2nd Quarter 2026
P RESIDENT ’ S M ESSAGE BY
B ILLY W ITT
Good morning, good afternoon, depending on when you read this. It’s a toasty 102* here as I write this, hope everyone is prepared for the summer heat. Having lived in Northern CA for 34 years, this spring was about as strange a weather pattern as I can remember. We had 93* in March and on Monday June 8th we were in the low seventies with a small amount of rain. Despite the irregular weather, the season seems to have kicked off quite well for golf, many of the facilities I have visited had great golfing conditions, our chapter meetings are being strongly attended and tournaments have full fields.
I must thank the chapter for electing me President and giving me this opportunity to learn and grow. I have formed some incredible friendships, with immense value. I would of never thought this was possible several years ago. The education that accompanies these meetings and the trade show almost pales in comparison to group chats that offer feedback to disease mitigation, personnel challenges; or dealing with bosses and greens committees. I have learned more about the industry in the last 5 years than I did in my first few decades after entering golf maintenance, straight from high school. Another thank you for the attendance at Cherry Island, Juan prepared the course for us flawlessly, with greens rolling true as can be. I am sure he was not pleased with rain falling before the event; but that mother nature just does not seem to be a golf fan. The education was great and participation from the floor led to some great information being shared. The awards presentation went beautifully. There was a well-deserved recognition to the host super Juan P Gonzalez, turns out he is as good at maintaining a course as he is at playing them; both expert level, congratulations again, pleasure to call you a friend. Turf Grass Super of the year Private went to Mike Malcolm at Butte Creek CC. Presenting this award was enjoyable, Mike’s GM sent a letter to the association for me to read. His GM made it crystal clear how much they appreciate the efforts and results. Turf Grass super of the year Public went to Scott Kotric up at Graeagle Meadows. In attendance on this day was his son Brandon, who also works for Mike at Butte Creek CC. What a special occasion this chapter meeting became. Joe Ballmer was recognized as well; and although not present to receive his award, he was able to receive his plaque at our Serrano Who doesn’t smile when someone mentions Joe?
The next event is our popular scholarship and research event hosted by Granite Bay Golf Club. Having done a turf grass conversion recently many of us are excited to see how the project finished up. You may be receiving a call, text or email from Dave Bermudez as Dave has been a rock for Sierra Nevada chapter in facilitating donations for this event. Should you get contacted by Dave for a donation I implore you to be generous as Dave puts a tremendous amount of energy into this tournament.
Rounds for research numbers are not in yet; but our chapter certainly garnered attention this year. We most likely were the nation leader in percent increase from 2024 to 2025. Thank you all who donated rounds and shout out to Dean and PJ for the effort they made in gathering the donations, amazing totals and excited to hear the final amounts.
We have the Tri-chapter event coming up soon, hosted by Central CA, San Luis Obispo CC on August 31st . That should be a good time; and I know a handful of our members have already registered or plan to go.
The Presidents Cup, hosted this year by the majestic Coyote Moon resort in gorgeous Truckee, Ca September 21 st , will be one you don’t want to miss. Special thanks to Juan Gonzalez for securing that location, really looking forward to another visit to the mountains, see you all there!
-Billy Witt
2026
EVENT CALENDAR
August 3, Granite Bay Golf Course Scholarship and Research Tournament
August 31
San Luis Obispo Country Club Tri– Chapter Tournament Hosted by Central Chapter
September Presidents Cup TBD
October 26-28
West Coast Educational Event Ontario, CA.
November Annual Meeting TBD
December 2026 Holiday Event TBD
2027
2027 GIS New Orleans
January 18-21
California Room January 20
February 2
The Ridge GC Turf Tech Seminar
March Brookside CC Grass Roots Tournament
April Copper Valley Educational Event
2026 SNGCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Billy Witt
Hidden Valley Lake Assoc.
Dave Bermudez
Del Rio G. & C.C.
