Tee Off News July/August 2018
Morro Bay Golf Course September 17, 2018 Hosted by Albert Nunes
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President’s Message Andy Cordova As I sit down to write my monthly president's message, my wife and I are days away from the birth of our first child. Since we don't know the gender, the anticipation and excitement has Andy Cordova been growing over the past 9 months. Over the past few days I have found myself reflecting on the “advice” that my “friends” have given me for what to expect. If I take their so-called advice to heart, we are going to have a baby that doesn't sleep at all, pees all over us, sucks our bank account dry, wants nothing to do with us in his/her teenage years and lives with us until he/she is 40. I will get back to you in 20 years about the level of truth to that statement.
my job get in the way my family. Even though I do not have any kids yet, I have tried to live by this but in reality it's hard to do sometimes because inevitably there is always something crucial that needs to be done on the golf course. I know in the years to come I will find that perfect balance while erring on the side of family.
With all of that great advice that I have been given, there has been a tremendous amount of good advice too. I think the one that resonated most for me was from my mentor quite a few years ago, who told me not to let
On the local level, it was nice to see everyone at the Al Glaze Memorial this year at San Luis Obispo CC. Superintendent Paul Barr had the course in amazing shape, the weather
As major season comes to a close in the professional golf world, it was pretty neat to see Brooks Koepka win the PGA Championship for his second major of the year. It's as if his game only shows up for the majors because during the regular season he's just an average player. That's opposite of what we normally see from the tour players. It was also exciting to see Tiger play well and see his Sunday focus that we were accustomed to in his prime. Whether you are a Tiger fan or not, him playing well is a benefit to the overall game of golf. Let's hope he can keep it going.
was perfect and, by the looks of it, everyone had a great time. It was especially good to see Steve Scarborough's family there to present the 1st annual Steve Scarborough Turf Scholarship. I know the family was very appreciative of all the support that they have received through this. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year at Bakersfield CC, Steve's home for so many years. Our next event will be at Morro Bay Golf Course on September 17th with host Albert Nunez. The course is always in fantastic shape, the weather is all but guaranteed to be perfect, and I look forward to seeing everyone out there. Update: On August 15th my wife and I welcomed Theo Rey Cordova to our family, we couldn't be more excited to have him finally here.
2018 GCSACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT ANDY CORDOVA CYPRESS RIDGE GOLD COURSE
VICE PRESIDENT GLENN MATTHEWS, CGCS VISALIA COUNTRY CLUB ALBERT NUNES MORRO BAY GOLF COURSE MIKE CLINE WILBUR ELLIS CO.
PAST PRESIDENT STEVEN SHOWERS BROOKSIDE GOLF & C.C.
SECRETARY/TREASURER PAUL BARR SAN LUIS OBISPO C.C. KEVIN WILES RIVERSIDE GOLF COURSE
MATT NOWLEN
ERIK SMITH TARGET CHEMICAL
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, 3273 Richert, Clovis, CA 93619 Phone (559) 298-6262 Fax (559) 298-6957 Email gcsacc@aol.com Newsletter Chairman & Newsletter Editor Michael Scott, CGCS Executive Directors Irene Cline & Kimberly Milne
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Save The Dates 2018
2019
September 17, 2018 Morro Bay Golf Course Hosted by Albert Nunes
January Winter Conference & Annual Election Meeting Location to be determined
November 5, 2018 Lowell Stone Charity Tournament Fort Washington C.C. Hosted by Jose Alvarez
December 1, 2018 Annual Holiday Event Windows on the Water Morro Bay, CA
February 2-7, 2019 San Diego Convention Center California Room Feb 6th Omni Hotel 6:00—9:00 Registration Open September 1st
