GCBAA Earth Shaping News Winter Edition

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

WINTER EDITION

Opening Reception sponsors L-R: Chris Caccavale, Caterpillar, Inc.; Wes MacDonald, Ring Power; Jim Keegan, Kelly Tractor; John DeWitt, Ring Power; Tony Parada, Kelly Tractor; and Walter Solorzano, Kelly Tractor.

Inside Issue the

7

President’s Perspective

8

Executive Director Notes

9

Foundation Update

12 Developers Guide 14 Human Resources 16 Allied Updates 24 GCBAA New Member Highlight 26 Movers & Shapers 38 GCBAA Meetings Calendar

S. Florida Regional Meeting AT THE BREAKERS AKA THE “GCBAA CHRISTMAS PARTY”

G

CBAA Members, allied and industry guests joined together just before Christmas at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida for the S. Florida Regional Meeting now dubbed as the GCBAA Christmas/ Holiday Party and what a great year-end, holiday celebration it was! The Opening Reception kicked off the evening on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, with sponsors Caterpillar, Inc., Ring Power, and Kelly Tractor. Thank you to Chris, Wes, Tony and their teams for sharing the exciting successes of 2022 with the attendees.

Be on the lookout for the CAT Rent Rebate Partnership Program check presentation at the upcoming GCBAA General Membership Meeting in Orlando, Florida in February. Due to inclement weather, it moved from the Front Lawn into the beautiful Mediterranean Ballroom and Courtyard. Not a bad 2nd place to host the event!

One special guest that needs no introduction, but a humbling welcome and thanks was felt over the room recognizing GCBAA Past President and current Board of Governor, Fidel Garcia with Ryangolf Corporation. Fidel was in a tragic snowmobile accident last year. His injuries were

significant and after months of healing, rest, good medical attention, and lots of prayers and positive thoughts, “Phil” was able to join us. Way to stay strong and a good reminder of how to remember that each day is a “present”.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022, kicked off the day with breakfast sponsored by The Toro Company and rolled right into opening remarks

by GCBAA President John McDonald II and Executive Director, Justin Apel. When the room was asked if this was their first time attending this event (whether a new representative for a company or new member), the show of hands was astounding! Keynote, Michael Leemhuis, ClubWorks, led an intriguing and engaging presentation on “Shaping your Personal Future – Characteristics and Traits of Successful Golf Industry Leaders”, followed by a presentation on Porous Pave with Matt Lamb, Vice President of Sales & Marketing informing attendees of their unique product and how they help better the golf industry and our membership in the construction/renovation process. After a quick break, we led into an engaging presentation and discussion on the Latest Design Trends with Jeff continue on pg. 2

Brauer, Director of Business Development with ASGCA, Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA, and John Sanford, ASGCA. Called to the stage for additional discussion was Kipp Schulties, ASGCA. This allowed members to openly discuss industry opportunities, challenges, successes, and ways we can work together better. We stepped away for a lunch sponsored by Florida Coast Equipment/Big Orange Rental and were able to see their Kubota RTV on display. Each attendee

then had the chance to take the floor and inform the room of who they are, what they do and what their product or service offers to “Buy From Within”. Shortly after these attendee introductions, the meeting was concluded. We want to say a special thanks to those listed on the following page for their generosity in supporting this event through their sponsorships and ongoing support of the GCBAA. While we hope everyone had safe and on-time departures

arriving home to their families for Christmas, we know others had delays and found obstacles along the way. Whatever the journey was that led you home, we are thankful you joined us for a very successful meeting and look forward to 2023 and expanding this event in the years to come. If you were unable to join us this year, please be on the lookout for a “Save the Date” for 2023. Cheers!

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EARTH SHAPING NEWS

©GOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

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

information@gcbaa.org www.gcbaa.org

JUSTIN APEL

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

justin_apel@gcbaa.org

MYCHELLE THOMPSON

PROGRAM & PLANNING MANAGER

mychelle_thompson@gcbaa.org

LUNDMARK ADVERTISING & DESIGN DESIGN & LAYOUT

www.lundmarkadv.com

2 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

Information in this publication may be reproduced for non-profit education purposes. Please include source credit if reproducing. Contact the Executive Director if material is used for any other purpose to obtain written permission. News releases via email or fax are welcomed and encouraged.

Archived issues available at www.gcbaa.org.

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

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 3

2022 S. FLORIDA REGIONAL

Meeting Sponsors Eagle Sponsors Networking Reception Sponsors Breakfast

Lunch

Par Sponsors

4 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

TM

Thank you for your generosity and continued support!

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 5

SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS AT SOME OF THE WORLD’S FINEST COURSES

Ashgabat Golf Club, Turkmenistan Baltusrol Golf Club, NJ Bethpage State Park (Black), NY Blackjack National, TX Boston Golf Club, MA Calusa Pines, FL Camargo Club, OH Castle Pines Golf Club, CO Caves Valley, MD Chamber Bay, WA Dallas National Golf Club, TX Erin Hills Golf Course, WI Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club, ID Hong Kong Golf Club, China Interlachen, MN Los Angeles Country Club, CA Merion Golf Course, PA Mickelson National Golf Club, Alberta Milwaukee Country Club, WI Mirabel Golf Club, AZ Mission Hills Golf Club, CA Myopia Hunt Club, MA

National G Links of America, NY Oak Tree National, OK Ocean Course, SC Olympic Club, CA Pasatiempo, CA Pine Valley Golf Club, NJ Pinehurst Resort, NC Prairie Dunes Country Club, KS Quaker Ridge Golf Course, NY Riviera CC, CA Rock Creek Cattle Company, MT Shadow Creek, NV Sleepy Hollow Golf Club, NY Somerset Hills GC, NJ Southern Hills CC, OK The Estancia Club, AZ The Golf Course at Black Rock, ID The Quarry at La Quinta, CA The Roaring Fork Club, CO Torrey Pines, CA TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium), FL Whistling Straits, WI

© 2022 Watertronics. All rights reserved.

6 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

A

John McDonald II GCBAA PRESIDENT

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

GCBAA President John McDonald II with his wife, Mary Robyn, at the S. Florida Regional Meeting at The Breakers.

s 2022 comes to an end I look back on what a great year my first year as GCBAA President has been. The association has been able to accomplish a lot this year and we have many “Irons in the Fire” for the future. We are seeing a return to some normalcy as the Covid pandemic continues to lessen. Justin and Mychelle continue to do a great job handling the many initiatives that the GCBAA is involved in. Thank you to all our members for the continued support through this year. That is what makes this association so great, and unlike so many others. Here are a few of my highlights from 2022: • One of my first acts as President was honoring Steve Mona at the 2022 Cocktail Reception/Don A. Rossi Award Presentation in San Diego. They hand you the gavel and throw you right on stage. That was a fun-filled, productive week at the GCSAA Conference & Trade Show/GCBAA Winter Meeting; • Joining the GCBAA Executive Board at Southern Hills in Tulsa, OK for the PGA Championship at which we held out Spring Executive Board meeting; • The epic GCBAA Summer Meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Too much to write about that event.

If you missed it make sure to come to the Summer ’23 meeting; • Tagging along with Justin to the ASGCA Annual Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island.

ASGCA members play a lot more golf than GCBAA members do. That worked out as Justin and I could get some association work done; • The GCBAA Fall Executive Board meeting in Dallas, including attending a Dallas Stars game (thank you Judd and the Duininck family) and seeing AT&T Dallas Stadium as our meeting location (thank you Jon O’Donnell and Heritage Links); • Attending the Annual Mid-Atlantic Golf Course Superintendents meeting with GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. It was great to see Rhett on my home turf and to hear his epic tale of summiting Denali; and • The S. Florida Regional Meeting at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Always a great meeting at a fantastic location. Hard not to be in the holiday spirit after visiting there. Such a great way to end a wonderful year.

Along with all the GCBAA activities I get to participate in, I am humbled and proud of our team at McDonald & Sons for how busy, productive, and successful of a year we had while I served this association. I know that I can count on my team and their leadership. Thank you!

The GCBAA 2023 Board of Directors election closed just before Thanksgiving. We are pleased to have Wayne Deker, The Toro Company and Manny Pina, Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply re-elected to the board, and welcome newly elected Sam Duininck, Duininck Golf. We look forward to their service and having Sam join us in Orlando on February 7th. I’d like to thank Greg Hufner of Total Turf Services, Inc. for his many years of service to the Board. He has done a fantastic job and we welcome him to run again someday. Thank you to all the candidates that ran. We hope to see your names again on next year’s election ballot. Hopefully many of you will consider running for a spot on the board as well or nominate someone that you think would be a good candidate. This is one of the best ways to show your support and service to the association.

A new board member was needed to fill a seat on the Board of Governors, and they unanimously agreed to add Blake Thomas with Regency Wire to their highly reputable team. Blake served on the Board of Directors for a while and his input and dedication were evident.

He will make a great addition to the BOG. Thank you, Blake, for your willingness to join the BOG. Not letting the dust settle, the Board of Governors is already working on the GCBAA Recertification process. They will meet in Orlando on February 7, 2023, to review all the work this wonderful membership has been performing. Exciting times in the golf industry for sure. Speaking of Orlando, we hope to see all of you at the GCBAA General Membership Meeting (5-6 PM) and Cocktail Reception (6-9 PM) at the Hyatt Regency – Orlando on February 7, 2023. Be sure to follow the https://www.gcbaa.org/Events/GCSAA-ConferenceTrade-Show-Winter-Meeting page for updates and a schedule of events. (Mychelle made me say that last part.)

