EARTH SHAPING NEWS Published Quarterly by the Golf Course Builders Association of America
2Q | 2019
GCBAA, GCSAA, ASGCA Signing Ceremony
Inside Issue the
4
President’s Perspective
5
Executive Director Notes
6
Foundation Update
17
Human Resources
19 Allied Updates 22 New Members 22 GCBAA Meetings Calendar 23 Movers & Shapers
GCBAA, ASGCA TO BE GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW PRESENTING Partners Longtime Golf Industry Show partners, Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), have both increased their commitment to the event and have been named presenting partners. The GIS, produced annually by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), offers a dynamic, progressive week of unparalleled networking opportunities and hands-on access to golf course and facility management solutions for golf industry professionals. The GIS kicks off each year with the GCSAA Golf Championships, followed by four days of innovative education and the golf course management industry’s largest trade show. As presenting partners, GCBAA’s and ASGCA’s engagement in GIS will align more closely with the overall event offerings for golf course management professionals including superintendents, architects, builders, course owners, equipment managers and more. This will include enhanced education and joint opportunities available to all attendees continue on pg. 2
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Shared GCBAA & Foundation Booth 2019 Golf Industry Show – San Diego
that will further the close links between the design, construction and management of golf courses. “The Golf Industry Show is always evolving, and we are looking forward to the additional opportunities for all attendees that will come with the increased involvement of GCSBAA and ASGCA,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Although they have both always been an important part of the GIS family, we are excited to work with them as presenting partners.” In addition to GCSAA, GCBAA and ASGCA, the Golf Industry Show also includes participating partners National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), National Golf Foundation (NGF) and United States Golf Association (USGA). The next GIS will take place Jan. 25-30, 2020, in Orlando. Upcoming shows include Las Vegas in 2021 and San Diego in 2022. To learn more about the Golf Industry Show, visitwww.golfindustryshow.com. The new partnership affords our membership with some direct benefits; especially those members who exhibit and attend the show.
2 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
NEW FOR 2020 YOU WILL SEE GCBAA SPONSORED EDUCATION SEMINARS. Monday, January 27, 2020 1:00 – 5:00pm – “How to Prepare for a Golf Course Renovation” Presented by Jason Sloan, Frontier Golf & Darryl Bartlett, NMP Golf Construction Corp – Certified Builders Tuesday, January 28, 2020 8:00am – 12:00pm – “Trenching, Compaction & Safety – How to Protect Your Assets Below and Above Ground” Presented by Michael J. Hurdzan, Ph.D., Eric Gonzalez, Garrett Drury 1:00 – 5:00pm – “Navigating Turfgrass Selection for Renovations and New Construction” Presented by John Holmes, III, Stacy Bonos, Ph.D., Paul Raymer, Ph.D., Chas Schmid, Ph.D.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019 3
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
C
Patrick Karnick
GCBAA PRESIDENT
BOARD MEMBERS Ronnie Adkins Aspen Corporation Chris Caccavale Caterpillar Inc. (Secretary) Ellen Davis SportZmix Solutions (Vice President) Judd Duininck Duininck Golf (President Elect) Greg Hufner Total Turf Services John McDonald II McDonald & Sons, Inc. (Treasurer) Jon O’Donnell Heritage Links Mike Perez VM Golf Services Manny Pina Ewing Irrigation Bob Sylvester The Toro Company Blake Thomas Regency Wire Jon Truttmann Hunter Industries Scott Veazey Southeastern Golf, Inc. (Past President) Rick Williamson LASCO Fittings, Inc. Tom Works Landscapes Unlimited, LLC
4 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
hange seems to be the only constant in life and so it goes with the GCBAA. We were sad to see the departure of our long time Program & Planning Manager and great friend to many in the Association, Samantha Huff, but we all wish her and her husband Spencer the best on the adventures that lay ahead for them both. We are also grateful to welcome Justin’s new assistant, Mychelle Thompson. As I understand, Mychelle has hit the ground running and has taken the reigns with both hands. Please take some time to reach out to Mychelle and introduce yourself and give a great big GCBAA welcome. I think we are fortunate to have her on board. The year is off and going and projects seem to be starting everywhere and new work is bidding at a very positive pace. The GIS is long behind us as well as the Summer Meeting in Colorado Springs. Plans are well underway for GIS 2020! The Executive Board held our Spring meeting for the second time at the Midwest Golf House at Cog Hill this past April. Midwest Golf House is the home to the Midwest Golf Course Superintendents, Chicago District Golf Association and their Foundation, Illinois Junior Golf Association, the USGA and The First Tee. It’s worth a visit if you are in the area. Our primary goal of the meeting was to ensure the office, Justin in particular, had the resources available to fill the staff position in the office. As noted above, the search was a success and Justin has been able to re-focus on the many irons burning in the GCBAA fire. One of the hottest irons is our relationship with the GCSAA and the negotiations surrounding our contract renewal for future GIS events. As many of you may have heard, the GCBAA will become a “Presenting Partner” of the GIS along with the ASGCA. Final details of our contract with the GCSAA are still being worked out but in the end, we believe the partnership will be stronger and more beneficial to both the GCBAA and the GCSAA. National Golf Day was held this year during the last week of April. I was fortunate to be able to attend along with Justin, Judd Duininck and Doug Myslinski representing the GCBAA. As usual, the event was very well attended. This year, in fact, set a record attendance of golf industry representatives lobbying for all things golf. Many of us participated in a service project on the National Mall which was coordinated by the National Park Service and the GCSAA. We spent the day sprucing up the turf, walkways and flower beds throughout the Mall. The second day was spent meeting with our congressmen and women on Capitol Hill. It is always an education to see how the lobbying process work. I
highly recommend the trip to any GCBAA member that has an interest in supporting our Association at the national level. In mid-May, Justin and I attended the ASGCA Annual Meeting which was held at Mountain Shadows Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. It was my first time to be able to attend the meeting representing the GCBAA. The ASGCA members could not have been more welcoming and it was an honor to be included in the event. The highlight of the meeting was the Donald Ross Dinner where the Society presents its annual award. This year’s award went to Joe Passov, a golf writer who gave an emotional and entertaining acceptance speech about his experiences writing about golf. Aside from the massive showing of tartan, the dinner was fantastic and it was great to see so many members interacting with each other. The general feeling from the Society is that golf is still moving in a positive direction but most everyone is still cautiously optimistic. Congratulations to the newly elected President of the ASGCA, Jan Bel Jan. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the ASGCA and all its respective members. We are excited about our second visit to Colorado Springs and all the events planned for the Mining Exchange Hotel. Your Education Committee planned several new education sessions for this year’s meeting and all well attended and well received. The annual Sticks for Kids tournament was a great success being held at Bear Dance Golf Course in Larkspur, CO. As you will see in this issue of Earth Shaping News, there are many great things happening within and around our Association. We will continue to do the work of the Association so that all our Members are continuing to benefit from our efforts. As always, if there is every anything I can do to assist in any way, please feel free to reach out to me directly. Have a good Fall and hope to see you soon!
