EARTH SHAPING NEWS Published Quarterly by the Golf Course Builders Association of America
SUMMER EDITION
Justin Apel, Mychelle Thompson, and Jon O’Donnell at the Biltmore Estate in September 2019 for the site visit.
Inside Issue the
4
President’s Perspective
5
Executive Director Notes
10 Human Resources 11
Allied Updates
17
Movers & Shapers
26 New Members 26 GCBAA Meetings Calendar
SUMMER MEETING Postponed TO 2021 The Golf Course Builders Association of America Meetings and Education Committees, along with staff and the Board of Directors, have been working with the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina on plans for our upcoming August Summer Meeting. We had planned to host the event so long as we could host a quality event for attendees with safety as the highest priority for our members, guests, and the Biltmore Estate staff. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced the states plans to continue with Safer at Home Phase 2 protocols through July 17. The decision was based on state trends of positive testing of COVID-19. Even if Phase 3 protocols are adopted in mid-July, there would not have been enough time for the venues to host our large gatherings to be prepared enough to meet the quality we strive to accomplish. After careful consideration, the GCBAA Board of Directors has announced the postponement of the August 2020 meeting. Rather than
hosting a Summer Meeting this year, the Board will look at other smaller regional events the remainder of the year depending on opportunities and venues. Mark your calendars for August 2 – 5, 2021 at the Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina as the host for the next Summer Meeting. Additionally, plans are underway for the 2021 Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas January 30 – February 4, 2021. This event will kick off our association’s 50th Anniversary! The Board of Directors along with the Certification Board of Governors will be announcing the recertification criteria for Certified Members, along with members that are required to attend an annual GCBAA event. Rest assure hardships will be considered with extensions based on the challenge this global pandemic has caused. Your safety and health are our number one priority, please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you and your company.
Here’s Why TifEagle is the #1 Ultradwarf in the U.S.A. ! d l r o W • Unparalleled Research, Production & Certification Standards • Over 1,000 Installations Worldwide • Putts Firm, Fast & True • Unique Stability
®
The TifEagle Growers Association www.tifeagle.com www.tifeaglegrowers.com tifeaglegrowers@gmail.com
TifEagle for Greens is a registered trademark of the University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
If Your Certifed TifEagle Doesn’t Come From One of These Eight Licensed TifEagle Growers, It’s Notthe Real Deal. These eight "Licensed" members of the TifEagle Growers Association have been growing, managing and installing TifEagle bermudagrass on greens at the finest clubs across America for over twenty years now. This premier group of quality-conscious sod producers have all agreed to produce “certified” turfgrass by
Evergreen Turf, Inc
Chandler AZ Toll Free: 877 418-8873 Phone: 480 456-1199 Fax: 480 456-4699 jimmy@evergreenturf.com www.evergreenturf.com
following strict turfgrass certification rules administered by each state certification agency. Rules which are designed to promote on-going purity and uniformity. So be sure to look for the TifEagle certification tag with your order. It’s your supplier’s assurance that the TifEagle you’re buying is the real deal.
NewLife Turf, Inc.
Norway SC Phone: 803 263-4231 Fax: 803 263-4886 nltinfo@newlifeturf.com www.newlifeturf.com
Pike Creek Turf, Inc. Adel GA Toll Free: 800 232-7453 Phone: 229 896-7581 Fax: 229 896-7584 bvallison@gmail.com www.pikecreekturf.com
West Coast Turf
Palm Desert CA Toll Free: 800 447-1840 Phone: 760 340-7300 Fax: 760 340-7345 mail@westcoastturf.com www.westcoastturf.com
King Ranch Turfgrass, LP Wharton TX Toll Free: 800 445-2602 Phone: 713 287-2700 Fax: 713 287-2751 kbryant@krturfgrass.com www.Kingranchturf.com
Tifton Turf, Inc.
Tifton GA Phone: 770 271-9500 Mobile: 678 873-1572 paul@tiftonturf.com www.tiftonturf.com
South Florida Grassing, Inc. Hobe Sound FL Toll Free (FL): 800 483-4279 Phone: 772 546-4191 Fax: 772 546-3482 info@southfloridagrassing.com www.southfloridagrassing.com
Tri-Tex Grass
®
Granbury TX Toll Free: 888 221-0422 Phone: 940 686-2700 randy@tritexgrass.com www.tritexgrass.com
The TifEagle Growers Association www.tifeaglegrowers.com www.tifeagle.com tifeaglegrowers@gmail.com
TifEagle for Greens is a registered trademark of the University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
WHAT WE SAID ON Social Media Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
2 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
WATERVISION® APP WATERTRONICS®
BY
MONITOR. DIAGNOSE. ADJUST.
REMOTELY.
NOW THAT’S SMARTER WATER MANAGEMENT. Staying connected is now easier than ever with the WaterVision app by Watertronics. View, manage, diagnose, and make adjustments remotely to your golf pump systems anytime from your phone, tablet or computer. Learn more at watertronics.com.
Download the app for your phone and tablet with your subscription to WaterVision Cloud. Search WATERVISION on the App Store® and Google Play.
© 2017 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Watertronics and WaterVision are registered trademarks of the Lindsay Corporation. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. WVGCBAA112017-1_DDCM
WTX_watervision_gcbaa_fullpg w bld_r1.indd 1
11/21/17 4:46 PM
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 3
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
W
Judd Duininck
GCBAA PRESIDENT
BOARD MEMBERS Chris Caccavale Caterpillar Inc. (Secretary) Kevin Grieder Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. Chris Hill Course Crafters LLC Greg Hufner Total Turf Services Pat Karnick Wadsworth Golf Construction Company (Past President) Matt Lohmann Wadsworth Golf Construction Company John McDonald II McDonald & Sons, Inc. (President Elect) Jon O’Donnell Heritage Links Manny Pina Ewing Irrigation Rick Shriver HARCO Fittings
e are continually reminded of the adversity the world still faces from all aspects; COVID-19, protests, riots, and of course the changes we are seeing in our industry. Amongst all these happenings and while travel may still be restricted, we continue to see progress on job sites, golf courses as busy as they have been in years, along with a rise in the number of new golfers being reported that are playing the game. We remain hopeful for the future of our membership in these interesting times in our country. While times have changed, we as an association are assisting with our membership on how to keep employees safe and healthy with best management practices. As you have come up with new and inventive practices to keeping your employees safe, please share those with the GCBAA office so we can all collaborate and keep the future of golf moving forward. In April, the Executive Board held our spring meeting over the course of a couple days and in a virtual format; something I think we can all agree has become a new normal for meetings. We looked at the year ahead and adjustments that will need made to the strategic plan that was set forth at our last Board Meeting in Orlando in January. Member Benefits continue to be a topic of discussion at our meetings, and we were pleased to recently announce the offering of the member Health Insurance in partnership with Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the American Society of Golf Course Architects. The Executive Board worked diligently discussing how best the organization can help its members through these challenging times. We are encouraging the office to work with our partners that offer member benefits and discount programs and communicate those options to all members. Whether shipping logistics, housing, equipment rental or purchase, there are a number of resources available to GCBAA members to help run your company more efficiently
while supporting our “Buy from Within” Program. The staff has been reaching out to all Builder members to obtain potential projects for the TriAssociation Seminar in Las Vegas. This education seminar is a collaboration between members of the GCSAA, GCBAA, and ASGCA. Staff appreciates the responses they have received, which helps bring the GCBAA brand to the forefront, continue our vision of collaboration amongst the industry and better support our members. GCBAA Staff, along with the Meetings and Education Committees, have worked behind the scenes for several months monitoring the COVID-19 updates and attempted to adjust the agenda accordingly to allow for social distancing, with the top priority being your safety and health. That being said, your wellbeing is the utmost priority of the association and based upon the recent information from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and the desire to continue with the Safer at Home Phase 2 protocols until July 17, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Summer Meeting until August 2-5, 2021. The event will be held at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The Biltmore has been a wonderful partner through the pandemic, and we are excited to host the event next August and will continue to be optimistic that the world will be in a better place with COVID-19 and we can celebrate the association’s 50th Anniversary! Stay tuned for further details. Please continue to stay safe and healthy! Sincerely,
Judd Duininck
Jason Sloan Frontier Golf Bob Sylvester The Toro Company Jon Truttmann Hunter Industries (Vice President) Rick Williamson LASCO Fittings, Inc. Tom Works Landscapes Unlimited, LLC (Treasurer)
EARTH SHAPING NEWS
©GOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
6040 S. 58th St., Suite D Lincoln, NE 68516 TEL (402) 476-4444 FAX (402) 476-4489
information@gcbaa.org www.gcbaa.org
JUSTIN APEL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
justin_apel@gcbaa.org
MYCHELLE THOMPSON
PROGRAM & PLANNING MANAGER
mychelle_thompson@gcbaa.org
LUNDMARK ADVERTISING & DESIGN DESIGN & LAYOUT
www.lundmarkadv.com 4 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
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. Archived issues available at www.gcbaa.org.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NOTES
T
here is nothing like a global pandemic where Directed Health Measures require social distancing, yet people still come together to help one another! Our sense from talking to many of you is a common theme of everyone being in this together and all wanting one another to remain safe and healthy. That sentiment is the common denominator in all our activities and decision making. The decision to postpone the summer meeting would have been more difficult had it not been for the leadership of the GCBAA Board of Directors, along with members of the Education and Meetings Committees. As many of you know, our group held weekly update meetings while keeping in tight conversations with the Biltmore Estate and Visit Asheville Visitors Bureau. Biltmore Estate has been hands down the best partner for the association. While we are disappointed not to be able to join them this August, we are thrilled they will host us for our 50th Anniversary Celebration next August. So now what? That might be a question members think when GCBAA staff typically spends our June and July months planning the details of the event. Rest assured, we are going to be keeping ourselves busy! Every organization has that “rainy day” pile of ideas and projects you want to explore, but it takes a back seat to other priorities. We can tell you that file has grown more substantial in the past few months than ever before merely with ideas we hear from you. Over the last decade, the golf industry has taken a proactive approach to change the perception of the game of golf to non-players. The reality is if you do not play the game, you don’t understand the positive attributes and are more likely to look negatively on the sport and those that participate. The image is the sport is an elitist gathering for only the wealthy and caters to a specific race and gender. We know that is not true and have advocated legislative leaders at the state and federal levels, as well as non-endemic news and media outlets of the positives of the game. Amazingly the pandemic has shown the world the value of golf as a safe recreational activity. The industry pulled together to promote best management practices for operating courses and helped operators weather the storm. While food and beverage outlets at courses suffer, out on the course, tee times were filled. The positive momentum golf is experiencing will continue through the summer and fall and the allied organizations are working together to use the positives of the game as an educational tool to help pivot the image of the game to a more positive light, as well as use it as a campaign to bring more people into the game.