As we enter 2023, we all can collectively catch our breath from a wild 2022. Hopefully everyone had a prosperous year and are looking forward to the coming year. Instead of setting New Year’s Resolution that fades in weeks, we should set action items and goals to elevate ourselves and those around us both personally and professionally. Endurance, progression, development, and adaptation are key to forging ahead. I was able to hear Rhett Evans talk at a local golf course superintendent’s meeting about his summiting of Denali peak. One of his key points that helped forge him up to the summit was not to wait on others but to “Lead Out”. Set the tone, be the one to show the way, find a way to do it better and help others do the same.

The question is, who do you want to be? What do you want to be known for with your business, your work ethic, your family, and your friends? How do you want to be remembered? We all live for today but leaving a lasting legacy is something that we should all strive for. In a way, we are all trying to “Brand” ourselves.

Along with that, the GCBAA will continue its efforts on branding and awareness of who we are and what we do. We have asked before and will continue to request this membership to help us help you share your stories. These stories show who and what we are.

To help us fortify our brand in the industry, send the office content that the association can use to promote ourselves. Don’t wait for others to do it, “When in Doubt, Lead Out”. Whether a new innovative method, a solution to a situation, or just exciting news you want your membership and industry to be aware of, let us help you. Contact the GCBAA Staff, they are here to serve you.

This membership is filled with excellent leaders from all aspects and levels of the industry. Either you can seek these leaders out for advice and guidance, or you are one of these leaders and hopefully, you are offering up advice and guidance to others. This entire membership whether competitors or collaborators are one great big team, especially when we come together to network and “Buy From Within”. When we promote and advance the GCBAA we promote and advance each of our own companies. We have all learned lessons and have grown from the pandemic, labor shortages, and supply chain issues that we all had to deal with.

Take those challenges and turn them into learning experiences. There is always a better way.

GCBAA members, I challenge you in the year ahead to continue your leadership growth, share the GCBAA story with others and share your story through the GCBAA. This will help promote GCBAA and your companies at the same time. Let’s continue to build and grow this ship together! Cheers to 2023!

Sincerely,

John McDonald II GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 7

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NOTES

B

y the time this hits your inbox, we will be into 2023. When we look back on 2022 there were so many memorable moments and excitement for the golf construction industry. We celebrated returning to networking, meetings, and public gatherings. We are enjoying the excitement of the growing golf industry, enjoying the success of profitable facilities hiring our members to complete upgrades and updates, and even some new construction. We see the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to working together in the new year!

This issue we would like to express our appreciation to the GCBAA Board of Governors and GCBAA Board of Directors as well as to all of you who have been patient while we are launching a new recertification and membership upgrade process. The office has been using a membership software platform that allows us to collect and manage membership information in a way that allows staff to collaborate, track, and maintain efficiency with the tasks and projects we manage throughout the year. A key feature of this software is the ability to create online forms to be used for registrations, surveys, and data collection. The two most important benefits of the software are the ability to collect the data directly from the person filling out the form to avoid errors in transposing the information from submitted forms or written responses. Additionally, the data is secure and managed safely and redundant in "the cloud". The staff has access, whether traveling or while in the office. Filtered reports are provided in real-time and the ability to create dashboard reports allows us to share progress with committees as well as our board.

We recently deployed recertification forms that is collecting data that in the past was uploaded into handwritten workbooks or entered into database files. The data allowed the Board of Governors to review company applications, however, the important data would have taken significant time to convert into useful trends for the office and industry to understand.

As an example, in the 2022 recertification process, staff was able to review 3257 golf hole equivalents amongst 317 submitted projects. Overwhelmingly, Renovation work was submitted; 217 projects with Irrigation Renovation at 39, New Golf Construction at 25, New Irrigation at 22, recreational new 8, and recreational renovation at 5. While there is not much surprise to those numbers, collectively our membership of nearly 100 different contractors; this information is only submitted from less than one-quarter of our membership.

Moving forward our goal is to provide a platform to collect recertification information as well as all members' projects. Rather than once a year, the process is open and we suggest companies consider uploading their project when completed, regardless of the time of year. This creates a live system that helps the office understand important trends in the golf construction industry.

Please understand the importance of this information.

Similar to the Cost Estimating Guide for Golf Course Construction, members' information is confidential and compiled amongst other information. When we look at the storylines and marketing opportunities with this information, answering the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How is not providing proprietary data about your company that could potentially give a competitor an edge; the data is helpful to understand.

WE SEE THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT LIE AHEAD AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER IN THE NEW YEAR!

8 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

• Who? – the types of members working; Certified, Irrigation Contractors, entry-level; • What, Irrigation work, Renovation Work, Bunker, Tee, Greens, etc.; • Where; we do not want to pinpoint the facility; but what states/regions are you working in; • When – Timing, heat maps of different areas of the country and what work and for how long; • Why, reversed the why is to have good information to help us be a leader in understanding the golf construction market;

Justin Apel

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

• How – this will help us with shoring up our member benefit programs, Buy from Within, and provides the opportunity for supplier members to add data of where they are supporting the membership.

We encourage all our members to consider how you might help support this information campaign. Knowing this helps us with our branding campaign that promotes you and your membership. Knowing where our members are working, what they are doing, and those that support them can help us dispatch stories, videos, and media when appropriate. The office has never had this kind of data and suggests the industry will benefit as we create a system that collects year after year and creates important baseline data that can be evaluated through trends and changes over time.

If you have any interest in helping provide data, please contact the office and we can share the online forms.

Finally, we still need your ideas on education topics; whether for this newsletter, presenting at regional or national events, or if you have any interest in our Renovation Channel and have your product or service featured along with others on an active job site, please contact us immediately.

Justin Apel

GCBAA FOUNDATION UPDATE

F

Ellen Davis

GCBAA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

BOARD MEMBERS John Holmes Atlas Turf International Limited Jimmy Kirchdorfer ISCO Industries Bill Kubly Landscapes Unlimited, LLC Rick Lohman The Toro Company Allan MacCurrach III MacCurrach Golf

irst, I hope everyone had a Blessed Holiday Season. It is hard to believe that we are at the end of the year and starting to ramp up for the New Year.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary and the successes of Sticks For Kids, your GCBAA Foundation Board of Directors has begun looking at our next 25 years. We will continue to invest in the future of this great game and support professional instructors, facilities, and programs that create an endless pipeline of new golfers and those that enjoy the game.

Vince Lombardi said, “the difference between a successful person and others is not the lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will”. Your Association and Your Foundation together, has that WILL to work for the greater good of the game.

With our members, our partner programs, our industry, and allied partners we have positioned ourselves to accomplish our goals. As you know from previous reports, we purchased 1700 sets of youth clubs from China. I am thrilled to share with you that over 1200 sets have been deployed and placed and are currently in use.

The challenges we faced in obtaining those clubs, was worth all the work and effort knowing they are being utilized to their fullest.

As always, we welcome your thoughts, comments, and feedback in terms of new ideas or initiatives that you feel would benefit our Foundation and align with our mission. Feel free to contact me, or our GCBAA staff at any time.

And finally, on behalf of the GCBAA Foundation Board I wanted to extend a thank you to Tee Off Temps and Crown Corporate Housing.

Tee Off Temps has been an ongoing GCBAA member and proud supporter and donated a check in the amount of $5,000. Crown Corporate Housing recently became members and also generously donated $5,000 towards the Sticks for Kids Foundation. A huge THANK YOU to both companies for their support. Below please find additional information on each.

I look forward to seeing everyone in February in Orlando. Have a safe and prosperous New Year.

Ellen Davis

Jon Truttmann (Board Liaison) Hunter Industries Tom Shapland Shapland Golf Consultants Doug York Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply

About Tee Off Temps Tee Off Temps is the leading business partner for delivering staffing services for Golf Courses nationwide. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our professional team is committed to delivering a satisfaction guarantee with prompt and courteous service.

Since being established in 1999, Tee Off Temps’ quality of service has been driven by its vision of being the nationwide leader for staffing needs pertaining to golf courses and landscaping.

About Crown Corporate House Crown Corporate Housing is a privately owned company headquartered in Franklin, TN. It was started over 20 years ago by the founders Jim and Lois Elliott, local real estate agents in Nashville, TN. What started out as a few apartment units furnished and operated by Jim and Lois has grown to a nationwide company with an average of 150 to 200 furnished units across the United States.

Crown Corporate Housing is a woman-owned furnished corporate housing company with experienced, and caring professionals, providing temporary furnished housing options for our clients. 1000’s of clients served and growing.

CCH is continually monitoring and following CDC guidelines with superior sanitation measures for the safety of our guest, our employees, and their families.

We base our business on Trust, Integrity, and Relationships.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 9

2023 GCBAA

Board of Directors Election

W

e are pleased to announce the results of the 2023 Board of Directors election.

Newly elected to the board is Sam Duininck, Duininck Golf. Wayne Deker, The Toro Company, and Manny Pina, Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply are both re-elected to the board. Their

two-year term will begin on February 7, 2023.

Remaining GCBAA Board of Directors are Chris Caccavale, Caterpillar, Inc. (Secretary); Judd Duininck, Duininck Golf (Past-President); Mike Garbs, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.; Chris Hill, Course Crafters LLC; Matt Lohmann, Wadsworth Golf Construction Company; John

McDonald II, McDonald & Sons, Inc. (President); Jon O'Donnell, Heritage Links (Treasurer); Rick Shriver, HARCO Fittings; Jason Sloan, Frontier Golf; Jon Truttmann, Hunter Industries (Vice President); Tom Works, Landscapes Unlimited LLC (President-Elect)

Sam Duininck, Duininck Golf

Wayne Deker, The Toro Company

Manny Pina, Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply

GCSAACONFERENCE.COM I FEBRUARY 4-9 Orange County Convention Center

10 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

GCBAA BOARD OF GOVERNORS WELCOME Blake Thomas, GCBAA CHARTER MEMBER REGENCY WIRE!