Sincerely, Patrick Karnick
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NOTES
P
lease help me welcome Mychelle Thompson to the GCBAA Team and family! She has hit the ground running and has been able to help get many of our projects back on track. It was exciting to have her join us along with other key staffers of the ASGCA and GCSAA in a signing ceremony in Lawrence Kansas. Mychelle has attended more than a half dozen prior Golf Industry Shows and now that she gets to move to the other side of the exhibit booth in helping with the planning and execution; it was only fitting that she was a part of the future partnership! With the thanks to her we also need to thank so many of our members who helped get us to this partnership! So many of you have spent countless years and resources attending past shows as exhibitors, attendees, and sponsors. You have diligently offered your support; financially and in physical labor. You have helped show the industry that members of the Golf Course Builders Association are good partners; we say what we are going to do and are another set of hands. We stand along side our fellow peers, not in front or behind. We understand that spotlights and stages can be widened to show a group, never just one individual. It is a true honor to be a part of a group that understands the real value of being members of an association and how to be a good partner! Despite having worked towards this day for many years, we now find ourselves rushing through and getting plans off and running. With the help
of countless committees, emails, and conference calls we are rolling out all the changes that this partnership will mean. On the outside you will see branding changes, floor layouts with collaborative areas, and more opportunities to attend different events and be involved in expanded education offerings. Internally you will see a greater member benefit. We are going to be able to offer exhibitors and attendees discounts and savings that you will see in your bottom line. There has always been valuable education for you and your company with show education and seminars and now you will see additional opportunities with the ASGCA and GCBAA offering diversified sessions; and some in collaboration. We have rebranded the Builder Pavilion to the new Design and Construction Area. Other features of the show floor that have proved successful are coming back in Orlando; the popular Fly-A-Way Geese Dog demonstration area, expanded Inside the Shop, and Member Services areas are all now entry units into the exhibit halls. Your association has a lot going on! Rather than listing everything here and since your staff writes most of these articles; you can see what has happened and what is coming on the other pages of this issue! On a personal note thank you all for the kind notes, support, and willingness and patience to help us get through a few busy months when we were shorthanded. GCBAA is back to Full Strength and look forward to continuing service to our members and friends!
WE STAND ALONG SIDE OUR FELLOW PEERS, NOT IN FRONT OR BEHIND
Justin Apel
EARTH SHAPING NEWS
ŠGOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
6040 S. 58th St., Suite D Lincoln, NE 68516 TEL (402) 476-4444 FAX (402) 476-4489
information@gcbaa.org www.gcbaa.org
JUSTIN APEL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
justin_apel@gcbaa.org
MYCHELLE THOMPSON
PROGRAM & PLANNING MANAGER
mychelle_thompson@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 2019 5
GCBAA FOUNDATION UPDATE
E
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 2019
ach year we allow the existing Sticks for Kids Programs the opportunity to apply for maintenance grants to update and repair their equipment. On behalf of the GCBAA Foundation Board we are pleased to share the results of the grant cycle for 2019. These applications for new programming and maintenance have been reviewed by the Board and working with our partners at U.S. Kids Golf; we were able to replace worn and lost clubs as well as roll out a few new programs with some dedicated instructors. New this grant cycle was the ability to compare requests from programming to the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf sites around the country. We were able to identify 15 requests that were able to receive clubs through our partnership with Dallas Golf using our club inventory dedicated to the 200 programs being launch by the end of the year. Your Foundation Board is proud to continue the mission of the GCBAA Foundation and Sticks for Kids by supporting the future of the game! Thank you to the Fundraising Committee and Dennis Wagner; auctioneer, for their support in raising funds for the Foundation and all of you who supported the auction.
Tom Shapland
STICKS FOR KIDS – NEW PROGRAMMING: Currie Municipal Golf Course – Midland, MI
The First Tee of Eastern Michigan – Burton, MI The First Tee of Jersey Shore – Brick, NJ
The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation – Studio City, CA Willmar Junior Golf Foundation – Willmar, MN
STICKS FOR KIDS – MAINTENANCE SUPPORT: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield – Westfield, MA City of Sunset Hills – Sunset Hills, MO
Columbia Golf Foundation – Columbia, MO
Golf Club of Illinois/MSPGOLF – Algonquin, IL Jefferson Golf Club – Jefferson, WI
Jim Ager Golf & Learning Facility – Midland, MI
Middle Atlantic Junior Blind Golf Association – Newton, PA
Town of Hamburg Dept. of Youth, Recreation & Sr. Services – Hamburg, NY
WHAT WE SAID ON Social Media Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019 7
SUMMER MEETING RETURNED TO
Colorado Springs
T
he GCBAA returned to Colorado Springs and the unique venue; The Mining Exchange Hotel. The Meetings, Education, and Fundraising Committees planned a successful meeting that included a little something for everyone that attended. Some new ideas were introduced into the event including a Tuesday afternoon Builder Education tract that offers to companies the latest trends and technologies in Golf Construction. Sessions included a panel discussion on Common Irrigation Contractor Mistakes and ways to avoid them, an update on the PGA Frisco Project, and how to use social media to engage the next generation of customers and clients.
Opening Reception Tuesday evening kicked off the event with an opening reception. Fortunately, the weather cooperated long enough to allow part of the reception to take place in the hotel courtyard to enjoy Colorado temperatures; however, before the end a rain shower moved the group inside to network with exhibitors in the trade show and education area.
Wednesday Education Wednesday morning kicked off with a breakfast with vendors event that allowed attendees a chance to network with over a dozen exhibitors and sponsors. The education lineup kicked off with updates from industry partner Chad Ritterbusch with the American Society of Golf Course Architects providing an 8 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
update on their association activities as well as their current Trendwatch information. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America COO Bob Randquist informed the group of the new partnership and 2020 Golf Industry Show plans as well as the numerous member programs that are being offered to their membership. The Education Committee carried a theme of technology and tools for builders that started with Sensor and Mapping software that evolved into bidding software alternatives. An exciting presentation on a program that will help train veterans was provided by Scott Johnson with The Warrior Alliance. While attendees finished the day with more GPS technology and Human Resources discussions; spouses and special guests enjoyed the afternoon with a walking food tour.
Dinner & Auction Attendees then converged on the lobby to sample local brews while supporting the GCBAA Foundation and Sticks for Kids with a Putting Contest sponsored by Hunter Industries. The evening began celebrating the “Buy from Within” reception and then Sticks for Kids Dinner and Auction. Dennis Wagner once again played host as the evening auctioneer and began the bidding by first presenting a check to the Foundation from the Rich Mullen Memorial Golf Tournament. Once again GCBAA Members provided support to their Foundation by either donating items or purchasing items at the event raising $100,000.
Sticks for Kids Golf Outing Bright and early guests headed out for the Sticks for Kids tournament held at a mountain course; Bear Dance. With the help of the local Wounded Warriors Project chapter three teams of veterans joined in on the tournament. The morning began by welcoming these heroes, taking some practice swings on the course driving range and practice green; all while maneuvering around equipment and tools displayed by tournament sponsors. We were fortunate again with weather seeing rain clouds in the distance but not a drop until the final car was about to leave the parking lot.
MEETING SPONSORS • GCBAA Lanyards – Ewing Irrigation • Putting Contest – Hunter Industries • Education Breakfast – LASCO Fittings, Inc. • Hotel Room Keys – Mountain View Seeds • Room Drop and Registration Gift – NIBCO Inc. • Education Break Service – Peat Inc. • Registration Bags – Regency Wire • Coasters – Sunbelt Rentals
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019 9
AUCTION RESULTS LIVE AUCTION
DONATED BY
WINNER
1000SQ FT FLEXXCAPE
SANDTRAPPER
KURT HUSEMAN
$3000 CATERPILLAR RENT
CATERPILLAR, INC.
