January/February 2012
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Central California GCSA Donates to 1st Tee of Fresno Inside this issue:
President’s Message
2
Meeting Schedule
5
Around the Green
6
First Tee Program
9
Highlights
11
Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Central California. The purpose of this publication is information and education for the membership. Published bi-monthly by GCSACC 5322 N. Leonard Clovis, CA 93619 Phone (559) 298-4853 Fax (559) 298-6957 Email gcsacc@aol.com Bob Schneiderhan, Newsletter Chairman Mike Scott, CGCS, Editor
Mike Swing, CGCS, President of the Central California GCSA presented a $2500.00 check to First Tee of Fresno Director Mike Firpo in January. These funds were the proceeds from the 2011 Lowell Stone Charity event held at Sunnyside Country Club this past October. It was with great pleasure that our chapter donated to an organization of this type. The focus of the organization is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build
character, instill lifeenhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
practice facilities available to this program so they can make classes more accessible to the youth in the area.
The First Tee of Fresno operates out of Riverside Golf Course in Fresno. The course offers a complete practice area for the group as well as driving range, chipping green and putting green both grass and matt hitting stations. Other local participating courses are Airways Golf Course, Islewood Driving Range, and Sierra Meadows Golf Course in Oakhurst. All three locations make their
Participants range in age of 7 to 17. Our partnership with this program is helping create a lifelong positive impact on the youth of our community and on the game of golf. The program is always in need of further donations not only of cash but also equipment for the members. You can learn more
(Continued on page 9)
Cal Poly 2012 Turf Bowl Teams Cal Poly is sending 2 teams to compete in the 2012 Turf Bowl competition at the GIS in Las Vegas next month. A total of 8 students along with their professor Dr. Jason Lewis will be attending educational seminars, and enjoying the industry
show. The students are planning on contacting many of the local superintendents as they prepare for their case studies reports Dr. Lewis. The students that will be attending this years competition are Mike Magnani, Tyler Clark,
Sam Titchener, Cody Stewart, Chris Scott, J.J. Hubert, George Schultz, Ethan Wolach. When you get the call from one of the guys be sure to help them out in any way you can. These fine young people are the future of our industry.
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President’s Message by Michael Swing, CGCS
2012 With a new year ahead of us, it’s time for some to make the journey to the Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas this February. I have been very for-
tunate to attend this annual event for many years and I am always reminded that many superintendents are not able to make the trip. It seems like all the logic in the world is not enough to convince others of the benefits gained from attending this conference. That is unsettling to me, because I believe there are many ideas, products or services available that can help you improve your course and realize budget savings. When compared to the overall Operational Golf Course Maintenance Budget, in most cases the cost is approximately ½ percent, and that is a very small investment when sustainability is the goal.
So, for those of you who are unable to make the trip to Las Vegas, we have something for you. At each of our monthly chapter meetings there will be great education sessions, networking, and of course, the all favorite “turf study” (commonly referred to as golf). Each newsletter includes upcoming events, so mark your calendars! In addition, on Monday, April 9, 2012, I will be hosting the Equipment Demo Day at Visalia Country Club. We will mow, aerify, verticut, topdress, spray, sweep, irrigate, and much more. All of our dedicated and supportive vendors will be there showing off such brands Continued on Page 3
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President’s Message Continued from page 2 as Hustler, Toro, Jacobsen, John Deere, and two of my new favorites, Amozone (a seeder that will revolutionize the market) and Harper (the most versatile sweeper on the market). I really hope to see you at our
Three locations to serve you Lancaster
Bakersfield
Fresno
Demo Day, as I know there will be something for everyone. Here’s to a great 2012!
DEMO DAY Visalia Country Club April 9, 2012 Contact the Association Office for more information
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2012 California Room Wednesday February 29, 2012 6:00 to 9:00 PM
The 2012 California Room will be held at Las Vegas Country Club on Wednesday February 29, 2012. You are invited to join in an evening of camaraderie and have the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. The event includes hosted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. It is within walking distance of the convention center so you can walk over directly following the closing of the show on Wednesday. We hope to see you there!