Many of you have shared with us the good and the bad of what you are experiencing. It seems everyone has had a significant loss, whether a friend or family member who was affected by COVID-19, a special event like a wedding or vacation that has been missed, or for some a loss to your business. We have also heard countless success stories of projects, albeit not as planned, off and running and keeping your employees, suppliers, and business hitting on all cylinders. We know the 3rd and 4th quarter of this year is questionable, but for the time being, signs are looking positive that work will be needed on these heavily utilized facilities so long as operators are able to free up funds for the investment. All of this shows signs of a positive future for the golf construction industry. Staff needs your help over the next few months as you have time. We are in the midst of updating our Cost Guide for Estimating Golf Course Construction with current quantities and values and need volunteers to help us collect the data. We are also collecting your best management practices used in construction to keep your employees safe. The association would like to help you create an industry standard for the future. Sharing the collective knowledge and lessons learned will be a valuable member benefit for your company moving forward. As Golf Industry Show Partners, we are working with show planners on details for the 2021 Golf Industry Show. The leadership of the GCSAA Board of Directors, along with the talented team at headquarters, is working diligently at all options for next January. Show planning continues, and at this time, attendees and exhibitors will see additional time being allowed for the registration process. We will work with the trade show team and help communicate plans with you. Finally, we are incredibly excited to be able to provide the membership with a health insurance option. Be sure to read up on the program in this issue, as well as visit our gcbaa.org website Member Benefits Page for more information. We have been filling your mailboxes with all our partnership programs to save you and your company time and money. Remember to “Buy from Within” and to support the companies that support you and your association. As always, if you have ideas of programs we should be offering, please pass those along. We are all in this together, and let’s continue to help one another so that when we come out of this, we are that much stronger as an industry! 2021 is the organization's 50th Anniversary, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone accomplishment with you.
THE PANDEMIC HAS SHOWN THE WORLD THE VALUE OF GOLF AS A SAFE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY
Justin Apel
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CHARTER MEMBERS
ACC Golf Construction ADS/Hancor, Inc. Aspen Corporation Boyd Irrigation, Inc. Bryant Taylor Gordon Golf 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 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
Justin Apel GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 5
GCBAA FOUNDATION UPDATE
D
Tom Shapland
GCBAA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
BOARD MEMBERS Ellen Davis SportZmix Solutions John Holmes Atlas Turf International Limited
espite all that is going on in the world, the Foundation has received an overwhelming response to our survey to the Sticks for Kids Program. Per the responses received thus far, many instructors have young players signed up and ready for the COVID-19 restrictions to be lifted so they can safely play. As anticipated, a few of our programs are putting their program on hold until next year. So far in the reporting, there were over 17,000 kids using the Sticks for Kids Program in 2019. We are optimistic that this number will grow as over half of the survey responses are not yet included. We are well underway to hitting our 50,000 per year average.
Here are some of the responses received so far:
“The First Tee of Eastern Michigan will conduct programming this summer with modifications including smaller class sizes to allow for social distancing. We have really appreciated the support
of the GCBAA Sticks for Kids program in the past and hope to continue our relationship going forward. Our chapter is located in Genesee County right next to Flint Michigan where we have seen our share of struggles and inequities in our neighborhoods. We were just getting past the Flint Water Crisis when the pandemic hit so our area has a tremendous amount of need.” Billy with Hickory Swing Golf Course in Great Falls Montana said “Yes we are continuing to have a junior camp using the Sticks for Kids equipment. We are planning the end of July for this season’s junior camp with up to 20 kids.” The Foundation is appreciative of the GCBAA members continuously generous support. We look forward to more and better ways to convert that generosity into the growth of our great game.
Tom Shapland
Jimmy Kirchdorfer ISCO Industries Bill Kubly Landscapes Unlimited, LLC Rick Lohman The Toro Company Allan MacCurrach III MacCurrach Golf Jon Truttmann (Board Liaison) Hunter Industries Doug York Ewing Irrigation
Photo Credits: Mary McCray of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of St. Louis Metropolitan
6 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 7
2ND ANNUAL Rich Mullen MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING
T
he second annual Rich Mullen Memorial Golf Outing was held May 30, 2020 at Wolf Creek Golf Club, Danville, Illinois. The golf outing is organized by Andrew Marsh and Nick Miethe, friends of Rich Mullen. Proceeds from this event are used to make a donation in Rich’s name to the Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation for the “Sticks for Kids Program”. This year’s golf outing raised $1,000 to assist with funding to provide golf clubs to underprivileged kids to grow their love for the game of golf. Through the “Sticks for Kids Program” children are taught not only the fundamentals of the game, but also life lessons such as etiquette, integrity, sportsmanship, safety, and respect for themselves and others. On the last round of golf that Rich Mullen played, he took the opportunity to teach a kid those same ideals. He would be proud of his friends for continuing the leadership and providing these opportunities for future generations. Photo Credits: Nick Miethe
GCBAA LAUNCHES Health Insurance Program JUNE 1, 2020
L
INCOLN, Neb. (June 1, 2020) – The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), working in partnership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), is offering members access to a health insurance program, scheduled to be launched June 1, 2020. The new member benefit is administered by Association Health Programs (AHP), an insurance broker who specializes in association management benefit plans. “This is something we’ve always wanted to offer our membership,” Justin Apel, GCBAA Executive Director said. “Our members and their employees’ health and safety has always been a priority for our association. We are thrilled to announce this opportunity. Due to our recent partnership with the Golf Industry Show, we have joined forces with the Superintendents and Architects to make our industry that much stronger.” This member benefit will be available to all
8 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
eligible GCBAA members and their immediate family members. The program has options for members in 38 states. Due to state legal restrictions, the program is not available in 12 states: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. U.S. territories and those outside of the United States are excluded as well. AHP partners with A+ rated insurance carriers to offer Preferred Provider Plans (PPO). A few examples are United Healthcare PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. Product options, carrier availability, and rates vary by state and individual circumstances. GCBAA members are responsible for the premiums and make payments directly to the insurance providers. Visit the GCBAA Website under “Member Benefits” for Frequently Asked Questions and general information about the program. For questions, please call (402-476-4444) or email mychelle_thompson@gcbaa.org.
“I wanted to thank the GCBAA for offering health insurance to your members. Josh Pase with Association Health Programs (AHP), who manages the program, was outstanding to work with! He was very informative on the different plans available and we selected one that meets my needs. It only took 5-minutes to initiate the application over the phone. Super easy and convenient for my busy schedule! The best part of all is I am saving approximately $450 per month for basically the same type of plan that I had! Once again, thank you for offering such great, affordable health insurance to your members.” - Tony Garner Leemco, Inc.
DEVELOPERS GUIDE
Innovation FROM PURPOSEFUL COLLABORATION BY HENRY DELOZIER
GLOBAL GOLF ADVISORS
I
n a previous edition of Earth Shaping News, the notion of collaboration involving the golf course builder, the designer, and the owner implied the need for intentional congruency. How can an effective and efficient alliance be formed? Contributing to Entrepreneur magazine on the topic of strategic alliances, Kate McKay, a behavioral change expert, suggests seven points that can guide golf course builders in developing and using strategic alliances effectively: 1. See beyond what’s on the table. Understand more than your immediate needs and concerns. 2. Be clear on your ‘why’. Be clear on your value proposition and open about what you hope to achieve. 3. Understand the “why” of your potential partners. A golf course builder can assume the needs of the owner and the designer. It is essential that each party can clearly define their needs and expectations. 4. Seek commonality and shared vision. Understand the vision and values of each party. Enthusiasm comes and goes; values are key to holding the team together. 5. Don’t rush the process. Allow time for all members of the alliance to express themselves and to consider what they have heard from one another. 6. Expect to be uncomfortable. Differences of opinion and methods for execution are certain to arise. Allow
for the differences and determine how the team can disagree in agreeable ways. 7. Write things down. Record your mutual understandings and agree upon what is recorded. Golf Digest architecture editor, Ron Whitten, observes, “Contractors are essential in building within a budget. Mistakes are better made on paper than in the field. Most developers can't fund a course that takes two years to build. Most projects must stick to realistic deadlines.” Although describing the attributes of top builders, Whitten noted one of the most important benefits golf course builders add to the owner – designer – builder alliance. Enabling innovation in golf course construction requires three points of understanding: 1. Golf Course Builders Association Members must educate owners. One of the most valuable benefits that builders bring to a strategic alliance is the practical knowledge and experience of unit measurement and costing. Golf course builders must establish a baseline of accurate and trustworthy facts serving as guidance and assurance for the owner while serving as a supportive enabler for the designer. This bond requires experience, data-supported information, and exemplary reference-points. 2. Designers must be able to trust their builder. Motivated by the desire to create a great course for
golfers to enjoy, designers want to make the land all that they believe it can be. The designer must know that the builder will understand his or her vision and convert the vision into reality. Designers must be able to trust the builder to be a truthful critic in private and a willing cheerleader in public. 3. Owners must understand that the designer and the builder both have a seat at the table. For the strategic alliance to maximize its effectiveness, owners seek reliability in budgeting and timelines. Innovation in golf courses requires a spirited and honor-driven strategic alliance. The future of excellent renovations and new-builds relies upon the necessity of teamwork. John Strawn, golf course design and construction executive with stints at Robert Trent Jones II and Hills & Forrest, summarizes the balance, “Builders need strong relationships with architects, and architects have to trust the builders.” Henry DeLozier is a principal at Global Golf Advisors, the largest international consulting firm that specializes in golf-related businesses. Henry is a friend to GCBAA members and the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Audubon International. Contact Henry at hdelozier@globalgolfadvisors.com.