PAT KARNICK
After the Auction, the following members graciously gave a $500 cash donation to the GCBAA Foundation. THANK YOU!
1700 SQFT OF BETTER BILLY BUNKER POLYMER
BETTER BILLY BUNKER
JUDD DUININCK
1700 SQFT OF BETTER BILLY BUNKER POLYMER
BETTER BILLY BUNKER
PAT KARNICK
28-DAY SUNBELT RENTAL
SUNBELT RENTALS
PAT KARNICK
BRUCE LELAND
BANDON DUNES GOLF RESORT GETAWAY
BANDON DUNES GOLF RESORT GETAWAY
CHRIS CLARKE
BERETTA A400 EXTREME UNICO SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
SOUTHEASTERN GOLF, INC
JON O’DONNELL
DENNIS WAGNER
BERETTA A400 EXTREME UNICO SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
SOUTHEASTERN GOLF, INC.
KIRK GREGO
CAT COOLER
CATERPILLAR, INC
ERIC WADSWORTH
CAT COOLER
CATERPILLAR, INC.
JOHN MCDONALD II CHRIS CACCAVALE
GUY CIPRIANO
CHICAGO GOLF CLUB OUTING (TOM SHAPLAND +3)
SHAPLAND GOLF CONSULTANTS
KURT HUSEMAN
JIM LOHMANN
CITIZEN DRESS WATCHES (MEN & WM)
EARTH SCULPTURES INC
JOHN MCDONALD, II
COACH SET
TURF & SOIL DIAGNOSTICS
CHRIS HILL CHRIS HILL
JON O’DONNELL
FULL PAGE AD IN OCTOBER ISSUE
GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY
DALE MITCHELL
JUDD DUININCK
GCSAA 2019 GIS MARKETING
GCSAA
TRAVIS CHIVERS BRIAN JEFFRIES
KURT HUSEMAN
KANSAS PHEASANT HUNT
THE TORO COMPANY
MIKE PEREZ
LOAD OF REED SEDGE PEAT (2)
PEAT INC.
ELLEN DAVIS
MANNY PINA
SEGWAY NINEBOT S
CLARKE CONSTRUCTION
RICHARD COLYER
SOUTH DAKOTA HUNTING, GOLF AND SIGHTSEEING TRIP OR CANADA CABIN - ONTARIO
DUININCK GOLF
ALLAN MACCURRACH, III
D.H.R. CONSTRUCTION, INC.
RICK PHELPS
19 PIECE SET - ZWILLING JA HENCKELS COOKING KNIVES
POLYLAST SYSTEMS, LLC
BARRY FERRELL
BOOT PURSE & HIDE
SPORTZMIX SOLUTIONS - WAUPACA SAND & SOLUTIONS
JOHN MCDONALD II
4 CASES OF REV TURF PRO FORMULA
DAKOTA PEAT & EQUIPMENT, INC.
BRIAN JEFFRIES
CUSTOM NECKLACE W/TASSLE AND FRAME
SPORTZMIX SOLUTIONS - WAUPACA SAND & SOLUTIONS
RICK SHRIVER
GIFT CERTIFICATE MX SPA - 50 MIN MASSAGE
THE MINING EXCHANGE HOTEL
PAM COLYER
GIFT CERTIFICATE SPRINGS ORLEANS
THE MINING EXCHANGE HOTEL
JENNY LYDIATT
HIS AND HERS COSTA DEL MAR SUNGLASSES
COURSE CRAFTERS LLC
PAIR OF FACETED TURQUOISE STONE EARRINGS W/CZ’S IN WHITE GOLD
TURF & SOIL DIAGNOSTICS
BRUCE LELAND
SIGNED TIGER WOODS GOLF FLAG
GCBAA FOUNDATION
JON O’DONNELL
TAYLOR MADE SPIDER GOLF BAG
TOTAL TURF GOLF SERVICES, INC
JUDD DUININCK
WATERTORNICS BACKPACK
WATERTRONICS, INC
BRIAN JEFFRIES
2 PAIRS OF APPLE AIR PODS
MIDWEST IRRIGATION
SHANNON CHRISTMAN
2 PC LUGGAGE SET
GOLF CREATIONS
SCOTT VEAZEY
BOTTLE OF ROBERT KEENAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON
EAGLE GOLF & LANDSCAPE
TOMMY SASSER
GOLFTEC - GOLF SWING EVAL OR CLUB FITTING
KEMPKER GREENS MIX BLENDING INC.
JON O’DONNELL
#6 CLOSEST TO THE PIN 2ND SHOT – DAVID ROGERS
GREG NORMAN AUTOGRAPHED SHARK HAT
SOUTHEASTERN GOLF, INC.
KURT HUSEMAN
#2 CLOSEST TO THE PIN – TRAVIS CHIVERS
HUMIDOR AND CIGARS
ISTRC
MARK ARRIMOUR
IROBOT ROOMBA
BRIDGE BUILDERS USA, INC.
DEBBIE WEBB
#7 CLOSEST TO THE PIN – RAY WHITE
MINI-EX TOYS
MCDONALD & SONS
MARK ARRIMOUR
LPGA OPEN SOLHEIM TEAM SIGNED FLAG
ISCO INDUSTRIES
JON O’DONNELL
CAPILLARY CONCRETE
CHASIN’ TALES FISHING TRIP - NAPLES, FL
DISNEY WORLD VACATION PACKAGE GCBAA FINE ART - LINDA HARDY FRAMED PAINTING HIS & HERS SCHWINN BIKES
WEST COAST TURF BENTGRASS SOD WINE COUNTRY FOR TWO (DHR) SILENT AUCTION
BIRD FINE ART - LINDA HARDY FRAMED PAINTING
WAGS GRILLIN’ RUB BASKET
4 LINKS BRIDGES JACKETS (2 MEN, 2 WOMEN) FLYROD & CASE
GREG NORMAN AUTOGRAPHED HATS & WINE (2)
STIHL WEEDEATER 10 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
CAPILLARY CONCRETE
RAIN BIRD
THE TORO COMPANY VM GOLF SERVICES FRONTIER GOLF
WEST COAST TURF
VM GOLF SERVICES
DENNIS WAGNER
LINKS BRIDGES LEEMCO INC
SOUTHEASTERN GOLF, INC.
GREENVILLE TURF & TRACTOR
BRYAN JUWIG
SHANNON CHRISTMAN
AHREN & LEAH HABICHT
ELLEN DAVIS ERIC WADSWORTH GREG HUFNER
JOHN MURTAUGH
KLAUS AHLERS
STEVE SAKURAI TOMMY SASSER
KURT HUSEMAN
JACKIE HILL
DAN HILDERBRAND
KIRK GREGO
JOHN JACKE
RICK LOHMAN
KURT HUSEMAN
CHRIS CACCAVALE
GOLF OUTING WINNERS 1ST PLACE – TODD TILTON, RICK LOHMAN, TOM SHAPLAND, JOE NIEBUR
2ND PLACE – CHRIS LINEBERGER, DENNIS WAGNER, BRUCE LELAND, JOHN MARMAN TROPHIES SPONSORED BY EAGLE GOLF & LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS
LAST PLACE – JUDD DUININCK, VICKY GARNSEY, DR. KIMBERLY ERUSHA, BOB SYLVESTER EARTH MOVER AWARDS SPONSORED BY CATERPILLAR INC.
