The Greenerside, Volume 67

2024/ Volume 67

CONTENTS 21 THE WILLIE TUCKER MYSTERY

24 2 023 CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS

On The Cover Colonia Country Club Golf Course Superintendent: Lance Rogers, CGCS

6 Chapter News 14 Foundation News Meet our scholarship winners 18 2023 Met Area Team Championship

29 GCSAA Feature Endangered Species Act workplan 33 Photo Pages 36 Patron Directory

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Our Contributors Editor in Chief: Donovan Maguigan Design & Layout Editor: Maureen Sharples Photography Editor: Shaun Barry Contributing Writers: Doug Vogel, Kevin Doyle, and Maureen Sharples Officers: Donovan Maguigan, President Ken Anson, Vice President Jennifer Torres, Treasurer Patrick Quinlan, Secretary Joe Kinlin, Past President Directors: District I- Mark Miedler & Chad Broderick District II- Rob Wagner & Travis Pauley District III- Drew White & Victor Frederico Commercial Representative Paul Ramina Class C Liaison James Surico Rutgers Liaison Dr. James Murphy Executive Director Maureen Sharples

GCSANJ Newsletter is published four times a year. © 2024 THE GREENERSIDE Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily express the opinions or policies of the GCSANJ Board and its membership. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

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PRESIDENT'S LETTER DONOVAN MAGUIGAN

With the golf season coming to a close, the days shortening, and the weather turning cold, we transition to conference season. While education, networking, and socializing are the cornerstones of conference season events, we also use this time to recognize individuals and teams in our association for their work and contributions.

At the New Jersey Green Expo in December, the association took time to recognize our two annual awards, our Member of the Year and the Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Award. In my brief time in the association, I have had the pleasure of working and spending time with the award winners this season, and I am proud to have been a part of honoring them for their successes.

For our Member of the Year Award, we recognized two members and their team effort, Josh Kopera and Lance Rogers, for their continued volunteer support for professional, amateur, national, and local tournaments in New Jersey over the last decade. This year, they completed an impressive schedule of volunteer efforts.

After a brief tally, they provided help to superintendents at five tournaments accumulating over three weeks of volunteer time.

Lee Kozey was selected for the Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award following his retirement from Syngenta after 60 years of service to the company. With a custom car license plate “DACONIL”, Lee’s service dates back to his work in 1960 as part of the team that developed Daconil fungicide. Lee’s contribution to the industry was a focus of The Greenerside - Volume 64 this past Spring, with numerous industry friends sharing their admiration for Lee in his career. One comment from that issue that stands out to me is from Dennis DeSanctis, Jr., “He has an aura about him, a passion, and immense sincerity…he is the true definition of an industry legend.”

Lastly, an early Christmas present arrived for the GCSANJ and its membership with a major announcement from the GCSAA. The national association has chosen Bill Murray as the 2024 recipient of the Col. John Morley Award, their pinnacle award recognizing a superintendent “who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent’s profession.” Bill recently retired after 27 years as a member of the GCSAA, including 17 years serving on the board of directors for our association, serving as president of the GCSANJ for two years, and serving as Chapter Delegate for nine years. Bill currently serves on the GCSANJ Foundation. Bill is also a past recipient of our Member of the Year Award and Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award.

All four of these individuals deserve the admiration and recognition of these accolades, with each winner exemplifying service to our industry and our profession. I challenge the membership to look at the careers, volunteer work, and service of these individuals and drive yourselves to be an active part of our industry community.

THANK YOU,

DONOVAN MAGUIGAN Chapter President

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FROM YOUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR We are excited to announce a new membership class tailored to facility equipment managers! It's important that we recognize the invaluable role equipment managers play in maintaining the excellence of our golf courses.

MAUREEN SHARPLES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Why the New Membership Class?

Last year, GCSAA asked all the state chapters to follow their lead by offering a membership for equipment managers. Our organization has always been committed to fostering a community of professionals dedicated to advancing golf course management. Introducing the Equipment Manager (EM) Class is a natural extension of this commitment. This new membership class can enhance collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth.

Professional Development: Access to training sessions and resources designed to enhance equipment management skills.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow equipment managers, superintendents, and industry experts to share insights, experiences, and best practices.

Events: Attend events tailored to equipment managers' unique needs and challenges.

As part of our commitment to education and community building, we invite you to our upcoming open house event: Date: February 29, 2024 Time: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Tavistock Country Club & Lunch at Tonewood Brewery This event is free to all our member clubs' equipment managers. It will provide an opportunity to learn about the benefits of membership while gaining insight from industry leaders. For more information and to register, visit GCSANJ.com.

We encourage our superintendent members to actively promote this new membership class among their equipment management teams.

Thank you for your continued support.

