MarchApril2017

Tee Off News March/April 2017

2017 Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship & Research Tournament

Santa Maria Country Club Hosted by Mark Weitz

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TEE-OFF News

President’s Message By Steve Showers Spring has come, Easter has past as well as the Masters and the golf season is in progress for all of us now. The rains just seem to keep coming but at least we have had mild temperatures so far this year. As most of you know I left Airways Golf Course in Fresno a few months ago and have taken on the Superintendents role at The Golf Club at Rio Vista, surprisingly located in Rio Vista. I have been here for over a month now and am adapting to cool season turf, somewhat cooler temperatures and a lot more rain. Thank you to the many members who stayed in touch with me during my job search, that’s what the association is all about, (although it still could be the Hokey Pokey).

Steve Showers

On May 9th the board of directors of your Golf Course Superintendents Association of Central California (GCSACC) will be holding a face to face meeting in the Paso Robles area. Leading up to this meeting I would like to invite you to approach a board member with any thoughts or suggestions you may have as to how we can serve you, the members, better. During our meeting we will be reviewing the goals that we established during our strategic planning session from last year. One of our goals was to increase both membership as well as participation at events throughout the year, again if you have any suggestions please let a board member or Irene know.

Speaking of events, please plan on attending the upcoming Al Glaze Scholarship and Research Tournament to be held June 26 at Santa Maria Country Club. During the event we hold a silent auction to benefit the cause, if you’re a vendor please consider a donation of products or services and if you’re a superintendent please first let your vendors know about this opportunity and secondly please consider making a purchase at the event to help us raise funds for this great cause.

If you are unable to attend the event you are welcome to email in a bid to Irene for the product and or service and she will enter the bid for you. This is the time to get those scholarship applications in to the association office, both legacy and turf student.

We also have a date and location for the Lowell Stone Charity Golf Tournament, Sunnyside Country Club on October 23.

Between these two fundraisers please plan on attending the Tri-Chapter meeting in August and, an as yet to be confirmed, event from our chapter. Just to tease our event a bit, we are planning a lower cost event in a convenient and cool location.

More to come on that….

Thank you all for being members of our association and again, as I always do, I challenge you to please attend an upcoming event. I guarantee that you will have a good time, enjoy your time away from the course, and learn something valuable.

Have a great summer!

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Save The Dates June 26, 2017 Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship & Research Tournament Santa Maria Country Club Host Superintendent Mark Weitz

December 2, 2017 Annual Holiday Event Windows on the Water Morro Bay, CA

August 21, 2017 Tri Chapter Event Del Paso Country Club Hosted by the Sierra Nevada GCSA Host Superintendent Mark McKinney, CGCS

January 15, 2018 Annual Election Meeting Sandpiper Golf Course Host Superintendent Tennessee McBroom

October 23, 2017 Annual Lowell Stone Charity Tournament Sunnyside Country Club Hosted by Jon Christensen

2018

February 3—8, 2018

San Antonio, Texas California Room February 7, 2018 The Buckhorn Texas Ranger Museum & Bar

2017 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, XA

93710

June 7, 2017

June 8, 2017

September 6, 2017

September 7, 2017

November 8, 2017

November 9, 2017

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TEE-OFF News

2017 Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship & Research Tournament

The 2017 Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship & Research Tournament will be held at Santa Maria C.C. on June 26, 2017. It will be a first for host superintendent Mark Weitz. We have not had the opportunity to visit Santa Maria Country Club since 2005. The Scholarship & Research Tournament is very important to our association and we hope that we can count on our members to help support it. We will be announcing the scholarship winners as well as handing out the Legacy Awards.

Funds raised at this event are used specifically for Turf Scholarships and Legacy Awards. In addition to the tournament we will have our silent auction. We hope that our Affiliate Members will help with this project by donating items that our superintendents will bid on. We have raised significant funds for our programs with this event. Look for more information coming up in the next month.

Santa Maria Country Club golf course winds its way over 120 acres. The Monterey pines, Cypress trees, ornamental plants, waterfalls and lakes add to the challenge and

beauty of the course. Though it isn’t known who originally designed the course in the 1920’s it was clear that the Santa Maria golf course was designed like what may be referred to as the ―staking‖ method. Every hole was designed in a straight line.

There were no dog legs, and no excavation of earth in any of the fairways. The only movement of earth for any of the greens was the flattening of natural sand hills for the greens for holes 2 and 5. There was originally only one fairway bunker consisting of a depression about thirty yards short of No. 4 green.

