Cameron Park Country Club 2022 Scholarship & Research Tournament
Grizzly Ranch Golf Club
Well everyone, I hope this message finds you all in good health and good spirits and hopefully a lot more relaxed now that we made it through the “SUMMER”. Why can’t they all be like this???
I would like to give a big heartfelt “Thank You” to Mike Baty and the Grizzly Ranch staff for hosting the Sierra Nevada GCSA President’s Cup at their beautiful Golf Course! What a treat that was. Mike, you outdid yourself with the golf course and food, thank you very much!!!
As we come to the end of the year, I hope to see you all at our annual election meeting, which will be held at Whitney Oaks golf club Monday, November 10, 2025. I would like to thank Brad Bonino and his crew in advance, for hosting us this year. I would also like to thank Scott McCollough for hosting us at the Ridge for our holiday meeting Thursday, December 4, 2025. I hope to see you all at there.
Elections are coming up and we will be announcing the new Board at Whitney Oaks, so please fill out your election ballots and email them to Kim as soon as you get some time.
As I conclude my tenure as President of the Sierra Nevada GCSA, I reflect on the many experiences that shaped our collective journey. It has been an honor to serve our chapter, fostering not only a passion for golf but also a sense of camaraderie among members. Throughout my Presidency, my primary objective was to lead an association that was always open and responsive to the needs of our members. I strived to ensure that every member felt valued and had access to enriching opportunities that the association provides. Engaging with members listening to their feedback, and responding to their needs were paramount in my approach.
As I handover the reins, I am filled with gratitude for the collaboration and support that defined my leadership. I sincerely hope that I have positively impacted our association and laid a foundation for future successes. The Sierra Nevada GCSA Stands as a testament to our shared passion, and I am confident that it’s future is bright under the stewardship of my successor Mr. Billy Witt.
Thank you all for your trust and commitment during my presidency.
-Juan J. Gonzalez
EVENT CALENDAR
November 10, 2025
Annual Meeting
Whitney Oaks
December 4, 2025
Holiday Golf Outing
The Ridge 2026
January 13, 2026
Turf Tech The Ridge
February 2026 GIS
Orlando, Fl.
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Lonnie Dunn
Wildhorse G.C.
March 2026
Grass Roots Meeting TBD
April 2026 TBD
May 2026 TBD
June 2026 TBD
July 2026
Scholarship & Research Tournament TBD
August 2026
Tri– Chapter Tournament Hosted by Central Chapter
September 2026
Presidents Cup TBD
2025 SNGCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Juan Gonzalez
Empire Ranch G.C.
VICE
Dave Bermudez Logan Bloom
Del Rio G. & C.C.
Mather G.C.
Dean Kinney, Sierra Pacific Turf
PAST PRESIDENT
Billy Witt Muhammad Ali
Hidden Valley Lake Assoc.
DIRECTORS
Scott McCullough Guillermo Reyes Brian Kerr– Assistant
Affiliate Representatives
Ryan
FORE YOUR INFORMATION
FROM THE FIELD
Jeff Jensen,
GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region
I hope this finds everyone enjoying some nice fall weather! I know it is a big relief to get through the stress of the summer heat and take some pressure off the turf.
GCSAA is ramping up for our annual Conference and Show in Orlando. The 2026 event will take place Feb. 2-5 at the Orange County Convention Center with the GCSAA Golf Championships being held Jan. 31 – Feb. 2 with the Omni Orlando at Champions Gate, serving as the host hotel/golf facility.
There are some major events already planned for Orlando headed up by our Centennial Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at ICON Park. ICON is an entertainment destination with over 50 shops, restaurants and attractions including the world famous Orlando Eye. Food, drink and live entertainment will be provided at numerous locations throughout the park. Make sure to stop by and help us celebrate 100 years of GCSAA!
Also, do not forget about the California Room which will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4 at Kavas Tacos + Tequila. Located off International Drive and just down the street from the Convention Center, the California Room is the premier networking event during show week. Stop by for drinks, great food and mingle with hundreds of members and guests of the California GCSA.
Registration for the 2026 Conference and Show opened September 23 and you can register online at https://gcsaaconference.com/. You can register separately for the California Room at https://cgcsa.wildapricot.org/event-6309331. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando.
