2nd Q 2018 Earth Shaping News

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

Inside Issue the

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President’s Perspective

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Executive Director Notes

6

Foundation Update

9

Human Resources

10 Developer’s Guide 16 Allied Updates 20 New Members 20 GCBAA Meetings Calendar 21 Movers & Shapers

2Q | 2018

2018 GCBAA SUMMER MEETING SET TO HIT Nashville Still looking for a reason to attend the 2018 GCBAA Summer Meeting? We’ve got 5 for you!

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Feed Your Brain

Learn the latest in golf course construction trends, technology musthaves and efficiency builders from a host of amazing speakers, vendors and industry leaders who are there to help you succeed. If you’re a Builder Member, you won’t want to miss the unique, offsite education planned at Hermitage Golf Course Tuesday, August 14.

Expand Your Circle

Reconnect with colleagues and form new relationships at a series of engaging networking events designed to facilitate business. The Opening Reception, Breakfast with the Vendors, and Casino Afternoon are all events designed to help facilitate business! continue on pg. 2

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Grow Your Business

Pinpoint and conquer the obstacles holding you back from recognizing your growth potential with golf course construction experts focused solely on helping your business grow and prosper.

Visit With Your Vendors

Get a leg up as you talk with GCBAA vendors and preview new products and services throughout the trade show. Nearly 20 vendors will exhibit in Nashville, ranging from pipe and equipment, to lodging and bunkers.

It’s NashVegas!

All work and no play? No way! Located right off of historic Broadway Street, the GCBAA Headquarter Hotel is walking distance to all the hottest restaurants, bars and live music. Not only that, but the hotel is connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame!

FOR UP TO THE MINUTE MEETING UPDATES, DOWNLOAD THE GCBAA MOBILE EVENT APP! 1. GO TO YOUR APP STORE AND DOWNLOAD “TBM ENGAGE” 2. ENTER THE ACCESS CODE GCBAA 3. CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT

Still need to register?

Visit gcbaa.org/Events/Summer-Meeting or call the GCBAA office (402) 476-4444

See you in Nashville!

2 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

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11/21/17 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 20184:463PM

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

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Patrick Karnick

GCBAA PRESIDENT

BOARD MEMBERS Ronnie Adkins Aspen Corporation Chris Caccavale Caterpillar Inc. Mark Creighton Ewing Irrigation Ellen Davis SportZmix Solutions (Vice President) Judd Duininck Duininck Golf (President Elect) Greg Hufner Total Turf Services John McDonald II McDonald & Sons, Inc. (Treasurer) Mike Perez VM Golf Services Joy Ramos D.H.R. Construction Bob Sylvester The Toro Company Jon Truttmann Hunter Industries Scott Veazey Southeastern Golf, Inc. (Past President) Ian Williams Rain Bird (Secretary) Rick Williamson LASCO Fittings, Inc. Tom Works Landscapes Unlimited, LLC

e are off and running! This year in the all of us to know and understand is that the golf GCBAA is well underway and the Board industry represents nearly $70 billion of the US and Staff are busy attending to and economy, impacts close to 2 million American jobs planning for many of the upcoming events this year. and generates nearly $4 billion in charitable giving The numbers are in from the Winter Meeting in San on an annual basis. We spent our first day in DC Antonio and despite the less than ideal weather we being part of an annual Community Service Project experienced, all signs point to a positive result for at the National Mall organized by We Are Golf, both our Association and the Industry. Inside the which included nearly 150 participants attending Ropes was a highlight of the GIS and provided great National Golf Day. The army of golf spent most of the exposure for the GCBAA. The effort by our staff and all day sprucing up the National Mall by seeding and the Association contributors should be recognized as sodding grass areas and edging the nearly (5) miles this program has proven to be a success in elevating of walkway throughout the Mall. The second day was the position of the GCBAA within the golf industry spent bringing the message of golf to the individual and our allied associations. members of the House and Senate on Capitol Hill. If Since the GIS, the Board and Staff have been you haven’t had the opportunity to attend this event attending to the business of the Association. We held in the past, I would recommend the experience to our first Executive Board meeting with the newly anyone. It’s always an education into the working of elected Board Members in April at our headquarters our government and Washington is a beautiful and in Lincoln. Central topics of discussion related to historic place to visit. the continued revision and redevelopment of the Justin and Sam executed the first Regional Strategic Plan that was previously developed and Meeting of the year in Dublin, OH in conjunction implemented in 2015. The industry has changed with the annual Keepers of the Green golf outing. in many ways since that The meeting was held on plan was put together and June 5th with the golf the Board is continually tournament on June 6th. reviewing and adjusting If you had an opportunity our approach to addressing THE GOLF INDUSTRY to attend, you were specific issues affecting treated to a great meal REPRESENTS NEARLY our members. We have a and tour of Dr. Mike plan in place to re-issue the Hurdzan’s Museum of $70 BILLION OF THE Strategic Plan Goals this Golf at his nearby office.

US ECONOMY. year. In addition, we are It’s worth the trip! working together with Justin The staff is also and Sam to ensure we are preparing for the providing clear direction and upcoming Summer goals for the Association to continue positive growth Meeting in Nashville and we are looking forward to for the GCBAA and to maintain our position as a seeing many of you. You should have received your leader in the allied golf associations. registration information so be sure to get signed up Justin represented us at the annual ASGCA for what promises to be another great event. Along Meeting which was held in Houston this year where with the education and networking opportunities George Bush, Sr, was honored with esteemed Don and the annual Sticks for Kids Golf Tournament, we Ross Award. While I was not able to personally attend, will be honoring long time GCBAA Board Member I know our presence at this annual event is greatly (and auctioneer) Dennis Wagner with the Perry Dye appreciated by the members of the ASGCA and that Service Award to recognize his loyalty and unselfish they are always looking for new and better ways to contribution to our Association. collaborate on issues that affect both of our groups.