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Guillermo Romero Reyes
Brookside CC
Andy Lopez
Oakdale GC
VICE PRESIDENT
Lonnie Dunn
PAST PRESIDENT
Juan Gonzalez
William Land Park Empire Ranch GC
DIRECTORS
Scott McCullough PJ Kanir
The Ridge
Affiliate Representatives
Dean Kinney, Sierra Pacific Turf
Brian Kerr– Assistant
Cameron Park CC Turkey Creek GC
Ryan Thornberry, California Landscape Supply
FORE YOUR INFORMATION
Published by the Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association OFFICE SNGCSA 3273 Richert Ave., Clovis, CA 93619
559-298-6262 sngcsaa@aol.com
FROM THE FIELD Jeff Jensen,
GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region
I hope this message finds everyone doing well and enjoying the summer with family and friends. It has been a pleasure to see the chapter grow over the past several years under great board leadership as well as Chapter Executive Kim Milne.
I would like to thank all participating superintendents and golf facilities that supported this year’s Rounds 4 Research Auction. It was a recordbreaking year nationally, with the auction raising $936,298 an increase of $182,529 over 2025. Sierra Nevada played a significant role in that success, contributing fifty two donated foursomes (total dollars still TBD) for the chapter to support research, education, and advocacy efforts.
A special thank you goes to Sierra Pacific’s Dean Kinney, Cameron Park Superintendent PJ Kaner and Empire Ranch Superintendent Juan Gonzalez for spearheading the effort. It truly takes a village, and we could not do it without the outstanding support of this chapter.
In other news, I wanted to provide an update on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) regulations. As you are aware, CARB implemented a ban established through California AB 1346 on the manufacture and sale of gasoline-powered equipment rated at 25 horsepower and under, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
While GCSAA supports the use of zero-emission equipment when practical and available, we also support our members’ ability to access the equipment necessary to maintain golf courses to the standards expected by owners, customers, and members. To that end, we continue to challenge the waiver granted to CARB by the EPA, and the case is now before the Ninth Circuit Court.
Opening briefs were heard on Feb. 3, with the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) leading the effort alongside GCSAA and other stakeholders that rely on this equipment. The argument centers on the EPA’s improper data, including retail pricing instead of manufacturer cost data when estimating regulatory compliance costs, which industry groups believe significantly underestimated the financial impact. Industry estimates suggest compliance costs could exceed $1 billion.
In addition, OPEI continues to raise concerns about the commercial viability of zero-emission equipment, echoing arguments previously made by GCSAA and the California Alliance for Golf (CAG) during both the AB 1346 legislative process and the CARB rulemaking proceedings.
At the time this article was written, the EPA and Department of Justice were preparing their response to the opening brief. I will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. Thank you all for your continued support of GCSAA. If I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org. Have a great summer!
- Jeff Jensen
Jeff Jensen
C OOKING FOR THE CREW
B Y J OHN F ARLEY
The monthly crew BBQ can be a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to do all the prep work yourself. Just hit up your local Mexican Supermarket. Local chains such as Artiga’s and La superior offer a good selection, and can operate as a one stop shop for all of your BBQ needs.
My first area I like to go is the meat counter. They offer pre marinated chicken, pork and beef. They also have several different types of sausage which are ready to grill. As far as quantities are concerned, just tell the butcher how many people you’re cooking for, and they will set you up. Once you have your meat, move onto the salsa bar where you can get tubs of green or red salsa that are mild, medium and crazy hot. Grab a couple bags of tortilla chips and you’re set. From chips and salsa move to the produce section where you can grab a few limes, some cilantro and some green onions which grill up so nicely. Next, start cruising the ails for additional goodies such as canned pineapple slices which grill very well. Canned jalapenos with carrots also make a great side dish. Now that you have your food you can load up on paper plates and bowls, plastic forks and spoons and tin foil serving trays. And don’t forget the most important thing, charcoal! These markets also have great bakeries. If you’re marking someone’s birthday or hire date anniversary you can buy a sheet cake and they will write a custom message or greeting on it for you. These local chains are open early and have something for literally everything you might need for an outstanding BBQ, and most importantly, one that will taste like you slaved in the kitchen for hours.