WE BRING MORE “YES” TO YOUR PROJECT When it comes time to build a new golf course or renovate an existing one, renting equipment is a cost-effective and efficient solution. Sunbelt Rentals has a full line of tools and specialty equipment including Helac PowerTilts, turf tire tractors, and Pronovost hydraulic dump trailers for shaping fairways and bunkers. With 24/7 support, online account management, and over 900 locations in North America, we can arrange what you need, when you need it. Visit sunbeltrentals.com or call 800-667-9328 to bring more “Yes” to your project.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 9
HUMAN RESOURCES
Weight Discrimination IN THE WORKPLACE BY JACK L. SHULTZ AND SARAH J. KNIEP
O’NEILL, HEINRICH, DAMKROGER, BERGMEYER & SHULTZ, P.C., L.L.O.
I
t is well understood that employers must afford their employees and applicants protections against workplace discrimination based on age, disability, gender, religion, race, national origin and sex through the federal civil rights laws. There are some physical attributes, like the weight of an individual, that are not explicitly protected under these laws. However, the legal landscape seems to be changing and new protections may be afforded to individuals based on their size. In light of these changes, employers should continue to educate themselves and begin implementing new measures to reduce the potential chances of being accused of weight discrimination. While no federal laws protect employees and applicants from weight discrimination in the workplace, employers should be aware of state and local laws and court interpretations of the same that afford greater protections. At the state level, Michigan is the only state that has enacted a law which prohibits every employer in the state from committing any type of discrimination based on weight. More specifically, employers are prohibited from refusing to hire, terminating, discriminating in compensation, or limiting an employee or applicant that deprives them of an opportunity simply because of their weight. And while other states may not have followed suit to date, many local municipalities are enacting laws protecting against weight discrimination. Employers should ensure they review applicable local laws to ensure they remain in compliance with these procedures. More importantly, however, while there are no federal laws expressly protecting employees from weight-based discrimination, federal appellate courts have addressed the issue of whether obesity and weight should be considered a medical condition that could be a disability under the Americans with Disability Act (“ADA”). Surprisingly, four circuit courts in the 2nd, 6th, Seventh and Eighth Circuits have all agreed that obesity alone,
including severe obesity, is not a disability unless the individual has an underlying physiological condition. Such underlying physiological conditions include, but are not limited to, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or a thyroid disorder. The courts all relied on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”) guidance when making their decision. According to the EEOC interpretive guidance “the definition of the term ‘impairment’ does not include physical characteristics such as eye color, hair color, lefthandedness, or height, weight, or muscle tone that are within “normal” range and are not the result of a physiological disorder. The definition, like-wise, does not include characteristic predisposition to illness or disease. Other conditions such as pregnancy, that are not the result of a physiological disorder are also not impairments [ . . . ] The definition of an impairment also does not include common personality traits such as poor judgment or a quick temper where these are not symptoms of a mental or psychological disorder.” Interestingly enough, despite a plain reading of this interpretive guidance, the EEOC has taken the position that obesity alone is an impairment and the employee is not required to show that there is any underlying physiological condition that caused the obesity. One federal court in Louisiana has sided with the EEOC’s position that obesity alone is enough to constitute disability discrimination. Obviously, this causes conflict and uncertainty in the legal realm of whether obesity alone is enough for a discrimination law suit to be brought against an employer. Ultimately, while it appears that courts will most likely not change their holdings that obesity alone is a disability unless the EEOC amends its interpretive guidance. Regardless, employers should remain vigilant and aware when making any employment decisions on physical characteristics like weight. More specifically, if an employee or applicant has
an underlying physiological condition that has caused obesity, they may be protected by law. The employee will be required to prove that they have such impairment and it has substantially limited a major bodily function or life activity in order to be a disability. Of course, there are certain actions employers can take to reduce the risk of being named in a weight discrimination law suit while also investing in the current employees. First, it would be wise to ensure that all job descriptions that have weight requirements reasonably relate to the essential duties and functions of the position. If they are not actually related to essential duties and functions, they should be amended. Second, listen and be alert to employees and applicants that may require reasonable accommodation to complete the essential function of their position if they request it. Third, do not automatically make the assumption that an employee or applicant is unable to perform essential duties of a job simply because they may be overweight. Furthermore, do not automatically assume that an employee or applicant’s weight is not related to an underlying physiological condition. Many overweight individuals do have underlying conditions that would cause them to meet the ADA’s definition of impairment. It may be beneficial to offer company-wide health incentives, such as wellness programs, gym membership stipends or other healthy lifestyle benefits. Undoubtedly, there is a movement toward protecting obese employees and applicants from work-place discrimination, and it is likely that more states and cities will implement laws to protect against weight bias. In response to this trend, employers should take the time now to begin to implement regular practices and procedures now to ensure they are protecting their establishments and employees from exposure to liability and foster a healthy work environment.
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 Sarah J. Kniep 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 skniep@ohdbslaw.com.
10 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
ALLIED UPDATES
BUNKER SAND Playability
S
and Saves: Getting the Most from Bunker Sand Bunker playability is one of the most common issues raised during USGA Course Consulting Service visits. Golfers often perceive bunker sand to be too firm, or too soft, and frequently express concerns about inconsistent playability throughout the course. Understanding some of the reasons and remedies for these issues can help golf courses get the most benefit from investments in bunker construction, renovation and maintenance. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about bunker sand: What is the recommended sand depth for bunkers? Appropriate sand depth will depend on the physical characteristics of the sand, the underlying soil or liner material, and the cost and availability of bunker sand in a given area. At the very minimum, from a playability perspective, sand depth should be at least 4 inches on bunker floors. This depth will limit the risk of golfers hitting through the sand and striking liner or subsoil. The recommended sand depth will also be influenced by the nature of the bunker liner, if one is present. Porous aggregate bunker liners can create a perched water table in the sand if it is not sufficiently deep. This can leave the sand moist, excessively firm and vulnerable to algae growth. Have an accredited lab perform a water release curve test to determine the best sand depth for combinations of sand and liner. Why does bunker sand drainage decrease over time? Think of the sand in a bunker as a large filter. Over time it traps silt, clay and organic matter carried by wind, rain and even golf shoes. There is also contamination that comes from bunker edging, mowing and other normal maintenance operations. With all this material collecting in the bunker sand over time, water percolation inevitably slows. If bunker sand becomes extremely contaminated,
it may hold water even though the underlying drainage system is functioning well. While bunker liners help reduce contamination from the soil below, they cannot prevent contamination that comes from outside the bunkers. Additionally, if the bunker liner is creating a perched water table, the sand may become chronically wet and susceptible to algae growth. There is anecdotal evidence from testing aging bunker sands that algae growth can significantly decrease
bunker sand drainage. How can a course increase the longevity of its bunker sand? While course managers cannot thwart the accumulation of wind-blown silt, clay and organic matter, they can routinely rake and blow debris out of bunkers to limit sand contamination. Grading around bunkers to limit surface water entry is also an effective way to reduce contamination and improve long-term sand performance. A bunker liner will help prolong the life of bunker sand by reducing contamination from the subsoil. Performing tests to ensure that a bunker liner does not cause the
sand to hold an excessive amount of moisture can also help reduce organic matter contamination and improve playability. Installing drainage pipes on top of the liner is one way to avoid issues with a perched water table because this design creates a continuous column of sand from the bunker surface to the pipes, which allows for unimpeded drainage. This type of design has been used successfully and is becoming more commonplace. Plan for success Many of the issues that arise with bunker sand performance can be avoided, or at least diminished, with proper planning. Testing sand performance in relation to a liner will help avoid issues with a perched water table. Shaping bunkers to limit the amount of surface water entry will reduce sand contamination. Building a few test bunkers with different sand and liner options at a course prior to a large-scale renovation is another great way to avoid problems down the road. Doing so allows golfers to experience the playability of different sand options throughout the year so they can determine their preference.