PIN PRIZES
#9 LONG DRIVE MEN - CHRIS CACCAVALE #10 LONG DRIVE LADIES - VICKY GARNSEY #15 LONG DRIVE – TODD TILTON #18 LONG PUTT – RICK LOHMAN
#12 CLOSEST TO THE PIN – JOE LOBB #17 CLOSEST TO THE PIN – MICAH BOYD
2nd place golf outing winners Bruce Leland, Dennis Wagner, Chris Lineberger, and John Marman bookended by trophy sponsors Shannon Christman & Steve Christman – Eagle Golf & Landscape Products
STICKS FOR KIDS GOLF OUTING SPONSORS
PLAYER BREAKFAST & LUNCH
ON-COURSE BEVERAGES
BLOODY MARY BAR
GOLF POLOS PIN FLAGS
TROPHIES & AWARDS
HOLE SPONSORS
TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS
FEATHER FLAG SPONSORS
BETTER BILLY BUNKER
CAPILLARY CONCRETE
ATLAS TURF INTERNATIONAL
ADS/HANCOR BID2WIN
CAPILLARY CONCRETE CATERPILLAR, INC. EAGLE GOLF & LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS FANNIN TREE FARM GCBAA FOUNDATION HOTEL ENGINE HYDREMA LASCO FITTINGS, INC. LUNDMARK MCI FLOWTRONEX SUNBELT RENTALS TRAVELERS HAVEN
BID2WIN
CATERPILLAR INC. DURA PLASTIC PRODUCTS FANNIN TREE FARM HCSS HEAVYBID HOTEL ENGINE & TRAVELERS HAVEN LASCO FITTINGS LUNDMARK PALMERS CHEMICAL REGENCY WIRE SPEARS MANUFACTURING SUNBELT RENTALS WACKER NEUSON WATERTRONICS
ADS/HANCOR, INC.
BETTER BILLY BUNKER BRIDGE BUILDERS CAPILLARY CONCRETE CATERPILLAR INC. CLARKE CONSTRUCTION EWING IRRIGATION FRONTIER GOLF GCBAA “BUY FROM WITHIN” GCBAA FOUNDATION GOLF CREATIONS HOTEL ENGINE HUNTER IRRIGATION ISCO INDUSTRIES
WACKER NEUSON
LASCO FITTINGS, INC.
WATERTRONICS
LEEMCO PAIGE ELECTRIC
REGENCY WIRE SOUTH FLORIDA GRASSING SOUTHEASTERN GOLF, INC. SPORTZMIX SOLUTIONS SULLIVAN ELECTRIC SUNBELT RENTALS TEE OFF TEMPS THE CART PATH COMPANY THE TORO COMPANY TOTAL GOLF CONSTRUCTION TRAVELERS HAVEN TRIEST AG TURF & SOIL DIAGNOSTICS UNITED GOLF WACKER NEUSON WADSWORTH GOLF CHARITIES WADSWORTH GOLF CONSTRUCTION WATERTRONICS
PEAT INC. POLYLAST RAIN BIRD GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019 11
Thank You GCBAA SUMMER MEETING SPONSORS
LANYARDS
PUTTING CONTEST
EDUCATION BREAKFAST
EDUCATION BREAK SERVICE
ROOM DROP & REGISTRATION GIFT
REGISTRATION BAGS
12 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
COASTERS
HOTEL ROOM KEYS
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GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019 13
GCBAA VICE PRESIDENT Ellen Davis JOINS ELITE GROUP OF WOMEN IN GOLF
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CBAA Vice President Ellen Davis along with Cathy Harbin, Owner, Pine Ridge Golf Course & President On Course Operations, PGA, LPGA Professional; Elizabeth Guertal, PhD., Professor of Turfgrass Management and Soil Fertility, Auburn University; Kayla Kipp, Golf Course Equipment Maintenance Manager, Lodestone Gol Course & Fantasy Valley Golf Course, McHenry, Md.; Laurie Bland, Golf
Maintenance Manager, Miami Springs Golf & Country Club, Miami, Fl join forces to discuss Next-Level Leadership: Building Your Diverse Team. This panel will be moderated by Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA President. This event takes place January 29, 3:00 – 4:00pm, Room: S230AB – South Concourse. Collaboration amongst diverse teams leads to more cohesive working environment. In this session, participants
will hear from leading women in turf on their journeys to success in the turf industry and how you can foster diversity within your organization. Following the panel discussion is a reception. Ellen Davis is Vice President of GCBAA Charter Member SportZmix Solutions, Waupaca Sand & Solutions, Waupaca, Wisc.
RICH MULLEN MEMORIAL Golf Outing
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ast year when Rich Mullen suddenly passed away, many of his friends discussed ways to honor and remember him. Andrew Marsh and Nick Miethe scheduled the first annual Rich Mullen Memorial Golf Outing, which was held at Wolf Creek GC in Danville on Saturday, June 22, 2019. Proceeds from this event were used to make a donation in Rich’s name to the Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation for the “Sticks for Kids Program.” The last round of golf Rich played, a young boy was playing behind us. Rich invited him to join us. Though this slowed us down tremendously, Rich didn’t mind at all. He saw it as an opportunity to help the kid learn. He helped the kid with his swing, taught him etiquette, and encouraged him throughout the round. Our event was a success as it picked up where Rich left off, and contribute to this program in his honor, to help more and more kids play golf. Dennis Wagner presented the GCBAA Foundation President a check for $3000. The second annual Rich Mullen Memorial Golf Outing is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Wolf Creek GC, Danville.