LET'S CONNECT

msharples@gcsanj.org @GCSANJ1926

Sincerely, Maureen Sharples GCSANJ Executive Director

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CHAPTER NEWS NEW MEMBERS Michael Croshaw, Class C Forsgate Country Club

Brad Helcoski, Class AF Toro

Mark Turkowski, Class C TPC Jasna Polana

Stephanie Aponte, Class C Bergen County Golf Courses

Michael O'Connell, Class C Spring Lake Golf Club

Sam Pfleger, Class C TPC Jasna Polana

Sean Larson, Class C The Shore Club

Jarad Luknicki, Class AF BASF

Daniel Croft, Class C North Jersey Country Club

Christopher Faughnan, Class B Tamarack Golf Course

Nicholas Paglione, Class B Old Bridge Golf Club

James Martorelli, Class AF SavATree

Michael Tode, Class AF Tode Landscape Contractors

Andrew Haskell, Class C Monmouth County Golf Courses

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CHAPTER NEWS NJTA HALL OF FAME AWARD Keith Kubik, President of Grass Roots Turf Products, is the 2023 New Jersey Turfgrass Association's Hall of Fame Award recipient. The award is given in recognition of a member's continuing lifetime commitment of dedication, service, and achievements that contribute to the advancement of the turfgrass industry of New Jersey. He was presented the award at the 2023 Green Expo in Atlantic City. Congratulations, Keith!

Chris Carson, Keith Kubik, and Ken Kubik

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CHAPTER NEWS 2023 CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS! The Ridgewood Country Club

Tony Hooks Sherwood Moore Cup Superintendent Low Gross

Chris Marra Affiliate Low Net

Alan Bean Dr. Henry Indyk Cup Superintendent Low Net

Andy Bulizak Dr. Paul Sartoretto Affiliate Low Gross

Thank you to our host, Todd Raisch, CGCS.

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CHAPTER NEWS 2023 STANLEY CUP AND LESLIE CUP

CLASS C BATTLE OF THE BRIDGES

Congratulations to the 2023 Stanley Cup and Leslie Cup winners!

Our Class C members took on the MetGCSA at this year’s Battle of the Bridges at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, NY. Congratulations to the MetGCSA team.

Chris Boyle of Mendham Golf and Country Club and Ian Kunesch of Bergen County Golf Courses won this year’s Leslie Cup. Michael Elliott of Union League National and Dave Szegda of Pine Valley Golf Club won this year’s Stanley Cup. To view the brackets, visit gcsanj.org/Leslie_Stanley_Cups.

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CHAPTER NEWS BILL MURRAY WINS GCSAA’S 2024 COL. JOHN MORLEY AWARD Bill Murray, retired superintendent and 27-year member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has been named the recipient of the association’s 2024 Col. John Morley Award.

The award, named after GCSAA’s founder, was elevated to GCSAA’s pinnacle level alongside the Old Tom Morris Award in 2021 and is presented annually to an individual who is, or has been, a GCSAA Class A or B superintendent member and has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent’s profession.

“Bill is a prime example of what Col. John Morley stood for and what the Morley Award is all about,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Throughout his long and successful career, he has given back so much to the profession through his service to his fellow GCSAA members on both the local and national level. He is truly worthy of the award, and we congratulate him.”

Congratulations, Bill!

Bill Murray on the cover of GCM Magazine

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FOUNDATION NEWS RUTGERS TURFGRASS SCHOLARSHIPS

THE FIRST TEE OF THE JERSEY SHORE

The GCSANJ Foundation awarded $3,000 in scholarships to the Rutgers Turfgrass Scholarship Program. The recipients were Tyler Seeton, Carson Chiovarou, Jeremy Rys, and Brandon Marchetta. The students received their scholarships at the Rutgers Turfgrass Scholarship Dinner in December.

The GCSANJ Foundation donated $1,500 to the First Tee of the Jersey Shore. Newly elected GCSANJ Foundation President Patrick Husby awarded the donation to the First Tee team at the annual GCSANJ Foundation holiday party.

Jeremy Rys, Carson Chiovarou, Tyler Seeton, Maureen Sharples, and Brandon Marchetta.

Kim Brehm, Pam Boccaccio, Patrick Husby, and Tara Kelly.

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FOUNDATION FEATURE

GCSANJ FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS The GCSANJ Foundation awarded $24,500 in scholarships to 13 applicants this year. The applicants include recent high school graduates, current college students, and interns pursuing careers in turf management.

Many of the applicants earned a high GPA in challenging courses; they are leaders in their school or community and have committed to and excelled in extracurricular activities and sports. Their academic careers and integrity are impressive, and their parents should be proud of their accomplishments.

Cheryl Connell

Joshua Beaudoin

Dominick Candeloro

Isabella Candeloro

​GCSANJ Foundation Scholarship Joshua is studying Physical Education at The College of New Jersey. He is the son of Joseph Beaudoin, superintendent at Fairway Mews Golf Club.

​GCSANJ Foundation Scholarship Dominick is studying Turf Management at Rutgers University. He is the son of Michael Candeloro, superintendent at Darlington Golf Course.

Ed Casey Scholarship Isabella is studying Nursing at the County College of Morris.

She is the daughter of Michael Candeloro, superintendent at Darlington Golf Course.

John Anderson Scholarship Cheryl is studying Biochemistry at University of South Florida Judy Genshaft Honors College.

She is the daughter of Sean Connell of Georgia Golf Construction, Inc.

Payton Gjelsvik

Jennifer Krok

Jessica Krok

Sonny Lawson

​GCSANJ Foundation Scholarship Payton is studying Biochemistry at the University of Georgia. She is the daughter of Brian Gjelsvik of Noble Turf.