Installing drain lines above the bunker liner can prevent issues with a perched water table in the bunker sand.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 11
ALLIED UPDATES Do your part to get
INGGOLF INDUSTRY COLLABORATES TO NESDEVELOP RESPONSIBLE ‘BACK2GOLF’ wearegolf.org/back2golf
Guidelines and Operational Playbook 2. STAY HOME under strict social distancing practices is something
THREE-PHASE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK ALIGNED WITH CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION GUIDELINES
S
T. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – As part of an industrywide 6collaboration to lead the responsible feet return of golf in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the game’s allied organizations have established “Back2Golf,” a plan outlining operational guidelines for golf’s 16,000-plus facilities that adhere to nationally established protocols and best practices. After review from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), golf leaders and medical experts, the game’s national organizations have adopted a threephase approach for golf’s careful reopening, focused on prolonged social distancing and enhanced sanitization practices. Using measures set by the CDC and The White House “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again” plan, the recommendations will progress at various paces depending on geographic location. “The Back2Golf Playbook and Guidelines that the handshakes and have put PGA of America and golf's allied organizations together are both comprehensive high-fives.in nature and, most importantly, lay out a responsible way to get back on the golf course,” said Dr. Bradley Connor, clinical professor of medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College and an attending physician at the New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell campus. “The guidelines emphasize social distancing and other preventative measures in alignment with the plan established by The White House and CDC. Golf is a terrific recreational outlet that offers a number of physical and mental health benefits. “While we all must remain vigilant and continue to take precautions, this plan allows golf to be played in keeping with social distancing best practices,” Dr. Connor continued. “I applaud the golf industry for helping to be part of the solution to get us back outdoors in a healthy and responsible manner.” This industry-wide initiative has been primarily focused on ensuring golf courses that have remained operational or will reopen soon, do so responsibly to protect golfers, employees and all members of the community. Each organization has distributed “Back2Golf Guidelines” and the corresponding “Operational Playbook” to its respective audiences to implement and administer. Updates will be made as interim guidance on COVID-19 is issued by the CDC. “The importance of social distancing and responsible behavior during this pandemic has become a part of everyone’s daily life,” says Seth Waugh, CEO of PGA of America, whose team took a leadership role in developing Back2Golf. “Reopening golf responsibly
7. AVOID
12 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
if can youallhave we unify behind. While we recognize there is a fever no perfect or solution and various areas of the country will feelprogress sick. in these phases at a different pace, it is imperative that we reopen golf in a way that prioritizes the health and well being of the entire golf community.” Back2Golf is driven by key stakeholders of WE If in adoubt... ARE GOLF, division of the World Golf Foundation created in 2010 to spearhead initiatives on behalf of the game. Organizations include PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and Club Management Association of America (CMAA), among others. “Golf inherently provides many health and fitness benefits, including the opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and friends, which is needed now the game andsays Greg McLaughlin, CEO of World more than ever,” all involved. Golf Foundation. “It is a sport that naturally lends itself to social distancing and the ‘Back2Golf’ guidelines. We greatly appreciate the collaboration between all the allied golf organizations. It represents another example of our industry coming together for the greater good as our game has done so many times before.” For more information, please visit www.wearegolf. org/back2golf.
4. DON’T TOUCH IT.
8. RESPECT
9. REMEMBER to wash your hands after playing.
About WE ARE GOLF Administered by the World Golf Foundation as a coalition of golf’s leading organizations, WE ARE GOLF was established to unite the industry and advocate in the game’s best interests. Through this platform, WE ARE GOLF promotes engagement and inclusivity among the sport’s participants, while ensuring the health and prosperity of the $84 billion golf industry and the more than two million jobs are protected. Participating partners include PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, GCSAA, NGCOA & CMAA. Please visit www.wearegolf.org.
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, with 29,000 professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
Founded in 1894, the USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf, while conducting many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open.
The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour- PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR Series-China.
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla., the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 Members representing more than 30 countries.
Founded in 1926, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide.
The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management.
Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally.
ALLIED UPDATES
SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES
Do your part to get
wearegolf.org/back2golf
1. ALWAYS
stay six feet apart from others.
6 feet
3. AVOID
mark your ball clearly.
6. WEAR
a facial covering when taking a lesson.
if you have a fever or feel sick.
4. If in doubt... DON’T TOUCH IT.
large gatherings on the first tee, driving range or after the round.
5. ALWAYS
2. STAY HOME
7. AVOID
handshakes and high-fives.
8. RESPECT the game and all involved.
9. REMEMBER to wash your hands after playing.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 13
ALLIED UPDATES
NAVIGABLE WATERS Protection Rule NEW CHANGES FOR “WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES”
BY JOE TRAUGER
O
n June 22, 2020, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule went into effect across the country—with one notable exception, the state of Colorado. It is unlikely, however, that the long and arduous journey for the revised “Waters of the United States” or WOTUS rule is over. Ever since the Federal Water Pollution Control Act was expanded and reorganized by the Clean Water Act in 1972, there has been confusion and litigation surrounding the definition of “waters of the U.S.” The Obama administration finalized a rule (WOTUS) in 2015 that provided a definition many believed was too broad and raised a number of procedural objections about the manner in which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted the rule. Several associations and 31 states sued the EPA and various federal courts issued injunctions preventing its implementation. In 2017, President Trump directed the EPA and the Corps of Engineers to reexamine the 2015 WOTUS rule. The result of this review was a determination by the two agencies to repeal the 2015 rule and draft a new rule. In September of 2019, the EPA finalized a regulatory repeal of the 2015 rule,
which still has lawsuits pending against it. The Navigable Waters Protection Rule limits the definition of WOTUS to four categories of waters under federal jurisdiction. Waters outside these categories are recognized as being subject to state and/or local jurisdiction.
RESPONDING TO
$3 trillion in federal expenditures to support the economy. In addition, the Federal Reserve has opened up new monetary programs with as much as $4 trillion being made available. Unfortunately, private clubs were not included in the new Payment Protection Program. It is likely Congress will draft a sixth coronavirus
the Pandemic NCA’S RESOURCES FOR CLUBS
G
olf clubs and courses, just like virtually all industries, have been impacted by the coronavirus and NCA has been providing valuable support from the beginning. The NCA Foundation has sponsored a Coronavirus Resource Center and hosted more than 35 webinars—open to clubs around the country regardless of whether they are members of NCA. The webinars included valuable information and advice from club community leaders and experts on operational, financial, regulatory and legislative issues related to the coronavirus. NCA also launched “COVID-19 Club Update,” compiling the latest resources from trusted sources and most recently, published a “Blueprint for Reopening Private Clubs,” a collection of the best shared resources organized by club departments, facilities, programs and operations categories. NCA led the industry’s grassroots advocacy efforts and communicated with clubs on how to receive aid from relief packages. Congress has passed five coronavirus relief bills totaling over 14 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
• Traditional navigable waters and territorial seas
• Perennial and intermittent tributaries flowing into those waters • Wetlands adjacent to those waters
• Certain lakes, ponds and impoundments of jurisdictional waters For the sake of clarity, the rule cites several types of waters as being excluded, including groundwater, ephemeral streams and pools, and wetlands adjacent to other wetlands. The National Club Association (NCA) supported the 2019 Navigable Waters Protection Rule because it provides certainty where there was previously confusion and recognizes the importance of the relationship between the federal government and states where the issues of protecting water
sources are concerned. For clubs and golf courses it should bring needed clarity about which level of government they need to work with in protecting bodies of water on their property whether in design, renovation or maintenance. The new Navigable Waters Protection Rule that went into effect on June 22 was largely supported by opponents of the 2015 rule and opposed by environmental groups and is being challenged in federal courts. At least three attempts were made by environmental groups to convince a judge that their suits were likely to win on the merits and to issue an injunction to prevent it from going into effect. These injunctions were rejected except for a judge in Colorado, so the rule is now in effect in 49 states. The cases filed against the rule are still ongoing and there is a possibility one of those challenges could win. In the event one or more of the suits prevails it would throw us back into the legal morass the rule was intended to clear up—and so the journey continues. Joe Trauger is vice president of Government Relations for the National Club Association. He can be reached at trauger@nationclub.org or 202-684-8753. bill sometime in July to address some areas that may need more support, such as state and local governments and industries particularly hard hit due to government mandates and closures. There is much to be done in the coming months. For more information visit coronavirus.nationalclub.org/.
ALLIED UPDATES
PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCES
Combined 2020-21 Season
P
ONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – PGA TOUR Champions has announced that its tournaments in 2020 and 2021 will combine to form one season, and the next Charles Schwab Cup champion will be crowned in November 2021 at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Due to the circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, eight PGA TOUR Champions tournaments have been canceled from the original 27-tournament schedule. A number of other events have been rescheduled to later in the calendar year and a decision on The Senior Open presented by Rolex will be forthcoming. In an effort to uphold the competitive integrity of the Charles Schwab Cup, PGA TOUR Champions will combine the 2020 and 2021 seasons and form a singular 202021 season. In addition, other measures are being taken to offset some of the impact made by the cancellation of tournaments. • In 2020, the field size of tournaments will increase from 78 to 81 players. • In 2020, the three Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs events will be converted into 81-player fields. • The Charles Schwab Cup Championship will be reduced from 72 to 54 holes.
“While we won’t have a Charles Schwab Cup champion in 2020, we feel that the combined schedule for 2020-21 is the best solution for everyone associated with PGA TOUR Champions,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady. “The wonderful support from the tournaments, title sponsors, Charles Schwab and the Player Advisory Council has helped us address some of the schedule complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result we have created solutions that best serve our members and our tournament communities.” Players will retain their 2020 eligibility in 2021, except for the five players in the Q-School category, who will play their guaranteed events. Additionally, the 2020 PGA TOUR Champions Qualifying Tournament will not be conducted, and player awards will not be presented at the end of 2020. Five events have been completed and 13 tournaments remain on the 2020 schedule, beginning with The Ally Challenge at Warwick Hills in Grand Blanc, Michigan (July 31 – August 2). PGA TOUR Champions events to be contested in 2021 as part of the combined 2020-21 schedule will be announced later this year. PGA TOUR Champions will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow the recommendations of local and state authorities in order to determine the
most appropriate on-site access in each market. Decisions on fan attendance at all events will be dependent on available protocols that could be implemented to ensure the health and well-being for all involved. About PGA TOUR Champions PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 33 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, telecasts air in excess of 170 countries and territories, reaching more than 340 million potential households, and distributed in 15+ markets via GOLFTV. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/ PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @pgatourchampions.
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.