As you can see, the year is off to great start and it is Later in April, Justin and I represented GCBAA amazing how fast time has gone by. We will continue at National Golf Day in Washington, DC. Now in its to do the work of the Association so that our Members 11th year, the event has grown and developed into continue to benefit from our efforts. As always, if there a very well-organized effort aimed at highlighting is every anything I can do to assist in any way, please the important issues affecting the golf industry as feel free to reach out to me directly. well as the impact the industry has on our national economy and way of life. Some facts important for

Sincerely,

Patrick Karnick 4 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NOTES

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t is almost impressive the creativity web and beyond frustrating to see these groups pretend to email scammers have become. To think that be our association and target our members. We do with each technical advancement comes a group not and will not ever sell our membership list. Our trying to make a fast dollar at the expense of some members’ information is only available to fellow trusting body. It makes you wonder how soon after members and we work with companies who want Alexander Graham Bell patented the first telephone to send information to the membership on how to that telemarketers began interrupting dinner time. In properly brand and create introductions to avoid the some cases, it is almost comical to see the attempts appearance of spam. Most of you are used to our being made to buy email lists, register for hotel marketing and can spot a fake email or letter. blocks before they sell out, or unlock an account We ask all of you to simply use two simple rules before it becomes inactive. It is not as funny when when it comes to a questionable phone call, email, these solicitors start using or letter. Use common our names and brands to sense and when in convince our members that doubt, contact the office. it is a legitimate ask. All of Remember the trends of us are getting calls on our our events; registrations WE CANNOT THANK cell phones that appear to be for the Summer Meeting OUR VOLUNTEERS a local number only to find began in May and June out the person on the other and are always tied to AND PARTNERS line is just trying to get us a the meeting registration.

ENOUGH FOR better interest rate. About a Golf Industry Show hotel month ago my wife Melissa room blocks open in late HELPING US received a call with a child’s summer and early fall; GROW THIS GREAT voice on the other end saying and the office always “help me mommy” and then sends reminders to watch ORGANIZATION a voice saying “we have your for the links. Those blocks daughter”… Luckily, Melissa will always carry a seal of knew our daughter was in the other room and she the housing partner, Connections Housing. Be sure to had read about the warnings that there are now fake remind all of your staff to be watchful for these “fake ransom calls to parents demanding money. emails” and don’t fall victim to tag lines that just don’t Just like any spam, it is easy to ignore it as make sense – like receiving the first notice of a hotel there is little that can be done to stop it at this room block about to sell out! point; although solutions are in sight. It is beyond We felt it was more important to remind everyone an annoyance and the best remedy at this point to watch out for spammers so the rest of my update it to educate your employees, family, and friends will ask you to help us recruit new members to on what to watch for. Many of our members have GCBAA. We are happy to make the phone calls and been receiving emails specifically selling Golf connection if you provide the contact information for Course Builders member lists, Golf Industry Show any company you think would make a good fit. We attendee lists, and even Golf Industry Show hotel need your help to sustain quality members of GCBAA rooms. It won’t surprise me if we start seeing Golf and keep a healthy network of suppliers and builders.

Course Builders meeting hotel rooms as clever as Take time to review all of articles in this issue and see these companies are becoming. They troll websites all the great things your organization is involved with. where associations have event calendars, along with We cannot thank our volunteers and partners enough links to upcoming meetings and conferences; and for helping us grow this great organization. We hope then target those groups. It is easy for them to use to see you in Nashville and please let us know if we worm software to capture contact information of can help you with anything! members event when websites like gcbaa.org have barricades in place to minimize the damage. It is Justin Apel

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

SAMANTHA HUFF

PROGRAM & PLANNING MANAGER

samantha_huff@gcbaa.org

LUNDMARK ADVERTISING & DESIGN DESIGN & LAYOUT

www.lundmarkadv.com

Information in this publication may be reproduced for nonprofit 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.

Justin Apel

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CHARTER MEMBERS

ACC Golf Construction ADS/Hancor, Inc. Aspen Corporation Boyd Irrigation, Inc. Bryant Taylor Gordon Golf Cal Olson Golf Architecture Caterpillar, Inc. Clarke Construction Group Duininck Golf Dye Designs International Eagle Golf and Landscapes Products Ewing Irrigation Fleetwood Services LLC Forward Group Glase Golf, Inc. Greenscapes Six HARCO Fittings Hartman Companies, Inc. Henderson & Company, Inc. Heritage Links Hunter Industries ISCO Industries Jacklin Golf Landirr, Inc. Landscapes Unlimited, LLC LASCO Fittings Inc. 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. Rain Bird Corporation - Golf Division Raven CLI Ryangolf Corporation Shapemasters, Inc. 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 XGD Systems, LLC DBA TDI Golf

Archived issues available at www.gcbaa.org.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018 5

GCBAA FOUNDATION UPDATE

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Tom Shapland

GCBAA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

BOARD MEMBERS Mark Arrimour Total Turf Services Ellen Davis (Board Liaison) SportZmix Solutions 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 Chris Seiberling LMC Insurance & Risk Management Doug York Ewing Irrigation

6 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

he Foundation has been busy this summer carrying out several new programs and projects to increase youth participation and help high school golf teams. Our joint USGA/LPGA/ GCBAA Girls Golf programs, and the Sticks for Kids in Schools initiative are coming online slowly as we want to walk before we run. Clubs were purchased at a substantial discount from Ping, who has a long history of supporting youth golf programs; and have been distributed to our Texas Program and the teams have the equipment and training tools to begin their seasons. Programs have been identified with the LPGA and we are anxiously waiting for our custom clubs to be delivered and redistributed.

