Cameron Park Country Club 2022 Scholarship & Research Tournament
Del Rio Country Club
Hello Everyone! I hope you are having a great summer. This is the time when Mother Nature tests the strength of our courses. Our irrigation, fertility, and fungicide programs are put to the test, making it an excellent time to take notes and prepare our courses for next year.
Please take a moment to thank our hardworking crew members who help us keep our courses in the best shape and our loved ones at home who support us in doing what we love to do.
I also want to remind you of our upcoming Research and Scholarship tournament on July 15th at Del Rio Country Club, hosted by our board member David Bermudez. From what I've heard, Dave and his team have Del Rio in its best shape. Be sure to check out our auction items donated by many of our generous affiliate sponsors. This event is our largest fundraiser of the year, raising funds to provide scholarships to future turf managers and the children of current Sierra Nevada Chapter members. Our commitment to education and research not only benefits those who receive the scholarships but also advances our industry as a whole.
Additionally, the funds raised support turfgrass research, such as Dr. Jim Baird's turfgrass research program at UC Riverside, which helps our members in many different ways.
I want to express my gratitude to each of you for your continued support and dedication to our chapter. Your efforts, both on and off the course, make a significant difference in our community.
Best of luck, and I'm looking forward to seeing you at Del Rio Country Club.
Sincerely,
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
EVENT CALENDAR
July 15, 2024
Del Rio CC
Scholarship & Research Tournament
August 12, 2024
Tri-Chapter Tournament
Woodbridge CC
September 24, 2024
Presidents Cup
Edgewood Golf & CC
October 28, 2024
Annual Meeting
Morgan Creek GC
December Holiday Event TBD
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Billy Witt
Hidden Valley Lake G.C.
Dave Bermudez
Del Rio G. & C.C.
January 14, 2025
Turf Tech
The Ridge
February 5, 2025
California Room
San Diego
March, 2025
GrassRoots Tournament
TBD
July 2025
S&R Tournament
Stockton CC
2024 SNGCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Muhammad Ali
Bing Maloney G.C.
VICE PRESIDENT
PAST PRESIDENT
Juan Gonzalez Jeremy Payne
Empire Ranch G.C. Cameron Park CC
DIRECTORS
Logan Bloom
Scott McCullough Lonnie Dunn
Mather G.C. The Ridge Wild Horse GC
Affiliate Representatives
Dean Kinney, Sierra Pacific Turf
Published
Ryan Thornberry, California Landscape Supply
FORE YOUR INFORMATION
sngcsaa@aol.com
Greetings fellow dog lovers!
Michelle, the Teal Bend GC dog, here with another great profile and interview of one of my fellow golf course dogs. In this article, you get two for the price of one! I was at Empire Ranch Golf Course where I had the pleasure of meeting Sky and her puppy Elly.
Both are pure English Labradors, and they are quite the pair! Sky is three and a half years old, and her puppy Elly is one and a half. Elly is most definitely her mother’s pup. She follows mom wherever she goes. When mom runs, Elly runs! When mom stops, Elly puts on the brakes. Sky has been coming to the golf course with her owner and best friend Juan Gonzalez, everyday since she was five months old. Then, when Elly was born, she started tagging along.
The workday starts early at Empire Ranch as the crew begins at 4:00 am. Sky told me that Juan likes to sit in the office in the early morning and work on his computer, but she doesn’t allow that. She and Elly are in the office reminding Juan that it’s time to get out there and chase geese! She has a job to do and wants to get at it.
Once the dynamic duo gets onto the course it’s all about business. We are all too familiar with how messy Canadian geese can be, and chasing them off the course is the number one priority. Sky told me that once, she went from chaser to chase-ee. A coyote was shadowing her for several holes until it slipped away. Since then, she tends to leave those coyotes alone.
Once the morning rounds are complete it’s off to the restaurant to sample the bacon and make sure that it’s fit for human consumption. Sky said that what she likes to do is go into the restaurant and put her paws up on the counter so the staff can see her. Then, they give her a couple pieces of bacon and upon her approval, bacon can be sold to the golfers.