Fran Owsik Scholarship Jennifer is studying Athletic Training at University of Delaware. She is the daughter of Rick Krok of LaBar Golf Renovations.

GCSANJ Presidents Scholarship Jessica is studying Communications at Weber State University. She is the daughter of Rick Krok of LaBar Golf Renovations.

Charlie Edgar Scholarship Sonny is studying Sports Management at Quinnipiac University. He is the grandson of retired member, Shaun Barry.

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FOUNDATION FEATURE

Shane Manzi

Josephine Marcinek

Tyler Paluzzi

Elly Raisch

GCSANJ Presidents Scholarship Shane is studying Architecture at University of Hartford. He is the son of Matt Manzi, superintendent at Morris County Park Commission.

​GCSANJ Foundation Scholarship Josie is studying Health Sciences at St. Thomas Aquinas College. She is the daughter of Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance at Somerset County Park Commission.

Jim McNally Scholarship Tyler is studying Journalism and Marketing at University of South Carolina. He is the son of Michael Paluzzi, superintendent at Crystal Springs Resort.

GCSANJ Presidents Scholarship Elly is studying International Studies at Ramapo College. She is the daughter of Todd Raisch, superintendent at The Ridgewood Country Club.

Kaelyn Tansey John Farrell Scholarship Kaelyn is studying Dance Performance at the University of Hartford. She is the daughter of Kevin Tansey, superintendent at Pinelands Golf Club.

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2023 MET AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP AT SUNNINGDALE COUNTRY CLUB

By Andy Drohen

The New Jersey Team: Michael Elliott, Michael Linkewich, Joe Kinlin, Ian Kunesch, Rob Johnson, Jason Osterhoudt, Rob Arnts, and Chris Boyle

On a beautiful fall day in New York, the team from the Philadelphia AGCS won the 42nd MET Area Team Championship at Sunningdale CC in Scarsdale, NY. Philadelphia, a perennial favorite won for a record 6th time, and their second time in the past three years, most recently at Saratoga National in 2021. The talented field was 2 over par for the day, two shots clear of New Jersey.

Philadelphia was led by Darren Farrar and Chet Walsh on the Gross side with an impressive 1 under par best ball score while Greg D’Antonio and Nick Lubold led the Net side with an even par 70. The entire team played excellent golf with Jeff Haas and Steve Stephens just 2 over on the Gross side and Jon Urbanski and Rich Sweeney 1 over on the Net. New Jersey came close this year, led by the day’s lowest Net score of 64

by Joe Kinlin and Jason Osterhoudt and a 1 under Net from Chris Boyle and Ian Kunesch.

Last year’s defending champion from Long Island finished in third place just 3 back of New Jersey with the team of Tim Falvey and Jake Reeves shooting the day’s lowest gross score of 3 under, 67!

On the Sponsor’s side of the championship, Brian Giblin and Pat Crusty shot 5 under 65 to best the second-place team from Toro, Keith Kohlasch and Glen Dube.

This year was host Sean Cain’s second MET Area Team Championship as he hosted the event in 2001 and first since the 1917 Seth Raynor gem had been redone by Mike DeVries in 2017.

Mike built bold new greens on the finishing three holes that fit right into the existing design like they’ve always been there. The 17th is a completely new hole and the 18th

an exciting finisher where any score is possible with the pressure of a championship on the line!

This year has been one of the wettest on record, including a couple inches of rain three days before the championship. Sean worked his magic though and had Sunningdale in tremendous conditions with picture perfect green surfaces rolling quickly and challenging even the best of players! Congratulations to Sean and his staff for providing championship conditions on a beautiful old classic!

This year with your support we were able to make three donations to help folks in our industry through difficult times.

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$2,500 at this year’s championship to donate to Otoniel’s family. Two assistants from the Pocono Association’s Fox Hill Golf Club were involved in a serious accident this summer when heavy rain washed out a local bridge and the two drove over together and suffered serious injuries. We were able to donate $1,000 each to John Polak and Joe Colangelo to help with their medical bills. Thanks to all who donated so generously to the 50/50s over the years!

Once again, the Met Area Team Championship is generously supported by our seven major sponsors who continue to step up to make this one of the best events across the country! Please join me in thanking Allied Nutrients, BASF, Envu, Ocean Organics, Plant Food, Syngenta and Toro as they continue to support this fantastic event.

Thanks again to all our sponsors, Sean Cain and his entire staff, and all the folks at Sunningdale CC for another successful championship!

A special thank you to our local GCSAA representative Kevin Doyle for help with registration and our resident photographer Shaun Barry for the great photos. We look forward to seeing everyone next year, so stay tuned for announcements and of course, if you’re no longer the contact please let me know who is!

