FORE YOUR INFORMATION 2nd Quar ter 2022
Cameron Park Country Club 2022 Scholarship & Research Tournament
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Fore Your Information
P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S AG E
BY
Happy summer everyone! As the heat becomes regular and your work world goes crazy, I hope you can take some time and enjoy yourself and your families! I particularly hope you can make the time to join your fellow Sierra Nevada GCSA members with a fantastic day at beautiful Cameron Park Country Club. Jeremy Payne is an excellent Superintendent and representative of our great association, and I know he is looking forward to Tracy Shanahan hosting our grand event of the season. The Scholarship and Research Tournament is our largest fundraiser of the year with monies benefitting our members in many different ways. We are so fortunate to have Dr. Jim Baird doing some incredible work down at UC Riverside, and is part of our research fund donations. Their program continues to grow in a number of different projects that will greatly help us, our facilities and our turfgrass management programs for years to come. We hope that not only you can attend the event, but please also take a look at some fantastic auction items. Our vendors and affiliate members are incredible contributors to our association! We just can’t thank them enough for their time and generous donations to help our association continue to
TRACY SHA NAHA N be strong. There are some great values to be found on items you might use regularly, so please take a look and make a strong bid! Your association certainly recognizes the challenges many of us are facing with the current drought. Water restrictions and usage will be front and center, so please be prepared and ready for “questions”. Kimberly Milne, our fantastic association manager, sent out an excellent email from Jeff Jensen and the GCSAA regarding talking points and references in regards to your excellent stewardship and consciousness regarding water use and turfgrass maintenance in general. Please take a look and know that the GCSAA also has useful information and great references on their website. And from the mental health standpoint, please recognize you can only do what you can do, just give it your best!! And make sure to take time to hydrate, rest and make a little play time for yourself and family!!! Thank you once again for your participating in the SNGCSA! We look forward to seeing you at Cameron Park in July, and certainly hope you have a great summer season!! Visit us online at SierraNevadaGCSA.com or Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
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E V E N T C A L E N DA R 2022
December 1, 2022
M E E T I N G DATE S
July 18, 2022 Scholarship & Research Tournament Cameron Park C.C. Hosted by Jeremy Payne
Annual Holiday Event & Tournament Teal Bend G.C. Hosted by John Farley
2023
August 1, 2022
January 2023
Tri Chapter Meeting La Riconada C.C. Hosted by Kevin Breen, CGCS
Turf Tech Workshop The Ridge Golf Course
February 6-9,2023
October 3, 2022
GCSAA Conference & Trade Show Orlando, FL
President’s Cup Tournament Bailey Creek Golf Course Hosted by Craig McDonald
November 2022 Annual Association Meeting & Tournament Empire Ranch Golf Club Hosted by Juan Gonzales
2022 SNGCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Tracy Shanahan Peach Tree Country Club SECRETARY/TREASURER Jeremy Payne Cameron Park C.C
Dave Bermudez Del Rio G. & C.C.
PAST PRESIDENT Scott McCullough The Ridge Golf Course
Sam Samuelson, CGCS Wildhawk G.C.
DIRECTORS Muhammad Ali Doug Heinrichs, CGCS Bing Maloney G.C. Montreux G. C.
Affiliate Representatives Ryan Nichols, Sierra Pacific Turf
Juan Gonzales Scott Hall Empire Ranch G.C. Lincoln Hills G.C.
Tim McCoy, Turf Star
Association Manager Kimberly Milne 3273 Richert Ave. Clovis, CA 559-298-6262
FORE YOUR INFORMATION Published by the Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association EDITOR Jeremy Payne OFFICE SNGCSA 3273 Richert Ave., Clovis, CA 93619 559-298-6262 Fax# 559-298-6957 sngcsaa@aol.com
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IRENE CLINE, SNGCSA THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES After 21 years I decided it was time to say farewell to my duties as your association manager. I have enjoyed sharing this time with all of you and appreciate all the support and the friendships I have made. I want to thank all of you especially the wonderful boards that I have had the privilege of working with. I have never met a better group of dedicated, hardworking individuals as those in this industry. I was taken back when I was chosen as your “Distinguished Member of the Year”. Especially when I know the quality of those individuals who have received this special honor in the past. It was truly an unexpected honor to be held in the same level of accomplishments as those recipients before me. All I can say is THANK YOU to all of you. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life and hope to see you at some of the events that you will be holding.