Finally, we have continued our original mission with our partnership with programs launched in prior years at parks and recreation departments around

the country. We have supported those programs with updated equipment as well as provided new programming to those facilities with unique needs.

Our next important project is to maintain the sustainability of our programming and while we are using reserve funds we have raised over the past several years through your generous contributions and support; our Super Bowl of fundraising is fast approaching at our upcoming annual Summer Meeting. Please contact staff to support by either donating something for the auction or watch the growing list of auction items on the GCBAA website that you might want to bid on. All the donations help and we cannot thank you enough for the support of your GCBAA Foundation.

Tom Shapland

San Diego 2019 CONNECT. DISCOVER. ELEVATE.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

FEBRUARY 2-7

GOLFINDUSTRYSHOW.COM

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018 7

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

8 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

HUMAN RESOURCES

Telework – REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION AND GOOD FOR BUSINESS?

BY JACK L. SHULTZ AND KRAMER L. LYONS

O’NEILL, HEINRICH, DAMKROGER, BERGMEYER & SHULTZ, P.C., L.L.O.

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ith the ever increasing use of technology in the workplace, more employers are utilizing telework or telecommuting programs with their employees. Many businesses find that telework programs can help attract and retain employees by boosting morale and productivity. Courts have even ruled that allowing employees to work remotely may be a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with the Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

The ADA requires employers with at least 15 employees to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation includes any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done to enable an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform a job, or gain equal access to the benefits and privileges of a job. The ADA will not require employers to accommodate a disabled person if the specific type of accommodation will cause undue hardship to the employer. Undue hardship would include significant difficulty or expense to implement or provide the accommodation. Undue hardship is a difficult burden for an employer to prove.

The ADA does not require employers to implement and maintain a telework program. However, if an employer does maintain such a program, it must provide equal access to a disabled employee. Further, reasonable accommodation could include modifying or waiving certain provisions of a telework program to accommodate a person’s disability so to allow that person to work from home. Even if the employer does not maintain a telework program or allow employees to work from home, reasonable accommodation may include allowing an employee to work remotely from home.

In order to determine if an employee may need to work at home as a reasonable accommodation, the employer and employee should engage in a flexible “interactive process.” This process starts by the employee notifying the employer that he/she has a medical condition that will require a change in working requirements and conditions. The employer and employee then discuss why the disability may require the person to work from home. If it is unclear whether the person’s medical condition is a “disability” as defined under the ADA, the employer may request information about the employee’s medical condition. The parties are free to discuss other accommodations which may allow the person

to remain on the workplace full-time. may require an employee to work from home on an Once it is determined that some accommodation as needed basis, but this should be done only if it will be required, the employer should review the does not cause undue hardship to the employer. essential job functions of the disabled employee.

An employer is not obligated to adopt an These essential job functions are the duties and employee’s preferred or requested accommodation tasks fundamental to the performance of a specific and may offer alternate accommodations so long job. If an essential job function is not possible to as they would be effective. Certain reasonable be performed at home, telework would not be a accommodations may include adjustments or reasonable accommodation. If, however, only minor modifications to the workplace which may enable a job duties could not be performed at home, telework disabled employee to perform his or her job there. It may be a reasonable accommodation. If another is important to note that not all jobs can be performed minor duty not currently performed by the employee at an employee’s home through a telework program. could be done at home, an employer may reassign A recent case out of the Sixth Circuit Court duties to the disabled worker to allow them to work of Appeals held that telecommuting may be a from home. Clearly, the essential functions of some reasonable accommodation under the ADA when the jobs cannot be performed at home. For example, food employee is able to perform the essential functions service providers, manual laborers and truck drivers of the job and the request was only for a short time. cannot perform the essential duties of their job from In Mosby-Meachem v. Memphis Light, Gas and home.

Water Division, No. 17-5483 (6th Cir. 2018), an inIn determining the feasibility of having an house attorney requested to work from home for ten employee work from home, employers should weeks while she was on bed rest due to pregnancy consider their ability to supervise the employee complications. Her employer denied the request and whether any parts of the job require special based on its policy that attorneys must be in the office equipment or tools that are not practical to be located from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the workweek. in a home. Additional considerations should be However, employees, including attorneys, often made as to whether the telecommuted for work. job requires face-to-face The employer argued that interaction with other cophysical presence was an workers or customers, and essential function of the whether the employee attorney’s job. The attorney MANY BUSINESSES would need immediate was able to show, however, FIND THAT TELEWORK access to documents and that she could perform PROGRAMS CAN other materials stored at the essential functions of HELP ATTRACT AND the physical workplace. An her job remotely and that employer should not deny she had worked remotely RETAIN EMPLOYEES BY an employee’s request to for a two week period in BOOSTING MORALE work from home merely a previous year. The jury, AND PRODUCTIVITY. because a job requires finding that the employer some contact with other failed to engage in the employees. interactive process, awarded the attorney $92,000 in If an employer determines that some of the compensatory damages and $18,184.32 in back pay. essential job functions will require working at When these situations arise in the workplace, the workplace, consideration should be given as employers should evaluate each accommodation on to whether the job may be done part time at the a case by case basis, consider the essential functions employee’s home and part time at the workplace. of the job, engage in the interactive process, and If an employee is working at home as a reasonable determine the length of time requested. Employers accommodation to a disability, the employee should should frequently review their job descriptions so only work at home to the extent that his/her disability that they accurately reflect the essential functions requires. Some disabilities may require working on of each position. This can assist the parties when only a few days a week, while others may require engaging in the interactive process. limited hours of work each day. Certain situations

