SeptOct 2014

TeeOff News September/October 2014

2014 Lowell Stone Charity Event Fort Washington Country Club Jose Alvarez Host Superintendent

Page 2

TEE-OFF News

TEE-OFF News

Page 3

Save The Dates November 3, 2014

April 23, 2015 Spring Symposium Rio Bravo Country Club Host Superintendent Trini Hernandez

Annual Charity Event Fort Washington Country Club Host Superintendent Jose Alvarez

December 6, 2014 Holiday Event “Windows on the Water” Morro Bay January 26, 2015 Winter Symposium Rancho San Marcus Golf Club Host Superintendent Tennessee McBroom

Inside this issue:

June 2015 Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship & Research Tournament Morro Bay Golf Course Host Superintendent Josh Heptig August 2015 Tri Chapter Event Hosted by the Nor Cal Chapter Location to be determined

2014/2015 GCSACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Presidents Message

4

Charity Event

5

Enhancing the Appeal of Lake

7

From the Field

8

Meeting Highlights

10

Jose Alvarez

PRESIDENT TENNESSEE MCBROOM SANDPIPER GOLF CLUB SECRETARY/TREASURER STEVEN SHOWERS AIRWAYS G. C.

VICE PRESIDENT . BRIAN DAUM VALLEY CREST/PALO ALTO G.C

BOARD MEMBERS ANDY CORDOVA CYPRESS RIDGE G.C.

.GLENN MATTHEWS VISALIA C.C.

.JOSE ALVAREZ FORT WASHINGTON C.C.

TRINI HERNANDEZ RIO BRAVO C. C.

CRAIG JOHNSON BELMONT C.C.

Host for the 2014 Charity Event Fort Washington C.C.

JEFF KOLLENKARK WEED MAN

PETE BOWMAN JACOBSEN WEST PAST PRESIDENT

JOSH HEPTIG SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Page 4

TEE-OFF News

President’s Message Tennessee McBroom I welcome the membership of the Central California Golf Course Superintendents Association to join me in recognizing and congratulating our recently elected board members.

The Board currently has all positions filled this term representing the Central California GCSA Chapter and are all dedicated in serving our membership as future leaders of the industry.

I’m both honored and appreciative to have been elected as your President and look forward to the opportuTennessee McBroom nity in working with the Board as well as engaging our membership as a means of improving our Association.

The team has been assembled and our first order of business has been established with the selection process for committee assignments, duties and responsibilities. Utilizing the Boards expertise from both the Superintendent and Affiliate backgrounds, we have laid the

ground work and have a clearly well-defined strategy communicated. The Board has a system in place with contact lists determined by geographic locations to engage and communicate with local members to share pertinent information regarding the Association, upcoming events/meetings, and the ability to listen to comments and concerns. It is important to me for the membership to receive good communication and information regarding current issues in the industry, related information within the Association, and upcoming events/meetings. I’m confident the Board will make wise and swift decisions that best serve the membership’s interests of our great Association.

I know and understand that a great association is not without keeping the focus on the people and membership in mind. The focus of our Association continues and remains on adding value and providing a great experience at our meetings and events, engaging the membership and increasing participation, while maintaining the solvency of the Central California GCSA. The basis of our educa(Continued on page 6)

TEE-OFF News

Page 5

2014 Lowell Stone Charity Event by Brian Daum

Fort Washington Country will be the location of our annual charity event on Monday, November 3rd. …, mark your calendars, set an alarm on your phone, heck tie a string on your finger, do whatever you need to do to remember that NOVEMBER 3rd is the 13th Annual Lowell Stone Charities Tournament hosted by Jose Alvarez at the beautiful Fort Washington Country Club in Fresno. We will open registra-

tion at 8 am and get the shotgun 4man scramble going at 10 am sharp.

Keep your eyes out for Scott Furtak and thank him and Ewing for sponsoring the on course BBQ lunch! After you’ve played 18 holes of golf, write down whatever score you thought you deserved, turn in your scorecards, enjoy some Hors D’ouerves, a no host bar and wait for the awards ceremony to commence shortly after the final group/winners turn in their scorecard!

The proceeds from this year’s tournament will go to the Central Valley Veterans!

Go online to www.centralcaliforniagcsa.com or call Irene at headquarters 559-2984853 to register as we are limited to the first 100 golfers.

The GCSACC Board is looking forward to seeing everyone on a beautiful fall day in the Central Valley to enjoy a wonderful golf course and raise monies for a great cause!

Page 6

TEE-OFF News

President’s Message Continued from page 4 tion meetings is to provide relevant and real-time information that will benefit our members in their own properties or business; i.e. updates on water and drought issues, leadership and affordable golf data, and great speakers. We’re focused on maintaining a strong Superintendent membership, while increasing the opportunity for Assistant Superintendent Members, and our Student Membership as these individuals are our future leaders in the industry. I mentioned financial solvency of our chapter, it is not without hard work and challenges over the years that without running a successful business we would not have an association. I’m happy to report that the association reached their goal in improving their reserve fund by 25% and we currently remain in good financial standing. It is our goal to continue providing affordable meetings/events and affordable dues for the members of the Central California GCSA, with all a common friendship and comraderie.