The main green traps were the sides of the natural sand hills on holes 2 and 5. The sand used for the original project was the natural sand in the area. The original fairways were built in the same manner as the Scottish links courses. After World War II, there was an effort made to modernize the course. The route of the holes were changed. A round of golf did not consist of playing 9 identical holes twice. The route to each hole was different and the length was different. When the course was leased from the city and county in the late 1940's, plans were made to build an additional 9 holes.

The directors of the club originally made the layout of the course. However, an architect was consulted and the architect pointed out that the

alignment suggested by the members resulted in slice shots going out of bounds on the boundary holes. A better design was suggested and the alignment was thus reversed to its present configuration. A large sand hill was constructed in the middle of the property. Then in the 1950‖s the ―back 9‖ was constructed. The total cost of this construction was less than $25,000.00. There were substantial member contributions towards the construction, particularly by farmers who were members of the club. With the building of the back 9, the transformation of the Santa Maria golf course from a Scottish links type course to a parkland course began. This transformation took place throughout the 1950's and 1960's. Another redesign occurred in the late 1980's by architect Ken Killian. Additionally several remaining holes were rebuilt in the early 1990's by the course green superintendent, Dale Foster. Courses such as Santa Maria Country Club that have been around for almost a century have so much history and have seen so many changes not only on the course but with the industry and the environment. They are to be admired and we will have the opportunity to visit to see the hard work that Mark and his crew have put into it.

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From the Field Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region As expected, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Feb. 28 directing the Environmental Protection Agency Jeff Jensen (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to review the Clean Water Rule (WOTUS) and publish for notice and comment a rule that either revises the pending Clean Water Rule or replaces it entirely.

Placed on hold since October of 2016 by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Clean Water Rule expanded the Clean Water Act’s federal jurisdiction to include waters previously under state or local control, such as isolated ponds, wetlands, ditches and ephemeral drainages (i.e. those with only an intermittent flow).

The EPA, Corps – as well as any other agency’s or executive department involved - must follow the statement of policy laid out to keep navigable waters pollution free while promoting economic growth, avoiding regulatory uncertainty and

respecting states’ rights. Further, it narrows the scope of navigable waters in any future rulemaking to those waters Justice Antonin Scalia referenced in his 2006 opinion in the Supreme Court case of Rapanos v. United States. Scalia had argued that the Clean Water Act should only cover those waters 1) with a permanent flow; or 2) with a surface water connection to waters with a permanent flow.

While the interpretation of the Clean Water rule was murky at best, golf courses could have been required to obtain costly federal permits for any land management activities or land use decisions in, over or near these waters, such as pesticide and fertilizer applications and stream bank restorations and the moving of dirt.

While the executive order doesn’t set a timeline, it does outline a path forward for the Clean Water Rule’s eventual repeal and replacement.

GCSAA will continue to follow the situation and keep members updated on its progress.

Speaking of progress, GCSAA launched its revamped website on March 7. The redesign has been over a year in the making and offers a modern look and user friendly

S*E*E*D

format that can be optimized for smartphones and tablets. The site contains content exclusively for members as well as an improved Resources and Government Affairs page. If you are having any problems with logging into or navigating the new site, call the member services department at 800-4727878 and they will be happy to assist you.

Thank you again for your support of GCSAA and I hope that your spring season is off to a great start.

Please contact me at jjensen@gcsaa.org with any question and make sure to follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_SW for daily industry updates.

C*O*M*P*A*N*Y

9180 San Fernando Rd. P. O. Box 1579 Sun Valley, California 91353 Office (800) 621-0315

www.stoverseed.com

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Newsletter Title

UCR Salinity Research Dr. James Baird

For the past 5 years UCR has been testing products for salinity alleviation on hybrid bermudagrass turf maintained under simulated fairway conditions. While we have identified products that are effective (i.e., DeSal + Stress Rx + XP Micro) and many more that aren’t, the facts are that bermudagrass turf is very tolerant to salinity, and most golf courses are not applying products for salinity alleviation on large areas like fairways due to budget constraints. On the other hand, managing salinity stress on Poa annua putting greens is a significant issue throughout most of the State.

This year we will begin a new phase of salinity management research at the UCR turfgrass facility that will focus on Poa annua putting greens. The area pictured below (photo taken 4 March 2017) is in preparation to receive 6-8 inches of ―dirtier‖ (sand/peat/soil) rootzone mix to simulate an older, established putting green with greater likelihood of salinity challenges. Turf will be established using aeration plugs from a golf course in California with predominantly perennial Poa annua putting greens. The 5,400-ft2 green will have the capability of being irrigated with potable or saline water

construction and maintenance of the putting green; salts used for saline irrigation water; suction lysimeters placed into experimental plots to capture and analyze leachate; experimental equipment (e.g., portable EC/TDR instrufrom two storage tanks pictured bements); student labor for plot maintelow). Dr. Marco Schiavon and Dr. Jim nance and data collection; and travel to Baird will seek the advice of California professional meetings (e.g., American superintendents and initiate research Society of Agronomy) and state chapprojects that may include but are not ter meetings to present results. limited to: 1) irrigation (leaching) management; 2) product testing; and 3) rapid blight disease management.