TEAM SCORES 1st- Philadelphia AGCS +2 2nd- GCSA of New Jersey +4 3rd- Long Island GCSA (-3 low gross) +7 4th- Northeastern GCSA (-1 low gross) +7 5th- Hudson Valley GCSA +10 6th- METGCSA +11 7th- GCSA of Cape Cod +12 8th- Rhode Island GCSA +14 9th- GCSA of New York +19 10th- Eastern Shore AGCS +24 11th- Connecticut AGCS +25 12th- Pocono Turfgrass Association +26 13th- Mid-Atlantic AGCS +30

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FEATURE

INVENTING CRABGRASS The Willie Tucker Mystery

By Doug Vogel

As a member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), I was recently asked to participate in contributing a chapter to the book Yankee Stadium 1923-2008: America’s First Modern Ballpark in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the original Yankee Stadium. I chose to write about the construction, grow-in, and maintenance of the ballfield due to the fact I had always read that a greenkeeper was responsible for taking on the historic job.

William “Willie” Tucker was an early pioneer in American golf course design and maintenance. The London-born Pro/Greenkeeper arrived in New York in 1895 and began a career that would last until his death in 1954. He expanded his successful golf course design business to include athletic fields and tennis court construction as well as private estate consultation services. His biography in The Architects of Golf stated, “Tucker was a nationally known turfgrass expert and had been called upon to install and nurture the original turf at such sports facilities as Yankee Stadium and the West Side Tennis Club.”

Tucker was the perfect choice to install the playing field at the new Yankee Stadium. His resume included the installation of the turf at Princeton’s Palmer Stadium, the US Naval Academy football and athletic fields and the West Side Tennis Club’s grass tennis courts which were soon to host the prestigious Davis Cup matches. But Willie Tucker’s name never came up connecting him to any phase of the well-documented project in any newspaper archives I searched, only a gentleman by the name of Phil Schenck. This mystery needed further research.

Phil Schenck was the beloved groundskeeper of Hilltop Park, home of the New York Highlanders, the ballclub that would change its name to the Yankees in 1913. Schenck was nicknamed the Demon Groundskeeper by the adoring press due to his portly stature and whirling dervish-style work ethic.

His jovial, good-humored nature made great press for the writers and he was mentioned in just about every article featuring the new stadium’s ballfield construction. Why wasn’t Tucker’s name ever included?

I decided to piece together a timeline using newspaper and trade journal articles, advertisements and golf annual books to get an idea what Willie Tucker was up to on the dates between May and November of 1922 when construction of the ballfield and laying of the sod took place.

I found he had consolidated his turfgrass consulting business in March 1920 with a leading international seed company, which became known as Carters Tested Seeds, Inc., the leading golf course supply company of the day. Carters advertised heavily in trade magazines including Golf Illustrated, American Lawn Tennis and American Parks. Their full-page advertisements changed monthly and always featured a photo of prominent jobs they were currently involved with. Tucker was working as a construction superintendent for Carters between 1920 and 1924 with no mention of, or advertisement of, the Yankee Stadium job.

Tucker’s affiliation with Carters Seed ended sometime before 1925. I found a four-page promotional pamphlet copyrighted in 1925 and

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FEATURE

distributed by William H Tucker and Sons, Inc. at the USGA’s Golf House Museum and Library. The turfgrass expert listed his impressive resume in the pamphlet but no mention of Yankee Stadium was included. He eventually moved to New Mexico, where he died in 1954. Tucker’s lifelong career in the golf world was prominent enough to receive a New York Times obituary in which they noted his involvement with many projects during his storied career. Also included was “he put in the turf of the original Yankee Stadium…”

I found it well documented that Phil Schenck installed the sod at the new Yankee Stadium and handled the grow-in and remained as the head groundskeeper until his death in 1928. What then, if any, contribution did Willie Tucker make that the New York Times construed as putting in the turf?

Could he have been the “source” for Phil Schenck’s Long Island sod that was a well-guarded secret? Did Schenck purchase his seed and fertilizer from Carters and Tucker was the salesman? Did Tucker, the leading turf-expert based in New York City, provide consultation services to the Yankees?

Somehow, the New York Times thought he did.

Willie Tucker’s involvement with the construction of the 1923 Yankee Stadium remains a mystery.

William H Tucker left a few fingerprints in New Jersey during his storied career as both architect and golf course construction contractor.

He was the designer of record for The Preakness Hills Country Club located in Wayne Township in 1926.

Tucker’s construction company was contracted in 1927 to build the A W Tillinghast-designed Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus. They ran into financial difficulties and went into bankruptcy, leaving the club and Tillinghast to finish the job.

Other New Jersey clubs that Tucker had dealings with were the following Somerset Hills Country Club Orange Lawn Tennis Club Seabright Lawn Tennis Club Morris County Golf Club Upper Montclair Golf Club Glen Ridge Golf Club Inventing Crabgrass is a series of investigative golf journalism researched and written by Doug Vogel.

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2024 LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup, hosted by Upper Montclair Country Club on May 6-12, 2024 Upper Montclair Country Club is seeking volunteer turf professionals to support their efforts in providing tournament quality conditions for this great event. Golf’s best professional players will visit Northern NJ for the 3rd straight year to compete in the prestigious spring event that honors the LPGA’s 13 Founding Members.