THE HDPE EXPERTS EXPERTS THE HDPE
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 15
AUSA DUMPERS Get the job done faster
Hydrostatic or powershuttle transmissions Load capacities up to 6.26 cu yd Multiple skip options: swivel, high and front tipping
TURF TIRES AVAILABLE
ausa.us@ausa.com
16 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
www.ausa.com
MOVERS & SHAPERS
Tripp Davis AND ASSOCIATES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
N
ORMAN, OK – Tripp Davis and Associates (TDA), the distinguished golf course architecture firm, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website at www.tdagolf.net. The improved website has been designed to offer the ultimate user-friendly experience whether on desktop or mobile devices. The upgraded site includes features to help users quickly and easily navigate company information and review the firm’s portfolio of 25 years of work. Many images have been added to illustrate TDA’s original designs, renovation and restoration projects, as well
as short courses and practice facilities. Visitors also will find bios about the company’s founder, Tripp Davis, and members of his dedicated team who have made TDA one of the premier golf course architecture firms in the world. “We are excited to showcase our new website to prospective and past clients, media and golf industry contacts who are looking to better understand our company and our services,” said Davis. “We believe this new site will provide visitors with a very informative experience as we continue to grow and increase our market presence.”
USGA FINALIZES 2020 Championship SCHEDULE 120TH U.S. WOMEN’S AMATEUR, U.S. AMATEUR RETAIN AUGUST DATES; FOUR REMAINING AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS CANCELED; NO QUALIFYING TO BE CONDUCTED FOR 2020
L
IBERTY CORNER, N.J. (May 18, 2020) – The USGA announced several updates to its 2020 championship schedule today, as the organization continues to reconfigure its season due to uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The 120th U.S. Women’s Amateur, scheduled for Aug. 3-9 at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md., and the 120th U.S. Amateur, scheduled for Aug. 10-16 at Bandon (Ore.) Dunes Golf Resort, will be conducted as scheduled, provided that CDC recommendations and state and local government guidelines make it possible to do so. In addition, the USGA announced that the remaining four 2020 amateur championships will be canceled: those are the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur (which was scheduled Aug. 29-Sept. 3 at Berkeley Hall Club in Bluffton, S.C.); U.S. Senior Amateur (Aug. 29-Sept. 3 at Country Club of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.); U.S. Mid-Amateur (Sept. 1217 at Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot, Va., and Independence Golf Club in Midlothian, Va.); and U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur (Sept. 12-17 at The Lakewood Club in Point Clear, Ala.). “Throughout this process, our primary focus has been the safety and well-being of everyone involved, including our players, volunteers, host club representatives and staff,” said John Bodenhamer, senior managing director of Championships for the USGA. “We have not taken these decisions lightly
and wish we had more options. But with a continued, keen interest in doing what is best for all involved, although we are extremely disappointed, this is the right decision.” The USGA previously announced the cancellation of six 2020 championships: the U.S. Amateur FourBall, U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Senior Women’s Open, U.S. Girls’ Junior and U.S. Junior Amateur. The USGA will thus conduct four championships in 2020, all at their originally scheduled sites. In early April, the USGA announced that the 120th U.S. Open will be played at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., from Sept. 17-20, and the 75th U.S. Women’s Open will be played at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, from Dec. 10-13. Testing and robust health and safety protocols will be in place at each of the four championships. All four championships will be conducted without qualifying, which means the fields will be filled entirely through exemptions. Given continued health and safety concerns, as well as the potential burden on Allied Golf Associations and the courses scheduled to host qualifying, conducting hundreds of qualifiers across the country for the U.S. Women’s Amateur, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open was not seen as a viable option. “As you can imagine, this was an incredibly difficult decision, as qualifying is a cornerstone of USGA championships,” said Bodenhamer. “We take great pride in the fact that many thousands typically enter to pursue their dream of qualifying for a USGA championship and we deeply regret that they will not have that opportunity this year. But this structure
provides the best path forward for us to conduct these championships in 2020.” Additional information regarding the expanded exemption categories for each championship will be made available in the coming weeks. The USGA previously announced that it would delay opening entries for the 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball and the 2021 U.S. Amateur FourBall Championships until the week of July 6. The 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship will be contested April 24-28 at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas. The 2021 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball will be played May 22-26 at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash., and The Home Course in DuPont, Wash. For more USGA schedule updates, visit usga.org and usopen.com. About the USGA The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 17
MOVERS & SHAPERS
GCBAA MEMBERS CONVERGE ON NEBRASKA FOR NEW 18-Hole Project
H
omer, Nebraska – Population 502; a short 2-hour drive from the GCBAA Executive Office in Lincoln is bringing together familiar faces of our association. On June 17th, GCBAA staff joined fellow GCBAA Members; Chris Daigle, Scot Leavitt, and Matt Faherty of Winterberry Irrigation, LLC (Irrigation Contractor), Doug Zak of CMF Global (Supplier). The design build project with friends Tad King and Rob Collins with King Collins Golf Course Design. Chris gave us the tour of the site showing their HDPE process, along with best management practices Winterberry Irrigation, LLC implements in their daily work activity. From a morning stretch, safety meeting, social distancing of crews, and professional and organized workspace; despite being busy in the CMF Global trademark AquaFusion training certification program review with employees. Around the jobsite, there were countless organized piles of GCBAA member products ready to be installed. Miles of Regency Wire & Cable, ADS Inc. drainage, and AquaFuse HDPE piping system, along with the smell of diesel from the fleet of Caterpillar Equipment being used. There are storage containers of Toro Irrigation Company irrigation heads that are ready to be installed after Erik Christiansen with EC Design Group Ltd. stakes the property. Follow the progress of this unique build by visiting: https://www.thebestmix1055.com/2020/06/11/ landmand-golf-club-making-progress/.
18 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
MOVERS & SHAPERS
FORMER PGA TOUR COMMISSIONER Tim Finchem TO BE INDUCTED IN WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2021 FINCHEM JOINS TIGER WOODS AND MARION HOLLINS IN 2021 INDUCTION CLASS; FINAL INDUCTEE TO BE ANNOUNCED IN COMING DAYS
S
T. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (April 20, 2020) – The World Golf Hall of Fame will enshrine former PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem as part of its Class of 2021, joining Tiger Woods and Marion Hollins. He received news of his Induction through the Contributor category from Commissioner Jay Monahan. “It is the greatest honor to be elected to join golf’s most legendary players and contributors in the World Golf Hall of Fame,” said Finchem. “This is a truly humbling moment, for which I am most grateful, and I look forward to celebrating with my family and friends throughout the game of golf and the many people who made this possible for me. I am especially proud to stand alongside one of the world’s all-time greats, Tiger Woods, in the Class of 2021 and look forward to what will be an exciting year ahead.” Under Finchem’s 22-year tenure as the PGA TOUR Commissioner from 1994 through 2016, prize money skyrocketed, moving from under $100 million on three tours in 1994 to more than $400 million on six tours when he retired in 2017. He created signature events in today’s game, including the FedExCup and the FedExCup Playoffs, the Presidents Cup and the World Golf Championships.
Finchem’s impact expanded far beyond the PGA TOUR as he left his mark on the global game. He spearheaded efforts to coordinate the bid for golf’s return to the Olympics, which became a reality in the 2016 Games after a 112-year absence. Finchem worked to ensure giving back was part of the fabric of the PGA TOUR’s business model and was instrumental in founding the First Tee in 1997. Since inception, Finchem has helped First Tee grow and develop into the positive youth development organization it is today, having reached more than 15 million young people on golf courses, in schools and after-school locations. During his tenure as Commissioner, the PGA TOUR and its tournaments raised more than $2 billion in charitable contributions. “Tim Finchem’s vision and leadership have made an indelible impact on the game of golf over the past 25 years,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and World Golf Foundation Board Chairman. “His enshrinement into the World Golf Hall of Fame will forever stand as a testament to his tireless dedication and contributions, but more importantly, so will the countless lives – whether those are the players on the PGA TOUR and beyond, millions of First Tee participants, or charitable organizations around the world – impacted by his life’s work.” Finchem joins Tiger Woods and Marion Hollins as part of the 2021 Induction Class. The Hall of Fame will round out the Class of 2021 by announcing the fourth and final Inductee in the coming days. The Class of 2021 is elected by the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee, which discusses the
merits of 10 finalists. The Selection Committee is a 20-member panel co-chaired by Hall of Fame Members Beth Daniel, Nick Price, Annika Sorenstam and Curtis Strange, and includes media representatives and leaders of the major golf organizations. The finalists were vetted by the Hall of Fame’s Nominating Committee, which reviewed every candidate that met the qualifications of the Hall of Fame’s three Induction categories (Male Competitor, Female Competitor, Contributor). For more information on the Induction process, visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org. About World Golf Hall of Fame The World Golf Hall of Fame celebrates golf and honors the legacies of those who have made it great. The Hall of Fame opened in Pinehurst, N.C. in 1974 where a total of 71 members were inducted before moving to its current location in St. Augustine, Florida in 1998. The World Golf Hall of Fame currently recognizes 160 Members. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit institution and is allied with 26 national and international golf organizations, including the European Tour, LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, The R&A and USGA. To learn more about the World Golf Hall of Fame or to lend support, visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org.