Speaking of golfers, Sky and Elly are very popular with them. Many of them bring treats and goodies for the canine pair. Much to the chagrin of their owner Juan, who thinks they are overfed. Either way, both Sky and Elly are enjoying life on the Ranch. They are in heaven and love every minute of their time out there. So, if you’re ever in Folsom, be sure to stop by Empire Ranch and say hello to Sky and Elly!
June Golf and Education at Yocha DeHe
June 4th was a hot one! But we had a great turn out for our Education and Golf outing at the Cache Creek Casino/ Yocha DeHe Golf Club. The day started off with multiple speakers who engaged the audience, and offered up interesting information for all in attendance. ISTRC came in and spoke on the “Benefits of Oxygen & How to maintain levels in our root zones” Kyle Jones spoke on some of his personal history and how he got to where he is now. Don Thornburgh from Sigma Agriscience stepped in when it came to Yocha Dehe and the work he has been doing on the course, also in relation to roots and the importance of treating them all differently depending on the need. We finished up with Muhammad Ali speaking on the logistics of planning and hosting an event for First Tee, and getting youth involved in the sport of golf. There was great dialogue from the audience, and we appreciate the staff at Yocha Dehe, and Kyle Jones for hosting such a great event.
ISTRC presenting to the crowd.
Kyle Jones and Chapter President Muhammad Ali
The beautiful meeting space, and engaged crowd
SHORT RIGHT
BY DEAN KINNEY
There are a few changes around the Association that I am aware of as we go to print. If you know of any others, please feel free to reach out so I can get them included on my next column! I don’t want anyone getting left out!
-Scott Haynes is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Cameron Park Country Club. Scott has been the assistant at several properties in Northern California including Serrano Country Club, La Rinconada Country Club and most recently Round Hill Country Club. Welcome back to SNGCSA Scott!
-Jason Conrad is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Valley Hi Country Club after being at Winchester Country Club for several years.
-Joe Meyer is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Winchester, a place he knows well.
-Trevor Brewer is the new Assistant Superintendent at The Ridge, working with Scott McCullough.
-Nick Lopez is the new Assistant Superintendent at Del Paso Country Club working with Clint Luedtke.
And that’s all I have for you this time!
Best Regards,
Dean
Kinney
SeniorAgronomicSalesRepresentative
Sierra Pacific Turf Supply
916/439-4513 cell
@SierraTurf
2024 Scholarship and Research Tournament
Before we know it, it will be time for the chapter’s Research and Scholarship Tournament. This year’s tournament is scheduled on July 15, 2024 at Del Rio Golf and Country Club.
Once again Syngenta and Joe Ballmer purchased the tee prizes. We would like to thank all the golf industry suppliers who in the past had equipment displays, donated items for the auction, sponsored meals and for those who sponsored tee signs and games on the course.
Superintendents, we also want to thank you for attending, bringing guests, and bringing some great prizes for the raffle. Soon the SNGCSA Board of Directors will be asking again for donations for this year event.
The money raised from this tournament goes to Scholarships, TurfgrassResearch,andourBenevolenceFund.
Over the last eleven years the money raised from this event has approached $330,000. We could not have done this without everyone participants.
Thank you,
David Bermudez Tournament Chairman
April Golf Outing Oakdale GC
Andy Lopez hosted our association on April 8, at his course, and it was looking great. It was a beautiful day, made better by the company.
Andy Lopez with his team and Pete Bowman, and Board members Juan Gonzalez and Ryan Thornberry Belkorp Reps Brandon Russell and Kyle Teubert
Board Members Dean Kinney and Lonnie Dunn.
FROM THE FIELD
Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region
I hope this finds you all doing well! I look forward to seeing you at some of the upcoming chapter events.
GCSAA just finalized the 2024 Rounds 4 Research Auction that was conducted April 22-28. The auction raised a record $679,541 which marked an increase of $154,000 over 2023. 1,731 items (foursomes in most cases) were secured for the auction and 1,671 or 97 percent, were sold.
Just over 3,000 bidders registered for the auction and 2,161 bid on items valued at $843,000. The auction was promoted through numerous media outlets including hourly spots on The Golf Channel as well as assistance from our allied golf partners including the PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and United States Golf Association.