T

Blake Thomas

he GCBA A Board of Governors welcomes Blake Thomas with GCBA A Char ter Member Regenc y Wire to their team. The GCBA A Board of Governors will meet at the 2023 Winter Meeting in conjunc tion with the GCSA A Conference & Trade Show.

Blake is a veteran of the Missouri’s Army National Guard 1140th Engineer Bat talion, his time as a 51R Interior Elec trician would be his first experience working on elec trical projec t s. He received a B.S. in Agribusiness from Southeast Missouri State Universit y.

During his studies, he was first introduced to the Golf Course Industr y through a tur f grass agronomy internship at Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Ultimately, he was able to bring his golf course and elec trical construc tion experience under one roof at Regenc y Wire. A privately owned American manufac turer of direc t burial wire and cables for the irrigation industr y, Regenc y Wire has been a member of the GCBA A for over 20 years and became a Char ter Member in 2021. Blake is a dedicated GCBA A member and has ser ved on the GCBA A Board of Direc tors.

Blake joins other golf construc tion industr y veterans Rick Boylan, Chairman, Char ter Member Mid-America Golf & Landscape, Inc.; Fidel Garcia, Char ter Member Ryangolf Corp; Brian Vinchesi, Irrigation Consulting, Inc.; and Scot t Veazey, Char ter Member Southeastern Golf, Inc.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 11

DEVELOPERS GUIDE

BY HENRY DELOZIER

GLOBAL GOLF ADVISORS

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or the past 30 to 35 years, the housing industry has driven new golf development…to the great benefit of many golf course builders. The driving forces influencing the next generation of golf-oriented development and construction have shifted and provide golf course builders three markers to monitor for new business opportunities Following are four examples of counseling GCBAA members can add to the pace of play discussion: Local Economy – The greatest influences for new golf projects within local economies are consumer confidence, household income, and tax burden.

• Consumer confidence reflects employment opportunities and local political leadership.

Despite news of inflation and interest rates, 2023 consumer confidence continues to float on its post-pandemic high. Consumer debt and spending continue at the high end of the range.

Substantial pent-up consumer demand remains a marker to be watched.

• Household income indicates dependable access to employment opportunities and the reliability of those jobs through good times and bad. For example, cities with a convergence of state government and state universities have maintained stability in hot and cold market conditions because employment with the state is relatively stable. Think of cities such as Boise ID, Columbia SC, Lincoln NE, and Madison WI. Income stability drives residential development with golf in many markets; however, most such communities serve mid-market demand (regardless of members’ and developers’ ambitions for high-end clubs).

• Tax migration – from states with high state-income taxes to states with zero- or lowlevels of state taxes – was underway well ahead of the coronavirus pandemic. Covid seems to have accelerated the movement of primary residences to reduce tax burden for high networth households. As such, new opportunities

12 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

for builders will emerge in states like Florida, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. States adjacent to high-taxation states, such as the Carolinas, Georgia, Idaho, and Wyoming can expect golf course growth.

At the end of it all, growth in golf supply relies upon increasing housing demand and stable or friendly local-market economic conditions.

Cost Effective Land – Most golf course builders have a ringside seat to observe the shifts emerging in golf facilities. These shifts arise in large part as developers and real estate investment funds look for affordable land near growing housing demand. The singlemost important economic factor within most residential and resort development performance is the cost of land and, therefore, the volume of land being used for golf.

Developers are shifting their thinking to reduce the acreage footprint dedicated to golf – as a lifestyle amenity – while capturing the Covid-driven enthusiasm for golf-oriented entertainments like short- and putting-courses and derivatives of Topgolf. The emergence of cost-effective golf entertainment amenities, such as Trackman golf studios and golf simulators, is serving to provide developers with new and, perhaps, more engaging golf options which require less land.

For non-golf reasons – usually tied to permitting and entitlements – golf courses will continue to serve developers’ purposes within master-planned communities. Developers will continue to demand more efficiency and innovation from their golf course builders to integrate community drainage and open-space solutions to their site plans.

Changed Golf Amenities – Mentioned above, new generations of golfers and the surging participation of women are driving change in the types of golf facilities that are needed. Advantageously for developers, some

of these options do not require full-length golf courses. One will see growing use of small courses – instead of pocket-parks, for example – to meet open space and passive recreation needs in communities and – in so doing – requiring less up-front capital investment in golf for developers.

This change will be advantageous to golf course builders able to make the shift in scale, scope, and process. Efficiently building small golf amenities – such as 3-hole, 6-hole, and 12hole courses – will serve golf course builders well.

Golf is changing and its builders must adapt and innovate alongside the game’s changes. In most cases, the changes are not an indictment against golf’s popularity or relevance. It seems to be a reflection of new golfers’ needs and expectations.

So, what markets show favorable signs for growth and new opportunities for GCBAA members? Consider: • • • • • • • •

Charlotte Cleveland Pittsburgh Dallas Nashville Jacksonville Kansas City Miami

Local economic stability, access to costeffective land, and emerging golf entertainments signal a new generation of opportunity for golf course builders.

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

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

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GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 13

HUMAN RESOURCES

THE FTC PROPOSES BAN ON

Noncompete Agreements

I

n the 2022 Summer Edition of Earth Shaping News, I wrote the article, “Using Employee Contracts to Stabilize the Construction Workforce.” That article was a comment on the construction industry’s depleted workforce and high turnover rate. In the article, I discussed noncompete agreements, but concluded that “[t]here are no guarantees these contracts will always be enforceable . . .” If you had asked me then, I would have never guessed that just six months later the Federal Trade Commission would try to do just that.

Why Did the FTC Propose a Ban on Noncompete Agreements?

On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) proposed a rule that would prohibit employers and employees from entering noncompete agreements, but for a few exceptions. The FTC states that non-compete agreements harm competition, suppress labor mobility, and reduce wages for all workers.

This proposal is not only significant in terms of the impact it will have on the labor market, but also the scope of the FTC’s authority going forward. As to the latter issue, some opponents of the proposal see it as an overreach of the federal government’s regulatory power, or an encroachment on the states’ legislative authority.

The FTC was created in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Trade Commission Act (“Act”). Section 5 of the Act prohibits “unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce.” In 2015, the FTC, under Chairwoman Edith Ramirez published a statement on the FTC’s enforcement principles regarding unfair methods of competition. Many critics claimed this statement essentially gutted the FTC’s ability to regulate unfair methods of competition. Six years later, Lina M. Khan—famed for criticizing anti-trust laws and Amazon—

became the Chairwoman of the FTC. Less than one month in office, Chairwoman Khan repealed the 2015 statement. Since then, Chairwoman Khan’s tenure has been characterized as the face of the “progressive antitrust reform movement”.

With this in mind, it isn’t surprising that Chairwoman Khan’s FTC is proposing to ban noncompete agreements, except for limited circumstances. And while there is a legitimate argument that the FTC is overstepping its regulatory authority, one former FTC Chairman notes that even making such a proposal has symbolic power to begin potential change nationwide.

What Does the Proposed Rule Say? Right now, we can’t affirmatively say what the final rule will say. The proposed rule is subject to a 60-day comment period in which the public can submit comments to the FTC on the proposed rule. At the close of this commenting period, the FTC will review the comments and either: (1) move forward with rule as proposed, (2) withdraw the proposed rule, or (3) revise the proposed rule.

What we know now is that the FTC is proposing all noncompete agreements going forward would be banned. Moreover, all existing noncompete agreements would be retroactively voided. To this end, within 180 days after enactment, all employers would have to notify each employee subject to a noncompete agreement that their noncompete agreement is withdrawn. The only instance in which noncompete agreements would be allowed is when a noncompete agreement is between a company and someone who has at least 25% ownership interest, and that someone later sells all or a substantial part of his or her ownership interest. Lastly, and highly relevant, the proposed rule would supersede any state law that conflicts with the proposed rule.

What is the Effect of the Proposed Rule?

If the proposed rule is enacted as is, or in a substantially similar form, it’s uncertain what will happen exactly. But it’s fair to assume that employers will face a variety of compliance issues that if not addressed could lead to substantially regulatory fines and potential litigation with employees. The FTC claims that this ban will result in higher wages, labor mobility, and increased market productivity. Opponents note it could create market instability, harder conditions for startup companies, and cause delays in businesses’ outputs due to turnover.

The proposed rule does not seem to ban nonsolicitation or claw-back agreements. These are two other contractual tools employers can use to try to protect themselves. These two tools are discussed in the 2022 Summer Edition of Earth Shaping News article, “Using Employee Contracts to Stabilize the Construction Workforce”.

Moreover, the proposed rule does not diminish trade secret laws and the tools and remedies employers have under those laws.

What Happens Next?

It is almost certain that if the FTC tries to enact the proposed rule, or a rule in similar form, it will be challenged in the courts. Many legal pundits believe the FTC does have the authority to enact and enforce this rule, but each of these pundits realizes most of the Justices on the United States Supreme Court may not favor such broad regulatory power.

For now, noncompete agreements are governed by each state’s laws. It seems this will be the case for the rest of 2023. Still, businesses should closely follow any developments on this proposed rule and begin thinking of what they must do to be ready to protect themselves if the proposed rule is enacted.

Editor’s Note: This article is not legal advice. Rather, this article is intended to alert readers to new and developing legal topics and promote critical thinking about hypothetical legal issues. 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 the matters discussed in this article may apply to the reader’s particular circumstances. The authors Adam L. Robertson and Elliot Kudisch can be contacted at (713) 850-4200, or at Andrews Myers, P.C., 1885 Saint James Place, 15th Floor, Houston, Texas 77056, arobertson@ andrewsmyers.com or ekudisch@andrewsmyers.com.