14 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
INDUSTRY LEADER William “ Marsh” Benson TO RECEIVE GCBAA’S DON A. ROSSI AWARD
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n recognition of his significant contributions to the golf industry, The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) is pleased to announce William Marsh Benson as its recipient of the prestigious Don A. Rossi Award. Marsh’s pursuit of applying his innovative ideas in the golf industry began in 1975 with studies in landscape architecture in the School of Environmental Design at The University of Georgia. He later graduated from the Penn State Turfgrass Management program, a program created by Dr. Joseph M. Duich, the 1995 recipient of the Don A. Rossi Award. He interned at Augusta National Golf Club (ANGC) under Billy Fuller in 1981. After completing his formal education, he began his career in golf course maintenance at The Country Club of Florida in Boynton Beach, then moving to Jennings Mill Country Club in Athens, Georgia. In 1989 he returned to ANGC as their golf course superintendent, later rising to Director of Golf Course and Grounds, and in 1997 as the Senior Director of Golf Course and Grounds and Long-Range Planning. Marsh continued to grow the Turfgrass Student Intern program at ANGC, ultimately having close to 50 students pass through the program, representing more than 20 Turfgrass Programs worldwide. In Marsh’s capacity overseeing Long Range Planning at Augusta National, he was responsible for building and directing the teams that would implement the visions of ANGC Chairmen Jack Stephens, Hootie Johnson and Billy Payne, ANGC members and senior staff members. These visions, which included enhancements to the golf course, clubhouse, tournament, player and patron support facilities, have created one of the most prominent
sporting venues for players and patrons in the world. His ability to improve maintenance practices at golf course facilities achieved world-wide recognition after he invented and patented the SubAir System in 1994. The SubAir System allows for subsurface aeration and moisture removal of turfgrass playing areas. The popularity of the system has grown over the past 25 years, starting with golf course greens and expanding to all types of playing and sports field surfaces. Because of the demanding tournament turf conditions under an array of weather scenarios, Marsh has been instrumental in working with golf equipment manufacturers to improve numerous aspects of mower performance, grass disbursement, irrigation concepts and other improvements. Many of his creative ideas are still being utilized throughout the industry today. His never-ending curiosity and unique perspective on solutions have always been at the hallmark of his success. After 26 years working at ANGC, Marsh retired in 2015 but continues to consult with the club on several projects. In 2015 he founded his own company WMBIMAGINE, which provides design, construction and project consulting services for clients throughout the world. He acknowledges his many mentors, including Dr. Joseph Duich, Ron Sinnock (former golf course superintendent), Jim Armstrong (former GM and Executive Director of ANGC), Billy Payne (past ANGC Chairman) and the great teams that have supported all his efforts over the years. Upon being inducted to the Georgia Golf Course Superintendent Association Hall of Fame, he stated “I’m a blessed man. I truly feel like the support I’ve had is just unbelievable. I think if you cut my legs off, I’d still be standing because of the support I’ve enjoyed from all the people in this room and in this industry.” Even in “retirement”, Marsh continues to give back to the industry he loves by serving on the board of The Musser International Turfgrass Foundation. The Foundation awards top doctoral graduate students
the Musser Award of Excellence to provide financial support of their educational endeavors. He leads an effort to grow turfgrass scholarships at Penn State in memory of Dr. Joseph Duich and serves on the board of the Warrior Alliance, whose mission is to drive skills development in the golf industry for US Military Veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life. When not consulting with a vast array of clients or supporting his charitable and community endeavors, Marsh and his wife Becky enjoy time together at their lake house, visiting with their grandchildren and children Casey (Nick) Maslanka and Scott (Rachael) Benson. 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. Justin Apel, Executive Director of the GCBAA is quoted as saying “The Don A. Rossi Award recognizes those that have made significant contributions to the game of golf and its growth as well as those that have inspired others by their example; Marsh Benson fits this mold, and we are honored to recognize an individual who has quietly mentored so many in the industry creating a legacy and innovations that will be used throughout history in properly managing tournament golf.” The Don A. Rossi Award will be given at the 2020 Golf Industry Show to be held in Orlando, Florida, January 28 during the GCBAA Opening Reception. For those interested in attending the award presentation, details will be available this winter by visiting www. gcbaa.org, or contact the GCBAA executive office at (402) 476-4444.
Grassing golf courses since 1969 Six locations covering California, Colorado and Washington
Joel Addink 951-687-7581 jaddink@agsod.com
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019 15
GB014_SummerMeetingBranding_Biltmore_24x30_HR_printersmarks.pdf
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Networking · Family Fun · Education
Used with permission from The Biltmore Company, Asheville, North Carolina.
16 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
HUMAN RESOURCES
BANNING Convicted Criminals FROM YOUR WORKPLACE BY JACK L. SHULTZ AND KRAMER L. LYONS
O’NEILL, HEINRICH, DAMKROGER, BERGMEYER & SHULTZ, P.C., L.L.O.
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recent ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit knocked the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) down a peg when it comes to employers hiring persons with criminal histories. The ruling in State of Texas v. EEOC was delivered on August 6, 2019, and ruled that the EEOC overstepped its limited rulemaking and enforcement power when it issued its 2012 Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1664 (the “2012 Enforcement Guidance”). The guidance requires that employers make a case-bycase assessment of whether a criminal conviction is a disqualifying event, and not simply impose a ban on applicants with criminal history. The State of Texas maintained a prohibition against hiring applicants who had felony convictions for certain state positions. After learning that an applicant had complained to the EEOC, Texas proactively sued to enjoin the EEOC from enforcing its 2012 Enforcement Guidance. The EEOC’s position was that the use of criminal background information in the hiring process had a disparate treatment on African-American and Hispanic males due to their statistically higher rates of criminal convictions.
In 2018, a federal judged agreed to enjoin the EEOC from enforcing its 2012 Enforcement Guidance against Texas until the EEOC complied with the Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”), which generally requires federal agencies to provide notice of rules and an opportunity for the public to comment. The EEOC did not go through this process when implementing the 2012 Enforcement Guidance. For multiple reasons, both parties appealed to the Fifth Circuit. In the Fifth Circuit’s decision, the Court agreed with the federal judge that the 2012 Enforcement Guidance should be enjoined. The Fifth Circuit, however, took that decision further and stated that compliance with the APA would be futile because the EEOC has no authority to issue “a substantive rule to implement Title VII” in the first place. Title VII authorizes the EEOC only to issue “procedural regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter.” Because the Fifth Circuit found that the 2012 Enforcement Guidance was a “substantive rule” and not merely a procedural regulation, it ruled that the EEOC had no authority to issue the 2012 Enforcement Guidance in the first place. Employers should proceed with caution, as the Fifth Circuit’s opinion does not mean that employers
have the absolute right to create a blanket ban on applicants with criminal histories. First, the Fifth Circuit’s injunction only applies on its face to Texas. Additionally, lawsuits have been filed under the Fair Credit and Reporting Act (“FCRA”) that allege a broad ban on applicants with criminal histories violates the FCRA. The FCRA requires that before an employee takes an adverse employment action based on a credit report, the employer must send a pre-adverse action notice. The theory is that the employer already decided not to hire and applicant prior to sending the pre-adverse action notice. Finally, states and municipalities throughout the United States have laws prohibiting discrimination based on criminal history commonly referred to as “Ban the Box” locations. These locations prohibit criminal background inquiries on job applications. A In addition to reviewing the foregoing, employers should review their local and state laws before revising their hiring policies. While it is possible that the EEOC will attempt to proceed with the 2012 Enforcement Guidance, especially outside of Texas and the Fifth Circuit, Employers may use the Fifth Circuit’s ruling as a defense on the grounds the EEOC never had the authority to issue the 2012 Enforcement Guidance.
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 2019 17
EPA, U.S. ARMY REPEAL 2015 RULE DEFINING “WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES” ENDING REGULATORY PATCHWORK
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WASHINGTON (SEPTEMBER 12, 2019)
t an event in Washington, D.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Department of the Army Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James announced that the agencies are repealing a 2015 rule that impermissibly expanded the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The agencies are also recodifying the longstanding and familiar regulatory text that existed prior to the 2015 Rule—ending a regulatory patchwork that required implementing two competing Clean Water Act regulations, which has created regulatory uncertainty across the United States. “Today, EPA and the Department of the Army finalized a rule to repeal the previous administration’s overreach in the federal regulation of U.S. waters and recodify the longstanding and familiar regulatory text that previously existed,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Today’s Step 1 action fulfills a key promise of President Trump and sets the stage for Step 2 – a new WOTUS definition that will provide greater regulatory certainty for farmers, landowners, home builders, and developers nationwide.” “Today, Administrator Wheeler and I signed a final rule that repeals the 2015 Rule and restores the previous regulatory regime exactly how it existed prior to finalization of the 2015 Rule,” said R.D. James, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. “Before this final rule, a patchwork of regulations existed
across the country as a result of various judicial decisions enjoining the 2015 Rule. This final rule reestablishes national consistency across the country by returning all jurisdictions to the longstanding regulatory framework that existed prior to the 2015 Rule, which is more familiar to the agencies, States, Tribes, local governments, regulated entities, and the public while the agencies engage in a second rulemaking to revise the definition of ‘waters of the United States.’” Today’s rule is the first step—Step 1—in a two-step rulemaking process to define the scope of “waters of the United States” that are regulated under the Clean Water Act. Step 1 provides regulatory certainty as to the definition of “waters of the United States” following years of litigation surrounding the 2015 Rule. The two federal district courts that have reviewed the merits of the 2015 Rule found that the rule suffered from certain errors and issued orders remanding the 2015 Rule back to the agencies. Multiple other federal district courts have preliminarily enjoined the 2015 Rule pending a decision on the merits of the rule. In this action, EPA and the Army jointly conclude that multiple substantive and procedural errors warrant a repeal of the 2015 Rule. For example, the 2015 Rule: • Did not implement the legal limits on the scope of the agencies’ authority under the Clean Water Act as intended by Congress and reflected in Supreme Court cases.