The crew BBQ is so much more than just lunch. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge how important your crew are and how valuable they are to the golf course. You can also acknowledge individuals on the crew who have been going above and beyond the call of duty. Employee of the month awards are typically handed out during these BBQ’s. You can also have your monthly safety meeting which are required by most properties. In short, the monthly BBQ is a vital part of any good maintenance program. It helps keep crew moral high and it shows that you care about them. Hopefully this article will encourage some of you to fire up the grill and try it out for yourself.
CAG NEWSLETTERS
JUNE MEETING
SERRANO COUNTRY CLUB
On June 15, 2026, Serrano Country Club buzzed with energy as members gathered for a full day of connection, collaboration, and friendly competition. The morning kicked off with vendor presentations from Ryan Nichols with Sierra Pacific, and speakers from Toro, Firefly, Kress, and Syngenta. It allowed our local and regional partners to showcase innovative products, services, and ideas to enhance the member experience. Attendees enjoyed engaging demonstrations, insightful Q&A sessions, and the chance to network with both vendors and fellow members.
The day concluded on a high note with a spirited golf tournament across Serrano’s beautifully maintained course. Perfect weather and friendly competition made for an unforgettable afternoon, with prizes awarded for top scores and standout moments on the green.
It was a day that perfectly blended business, community, and sport reminding everyone why Serrano CC is more than just a club; it’s a place where relationships and memories are made. The SNGCSA Board would like to Thank host superintendent Brandon Wagner for having us out, as well as Affiliate Board member, Dean Kinney, for his hard work in arranging this event.
Bottom Left– Representatives from Turf Star/ Toro Stark, Richiger, and Daum Middle Left– Chapter President Billy Witt with Host Super Brandon Wagner
Top Left– Wagner, Witt and Leo Moreno
Top Middle–Gonzalez &Gonzalez of Cherry Island, Juan Gonzalez, Empire Ranch, Wagner, Witt, PJ Kanir of Cameron Park
Top Right– Nolan Stark of Turf Star honoring long time member and employee Don Kittelson upon his retirement
JERRY FLEMING – DRY JECT
This Quarter we are happy to get to know one of our newest members, Jerry Fleming with Dry Ject. He was kind enough to share some of his story, below.
I am the owner and operator of Dryject Golf and Sports Turf. My wife, Tami, and I were both born and raised in Southern Idaho, where we still reside today in the Boise area. We are proud parents of two outstanding daughters who have each excelled in their own lives. We were fortunate to raise them near a golf course, where they developed a love for the game and both went on to play collegiate golf.
About ten years ago, my wife and I purchased our Dryject franchise. While our service territory has evolved over time, we currently operate throughout Northern California, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Prior to this, I spent nearly 20 years as a District and Regional Sales Manager with Fastenal. After two decades in a large corporate environment, a change was both refreshing and necessary. Although I had no formal background in the golf industry at the time, we embraced the opportunity despite the uncertainty and it has proven to be an incredibly rewarding journey.
Since then, we have had the privilege of working with hundreds of outstanding friends/customers and colleagues. In recent years, we’ve also been fortunate to have my son-in-law, Brett, join the business, with plans to help take it to the next level in the future.
Beyond our passion for the work and service we provide, our family spends a great deal of time together enjoying the outdoors. Whether it’s golfing, hunting, or fishing, we value the time we share. When our work season wraps up in late October, you can often find us spending several months fishing for steelhead along riverbanks and from boats. Once the reservoirs freeze, we transition to ice fishing and continue making the most of Idaho’s outdoors.
I am incredibly grateful for my wife’s support in making this career change, and for the many wonderful people we have the opportunity to work with each day. Thank you to the board members for allowing us to introduce ourselves.