This November the Board will meet for our annual Strategic Planning Meeting to review our current goals and objectives, utilize metrics to evaluate success and foresee new opportunities. We will con-

tinue to utilize the SCOR analysis (Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities, Risks) to evaluate our Chapter.

If you have any comments or questions about the Association please contact a Board member and we will be happy to share any comments or ideas you may have.

I posed the title of this article to you the membership “What Defines a Good Leader”? I would like to provide an ongoing theme and discussion in relation to answering this question and related topics this year. Every day in our lives were confronted with challenges and different roles within our own families, workplace, and life in general where leadership is essential. All of us have had different experiences with mentors and managers good and indifferent, I would like to use this opportunity to engage you the member to share those experiences.

To explore the different paths, stories, and lessons learned that we have all had, use this time to jot down your own thoughts as to “What Defines a Good Leader” and email, hard copy, or share your stories with the Board at our future events. Ask yourself the hard questions; “What Defines a Good Leader”? “What kind of leader am

I”? and “am I different”? What new approaches to leadership can be learned to develop my own positions or role, or to improve our own guest/ member/customer experience. The role of the Superintendent has changed significantly in recent times, wearing more hats, increasing responsibilities in the roles from operators of multiple facilities, the move from Superintendent into the General Manager position, COO or VP of Operations. The quest for leadership is an adaptable one that will take time to develop and maintain. We’re set to host a “Winter Leadership Symposium” in January at Rancho San Marcos Golf Club, where we will indulge in a larger discussion of leadership and the future leaders of our industry.

Our next event is the 13th Annual Lowell Stone Charities Tournament at Fort Washington Country Club, November 3rd with Jose Alvarez as our host Superintendent. The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit “Central Valley Veterans” charity. I look forward to seeing everyone, sharing the comratery of our industry, and enjoying some late season golf! GO ROYALS!

Tennessee

TEE-OFF News

Page 7

Enhancing the Appeal of Lakes, Ponds and Water Features by Patrick Simmsgeiger The value of lakes and water features

the microorganisms present in the water to break down these contaminants.

Lakes, ponds and water features bring an aesthetic value to our lives and can increase the value of our property.

Properly maintained, a water feature will enrich the lives of those that experience it, provide for a tranquil break break down contaminants such as from an otherwise bustling day and leaves, algae, bird waste and others enhance the property on which it reslows down and cannot keep up with sides. the onslaught of these things entering Issues that affect water quality the body of water. In addition, rainfall There are many things and issues that brings nitrogen and the runoff brings fertilizers into the water. All of this can adversely affect a water feature serves to upset the pH balance (relative and diminish it’s aesthetic and comacidity / alkalinity) of the water, havmercial value. During the winter ing a negative effect on the ability of months, the natural processes that

Maintenance of water features, lakes and ponds To control the deleterious effects of these contaminants, one should begin

(Continued on page 10)

TEE-OFF News

Page 8

From the Field Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Field Staff, Southwest Region I hope this finds all of our valued members doing well and enjoying some great fall weather. I had the opportunity to visit San Antonio recently for preJeff Jensen convention meetings for the upcoming Golf Industry Show that will take place Feb. 21-26, 2015.

I can assure you that this is a show you won’t want to miss. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will provide a terrific setting for the trade show and education with the world famous River Walk in downtown San Antonio providing everything you need to stay, play

and dine.

All 14 hotels that are featured through GCSAA Housing are located within an easy 11-minute walk of the Convention Center and many are located right on the River Walk itself. Hundreds of great restaurants (with a heavy focus on Mexican, Texas BBQ and the traditional steakhouse), shops and nightlife dot the landscape and should make the venue terrific for networking and entertaining.

Additionally, the GCSAA Golf Championships are being played at four outstanding golf facilities including Cordillera Ranch, The Palmer Course at La Cantera, The Quarry and TPC San Antonio which plays host to the PGA TOUR’s Texas Open. The host ho-

tel for the Golf Championships is the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Early registration for both the Golf Industry Show and the GCSAA Golf Championships opens Nov. 4. Early full pack registration cost (before Feb. 2, 2015) for the Golf Industry Show is $395 for GCSAA members. A $245 trade show only package is available as well. Seminars are $180 for a fullday, $155 for six-hours, $105 for a half-day and $70 for two-hours.

Registration is available online at http://www.golfindustryshow.com/ registration.

The GCSAA Golf Championship will feature the National Championship, Golf Classic, FourBall and Shamble. The various

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

Page 9

From the Field Continued from page 8

events are scheduled for Feb. 21-23.