P.W. Gillibrand Co, Inc. has graciously agreed to donate the rootzone mix for this project. Support from the California Golf Course Superintendents Chapters via the CTLF will help to offset the costs of: transportation of the rootzone mix and aeration plugs;

Volume 1, TEE-OFF N ews

Issue 1

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Around the Green We want to congratulate Tom Elliott, CGCS for accomplishing the re-certification process through the GCSAA. Steve Showers, GCSACC President has been hired as the new Superintendent at The Golf Club at Rio Vista. He’ adjusting to the cool season grasses after spending most of his career in the valley. Also we welcome Lonnie Stevens who is now the superintendent at San Joaquin Country Club. Lonnie comes to us from Blackhawk in Danville. We look forward to seeing him at a meeting soon.

Changes continue with Sierra Golf Management reporting that they have taken over the management of yet another course. This time it is La Contenta in Valley Springs, CA. They have been operating California golf facilities since the early 1990’s and are currently one of the largest regional operators

of golf courses in Central California.

They currently lease, manage and/or own thirteen (13) California golf properties and are the only golf management firm located in Central California It is with great sadness that we report the passing of long time member Kenneth Abeloe on January 17, 2017. Ken was the superintendent at Rancho Maria Golf Course in Santa Maria and then River Island Country Club in Springville, CA. before retiring back to his hometown of Santa Maria. A memorial celebration of Ken's life was held Saturday, January 28, 2017.

We just received information from Brookside Golf Course that superintendent Dan Holmes was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer and has recently found out that the cancer has spread to his liver.

Dan has been undergoing treatment in Stockton and in Mexico. Dan and

his family would greatly appreciate any love, support, prayers and help during this difficult time. A ―Go Fund Me‖ Account has been set up and Brookside Country Club is accepting donations on his behalf for his family. If you wish to make a donation for Dan you may do so by: Go Fund Me https://www.gofundme.com/prayersand-support-for-dan-holmes We are happy to report any news that involves our members and if you have information that you wish to share you can contact our office at 559-298-4853.

2017 GCSACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT STEVEN SHOWERS RIO VISTA GOLF COURSE

VICE PRESIDENT ANDY CORDOVA CYPRESS RIDGE G.C.

MATT NOWLEN LAGUNA LAKES G. C. ERIK SMITH TARGET CHEMICAL

PAST PRESIDENT TENNESSEE MCBROOM SANDPIPER GOLF CLUB /RANCHO SAN MARCOS GOLF CLUB

SECRETARY/TREASURER GLENN MATTHEWS, CGCS VISALIA COUNTRY CLUB

ALBERT NUNES MORRO BAY GOLF COURSE

PAUL BARR SAN LUIS OBISPO C.C.

ZACK MORAN WATER QUALITY CONSULTANTS

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 Newsletter Chairman & Newsletter Editor Zachary Moran Executive Directors Irene Cline & Kimberly Milne

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Newsletter Title

California GCSA The California GCSA has recently applied for and received a Grant to proceed with the Development of a Best Management Practices Document for the State of California Golf Course Superintendents and their facilities. The (BMPs), for facilities, promote golf course sustainability and with this document, that the California GCSA hopes to have in place within the next two years, will help get you there.

The California GCSA will be utilizing the GCSAA’s BMP Planning Guide and Template that provides for the development of golf course best management practices (BMP) programs at the state level. The document will be written so that individual golf facilities will be able to take the template and develop individual BMP that allow for regional variables due to climate, environment and regulatory policies that vary significantly throughout California.

The Committee established for this project consists of representatives from each of the California Golf Course Superintendents Association’s six (6) chapters and has partnered with several allied golf associations, universities and their representatives to develop the state level BMPs. 15 total committee members. The BMP planning guide will initially contain 12 key categories:

           

Planning, Design and Construction Irrigation Surface Water Management Water Quality Management and Monitoring Nutrient Management Cultural Practices Integrated Pest Management Pesticide Management Pollinator Protection Maintenance Operations Landscape Energy

The first job for the committee was to develop a ― Scope of Work‖ to hire a third party service provider that will provide overall project management (including project timelines and budgets) communication and administrative duties under the guidance of the committee. The ―Scope of Work‖ was written and sent to the committee for final approval and will be sent to the list of providers that the committee identified.