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
G RASS R OOTS M EETING
C H ERRY ISLAND GC
April’s Grass Roots Tournament at Cherry Island Golf Course was more than just a day of golf it was a celebration of community, skill, and shared knowledge. Grass Roots Turf Supply, once again, graciously came in as our headline sponsor for this event..
The morning began with a hearty breakfast generously sponsored by California Landscape Supply, giving players the perfect fuel for the day ahead. Over coffee and conversation, golfers connected with friends old and new before heading out for a shotgun start.
The competition was spirited, with the course in top condition and the spring weather on our side. A big Thank you to Juan (JP) Gonzalez for his hard work getting it ready. The highlight came after the final putts dropped participants gathered for an educational session and the annual awards for the association. Education was led by industry experts, covering turf management, sustainable landscaping, and course care best practices.
It was the perfect reminder that the Grass Roots Tournament isn’t just about playing the game it’s about growing together as a golfing community. A big thank-you to our sponsors, and everyone who made the day a success.
Above Middle President Billy Witt, VP Lonnie Dunn, Award winner and Host Super JP Gonxalez, and Past President Juan Gonzalez.
Above Right, Past President Juan Gonzalez and Host Super JP Gonzalez with Premier Sponsor Billy Hausch of Grass Roots Turf Supply.
Left and Above Left– California Landscape Supply did a hole sponsorship as well as sponsored the breakfast at the 2026 Grass Roots Tournament.
A NNUAL A WARD W INNERS
Turf Grass Manager of the year at a Public Course - Scott Kotrc
Scott is the Superintendent at Graeagle Golf Course in Truckee Ca. He has a reputation for being great at his job and always receiving complimentary feedback from anyone who gets to play his course. His reputation in the golf community goes beyond just golfers and extends to his peers within the association. Scott has created a course that is known for its great condition and serene environment, all of these reasons are why we have chosen him to receive the award for Turf Grass Manager of the year at a Public Course. Congratulations to Scott on this award
Turf Grass Manager Private - Mike Malcolm-
Mike is the Superintendent at Butte Creek GC. He was actually nominated by the highest number of people we have had in more than 5 years,. His name was brought up over and over again in conversation about this award, and we as a Board found that this kind of overwhelming support for an individual meant he was beyond deserving. Mike is commended for his ability to do a lot, for a little on the course, and his Board of Directors couldn't speak more highly of the job he is doing. Congratulations Mike.
Affiliate Merit Award Winner - Greg Dunn (Not Pictured)
This award goes to someone who most of us in the industry know well, and those who don’t know him as well should go back and read the 1st Qtr newsletter because we had the opportunity to get to know him through our member spotlight. Greg Dunn has been one of the Northern California leading sod experts for many years. His talent has been demonstrated from Superbowl sod projects to sodding complete golf courses. He is a wealth of knowledge, and an amazing guy to spend some time with. While we know that this year is bringing his retirement, we hope that we will still get to see him around from time to time. Greg Dunn, congratulations on being our Affiliate of the Year.
Presidents Grass Roots Award -Juan P. Gonzalez
This award goes to someone who has managed to give back to the game and do a lot, with sometimes only a little. This year we have selected Juan (JP) Gonzalez from right here at Cherry Island Golf Course. We selected Juan because of his professionalism and leadership skills. He has created a reputation for himself in the best possible way, by proving he is an asset to the golf course. Congratulations to Juan on receiving the Presidents Grass Root Award
Distinguished Members of the Year Award Joe Ballmer
Joe Ballmer has been the Syngenta representative in Northern California for many years. He is an invaluable asset when it comes to educating our membership on current products and turf. Joe has been an intracule part of the Scholarship and Research tournament for more years than a lot of us have been members. By donating products to the auction, being the sponsor of our Tee prize every year, and always driving up the price on those wine donations!. He also never turns down an opportunity to donate his time in educating us at the Turf Tech in January! He is a man of the highest integrity and someone who we all appreciate, and admire. While Joe could not be here today because he is literally across the world on an amazing trip, we know that his unwavering support of the association is always with us. For those reasons, and many more, we have selected Joe to be our member of the year.