14 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

HUMAN RESOURCES

TOP CAUSES FOR CONSTRUCTION DISPUTES IN 2022 AND What’s in Store for 2023

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y the time you’re reading this article, 2023 will be in full swing and 2022 may seem like the distant past. But before going any further, it may be worth a moment to reflect on how some of the top disputes in the construction industry impacted 2022, as well as what 2023 may have in store for us.

Top Construction Disputes in 2022 Before 2020, the average person was probably unfamiliar with the terms “supply chain”, “workforce”, or “cost inflation”. Now, however, every person not only use these buzzwords, but claim to be quasiexperts on all three. This is because going into 2022, the top causes for disputes in the construction industry stemmed from scheduling and pricing issues caused by supply chain bottlenecks, a lack of skilled laborers, and/or a volatile market on costs of material. These issues caused contractors’ margins to shrink, resulting in them trying to employ cost and time saving mechanisms at the beginning of a project. But as we saw in 2022, with every action there is a consequence.

In October 2022, HKA, a global consultancy focusing on risk mitigation and dispute resolution in the construction industry, published its 5th Annual CRUX Insight Report1. In relevant part the report lists the top 10 causes of claims or disputes for construction projects. Below is the list: Top 10 Causes for Claims or Disputes

Rank

Change in Scope

1

Unforeseen Physical Conditions at Beginning

2-tied

Design Errors

2-tied

Construction Defects

4

Incomplete Design

5

Poor Management of Subs and Suppliers

6

Untimely Design Information

7

Contract Management Failure

8

Contract Interpretation

9

Inaccessible Worksite

10

As you can see, the top 3 causes—and 5 of the top 7 causes—are related to the upfront planning for a project. These rankings appear to be the result of market conditions incentivizing owners and contractors to minimize up-front costs. Some ways up-front costs are saved are by demanding quick deadlines that prevent due-diligence and allow construction to start while the design phase is still underway. Naturally, this results in changes in the 1

scope of work, overlooked physical conditions during inspections, design errors or incomplete designs, and untimely design information.

So, what does all this mean? According to HKA, if construction projects continue to hurriedly move from design to construction, there may be an increase in disputes which can lead to solvency issues for smaller construction companies. This would then only compound the ongoing problem of meeting potential demands for future projects. In short, the hyper-competitive market and tight margins over the last two years creates a financially tough market for all companies, but particularly smaller ones.

Another result of improper project planning is how disputes are being litigated. Interestingly, HKA reports that due to the uncertainty in the market, arbitrators—who inevitably have experience and connections in the construction industry—may be more lenient or sympathetic towards contractors and their practices when they historically wouldn’t have been otherwise. This in turn may cause owners and general contractors to reconsider how they weigh disputes under a risk-benefit analyses. Additionally, contractors are tending to bring their subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers into litigation to either recoup lost profits or spread the liability. Consequently, subcontractors’ and suppliers’ overhead costs could increase with increased premiums and legal fees.

Reflecting on these issues, I am reminded of the adage, measure twice, cut once. Going forward, it would appear this could be the lesson for 2022.

While the market is forcing tight schedules, it would seem the even tighter margins should incentivize parties to take steps to prevent timely and costly disputes down the line. How this exactly looks will be on a case-by-case basis, but overall, it certainly involves increased collaboration between owners, architects, and contractors, a shift to utilizing digital tools that promote efficiency and information sharing, and implementing fail-safes built into the construction process that allow periodical evaluations and adjustments (rather than pushing forward at all costs).

Anticipated Trends in 2023 What about 2023? In short, there should be plenty of work in 2023, but it seems the industry could still face issues with labor shortages, increased material costs, and tightened margins.

As for the workload in 2023, the AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) shows that there should be a steady number of construction projects until at least the fourth quarter. At that point, however, there may be a decline. The ABI is an economic indicator that

leads non-residential construction activity by 9-12 months. By surveying architectural firms across the country, the ABI finds whether these firms’ billings have increased, decreased, or stayed the same. In October 2022, for the first time in almost two years, the ABI showed a decrease in billings.

A further decrease occurred in November 2022.

These decreases imply that while architecture firms’ billings—i.e. workload—decrease, the rest of the construction industry will follow suit.

For the golf course industry, the steady number of projects for 2023 seems to be true as well. Over the last few years, the majority of golf course construction has tended to be renovations or rebuilds. The pandemic drove more people to taking up golf than before. This increased owners’ profit margins, allowing them to make capital improvements to existing courses. It also spiked the interest of investors, which led to creative results. More now than ever we are seeing an increase in golf facilities like TopGolf, par-three courses (East River 9 in Houston, Texas), lighted courses, and reversible golf courses (Meadowood Golf Course, Westlake, Ohio).

Still, due to the market conditions, and the potential downturn, some economists expect owners and investors may be growing a little weary about spending money on construction projects. Take for example the volatility of material prices. While some materials’ pricings are beginning to stabilize, the cost of diesel and cement are still concerning.

Additionally, while the number of workers in the construction industry continues to grow, predicted increases in interest rates may make it difficult to compensate an adequate labor force. Interest rates heavily influence the construction industry, and if the Federal Reserve continues continue to increase rates for an extended period, it could result in tighter margins and reduced labor forces.

The above information indicates owners, contractors, and suppliers need to implement mechanisms that promote flexibility and collaboration during the contracting, design, and construction phase of any project. They also need to be vigilant in monitoring market conditions to promptly identify any changes and allow enough lead time to employ the mechanisms they have in place to avoid delays, price increases, or terminations.

In the end, 2022 was a good test-run for 2023.

The demand for work is present, for now. But everyone should be aware that the fast-paced schedules, tight margins, and volatile market conditions call for proactive and collaborative approaches to planning projects. If done, 2023 could be a good year for the construction industry.

The data from the CRUX report related to construction disputes in the Americas, and which is discussed in this article, is from 522 projects up to and through July 2022.

Editor’s Note: This article is not legal advice. Rather, this article is intended to alert readers to new and developing legal topics and promote critical thinking about hypothetical legal issues. Readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel or the author of this article if the reader wishes to obtain a specific legal opinion regarding how the matters discussed in this article may apply to the reader’s particular circumstances. The author Adam L. Robertson can be contacted at (713) 850-4200, or at Andrews Myers, P.C., 1885 Saint James Place, 15th Floor, Houston, Texas 77056, arobertson@andrewsmyers.com.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 15

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PUTTING IDEAS Into Practice

Practice areas have become an increasingly important aspect of most golf facilities. Thoughtful improvements can help practice facilities handle heavy use and provide the best experience possible.

T

he increase in rounds and revenue that most courses have experienced over the past several years shows little sign of letting up. With packed golf courses comes packed practice facilities, which has prompted many courses to think about renovations. When planning a practice area improvement project, it’s worth exploring ideas that will not only enhance the experience for golfers but can also help withstand increased use and even reduce maintenance costs.

Practice Tees Given the amount of time golfers dedicate to practice, there is no such thing as building a practice tee that is too big. In fact, the issue at many courses is that the practice tee is not large enough to accommodate the total use during a golf season. If tee space is limited, installing hitting areas that use an artificial surface can go a long way toward preserving the grass tee for when it’s needed most. Even if a course has a large grass practice tee, artificial mats can be very useful during bad weather or periods of slow turf recovery. While there is no standard answer for when to rotate off natural turf and onto the artificial surface, it should be guided by divot recovery. If grass is growing slowly, then recovery will be slow and mats should be used. Some recent practice tee designs have also done well at integrating the artificial surface into the tee complex for a clean look.

Some courses in the upper transition zone are 16 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

having success with practice tees comprised of hybrid bermudagrasses with improved cold tolerance. Hybrid bermudagrass practice tees have their limitations, but they are certainly worth considering in many areas – especially if there is an opportunity to create a two-tee system that utilizes a cool-season and warm-season surface when each is growing and recovering at their best.

Other strategies like offering range balls in smaller quantities and encouraging a proper divot pattern can also help you get the most out of your practice tee turf.

Target Greens Target greens experience a significant amount of traffic from utility vehicles driving over them to collect golf balls. Over an entire season, this traffic can result in turf decline that negatively impacts the aesthetics of the practice range. Maintaining healthy turf on target greens requires material and labor investments in the form of mowing, plant protectant applications and cultural management practices. Installing artificial greens on the practice range eliminates turf health issues and results in significant cost savings, along with potentially improved aesthetics.

Driving ranges at some facilities have been renovated to also function as a short course when the range tee is closed. An issue with this concept is how putting quality will be impacted on natural target greens due to all the ball marks that occur during

normal practice. If a driving range renovation is being planned with a dual-purpose short course component, it’s worth exploring whether artificial target greens are a better option.

As with practice tees, some courses that have traditionally used cool-season grasses for target greens have switched to cold-tolerant varieties of bermudagrass or zoysiagrass and find them to be a good alternative. These grass species have greater wear, drought and heat tolerance than cool-season grasses and can stand up to the relentless traffic on the range. If the climate is suitable for these turf species, it’s certainly worth investigating them as an option.

Final Thoughts With the practice facility being one of the first areas most golfers visit when arriving at a course, its condition and presentation go a long way in establishing a positive first impression. Practice is also an increasingly important activity in its own right, so providing a good experience at the practice facility is a key consideration for many courses. If improvements to the practice area are part of an upcoming renovation, be sure to think about how to accommodate heavy use throughout the season.

Don’t be afraid to get creative as you try to deliver the best experience possible!

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GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 17

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GGCSAA SELECTS NEWTON, MORRIS AS RECIPIENTS OF ASSOCIATION’S

Pinnacle Awards for 2023

T

he Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has selected the recipients of the association’s two highest honors for 2023 — the Col. John Morley Award, which goes to superintendent members, and the Old Tom Morris Award, which goes to golf dignitaries.