California donated a record amount of rounds for the state (85 foursomes) with 80 percent of those funds going back to the chapter in which they were solicited. The funds can be used for research, education, or advocacy.
Thank you to everyone who donated and supported the 2024 auction. We are looking forward to an even bigger and better one next year. More information on the program is available at https://www.gcsaa.org/foundation/rounds-4-research.
In other news, the second annual GCSAA Women’s Leadership Academy has been scheduled for November 12-14 in Lawrence, Kan. The academy is focused on providing women in the turfgrass industry with education, mentoring and networking enabling participants to unleash their potential, empower their future and become inspirational leaders.
The 2 1/2-day event (with a keynote reception the first night) will guide participants from all walks of the industry and various years of professional experience on a path of discovery aimed at breaking down barriers and producing a spark to inspire women to be successful leaders.
The academy’s featured speaker is Suzy Whaley, PGA Master Professional and first woman to serve as president of the PGA of America. Whaley, who has a unique understanding of the work of turfgrass professionals, having worked side by side with many GCSAA members, will speak about her experience in the golf industry and relate it to turfgrass professionals during a fireside chat.
Applications close on July 19 and the academy is limited to 40 participants. More information as well as the application link is available at https://www.gcsaa.org/education/womens-leadership-academy.
I appreciate your continued support and if I can be of any assistance to you please don’t hesitate to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org and follow me on X for industry updates at GCSAA_SW.
I hope you all have a great summer!
Jeff Jensen
Safety Moment– Hydration
Hydration
During physical activity or overexposure to high ambient heat, your body loses fluids through sweat. If you don’t replace those fluids by drinking water or other liquids, you can become dehydrated. If a person becomes dehydrated and cannot sweat enough to cool his or her body, the internal body temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke.
Causes of Dehydration:
Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through sweat, tears, breathing, urine, and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water.
Other factors that contribute to dehydration:
• Diets that include salt-heavy processed foods
• A lack of hydrating greens and fruits
• Prescription medications for pain, stiffness, allergies, or other chronic conditions
• Diets that are heavy on alcohol, sugar, starches, coffees, and teas
• Sitting is dehydrating Immobility slows down water delivery into your cells as well as the outflow of waste particles.
• overexposed to the sun and not drinking enough water.
How Do You Know If You Are Dehydrated?
Dehydration can manifest as fatigue, lack of focus, lowered mood, and poor sleep. Afternoon fatigue is often attributed to dehydration. As are headaches, weakness, UTIs and constipation.
• The color of your urine should be light yellow.
• If you pinch your skin, it should bounce right back.
• If you put pressure on a fingernail, color should return to normal within three seconds.
Proper Hydration
The “perfect” amount of water for you depends on a lot of different factors – body size, climate, sweat rate, exercise, and diet.
The water you drink isn’t the only fluid that counts toward your ‘quota’. Many foods are great sources of fluid and drinks like tea and coffee count too.
• If you’re looking for an easy way to monitor your hydration level – check your urine color.
o Transparent you are overhydrated. Hold off on water for a bit.
o “Weak lemonade” This is optimal hydration.
O Amber Time to drink water. Mild dehydration.
o Any shade of brown to burnt orange Dehydration, start drinking water with electrolytes.
Hydrating With Gel Water
Most water is H2O or so we thought. Groundbreaking research from Harvard and Cornell has found that the water in our cells and in plant cells is actually H3O2 (structured water). It’s gel-like water that’s been charged by electrolytes. When you cut a piece of Aloe Vera, what you see is gel water.
Safety
Eat Your Water
• European research shows that consuming plants rich in gel water including most fruit andveggies “is up to twice as hydrating as drinking water.” Gel water from plants passes more readily into our cells and it is denser and less likely to leak out of damaged or aging cells.
• The water in plants is already purified, the right pH, mineralized, full of nutrients, and structured to absorb more easily into our cells.
Water-Rich Foods
• Lettuce and cucumbers are 96% water; broccoli and cauliflower ~91%; spinach and cabbage ~93%; watermelon, grapefruit and cantaloupe fall at around 90-92%; peaches, plums, apricots, blueberries, pears, and oranges ~85-87% water.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are certain minerals essential to human health (i.e., calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, sodium ions). As an essential mineral, an electrolyte mineral can only be obtained through diet.