In other news, GCSAA’s Best Management Practices (BMP) tool is undergoing a significant refresh and will continue to be provided as a free member benefit to better serve our chapters and members. The updated GCSAA BMP tool will be mobile-friendly, quick to navigate, and upon facility BMP adoption will generate a customized certificate of completion tailored specifically to your course for display. Lawmakers and regulators have made it clear that facility-level adoption of BMPs is the critical next step for the golf course management industry. While developing BMPs in all 50 states by 2020 was a landmark achievement, continued progress now depends on superintendents and facilities customizing and implementing their own plans. Adoption of your state BMP could be required in the future by the EPA for spraying activities as well. This upgrade is just the first step in many more planned improvements that look to not only meet the anticipated needs of policymakers and regulators but also provide direct value back to the member and the facility. The upgrade will be available in October.
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 to see you soon!
- Jeff Jensen
Jeff Jensen
SHORT RIGHT
BY: DEAN KINNEY
Short Right will be short and right to the point this issue.
Rodney Muller, CGCS is the new golf course superintendent at The Reserve at Spanos Park. Rodney was previously at Discovery Bay so we are happy to have him a little closer to home. That property has big plans and Rodney is the perfect person to deliver the vision they have.
Our very own affiliate board member Ryan Thornberry and his wife, Rachel, welcomed a new Thornberry to the family. Charlie was born on July 22nd and is rumored to already be hitting the range after his 3 AM feeding. He joins his big brother.
Affiliate member Kevin Rourke also welcomed a baby boy a few days prior to Ryan. Kevin and his wife, Bridget, welcomed baby Oliver to the family on July 10th. He joins his big sister Penelope, and its easy to see that she loves him to pieces!
We look forward to seeing these 2 running around the golf course very soon!
Please check out the attached links to the monthly CAG Newsletters. CAG NEWSLETTER – JULY CAG NEWSLETTER – AUGUST CAG NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER
CAG NEWSLETTER SEPT. PART 2
2026 Golf Industry Show Orlando, FL.
Don’t miss out on the 2026 California Room at the Golf Industry Show in Orlando, FL. Registration will be open on 9/23/25 Register Here
This year the California GCSA will host the popular event at Kavas Tacos Bar. Located directly across from the convention center at Pointe Orlando. The discounted registration price is good through 12/31/25, so don’t delay in signing up.
California Room Registration
Hotels always book up fast for the show, so please see the attached GCSA list of accommodations and the map of their locations.
Hotel Accommodations CAG NEWSLETTERS
Presidents Cup– Grizzly Ranch
September brought its signature charm to the Sierra Nevada Mountains as we gathered once again for our Annual Presidents Cup– An event that never fails to deliver stunning views, competitive golf, and unforgettable camaraderie.
This year’s tournament was hosted at the breathtaking Grizzly Ranch Golf Club, where players were treated to pristine fairways, crisp mountain air, and a perfect late-summer day. The individual ball format gave everyone a chance to showcase their skills, and the competition was fierce.
TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS
• First Place Gross: Mike Stieler, who played a phenomenal round and earned top honors.
• First Place Net: Mick Evans, whose consistency and finesse secured the win.
• Affiliate Trophy: Ryan Thornberry, recognized for outstanding play among our affiliate members.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mike Baty, whose generosity and hospitality made this year’s event truly exceptional. From the well-prepared course to the top-notch BBQ that followed, every detail was thoughtfully executed.
HONORING OUR 2025 PRESIDENT
As we wrapped up the day, we also celebrated the leadership of Juan Gonzalez, sending him off with gratitude and style. His dedication and passion have left a lasting mark on our community, and this event was a fitting tribute to his tenure.
Here’s to another successful Presidents Cup and to the memories made on the mountain. Until next year!
Nutiren
Belkorps Matt Graves
winner Mick Evans
Winners Mike Stieler, and Ryan Thornberry
2025 Board of Directors in attendance. From Left Ryan Thornberry, CLS. Host Mike Baty, Billy Witt, VP, Juan Gonzalez, President, Guillermo Reyes, Lonnie Dunn, Sec/Treas.