John Newton, CGCS Retired, who served as superintendent of Veenker Memorial Golf Course at Iowa State University for 33 years, has been selected to receive Col. John Morley Award, while Johnny Morris, founder of Big Cedar Lodge and its five golf courses, has been named the recipient of the Old Tom Morris Award. Both will be honored at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, Fla. These two awards are GCSAA’s Pinnacle Awards, the highest awards bestowed by the association. While the Old Tom Morris Award is granted to those outside the GCSAA membership who have helped mold the welfare of the game, the Col. John Morley Award is presented annually to an individual who is, or has been, a GCSAA Class A or B superintendent member and has made a significant contribution to the

18 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

advancement of the golf course superintendent's profession. The contribution must be significant in both substance and duration.

Newton, a 40-year GCSAA member, had a storied career in golf course management in the state of Iowa. A proud graduate of Iowa State University, Newton spent more than three decades overseeing maintenance at the university’s golf course, Veenker Memorial, and became a tremendous supporter of Iowa State’s turfgrass programs, ensuring Veenker served as a living lab for ISU horticulture students.

During Newton’s tenure, he worked with countless ISU turfgrass students pursuing careers in the industry, operating the golf course with mostly student labor and only a few full-time team members. The number of golf industry careers Newton influenced, from superintendents to researchers, is well over 100, but the number of people whose lives he impacted throughout his career is near 2,000.

“It’s a big deal to me,” Newton said of winning the Col. John Morley Award. “I’m very humbled by it, and I’m still overwhelmed by it.”

GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said, “Throughout his career and beyond, John has exemplified the characteristics that the Morley Award represents.

His passion for the turfgrass management profession, successful track record of mentoring the next generation of superintendents, and consistent delivery of outstanding golf course conditions perfectly aligns with the spirit and criteria of this pinnacle GCSAA award.”

Morris, who founded Bass Pro Shops, is a conservationist who created Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Mo., as a destination for families and friends to connect in the great outdoors. He has used golf as a catalyst to get people out to enjoy nature, and the resort’s five golf courses — the Jack Nicklaus-designed Top of the Rock; Buffalo Ridge, designed by Tom Fazio; Mountain Top, a 13-hole, Gary Player design; Bill Coore and Ben

Crenshaw’s Ozark National; and Payne’s Valley, a Tiger Woods design — brought worldwide acclaim and, for five years, professional golf in the form of the PGA Tour Champions’ Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf to the Ozark Mountains.

The 4,600-acre Big Cedar Lodge property also includes Arnie’s Barn, a 150-year-old barn relocated from Arnold Palmer’s backyard in Latrobe, Pa., and a Tom Watson-designed putting course at Mountain Top. Palmer (1983), Watson (1992), Fazio (1996), Crenshaw (1997), Nicklaus (2005) and Player (2020) are all previous Old Tom Morris Award recipients.

“On behalf of the Big Cedar Golf team, I am honored to accept this wonderful award,” Morris said. “We are proud of the reception our nature golf experience has received by golfers from across six continents who have come to play with us. Our golf courses are a wonderful way to bring friends and families closer to nature and to each other.”

For more information on GCSAA’s annual awards, go to https://www.gcsaa.org/aboutgcsaa/awards.

ALLIED UPDATES

Interactive Grass Learning Stage LAUNCHES AT GCSAA CONFERENCE AND TRADE

BY GCSAA STAFF

20,000-SQ. FT. AREA BUILT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GCBAA, GCSAA, USGA AND ASGCA

L

AWRENCE, KAN. (JAN. 10, 2023) — When the doors open to the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, the industry will be greeted with the Interactive Grass Learning Stage at the entrance to the show.

This 20,000-sq. ft. area will feature two forward tees, partial builds, a green featuring three different types of turf, irrigation demos and more. The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), United States Golf Association (USGA) and American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) have collaborated to add to the interactive experience at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show to build an area replicating features found on actual golf courses.

This interactive area will be the Show’s main stage featuring valuable presentations from the GCSAA, USGA, GCBAA, ASGCA and others.

Throughout the two trade show days, attendees will be able to experience demonstrations and interact with GCBAA builders, ASGCA golf course architects, members of the USGA Green Section staff and GCSAA members, all of whom are wellversed in the planning, design, construction, maintenance and other factors related to golf course management.

In addition, visitors will be able to learn by viewing partial builds featuring side cutaways of a USGA spec putting green, interact with a drip irrigation installation and discover innovative data collection technology. With specially designed networking areas, the industry will be able to gather and learn from each other while onsite. Every element has been developed and built “by the industry for the industry” to offer a true hands-on learning experience.

“Our members and industry are hands-on.

The grass stage further enhances our focus on delivering the most interactive experience you won’t find anywhere else,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “The incredible work and collaboration between the GCBAA, USGA, ASGCA and GCSAA will enable our industry to share valuable ideas, insights and new approaches to apply immediately at golf facilities worldwide, continuing their essential role in golf’s success.”

“We are proud to lead the construction of this important industry program. With input from our members along with support from our GCBAA industry partners, we are excited to see this innovative and unique stage to come to life,” shared Justin Apel, GCBAA executive director. “This effort is just one part of our long relationship as presenting partner of GCSAA Conference and Trade Show offering our members added opportunities to learn and

enhance their careers and business.”

“From utilizing technology to positively impact turfgrass management, to how we create a stage for a USGA Championship course, our teammates from the Green Section are excited to showcase their expertise at the Interactive Grass Learning Stage next month,” said Mike Whan, USGA CEO. “It’s been great to see the unified partnership between everyone involved to bring this innovative experience to life.”

“The collaboration between the four associations will result in an experience that will benefit attendees across all areas of responsibility for the design, construction, renovation, and maintenance of golf courses,” added Chad Ritterbusch, ASGCA executive director. “As the industry comes together, we are proud to be part of this effort to enhance learning for our members and everyone attending the Show.”

Construction of the Interactive Grass Learning Stage will take place prior to the show opening, so it will be fully operational for all attendees when the doors open. Multiple industry partners are providing support, including Waupaca Sand and Solutions/ SportZmix Solutions, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., Sod Solutions, Golf Agronomics, Caterpillar, Inc., Ring Power, Sunbelt Rentals, and Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 19

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CMAA’S 2023 WORLD CONFERENCE & CLUB BUSINESS EXPO Shines On

BY CHAIRMAN MITCHELL PLATT, MCM, CCE, AND PRESIDENT & CEO JEFF MORGAN, FASAE, CAE

I

t’s 2023 and it’s time to get inspired and gain new insights as the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) World Conference and Club Business Expo heads back to Orlando, FL, February 24-28.

Club management professionals from around the world are invited to bask in the Florida sun on a break from day-to-day responsibilities to think strategically and stock up on vitamins C, M, A, & A, at the Gaylord Palms Resort. It’s time to shine as a club management professional and a leader.

Held annually, CMAA's World Conference offers club management professionals an unparalleled educational experience at the only event focused on the business of running a club. From access to stellar business and industry experts, networking opportunities in interactive forums, and the latest innovations at the Club Business Expo, the event provides inspiration for the leadership journey and insights for club management challenges.

The two-day Club Business Expo, Sunday, February 26 and Monday, February 27, provides an opportunity to explore products and services offered by more than 200 companies showcasing industry leading trends and innovations. Attendees can research and secure solutions for their biggest challenges and meet

20 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

face-to-face to discuss potential purchases.

Nearly every product and service that a club management professional could purchase for his or her club is showcased in the Expo.

Six General Sessions will be offered daily and highlight inspiring professionals including baseball legend, “Iron Man” Cal Ripken, Jr.; “Warrior Storyteller” retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann; diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist and employee engagement leader Heather Younger; and Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn.

Industry and business experts will present more than 65 concurrent sessions featuring new solutions for the complex challenges facing today’s club management professionals – recruiting and hiring talent in a competitive market; using technology to improve member service; meeting and exceeding unprecedented member interest and demand; and more.

Beyond the education sessions, club management professionals will have the opportunity to connect formally and informally during a full slate of activities in Orlando. The Networking Event will be an exclusive party filling the various clubs and spilling onto the streets of Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort. Start the week with The Club Foundation Golf Tournament and stay fit with the Wellness Challenge. Attendees will wrap up the week at CMAA After Dark.

The connections made at the World Conference and other CMAA events are invaluable. After more than two years of

pandemic-related challenges, our professional networks have become instrumental in our ability to adapt and thrive. The CMAA World Conference and Club Business Expo presents an opportunity to sow new connections, source and secure solutions to club challenges, and seek new talent and mentor future industry leaders.

For the latest information and full schedule of events, please visit cmaa.org/conference/.

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

CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with more than 40 professional chapters and more than 40 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at cmaa.org.

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GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 21

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INTRODUCING MYSELF AS THE

National Club Association PRESIDENT & CEO

BY JOE TRAUGER

H

aving recently been named president & CEO of the National Club Association, I wanted to introduce myself—I am honored to have been tapped by the NCA Board of Directors for this role. I will continue to lead much of the government relations work for the foreseeable future, but we do have some changes coming for the organization that I am particularly excited to share.

As readers may know, I come to this position not just as the former vice president of government relations for NCA, but also with the perspective of a longtime board member of a private club, Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria, Va. In that capacity, I have served as president, vice president, secretary, long range planning committee and membership committee chair. NCA is the only association that represents the club as a whole in Washington, D.C. and is the association for club boards and volunteer leadership. We will continue to provide advocacy for private clubs in our nation’s capital by presenting a policy agenda that was driven by our members and approved by the board. The five areas NCA members identified as key to the performance and overall health of the private club community are taxes, health care costs, labor policy, environmental policy and immigration.

With a new Republican majority in the House,

22 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

a narrow Democratic majority in the Senate and a Democratic administration, opportunities to advance legislation are somewhat diminished for the next two years, but perhaps more importantly, the potential for legislative threats also declines significantly. Where we need to concentrate our efforts is with the administration, which can present some difficult issues for private clubs through the regulatory framework.

