years young and family owned-andoperated, Landscapes Unlimited is the recognized leader in golf course development, construction and renovation. This claim is backed by its regionalized experts implementing modern-day best practices and technological advancements though trained expertise, fiscal prudency and a culture promoting unwavering success. Completed projects number in the thousands and include famous golf courses that host major tournament and PGA Tour events as well as revered local layouts of various shapes, sizes and budgets. Landscapes Unlimited’s involvement with four First Tee chapters demonstrates a strong commitment to grow the game and business of golf.

It also excels at building sports fields for professional teams, colleges and municipalities. Sister company Landscapes Golf Management is one of America’s largest and most trusted operator of golf courses and country clubs across 20 states.

More information: www.landscapesunlimited. com, 402.423.6653.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 27

MOVERS & SHAPERS

Kevin P. Breen, CGCS,

RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA H. SCOTT GRIFFITH, CGCS, JOINS GCSAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARTICLE AND PHOTO CREDIT: GCM

K

evin P. Breen, the certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos, Calif., was re-elected to a one-year term as president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) at the association’s annual meeting February 9, held in conjunction with the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Breen is the 86th president in the association’s history and the first to be elected

28 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

to a second term since 1947. Breen was nominated for a second presidential year when the 2022 Vice President Kevin P. Sunderman, CGCS, resigned from the board to join the GCSAA staff as chief operating officer.

Breen served as vice president of the association in 2021 and has been a member of the association’s board of directors since 2015.

A 32-year member of GCSAA, Breen is also a past president of both the Sierra Nevada GCSA and the California GCSA. Breen has served as the superintendent at La Rinconada CC since 2011. Prior to that, he served as the director of maintenance at Lahontan Golf Club in Truckee, Calif., and as the superintendent at Los Alamos (N.M.) Golf Course.

“We have great momentum as we start the year with our highest membership numbers since 2009 and strong satisfaction,” Breen said.

“We’re not taking anything for granted—we will continue to think again. Our world is moving quickly, and we’ll continue to adapt.”

He has bachelor's degrees in horticulture/ turf from Colorado State University in Fort Collins and in meteorology from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Other elected officers include Jeff L. White, CGCS the superintendent at Indian Hills Country

Club in Mission Hills, Kan., as vice president, and T.A. Barker, CGCS superintendent at Fore Lakes Golf Course in Taylorsville, Utah, as secretary/treasurer.

Board members Paul L. Carter, CGCS, superintendent at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay in Harrison, Tenn., and Steven J. Hammon, superintendent at Traverse City (Mich.)

Country Club, were re-elected to serve on the board, while H. Scott Griffith, CGCS, director of agronomy at the University of Georgia Golf Course, in Athens, Ga., was newly elected to join the board as a director.

Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, golf course superintendent at White Mountain Country Club in Pinetop, Ariz., and Marc E. Weston, CGCS and superintendent at Indian Hill Country Club in Newington, Conn., continue their service on the board. After a member vote to amend the bylaws, Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, natural resources leader at Westfield Country Club in Westfield Center, Ohio, will serve a second year as immediate past president.

In addition, a bylaw change regarding aligning the bylaws with current management practices for the GCSAA Benevolence Fund passed. A member dues adjustment also passed.

MOVERS & SHAPERS

HED: A REVOLUTION IN

Growing Turfgrass

CAPILLARYFLOW’S HYDROPONIC SYSTEM USES UP TO 85% LESS WATER TO GROW BETTER TURF

W

ater is a matter of life and death for the golf industry, literally.

Very few people today are aware of the positive effects of green natural turf in urban areas, and how the golf industry has developed ways to effectively grow and manage this grass. Instead, recent years have seen a shift in political messaging, with all sides targeting the industry over its water consumption based on incorrect and false claims. Today, the industry is being blamed for the widespread water crisis, and it has not been very good at making its case for the future.

Until now.

“CapillaryFlow and its founder Martin Sternberg, CGCS, has invented the first ever hydroponic system to grow turfgrass, and it will change the way we build and manage turf in the future.” These are the words of Dr Thom Nikolai, one of the world’s leading scientists in turfgrass.