Group, Lyle, Chritina, Scott Kotrc, and Jason Klemensrud
and
Mike Baty and Juan Gonzalez
V ENDOR P ROFILE
D ON N AUMAN – SIERRA PACIFIC TURF SUPPLY
Dean Kinney of Sierra Pacific Turf, and the Affiliate Rep for the Sierra Nevada Chapter was recently tasked with interviewing Don Nauman, the Owner of Sierra Pacific. Don is a legend in the field, and has done so much to give back to his chapters, as well as the game of golf. It was great to gain some incite into what keeps him going after all of this time:
1. Describe how Sierra Pacific Turf Supply got started. Sierra Pacific Turf Supply was born in the back of owner Don Naumann’s pick up truck in August of 1982. With 5 years experience and a handful of customers, Don launched what has become one of the leading turf grass products supplier in Northern California and Nevada. He quickly picked up some distributorships, and 9 months later his wife, Becky, left her job and joined him. From the first facility in Campbell of 1,300 square feet, Sierra Pacific has grown to 3 locations including a 21,000 square foot warehouse in Campbell, a 12,000 square foot facility in Rocklin and a 12,000 square foot facility in Sparks, NV. The number of employees has grown as well. From the early days of Don selling, Becky running the office and one delivery person, we’ve grown to a total of 30 employees, including 8 salespeople. We have built strong customer relationships throughout these areas and are committed to giving excellent customer service.
2. List your involvement in other organizations such as local chapters, RISE, etc. He has been a member of GCSAA Nor Cal, past board of director, and member of the Sierra Nevada and Central Cal Chapters. Class A superintendent at Blackberry Farm Golf in Cupertino, CA for 22 years
3. What are some of the most rewarding things about working in the golf business? What is most rewarding about working in the golf business are the Friendships I’ve developed. Being able to work in such beautiful environments as golf course. And the ability to help people to achieve their maintenance goals, and ensure golf courses remain in peak condition
4. Also being a golf course owner, has this given you any insight that you did not have before regarding golf course maintenance?
The stress of income, in all aspects of the business, was more than I ever anticipated. I have more empathy than ever before for those working within constrained budgets.
5. What is your favorite course to play and why. That’s a tough one; I would say San Francisco Golf Club. It is a magnificent track and always in pristine condition and very challenging.
6. Outside of golf, what do you enjoy?
Being with my family, especially my two adorable granddaughters. I also enjoy gardening and fishing.
7. Anything else you would like to add….
On the personal side, the wine and beer industries are very intriguing and unique businesses that are also very fun to be a part of.
Sierra Pacific Turf Supply started from nothing, which is something that is not easy to do, especially in the state of California, and I cannot thank our staff and clients enough. Without them, all of this wouldn’t be possible.
SUPERINTENDENT
M IKE BATY
–
GRIZZLY RANCH GOLF CLUB
I was born in Laredo Texas, and grew up in Del Rio, Texas. I am a Texan through and through. However, during my youth, my father was in the Air Force, and my family moved quite a bit from base to base.
While in California, I mowed my first green, and quickly said to myself, “how do I get to do this for the rest of my life?” My first paying job in the industry was at Beale Air Force Base in Marysville, California, making $7.25 an hour. From those early days, I knew I had found my passion.
I started my education at Blinn Jr. College, in College Station Texas, where I completed my core classes, followed by an NCGA internship, and eventually earned my Turf Certificate from the University of Georgia.
What excites me most about my work, as a Golf Course Superintendent, is that every day feels like a fresh start. There is nothing better than stepping onto the course at sunrise, and seeing the results of all the hard work my team and I put in. I have been at Grizzly Ranch for 21 years, and honestly, I still LOVE IT. I feel blessed that I get to do what I love every single day. But I never take all the credit, because a beautiful golf course needs water, sunshine and the best crew in the business, and I am lucky to have all of this.
Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, bowling, fishing, and spending time with my gal, Michelle and our two dogs, Yogi and Boo-Boo. I also have a serious passion for smoking brisket, ribs and cooking.
I dream of traveling to Greece, Italy, and Scotland one day, and when it comes to food, nothing beats grilled Mexican seafood.
I am a big fan of country and classic rock music, and I love watching golf, college football, and baseball. My favorite teams are the Texas A&M Aggies, Houston Astros, and, unfortunately at times, the Dallas Cowboys.