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

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018 9

DEVELOPER’S GUIDE

NEW AND GROWING MARKETS OF OPPORTUNITY

BY HENRY DELOZIER

GLOBAL GOLF ADVISORS

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oise, Dallas, Fort Worth, Orlando, Phoenix, Reno, Riverside County, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Tampa are all prospering in the current housing market. According to John Burns Real Estate Consulting, these markets rate “strong” on the Home Sales and Pricing Hotness Index. No US markets are hotter than Nashville, Seattle, and the Silicon Valley!

Golf course builders benefit from surging consumer confidence and a dependable housing economy. In his May 22, 2018 webcast, John Burns predicted steady growth ahead with long-term pricing risk for the 50 largest US housing markets. What does a steady housing market mean for GCBAA members?

1 New Work

2 Continued Remodel and Renovation Work

3 Increased Labor Costs

4 Expanded Strategic Alliances

New course construction will not rival the great 20042007 housing boom in the near term. There will continue to be new courses planned for communities that offer facilitated lifestyles. Large-scale developers and housing companies will use golf and golf courses as they have for several decades to ammenitize master planned communities.

The developers’ business model has evolved to move golf-related assets and clubs off the project

proforma as soon as possible in order to improve performance results. Golf course development costs are a drawdown on ROI calculations early in most projects.

It is important for developers to have trustworthy and dependable golf course builders on whom to rely. So, what should you do? Renew your contacts with past developer clients. There has been a great amount of turnover so keep current.

These categories have become post-recessionary meat-and-potatoes for GCBAA members. Longstanding clubs need to update and restore features.

Most sand bunkers need updated technology.

According to the Expected Lifecycle Chart published by the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), bunker sand and drainage have a fiveto ten-year expectancy. Irrigation systems older

than 15- to 30-years old should be under study for replacement.

Educate clients of your firm on typical replacement cycles and planning. Through focused educational efforts you can extend the rejuvenated remodeling work you are doing.

Labor costs in the US are escalating rapidly with no slowdown expected for at least another couple of years. A robust housing cycle requires many workers and depleted the workforce for manual labor jobs offered by golf course builders.

So, what should you do? Develop a costeffective method for finding workers and

maintaining connectivity if your workflow is inconsistent.

Golf course builders never have too many friends.

Expand your reach to enable more opportunity.

Land planners and investment bankers are often the first to know of new developments in planning.

The first to know about new opportunities is able to provide pre-development guidance and good counsel to ensure accurate budgeting and timeline management.

Builders benefit from strategic alliances that enhance their involvement ahead of RFPs and other

standard solicitations. Expanding your network of deal sources can improve your success in securing new work.

And what markets are not showing well on the Hotness Index? Bakersfield, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, and Fort Myers are markets ranked weakest markets in the John Burns index.

Henry DeLozier is a Principal at Global Golf Advisors, a worldwide consulting that specializes in golf-related businesses.

10 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

NATIONAL GOLF DAY SETS

Record Attendance

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hile the traditional National Golf Day was held on Wednesday, April 25, the activities planned for nearly 200 attendees began on Monday of that week. With approximately 175 attendees participating in the Community Service Project on the Tuesday before National Golf Day, the group met to discuss logistics and plans to work together to improve our National Mall the night before. GCBAA President Pat Karnick along with Executive Director Justin Apel and Doug Myslinski with Wadsworth Golf Construction joined other industry leaders and members to discuss important legislative issues and their effect on the golf industry with our national leaders. With a coordinated planning effort amongst industry allies, the groups covered 218 meetings with Members of Congress representing 39 states. Members from the Golf Course Superintendents Association, the National Golf Course Owners Association, Club Managers Association, and members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects broke into groups and as constituents, visited their local delegates.

Included this year was a Congressional reception held at the United States Capitol Building Visitors Center.

The training for meeting also featured FOX Chief

Political Anchor Bret Baier.

Key issues discussed included current labor issues affecting golfs two million American jobs. H-2B Visa Cap and processing delays, healthcare mandates and seasonable labor as well as overtime pay rules. Golf prides itself as environmental stewards and supports environmental laws and regulations that are based on sound science and credible data.

Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s National Golf Day, set for Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018 11

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12 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

GCBAA Welcomes CLARKE CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC. AS A CHARTER MEMBER

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CBAA is excited to announce one of the association’s newest Charter Members, Clarke Construction Group, Inc. Based in southwest Florida, Clarke Construction Group, Inc. was formed in 2006. What started as small renovation projects with a handful of employees, Clarke Construction quickly evolved into a premier golf course construction company with over 75 employees. As a Florida Certified General Contractor, Clarke can perform all aspects of construction; however focuses primarily on golf construction and renovation.

Clarke has completed projects on most of the courses in southwest Florida and is now bidding and performing on projects throughout the United States. The company is currently working on nearly a dozen small projects, three complete renovation projects in Florida and building the new Indiana University golf course.

While developing the Clarke brand, the company remains committed to the growth of the golf course industry and supporting GCBAA and the many wonderful things the association does for the industry.