Tracy Shanahan presents Irene Cline with the SNGCSA Distinguished Member of the Year Award.
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S I E R R A N E VA DA G C S A G O L F C O U R S E D O G M O L L Y , W I L D H AW K G O L F C L U B
Good Day to all of my fellow working dogs and their humans. I’d like to take an opportunity to introduce myself. I am your loyal Association Manager, Hank. I live with my family Kim, Taylor, Alex and Liam. They have been my family since they adopted me 2 years ago. I have been diligently learning the ropes of daily office work, guarding the house, and keeping the yard free of birds. I cant wait to meet all of my golf course dog members, and to learn about your daily lives. In todays issue I had the pleasure of interviewing Molly Samuelson. You may recognize her as she has recently appeared on the cover of the 2022 Golfdom Underdogs Calendar. This famous lady, Molly , is the “Trusty four-legged companion.” of Sam Samuelson, CGCS , superintendent at WildHawk Golf Club in Sacramento. Please state you Name, Age, Breed, Facility, and Occupation: Hank Milne My name is Molly, I am seven years young. I am a yellow lab who works at Wildhawk G.C. and my profession is greeter, bird chaser, and all around happy girl. 1. Name the members of your family that live in your home. My Dad Sam, my mom Katherine, and my 2 brothers, Will and Jack 2. What are your hobbies outside of work? I love to sit and watch Netflix with my Nanny when she comes into town to visit. She is my Grandma that lives in Maine, so I don’t get to see her very often. 3.On a scale of 1-10, how lucky are you? Please elaborate. 10 or maybe even 11. My dads golf course allows the golfers to bring there dogs onto the course, so I always have someone to play with, when I'm not working. 4. After a bad day at work, what makes you feel better? Treats always make me feel better! And lots of pets from my family. 5. Whats your favorite treat or cheat meal? Anything my dad wants to give me, which isn't very often. I did get lots of treats for sitting pretty while doing my calendar cover shoot. That was a great day. It’ s been such a pleasure to interview Molly. If you have a golf course dog that you would like to have interviewed by me, Hank, please reach out to Kim at the association office. -Hank the Tank
Top Dressing • Fertilizer • Gypsum
Peter Reece Jr. (209) 602-8475
preecejr@gmail.com
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BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES A guide for environmental stewardship Golf Course best management practices (BMPs) offer guidelines for superintendents to manage their facilities in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner. BMP manuals document all of the science-based practices and professional course management that many people need to see. While superintendents spearhead BMP efforts, the use of BMPs benefit everyone in the community that a golf course serves. GCSAA has granted the Sierra Nevada GCSA funds to help facilitate the development of BMP’s for our members. You can reach out to the association office for information and details and we will put a representative in touch with you to help you with the process. Don’t wait. Do it now. There is a limited amount of funds available for this program so get your request in early .
SNGCSA Association Office 559-298-6262
sngcsaa@aol.com Kimberly Milne Executive Director
Fore Your Information
D AV E B E R M U D E Z I N T E RV I W W I T H B OA R D R O O M M A G A Z I N E
Dave Bermudez
Del Rio Golf and Country Club was recently interviewed by Board Room Magazine. The article was about the entire club however, when interviewed I was asked several questions regarding course maintenance and Covid. What has been my biggest challenges? I would like to share my response with our SNGCSA members.
David Bermudez, Director of Agronomy for the past 13 years is faced with two current challenges: “first is the labor shortages and second is the supply chain shortages. Labor challenges: We worked with 1-2 staff members short most of last year. We re-evaluated our current pay structure and realized that if we want to be competitive, we need to raise our pay rate. All staff members received a significant raise last fall. Finding employees and getting them to stay has been difficult. We advertise on Indeed Job Search but the best source for finding team members is employee referrals. We reward our staff for referring a candidate for employment. We offered $50 when the new hire starts employment and $100 after ninety days of employment. We have also hired extra people and overstaff just to ensure consistency. Supply chain shortages: We must plan out our needs months ahead of time instead of the near future. We looked at items that we know we need during the year and ordered them at the start of our fiscal year. Such items like mower bed knifes and aeration tines. We made one bulk order for both and even received a discount. With the fall over seeding rye grass seed, we shopped around and found enough seed to purchase now instead of waiting until September and take a chance that the seed may not be available, or the price increased. With fertilizers, we plan out a month or two ahead of normal usage. Sometimes we found ourselves substituting fertilizer products when our normal product was not available. Both these challenges have changed the way we must manage the golf course operation.