Capillary Hydroponics is a radical new irrigation system that uses an oxygenated and fertilized moving underground water table to grow turfgrass. In doing so, it decreases water loss and consumption by up to 85% while ensuring that the turfgrass grown is stronger and more durable with significantly less maintenance and environmental impact.

Dr Nikolai is spearheading a study that

is comparing Capillary Hydroponics to Variable-Depth Rootzones, the latest in USGA technology, at Michigan State University’s Hancock Turfgrass Research Center. The research, which started in June 2022, is comparing the two systems for economic and environmental impacts, but the focus

in the first two years is water consumption.

Preliminary results will be out later this year.

Capillary Hydroponics: A revolution in turfgrass At the core of Capillary Hydroponics is Capillary Material, formerly known as Capillary Concrete. This patented and engineered polymer-based pervious concrete is the only building material that can rapidly drain water while also moving water up. Invented in 2009, it is also behind one of CapillaryFlow’s most successful solutions, Capillary Bunkers, which has transformed the way the golf industry constructs and maintains bunkers.

The Capillary Hydroponics system comprises several layers: an impermeable liner that sits on the soil, drainage pipes, drainage gravel, a layer of Capillary Material, washed sand and finally grass. The area under the surface is split into two equally large parts. A control basin filled with water is placed on the outside and has pipes that feed into the middle of each cavity. It automatically oxygenates and pumps fertilized water back and forth between the two sections several times a day, watering the roots

as it goes. When the water moves and enters or exits the pores of the root-zone material, the gas exchange increases by up to 6.000%.

The level of the water table is completely controllable and the water moves between each cavity at a fully adjustable rate too. This system minimizes the amount of water required and promotes strong root growth.

Capillary Material ensures a perfectly flat and level base beneath the rootzone, which is crucial for the functioning of a hydroponic system.

Benefits of Capillary Hydroponics The benefits of using the Capillary Hydroponics system are many: 1. The surface performance and moisture levels can be designed purely for purpose of user or sports application.

2. Ensures consistent ground conditions due to inorganic root-zone materials and subsurface irrigation.

3. Watering from below leads to less weed and disease pressure.

4. By irrigating from below, there is reduced surface evaporation decreasing water loss and consumption by up to 85%.

5. Distribution of fertilizers and pesticides through the water in circulation allows for lower total consumption and near zero leaching.

6. A constant change of water table allows for better oxygen exchange, up to 6,000% which increases root growth.

About: CapillaryFlow is a technology company whose patented innovations are enabling golf courses, sports grounds, and other leisure spaces like city parks to build long-lasting and low maintenance greens, bunkers and grounds.

Controlling the water, carbon dioxide and oxygen levels for various soil profiles in these spaces is a major challenge. Our proprietary CapillaryFlow technology offers a simple solution that ensures optimal moisture levels and good drainage regardless of the weather conditions.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 29

MOVERS & SHAPERS

“Inside the Ropes” AT THE 2023 GCSAA CONFERENCE PHOTO CREDIT: CECILIA BROWN, SOD SOLUTIONS

A

s exhibitors and attendees made their way inside the 2023 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, they were greeted by a newly built golf hole with two tees and a fairway. There were interactive education sessions conducted along with a display of a USGA soil profile and drip irrigation box. The “Inside the Ropes” grass installation, which was coordinated by GCBAA Charter Member Sod Solutions Professionals and GCBAA, featured five premier golf grasses from three of Sod Solutions licensed producers.

Star Turf Farms provided Celebration® Bermudagrass, NorthBridge® Bermudagrass and CitraZoy® Zoysiagrass, Modern Turf supplied Mach 1 and Pike Creek Turf supplied TifEagle for the green. The grass was installed

by Kirkpatrick’s Turf, a contracting business serving the metro Atlanta and the surrounding area for over 10 years.

“Sod Solutions Professionals was excited to partner with the GCBAA to help build the GCSAA Interactive Grass Learning Stage this year. In particular, we’d like to thank our many partners, including Star Turf Farms, Pike Creek Turf and Modern Turf for supplying the turfgrass and Kirkpatrick’s Turf for the installation,” said Mark Kann, Sod Solutions Director of Florida Operations.