TEE-OFF News Meeting Schedule February 27 —March 2 GCSAA Golf Industry Show/Conference Las Vegas February 29 California Room Las Vegas Country Club
March 27, 2012 Hunter Ranch Golf Course
May 2012 Riverlakes Golf Course Date to be Confirmed Host Superintendent Harry Dawson
June 12, 2012
Host Superintendent Jason Pautsch
Al Glaze Scholarship Tournament San Joaquin Country Club Host Superintendent Kevin Wiles
April 9, 2012 Visalia Country Club
No Monthly Meeting
Equipment Demo Day Host Superintendent Mike Swing, CGCS
July 2012
August 13, 2012 Tri Chapter Meeting Stone Brae C.C. Hosted by Northern California GCSA
Golf Course Materials Topdressing Sand - Bunker Sand Decomposed Granite - Drain Rock 1/8� Minus Turf & Tee Bulk Humus Brush Removal Call for competitive rates
David Knott, Inc.
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Around the Green by Mike Cline
It’s been a few months since my last Around the Green article and much has happened. Some things I can report on and some I can’t. So let’s get to it! Back in October, PC Mechanical purchased Monarch Dunes LLC from its original owner/developer. Superintendent Tom Elliott reports that all of the current employees will be retained but that Kemper Golf, the current management company for the site will be phasing out by the end of 2011. Paso Robles Golf Course has been purchased and local superintendent Doug Westbrook,
formerly at the Links at Vista Del Hombre will take over. Long time Paso Robles Superintendent Ben Swinney will remain on staff to assist in the course improvements that are being planned. The Links at Visa Del Hombre is now under the watch of Terry Wisler who’s worked with Doug for several years to keep the Link’s style course in tip top shape. Village Country Club in Lompoc has hired former Black Lake Golf Course Superintendent Scott Walwyn to replace retiring Superintendent Dorian Parola. Best of wishes to Dorian on his
retirement, I keep hearing about a beach in South America but whatever Dorian plans, I am sure it will be fun. The freak storm that came through California on November 30th, did a lot of damage, but it seemed to be confined to the Fresno area. High winds starting around mid-day brought down a lot of trees but no course was hit harder than Fort Washington Country Club. Superintendent Jose Alverez reported that the initial winds took down over 40 trees but that another 60-70 plus had to be removed because they were ei(Continued on page 7)
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Around the Green Continued from page 6 ther heavily damaged or a liability . Fig Garden Golf Course owner Dave Knott brought in several of his trucks and it was reported that they hauled off more than 100 truckloads of debris. Finally, Sunnyside Country Club Superintendent Jim Dailey has taken the job at Haggin Oaks Golf Course in Sacramento. He will be replaced by former Del Rio Country Club assistant Rob Williams. Expect to see Rob at a Central Chapter meeting in the near future. My featured Superintendent for this edition is on Riverside Golf Course Superintendent Troy Thompson. Troy came to the CourseCo managed golf course just about 2 years ago and just recently agreed to join the Central California Board of Directors. Prior to Riverside, Troy was at Valley Hi Country Club in Elk Grove, Sun City Roseville and several others. Troy even did some work in South Africa as a construction superintendent and consultant.
Troy Thompson
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Superintendent Troy Thompson First job in golf? My first job in golf was in the 8th grade and I picked up range balls at Green Valley Country Club in Green Valley Arizona.
What was your first management job in golf? My first management job in golf was as the age of 16, I supervised the weekend crew at Green Valley. I worked on the course during summer vacation and got to run the weekend crew during this time frame.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work? When I’m not at work, I love fast cars, fast bikes (motorcycles) and long range sniper competitions. My best shot in competition was 800 yards!
Who is your favorite sports team and why? I don’t really follow any sports, but if you want to consider Formula One racing a sport, then Team McLaren would be someone I follow. (Continued on page 8)
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Around the Green Continued from Page 7 If you could pick one meal, what would it be? My favorite meal is a big T-Bone Steak, with a loaded baked potato and corn on the cob. For dessert, a Sugar Cream Pie. Troy told me about this pie which is pretty much sugar, whipped cream and pie crust, but I know there’s got to be more to it than that?