Volunteers serve as an integral part to the success of any professional golf event. We welcome and would appreciate any help for AM and/or PM shifts. Please see the below link to sign up and be part of our team this May. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetHgM7PyuxRakIhgNHqlHZnTaR75WmDUAsbO4EbFA- C2GLw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0 Thank you, Michael J. Brunelle, CGCS

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2023 Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Lee Kozsey

By Maureen Sharples

Few individuals will leave a legacy as enduring as Lee Kozsey, the 2023 Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award recipient. For six remarkable decades, Kozsey dedicated his career to the betterment of our industry. His journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements, none more significant than his pivotal role in developing Daconil fungicide. Lee has spent his career championing Daconil and its benefits by working in the product's research, development, and sales in the agriculture and turf industry.

In 1963, while working for Diamond Alkali Co., Lee was a key member of the four-person team that assisted Head Chemist Dr. Robert Battershell in inventing Daconil. Dr. Battershell developed the molecule and tasked Lee and his fellow team members to make it in larger quantities. The work was tedious, but Lee and his co-workers were dedicated to the task. In 1966, Daconil's first registration was for turf and ornamentals, and it quickly became one of their most successful turf disease control products. Over the years, Lee worked in research and development, traveling nationwide while new crops were added to the label. He formed great friendships with many professionals in the industry, and although the company was bought and

sold several times, Lee and his commitment to his work remained a constant.

Later in his career, Lee became the turf territory manager in the northeast. He became an active member of GCSANJ and neighboring chapters in Pennsylvania. It was an excellent fit for Lee, who loves golf and is a competitive player. In 2010, the New Jersey Turfgrass Association (NJTA) presented Lee with the NJTA Recognition Award for outstanding effort and accomplishment in pursuit of better turf, thereby contributing to the beautification of facilities.

He received the NJTA Hall of Fame Award in honor of a continuing lifetime commitment of dedication, service, and achievements contributing to advancing New Jersey's turfgrass industry.

His dedication to the industry has been evident in his unwavering commitment to assisting and supporting golf course superintendents. Lee's service went beyond the conventional boundaries of a sales call; it was characterized by a genuine passion for finding solutions and improving the conditions of the golf course. Known for his hands-on approach, Lee actively engaged with customers, offering not just products but valuable insights and guidance. His THE GREENERSIDE

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expertise became a beacon for those seeking solutions, and his willingness to collaborate with researchers underscored a commitment to advancing the broader understanding of turf management. Lee Kozsey became a trusted friend, a source of knowledge, and a problemsolver for all those who worked with him.

As we celebrate his well-deserved recognition with the 2023 Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award, we honor a professional who exceeded the call of duty, leaving an indelible mark on golf course superintendents. As he steps into a well-earned retirement to enjoy time with his wife, Lucille, Kozsey's impact will continue, a testament to a career leaving an extraordinary legacy of service.

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2023 Member of the Year Award Recipients

Joshua Kopera & Lance Rogers, CGCS

By Maureen Sharples When it comes to golf tournaments, the dedication and passion of the volunteers often go unnoticed behind the scenes. However, GCSANJ has recently shone a spotlight on two exceptional individuals – Lance Rogers, CGCS, and Joshua Kopera, recipients of the 2023 Member of the Year award. They received several nominations for this award in recognition of their commitment to volunteering for national and state golf tournaments.

They have volunteered at over 16 events, including seven, just these past two years. Lance and Josh are typically tasked with the responsibility of course setup and cutting cups, a job they realize is a privilege to have and is serious business at this level of competition.

Lance's first experience volunteering was in 2008 at The Ridgewood Country Club for The Barclays Championship. He teamed up with Ken Kubik of Grass Roots to help with the hospitality. He befriended the superintendent, Todd Raisch, who encouraged him to go all in for the next event, volunteering for the morning and evening shifts. Lance was up for the task for the 2010 Northern Trust at The Ridgewood Country Club and teamed up with Josh Kopera. He quickly realized Todd was right. Volunteering for both shifts for

the whole tournament was incredibly rewarding, "I got so much more out of the volunteering than what I had put in. I have gained new friendships and have learned so much that the experiences are priceless."

The 1998 U.S. Amateur at Oak Hill Country Club was the first time Josh volunteered. He was working as an intern at Maplewood Country Club. Greg Nicoll, the superintendent at the time, encouraged Josh to take an internship at The Ridgewood Country Club, working for Todd Raisch. He teamed up with Todd, and they volunteered together at Oak Hill CC. Since then, Josh has lost count of all the times he has volunteered.

Both Lance and Josh have made significant sacrifices, taking time away from their personal lives and day jobs to contribute to the success of these events. Lance Rogers has been the golf course superintendent at Colonia Country Club for the past 29 years. He is thankful to his employer and his family for allowing him to volunteer. "My club is proud and supportive of my volunteer work, so I am very fortunate they allow me to do it. It took me a lot of years to commit, but in the heat of the summer, when you feel like you're the only one having a tough time, going to a chapter meeting or volunteering makes you realize that you are all in the THE GREENERSIDE

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same boat." Lance's club also benefits from his volunteerism. He explains, “...participating in tournament golf has also taught me a lot of tricks and techniques that I bring back to Colonia CC. Even after 16 times, I am still learning."

in volunteering, proving that the true champions of the game are often found behind the scenes.

Josh has been a territory manager for Harrell's since 2007.