Kirkpatrick’s Turf completed the install of the “Inside the Ropes” at the 2023 GCSAA Conference

Star Turf Farms and Sod Solutions pictured at “Inside the Ropes”

30 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

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GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 31

MOVERS & SHAPERS

GGA PARTNERS JOINS

ClubWorks’ Network of Excellence CLUBWORKS ADDS WORLD-CLASS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM TO ITS PLATFORM OF BEST-IN-CLASS COMPANIES, AND EXPANDS ITS STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH THE ACQUISITION OF GGA PARTNERS MEDIA CONTACT: CLUBWORKS, HENRY WALLMEYER, PRESIDENT & COO, HWALLMEYER@CLUBWORKS.COM 202-400-1825 GGA PARTNERS: CRAIG JOHNSTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER, CRAIG.JOHNSTON@GGAPARTNERS.COM 647-822-8972

W

EST PALM BEACH, Fla. – ClubWorks, a premiere private club and high-end hospitalityfocused professional services platform, elevates its rapidly expanding service offerings with the acquisition of GGA Partners (GGA), a preeminent international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts and residential communities.

Through this investment, ClubWorks will help accelerate the expansion of GGA’s service offerings to the ClubWorks client network, including strategy and operations consulting services, transaction advisory services, as well as executive search and advanced analytics services while expanding the firm’s marketleading research efforts. GGA’s leadership team will add further expertise to the ClubWorks Board of Directors, who are committed to the continued growth of this professional services platform.

“The unmatched strategy, finance and analytics expertise of GGA will benefit our clients immensely and makes them the perfect addition to our impressive portfolio of ClubWorks companies,” said Michael Leemhuis, Chairman and CEO, ClubWorks.

“This acquisition furthers our mission to build a world-class professional services platform

32 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

while adding some of the best strategic minds in the private club and hospitality world to our leadership team.”

As part of the ClubWorks’ Network of Excellence, GGA will retain its highly respected brand, leadership team and professional staff to continue delivering high-quality, impactful strategic solutions to its clients. The additional resources and synergies afforded through the ClubWorks platform will also be incredibly impactful for the broader investment, real estate, hospitality, municipal and association related market segments currently served.

“This investment is strategic on many fronts, as the collective experience and expertise of the ClubWorks companies will help GGA better serve our clients by addressing often requested, and required, services by clubs and hospitality businesses around the globe,” said GGA Founding Partner Stephen Johnston “Our existing clients will continue to be served by our entire GGA team, now stronger than ever, and will have access to even more exceptional research, support and additional services.”

About ClubWorks Formed in January 2022, but combining more than 100+ years of history and operations, ClubWorks is a growing professional services platform dedicated to the private club and

high-end hospitality industry that is building an esteemed “Network of Excellence” across a variety of service offerings. Through its subsidiaries, Peacock + Lewis, JBD JGA Design and Architecture, Visionary Spectacle Studios, and now GGA Partners, ClubWorks is focused on providing top-quality deliverables and a best-inclass experience to its growing base of global clients which includes private clubs, restaurants, high-end hospitality, and select high-end residential clients. For more information on ClubWorks, visit: www.clubworks.com.

About GGA Partners™ GGA Partners is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts and residential communities. They are dedicated to helping owners, asset managers, club and community leaders, investors and real estate developers tackle challenges, achieve objectives and maximize asset performance.

Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, their global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success. For more information on GGA, visit: www.ggapartners.com.

MOVERS & SHAPERS

Brian Jaasko LEADS DLF

NORTH AMERICAN WHOLESALE AND PRODUCTION BUSINESS PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: BEN ADDINGTON, (608) 433-7199, ADDINGTON@DLFNA.COM

H

ALSEY, Ore. (April 5, 2023) – DLF is excited to announce the promotion of Brian Jaasko to senior vice president, wholesale & production for DLF’s North America business unit.