To that end, NCA has been leading efforts to respond to several proposed regulations coming out of the Department of Labor and its various agencies. NCA met with Wage and Hour Division officials to discuss the potential effects of increasing the overtime threshold, and weighed in with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) when they asked for information on the development of a potential heat exposure standard. There are ongoing regulatory efforts emanating from the Department of Labor on worker classification as an employee or independent contractor as well as changing the joint employer definition that could affect private clubs. Not only does NCA engage with policymakers on these issues, but we also work with allied organizations through coalitions to broaden our reach and strengthen our positions on these issues.

Advocacy is not the only area in which NCA provides leadership for the private club community. We are also a leading source of objective and authoritative information on club governance. NCA’s membership is comprised of all types of clubs; golf, country, city, athletic and yacht clubs look to NCA for the latest in governance practices that will help clubs maximize the effectiveness of their leadership, boards and committees. I am particularly excited to share that NCA’s Governance Committee is well on its way to delivering a comprehensive guide on governance best practices that will serve the private club community as a one-stop reference from leading experts on effective governance.

We expect this reference guide to be available to all NCA members by the second quarter of 2023.

This project is something I believe will provide even more value to NCA membership beyond the resources we already make available through our publications, Club Director, Club Governance, Club Business and Club Trends.

NCA is also in the process of enhancing the education component of our National Club Conference held each year to emphasize programming aimed at club presidents and board members. For the last several years, NCA has held a conference within our conference called the Club Governance Symposium. In 2023, we will focus the first day of the National Club Conference on topics and issues surrounding club governance, with industry experts helping lead discussions on the areas I know from personal experience club presidents and board members wrestle with every day. The 2023 National Club Conference will be held at the Union League Club of Chicago May 7 – 9. The Club Governance Symposium will feature speakers and discussions volunteer club leaders will find informative and useful. Having served as president of my club during the pandemic, I know how sharing thoughts and experiences can bring perspective to the issues and problems club leaders face. Sometimes, it's just nice to talk with someone who is wrestling with the same issues.

That’s what we want to encourage with the Club Governance Symposium. Once the education sessions have concluded, we'll host our golf outing at one of the top clubs in the Chicago area, which is the perfect opportunity for club leaders and professionals to continue their conversations while experiencing the joys and frustrations of a game that inspired many of us to join clubs.

As I get further into my new role with NCA and we look toward building and expanding the resources we bring to the private club community, I encourage you to reach out and share your thoughts with me. I welcome the opportunity to speak with club professionals and volunteer leadership about the challenges and opportunities they see in our future. You can reach me directly at trauger@nationalclub.org.

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A

s ASGCA Director of Outreach, I am pleased to help our two organizations closer together in 2022-2023. In 2022, I attended your summer meeting in Idaho, your Board Meeting in Arlington, TX, and your regional winter meeting in North Palm Beach in December, renewing many acquaintances.

At the GCBAA Winter Meeting at the Breakers in Florida, I assisted Jan Bel Jan, John Sanford, and Kipp Schulties make a presentation on the art and history of drawing green designs, and led a discussion on how contractors and architects can

better work together. This was a dry run of our education session scheduled at the GCSAA show next month.

At the upcoming GCSAA show, I have been working with Justin Apel and the GCSAA and USGA, to create the main exhibit on the floor called “Building the Tee.” Justin has done a wonderful job pulling this together.

At the Board Meeting in Arlington, TX in October, your board requested that we have a panel discussion with GCBAA members at the ASGCA Winter Meeting Education Session on

how contractors and architects can better work together. As mentioned, we tried a dry run in North Palm Beach, and it should be enlightening.

We hope to see you there.

Longer term, we believe that updating the joint GCBAA/ASGCA General Conditions and other documents is a priority and have many other potential collaborations in mind.

Cheers.

Jeff Brauer, ASGCA Director of Outreach

We Need Your Help!

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

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

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

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

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

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 23

GCBAA NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

IT TAKES TRUE GRIT TO WAKE UP EVERY MORNING, DEDICATED TO A Higher Standard of Work FOR OVER 60 YEARS, THE EMPLOYEES OF H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES HAVE PLAYED THEIR “A” GAME

W

hen McDonald & Sons was selected for the complete overhaul of the Congressional Country Club Blue Course in Bethesda, Md., Owner John McDonald II – also GCBAA president – knew exactly where to begin. McDonald picked up the phone and called Joe McNees at H&E Equipment Services’ Baltimore branch. The Blue Course had hosted three U.S. Opens and a PGA Championship, so top-notch work was a must.

“When you are selected to be the golf course builder on a project the size and scope of Congressional CC’s Blue Course renovation, you know you will need a good team to execute a project of that size. The team not only includes the talents of McDonald & Sons staff but also subcontractors and vendors,” said McDonald. “A key component to the work is construction and support equipment, and a reputable, responsive equipment company is key. H&E has been one of our main rental companies for quite a while. With our history and their proximity to the project site, we partnered with them to provide the needed equipment and support.”

You might call H&E a Cinderella story: Started

in 1961 in the small town of Baton Rouge, La., H&E has become one of the largest and fastestgrowing rental equipment companies in the U.S. With over $1 billion in total revenue and 122 full-service branches providing equipment rentals, sales, parts, and service in 29 states from coast to coast, it is ranked #7 of the Top 100 Equipment Rental Companies in the U.S. by Rental Equipment Register. And it is also among America's 100 Most Trustworthy Companies according to Forbes magazine. Personalized service is its hallmark.

safety and pump and power equipment to its offerings, and it has one of the youngest fleets in the industry from some of the best names in the business.

McNees and H&E have been partners at some of the finest – and certainly diverse – courses there are: Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey, ranked number one in Golf Magazine's 100 Top Courses in the U.S. and the World four times in the past decade; Riviera Country Club in L.A., still considered one of the finest natural layouts in all of golf; Vail Country Club in Colorado,

H&E hits the sweet spot in important ways: an experienced and responsive rental staff, competitive rates, financing and insurance, new and used equipment for sale, and the right solutions to get the job done – whether for a day, a week, a month, or a year. .

H&E has a large lineup of earthmoving and utility equipment available for rent, along with aerial work platforms, material handling, and general equipment. It has also added trench

nestled at the base of the Gore Mountains; and Card Sound in Key Largo, FL, laid out across a lush tropical landscape.

“Our rep, Joe McNees, was in touch with our management team on a regular basis and did a great job getting them what they needed, when they needed it. That last part is very important.

The timing of projects of this caliber is critical, and you rely on a company that can answer the need when called upon,” McDonald explained.

“Joe and H&E surely did that for us. Confidence in the products, knowing the company would make things right, open communication and responsive support are all things that made us comfortable in working with Joe and H&E.” H&E is pleased to be a member of the GCBAA, and its commitment to customers and association members is simple: be the easiest rental company to do business with. Visit www. he-equipment.com, or call Joe McNees at 443790-9924 or any of your local reps when you need equipment solutions.

24 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

Attention: GCSAA Conference & Trade Show Exhibitors

Your GCBAA Membership qualifies you for a unique opportunity with our Partner, YRC Freight (a Yellow Corporation company). Together, we would like to help make exhibiting at the upcoming GCSAA Conference & Trade Show better for your budget, as well as the ease of knowing your booth will be waiting for you when you get there. Using this and other YRC Freight Programs directly supports the GCBAA, the GCBAA Foundation, and Sticks for Kids!

Exhibit Services Reliable, affordable service for trade shows.

On time, On Budget. – No Hidden or Surprise Fees!

We all have enough to worry about at the trade show. Let our partner worry about our exhibits and shipments. YRC Freight Exhibit Services provides the best value in the shipping industry. That means we can rest easy knowing that our booths will show up on time and on budget.

YRC Freight offers:      

Inbound trade show shipments automatically move on their faster network for quicker, more reliable service with reduced handling 30 days storage included prior to the show – saves money when moving from show to show No detention fees at trade shows No extra fees for weekend/after hours pickups On-site Exhibit Managers monitor your inbound shipments for on-time, easy move-ins and customer service representatives are available They have North America’s most comprehensive network coverage and services specifically designed for cross-border trade show shipping

Your association – and by extension, you and your freight – is in good hands with Yellow.

To learn more about how the Yellow team works with your shippers association to benefit you, contact us and we will put you in touch with the GCBAA representatives that will help information@gcbaa.org or (402) 476-4444.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 25

MOVERS & SHAPERS

LANDSCAPES GOLF MANAGEMENT NAMES

Agronomy, Maintenance Director

LONGTIME TURF PRO CHRIS LEWIS, A PAST PRESIDENT AND BOARD MEMBER OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS, SLIDES INTO THE NEW ROLE. ARTICLE PROVIDED BY GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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hris Lewis, CGCS, is the new director of agronomy and maintenance for Landscapes Golf Management, which services more than 55 golf courses, country clubs and resorts across the country.

Lewis will work closely with Landscapes Golf Management leadership, corporate support and

26 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

field staff on golf course superintendent and crew hiring, best practices training, supplies and equipment purchasing, and other functions integral to optimizing golf course playing conditions and amenities maintenance. He will serve as a resource to regional golf course superintendents on business and technical activities, including capital planning, grow-in and renovation projects.

A 20-plus-year Landscapes Golf Management veteran, Lewis started his career as a golf course foreman at Broadlands Golf Course in Broomfield, Colorado. He quickly ascended to assistant golf course superintendent, golf course superintendent and general manager before overseeing several of Landscapes Golf Management’s public, semi-private and private properties as Rocky Mountains regional superintendent. Lewis served on the board of the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association and was president of the Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association.

“Landscapes Golf Management is very good

to its people and that’s what I’m looking to build on,” said Lewis, a decorated member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

“More often than not, the No. 1 reason people frequent one golf course or country club over another is the level of golf course and amenity conditions — that’s where our company shines.”