MOUNTAIN VIEW Seeds
G
CBAA Charter Member Mountain View Seeds is pleased to announce Dr. Gregg Munshaw has recently joined the team as Director of Agronomy. Munshaw comes to MVS following 16 years as a turfgrass professor and 26 years of direct turfgrass experience working on everything from golf courses, athletic fields, and lawns to researching best
management practices for maintaining these spaces. In recent years he has developed a two-species concept known as bluemuda for year-round green grass throughout the transition zone. Gregg has been married to the same wonderful woman for 11 years. They have 2 boys and 3 dogs and currently reside in Lexington, KY where 3 of the 4 of them are active playing and coaching hockey. Dr. Munshaw will manage and conduct research projects for MVS as well as work with key university research trials. He will also develop technical data on MVS varieties to help MVS and its customers better understand how to use and manage each variety. Dr. Munshaw can be reached at 859-940-2108 or gmunshaw@mtviewseeds.com.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 19
MOVERS & SHAPERS
THE RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION MARKET IN A Post-Pandemic WORLD JUSTIN APEL OF GCBAA TALKS ABOUT HOW HIS MEMBERS ARE RESPONDING AND GETTING CREATIVE TO JUGGLE A MIX OF CANCELLATIONS, DEFERRALS AND FULL-SPEED-AHEAD PROJECTS.
BY PAT JONES
A
s the pandemic gripped the global golf business a month ago, the leadership of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) braced for a major hit as many assumed that mass cancellations of projects were likely. But a member survey and feedback from America’s leading golf course construction companies paints a more optimistic picture of the renovation and remodeling market in a post-coronavirus market. About 70% of GCBAA’s members reported cancelled projects of some kind but nearly 30% said they’d seen no big impact on schedules thus far. Overall, many were optimistic about recovery. “I think what surprised me the most is, compared to the 2009 recession in golf, our members are more optimistic about the outlook post-COVID-19,” said Apel. When asked about the short-term, GCBAA members said:
38%
Expect things to stay the same or even increase after COVID-19
23%
Unsure but optimistic that everything will return to normal
21%
Work is good currently, worried moving forward
9% 9%
Zero work, future projects have been cancelled, recovery will be slow, worried courses will do more in house Current projects postponed, not seeing new projects.
“The majority expect business to stay about the same and many think it may increase again once it is safer for the employees to be on sites. My sense is facilities know these projects were deferred maintenance projects that could not wait.” Also, good news was that many GCBAA members had full schedules and even had projects on waiting lists. That should make recovery much more attainable than the downturn a decade ago. “The recession in 2009 hit harder because the business had already been slowing for years beforehand and few clubs had the capital reserves they needed,” Apel said. Like most businesses, builders quickly adjusted work styles even in the travel-centric construction business. About a third encouraged employees to work from home. Other precautions, like disinfecting equipment and preventative masks and handwashing. And labor allocation has changed too according to Apel: “What has been most interesting to me is many of the members created ‘crews’ of employees that now travel together and remain on various job sites rather than sending employees from job site to job site depending on the construction schedule, weather delays, etc. Now builders keep these teams together on the specific job site until completion. The teams work together as a family, monitoring their health, maintaining separation on the job site and monitoring themselves for any signs or symptoms making it easier to respond accordingly.” So, what is the association telling clubs, superintendents and others weighing whether to proceed with projects or delay? “Most current projects were still intended to catch up with deferred maintenance plans from years ago. Good facilities
wisely built budgets and master plans to cover the cost of the project and worked with members of the ASGCA, GCSAA, and GCBAA to maximize their investment into the renovation project. The smart thing is to stay the course, do the work your facility needs and emerge from this downturn stronger than they went in.” Anecdotally it’s clear that many facilities that experienced temporary shutdowns powered ahead with “COVID renovation projects” that were more easily accomplished on an empty course even with a skeleton crew. “Timing is everything when you’re trying to minimize disruption to play so our folks were able to jump in and work with superintendents and a few workers to accomplish a lot in a short time.” Apel is also justifiably proud of the way the golf industry has responded to the challenge of ensuring player safety and making the case to authorities that courses be allowed to be open. “In the beginning we saw a number of states prematurely shut down golf and through an educational campaign and the allied golf associations nationally and locally were able to educate governors and allow golf to continue to be a safe recreational option.” So, what’s the future hold for the construction market? “I’m really optimistic about the future of our game as long as we can evolve along with the changes society experiences. There will also be a demand for quality construction work as long as golf courses continue to evolve…and that seems like it will continue for the foreseeable future.” In case you missed it, this article was published by Golf Course Industry: https:// www.golfcourseindustry.com/article/gcbaa-golfconstruction-pandemic-renovation/.
Brian Vinchesi OF IRRIGATION CONSULTING, INC. JOINS THE GCBAA BOARD OF GOVERNORS
T
he GCBAA Board of Governors is pleased to announce the addition of Brian Vinchesi to the board. He has been a GCBAA Member for almost 25 years. Brian Vinchesi is a degreed agricultural (irrigation) engineer is President of Irrigation Consulting an irrigation design and consulting firm. Irrigation Consulting performs irrigation consulting services throughout the United States and overseas. Vinchesi has 37 years of irrigation design experience in the turf, landscape and golf sectors. He is responsible for field evaluation, construction administration and project management. He is a past president of the Irrigation Association and the American Society 20 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
of Irrigation Consultants, as well as the past chair of the Irrigation Association Certification Board. He serves on many Irrigation Association committees, including being past chair or the Smart Water Applications Technology initiative as well as the IA Standards and Codes Committee. He is a LEED-AP, the 2015 Irrigation Association Industry Achievement Award Winner, the 2017 ASIC Roy Williams Award and the 2009 EPA WaterSense Irrigation Partner of the Year. Brian joins other golf course construction industry veterans Tommy Sasser (Chairman), Fidel Garcia, Rick Boylan, and John Marman.
MOVERS & SHAPERS
TAYLOR MORRISON’S ESPLANADE AT AZARIO LAKEWOOD RANCH 18-HOLE Championship Golf Course MID-MAY DEBUT GOLF COURSE DESIGNED BY C.W. GOLF ARCHITECTURE
L
AKEWOOD RANCH, FL (May 18, 2020) – Taylor Morrison unveiled its new 18-hole championship golf course within the Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch community on May 15. Designed by Golf Course Architect Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA, the course is now open to the public with special introductory prices. “Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch is an exciting new addition to Lakewood Ranch, a highly desired location for new housing in Manatee County,” said Joseph Fontana, Division President of Taylor Morrison Sarasota. “We were excited to work with Chris again to build a golf course that residents will enjoy for many years to come. Chris understands the vision of our Esplanade brand and helped us develop a golf course that complements its signature lifestyle.”
“It was an honor to partner with Taylor Morrison again to create another state-of-the-art golf course that reflects their vision of the Esplanade brand and will provide Azario residents and the Lakewood Ranch community with an exceptional golf experience,” said Wilczynski. “Our goal was to create a course that’s visually dynamic and fun for players of all abilities. I’m excited for people to experience it.” The golf course, which sits within the approximately 1,000-acre Azario community, provides homes with picturesque views and a serene setting. Five of the Esplanade at Azario holes will be played along and through mature oaks and pines. Hole 12, “Enclave,” plays to a raised green surrounded by several deep bunkers and Florida’s native vegetation. Hole 17, “Big Oak,” requires a bold tee shot across a lake to the multitiered 9,000 square foot green, adjacent to the largest native oak on the
property. Wilczynski’s signature touch of building within mature trees is visible throughout, elevating the beauty and memorability of the course. With six sets of tees that play from 3,500 to over 7,000 yards, the layout features wide fairways, randomly placed strategic bunkering and 18 masterfully designed greens. Working with a flat canvas, the team turned challenges into beautiful solutions. To add dimension to the otherwise flat land, Wilczynski and his team dug several large man-made lakes and used the soil from the excavation to construct the golf course, residential lot pads and roads. “The extensive earthmoving and detailed landscape that we created for each hole brings a dramatic transformation to the property not found elsewhere,” said Wilczynski. The golf course, which will ultimately be a resident-only private golf venue, provides a scenic tour through 18-holes of rolling grounds within the Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch community, where new homes are now selling. Residents of Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch will have access to the golf course in addition to an array of planned resort amenities including a Wellness Center, Culinary Center, resort-style pool, Bahama Bar, sports courts, state-of-the-art fitness center, fire pits, and a full-time Lifestyle Manager located on-site to plan special events, parties, and much more for the residents. The Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch community and golf course are managed by Pope Properties and Pope Golf. For more information about Taylor Morrison and the Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch community, visit AzarioLakewoodRanch.com or call (866) 4956006. To schedule a tee time, please call (941) 2532901. GCBAA Members involved include, Nutt Irrigation, Rain Bird Corporation, and Tony Altum with A.S. Altum & Associates.
About C.W. Golf Architecture C.W. Golf Architecture, located in Saline, Michigan, was formed in 2010 by Chris Wilczynski, a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects after a 20-year partnership with golf course architect, Arthur Hills. The firm specializes in the planning and renovation of private and public golf courses and the design and development of golf course residential communities. With a reputation for high level communication and exceptional client service, CWGA is dedicated to creating unique and sustainable design solutions that captivate golfers, enhance playability and provide enjoyment and social benefits to communities throughout the United States. For more information about CWGA please contact Chris Wilczynski at (734) 395-7941.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 21
MOVERS & SHAPERS
VETERAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE Golf Industry BY SCOTT JOHNSON, PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WARRIOR ALLIANCE
W
the warrior alliance
A
t a time when the golf industry is working through a shortage of skilled labor, the US Armed Forces are ready to step forward and serve! The Warrior Alliance (TWA), a Georgia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has launched a unique veteran workforce development program that provides job-ready veterans specifically for employers within the construction, golf, landscape, and irrigation industries seeking to hire strong talent. Veterans are our nation’s greatest assets. They honor their commitments, overcome challenges, and complete the mission. For the golf industry, hiring veterans can have a significant impact on an organization’s productivity and produce competitive advantage. When an individual joins the military, they are provided intensive education, training, and skills development to do their job. Each service member is measured against high standards and work in teams to accomplish complex problems. A career in the military also requires consistency in performance, with a defined path for promotion based on merit,
22 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
ethos, and accomplishment. Navigating the job market after military service, however, presents many barriers as veterans seek to find a civilian career that matches their passions and aptitude gained over years of service in the armed forces. That is where TWA and its signature program, Operation Double Eagle® comes in. Operation Double Eagle® offers hope to a deserving population of military heroes facing barriers to civilian employment and re-tools the skills they mastered during military service to secure stable income and expand their career opportunities. This program includes 9-weeks of hands-on learning, linking accredited technical college classroom education, expert-led training at the Double Eagle Performance Center in Augusta, GA, and work-site apprenticeships to equip veterans for immediate employment. Augusta, already known as the world mecca for golf and rich in military history, makes for an incredible venue for veterans to decompress, gain valuable skills, and pursue their passion for life after military service. “The launch of Operation Double Eagle® comes at a pivotal time for the golf industry,” states Marsh Benson, TWA Board Advisor and 40 year member of the Golf Superintendent Association, “having a dedicated skills development program that specializes in producing a diverse and job-ready veteran workforce will add significant value across all areas of the golf community.”