to share this award with him, and show him that hard work and perseverance,
pay off.
with his son, Brandon Kotrc, who is the assistant to Mike Malcolm at Butte Creek. It was an honor for the men to be able
truly
PORTRAIT OF THE ADVOCATE AS AN OLD MAN
When Kim contacted me about writing something more in the way of a personal column that might offer a glimpse of the “man behind all the hard work” that I put in on behalf of the golf industry, my first thought was that I much prefer to write about the “work” than the “man” behind it. The man is not nearly as interesting or important as is the work.
My second thought, one I am going to bet many of you reading this have had when Kim has contacted you to write about yourselves, is that it is much easier to write about one’s “work” than oneself.
My third thought was stop thinking and just start writing. I would start at the beginning, but that would require too many words. In case you hadn’t noticed, I lost my youth further back in the 20 th Century than I am comfortable sharing in a forum quite so public. So, I’ll offer a short professional biography, interspersed with a few personal facts, some of which will strike you as consistent with the person you think you know and others that may strike you as inconsistent with the wonky, over-educated fellow who you think you know, and conclude with some observations about where I think the golf industry is headed in the near and far terms, which I hope can stand more as thoughts from a wizened veteran than ramblings from someone whose best days are behind him.
I am a “reformed lawyer” whose undergraduate degree in history is from the University of California at Santa Barbara, where I assure you, I went for academic reasons, and whose first stabs in the work world were about as far removed from golf as one could be. I played golf to be sure, but when I was a young punk the notion of working in golf was a non-starter.
This was the first of many non-starters that proved not only to be wrong, but to be 180 degrees wrong. Indeed, now that I am what I like to call very late middle-aged, I have taken to reviewing those non-starters that turned out to be starters, so I will know what I’ll be doing next and where I will be doing it. I vowed I would never work in golf and ended up with a pretty distinguished career in golf. I vowed I would never live in the desert, and I bought a place in Palm Desert late last year. I vowed I would stop playing golf if I had to suffer the indignity of a double-digit handicap. Well, you guessed it. I now carry a 13.6 Handicap Index and am playing more golf than I have in years. It almost makes me wonder if that political party I registered for when I was 18 and have voted for consistently since might not get my vote in the next election. Nah – I think that vow might follow me to the grave. Because my job (yes, I still have a job and will get to that in a moment) requires me to be 100% nonpartisan, I’ll let you guess which political party I’m referring to.
Okay, back to the biography stuff. After serving many years as Executive Director of the Public Links Golf Association and many years thereafter as the Director of Governmental/Public Affairs for the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA), I stepped down from full-time employment in June 2024 to take what they told me would be a “part-time” executive directorship of the California Alliance for Golf (CAG). The only thing “part-time” about it thus far is the pay. But don’t take that as a complaint. I am not the retiring type, and the work CAG does is a labor of love. And did I mention that my Handicap Index has climbed all the way to 13.6? I don’t think I could stand playing too much golf at that level of competence, and I don’t think I could stand a life of meaningless leisure that fails to contribute in some meaningful way to improving this world before I depart it.
Okay, back to the biography stuff take two. I serve now or have served on more committees, boards, and task forces than patience permits, among them five (5) municipal golf commissions, three (3) USGA committees, six (6) “golf & water task forces,” one (1) PGA of America -SeeBackPageforMore
SCHOLARHSIP AND RESEARCH TOURNMANET GRANITE BAY CC
Dear Members,
Before we know it, it will be time for the chapter’s Research and Scholarship Tournament. This year’s tournament is scheduled for August 3, 2026 at Granite Bay Country Club. We thank Matt Dillon, our host superintendent for offering us his fine facility for this special event.