The National Championship (open to the first 100 superintendents with a handicap index of 5.0 and below) and the Golf Classic (flighted by handicap, using a point quota scoring system) are $475 per player ($575 for affiliates participating in the Golf Classic). Entry fee for the Four-Ball and Shamble are $175 per player ($275 for affiliates).

Registration for the GCSAA Golf Championships is available at http://www.golfindustryshow.com/gcsaagolf-championships/registration-information.

If you have any questions concerning the Golf Industry Show, the GCSAA Golf Championships or need any information about the area, please don’t hesitate to call me at 785-840-7879, email me at jjensen@gcsaa.org or visit the website at www.golfindustryshow.com.

We appreciate your continued support of these two great events and look forward to seeing you in San Antonio next February.

The second phase of the 2014 Rounds 4 Research fundraising program for turfgrass studies, run by the EIFG, sold more than 200 rounds of golf and yielded $30,891 in the seven-day online auction that closed Aug. 10. The total for the June and August auctions was $145,339.

The Central California GCSA would like your assistance in helping us become a bigger part of this worthwhile program. It isn’t too late to start thinking about 2015.

Contact the association office if you want to become a part of this program.

Page 10

TEE-OFF News

Enhancing Appeal of Lakes Continued from Page 7

treatment of the pond or water features in the late Winter and Spring, so that by the time summer comes around, the balance of the water is ensured and the aesthetic properties of the water feature are at their best.

Thank You For Service to our Industry

In the Summer, the added heat and sunlight contribute to the growth of unsightly aquatic weeds and algae. Not only do these affect the beauty of the water itself, they cause irritating odors that also detract from the beauty and aesthetics of the water feature.

In order to mitigate this growth and maximize the beauty of the feature, an aggressive treatment plan must be implemented during late Winter or Spring so that the maintenance program is well in place by the time Summer comes around. This plan must include: 1) removal or filtering of organic matter, 2) chemical treatment to adjust the pH of the water, 3) adding dyes to decrease the depth of sunlight penetration, 4) circulation of the water to increase the amount of oxygen in the water and even out it’s distribution. It may also be necessary to dredge the lake or pond to deepen it, install mechanical filters and pumps and control urban runoff coming into the water feature.

Incoming President Tennessee McBroom presents Josh Heptig with a plaque.

Josh Heptig is honored for his service to the members of our chapter. Thank You to Josh for all you have done to promote our industry through your efforts on the local, state, and national levels.

Conclusion In order to properly treat a lake, pond or water feature, it is important to consult and contract with a company that specializes in maintaining these and has the experience to properly do so. There are many things to consider, such as size of the feature, volume of water in the pond or lake, proper pumps and filters for the specific feature, working knowledge of pH, chemicals and oxygen balance, and many more considerations.

Given the initial cost of constructing the feature, this is not a job to be left to less experienced companies. Diversified Waterscapes has been specializing in this field for well over 30 years. We continually strive to improve our knowledge and methods, keeping up with the latest in industry innovations and scientific research. Our goal is to exceed our customers expectations, every time. We invite you to call.

Patrick Simmsgeiger is President of DWI in Laguna Niguel, CA and is California’s only certified lake manager.

Incoming President Tennessee McBroom presents Mike Cline with a plaque.

Mike Cline, Wilbur Ellis Co. is honored for his service to the members of our chapter. Mike has served on the board of directors on three separate occasions throughout his career.

Thank You to Mike for all you have done to promote our industry and support our members.

TEE-OFF News

Page 11

Highlights

2014 Annual Meeting at Monarch Dunes At left is Tom Elliott, CGCS host for the 2014 Annual Meeting held at Monarch Dunes Golf Course in September. It was a perfect day for this event and everyone at Monarch welcomed our association.

Pictured above are association board member Andy Cordova, Cypress Ridge G.C. on the right along with Jason Pautsch from Hunter Ranch Golf Course.

At left enjoying the camaderie of the event are Michael Harmon, Speedy Enterprises, Jeff Jensen, GCSAA, and Jim Culley, Stove Seed Co.

For over 80 years the specialty seed source for:

It wouldn’t be a meeting without Speedy Lipari. Speedy pictured at right entertained the group.

-Native Grasses and

Our tournament winners for this event were Steve Showers, Andy Cordova, Irene Cline, and Mike Cline. Everyone that attended had to play this tournament. It was great fun. Thank you Monarch for hosting this event.

Wildflowers -Kikuyu, Paspalum, Hybrid Bermuda -Bentgrasses, Fine Fescues, Ryegrasses Golf Course Representatives: Jim Culley 213-268-3193 Don Lewis 213-247-3266 Home Office: 800-621-0315 www.stoverseed.com

Thank You 2014 Charity Event Sponsors

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 Jeff Kollenkark Executive Directors Irene Cline & Kimberly Milne