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FIRST GREEN PROGRAM
First Green and GCSAA announced their partnership during the 2018 Golf Industry Show in San Antonio. First Green, The partnership created an innovative education, for students grades five and up. This program transforms courses into classrooms, bringing education outdoors. Every square inch of fairway, rough and greens offer many lessons in golf course habitat. Mohamed Ali, as a Board of Director and member of the First Green Program, is working with our superintendents to bring this program to more and more courses in our association. If you are interested in participating in this wonderful program you can Read more at https://www.thefirstgreen.org/getinvolved/superintendentresources/#ixzz7WyTXjJpD
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Cal Poly Pomona TURF GRASS FIELD DAY July 28,2022 The "Turf Club" is an exceptional student club because of its strong association with the turf industry. No other student club at Cal Poly Pomona is connected to its industry as the Turf Club. The Club will be hosting a field day on July 28, 2022. This is open to all chapter members. If interested in attending please contact the club advisor Priti Saxena Phd psaxena@cpp.edu
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F RO M T H E F I E L D GCSAA Field Staff,
Jeff Jensen,
Southwest Region
It was great to see many of our Sierra Nevada members at the Grassroots Event in April at William Land Park. Congrats to all of the award winners and thank you to Chapter Executive Kim Milne, the Sierra Nevada Board of Directors and host Muhammad Ali stepping up to the plate to make the day a success. Please consider hosting an event, running for the Board, or serving on a committee to assist an already highly successful chapter. As we move into the summer golf season, I wanted to take a moment to remind you about some of the benefits of your GCSAA membership that you may overlook. GCSAA Affinity Program: Member savings programs through numerous vendors including Columbia (50% off), Imperial Headwear, Dell Technologies, Office Depot, UPS, Avis, National/Enterprise, and Golf Safety to name a few.
Jeff Jensen
Complimentary tournament admission (based on member class) to select PGA Tour, PGA of America, LPGA and USGA Championships. This includes the 2023 U.S. Open at The Los Angeles Country Club and 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach (Class AA, A, A-Retired, Class B and Class B-Retired members).
Retirement Services: GCSAA has partnered with Creative Planning to assist members in preparing for retirement. Free 401(k) reviews as well as a 20% discount. Career Coaching Services: Free resume critiques, reduced pricing on resumes and a slew of other career related services at discounted prices. GCSAA Disaster Relief: The GCSAA Disaster Relief Fund assists GCSAA members who suffer personal loss. The fund has continued to be a resource for members who face tragedy caused by natural disasters. GCSAA will provide financial assistance up to $2,000 to members who contact the association and whose daily lives are altered by the effects of the natural disaster (including wildfires). Compliance and Regulatory Assistance: GCSAA’s Government Affairs Team assists members with free compliance counseling, information, and resources. Labor, water, and the EPA are just a few areas of expertise available to members. Thank you for your support of the Sierra Nevada GCSA and GCSAA. If I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org and follow me for industry updates on Twitter @GCSAA_SW. I hope you all have a terrific summer!
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S P E C I A L THANK YOU T O S P O N S O R S F O R O U R 2022 S & R T O U R N A M E N T
Wilbur Ellis Co.