Clarke Construction, Inc. has been a member of GCBAA since 2016 and maintains the status of Renovation Builder.

WATCH FOR FEATURES IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THREE NEW CHARTER MEMBERS:

VM GOLF SERVICES GREENSCAPES SIX, LLC MOUNTAIN VIEW SEEDS

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018 13

GCBAA HOSTS OHIO REGIONAL MEETING, SUPPORTS Keepers of the Green

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or the second consecutive year, GCBAA hosted a Regional Meeting in Dublin, Ohio in early June. And while it wasn’t the largest attended Regional Meeting to date, the educational offering was unmatched.

Thank you to those who presented at this year’s Ohio Regional Meeting!

• Compaction and Backfill – Stephanie Zimmerman, ADS/Hancor & Lloyd Hampton, Wacker Neuson • Ohio Best Management Practices – Shane Conroy, GCSAA • Erin Hills Fairy Tale Story – Dr. Mike Hurdzan, ASGCA • General Discussion - Irrigation Consultants and Architects Having a regional presence in Ohio allows for GCBAA members attending to also play in, and support the Keepers of the Green Tournament. In its 18th year, Keepers of the Green donates each year

to the Special Forces Association Family Support Fund. It’s an exceptional cause and one that the golf tournament financially supports. A special thanks to the Golf Club of Dublin for hosting both the Regional Meeting and Keepers of the Green Tournament. And while rain kept the group inside for the meeting the day before, it was all sunshine for the tournament.

The GCBAA Foundation was humbled to accept a $1,000 donation from Keepers of the Green before the shotgun start; truly a generous gesture and one that will help fund a new Sticks for Kids program in 2019.

GCBAA began hosting regional events in 2015 in hopes of bringing together members and industry allies for a day of education and networking. Without question, these meetings wouldn’t thrive without the support from our sponsors. If your company is ever interested in attending, sponsoring, presenting education, or even hosting a Regional Meeting in your backyard, please contact the GCBAA office.

THANK YOU TO THE OHIO REGIONAL MEETING SPONSORS! EAGLE SUPPORT

14 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

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“Having Sunbelt as our partner on construction projects as well as renovation projects has been very successful and we look forward to working with them on many projects in the future.”

Mike Webb, Construction Manager – GCBAA Certified Builder Heritage Links

Sunbelt Rentals is a national, full-service rental company with more than 625 locations nationwide. Providing a broad range of equipment, we are committed to meeting or exceeding your expectations. Sunbelt delivers what you need, when and where you need it.

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ALLIED UPDATES

JEFF BLUME, ASGCA, ELECTED President OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS

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ROOKFIELD, Wis. – Jeff Blume, ASGCA, was elected president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) at the organization’s recent 72nd Annual Meeting in his hometown of Houston.

Blume is a Landscape Architecture graduate of Texas A&M University. He first joined the firm of ASGCA Past President Jeff Brauer, GolfScapes, where he rose to the position of Project Architect. Blume then moved to the firm of Robert von Hagge, serving as Project Architect for assignments in the United States, Japan, Mexico and the Caribbean.

After five years, with von Hagge, Blume formed his own design firm, Jeffrey D. Blume, Ltd. Blume and his company have, among numerous projects, designed the Grand Pines Golf Club at Bentwater, in Montgomery, Texas, and led renovation projects at a number of courses including Golf Digest Best New courses recipients The Golf Club at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, and Boiling Springs Golf Club in Woodward, Oklahoma.

“ASGCA is truly unique among professional societies, and reflects the traditions and values of the game we serve,” Blume said. “We are a group of

competitors that battle for commissions and attention on a daily basis, but collaborate, assist and mentor those with whom we compete. The camaraderie that we all share as a result of our common love for this great game binds us together.”

As he focuses on his upcoming time as ASGCA president, Blume plans to draw attention to the positive economic results being seen by those who invest in golf facilities of all sizes and shapes.

“The state of the game is strong, and we should all be committed to reminding folks of this whenever we have the opportunity,” he said. “Golf is a sound financial investment that carries with it many social, environmental and physical benefits.

“Golf course owners and operators are taking steps each day to reduce costs and improve revenues, often with the assistance of ASGCA members. This investment benefits communities in a number of ways, as seen by golf’s $84 billion annual impact on the U.S. economy. And through it all, golf remains an affordable means of recreation for 24 million people each year, at just $38 per round, on average.”

Additional Blume projects include the renovation of Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas, and

Lake Charles Country Club in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and original course designs that include: The Farm D’Allie Golf Club, Lafayette, Louisiana; Sterling Country Club, Houston; Elkins Lake Ravines Course, Huntsville, Texas; Tascosa Golf Club (La Paloma Course), Amarillo, Texas; and Wendeng Golf Club in Shandong Province, Peoples Republic of China.

Blume will serve as ASGCA President through May 2019.

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ALLIED UPDATES

Tips FOR TEE LEVELING

P

eriodically leveling tees is a necessary part of long-term tee maintenance. Thousands of divots, overzealous use of divot mix and natural soil settling over time can leave tee surfaces bumpy and uneven. These issues may be especially pronounced on tees that receive heavy use, such as par-3 tees. When tees are unlevel, a variety of playability and turf issues can develop. For example, mowing becomes more difficult and the effective teeing area shrinks as golfers avoid places where they cannot find a level stance. Leveling tees remedies these issues and provides an excellent opportunity to address other concerns, such as thatch accumulation or improper surface drainage.

While there are many ways to level teeing surfaces, being mindful of some basic considerations will help ensure a successful project regardless of the exact method chosen.