Jaasko is now responsible for the overall strategic direction, growth, and development of the wholesale and production functions and teams across the U.S. and Canada including wholesale and export sales, grower services, operations, and seed enhancement. It is a new and critical role for DLF that brings a North American-level strategy and focus to its

wholesale and production activities.

“Having this leadership scope is essential to reach our collective growth objectives and position DLF as a true leader in the North American and global seed industries”, said Neil Douglas, executive vice president, DLF North America.

Reporting into Neil Douglas, who leads DLF’s newly aligned North America business unit, Jaasko will work closely with his counterparts including Dan Foor, senior vice president, distribution, and Chuck Fagin, vice president, consumer products.

Jaasko has over 30 years of seed industry experience, encompassing a variety of disciplines and progression within KWS, Bayer Crop Science, and most recently with Smith Seeds. He joined DLF in February 2022 to head its seed enhancement strategy and construction of DLF’s new seed enhancement facility in Oregon. In July, he took on the added responsibility of the strategic direction and execution for all of Oregon's operations as director, Oregon operations & seed enhancement.

“Brian's expertise has been essential to bring together our operations groups, increase operational efficiency and effectiveness to support our customers and growers, and help

DLF develop and cultivate new relationships within the industry,” added Douglas.

Solidifying this role within DLF, a leading global forage and turf seed company owned by grass seed farmers, is one of many investments being made to help it partner more closely with its customers and seed growers.

"The core leadership within DLF are among the best leaders I’ve known while working in this industry. We also have a wealth of talented people supporting pivotal initiatives and investments to better serve our customer and grower partners,” said Jaasko. “I truly feel we are poised to be leaders in innovation and stewardship worthy of DLF’s 150-year history in the seed industry."

About DLF DLF is a global seed company owned by Danish grass seed farmers with more than 2,200 employees in 22 countries worldwide. It is the global market leader in forage and turf seed supplying seeds to more than 100 countries.

DLF has a complete supply chain within forage and turf seed, sugar and fodder beet seed, seed potatoes and multiplication of vegetable seed.

For more information on DLF’s North American business visit www.dlfna.com.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 33

MOVERS & SHAPERS

Hunter Industries Promotes

DENNIS WAGNER TO NATIONAL GOLF SPECIFICATION MANAGER

DENNIS WAGNER, PAST GCBAA VICE PRESIDENT AND CURRENT STICKS FOR KIDS HEAD AUCTIONEER, TAKES ON THE ROLE OF NATIONAL GOLF SPECIFICATION MANAGER AT HUNTER INDUSTRIES

H

unter is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Wagner as the National Golf Specification Manager. With over 40 years of experience in the golf industry, Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role,

having served most recently as the Western Regional Golf Sales Manager for Hunter Golf Irrigation.

In his new capacity, Dennis will be responsible for spearheading Hunter's efforts in the golf irrigation market by expanding relationships with Golf Course Architects, Golf Irrigation Consultants, and Golf Course Builders nationwide. Collaborating closely with the Hunter sales team, Dennis will work to develop tailored irrigation solutions for golf projects of various scales and types. Furthermore, he will play a crucial role in educating industry professionals on the benefits of Hunter's innovative irrigation technology, including the cutting-edge Pilot Network control system, which empowers golf course superintendents through unprecedented precision and simplicity in irrigation management, as well as

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Exclusive PressurePort™ Nozzle Technology optimizes incoming pressures to maximize distribution uniformity for greener, healthier turf

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34 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

the industry leading Total Top Serviceable rotor line-up.

"Dennis has been a valued member of our team at Hunter Golf Irrigation, and we are thrilled to see him take on this new role," said Jon Truttmann, Director of Golf Irrigation at Hunter Industries. "His extensive experience in the golf industry, coupled with his expertise in the specification and installation of irrigation systems, make him the ideal candidate to lead our efforts in the golf market."

"I am honored to accept this new role and continue my work with Hunter Golf Irrigation," said Dennis Wagner. "I am eager to build on our achievements and assist golf specifiers across the nation in realizing their irrigation objectives with Hunter's industry-leading technology."