• Failed to adequately recognize, preserve, and protect the primary responsibilities and rights of states to manage their own land and water resources. • Approached the limits of the agencies’ constitutional and statutory authority absent a clear statement from Congress. • Suffered from certain procedural errors and a lack of adequate record support as it relates to the 2015 Rule’s distance-based limitations. With this final repeal, the agencies will implement the pre-2015 regulations, which are currently in place in more than half of the states, informed by applicable agency guidance documents and consistent with Supreme Court decisions and longstanding agency practice. The final rule takes effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. In December 2018, EPA and the Army proposed a new definition—Step 2—that would clearly define where federal jurisdiction begins and ends in accordance with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent. In the proposal, the agencies provide a clear definition of the difference between federally regulated waterways and those waters that rightfully remain solely under state authority. Additional information is available at: http://www. epa.gov/wotus-rule.
Background: The final Step 1 rule follows President Trump’s Executive Order 13778, “Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the ‘Waters of the United States’ Rule.” Section 1 of the Executive Order states that “[i]t is in the national interest to ensure that the Nation’s navigable waters are kept free from pollution, while at the same time promoting economic growth, minimizing regulatory uncertainty, and showing due regard for the roles of Congress and the States under the Constitution.” The Executive Order also directs the EPA and the Department of the Army to review the 2015 Rule for consistency with the policy outlined in Section 1 of the order and to issue a proposed rule rescinding or revising the 2015 Rule as appropriate and consistent with law.
18 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
ALLIED UPDATES
A STEADY DRIP: ANOTHER STEP IN PRECISION IRRIGATION
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ising water costs, increasingly unpredictable water supplies and a desire to deliver water exactly where it is needed most are some of the key reasons why golf facilities are eager to adopt new technologies that allow for more efficient irrigation. Subsurface drip irrigation has been used to water agricultural crops for decades and now there is a trend to use this technology on golf courses. Areas where subsurface drip irrigation has proven successful on golf courses include steep bunker slopes and teeing grounds.
Bunker Slopes
Superintendents have seen significant benefits from using drip irrigation on the steep slopes surrounding bunkers. It is difficult to achieve uniform soil moisture in these areas, and south-facing slopes can be especially problematic. Furthermore, golfers blast sand onto the faces, resulting in droughty soil conditions. As a result, turf density on bunker slopes often deteriorates in hot weather due to lack of moisture. Hand watering such areas is labor intensive and using sprinklers to irrigate vulnerable grass faces often results in overwatering the adjacent turf and creating wet sand in the bunker. Drip lines on bunker faces are typically spaced 1 foot apart at a depth of approximately 4-6 inches. The tubing for each bunker, or group of bunkers, is equipped with a dedicated valve and connected to the central irrigation control software for easy scheduling. Drip irrigation can be installed when bunkers are under construction, or while turf is in place by cutting small trenches into the sod. A reciprocating edger followed by a narrow shovel can create suitable trenches. Another option is to use a mechanical cart path edger equipped with two blades to create a trench in the sod that is wide enough to accept the drip tubing.
under windy conditions. This off-target irrigation produces undesirable growth in surrounding areas and encourages weeds to develop. A USGA-funded study conducted by researchers from the University of New Mexico at the Las Campanas Golf Club in Santa Fe, N.M., has shown that subsurface drip irrigation can yield much-improved watering efficiency on tees when compared to overhead irrigation. Drip tubing for this study was placed 4-5 inches beneath the turf surface and the lines were spaced 1 foot apart. Tom Egelhoff, the director of agronomy at Las Campanas, has found that removing all the turf from the teeing ground prior to trenching is the best method for installing drip irrigation in his creeping bentgrass tees. This strategy allows tee leveling to be incorporated into the process and replacing the sod yields a smooth, dense surface faster than trenching into the turf. The results of this research have been remarkable. Not only did the subsurface drip utilize 40-80 percent less water to deliver the same turf conditions, the growth of vegetation surrounding the tees was significantly reduced with no off-target watering, resulting in decreased maintenance.
Tips For Success
Cooler temperatures can make installing drip irrigation a challenge because the tubing becomes rigid, making it more difficult to connect the fittings. This can slow down installation and leave some tired hands at the end of the day. Storing the tubing in a heated building overnight during cold temperatures will make for easier installation in the morning. When planning a drip irrigation project for bunkers, it is important to remember that water needs are not the same for all bunkers or even all the areas of an individual bunker. A steep south-facing slope will have very different water requirements than a north-facing section of the same bunker. Drip tubing layout and valving should account for these differences. Subsurface drip irrigation may not be practical for large turf areas, but in small areas like bunkers and teeing grounds this technology can improve turf conditions and offer significant water savings. For more information about this topic, contact USGA agronomist Brian Whitlark at BWhitlark@ USGA.org.
Teeing Grounds
Overhead sprinklers often apply water inefficiently to tees by overshooting the small turf area, especially
Installing drip irrigation on steep bunker faces can improve turf conditions and reduce the amount of time spent hand watering. (Image Courtesy of Ian Andrew)
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019 19
ALLIED UPDATES
WE ARE GOLF UPDATE
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he golf industry will return to Capitol Hill on May 6, 2020 to celebrate the 13th annual National Golf Day. The Hyatt Regency Crystal City will serve as the host hotel. Please mark your calendars accordingly. Additionally, the WE ARE GOLF website has been redesigned and relaunched. The newly-designed site
offer clean graphics, easy navigation and are mobile ready so that users can view content from their devices. The WE ARE GOLF website’s content highlights key industry messages and features updates on golf’s advocacy efforts, grow-the-game initiatives and work being done by the various task forces to make the
game more diverse and inclusive. The WE ARE GOLF website also features and industry job board. To have any positions available at your organization posted on the job board, please contact Tony Starks (tstarks@pgamagazine.com) or Nate Scott (nscott@gcsaa.org). Please visit the WE ARE GOLF website at www.wearegolf.org
THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP IS HEADED TO SAN FRANCISCO
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he PGA of America has announced the dates and location for the 2020 Championship. Join along friends and family to witness history May 11-17 at Harding Park in San Francisco.
The PGA Championship team will deliver a oneof-a-kind golf championship; under a vast Cypress canopy, surrounded by the breathtaking vistas of Harding Park. Get ready to enjoy world-class
concessionaire experiences hosted throughout the grounds.