2018 Turf Pro Professional Update Series Seminars San Luis Obispo
Fresno
Morro Bay Golf Course
Copper River Country Club
201 State Park Rd.
2140 E. Clubhouse Dr.
Morro Bay, CA
93442
Fresno, CA
93710
September 5, 2018
September 6, 2018
PDI & CEU’s Approved
PDI & CEU’s Approved
November 7, 2018
November 8, 2018
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New Members William Barragan West Coast Turf Affiliate Member The California GCSA BMP committee continues to work toward the completion of the California BMPs with consultant Mike Blankenship & Associates. The Committee has received three sections to the program and the board has approved one and is reviewing the other two at this time. Those sections include Ground Water and IPM’s. There are approximately 17 sections that need to be completed. Progress is a little slower than originally anticipated but progress is being made and we should be seeing several more sections before this quarter is over. We are working with GCSAA and all parties to see how this will be adopted by our courses. More information will be made available as we determine the process. This process is being funded by the California GCSA which has been doing fund raising efforts for the last 4 years. All net proceeds of the California Room
have been set aside to put toward the BMP Javier Sanchez Program. These Bakersfield C.C. fund raising efforts Superintendent will continue into 2019 and beyond if necesNick Niles sary to enable the San Luis Obispo C.C. process to be comAsst .Superintendent pleted. In addition to our efforts we have received two grants from the GCSAA to help with out efforts. If you have questions please feel free to contact any of the California GCSA officers or our chapter representatives to the CGCSA Board Glenn Matthews, CGCS.
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From the Field Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region
Jeff Jensen
GCSAA recently announced changes to the annual Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA). The changes will be effective imme-
diately. In past years, categories were established based on facility type including Overall, National Public, National Resort, Chapter and Merit winners. The 2018 addition of the awards will feature four categories: Natural Resource Conservation, Healthy Land Stewardship, Communications and Outreach and Innovative Conservation.
There will be one winner and two runners-up recognized for each of the four awards. The Natural Resource Conservation Award will recognize individuals who employ effective strategies for water conservation, energy conservation and sound wildlife management. The Healthy Land Stewardship Award will recognize individuals who employ effective strategies for efficient use of pesticides and nutrients as well as pollution prevention. The Communications and Outreach Award will recognize individuals who effectively communicate conservation strategies with facility employees and others as well as share their efforts with golfers and other members of their
community. The Innovative Conservation Award will recognize individuals who utilize or invent unique and innovative strategies for conservation at their facility. The changes were made to encourage more superintendents to apply for the awards. Superintendents who may not have met the overall requirements in the past can now apply for a single category while they work on weaker areas through the use of GCSAA’s Best Management Practices template. Applicants are encouraged to include photos and limited-size videos to help demonstrate their environmental efforts. California superintendents have dominated the awards over the years with Terry Stratton, Tim (Continued on page 6)
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Newsletter Title
Around The Green By Mike Cline Herminio Plata, Monarch Dunes Golf Course, was one of 10 U.S. based golf course superintendents and assistant superintendents selected by Capillary Concrete to work on the maintenance crew at the 2018 Ryder Cup in France. Hermino will travel to the Albatros Course of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentinen Yvelines, France with 9 other U.S. based superintendents to join with 10 European based superintendents to help with course maintenance during the tournament. Once Herminio was selected, he had 3 requirements to be on the team, could he go, did he have a passport, and could he get to New York City to join the team. Ownership of Mon-
arch Dunes stepped in to purchase the tickets for Herminio to get to New York. Congratulation Herminio on this wonderful opportunity. Speaking of Congratulations, Superintendent Andy Cordova and his wife Sarah welcomed their first child, son Theo Rey Cordova on Wednesday 8/15/18. Pictured below is Mr. Theo. He arrived at 7 lbs 15 oz. Mommy and Theo are doing great. Daddy is very proud.
On a much sadder note, I’m not sure how many of our members had the pleasure of knowing Stephen McVey, CGCS. Stephen most recently was working as the superintendent at ElMacero C.C. in Davis. He tragically passed away on August 23rd while hand watering one of his greens on the course. Stephen had spent many years of his career in the SoCal Chapter and also served as their President. His services will be held on Sept. 1, 2018 in Rocklin. Also we
From The Field Continued from page 4
Powers, Gary Ingram and Mark Condos all claiming Overall National awards. The 2018 ELGA application period opens Aug. 1 and closes Sept. 30. Applications will be accepted online at www.gcsaa.org/ ELGA. I hope to see some additional applications this year as many of you have done numerous projects to reduce your environmental footprint. It’s great recognition for your career, facility and the industry as a whole. I hope you all enjoy the remainder of your summer and if I can be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org and visit my website at https://www.gcsaa.org/resources/reg ional-resources/secure/southwest for updates from around the region as well as a calendar of events.
were just informed that Jim “Speedy” Lipari suffered a bad fall and has been hospitalized. Speedy attended our Scholarship & Research Tournament last month and entertained the group with his card tricks. We want to wish Speedy a quick recovery and hope to see him again soon. He is at the Thousand Oaks Health Care Center in Thousand Oaks.