When removing turf prior to leveling, it is best to include an area several feet beyond the tee surface itself. The additional work area makes it easier to tie-in the new grades and achieve adequate surface drainage. Be sure to mark any sprinklers or quickcouplers in and around the work area so they are not damaged during the turf removal or construction process.

Sometimes, a dense layer of thatch remains after the turf is removed. If that is the case, consult with the golf course superintendent to determine whether making a second pass with the sod cutter to remove the excess material would be beneficial.

Excess thatch is not conducive to achieving a smooth, level tee surface and it will negatively impact turf health. Leveling tees is an excellent opportunity to remove much of this material.

The leveling process itself can be successfully performed in a variety of ways. The most appropriate method will be determined by project goals, budget and builder preferences. While laser-leveling has become increasingly popular, it is not necessary to

achieve a suitable teeing surface. Using laser-guided equipment does typically expedite the leveling process, however, and it delivers consistent results.

In many cases, it is possible to level a tee surface by cutting and filling the existing soil. If it is necessary to import additional material, it is best to use material that is compatible with the existing soil so that the growing medium will be homogeneous.

Rototilling or deep cultivation of the tee surface should be avoided because this disturbance will add to the time required to settle and firm the soil.

Unnecessary disturbance also increases the risk of unwanted settling over time.

Finished tee surfaces should have a minimum surface grade of 0.5 percent to ensure effective surface drainage. Whenever possible, the surface should slope away from access points to limit the amount of water flowing into these high-traffic

areas. Sloping a tee along with the natural grade typically limits the amount of soil that needs to be moved and will likely produce a more aesthetically pleasing result. While some believe that tees should be sloped in a particular direction regardless of the topography, the reality is that most golfers do not perceive the subtle slopes found on tee surfaces and are unlikely to be impacted by which direction the tee is sloping. Therefore, the direction of slope that most efficiently yields proper surface drainage is usually the best option.

With today’s high expectations for the presentation and playability of teeing grounds, it is important to periodically level these surfaces.

While the interval for leveling will vary based on use patterns and maintenance practices, this process should be considered a part of routine maintenance for tees.

Tee leveling is necessary to correct uneven surface conditions caused by divots, divot repair and natural soil settling.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018 17

ALLIED UPDATES

HURRICANE IRMA – LESSONS LEARNED AT FLORIDA CLUBS

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urricane Irma devastated Florida clubs throughout the Southwest and Northeast in September 2017. In order to document the storm’s impact on member clubs, the Florida Chapter of CMAA (FLCMAA) partnered with Club Benchmarking and the National Club Association (NCA) to create a comprehensive survey to capture key findings about the experiences of clubs in preparing for and recovering from a natural disaster.

Survey findings and a white paper presentation on the storm’s impact on Florida clubs were presented at the FLCMAA summer conference at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Fla., from June 17-20.

Irma was the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the open Atlantic; a Category 5 with a peak wind speed of 185 mph. The entire state was affected by the hurricane and taught clubs many lessons about preparation, debris removal and insurance coverage.

The effects of Hurricane Irma on the Florida landscape will be felt for years, and for many the cleanup will continue into next summer.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Clubs are major drivers of the Florida economy.

Annual gross revenue of the 79 clubs participating in the Hurricane Irma Survey totals nearly $762 million and they employ 10,500 workers. Nearly 61,000 members belong to these Florida clubs.

The survey respondents indicated that insurance claims filed for damages from Hurricane Irma were in excess of $27.5 million, including $9.5 million in damages to golf courses. More than half of club employees—5,855—were affected by the storm.

THE GOLF COURSE

Significant damage occurred on golf courses, where the median amount of damage indicated by 38 percent of respondents was $85,000, with 28 percent of the clubs indicating that the median number of holes damaged was 18 holes.

Golf course damage ranged from debris cleanup and tree damage and removal to flooding and bunker damage. Seventeen percent of clubs reported bunker damage that amounted to a median cost of $20,000.

Nine percent reported $10,000 of damage on average to irrigation systems.

Cart paths also had a median $10,000 damage reported by 12 percent of the clubs, primarily for resurfacing and tree root damage.

Golf courses were closed for a median eight days—a longer period than the clubhouse facilities.

18 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

Regionally, on average, courses in the Everglades were closed for 20 days, 9 and 7 days, respectively in the Seminole and Gator regions and 5 days in the North/Sunshine region.

One lesson learned by clubs was to fully understand their insurance coverage. Many clubs did not realize that debris removal is not covered by insurance, so the debris either was left for county pick up or the club incurred the cost of clean-up.

Some policies have a cap in place for each golf course and were not covered with other damages after the deductible. Of the responding clubs, 45 percent did not have a reserve fund in place to cover their hurricane deductible. Additionally, many large claims were still unpaid months after the storm. Clubs should have ample cash available to cover expenses

while waiting for the insurance settlement.

One-quarter of surveyed clubs did not document the club before the storm. Take video or photos of all buildings, structures and holes to catalog the buildings and each hole of the golf course before and after the storm. Having records describing the damage is the best proof to justify claims to the property.

More valuable disaster planning lessons can be learned from the white paper, “Hurricane Irma 2017: The Economic, Human and Social Impact on Florida Clubs.” For more information, contact NCA Vice President of Communications Cindy Vizza at vizza@ nationalclub.org.

ALLIED UPDATES

CLUB MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA CHANGES NAME TO CLUB MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

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lexandria, VA – The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) today announced it has changed its name to the Club Management Association of America, effective July 1, 2018. In February, CMAA’s membership voted overwhelmingly to change the name of the Association. This name change more accurately identifies who CMAA is and helps distinguish what the organization does.

