3rd Qtr Fore Your Information

F ORE Y OUR I NFORMATION

3rd Quarter 2023

Cameron Park Country Club 2022 Scholarship & Research Tournament

Winchester Country Club

EREMY PAYNE

First and foremost, I think I/we need to shout out a few very important “Thank Yous”. Every year, our annual Scholarship & Research event is the main fundraiser for our association as well as the important endeavors we pursue in awarding scholarships to support the future of our industry, research that helps keep all of us on the cutting edge, and advocacy carried out by very talented and dedicated individuals at our national GCSAA headquarters. This year’s event was one of the best, both in overall experience as well as fundraising achievement. So first a big thank you to Dave Bermudez, who has selflessly volunteered to head up this effort year after year. Secondly, to Mike Stieler and his team at Spring Creek for hosting and putting together a fantastic day. And third, to our behind-the-scenes manager Kim Milne, who coordinated the majority of the event and happily collected the generous financial contributions from all of you. These three don’t get praised enough, and I hope this small shout out serves to draw much deserved attention to their amazing efforts. Let’s hope we can meet or beat our success at next year’s event!

We’re getting nearer to that time of year when we are looking for new members to bring on to the association’s Board of Directors. The commitment is actually rather minimal; no more than an hour-long virtual meeting once a month, and help with meetings or outreach on your own time. We’ve already got a great slate of venues lined up for next year, so I think a big focus will be trying to build more and better content for our meetings in the way of education, speakers, and panels, as well as trying to continue to further our efforts in fundraising through Rounds for Research and partnering with our affiliates for sponsorship & other opportunities. It’s a very rewarding experience and a great way to both network and fulfill service hours for GCSAA certification if needed. If you’re interested in being nominated to join our great team of industry advocates and leaders, please contact me or Kim at the association office so we can get your name on the ballot at the upcoming Election Meeting on November 13th hosted by Steve Kimbrough at Timber Creek GC.

With yet another busy summer now behind us, I hope you all can find some ways to refind the balance in life, recharge your batteries and enjoy the cooler fall weather that has finally arrived. I look forward to seeing you at Timber Creek and later at Teal Bend for our annual Holiday fiesta and host superintendent John Farley’s excellent BBQ!

-Jeremy Payne

Jeremy Payne

EVENT CALENDAR

2023 SNGCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Speak Michelle, Speak

Greetings all! Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Michelle and I’m the golf course dog here at Teal Bend. I am a female pit-bull mix and I am 8 years old. I will be the author for this newsletter column and will interview another golf course dog in the area and write a profile on that dog. I will describe where they work and what type of job duties are “entailed” for that dog. But for my first column, I would like to start with myself just so you have a little background on me and what my story is because it’s quite interesting.

I was born in a very bad situation. It was a house with a group of rough motorcycle gang members that didn’t take good care of their dogs and even abused them, so I decided to run away.

I met up with a very nice homeless women named Deeanne, Dee for short. Dee and I roamed the streets of Woodland together and we looked out for one another. She fed me and I stood guard at night to protect her. But, Dee really wanted to get off the street and into a transitional apartment for the homeless and she could not do that with me. So, one day we ran into my new owner, a nice man named John. He spoke kindly to Dee and she explained the situation to him and asked if he would be willing to help her by taking me. John said he was already looking for a family dog and that he had a Pitbull growing up. Not only did John take me into his life but he also helped Dee with the money she needed to get into the apartment and off the streets. Dee is doing great now. She is married and has a job and volunteers for the church she attends.

I have been with John ever since. Turns out that he works at a golf course and brings me there every day! My job is a tough one but I get it done. I keep the course free of Canada geese, I keep the squirrels up the trees, I keep the deer in the native areas and I regularly test the bacon at the restaurant to make sure it’s ok for the customers to eat. I even have my own chair in the office.

I am quite the celebrity too. Many golfers bring me treats like beggen strips, milk bone treats and other goodies. Then after a long hard day on the course John takes me home and I sleep on my big doggy pillow by the wood stove. I need the rest because 4:00 am rolls around pretty fast and we are out the door ready to take on another day together.

Life is good, and I look forward to getting to know more of my golf dog colleagues very soon.

-Michelle Farley

VENDOR PROFILE

The story of California Landscape Supply

California Landscape Supply has been in business since 2014, but its roots in golf go much deeper. It is owned and operated by the Thornberry family who has had a multi-generational love affair with the game. Their love affair has led them down the path of playing thousands of rounds of golf, being a supplier to the industry, to the eventual ownership of their local golf course.