Without electrolytes, you could not move, think, or live. Within the body, electrolytes are dissolved in body fluids. In terms of hydration, electrolytes are responsible for directing water (and nutrients) to the areas of the body where it’s needed most and maintaining optimal fluid balance inside the cells. Besides maintaining fluid balance, electrolytes help your muscles to contract and relax and assist in the transmission of nerve impulses from your nervous system to different body parts.
Tip: add a pinch of good quality sea salt or Himalayan salt to your water bottle to increase electrolyte intake. Himalayan salt contains all six electrolytes we require for health: sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium.
Electrolyte powder – Provide sodium, potassium, and magnesium in adequate amounts and are superior to sports drinks.
able.
(8 ounces) of water every 20 minutes while working in the heat, not just if they are thirsty
New Members
Trevor Bower
The Ridge GC Class C
Sam Wolfe
PTI Golf LLC
Class- Associate
BILLY HAUSCH
GRASS VALLEY, CA
831-333-6412
Billy@grassrootsturfsupply.com
SERVING: SACRAMENTO, RENO, LAKE
TAHOE, CARSON CITY, MONO COUNTY AND GOLD COUNTRY
THOR LARSON
SALINAS, CA
831-277-4356
Thor@grassrootsturfsupply.com
SERVING: MONTEREY PENINSULA, SANTA CRUZ, SAN JOSE AND SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
GAVIN DICKSON
MARINA, CA
831-333-6839
Gavin@grassrootsturfsupply.com
SERVING: SAN FRANCISCO, STOCKTON, CENTRAL VALLEY, BAKERSFIELD, SANTA BARBARA AND SLO
PETER J GALEA CGCS
FAIRFIELD, CA 831-234-3218
Peterjg@pacbell.net
SERVING: EAST BAY, WINE COUNTRY, NORTH COAST AND NORTHERN SIERRA
V ENDOR P ROFILE
G ERRIT WOODS
Gerrit Woods, currently a Golf Sales Representative at Target Specialty Products, hails from Canada. Growing up in London, Ontario, he developed an early appreciation for the outdoors, a passion that eventually guided his career choices. Seeking a closer connection to the natural beauty of the mountains, Gerrit moved west to British Columbia. This relocation marked the beginning of his career in golf maintenance, an industry that would become his professional calling.
In British Columbia, Gerrit took on the role of Superintendent at Nicklaus North Golf Course, situated in the picturesque town of Whistler. This position, which he held for a decade, allowed him to combine his love for the outdoors with his professional expertise. Managing one of the most renowned golf courses in Canada.
The early months of 2020 brought a new chapter for Gerrit and his wife as they relocated to Santa Cruz, California. This move was driven by both professional opportunities and a desire for a fresh start in a new environment. In Santa Cruz, Gerrit accepted the role of Assistant Superintendent at La Rinconada Country Club, under GCSAA past president Kevin Breen, located in the San Jose area. His transition to La Rinconada allowed him to bring his extensive experience and knowledge to a new setting, where he continued to excel in maintaining top-quality golf course conditions.
In 2023, Gerrit made another significant career move by joining Target Specialty Products as a Golf Sales Representative. This role leverages his deep understanding of turf management and golf course maintenance, allowing him to provide valuable insights and solutions to clients in the industry. Gerrit's educational background, which includes studies in Turf Management at both Rutgers University and the University of Guelph, underpins his expertise and commitment to the field.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gerrit is deeply passionate about outdoor activities. The mountains and ocean of California offer the perfect playground for his interests in hiking, biking, and surfing. He often spends his free time exploring the local mountains, indulging in the tranquility and adventure they offer. Surfing in the Pacific Ocean has become another beloved pastime, providing a refreshing contrast to his job.
When time permits, Gerrit also enjoys trips to the Sierras, where he can immerse himself in the natural beauty and outdoor activities that have always been close to his heart. These excursions eastward allow him to reconnect with nature and find balance amidst a busy professional life.
We are honored to have Gerrit join our Association and look forward to meeting him in person at an upcoming Sierra Nevada event.