We will keep our membership informed as to the progress we are making on this project going forward.

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. (559) 449-8935 or (559) 760-5387

TEE-OFF News

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Industry Scholarship & Legacy Award Opportunities & GCSA Central California Turf Student Application GCSACC annually funds scholarships to deserving turfgrass and ornamental horticulture students throughout Central California and the Central Coast areas. Scholarships are awarded annually to assist students that plan to stay within the industry and be our leaders of the future.

You can call the association office at 559-298-4853 or go on line to CentralCaliforniaGCSA.com to download the application. The deadline for applications to be submitted to the GCSACC office is June 1, 2017.

Sierra Nevada GCSA Scholarship Application—The SNGCSA S&R program annually funds scholarships to deserving turfgrass and ornamental horticulture students throughout Northern California and the Reno/Carson City, NV areas. Scholarships are awarded annually to assist students whom we feel will stay within the industry and be our leaders of the future. The deadline for applications to be submitted to the SNGCSA office is June 30, 2017.

GCSAA SCHOLARS COMPETITION These scholarships range from $500 to $6,000. Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program in a maThe GCSACC Legacy Awards Competition offers jor field related to turf management, have completed at educational aid to immediate family members of GCSACC members. Immediate family includes spouses least 24 credit hours or the equivalent of one year of fulland children of the Golf Course Superintendents Associa- time study in the appropriate major, and be a member of GCSAA. Selection criteria for this program includes tion of Central California member. For full details and guidelines You can call the association office at 559-298- academic excellence, work experience, extracurricular activities and potential to become a leading professional 4853 or go on line to CentralCaliforniaGCSA.com to download the application. The deadline for applications in the golf course management industry. The annual deadline is June 1.APPLY NOW The deadline June 1. to be submitted to the GCSACC office is June 1, 2017 Application form

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Newsletter Title

Volume 1, Issue 1

Highlights from the Spring Meeting at Dairy Creek Golf Course The meeting at Dairy Creek was well attended by members of the Central Chapter as well as guests from other associations that are either Cal Poly Alumni or have strong ties to the school and want to see the Turf Program continue. Josh Heptig, pictured at left hosted the event and presented the future plans for Dairy Creek G.C.

Also speaking at the event were Maggie Reiter, UC Extension Fresno County, Craig Kessler, SCGA, Jeff Jensen, GCSAA, Scott Steinmaus, Chair Cal Poly Hort & Crops, . At right is Sierra Nevada GCSA Board member and California Poly Alumni, Above is Zack Moran talking with Craig Kessler.

Newsletter Title

Volume 1, Issue 1

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Glenn Matthews, CGCS Visalia Country Club Superintendent Attends Syngenta Business Institute

GREENSBORO, N.C., Jan. 24, 2017- Glenn Matthews, CGCS golf course superintendent at Visalia Country Club in Visalia, was one of 26 superintendents across the country to graduate from the Syngenta Business Institute™ (SBI). SBI is an exclusive professional development program for golf course superintendents hosted by Syngenta and the Wake Forest University School of Business in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

While agronomic expertise is critical to superintendent success, Syngenta also recognizes the need to provide superintendents with business management skills. ―We offer this program to 26 superintendents as a commitment to our customers and their development in the industry,‖ says Stephanie Schwenke, golf market manager, Syngenta. ―At the Syngenta Business Institute, we focus on the business aspect of superintendents’ responsibilities, rather than agronomics, and really work to hone their skills in leadership and management, which is just as important as managing turf quality.‖ During the three-day educational program, participants gained knowledge in financial and human resources management, negotiation skills, effective communications techniques, managing generational differences and more. Classes were led by professors from the School of Business at Wake Forest University, who provided ideas and tools to assist superintendents in their daily

management and long-term planning.

Matthews was selected from a talented pool of superintendents across the country based on an application process that reviewed their educational background, professional achievements and an essay that demonstrates why they should be selected for the program.

You can learn more about Syngenta Business Institute, by visiting GreenCastOnline.com/SBI. About Wake Forest University School of Business Founded in 1834, Wake Forest is a private, coeducational collegiate university based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. One of the leading institutions of its kind, Wake Forest blends the intimacy of a liberal arts college with the academic vitality of a research university. Guided by our motto Pro Humanitate (For Humanity), Wake Forest is dedicated to an ethically informed education in a climate that values personal growth, community interaction and individual honor. At the School of Business, the mission is to shape the whole person. They help businesses create a better world through developing passionate, ethical business leaders who get results

with integrity, and thought leadership that is visible and positively impacts the practice of business.

About Syngenta Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com.