Ken Thornberry, the father of Nick and Ryan Thornberry, isn’t a partner but has played a vital role in the formation and continued success of the business. Ken was a long time contractor before starting a trucking company and an aggregate recycling facility. A little help from their father and some unused equipment were all that were needed to kick start California Landscape Supply back in 2014.

Nick, the oldest of the two sons, along with Ryan started the company after leaving their previous careers. Prior to starting California Landscape Supply Nick was a manager at UPS and Ryan a professional golfer. From the outset they had only two goals: Be a one-stop-shop for the industry and have unparalleled customer service. This effort continues nine years later from the accumulation of a well rounded product offering as well as hands on experience gained from owning and operating their golf course.

Currently they specialize in materials like topdressing sand, bunker sand, mulch, grass seed, fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and more. Their knowledge and experience in golf course construction, agronomy, and logistics have helped them to be one of the best resources for superintendents and turf managers in Northern California.

Be on the lookout for the next generation of the Thornberry family to carry on the legacy. Nick’s son, Cameryn, started working part-time for the company this past summer. Ryan and his wife Rachel just gave birth to their first child, a baby boy, who will undoubtedly be on the course in one fashion or another.

Regardless if it’s this generation or the next, the Thornberry family and California Landscape Supply team look forward to meeting and networking with others who are passionate about golf course maintenance and construction just like they are.

If you’d like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to them at (209)538-8493 or by visiting their website at californialandscapesupply.com.

-California Landscape Supply

TRI-CHAPTER EVENT

MORRO BAY GC

Central Cal. GCSA hosted a very successful Tri–Chapter event at Morro Bay GC in August. Hosts Josh Heptig and Joel Clay made for a very memorable day and did their best to treat everyone like part of the family. There were members in attendance from all three chapters, and the Central Chapter was able to take home the cup this year.

Speakers at the event included Paul Barr, from SLOCC, discussing the 5year+ remodel they did on his course and Jeff Jensen giving an update from the GCSA.

Due to the Friday tournament, the Central Cal chapter encouraged those in attendance to bring their families and play some Top Tracer golf Friday evening. That was attended by a few groups and everyone had a fun evening with perfect weather. If you have never attended the Tri Chapter, we will be hosting it in 2024 and encourage all of you to attend.

Glen Matthews, Dean Kinney, Jeremy Payne, Phil Brown were one of the teams enjoying the beautiful day of golf.

Joel Clay introducing himself and staff for the day to come. Thank You to Joel for the free round of drinks he provided!

Jeremy Payne and his family enjoying the Top Tracer golf.

Top Tracer Golf on Friday Evening.

“Short Right”

By: Dean Kinney

The Sierra Nevada chapter would like to welcome Brandon Wagner who is the new golf course superintendent at Serrano Country Club. Brandon was at The Peninsula Golf & Country Club prior his move in early August. Brandon hit the ground running as Serrano is finishing up an irrigation project and growing in a new 1-acre practice putting green.

Kurtis Wolford is excited to be the new golf course superintendent at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course.

Woodbridge Golf & Country Club hired a familiar face to be their new golf course superinten-

SNGCSA Field Day

Tuesday October 24, 2023

Foothill Golf Course

Supporting the Cameron Champ Foundation

Please mark the date and plan to participate in the SNGCSA Field Day, Tuesday October 24, 2023 at Foothill Golf Course 7am- 1pm supporting the Cameron Champ Foundation.

The Cameron Champ Foundation believes that golf changes lives and can unlock the potential and transform the lives of youth in underserved communities. Their message is to see golf through our youth diversify, become inclusive and bring communities together through golf, athletics, academics and a healthy nutritious lifestyle.

Last year superintendents, assistants, equipment techs, greenkeepers, and vendors were able to upgrade the conditions of Foothill Golf Course by aerifying and topdressing greens and tees, spoon aerifying fairways and fertilizing the entire golf course.

FROM THE FIELD Jeff Jensen,

GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region

I hope this finds our members doing well and getting prepped for the fall golf season. I’m sure that everyone is ready for a break after another stressful and busy summer.

There is a lot going on at GCSAA right now. As you probably know, early registration for GCSAA Conference and Show in Phoenix kicked off on Sept. 12 and we are excited to return to the Arizona desert for the first time in 30 years.