THE INDUSTRY LEADER IN HDPE IRRIGATION EXPERTISE
GO PR ISCO installed the first complete HDPE golf irrigation system on any golf course in 1987, and we’re still the industry experts. Our staff isn’t just certified on McElroy fusion equipment - we’re qualified to train your staff on how to use it. ISCO has over 40 locations with HDPE in stock and nationwide local support for fusion expertise and the fastest response in the golf industry.
Call 800-345-ISCO or visit ISCO-PIPE.com to learn more.
20 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
THE HDPE EXPERTS EXPERTS THE HDPE
ALLIED UPDATES
ADVOCATING FOR THE COMMUNITY OF PRIVATE CLUBS BY JOE TRAUGER
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s the National Club Association’s (NCA) new vice president of government relations, it’s a pleasure to appear in Earth Shaping News for the first time. While new to NCA, my involvement with the private club community stretches back for quite some time and I was recently elected to my third term on the board of directors of Mount Vernon Country Club (MVCC) in Alexandria, Va. MVCC has meant so much to me and my family over the years that I felt compelled to serve its membership on the board and I was humbled to have been elected president for 2019 and again for 2020. I began my career in Washington working on Capitol Hill for nearly 10 years, four of which were in House Leadership. After leaving the Hill I became an advocate for a number of industries, primarily in the manufacturing and health care space. In April, I joined the NCA staff and am fortunate to be able to combine what I do professionally with the private club community I love. From its founding, private clubs have been woven into the fabric of our country. While not explicitly written within the First Amendment, the United States Supreme Court decided in Roberts v. United States Jaycees that the Amendment implicitly ensures a “corresponding right to associate with others in pursuit of a wide variety of political, social, economic, educational, religious and cultural ends.” More commonly known and understood, the First Amendment protects “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of grievances.” It’s the guarantee that clubs, associations, unions and other organizations, as well as individuals, have the right to advocate and lobby for or against things we believe are important. The National Club Association is the advocate for private clubs in Washington and the more members and voices we have the stronger we are in advocating for the social, economic, educational and cultural ends that bond us all as a community of private clubs. As leaders in your field, you know there are many issues that affect private clubs and it’s important for policymakers in Washington and the states to know and understand the effect current or proposed laws and regulations have on our community. While the term lobbying has taken on a negative connotation over the years—some of it deserved, much of it not—it is primarily an effort to inform legislators, regulators and administrators about the impact the actions they’ve taken or propose to take have on our community. NCA is engaged on issues across the spectrum such as health care, labor, workforce, taxes, environment and immigration. As a board member and president of Mount Vernon Country Club, I see firsthand how all these issues affect the health and vitality of clubs. Some developments in Washington this year have been positive, such as the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor’s decision to release an additional 30,000 H-2B visas that will allow businesses to hire much-needed seasonal labor.
Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Defense proposed a revised “Waters of the United States (WOTUS)” rule to replace the one issued during the Obama Administration. Earlier this year, NCA joined with other golf organizations to file comments with the EPA and DOD. The comments were generally supportive of the new rule and highlighted some areas important to clubs, such as ensuring that artificial, ornamental, irrigation and stormwater lakes and ponds were not covered. Since filing those comments, the EPA formally repealed the old WOTUS rule to pave way for the new rule, which is forthcoming in late 2019 or early 2020. On the tax front, NCA has been working with organizations in Maryland and New York to fend off legislation that would change the property tax treatment of golf courses and increase annual assessments by anywhere from four to 10 times their current amounts. Clearly, such dramatic increases would threaten the existence of a significant number of clubs and force others to scramble to make up the difference. NCA wants to be engaged in the issues that matter to you. I invite you to contact me at trauger@ nationalclub.org or 202-822-9822 to share your concerns—on the national, state and local levels. Together, the private club community can make a difference.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019 21
The Golf Course Builders
Association of America and
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CONNECT. DISCOVER. ELEVATE. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR
JANUARY 25-30 GOLFINDUSTRYSHOW.COM
REGISTRATION OPENS
OCT. 15
22 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019
NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS BLACK CREEK CONSTRUCTION INC.
PURE SEED
2049 N Hwy 119 Black Creek, GA 31308 Website: Blackcreekconstructioninc.com Phone (912) 536-8924 Erik Davis – erikd5293@gmail.com Hal Davis – hald.bcc@gmail.com
29975 S. Barlow Rd. Canby, OR 97013 Website: www.pureseed.com Phone (503) 263-0744 Lucas Solis – lsolis@pureseed.com Nick Layton – nlayton@pureseed.com
JD JAMES, INC., DBA NATURE BRIDGES
SOD SOLUTIONS
1586 Seven Bridges Road Monticello, FL 32344 Website: www.naturebridges.com Phone (850) 997-8585 Brian Green – brian@naturebridges.com JD James – jd@naturebridges.com
PALMERS CHEMICAL INT. TRADING COMPANY
235 Pavonia Avenue, Apt 764 Jersey City, NJ 07302 Website: www.palmerschemical.com Phone (678) 389-9968 Chris Batur – o.batur@palmerschemical.com Rose Ture – oeker@palmerschemical.com
PO Box 460 Mount Pleasant, SC 29465 Website: sodsolutionspro.com Phone (850) 510-5412 Erin Wilder – ewilder@sodsolutions.com Gary Bradshaw – gary@sodsolutions.com
VEAZEY LOGISTICS LLC – LANDSTAR AGENT
15 Surrey Cir. Tifton, GA 31793-8491 Website: www.veazeylogistics.com Phone (229) 445-3601 Blair Veazey – blair.veazey@landstarmail.com
BUILDER/IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR APPLICANT MEMBERS
C. GREEN SCAPING, LP
2401 Handley Ederville Rd. Ft Worth, TX 76118 Website: www.greenscaping.com Phone (817) 577-9299 Cody Johnson – cjohnson@greenscaping.com Stacy Geigenmiller – sgeigenmiller@ greenscaping.com
INDEPENDENT AFFILIATE
Justin M Carlton – Carlton Landworks 10172 Winding River Road Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Phone (941) 628-4267 Justin Carlton – carltonlandworks@yahoo.com
GCBAA MEETINGS CALENDAR December 10-11, 2019
South Florida Regional Meeting The Breakers Resort, Palm Beach FL May 6, 2020
National Golf Day Washington D.C. August 4-6, 2020
2020 GCBAA Summer Meeting Asheville, NC
Visit the Events page at gcbaa.org to stay up to date!