Before moving to the sales side of the business, he was the golf course superintendent at Maplewood Country Club. Josh is thankful that his family and employer support his volunteerism. "My family understands why I volunteer and what we accomplish. Having the love and support of my wife, Amanda, and my kids can inspire and positively impact my work at an event."

While the 2023 Member of the Year award recognizes their outstanding contributions, Josh and Lance remain humble about their achievements. For them, it's not about the accolades but the love for golf and the sense of community that keeps them returning. They have both expressed gratitude to the superintendents who allow them to volunteer. Josh explains, "I love the golf maintenance side of this business and miss it since working in sales, so when superintendents give me a chance to volunteer, it's a gift to be on that side of the operation again… it's one of the many reasons I keep volunteering."

As we celebrate Lance and Josh, let's also acknowledge the countless hours of hard work and dedication they have invested in making golf events in New Jersey truly exceptional. Their story should inspire all those interested

Josh and Lance at the 2022 LIV Golf Tournament at Trump National Bedminster.

Josh Kopera, Greg Boring, and Joe Kinlin at the 2023 KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club.

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GCSAA FEATURE

ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT WORKPLAN

By Kevin Doyle, GCSAA Field Staff

While the recent focus on pesticide products such as neonicotinoids has raged on at the state level, the federal government settled a lawsuit that may significantly alter the way we utilize pesticides in the golf industry. As with so many changes in the regulatory environment, GCSAA’s Government Affairs team has been on top of the situation, quick to develop a valuable webinar to get you up to speed and continues to communicate with regulators keeping golf course superintendents at the table. This outreach is not meant to panic our industry or shock superintendents into action. Simply put, by early 2024 use of many registered products could be quite different, and the information below will help you understand why, and educate you on the potential changes coming your way. EPA’s release begins with the statement below: EPA Resolves Longstanding Litigation to Protect Endangered Species, Ensure Pesticides That Feed and Fuel America Remain Available Released on September 14, 2023 This week, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), resolved longstanding litigation covering over 1,000 pesticide products, allowing the EPA to fulfill its obligations to protect endangered species while conducting reviews and approvals of pesticides in a safe and protective manner.

Agreement Ends Decades of Pesticide Office Refusing to Comply with Endangered Species Act SAN FRANCISCO— A historic legal agreement approved in federal district court yesterday afternoon commits the Environmental Protection Agency to a suite of proposed reforms to better protect endangered species from pesticides. The settlement, which covers more than 300 pesticide-active ingredients, marks the culmination of the largest Endangered Species Act case ever filed against the EPA.

In 2011, the Center for Biological Diversity and Pesticide Action Network (Plaintiffs) filed a complaint in Federal Court in California against EPA, alleging that it was violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) when it registered or reevaluated the registration of 382 pesticide active ingredients, which was ultimately reduced to 35 active ingredients covering over 1,000 pesticide products containing one or more of these active ingredients. This became known as the “megasuit” because of the number of pesticides it covered. The settlement entered by the Court this week resolves all outstanding claims.

Under the agreement’s terms, the EPA will develop strategies to reduce the harm to endangered species from broad groups of pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides, while taking further steps to target meaningful, on-the-ground protections to endangered species most vulnerable to harm from pesticides.

The plaintiff in the “megasuit”, Center for Biological Diversity, released (in part) the following:

“Pesticides take a devastating toll on imperiled wildlife

These measures to reduce pesticide harms will benefit endangered species and humans alike, as these chemicals are linked to severe health harms in farmworkers and rural communities.

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GCSAA FEATURE

and are a driving factor in the current insect apocalypse,” said Jonathan Evans, environmental health legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “After decades of inaction in the face of terrible harms, the EPA is now committed to much needed actions to protect endangered species, and with the judicial oversight necessary to ensure that changing political winds don’t wipe out lifesaving progress.”

From amphibians to insects, fish, birds, mollusks, and mammals, 173 species of animals and 259 species of plants are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act as of 2020, and in Rhode Island there are ten federally listed species. The location of those habitats is paramount to the future use of products in those areas. Is your golf course within a habitat of any of those species?

Today’s legal agreement requires the EPA to develop a strategy to better protect endangered species from herbicides by 2024 and insecticides by 2025. The EPA recently released the draft herbicide strategy for public comment. The settlement also requires the EPA to address the harms of eight especially hazardous organophosphate insecticides on endangered species by 2027.

There are EPA pilot programs currently being crafted to bring the agency into compliance with that settlement agreement. Concerns relating to the use of products in the golf course maintenance industry are already being voiced and resources to help you understand this freight train of change are available NOW!

This didn’t happen overnight. Lawsuits against the government for not acting upon the Endangered Species Act have piled up for DOZENS of years. Unfortunately, actionable items as it pertains to the settlement of said lawsuits seemingly WILL happen overnight.

When it comes to pesticides….The Label is the Law. So if we harken back to middle school math, if the Law changes…therefore the label changes. How that label changes may alter how and where you can use many registered pesticides.

GCSAA’s webinar, “Endangered Species Act Workplan and Pilot Projects 101” outlines much of the above and provides the most up-to-date issues facing the golf course maintenance industry in regard to the EPA-ESA settlement. The future fallout is complex, somewhat unclear, and happening extremely quickly. On your next frosty morning, follow the steps below and watch the webinar.