We just finished picking 40 applicants for the inaugural Women’s Leadership Academy that will be held Nov. 7-9 in Lawrence, KS. 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 Past PGA President Suzy Whaley as the keynote speaker) 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. We had nearly 90 applicants apply for the academy in the first year.

The First Green Program continues to be a slam dunk. At the time of this article, 74 field trips have been held with various schools and youth groups throughout the country including many in the Northern California region. Retired Metropolitan Golf Club Superintendent Gary Ingram, CGCS, and Morton Golf Superintendent Muhammad Ali have spearheaded many of these trips across the region and the program continues to provide STEM learning opportunities as well as an introduction to the golf maintenance profession and the game of golf in general. For more information on the program, visit the website at www.thefirstgreen.org.

Lastly, our Best Management Practices adoption process continues to move forward. 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 including policymakers and the media. The guides are available in a digital format and can be customized to fit the needs of any facility. It’s free of charge and a great way to promote sustainable efforts at your facility. More information is available at https://www.gcsaa.org/environment/bmp-planning-guide/best-management-practices.

Thank you for your continued support of GCSAA and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org and follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_SW for industry updates. Have a great fall season and hope to see everyone at upcoming events.

Jeff Jensen

2023 Scholarship and Research Tournament

Spring Creek GC.

Hosted By: Mike Stieler

The 2023 Scholarship and Research Tournament was a HUGE success. Spring Creek GC was in amazing shape and they were able to offer us a day full of fun at every turn. Literally, every turn had some type of game, food, vendor booth, drinks, and more. The lunch, which had two separate locations was hosted by Club Procure, Drinks on the course were hosted by Belkorp, Tee Prizes were sponsored by Syngenta, Sunbelt Rentals had a very entertaining booth on the course, along with Cortiva and their “Shot Ski”, and Dean Kinneys casino hole. All of these were money makers for next years Scholarships, but the real star of the show is, as always, the auction. This year we made over $25,000 from the auction. That will go straight back into our Scholarships and Research funds for the 2024 year. We could not have as successful an event without the generosity of our Vendors, and their donations. We Thank each one of you for attending, donating, purchasing, and much more.

Sunbelt Rentals Shotski at the Cortiva booth

Tee Prize Sponsored by Syngenta

Belkorp Sponsored the Drink Cart

2023 Scholarship and Research Tournament Recipients

Speaking of Scholarships, this year we gave out 4 Scholarships.

Tanner Dykstra graduated from Whitney High School in 2023 with a 4.0 GPA. Tanner is the son of Kyle Dykstra. He enjoys playing baseball and basketball on the Varsity team at his high school. Tanner plans to attend Sierra College. Tanners ultimate goal is to become a paramedic/ fireman. He plans to major in kinesiology in order to help him attain these goals.

Chloe Kinney graduated from Ponderosa High School in 2023. Chloe is the daughter of Dean Kinney. She enjoys playing Varsity golf, being in leadership, she was the Junior Class Vice President, and was a part of the Spanish Club. Chloe plans to attend Folsom Lake College and major in Political Science. Her ultimate goal is to become a lawyer, whose focus is on immigration law.

Uzar Ali graduated from Capital City High School in 2023. Uzar is the son of Muhammed Ali. Uzar graduated from his High School a year early to attend Jami Binoria in Pakistan. He plans to major in Islamic Studies while he lives abroad. Upon his return to the states, Uzar plans to attend Sacramento State and major in Civil Engineering.

Our Turf Grass Scholarship is being awarded to Trevor Kiunke. He is attending Washington State University, majoring in Turf Grass Management. Originally he is from Nipomo, California. Trevor has been working at Montreaux, under the Supervision of Doug Heinrichs, over the summer break as a grounds keeper.

Congratulations to all of these winners and we look forward to seeing the success of their futures.