The accredited program covers multiple disciplines, including golf management, turf, irrigation, horticulture, heavy equipment, landscape, maintenance, and construction. With the support of Employer Sponsors, Operation Double Eagle® is free of charge to veterans and does not require the use of the GI Bill. It is especially valuable as a hiring strategy for companies that are required to meet federal government labor compliance standards regarding EEO1 and ADA 503b hiring. In addition to the training program, TWA is raising funds for veteran graduates to participate in an apprenticeship project to renovate the 18-hole Augusta Municipal Golf Course. The renovated course will provide new features that did not previously exist for friendly competition, including multi-tiered tees, combined natural and synthetic turf areas, and accessible greens, bunkers, and pathways. In keeping with Augusta’s universal brand for golf excellence, TWA envisions hosting tournaments for veterans with disabilities and to attract attendees and all-abilities golf associations from around the world. TWA challenges companies to go beyond “veteran-friendly” and become “Warrior Committed” by thoroughly engaging veterans as value-add resources. Sponsors and employers are encouraged to contact TWA and learn how participating in Operation Double Eagle® can benefit their organization and support veteran employment. Learn more at www.thewarrioralliance.org/ operation-double-eagle or contact Joey Tripp at jtripp@thewarrioralliance.org or 404-210-2740.
MOVERS & SHAPERS
ATLAS TURF INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES Kyndra McIntosh
A
tlas Turf International is proud to welcome Kyndra McIntosh to our team as Logistics and Data Coordinator.
Kyndra comes to us with experience and an exceptional background in managing customer expectations to ensure project commitments are successfully orchestrated. Her attention to detail and proactive approach to anticipating customer needs
has already proven to be beneficial in the short time she has been on board. Kyndra will play an integral role in successfully managing the order fulfillment process by following active jobs from contract through delivery, including planning, scheduling, and communicating with customers, shippers, and suppliers. Kyndra's previous experience in project management, as well as CRM systems, make her the ideal addition to the Atlas Turf team.
Bryan Juwig Retires FROM LASCO FITTINGS, INC. AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVICE
T
he COVID-19 Pandemic has cancelled or postponed so many industry events in 2020, where we could have otherwise made major announcements and celebrated with one another’s significant achievements in their careers. This announcement is one of those “missed” opportunities. Everyone in our industry knows Bryan Juwig, he is a familiar face at our events. Maybe most well-known for his putting contest that becomes a game within the game at our annual Sticks for Kids Fundraising Golf Tournament. Bryan has always been a major supporter of the Golf Course Builders Association of America and Foundation. We think it is more important than ever to help share the news with his friends and colleagues and together congratulate Bryan on an overwhelming successful career in our industry. Below is more information on Bryan and we congratulate and wish you the best in retirement: Justin, GCBAA Staff, and your fellow members. From Bryan Juwig: “I grew up in the golf business. My Mom went to work for the Augusta National in 1960 and retired in 1990 and during that time, I held jobs working there on the golf course, chauffeuring, special odd jobs and during Masters week, my jobs included the Scoreboards, supplying Masters courtesy homes, etc. After completing Junior College in Banner Elk, NC and working at Grandfather Golf & Country Club, I moved to Arizona to study at ASU. That is where my irrigation career began working at the Toro
Distributor and then moved over to the Rain Bird owned distribution company, ARTESCO. Working in the Design Department and into Sales, and ultimately ending up as General Sales Manager. During that time, I was deeply involved in sales and supply to 141 golf course and heavy turf projects. In 1988, LASCO began pursuing several individual candidates to be the key person to launch the Swing Joint Product Line. Although they had growing sales of the product, which was developed in 1983, they still had very little market share in comparison to the overall “field constructed” swing joints built by the contractors. February 1990, I joined LASCO as Marketing Manager - Irrigation. Throughout the 1990s the Swing Joint sales grew astronomically. It would be great to say that it was due to the product or
my diligent work effort, but in all kidding the golf market grew at a prolific and enormous rate, both domestically and internationally. It allowed me to spend time in the field with specifiers and contractors in order to develop ancillary items to the Swing Joint line for what we dubbed as “Installation Solutions”. The Contractors added numerous ideas of which were huge benefits to LASCO and to the way the systems were installed on future projects. Later on, I moved to the position of National Sales Manager for seven years and on to the role of Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Ending my career as Senior Vice President - Business Development. I’ve always had a tremendous internal support team at LASCO. We could not have succeeded without the dedicated individuals that made up and still make up the team at LASCO Fittings. I was extremely fortunate to work under the direction of Quentin Gallivan and especially, Jack McDonald. Of course, the GCBAA was a huge contributor to LASCO, as well as my own progress and success. The many longterm friends that I developed from the association remain as a constant memory of the great times had in the past. But as many of us that have grown up in this crazy business, there is a time and place for everything. I intended to retire this December, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my retirement was advanced by a few months. I wish all of the best to the members, staff and associates of the Golf Course Builders and continued success of the Association.”
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 23
IN REMEMBRANCE
KEN MELROSE
Past GCBAA Don A. Rossi Award Recipient Remembered Kendrick "Ken" B. Melrose, founder and Chief Servant of Leading by Serving, LLC, and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Toro Company, passed away on Sunday, May 3rd, 2020, at the age of 79. Ken is fondly remembered as a humble, kind, philanthropic Servant Leader, and a jokester who loved to make people smile. Ken positively impacted the lives of those he loved as well as the thousands of others he touched throughout his professional life; by his ongoing mission to advance the principles of servant leadership in businesses, churches and universities; and by his generous philanthropic efforts. Ken was born on July 31, 1940 in Orlando, Florida, to Henry B. and Dorothy Lumley Melrose. The Melroses were known as a family of deep Faith and dedicated to both education and serving others. As Ken once recalled, "Both of my parents used to tell me that the purpose of life is to serve others." This principle shaped Ken's personal and professional journeys and the countless relationships he formed. Ken attended Boone High School in Orlando before going on to Choate Rosemary Hall, a collegeprep institution, in Wallingford, Connecticut. He graduated with honors from Princeton University in 1962, where he majored in mathematics and electrical engineering. Ken received a master's degree from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and later earned a master's in business administration from
24 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
the University of Chicago. In 1970, Ken joined The Toro Company where he would spend the next 36 years in a variety of leadership positions. In 1981 Ken assumed the role as president of the company and his commitment to servant leadership helped him to inspire employees and distributors to turn the company around from the brink of bankruptcy and lift it to historic levels of prosperity. Ken became the company's Chief Executive Officer in 1983 and Chairman of the Board in 1986. Ken authored Making the Grass Greener on Your Side: A CEO's Journey to Leading by Serving, published in 1995. In 2006 Ken retired from Toro as Chairman and founded Leading by Serving, LLC. He tirelessly championed ethics and servant leadership by writing and traveling extensively speaking to a variety of forums on ethics, business cultures and the principles of servant-leadership. He appeared in such forums as Princeton's Faith in Work initiative and was the first to hold the Holloran Endowed Chair in the Practice of Management and Ethical Leadership and he taught at the University of St. Thomas' Opus College of Business. Ken also continued his focus on a wide range of philanthropic interests. While still at Toro, Ken founded a special needs-based scholarship fund for the children of employees and an emergency relief fund for employees in financial distress due to circumstances beyond their control. He
also established and supported a number of golf industry foundations, environmental efforts to support sustainability and educational programs for the professional development of golf course superintendents. To honor his parents and brother he established programs and initiatives that paid tribute to their interests and passions. The Melrose Family Foundation has also made generous donations to local and national charities. Ken's leisurely pastimes included white water rafting, golf, and hiking. In a return to his collegiate sports interests, Ken was proud to have completed a Boston Marathon. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dorothy, and his brother, Bob. Survivors include his children, Rob Melrose (Paige Rogers), Lia Melrose (Jeff Thorpe), Kendra Melrose (Roshan Bharwaney); grandchildren, Charlotte Melrose and Sebastian Melrose; and his partner, Kaye O'Leary. Of all the high titles Ken held through the years, he most valued the designations of Father, Grandfather, Partner, Devoted Friend, and Chief Servant. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Park Nicollet Foundation, Kendrick B. Melrose Leadership and Excellence Endowment Fund for Melrose Center, 6500 Excelsior Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55426. Celebration of Ken's life will be announced at a later date.