RENTAL SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY GOLF COURSE PROJECT Sunbelt Rentals is committed to supporting the golf course industry with right-sized rental solutions for your projects across the country. For large, long-term construction jobs, our team of experts are here to help you stay on time and on budget for your next project.

Reach out to your Strategic Seller today to schedule your next equipment rental.

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GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 35

Up your “A” game with a leak-free irrigation system HDPE Piping Solutions | Technical Expertise | Fusion Equipment When your turf begins to dry up, so does the investment in your course. ISCO’s Kirchdorfer Irrigation Systems (KIS) uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe exclusively for golf course irrigation.

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We Need Your Help!

The Golf Course Builders Association of America is dedicated to advancing and continuously improving the profession of golf course construction while serving the interests of its member companies.

To help further this mission, we’re looking for stories that highlight: A unique project where you overcame an unexpected challenge

A project outside of golf where your golf construction experience was utilized A new technology you are using in golf construction

A member of your crew that has a unique story to tell

Contact GCBAA Staff today and help us help you share your experience

36 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

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No furniture to install or utilities to set up. Unpack your clothes and enjoy!

COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZABLE A la carte furnishings include housewares, sofa, linens, televisions, dining sets, artwork, and utilities. Design the aesthetics to your liking! Don’t want to customize? No problem, just let us know if you’d like the economy or executive experience.

QUALITY & SAFETY CHECK A 101-point checklist is reviewed to make sure we’ve covered it all prior to move-in.

EASY-TO-USE TECHNOLOGY Travelers Haven Portal is a one-stop shop that allows you to enter maintenance requests, make payments, as well as review leases and recent activities.

DEDICATED ACCOUNT MANAGER A dedicated concierge is available to guide you through the move-in process.

LIVE 24/7/365 CUSTOMER SERVICE If you need help after move-in, call us. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 37

NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AERATION TECHNOLOGY 4231 Pine Ridge Road Naples, Florida 34119 Phone: (954) 529-5548 Michael Shea – michaelshea1012@gmail.com Stephen Shea – aerationtech14@gmail.com ALL ABOUT IRRIGATION 1607 Ultramarine Lane Punta Gorda, Florida 33983 Phone: (941) 270-2023 Jeff Koor – allaboutirrigationllc@gmail.com Jenny Koor – jeffkoor@gmail.com

MITCHELL PRODUCTS 1205 W Main Street Millville, New Jersey 08332 Website: http://www.mitchellsand.com/ Phone: (856) 327-2005 Kevin Mitchell – kmitchell@tricure.com Jeff LaCour – jefflacour@tricure.com PROPUMP & CONTROLS INC. 2101 Cantu Court Sarasota, Florida 34232 Website: https://propumpservice.com/ Phone: (910) 530-2945 Jeff McGuire – jmcguire@prompumpservice.com Warren Fischer – wfischer@propumpservice.com

CHARTER MEMBERS ACC Golf Construction ADS/Hancor, Inc. Aspen Corporation Bryant Taylor Gordon Golf Caterpillar, Inc. Clarke Construction Group Duininck Golf Dye Designs Group Eagle Golf and Landscapes Products Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply Fleetwood Services LLC Glase Golf, Inc. Greenscapes Six HARCO Fittings Hartman Companies, Inc. Henderson & Company, Inc.

Heritage Links Hunter Industries Hydrema U.S. ISCO Industries Landirr, Inc. Landscapes Unlimited, LLC Leemco Inc. MacCurrach Golf McDonald & Sons, Inc. MCI Flowtronex Medalist Golf Mid-America Golf & Landscape, Inc. Mountain View Seeds NMP Golf Construction Corp.

Profile Products LLC QGS Development, Inc.