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Albert Nunes—Morro Bay Golf Course by Irene Cline Albert Nunes and the staff at Morro Bay GC have once again stepped up to host a GCSACC meeting on September 17th. Albert has been the superintendent at Morro Bay Golf Course for over 10 years. He has actually worked for the County since 1989. He started his career as an Assistant Mechanic while he was in high school. He attended Cuesta College where he received his AA and then transferred over to Cal Poly as a Forestry & Natural Resources Mgmt. major, and continued working for the county on the grounds crew. In 1996 he was hired full time as a greenskeeper. In addition to being the superintendent at Morro Bay G.C. Albert oversees both Dairy Creek’s 9 hole
facility as well as the 3 practice holes. aeration, and verti cutting. Albert is Albert has been very busy with able to do all these projects with 4 full the changes at Dairy Creek. They are time employees at Dairy Creek and 5 full time employees at Morro Bay. converting the original 18 holes to a Top Golf type of facility called Tracer Golf. They are building a concrete tee box next to the club house. This project is in conjunction with Cal Poly for their use of Dairy Creek for their golf team.
It’s hard to believe that Albert has any time for hobbies but he does enjoy mountain biking, back packing fishing and of course, golf. Albert has been married to his wife CiCi for 22 years. They have two sons, 19 and 21, one is at Cal Poly and the oldest is The first phase of the Dairy Creek project is underway and in addi- working in construction. tion to the Tracer Golf it will include a Albert has hosted several of Miniature Golf Course. Phase II will our meetings and everyone that attends be in El Chorro Park and will include thoroughly enjoy the beautiful course the construction of zip lines, mountain with the scenic views. Please be sure biking trails, hiking trails and a BMX to join us for some great education featrac. It may also include an equestrian turing Brad Snavely, STS Turf, and area but that hasn’t been confirmed. Rob Rutherford from Holistic Grazing. At Morro Bay Albert says they We look forward to seeing are busy maintaining the course and everyone there. have been working on tree cleanup,
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Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship & Research Tournament By Irene Cline Everyone attending the event raved about it. Lunch on the course was provided by Nutrien Solutions (previously known as CPS). Pictured at right is Dave Goodrich, along with Adelle Galli helping out with the barbecue and all the fixings for a great tri tip lunch.
The 2018 Scholarship & Research Tournament was a huge success. Our host Paul Barr, pictured above with his good friend Jason Pautsch, did an amazing job having the course in fantastic shape.
Teams from around our association spent a beautiful day on a fabulous course. At right are from left Mark Weitz, Jason Pautsch, Nick Niles, and Matt Pearce.
At right we have Bill Galli, Glenn Matthews, CGCS, Mike Stieler Jr., and his dad Mike Stieler, CGCS. Mikie was one of our scholarship recipients. He plans on a career in the greens industry and will be pursuing his degree at the Sonoma State University this coming fall. The teams included
members and guests. Like the team of Mike Cline, Michael Scott, CGCS, Andy Cordova, and Larry (Continued on page 9)
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Lane. (Pictured at right). Pictured below is the team from Jacobsen which included John Alamino, John O’Keefe and Kirk O’Keefe, guests from Rancho Maria G.C.. It was a very special opportunity for us to meet the Scarbrough Family that has set up an ongoing Scholarship Fund for Turf Students in the name of Steve Scarbrough,
CGCS. It was an honor to have his family and friends attend the event. Carrie Scarbrough, Steve’s wife presented our two scholarship recipients their checks. At right above Michael Stieler Jr, Carrie Scarbrough, and Jonathan Briggs. Below is the Scarbrough Family including Steve’s daughters Jennifer, Beth, and Rachel who were also present Tournament Winners: The winners of the Bull Trophy, which is Low Net Score. Was the team of Mike Cline , Larry Lane, Andy Cordova, and Michael Scott, CGCS. (Pictured at bottom right.) and the Low Net Winners were Bill Galli, Mike Stieler, Glenn Matthews, CGCS and Mickie Stieler. (Pictured at right) Thank you to Bakersfield Country Club for announcing that they will host the 2019 Al Glaze Scholarship Tournament.
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