“Chris Lewis is unequivocally the right person for the position,” Landscapes Golf Management president Tom Everett said. “He enjoys the ideal combination of personal relations, agronomic experience and business skills to advance Landscapes Golf Management’s innovation agenda.”

In the past several months, Landscapes Golf Management has added six golf courses and country clubs to its portfolio, and extended partnerships with eight others.

ai166981497620_GB_2023_SummerMeeting_Poster_1_HR.pdf

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11/30/22

7:29 AM

2023 SUMMER MEETING

JULY 25-27, 2023 GRAND GENEVA RESORT LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN

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MAKING GRAND CONNECTIONS NETWORKING I FAMILY FUN I EDUCATION

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 27

MOVERS & SHAPERS

AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL ADDS DUO TO Board of Directors ARTICLE PROVIDED BY GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

Jake Riekstins, left, and Dan Murphy are new members of Audubon International’s board of directors.

A

udubon International announces the addition of Landscapes Unlimited chief development officer Jake Riekstins and Bridgestone Golf CEO Dan Murphy to its board of directors.

As at-large board members, Riekstins and Murphy will lend their expertise and respected standing in the golf and business communities to further Audubon International’s core mission and execute its strategic plan.

“Dan and Jake bring a great deal of business acumen, environmental knowledge, and a wide range of contacts to our board,” Audubon

28 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

International CEO Christine Kane said. “We’re looking forward to working with them as we move forward with many new initiatives to further our mission.”

A 23-year GCSAA member and University of Guelph graduate, Riekstins leads Landscapes Unlimited’s strategic planning process via execution key initiatives. Riekstins built an appreciation for environmental stewardship in the golf space through his more than three decades of work at golf courses in Canada and abroad as a golf course superintendent.

“There are many eco-friendly steps golf

course operators need to take to preserve our natural habitat,” Riekstins said. “It’s a great time for golf courses to highlight their environmental stewardship by enrolling in Audubon International with the goal of certification.”

Murphy was appointed President and CEO of Georgia-based Bridgestone Golf in 2018. He is responsible for directing the company's core business functions, including product planning and production, marketing, sales, and customer relations.

From 2015 to 2018, he was President of textile manufacturer Kentwool and vice president of American Achievement Corporation. Before his first tenure at Bridgestone Golf, he held key marketing and business development positions at TaylorMade, Dunlop Slazenger, Maxfli and General Mills. He is a Wake Forest University graduate.

“I am extremely honored to join such a prestigious organization. For many years I’ve admired what Audubon International does for our communities,” Murphy said. “Of great interest to me personally is the impact the organization will have in the immediate and distant future. To play a small role in that growth as a board member is very exciting.

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 29

MOVERS & SHAPERS

HURRICANE CAN’T HURT NEW CAPILLARY BUNKERS AT Grande Dunes

BY ADAM LAWRENCE, GOLF COURSE TRADES

Photo credit: Kevin Pryzblski

S

evere weather events are a fact of life for golf courses in the south-east of the United States. Whether it be rainstorms, high winds, or both at once, course superintendents in the region know they’re coming and just have to deal with them. But there are ways of making dealing with the weather easier, as Kevin Przybylski, course superintendent at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has found out this year.

Opened in 2001, and designed by architect Roger Rulewich, Grande Dunes is now part of Founders Group International, which owns and runs 21 courses in the Myrtle Beach area. Since its foundation, the course’s bunkers have not been rebuilt at all, and, says Przybylski, they had lost a lot of their original appeal.

“The bunkers were rather lacy-edged when they were built, but had changed into more circular shapes as a result of two decades of edging,” he explains. “They are quite steep-faced, with high lips, and they tended to get a lot of contamination from native soil after major rain events. Our site is quite sandy, but even so, getting them back into playable condition after weather took a lot of time and manpower.”

Przybylski and his bosses therefore resolved to

30 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

rebuild the bunkers – also to restore its greens – and hired Pennsylvania-based contractor Henderson & Company to handle the build. Architect John Harvey, who had worked with Rulewich at Grande Dunes back in 2001, returned to the course to oversee the work, ensuring that the bunkers were put back to their original style. And the team chose the Capillary Bunkers liner system to ensure maximum playability from its 39 bunkers.

Concrete was poured into the first bunker at the end of July; the project will be finished in early December. “The installation is easy – the product goes into the bunkers in a very straightforward way,” says Przybylski. During the build, the coast of South Carolina has been hit by a number of severe weather events. “The day after we sprigged the greens, we had two inches of rain in 55 minutes,” he adds. “And on September 30, Hurricane Ian hit us.”

When Ian struck the Carolina coast on September 30, it was the storm’s second landfall – it had first hit Florida a few days earlier, where it was the deadliest hurricane since 1935. By the time it reached the Carolinas, it was slightly less strong, but it still did damage. “We had five inches of rain from Ian,”

says Przybylski. “We opened up at eleven the next morning; we had very little sand movement, except in a couple of areas where the faces were very steep.

Overall, I was very pleased with how the bunkers handled the rain.”

About Capillary Bunkers At the core of our solution, Capillary Bunkers is a patented and engineered polymer-based concrete. It is the only building material that can rapidly drain water while also moving water up. Capillary Bunkers’ cuttingedge, patented technology helps you control water in any climate, season, and soil type, providing better, more consistent playing experiences while reducing costs. http://www.capillaryconcrete.com Capillary Bunkers is recognized as the world’s leading and most advanced bunker liner, and the most durable bunker construction method. It allows water to flow through the base of the bunker while keeping sand on the faces and preventing washouts, keeping bunkers in perfect shape during any weather condition. Over 800 courses around the world have built or renovated their bunkers with Capillary Concrete, including dozens of golf’s top 100 courses.

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GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 31

MOVERS & SHAPERS

DUININCK GOLF AND BILL BERGIN DOUBLE-TEAM A SETH RAYNOR

Masterpiece in the Twin Cities

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

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LOOMINGTON, Minnesota – One of the most revered golf architects in history left very few projects in the Midwest, but Duininck Golf is thrilled to be involved in the restoration of one of them, the 1925 classic at Minnesota Valley Country Club whose designs emulate many of Europe’s most famous and original golf holes. The club has done an exceptional job of retaining the heart of Seth Raynor’s work over the years, but it was time for some structural and mechanical enhancements, and Golf Course Architect, Bill Bergin, was the man for the job.

In 2017 Bergin Design started in on phase 1 of the Minnesota Valley CC master plan, which gave the membership an opportunity to see what was to come. Judd Duininck, General Manager at Duininck Golf states, “We knew the project was going to be a hit with the membership from day one. At times it can be hard for a club to shut down their entire golf course to complete everything that they want to get completed. Over the next few years, the club saw and got to experience what we knew going in was going to be spectacular all along.”

“We were able to collaborate together with 32 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

Minnesota Valley Country Club and Bergin Golf Designs to create another successful renovation” Duininck Project Manager, Paul Deis, says, “focused on highlighting the work of Mr. Raynor. Working closely with Bill Bergin, we are executing phase 2 of that master plan; completely rebuilding holes 3 and 4, installing new irrigation, linking the fairways on holes 16 and 17 while also adding new bunkers with liners and adding new bunkers and tee

complexes on a handful of other holes.”

Even with those adjustments, today’s layout remains the same as it was on opening day of 1925, the integrity respected and preserved, the roots of his work. A quick tour of the 147 acres shows an incredible attention to detail, especially the bunker work, as Duininck redo the edges of a large bunker that needed a few adjustments to go from good to great. “Bill knows exactly what he wants the final product

MOVERS & SHAPERS

Mutual respect is critical in this business and having that makes these projects so much more enjoyable and efficient.”

to look like,” Paul added. “And he does a great job of laying out every feature for us and then working closely step by step to complete that vision.”

The most dramatic changes to the course are presented on holes 3, 4, 17 and 18. The green location on hole 3 has been moved substantially to the right with added distance and punchbowl shaping to encourage more creative play, while the 4th green has more bunker protection and a steep drop off right of the green. Most of the change to the holes on the back are visual, with better viewing of fairways on holes 17 and 18 and more accenting of the landscapes.

“Bill puts a lot of thought into the strategy of the game by every level of golfer focusing on creating fair and fun challenges. Here you can see the shots he wants you to hit, and the genius in Seth’s original design. But you still must hit those shots.”

Duininck Golf has worked closely with Bergin Design across the country, a fact

that both parties state as intentional and appreciated. “Their personnel are so great to work with,” Project Superintendent Patrick Doyle specifies. “Such great attitudes and willingness to help each other and our staff.

About Duininck Golf Duininck Golf is part of the Duininck Companies established in 1926 based in Prinsburg, MN. A member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), Duininck Golf has completed new course, renovation and irrigation installation projects throughout the United States working alongside many well-known golf course architects, many who are members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). With offices in Minnesota, Texas and Georgia, Duininck Golf has the resources and regional expertise to provide uncompromised service and attention to detail to its clients.

The 707G and 912GHM has been working on Golf Courses for years.

Because of the low ground pressure our Dumptrucks are the ideal tool for the Golf Course Builders!

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 33

MOVERS & SHAPERS

PLATINUM TE™ PASPALUM EXPANDS PRODUCTION TO Spain and Saudi Arabia THE WORLD'S MOST SUSTAINABLE TURFGRASS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH NOVOGREEN AND ATLAS TURF ARABIA

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ovember 28, 2022 – LaGrange, Georgia, USA: Platinum TE Paspalum recently issued production and distribution licenses to two international turf farms. Novogreen in Spain and Atlas Turf Arabia in Saudi Arabia are the first turf farms outside of the United States to grow the patented turfgrass showcased this month at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.