The new name better reflects the composition of CMAA’s membership, which has diversified in the last 10 years. Today, approximately one third of the membership is comprised of professionals serving in

management roles at their club facilities but are not necessarily the top executive like the general manager/ chief operating officer.

Originally founded in 1927, CMAA promotes relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; encourages the education and advancement of members through the Certified Club Manager (CCM); and provides the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations.

“The renaming of the Association better reflects the composition of our membership, and more accurately illustrates the current makeup of the Association,”

shared Chief Executive Officer Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE. “CMAA is serving the needs of multiple constituencies in the club business, and we are working to ensure its existence and growth as a thriving industry.”

CMAA will continue to evolve and extend its reach as the leadership in the club management practice. Under its current strategic plan, CMAA has enhanced its member offerings and established itself as an even more inclusive, value-driven, and wellfunctioning organization. The Association will retain its acronym, CMAA.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018 19

NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS NORTH AMERICAN GREEN / WESTERN EXCELSIOR

4609 E. Booneville – New Harmony Road Evansville, IN 47725 Phone: (812) 867-4870 Contact: Alex Abbott, VP – Sales Email: aabbott@westernexcelsior.com Website: www.nagreen.com – www.westernexcelsior.com Manufacture complete line of sediment and erosion control materials for stabilization and turf reinforcement

WINDING BROOK TURF FARM

240 Griswold Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 Phone: (740) 321-6133 Contact: Mike Krudwig Email: mkruds@yahoo.com Website: www.windingbrookturf.com Sod, sod installation, seed, hydro seeding

IN REMEMBRANCE

JAMES BEARD

GCBAA MEETINGS CALENDAR August 13-16, 2018

2018 GCBAA Summer Meeting Omni Nashville, Nashville TN December 12-13, 2018

South Florida Regional Meeting The Breakers Resort, Palm Beach FL May 1, 2019

National Golf Day Washington D.C. The golf industry said goodbye to James B. Beard, Ph.D. on May 14, 2018. Dr. Beard was the recipient of GCSAA’s Distinguished Service Award; and in 1999 was bestowed with GCBAA’s Don Rossi Award. A graduate of Ohio State University, Dr. Beard spent most of his career in the field of Soil and Crop Sciences, and is considered by many the godfather of turfgrass science.

February 5-7, 2019

Future Golf Industry Show Sites 2019 Golf Industry Show San Diego, CA

January 28-30, 2020

2020 Golf Industry Show Orlando, FL

20 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

MOVERS & SHAPERS

THE DUMPER Awakens IN THE NORTH AMERICA MARKET

BY J. IGNASI MONER

AUSA US CORP

T

he Dumper market in the North America was slow to make its debut with the general contractors. There was however enthusiastic acceptance by golf course contractors and golf course property superintendents who saw the benefits of using Dumpers long ago.

This has now spread to other parts of the golf course business, used mainly for concrete placement in the in production of concrete cart paths. The reluctance of the General contractor to use dumpers is surprising, in as much as contractors around the world have used these machines for decades.

There appears to be an awakening in the North American Market, where 4x4 loaders, skid steers & track loaders were previously used and now Dumpers are now proving to be more efficient. In the transport of land and aggregates, mainly concrete, when the terrain and space are complicated to circulate and maneuver, the dumpers provide greater productivity because they are safer, faster and more efficient carrying freight. These green shoots are indeed encouraging & in many instances are the result of rental houses offering the dumpers for rent.

The dumpers come in sizes from Two tons & up to ten tons with a wide range of drive trains & body

configurations. The applications of the dumper regardless of its size are limited only by one’s imagination. AUSA has been manufacturing and delivering the very best in rough terrain compact size forklift, telehandlers and dumpers since 1956.

AUSA US CORP. WWW.AUSA.COM TEL. 310 426 2305 AUSA.US@AUSA.COM

WHITE JOINS REGENCY TEAM

J

immy White has been named Business Development Director for the Sikeston, MO based company, Regency Wire. White will work with the company’s sales team to help maximize opportunities in the irrigation market while developing other market channels.

Bill Branum, Sales Manager for Regency commented: “We are very fortunate and extremely happy to add Jimmy to our Regency team. His extensive experience and contribution in the multiple market channels will help Regency reach our growth goals in the coming years. Branum added: “Creating this new position of Business Development comes at

an exciting time for Regency Wire, and we are thrilled that Jimmy has chosen to further his career with us.”

Mr. White has over 15 years’ experience working in the irrigation, plumbing, and industrial markets. Prior to joining Regency, Jimmy worked as a Regional Sales Manager, National and International Sales Manager, and Vice President of Sales for LASCO Fittings.

Regency is a proud U.S. manufacturer supplying quality products since 1985.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018 21

MOVERS & SHAPERS

NMP GOLF CONSTRUCTION CORP. LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

CHECK IT OUT AT WWW.NMPGOLF.COM

KEN MELROSE TAKES HOME 2018 Rossi Award

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hile Ken couldn’t join us at the Golf Industry Show to accept GCBAA’s 2018 Rossi Award, he has a handle on it now!

Congratulations, Ken! The Rossi award is given by the GCBAA to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of golf and its growth and who have inspired others by example. It is named for Don

A. Rossi, who served as executive director of the National Golf Foundation from 1970 to 1983, was instrumental in forming the National Golf Course Owners Association and served as executive director of the GCBAA from 1984 to 1990.