What’s your least favorite part of being a golf course superintendent? My least favorite part of the job is keeping up with the ever changing environmental compliance that seems to be ever changing.
What’s your favorite band? My favorite band is Pink Floyd.
What’s your favorite part of being a golf course superin- What’s your favorite song? tendent? My favorite song is Comfortably My favorite part of the job is the business aspects of running a golf course. Trying to balance the operational budget with the course income, with an eye on meeting management’s goals with ownerships goals.
DL SIEMENS INC. Golf Course Construction Consulting Project Bidding Assistance Project Management Cost Projections Plan Analysis
Dale Siemens 559.994.5883 Ca License 872425
Numb, by Pink Floyd.
As always, if you know of something that you’d like to send out to the chapter, give me a call. Have a great over-seed season and I’ll see you “Around the Green”
TURF PRO 2012 Dairy Creek Golf Course 2990 Dairy Creek Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 April 11, 2012 | June 13, 2012 September 12, 2012 | November 14, 2012 Copper River Country Club 11500 N. Friant Road
What’s your favorite movie? My favorite movie since I like things that go fast and blow things up is Top Gun.
Fresno, CA 93730 April 12, 2012 | June 14 , 2012 September 13, 2012 | November 15, 2012
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Central California GCSA Donates $2500 to First Tee of Fresno
Pictured at left are Mike Swing, CGCS presenting a $2500 check to First Tee Director Mike Firpo
Below are Central California Board Member Troy Thompson, 1st Tee Director Mike Firpo, and Central California GCSA President, Mike Swing, CGCS
(Continued
from page 1)
about the First Tee Program in your area by going to the home web site. To learn more about the 1st Tee Program visit their website at
www.thefirsttee.org
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Highlights from January Meeting at Alisal Ranch in Solvang The January meeting was “one of the best meetings we have had� according to some of the attendees. The event hosted by Superintendent Dave Rosenstraugh was held at the Ranch Course at Alisal just outside of Solvang. Josh Heptig, Secretary/Treas. for the association and head of the Education Committee was able to line up Pat Gross, USGA Regional Representative to give a 2 hr presentation on Pesticide Management & Current Trends in Ethicacy & Usage. This education provided our attendees with 2 hrs other for DPR and .25 PDI Educational Points. It was extremely beneficial to all who atPictured above from left Host Superintendent Dave Rosenstraugh, CGCS, USGA Pat Gross, tended. Look for more terrific eduand Association President Mike Swing, CGCS cational opportunities in the months ahead.
For over 80 years the specialty seed source for: -Native Grasses and Wildflowers -Kikuyu, Paspalum, Hybrid Bermuda -Bentgrasses, Fine Fescues, Ryegrasses Golf Course Representatives:
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Alisal Ranch & Resort Pictured on the left is Pat Gross, USGA. Field Representative. At right is Joe Tompkins, Allan Goethe, and Dave Buliavac. Thank You to John Deere Golf Mark Cantrell for Sponosring
Pictured at right is Matt Pearse, Bart Malone, Rich Wagner, Mike Cline, and Speedy Lipari.
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2011/2012 GCSACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT MICHAEL SWING, CGCS VISALIA COUNTRY CLUB SECRETARY/TREASURER JOSH HEPTIG SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
VICE PRESIDENT BRIAN DAUM VALLEY CREST/PALO ALTO G.C.
BOARD MEMBERS
TROY THOMPSON RIVERSIDE G. C.
TRINI HERNANDEZ RIO BRAVO C. C. KEVIN EPPICH TURF STAR
BOB SCHNEIDERHAN CAL POLY SLO
ANDY FERNANDEZ AB TURF/HUSTLER TURF EQUIP.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY IRENE CLINE PHONE (559) 298-4853 FAX (559) 298-6957 EMAIL gcsacc@aol.com