Tanner Dykstra– Scholarship Recipient

Mike Stieler– Course Superintendent

1st Place Team

Welcome

New Members

AntonioRappa

TrimaxMowingSystems

ClassAffiliate

AndrewHeinrichs

EdgewoodTahoe

ClassC

JacobBerry

EdgewoodTahoe

ClassB

SteveKimbrough,CGCS

By:MuhammadAli

Steve Kimbrough, CGCS, the Golf Course Superintendent at Timber Creek and Sierra Pines Golf Courses in Sun City Roseville, his journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of his profession is a testament to dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Steve's story began in 1995 when he took his first steps into the world of golf course maintenance as a greenkeeper at Grants Pass Golf Club. Under the guidance of Superintendent John Delaney, he quickly realized his calling. Encouraged to pursue a degree, he embarked on a transformative journey at Oregon State University, graduating in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, emphasizing Turfgrass Management. With his academic foundation solidified, Steve ventured into the industry, making pivotal stops along the way. From Spyglass Hill, where he honed his skills as an Irrigation Technician working with luminaries like Bob Yeo and Frank Zamazal, to Pebble Beach Golf Links as an Assistant Superintendent under Tom Huesgen, he continued to ascend.

In 2003, Steve assumed the role of Lakes Course Superintendent at The Olympic Club, working alongside Pat Finlen. His expertise was further showcased at Oakmont Country Club in Southern California, where he oversaw a remarkable $4.6 million renovation in 2006.

In 2012, he accepted the position of Golf Course Superintendent at Woodcreek and Diamond Oaks, marking his association with Valleycrest/Brightview. His dedication culminated in 2015 when he attained the esteemed Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation while at Woodcreek and Diamond Oaks. The turning point in Steve's illustrious career came in 2018 when he was hired by Jim Ferrin to oversee Sun City Roseville's golf courses and common area landscape. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to foster genuine relationships with the community have left an indelible mark.

For Steve, the allure of this profession lies in the early morning serenity, where he watches the sun rise over manicured fairways. It is about dedicating his days to improving what is already exceptional, a labor of love that continues to drive him.

Beyond the greens, Steve's life revolves around family. He enjoys golf, although time rarely permits a full round. Instead, he invests his energy in cheering on his sons' competitive soccer endeavors and supporting his daughter's multifaceted interests in cheer, gymnastics, and volleyball.

Steve's uniqueness lies in his slightly obsessive-compulsive nature, a trait that he humorously acknowledges might extend to his golf course management, ensuring every detail is meticulously addressed.

At Sun City Roseville, Steve relishes the supportive and appreciative community. Their realistic expectations and provision of necessary resources foster a harmonious partnership that allows him to shine in his role. Building strong relationships within the golfing community is a source of immense satisfaction for Steve.

-MuhammadAli

GCSAA E DUCATIONAL G RANT

FOURTEEN GCSAA CHAPTERS RECEIVE EDUCATION GRANTS THROUGH THE GCSAA FOUNDATION

The 2023 Chapter Education Grants are one-time education grants, presented in partnership with ClubProcure Lawrence, Kan. (Aug. 1, 2023) – Fourteen GCSAA-affiliated chapters have received one-time education grants from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, administered through the GCSAA Foundation in partnership with ClubProcure (formerly known as VGM Club), a service provider in the club industry. The education grants total $12,000 and range from $700 to $1,000 per grant.

“ClubProcure is proud to support the GCSAA Foundation and the GCSAA-affiliated chapters through this grant opportunity. We value the importance of quality education for each chapter, and we hope these members can further their educational development with our support,” said Mike Woltz, ClubProcure VP Business Development Agronomy.

ClubProcure has donated a total of $27,000 this year to support the GCSAA Foundation’s mission by establishing the chapter programming grant initiative that launched, including a $5,000 donation supporting the Larry Powell Scholarship, which was awarded to the inaugural recipient at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

As part of this gift, ClubProcure has also donated $10,000 to the Foundation’s Annual Fund. With this donation, ClubProcure is recognized as a member of the Foundation’s Platinum Tee Club and has moved into the Executive Club level of donors that have contributed between $25,000-$49,999 since 1987 as part of the Cumulative Giving Program.

The following chapters were awarded a Chapter Education Grant in 2023:

To learn more about the new Chapter Education Grants, presented in partnership with ClubProcure, visit www.gcsaa.org/foundation/education. To learn more about ClubProcure, visit www.clubprocure.com.

The Sierra Nevada Chapter Thanks GCSAA, and Club Procure for the opportunity to apply for this grant. We plan to use it to support First Green initiative in our area, and help any of our members that want to host an event. If you would like to be a host, please reach out to our association office and Kim can help you to get the ball rolling..

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

2045 Franciscan Way, Salinas CA 93908 Grassrootsturfsupply.com