Russell D Mitchell & Associates Irrigation Design-ConsultationSupervision-Evaluation
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Sierra Nevada GCSA Annual S & R Tournament By Dave Bermudez
The chapter’s Research and Scholarship Tournament is almost here. This year’s tournament is scheduled on July 18, 2022 at Cameron Park Country Club. We thank Jeremy Payne, 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 the golf industry suppliers who donated items for this year’s auction, Club Procore for sponsoring breakfast, West Coast Turf for sponsoring lunch, and for those who sponsored tee signs and games on the course. Superintendents and affiliate members make sure you sign up and bringing guests. Superintendent’s, please bring some great prizes or donate a foursome to your course for the raffle. There is still time for donations for the auction and raffle. Cameron Park Country Club
Contact Kim at the SNGCSA office at 559 298-6262 or David Bermudez 209 342-8175. The money raised from this tournament goes to Scholarships, Turfgrass Research, Personal and Professional Development Program, and our Benevolence Fund. Over the last for ten years the money raised from this event is approaching $300,000. We could not have done this without everyone’s participants.
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Welcome New Members
2022 Auction Now Open
Phill Brown Affiliate Members Anderson’s Marc Sillampaa Asst. Superintendent Cypress Lakes G.C. Kyler Smith Affilitiate Member Rainbird Sarah Teledo Affiliate Member Helena
Click Here to Start your bidding
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Superintendent Profile Jeremy Payne, Cameron Park C.C. By Tim McCoy
Welcome to Cameron Park Country C,ub, ‘The Jewel of the Foothills’! Most of you already know Jeremy Payne. He has been a staple and very dedicated member of our Association for close to 15 years. He has served in every position of our board, even some positions twice! If you haven’t met Jeremy, that probably means you haven’t been attending our meetings (insert shame & guilt! here). He is a staunch supporter of our Association and is always praising the benefits of attending chapter meetings. If you need any help convincing your club/course to see the benefits in networking, education, fun, and maybe just a day away from your course, he has several great talking points for you to share at your next board meeting. On the day we spoke for this article, Jeremy was flying a drone over Cameron Park Country Club. The information gathered is to be shared with staff for irrigation system adjustments. Cameron Park CC took 30 acres of turf out of irrigation coverage a few years ago, and since his arrival Jeremy has begun to improve these areas with native and drought tolerant plantings. Jeremy Jeremy Payne and his staff have also renovated 20 bunkers and a handful of tee surfaces. Other projects include changing out annual flower beds to native plants and taking part in the patio remodel at the club house. The Scholarship & Research Tournament holds a significant place in Jeremy’s career path. He is a former SNGCSA Scholarship winner. Jeremy is a Cal-Poly graduate, a dedicated husband, and devoted father of two. “For fun,” Jeremy enjoys ultra distance (50 milers) and trail running. If this is your first time at Cameron Park CC you’re in for a treat. The “Jewel of the Foothills” is truly that. The first nine holes at Cameron Park CC opened in 1961 with the second nine in 1962. Bert Stamps is credited with the design. It’s a challenging layout, and always in great condition. The club has a fascinating past, if you have a moment, I highly recommend checking out their website and the timeline of events! When asked about the current and future state of the game of golf, Jeremys reply: “Golf has been around a very long time. I feel confident in its long-term ability to go with the ebs and flows that its presented. Just remember our responsibilities to the environment and to educating the public on the benefits of golf
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2022 GRASSROOTS HIGHLIGHTS
Muhamed Ali, Host Superintendent of Wm Land Park G.C.
Pictured above are Lonnie Dunn, and guests
At right is Jeff Jensen with Rick White
The 2022 GrassRoots Tournament was held at William Land Park Golf Course. We had a great attendance and it was a cool but beautiful day for this event. We were thrilled to have the group from Morton Golf attend to show support for our association and to witness the induction of Bob Cline into the SNGCSA Turf Grass Hall of Fame.
At left is Greg Bliek, Tracy Shanahan, and his son Jack as well as Dve Brown from Peach Tree C.C. At right is Dave Bermudez, Matt Graves, Juan Gonzales, and Chad Morris.
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2 0 2 2 M E M B E R A WA R D W I N N E R S
Pictured from left is Matt Graves, BelKorp, as the Affiliate Member of the Year, Rick White, Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, GrassRoots Award winner. Bob Cline, SNGCSA Turf Grass Hall of Fame, Irene Cline, SNGCSA Distinguished Member of the Year, and Greg Bliek as the Turf Grass Manager of the Year for Public Course. Not Pictured is Kyle Dykstra, CGCS Turf Grass Manger of the Year Award for Private Course.
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