WACKER NEUSON APPOINTS GARRETT DRURY TO GCBAA

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acker Neuson has appointed Garrett Drury as the new Wacker Neuson point of contact for GCBAA members. GCBAA members in the Builder categories as well as some Associates that may qualify can benefit from a National Accounts discount program through the over 160 Wacker Neuson distributors around the United States. Sign up is easy, simply contact the

GCBAA Executive Office (402) 476-4444 or GCBAA Member Garrett Drury. If you are interested in a free demonstration of one of these machines, please contact Garrett. We appreciate the support of our members and their willingness to create national account programs to support our member benefit program and the “Buy from Within” model.

GARRETT DRURY

Business Developer - Compact Equipment Wacker Neuson Sales 503.250.2838 garrett.drury@wackerneuson.com

GT IRRIGATION, GROWING FAST GETS NEW ROUND OF PRIVATE EQUITY FROM GREENSHOOT CAPITAL

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T Irrigation, one of the nation’s fastest growing and most respected golf course irrigation firms, closed a new round of funding with the private equity investment firm GreenShoot Capital to create a national footprint and expand its leadership team. The timing of the announcement coincides with significant client wins in several Midwestern states and planned expansions nationally. The combination of GT Irrigation’s technical capability with the operational and financial strength of GreenShoot Capital create a strong platform for growth in the golf course irrigation industry.

GT Irrigation is led by CEO Karl Interrante who has over 30 years of hands-on industry experience.

He has worked on every aspect of a project from estimating, budgets and project management to be a liaison and thought leader between clients, architects and consultants. GT Irrigation is not only led by an 22 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

experienced and passionate entrepreneur, but an amazing group of people dedicated to professionalism and bringing the best product to their clients. GT Irrigation has one of the strongest reputations in the industry for quality, safety and results and has a long list of impressive clients including: • Seminole Golf Club, N Palm Beach FL • The Historic Palmetto Golf Club, Aiken SC • Pelican Golf Club, Belleair FL GT Irrigation is pleased to introduce four seasoned executives to its leadership team which will bring depth and capability to the organization and allow for an unprecedented commitment to the professionals in the golf course industry.

• Carl Yost, Board Chairman • Glenn Strovilas, President-US Markets • Rich Corboy, President-Northeast Region and Global Markets

• Adam Fahrer, Chief Operating Officer “GreenShoot Capitol is thrilled to support Karl and the rest of the GT Irrigation team in this exciting next step. The company is led by an experienced and dedicated team and has an amazing group of people that make GT very special,” said Carl Yost, CEO/Board Chairman GreenShoot Capital. “The golf course industry will no doubt see an industry leader grow to a larger and higher level of technology and installation methods to its clients.”

“We are so excited to establish a national footprint and bring unprecedented technology to the golf course irrigation industry,” explains Karl Interrante, CEO GT Irrigation. “With stability and backing of one of the leading private equity firms, every golf course architect, irrigation design consultant, golf course superintendent and general manager will benefit.”

MOVERS & SHAPERS

Buying from Within – JOINT GCBAA MEMBER PROJECT

Justin, I would like to update the association on a joint membership project! Fellow GCBAA member Detailed Sports Turf Construction, Inc. has hired me to assist with shaping and finish work, as well as utilize GreenScan3D, to renovate The Everglades Course’s greens for Brian Silva! DST is a trusted source for renovation work with The Everglades Course, and I have become a dependable professional for shaping and GreenScan3D for Brian. Additionally, GCBAA members DST and Jay Smith are building a dependable and loyal relationship as well!

We currently have all 18 greens - plus two practice greens and their complexes - stripped. 5 greens and complexes have also been cored 6”- 8” to remove erosion and organic build-up, reshaped to Brian’s specs, and are awaiting his approval for 2”- 4” of new root zone mix. Final grades will be applied using Scott Pool’s extremely accurate technology, and finished to very high standards and expectations of quality!

This is a special project to all who are involved, and we are privileged to provide The Everglades Course with some of the best in the business.

Many thanks to The Everglades Course for hiring GCBAA, and to DST for “Buying From Within!”

Sincerely Humbled, John “Jay” Smith, III 386.205.7117 jwsmith3983@gmail.com

HUNTER ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH HORIZON/METRO FOR HUNTER GOLF IRRIGATION PRODUCTS IN TEXAS

S

an Marcos, Calif. – Hunter Industries is pleased to welcome Horizon Distributors and Metro Irrigation Supply into its elite group of exclusive distributors for golf irrigation products.

Horizon/Metro will now be providing system-level Hunter golf course irrigation solutions for North and South Texas.

“We look forward to partnering with Horizon/ Meto to bring premier irrigation solutions to the golf

market in the region,” said Jon Truttmann, Director of Golf Sales at Hunter. “Their presence and expertise in the Texas market, combined with their highly knowledgeable staff and dedication to customer service, is a winning combination.”

Both Eric Reinkmeyer and Alan Henseler from Horizon/Metro echo Truttmann’s sentiments.

“We are excited about this opportunity with Hunter golf products,” said Eric Reinkmeyer, S. Texas

Horizon Regional Manager “Both Horizon and Metro have a long history in the Texas golf market and we look forward to introducing superintendents to their innovative, high-quality golf irrigation line.”

“And with a partner like Hunter,” continues Alan Henseler, Metro Irrigation Regional Manager, “we know we are delivering quality, performance, and serviceability.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018 23

GOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 6040 S 58TH ST, LINCOLN, NE 68516

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

24 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2ND Quarter 2018

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