BUILDER APPLICANT LARSON GOLF SERVICES LLC PO Box 246 Concan, Texas 78838 Website: http://www.larsongolfservices.com/ Phone: (830) 275-3247 Kyle Larson – klarson@larsongolfservices.com Robert Larson – rlarson@larsongolfservices.com

Rain Bird Corporation - Golf Division Regency Wire Ryangolf Corporation Shapemasters, Inc. Sod Solutions Professionals Southeastern Golf SportZmix - Waupaca Sand & Solutions Sunbelt Rentals Tee-2-Green The Cart Path Company The Toro Company United Golf, LLC VM Golf Services Wadsworth Golf Construction Company West Coast Turf Westlake Pipe & Fittings XGD Systems, LLC DBA TDI Golf

GCBAA MEETINGS CALENDAR May 8-10, 2023

National Golf Day July 22, 2023

5th Annual Rich Mullen Memorial Golf Outing Wolf Creek Golf Club Danville, Illinois July 25-27, 2023

2023 GCBAA Summer Meeting Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 38 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

December 19-20, 2023

2023 S. Florida Regional Meeting The Breakers Resort West Palm Beach, Florida January 29-February 1, 2024

GCBAA Winter Meeting/GCSAA Conference & Trade Show Phoenix, Arizona

Visit the Events page at gcbaa.org to stay up to date!

EARTHSHAPING NEWS GCBAA Advertising Rates for 2023

1/12 PAGE AD or 1/15 PAGE AD 4-color, 1 issue:$300 ad 4-color, 2 issues:$275 ad/ issue 4-color, 4 issues:$260 ad/ issue

1/8 PAGE AD

1/4 PAGE AD

1/2 PAGE AD

FULL PAGE AD

4-color, 1 issue:$600 ad

4-color, 1 issue:$1000 ad

4-color, 2 issues:$555 ad/ issue

4-color, 2 issues:$950 ad/ issue

4-color, 1 issue:$1350 per ad 4-color, 2 issues:$1250 ad/issue

4-color, 1 issue:$2050 per ad 4-color, 2 issues:$1900 ad/issue

4-color, 4 issues:$500 ad/ issue

4-color, 4 issues: $850 per ad/issue

4-color, 4 issues: $1150 per ad/issue

4-color, 4 issues: $1750 per ad/issue

WRAP: 1 issue: $1200; 4 issues: $1000/issue

INSERT: 1 issue: $1200; 4 issues: $1000/issue, if insert provided. If insert is not provided, cost includes printing/final layout.

Earth Shaping News Ad Sizes

full with bleed 8.5 x 12.25

full without bleed 7.5 x 10

1/2 horizontal 7.5 x 4.875

1/2 vertical 3.625 x 10

1/4 horizontal 7.5 x 2.3

1/4 vertical 3.625 x 4.875

1/8 horizontal 3.625 x 2.3

1/8 vertical 1.6875 x 4.875

1/12 horizontal 3.625 x 1.46

1/15 vertical 1.3 x 3.17

ART GUIDELINES

TEXT GUIDELINES

NOTE: Original images must be 300 DPI for CMYK or Greyscale images, and 600 DPI for Bitmap images. Do not increase the resolution on a file that is of insufficient resolution.

Preferred text sumbission is as a Word PC email attachment or on a PC-formatted flash drive or CD.

ACCEPTABLE FORMATS:

UNACCEPTABLE FORMATS:

• Hardcopy photos for scanning

• Images embedded in a

ACCEPTABLE FORMATS: • In-line. In the body of an

• JPEG, TIFF, or Photoshop files on flash drive or CD. See above for resolution requirements.

• Email attachment digital images (JPEG, TIFF). See above for resolution requirements.

Word document or a PDF document

• Low resolution (72 DPI) digital images • Images on a website (unless physical size is at least 8” wide)

email • PDF. As a pdf (for text only) • Simple text. As a simple text doc • URL. As a URL to a web page (for text only)

2023 Copy Guidelines

• 1st Quarter : 3/1

• 2nd Quarter: 5/1 • 3rd Quarter: 8/1

• 4th Quarter: 11/1

UNACCEPTABLE FORMATS: (unless discussed w/GCBAA)

• Fax. A fax of the copy • Printout. A printout or photocopy of the copy

Contact GCBAA with questions about submission or making an ad reservation.

Tel 402.476.4444 Email information@gcbaa.org GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 27 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition 39

GOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 6040 S 58TH STREET, SUITE D LINCOLN, NE 68516

40 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Spring Edition

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LINCOLN, NE PERMIT #40