• GCSAA.org – Education tab – My Learning Hub – red button “Enter Learning Hub” • Under “Courses,” right side menu, find “Government Affairs” – scroll and find “Endangered Species Act Workplan and Pilot Projects 101.”

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GCSAA RESOURCES GCSAA LEARNING HUB Live webinars award education points upon completion and are FREE to members. Most live events are 60 minutes or 90 minutes with points values based on length.

What we LUV about Foliar Fertilizers Beth Guertal, Ph.D., Feb. 13 @ noon It's Not A Tuber! Reducing Nutsedge Tuber Viability for Enhanced Long-Term Control presented by PBI-Gordon Gerald Henry, Ph.D., Feb. 20 @ 10 a.m.

Actionable Takeaways from the Inaugural WLA Renee Geyer and Jill Seymour, CGCS, Mar. 4 @ 10 a.m. *Times listed are Central U.S. time zone.

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MIZUHO AMERICAS OPEN MAY 13 - 19, 2024 In 2024 Liberty National Golf Club will continue its tradition of hosting major championships with The LPGA Mizuho Americas Open taking place from May 13th 19th. Planning for the tournament is already underway & we are actively seeking full-time and partial (AM + PM shifts) volunteers from our peers throughout the country.

We look forward to the opportunity to host you in Jersey City, NJ and thank you in advance for your volunteer commitment. This volunteer base is essential in assisting us in providing the best possible course conditions for tournament week.

Please confirm your participation no later than 3/17/24 by completing the volunteer form so we can order the appropriate apparel in time. We ask that all volunteers requesting housing MUST commit from 5/12/24 through the entire tournament ending on 5/19/24. Sponsored apparel, meals & lodging (available to only 50 volunteers) will be provided.

REGISTER TODAY For questions, please contact: Jessica Santiago (jessica.santiago@libertynationalgc.com) Greg James (greg.james@libertynationalgc.com) or Brian Gjelsvik (briang@nobleturf.com) Volunteer Form link online: https://mailchi.mp/libertynationalgc/lpga24 2023 Champion Rose Zhang

LIBERTY NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

www.libertynatioanlgc.com

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CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP THE RIDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Hosted by Todd Raisch, CGCS

James Surico, Jason Osterhoudt, and Fred Parcells

Tony Hooks, Patrick Husby, Jen Schneider, and Jim Cadott

Mike Molchan, Rob Arnts, Rob Johnson, and Darren Farrar

Kyle Hillegass, Lance Ernst, Paul Dotti, and Rich Lane

Dave Oatis, Rob Finnesey, Greg Nicoll, Leah Nowicki, and Todd Raisch

Keith Bennett, Nate Strei, Chris Boyle, and Keith Kubik

Russ Harris, Alan Bean, Nick LeViere and Joe Scioscia

Andrew Sgombick, Joe Toepert, Rocco Weir, and Eric Tragnitz

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MEMBER GUEST TOURNAMENT BEACON HILL COUNTRY CLUB Hosted by Tim Meyer

Joe Kinlin and Jeff Haas

Dr. Don Kobayashi and Dr. Matt Elmore

Mark Miedler and Randy Fiedler

Enrique Lima, Tom Leon, Tom Leon Jr., and Amando Aparicio

Travis Pauley, Tim Meyer, and Pat Quinaln

Nick Alley and Sean Charles

Ken Kubik and Rich Lane

Tyrone and Wayne Jackson

Lance Rogers

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GREEN EXPO TURF & LANDSCAPE CONFERENCE BORGATA HOTEL

Eric Carlson, Dick Neufeld, and Ian Kunesch

Bill Murray and Doug Larson

Jim Robertson and Fred Parcells

Victor Frederico, Maureen Sharples, and Ken Anson

Dr. Stacy Bonos and Dr. Rich Hurley

Andrew Shaul, Mike Brunelle, and Tim Meyer

Jason Osterhoudt and Rick Krok

Ricardo Torres, Jen Torres, and Jacob Wainwright

Dr. Roch Gaussoin and Dr. Jim Murphy

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GCSANJ PATRON DIRECTORY A.G. ENTERPRISES Staff Uniforms Rick Gordon Ph: (Cell) 201.741.4500 Fx: 201.575.4140 merrick160@gmail.com agenterprisesonline.com

DOUBLE ‘D’ TURF LLC Dennis DeSanctis Jr. & Sr. Aeration Services, Rentals, Equip Sales PO Box 1090 Hightstown, NJ 08520 Ph: 732.580.5516 Dennis Jr@doubledturf.com

AQUATROLS World leader in the development of soil surfactants and wetting agents. www.aquatrol.com Kevin Rundstrom Ph: 856.287.9258 krundstrom@aquatrols.com

EARTHWORKS Carbon based fertilizers Jack Higgins Ph: 484.894.0242 hwww.earthworksturf.com jack@soilfirst.com