IN REMEMBRANCE
BRIAN JEFFRIES
Past GCBAA Member Remembered Brian Steven Jeffries, known to many as Christians “Doc”, 50, of McKinney, Texas passed away June 9, 2020 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on June 5, 2020. A memorial service was held Saturday, June 13 at 11:30am at Kings Trail Cowboy Church in Whitewright, Texas. Lee Shelton of Fearless House Church, McKinney officiated. Brian’s final place of rest will be at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Brian was born in Newton, Kansas on July 26, 1969 to Robert M. and Barbara Jeffries. He attended Bentonville High School and graduated from Rogers High School, both in Arkansas. He served in the United States Navy and was a field medic for the United States Marine Corp. He earned his bachelors degree from California State University Stanislaus. Brian was married to Michelle on January 5, 1990. They were married 30 years, had 5 children and 2 grandchildren. Brian had several jobs over the years, but ended his career selling trees for Fannin Tree Farm in Frisco, Texas for 12 years. Brian enjoyed life and people. He spent many hours fishing, shooting, working on cars and motorcycles, and riding motorcycles. He enjoyed sharing a drink and conversation, movies, and music. He was involved in
scouting for many years as a youth and then as a father and adult leader in Pack 531, Troop and Crew 303 McKinney, TX. He gave blood regularly and was an organ donor. Brian is survived by his wife Michelle, daughter Courtney (and Matt) Flynn of Princeton, TX, sons Garett Jeffries, Noah Jeffries, Ryan Jeffries and Nathaniel Jeffries of McKinney, TX, grandchildren Levi and Juniper Flynn, sisters, Ellen (and Dave) Brewington, AR, Debra (and Tim) Simpson, CO, Robin Creeden, AR, and Robert C. Jeffries, KS, nephew Stephen (and Holly) Creeden, OK, niece Allison (and Paul) Wolf, AR, great nephews, great niece, aunts, and cousins. Brian had a bonus family too including step mom Ann, and sisters, Mary, Amy and Becky and many more nieces and nephews. Brian is also survived by many friends. Brian is preceded in death by his grandparents, Rueben and Marjorie Birkle and Robert and Bertie Mae Jeffries, mother and father, Robert and Barbara Jeffries, son, Michael Jeffries, aunts, uncles and cousins. The family of Brian Steven Jeffries wishes to thank Fannin Tree Farm, Christians Motorcycle Club, the MC community, Christ Fellowship Church, Fearless House, Kings Trail Church and all of our family and friends.
PETE DYE
Update from The Dye Family We hope that you and your family are healthy and staying strong during this challenging time. We know many of you have reached out wanting to know about the details for the Celebration of Life for Pete Dye. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided as a family to postpone the event that was originally scheduled for May 28th at Crooked Stick Golf Club. As we don't have a definitive answer for when it will be safe for us to gather and celebrate, the family has not yet chosen a new date for the event. We will be in contact with new details as soon as we are able. We look forward to sharing our stories and memories of Pete when the time is right.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 25
NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Bunker Solution
11241 Gemini Lane Dallas, Texas 75229 Website: www.bunkersolution.com Phone: (214) 564-4478 Kevin Clark – kevin@bunkersolution.com
perkEpave LLC
418 Wilson Street Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464 Website: www.perkepave.com Phone: (215) 316-6383 Tom Carroll – tcarroll@perkepave.com
Welcome TO THE GCBAA!
GCBAA MEETINGS CALENDAR December 16-17, 2021
Tentative – GCBAA S. Florida Regional Meeting The Breakers Resort Palm Beach, FL
January 30 – February 4, 2021
2021 Winter Meeting and Golf Industry Show Las Vegas, NV
August 2-5, 2021
2021 GCBAA Summer Meeting Asheville, NC
Visit the Events page at gcbaa.org to stay up to date!
Grassing golf courses since 1969 Six locations covering California, Colorado and Washington
Joel Addink 951-687-7581 jaddink@agsod.com
26 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
EARTH EARTHSHAPING SHAPINGNEWS NEWS Distribution of 1500 to All GCBAA Members, Architects, Allied Associations, Media, Key Superintendents, & Key Golf Industry Executives Electronic copy, which includes a hot link to advertisers website or product page, is included.
GCBAA Advertising Rates for 2020 1/12 PAGE AD or 1/15 PAGE AD
1/8 PAGE AD
1/4 PAGE AD
1/2 PAGE AD
FULL PAGE AD
4-color, 1 issue:
$600 ad
4-color, 1 issue:
4-color, 1 issue:
4-color, 1 issue:
4-color, 1 issue:
4-color, 2 issues:
4-color, 2 issues:
4-color, 2 issues:
4-color, 2 issues:
4-color, 4 issues:
4-color, 4 issues:
4-color, 4 issues:
4-color, 4 issues:
$300 ad
4-color, 2 issues:
$275 ad/issue
$1000 ad
$555 ad/issue
$1350 per ad
$950 ad/issue
$2050 per ad
$1250 ad/issue
$1900 ad/issue
EARTH SHAPING NEWS
4-color, 4 issues:
$500 ad/issue
$850 per ad/issue
$260 ad/issue
$1150 per ad/issue
$1750 per ad/issue
WRAP: 1 issue: $1200; 4 issues: $1000/issue
INSERT: 1 issue: $1200; 4 issues: $1000/issue, if insert provided.
Distribution of 1500 to All GCBAA Members, Architects, Allied Associations, Media, Key Superintendents, & Key Golf Industry Executives If insert is not provided, cost includes printing/final layout. Electronic copy, which includes a hot link to advertisers website or product page, is included.
Earth Shaping News Ad for Sizes2019 GCBAA Advertising Rates 1/12 PAGE AD or 1/15 PAGE AD
1/8 PAGE AD
1/4 PAGE AD
1/2 PAGE AD
FULL PAGE AD
4-color, 1 issue:
4-color, 1 issue:
4-color, 1 issue:
4-color, 1 issue:
4-color, 1 issue:
$600 ad
$1000 ad
$1350 per ad
$2050 per ad
$300 ad
4-color, 2 issues:
4-color, 2 issues:
4-color, 2 issues:
4-color, 2 issues:
4-color, 2 issues:
$555 ad/issue
$950 ad/issue
$1250 ad/issue
$1900 ad/issue
$275 ad/issue
4-color, 4 issues:
4-color, 4 issues:
4-color, 4 issues:
4-color, 4 issues:
4-color, 4 issues: $260 ad/issue full with bleed 8.5 x 12.25
$500 ad/issue
$850 per ad/issue
$1150 per ad/issue
$1750 per ad/issue
full without bleed 7.5 x 10
1/2 horizontal
1/2 vertical
x 4.875$1200; 4 issues: 3.625 x 10 WRAP:7.5 1 issue: $1000/issue
1/4 horizontal 7.5 x 2.3
INSERT: 1 issue: $1200; 4 issues: $1000/issue, if insert provided. If insert is not provided, cost includes printing/final layout.
Earth Shaping News Ad Sizes
EARTH SHAPING NEWS Distribution of 1500 to All GCBAA Members, Architects, Allied Associations, Media, Key Superintendents, & Key Golf Industry Executives Electronic copy, which includes a hot link to advertisers website or product page, is included.
1/4 vertical 3.625 x 4.875
1/8 horizontal
1/8 vertical
1/12 horizontal 3.625 x 1.46
3.625 2.3 Submission 1.6875 xGuidelines 4.875 Advertising Art & xText
1/15 vertical 1.3 x 3.17
ART GUIDELINES TEXT GUIDELINES Contact GCBAA with questions about submission or making an ad reservation.
2020 COPY GUIDELINES
NOTE: OriginalTel images must be 300 DPI forFax CMYK 402.476.4489 or Greyscale Preferred text sumbission is as a 402.476.4444 Email information@gcbaa.org images, and 600 DPI for Bitmap images. Do not increase the Word PC email attachment or on • 1/4 1st Quarter : 3/1 full with bleed full without bleed 1/2 horizontal 1/2 vertical horizontal resolution on a file that is of insufficient resolution. a PC-formatted flash drive or CD.
8.5 x 12.25
7.5 x 10
ACCEPTABLE FORMATS: • Hardcopy photos for scanning • JPEG, TIFF, or Photoshop files on flash drive or CD. See above for resolution requirements. • Email attachment digital images (JPEG, TIFF). See above for resolution requirements. 1/4 vertical
3.625 x 4.875
7.5 x 4.875
UNACCEPTABLE FORMATS:
3.625 x 10
ACCEPTABLE FORMATS:
• 3rd Quarter: 7/1
• In-line. In the body of an email • PDF. As a pdf (for text only) • Simple text. As a simple text doc • URL. As a URL to a web page (for text only)
• Images embedded in a Word document or a PDF document • Low resolution (72 DPI) digital images
x 2.3 5/1 • 2nd7.5 Quarter:
UNACCEPTABLE FORMATS: (unless discussed w/GCBAA) • Fax. A fax of the copy • Printout. A printout or 1/8 vertical 1/12 horizontal photocopy of the3.625 copy x 1.46 1.6875 x 4.875
• 4th Quarter: 11/1
• Images on a website (unless physical size is at least 8” wide)
1/8 horizontal 3.625 x 2.3
1/15 vertical 1.3 x 3.17
Contact GCBAA with2019 questions about submission or making an ad reservation. COPY GUIDELINES
Tel3/1402.476.4444 Fax 1st Quarter: 2nd Quarter: 5/31
402.476.4489 information@gcbaa.org 3rd Quarter: 8/30 Email 4th Quarter: 11/29 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition 27
EARTH SHAPING NEWS AD SPACE RESERVATION FORM SIZE: c Full
c 1/2 Pg-H
c 1/2 Pg-V
c 1/4 Pg-H
c 1/4 Pg-V
c 1/8 Pg-H
c 1/8 Pg-V
c 1/12 Pg-H
c 1/15 Pg-V
GOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 6040 S 58TH STREET, SUITE D LINCOLN, NE 68516
28 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Summer Edition
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LINCOLN, NE PERMIT #40