If I could go back and give my younger self some advice, it would be to find a better balance between my career and personal life. That is also the advice I’d share with anyone starting out in the golf industry: don’t be married to your job. Life is too short, and while working hard is important, it’s just as important to enjoy life to the fullest.
Cal Arsenau
EverlineResortandSpa
ClassA
Michael Hinojos
RioVista
ClassC
Daniel McIntyre
Retired/FosterFarms
ClassC
Justin Tracy Brandt
ClassE
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
S CHOLARSHIP MEETING RECAP
S TOCKTON G OLF AND CC
The 2025 Scholarship and Research tournament was a huge hit as usual. Harj Toor with Stockton Golf & CC hosted us this year, and we had great weather to compliment the event. We were able to give away over $10,000 in Scholarships to both the Turf Grass and Legacy applicants. The event also allowed us to bank over $6,000 towards research. This money is used throughout the year to fund projects that are beneficial to the turf grass community in our area. We want to Thank Harj for working so hard to get the course in shape, and also a Huge Thank You to Dave Bermudez, who had tirelessly spearheaded this event for the last 15 + years and turned it into the huge success that it is. Thank you to Syngenta for always sponsoring our fabulous Tee Prizes. Belkorp for sponsoring the on course beverages, Sunbelt for always bringing the on-course fun and giveaways at their booth, Dean Kinney for running the Casino Hole, Turf Star for sponsoring breakfast, Club ProCure for sponsoring lunch, EZ Go for giving us a shot at a Hole in One, and Pete Bowman and Brad Snavely for the on-course games. We could not make this event the huge success that it is, without all of your support and participation. Winners of the event were Mike Stieler, Ryan Thornberry, Ben VanVuren, and Dylan Aldrich.
Above: Dave Bermudez with his team, Lynn, Carl, and Jim from Del Rio CC
Above: Sunbelt Rentals Booth
Below: Harj Toor with his assistant Carl
Above: Akoni Ganir, Jeff Munsey, Scott McCullough, and Brian Kerr
Above: Dean Kinney was keeping everyone entertained while they waited for their turn for the Casino Hole.
Above: Juan Gonzalez of Cherry Island, Billy Witt of HVLA, Juan Gonzalez , and Jorge Gomez of Empire Ranch. This was the 2nd place team in the tournament.
Turf Grass Scholarship
S CHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Nick Lopez- Enrolled in Penn State University
Doing his undergrad in Basic Turf Management
Currently working as the first assistant to Clint Luedtke at Del Paso CC
Raudel Guardado- Enrolled in UC Riverside
Majoring in TurfGrass Management
Currently the assistant superintendent at Del Rio CC under Dave Bermudez
Legacy Scholarship
Uzair Ali- Son of Muhammad Ali.
Majoring in Management Information Systems
Enrolled in Sacramento City College, after attending a year abroad at Binoria International University.
Stephen Culley- Son of Jim Culley
Working on his Masters in Education Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. Already received his bachelors from UC San Diego
Kendall Dykstra- Daughter of Kyle Dykstra- Majoring in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Nutrition.
Enrolled in Valdosta State University. She received a 4.0 all through high school and plans to become an athletic trainer for a college sports team.
Macie Mead- Daughter of Kyle Mead- majoring in Business marketing.
Attending CSU -East Bay. She is currently playing softball for the school and she plans to get her Real Estate License by the end of summer. Ultimately she wants to be able to give back to the community who started her love of softball by coaching and donating to the little league in her home town.
Embree Stutsman- Son of Mark Stutsman- majoring in Business.
Attending Doane University. He received a weighted GPA of 4.2 through high school, and plays golf for the Trevino Golf Institute. He will also be playing golf at Doane University. He currently works as a greenskeeper for Red Hawk Golf & Resort.
Isabella Sena- Daughter of Ram Sena- majoring in Business Finance
Attending Sacramento State University. She maintained a 4.0 all through high school and plans to get a degree in Finance in order to help her parents better their lives and be able to expand their businesses.
Raudel was able to attend and play in the event, before accepting his check.
Muhammad was in attendance to accept the check on behalf of his son who is currently in school in Pakistan