Welcome TO THE GCBAA! GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 2nd Quarter 2019 23
MOVERS & SHAPERS
NICKLAUS COMPANIES AND ATLAS TURF INTERNATIONAL JOIN FORCES IN STRATEGIC GOLF ALLIANCE
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he Nicklaus Companies have signed a strategic golf marketing relationship with Atlas Turf International, the two companies jointly announced today. To date, Nicklaus Companies and Atlas Turf have collaborated on more than a dozen golf projects in 11 countries for grassing of some of the top golf courses in the world. John Reese, CEO of Nicklaus Companies, said the preferred partnership with Atlas Turf International is a natural extension of the two companies and their work together. “We have enjoyed a long, positive working relationship over the years and ultimately our clients stand to benefit,” Reese said. “The selection of natural turf products Atlas offers Nicklaus Design clients provides them with a distinct advantage. Grasses must be able to perform at the highest levels and our
partner is able to support and service projects around the world. Our work with John and the entire Atlas Turf team has been nothing short of exceptional, and we are looking forward to future collaborations.” With the reputation as a trusted global source for turfgrass and extensive golf industry experience, Atlas Turf collaborates with clients to deliver complete grassing solutions from selection through grow-in. Atlas Turf’s portfolio of products include warm and cool season turfgrasses as well as native grasses. Projects include new construction, renovations, turf conversions, overseeding, and interseeding. According to John Holmes, President of Atlas Turf, his company’s knowledge of worldwide distribution channels, relationships with the leading turf experts, and alliances with the world’s premier golf associations all are key components of its identity
since its founding in 2011. “We are proud to have earned the trust and confidence of the Nicklaus team. Around the world, a Nicklaus project is synonymous with excellence in design and stringent construction standards,” said Holmes, who leads the international committee of the Golf Course Builders Association of America. “Our goal is to match this level of design quality with the world’s most advanced and innovative turfgrasses, bringing even further value to Nicklaus Design clients.”
Steve Mona JOINS CLUB BENCHMARKING BOARD AND LEADS GOVERNANCE RESEARCH
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OSTON, MA (Sept 25, 2019) - Steve Mona has joined the Board of Directors for Club Benchmarking, the industry’s leading provider of business intelligence and fact-based insight. Mona is a well-known and highly respected figure in the golf industry. His career includes leadership roles with the Northern California Golf Association, United States Golf Association and Georgia State Golf Association, and he has been recognized by Golf Digest and Golf Inc. magazine as one of the “Most Powerful People in Golf.” After serving for 15 years as CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, he became CEO of the World Golf Foundation in 2008. In addition to his contributions as a member of the Club Benchmarking Board of Directors, Mona will take on a leadership role in the company’s ongoing strategic governance research which studies practical application of best practices in governance and the relationship between club governance models and financial outcomes. “Over the last 10 years, we have worked closely with the boards and management of nearly 500 clubs across the country. That experience, coupled with
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extensive analysis of club industry data, has shown us that clear understanding of the club financial and business model is the foundation of strategic, forward-looking governance. Unfortunately, we see too many boards that are still trapped in a pattern of tactical thinking.” said Club Benchmarking CEO Jim Butler, “Steve Mona’s industry expertise and intense focus on governance throughout his career make him a fantastic addition to our team and we are pleased that he has accepted a leading role in our effort to help clubs embrace strategic, fact-based leadership.” “I am delighted to join the talented team at Club Benchmarking. I believe the insights and experiences I’ve gained through my 35 years of working directly with Boards of Directors will bring a unique perspective to the Club Benchmarking research related to strategic governance. In my new role as Director of Governance & Leadership, I look forward to helping club boards gain fresh perspective on their governance models and experience the powerful impact of data and analytics on the decision-making process.”
MOVERS & SHAPERS
Tim Clark TO JOIN TANTO MANAGEMENT TEAM ELMSFORD
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anto Irrigation, llc welcomes Mr. Clarke to its management team after having spent the last 11 years overseeing various aspects of irrigation at Augusta National Golf Club. Born and raised in upstate New York where he graduated from Delhi University, Tim now returns home to his roots. Post graduation, Tim spent time honing his turf and irrigation skills as assistant superintendent at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, New York, prior to making the move to Georgia in 2008. Mr. Clarke joins Tanto as a proven leader helping steward Tanto’s future as a member of its
3rd generation of irrigation professionals. as the transition begins we welcome Mr. Clarke to the Tanto family. Tanto Irrigation is an active member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America and maintains the membership category; Certified Golf Course Irrigation Contractor. Started in 1969, Tanto Irrigation is celebrating their 50th anniversary in business in 2019.
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MOVERS & SHAPERS
GLOBAL HOSPITALITY ATTORNEY MICHELLE TANZER JOINS NELSON MULLINS IN Boca Raton
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OCA RATON – Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel announced today that Michelle F. Tanzer has joined the firm as a partner in Boca Raton. She will chair the firm’s Global Club and Branded Residences group and co-chair the Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure team. Tanzer was formerly a shareholder at Gray Robinson, where she chaired the Residential, Resort & Club Section in the Boca Raton office. Tanzer represents developers, hotel operators, clubs, and community associations with projects in the U.S. as well as the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Latin
America, and Asia. Her primary focus is negotiating, structuring, and amending governance documents as well as the consumer, licensing, marketing, and management agreements necessary for residential and resort communities, mixed-use projects, and golf, marina, spa, fitness, tennis, and dining clubs. Tanzer is a Florida Supreme Court qualified arbitrator, a certified circuit civil mediator, and one of four professionals selected by the American Arbitration Association for the National Golf Industry Panel. She has written and lectured extensively on the issues concerning residential, resort, and club
projects and authored the book “The Club Litigation Book – Keeping Clubs out of Court.” She can be reached at michelle.tanzer@nelsonmullins.com or 561.866.5700. Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins has more than 800 attorneys and government relations professionals with offices in 11 states and Washington, D.C. Nelson Mullins and Broad and Cassel LLP combined effective Aug. 1, 2018 and does business in Florida as Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel. For more information on the firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.
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IN REMEMBRANCE
JOHN COTTER It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Ltd. John R. Cotter, on Friday, July 12, 2019. He was the president, general manager and co-creator of Wadsworth Golf Construction Co. of Plainfield. He was an integral part of more than 900 golf course projects across the United States. His Memorial of Life will be held on Friday, July 19, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Channahon United Methodist Church, 24751 W Eames (Rt. 6). Interment Willard Grove Cemetery, Channahon.
JEFFREY KOZEL
ED HUNNICUTT Edward Albert Hunnicutt, age 77, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 26, 2019 in Boston while visiting on a cruise. Ed was born on June 6, 1942 in New Castle to Albert and Ollia Martin Hunnicutt. He grew up in Hagerstown and Clearwater, Florida. Ed graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in agronomy. He served in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. Ed worked for the Toro Corporation and then became an entrepreneur, starting his own company as a golf course contractor. Over his career, Ed built and worked on many many golf courses across the country, including Hawaii where he lived for over 15 years. In 2006, Ed retired and moved to Deland, Florida. Ed was a kind person who loved helping others and making connections with new people. He had a passion for understanding and improving how things were built and done. Ed loved visiting and experiencing new places through traveling and talking with people wherever he went. Surviving are his longtime companion, Daphne Hochstein of Deland, Florida; daughter Melanie (and husband Brian) Swander of Seattle, Washington; son Jonathan Edward (and wife Anna) Hunnicutt of Boston, Massachusetts; siblings Carol Beeson of Cincinnati, Ohio, Sue Carr of Lafayette, Indiana and Randall Hunnicutt of Economy; and grandchildren Allison, Jack and Katie Hunnicutt of Boston, Massachusetts. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ollia Hunnicutt. Visitation will be 4 to 6 PM on Monday, September 30, at Culberson Funeral Home, Hagerstown. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family in Greens Fork South Cemetery.
Simpsonville - Jeffrey L. Kozel, 65, husband of Susan Kozel, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2019. Born in LaSalle, IL, he was a son of Cyril and Leta Mae Kozel.
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GOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 6040 S 58TH STREET, SUITE D LINCOLN, NE 68516
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