Once again Syngenta and Joe Ballmer purchased the tee prizes. We would like to thank all of the golf industry suppliers whom in the past have had equipment displays, donated items for the auction, sponsored meals, 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. In the near future the SNGCSA Board of Directors will be asking for donations for this year’s event.
The money raised from this tournament goes to Scholarships and Turfgrass Research. Over the last ten years, more than $265,000 has been raised from this event . We could not have done this without everyone’s participation. Your continued support is vital for the success of this event.
Thank you,
David Bermudez Tournament Chairman
Craig Kessler Continued
committee, two state working groups, an IAGA network, an AGIC work group, and more ad hoc committees/working groups/task forces than this space permits me to list. Indeed, I lobbied into existence most of the municipal golf commissions and golf & water task forces I ended up serving on, as well as some I never served on. If there is one theme that has characterized the “advocacy” work I have done at many different levels of the game, it is the creation of institutions, many of them governmental, that give the game a seat at the table where its fate is determined. And I need to add being determined with increasing frequency.
If there is a second theme that has characterized my professional work it is that all work in the “advocacy” realm involves long-distance runs interrupted only occasionally by sprints. Whether the sprint is in reaction to a threat or in response to an opportunity makes no difference. Both responses succeed or fail not because of the tactics of the moment, but because of strategies that have been in place for anywhere from 5 to as many as 35 years. Successes and failures that appear to many as outcomes of the moment are really outcomes whose ranges of success or failure were determined long before. That is why long-term consistent investments in advocacy are crucial. An industry or sector that waits until the harmful bill is filed, or the onerous regulation is posted, to act is an industry or sector that is about to suffer a big loss.
There are many more themes, but I will share just one more. Respect your adversary. Understand his/her arguments. Try to understand both the letter and the mind of those arguments better than your adversary understands them. Do those things, and you will never be caught by surprise. You will come to appreciate the fact that nothing is black or white; all things are shades of gray; and there is much to the other side’s case that makes good sense, even if it is inimical to golf’s interests.
Since I promised to share some personal stuff here, first let me share a maxim that dovetails nicely with my tongue-in-cheek comment earlier about reviewing all the things I vowed to never do so I can know what I’ll do next. Some of the best things I have discovered in my life were things I was not looking for, which I attribute to a curious and wandering mind that never allowed me to focus on some straight and narrow path toward some preordained goal, but compelled me to spend a lot of time looking to my left and right to take in what some call matters extraneous to one’s goals, but I would call the key to finding those things that ended up being much more precious than what I thought I was looking for. More simply put, I am always prepared to be distracted. The corollary to that: Don’t fall for the trap of setting specific goals, particularly when you are too young to really know what you want. Had I done so, I never would have found a career in golf, and my life would have been greatly diminished. I might have ended up part of those unfortunate many who cannot wait to retire to a life of meaningless leisure, because they spent the better part of their lives doing something that didn’t fire their passion to wake up every morning and go to what they called work and I still have the joy of calling fun.
I also promised to share some personal things that you might find counterintuitive. So, I’ll grit my teeth and share that I am a lifelong Redskin/Commander fan (don’t ask), I collect 1:24 model cars of a certain 1950’s/1960’s vintage, I love music (classical, jazz, blues, gospel), I love books but I love writing more (okay; that might not be “counterintuitive”), I travel less than almost anyone I know, I am a news/political junkie (again, maybe not “counterintuitive”), I want to come back in the next life as an interior decorator, and I have a childlike fascination for all forms of Christmas decorations. In fact, I have a childlike fascination with a lot of things that most persons who fancy themselves as adults seem to have left behind in childhood, but I’ll leave those details for later. That’s another maxim: Always leave them wanting more.
As for the wizened veteran observations about where our industry is heading, that strikes me as the kind of subject I write about most of the time, whether in columns like this or the CAG newsletters. So, let’s leave that for another day too. Corollary to “another maxim:” Always tease an invitation.