BASF Plant Protection & Plant Health Products, Lexicon, Xzemplar, Honor, Insignia Jarad Luknicki Ph: 914. 334. 2412 Jarad.Luknicki@basf.com Paul Ramina Ph: 908.413.2944 paul.ramina@basf.com BLOOMING BEDS Plant Care Services Wayne Jackson 21 Madison Plaza #130 Madison, NJ 07940 Ph: 973.937.7009 www.bloomingbeds.com wayne@bloomingbeds.com COOMBS SOD FARMS Ph: 856.358.4763 info@coombsfarm.com 84 Highway 77, Elmer, NJ 08318 DOWNES TREE SERVICE CO. Tree Services, Removal, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Mulch, and Topsoil Kevin Downes Ph: 973.238.9800 info@downes.pro

EAST COAST SOD & SEED Sod & Seed Supplier,Bent Grass, Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Fescue Sod Kevin Driscoll Ph: 609.760.4099 kdriscoll@eastcoastsod.com ENVU Plant Health Products Pesticides Jeffrey Weld Ph: 914.419.9384 jeff.weld@envu.com www.envu.com EWING IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE SUPPLY Irrigation & Turf Products Rain Bird Golf Distributor Fred Rapp frapp@ewingirrigation.com Ph: 848.225.4618 E-Z-GO TEXTRON Nick Roberto E-Z-GO, Cushman, Jacobsen Ph: 845.637.7641 nroberto@textron.com Andy Bulizak Ph: 973.617.7478 abulizak@textron.com

FERTL SOIL Manufacturing/ Blending of Sand and Soils, Topdressing, Divot Repair Soils, and Engineered Soils Mike Warner Ph: 866-688-8628 orders@fertl-soil.com 155 Central Schoolhouse Road Carneys Point, NJ FINCH TURF John Deere Authorized Dealer Joey Wolff jwolff@finchturf.com Cell:410.215.6921 Russ Harris rharris@finchturf.com Cell: 609.498.4031 419 Industrial Drive North Wales, PA FISHER & SON COMPANY Distributor of Golf & Turf Products,Fertilizer, Seed Rob Johnson 110 Summit Drive, Exton PA 19341 Ph: 800.262.2127 Cell: 215.475.7998 rjohnson@fisherandson.com

GRASS ROOTS, INC. Golf Course Maintenance Supplies www.griturf.com Ken Kubik: 973.418.7035 Keith Kubik: 973.418.7034 Office: 973.252.6634 sales@griturf.com

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GCSANJ PATRON DIRECTORY GENESIS TURFGRASS Ben Brace 570.472.1248 bbrace@genesisgreensupply.com 137 Commerce Drive Glen Rock, PA 17327 genesisturfgrass.com

NUFARM Pesticides for the turf & ornamentals Michael Molchan 25 Roland Avenue Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Ph: 610.653.7983 michael.molchan@nufarm.com

STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Commercial Toro Turf & Irrigation Equipment Steve Bradley 3191 Highway 22, Branchburg NJ Ph: 908.722.9830 sbradley@storrtractor.com

HARRELL’S LLC Josh Kopera Cell:201.213.8693 jkopera@harrells.com Jen Schneider Cell:732.828.0895 jschneider@harrells.com harrells.com Ph: 800.282.8007

PLANT FOOD COMPANY “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” Dick Neufeld: 973.945.6318 Tom Weinert: 914.262.0111 Tom Pepe: 609.751.1372 Biostimulants & Other Products for Premium Turfgrass

STEPHEN KAY GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT Master Planning, Drainage Design & Restoration 665 Saint Andrews Drive Egg Harbor City NJ 08215 Ph: 609.703.3300 stephenkgolf@aol.com

HELENA People…Products…Knowledge Tim Gerzabek Cell: 609.221.9240 GerzabekT@helenaagri.com www.helenaagri.com LABAR GOLF RENOVATIONS Golf Course Construction & Renovations Richard S. LaBar Jr. 170 Mount Airy Road, Suite A1 Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Ph: 908.502.5353 rich@labargolf.com NOBLE TURF Brian Gjelsvik 25 Roland Avenue Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Ph: 856.273.1402 briang@seetonturf.com

POCONO TURF Matt Paulina Sales Representative, PA & NJ 610.883.6108 ​mattpaulina@gmail.com www.poconoturf.com SITEONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY Providing the Products & Expertise That You Need & Trust Frank Jacheo: 732.489.1442 fjacheo@siteone.com Fred Stauffer: 317.518.2841 fstauffer@siteone.com Shawn Reynolds: 401.486.9133 sreynolds@siteone.com SOIL & WATER CONSULTING Corey Angelo Consulting and Analysis for Your Turfgrass, Soils, and Water.

Ph: 848.225.5115 corey@soilandwaterconsulting.com

SYNATEK Shaun Kennedy 737 Hagey Center Drive, Unit A Souderton, PA 18964 Ph: 866.266.9288 skennedy@synateksolutions.com SYNGENTA Manufacturer, Plant Protectants Chris Marra Cell: 862.505.4319 Christopher.Marra@syngenta.com WILLOW'S BEND Specializes in golf course pump stations. Service and installation.

Scott Scherer P.O. Box 1344 Belle Mead, NJ 08502 Ph: 908.837.9102 scott@willowsbend.com

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