Platinum TE is a premium quality seashore paspalum turfgrass developed by renowned turf breeder Dr. Ron R. Duncan. Introduced in 2007, Platinum TE is the turfgrass of choice at more than 300 locations in over 30 countries. Golf courses, sports fields, and landscape projects globally select Platinum TE for its superior performance and sustainability benefits. Platinum TE is a dense turf with unmatched salt tolerance, fine leaf texture, dark green color, low light tolerance, disease resistance, and rapid recovery from injury. Following extensive trials with varieties of paspalum, bermuda, and zoysia turfgrasses, Platinum TE was selected as the exclusive turfgrass of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Novogreen, headquartered in Seville, Spain, recently added Platinum TE to its Toledo farm with plans to expand to its other farm location in Tarragona. Novogreen has nearly 34 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

20 years of experience in sod production and sports installation supplying quality turfgrass to golf courses, sports fields, parks, and other landscaping projects. They are members of the European Turfgrass Producers and Turf Producers International.

"With four farms spread over Spain and Portugal, Novogreen has supplied ITGAP-certified turfgrasses to all Mediterranean countries," said Novogreen CEO Rafael Castro. "Novogreen has extensive experience not only in production but also in service, advice, and logistics to reach any Mediterranean – and European country. Platinum TE Paspalum will have a very active and necessary presence due to its unbeatable adaptation to the qualities of water, soil, climate, and other needs of these countries."

In the Mediterranean region, Novogreen found Platinum TE to be an optimally performing turfgrass for the climate and the conditions.

Platinum TE meets sustainability goals with low input requirements, thrives in the Mediterranean summers with excellent heat and drought tolerance, and keeps its dark green color longer during the region's cooler months. In addition, durability, density, and quick recovery make the turfgrass an attractive choice for the many athletic fields Novogreen supplies.

Also included in Platinum TE's expansion is Atlas Turf Arabia, the first and only turf farm in Saudi Arabia to offer licensed and certified turfgrass. The farm is a joint venture between Atlas Turf International and Golf Saudi created to meet the needs of extensive golf development planned in the country as well as sports field and landscaping projects.

"The advantages of having a farm within Saudi Arabia producing Platinum TE are numerous," said John Holmes, co-founder of Atlas Turf Arabia.

"Locally grown Platinum TE provides developers and contractors with a proven, quality turfgrass available quickly to meet the expedited timelines on many ambitious projects throughout the country."

Atlas Turf Arabia chose Platinum TE as its first turfgrass variety based on its many superior sustainability benefits. Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative challenges developers to seek environmentally responsible products, especially concerning water. Platinum TE meets the challenge with exceptional salt tolerance, allowing projects to use TSE irrigation. As with the Mediterranean, the Gulf Region also demands the extreme heat and drought tolerance of Platinum TE as well as its durability needed for sports field applications.

MOVERS & SHAPERS

Platinum TE Paspalum production at Novogreen and Atlas Turf Arabia is certified by the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP). To learn more about Platinum TE Paspalum, visit the website at PlatinumTE.com.

For further information, please contact: Catherine Holmes Communications Manager E: catherine@atlasturf.com T: +1 706 881 0905 Malaquias Rodríguez Novogreen Sales Manager E: malaquias@novogreen.net T: +34 667 79 73 87

About Novogreen Founded in 2005, Novogreen is one of the most important producers of natural grass in Europe, with more than 330 hectares of production and around 24 varieties (12 of them certified by ITGAP), thus responding to all the needs of the sports and landscaping markets. The wide range of varieties produced by Novogreen focuses on those that are sustainable, with low water needs and reduced maintenance. As a pioneer in the application of new technologies and processes such as washed sod or the no-till system, Novogreen also produces special hybrid turf for soccer. For more information, visit www.novogreen.net Facebook: @novogreen Twitter: @novogreen

About Atlas Turf Arabia Atlas Turf Arabia offers advanced varieties of premium turfgrasses developed to meet the region's environmental and performance challenges – including the sustainability goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. For the first time, projects can purchase quality turfgrass locally, benefiting from a Saudi Arabian source of licensed and certified products that can meet the increasing demands of the many golf course, sports pitch, and landscape projects underway in the Kingdom. For more information, visit www.atlasturfarabia.com.

Facebook: @atlasturfarabia Twitter: @atlasturfarabia

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 35

IN REMEMBRANCE

CAROLYN GALLIGAN KIRCHDORFER November 8, 1942-November 12, 2022

Carolyn Galligan Kirchdorfer, 80, died peacefully on November 12, 2022. Born in Jeffersonville, IN on November 8, 1942 to the late Charles and Dorothy Galligan, she was the third of six children. She graduated from Providence High School in 1960. Carolyn worked as a secretary at Fawcett Printing. She moved to Louisville upon her marriage to the late James J. Kirchdorfer, Sr. in 1966.

For over fifty years, she was an active member of St. Leonard Catholic Church. Her three children and three of her grandchildren graduated from St. Leonard’s parish school. Carolyn was a tireless volunteer at St. Leonard through the years, most recently serving as a prayer partner for young parishioners.

Carolyn served on the Board of Trustees of Providence High School from 20142020, during which time she played a key role in the design and construction of the campus chapel which was dedicated to her husband’s memory. Carolyn’s daughter,

36 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

siblings, and many nieces and nephews graduated from Providence and she was frequently in attendance at Providence sporting events.

In September, Providence awarded its Community Service Award to Carolyn for her many years of dedicated service.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Carolyn was known for her infectious laughter, refreshing honesty, and fierce loyalty. She was an unparalleled storyteller, a sly prankster, and a shrewd player of Old Maid and Pass-the-Trash. She never met a stranger and was the life of every party. She loved traveling with family and friends. Carolyn adored being a grandmother, and was known affectionately to her grandchildren as “Ga.” Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dorothy Galligan; her husband, James J. Kirchdorfer, Sr.; and her brother, Mike Galligan. She is

survived by her children, Teresa (Craig), Jimmy (Dana), and Mark (Emily); her seven grandchildren, Claire (Luke), Grace, Jay, Emma, Kate, Anna and Sarah; her siblings, Nancy Voelker, Thomas Galligan, Mary Sue Ellenbrand (Kenny), Dottie Zipp (Don); her best friend, Joan Smith (Jim); and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, November 18 from 1:00-8:00 PM at Highlands Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 19 at 10:00 AM at St. Leonard Catholic Church, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at Big Spring Country Club at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Providence High School for the Carolyn Galligan Kirchdorfer Scholarship Fund, 707 Providence Way, Clarksville, IN 47129.

2023 TIFEAGLE AD copy.qxp_Layout 1 12/8/22 2:28 PM Page 1

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Find a TifEagle Facility Near You. Visit www.tifeagle.com/golf.html

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

www.tifeagle.com www.tifeaglegrowers.com

GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition 37

NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PAYSMART USA 400 International Parkway, Suite 150 Lake Mary, Florida 32746 Website: https://paysmartusa.com/ Phone: (704) 998-7950 Josh Cramer – josh@paysmartdirect.com Melissa Ferguson – melissa@paysmartdirect.com

SOUTHERN SOILS TURF SOLUTIONS LLC 1333 3rd Ave South, Suite 403 Naples, Florida 34102 Website: https://www.southernsoils.com/ Phone: (321) 229-1710 David Meske – dmeske@southernsoils.com Chris Hoder – choder@southernsoils.com

R&R EXPRESS LOGISTICS 1111 Metropolitan Ave., Suite 1070 Charlotte, North Carolina 28204 Website: https://www.shiprrexp.com/Home.html Phone: (704) 840-7117 Keaton Mansour – kmansour@shiprrexp.com Kyle Balga – k1@shiprrexp.com

SPECIALTY SANDS & SERVICES PO Box 673 Sunrise Beach, Missouri 65079 Website: https://www.specialty-sands.com/ Phone: (847) 337-0808 Ted Fist – ted@specialty-sands.com

TIMEWELL DRAINAGE PRODUCTS 196 US 24 1075N Ave Timewell, Illinois 62375 Website: https://www.timewellpipe.com/ Phone: (217) 773-3357 Allison Koch – akoch@agdrainage.com

INTERNATIONAL MEMBER

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

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

Profile Products LLC

WALLGROW INTERNATIONAL Ceiba 40, SM 311, Colonia Alamos 2 Cancun, Mexico 77560 Website: http://wallgrow.com/ Phone: +52 998-865-5563 Hector Lopez Deschamps – hectorld@wallgrow.com Steve Watkins – stevew@wallgrow.com

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

GCBAA MEETINGS CALENDAR February 4-9, 2023

2023 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show/ GCBAA Winter Meeting Orlando, Florida March 14-18, 2023

ConExpo Las Vegas, Nevada

38 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Winter Edition

May 10, 2023

National Golf Day More details to come.

July 25-27, 2023

2023 GCBAA Summer Meeting Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

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

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full with bleed 8.5 x 12.25

full without bleed 7.5 x 10

1/2 horizontal 7.5 x 4.875

1/2 vertical 3.625 x 10

1/4 horizontal 7.5 x 2.3

1/4 vertical 3.625 x 4.875

1/8 horizontal 3.625 x 2.3

1/8 vertical 1.6875 x 4.875

1/12 horizontal 3.625 x 1.46

1/15 vertical 1.3 x 3.17

ART GUIDELINES

TEXT GUIDELINES

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

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

ACCEPTABLE FORMATS:

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

• 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.

UNACCEPTABLE FORMATS: • Images embedded in a

Word document or a PDF document

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

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

2023 Copy Guidelines

• 1st Quarter : 3/1

• 2nd Quarter: 5/1 • 3rd Quarter: 8/1

• 4th Quarter: 11/1

UNACCEPTABLE FORMATS: (unless discussed w/GCBAA)

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

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

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

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