The Greenerside, Volume 70

CONTENTS 14 RECOGNIZING OUR 2024 CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS.

20 QUICK NINE WITH SEAN KONSAVICH

On The Cover Old Bridge Golf Club Golf Course Superintendent: Sean Konsavich

8 Chapter News

24 Inaugural Golf Course Bird Count

13 Foundation News

25 GCSAA Feature

23 Rutgers News

29 Photo Pages 32 Patron Directory

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Our Contributors Editor in Chief: Donovan Maguigan Design & Layout Editor: Maureen Sharples Photography Editor: Shaun Barry Contributing Writers: Donovan Maguigan, Matthew Ceplo, CGCS, Kevin Doyle, and Maureen Sharples Officers: Donovan Maguigan, President Patrick Quinlan, Vice President Jennifer Torres, Treasurer Andrew White, Secretary Joe Kinlin, Past President Directors: District I- Mark Miedler & Brian O’Malley District II- Rob Wagner & Travis Pauley District III- Victor Frederico & Sean Konsavich Commercial Representative Nick Alley Paul Ramina Class C Liaison Timothy Gallagher Rutgers Liaison Dr. James Murphy Executive Director Maureen Sharples

GCSANJ Newsletter is published four times a year. © 2025 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

First, I need you to prepare yourselves to be shocked at THIS revelation: I was a Boy Scout. Out of control, wild, abrasive, argumentative, rough, and the loudest voice in the room, Donovan was a Boy Scout. I’ve been called “an old soul” by a friend, and I think my connection with an institution like this makes sense. On its 115th anniversary this year, the Boy Scouts of America became Scouting America as part of their initiative to be more inclusive and adapt to the changing world. The Boy Scouts are starting to fall into obscurity as the time kids have for activities is frequently out competed by athletics and other social activities.

During my ten-plus years in the Scouts, I never helped an old lady cross a road or rescued someone from a burning building. I did, however, drive cross-country with my troop to New Mexico to hike 60 miles in the desert, canoed 70 miles in the Maine wilderness, hiked hundreds of miles in the northeast, overnight camped, rock climbed, rode horses, and built a boat out of barrels, ropes, and boards. That entire list is shocking, given how my mother told my Scoutmaster that my idea of “roughing it” was a black and white TV in a cheap motel.

On the social side, we did community service work, helped the church that hosted our meetings and worked with other associations. In 2001, I was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout after completing a list of merit badges, completing a service project, and serving in multiple positions throughout my troop.

Only 6% of Boy Scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout, which I proudly earned in 2001.

Reflecting on that, I realize that the Boy Scouts were a major influence in my life. I owe my service to our industry on both this board and on the NJTA to my time as a Boy Scout and the service to the community that we pledged to do.

I became a Cub Scout in 2nd grade after seeing a poster in my elementary school that showed a kid firing a rifle among other scouting activities. I wanted to join. However, it would be almost five years in the Scouts before an opportunity to fire a rifle happened, but I do stand before you now with a Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, and Archery merit badge—or, as I refer to them, the Boy Scout Defense Training.

In 6th grade, I completed my Arrow of Light, the highest and last award a Cub Scout can attain, after which the scouts have a formal crossing-over ceremony where you literally walk over a little bridge and join a Boy Scout troop; if you choose to accept. I joined Troop 525 out of Wilmington, Delaware, with several friends. After you officially join a troop at the Court of Honor (a quarterly annual meeting for the troop where awards are handed out), you receive the rank of Scout in a ceremony, where this message picks up today.

(CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE)

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For the ceremony, we stood before a log candle holder with 12 candles burning and began to learn about the Scout Law. The Scout Law is made up of 12 points, which a Boy Scout is to do their best to follow in their daily lives. The Scout Laws are “A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.” While simple words, each word has a depth beyond the dictionary definition. “Clean,” for example, does not strictly apply to appearance and cleanliness, but also applies to language and demeanor.

My Scoutmaster was the best person I have ever met at using symbolism and stories to make a point, and this ceremony was an introduction to that leadership style. He explained that as we looked at the candles in front of us, we saw that some burned brighter than others and that the candles were different lengths. He said the difference among the candles reflected how the Scout Law reflects in our lives. Some are easy or come more naturally, while others are more challenging or less prominent. If you have ever played golf with me, you know the “Clean” and “Reverent” candles are not the brightest candles for me.

As I continued through our Scouting journey to Eagle Scout, that analogy with the Scout Law guided my decision-making and leadership, and I still apply these 12 points in my daily life.

So, how do we connect that to our profession? You may not have the Scout Law to follow, but you may have a set of principles that define your character or leadership style. What are the principles that you stand for? What about your character are you willing to defend? What part of your character doesn’t burn as brightly as others? What can you do to improve yourself? What does your staff hold you accountable for?

If you don’t, maybe take the time to write a few down. Pick a handful of words that could be used to give yourself self-control, professional manners, and leadership amongst your staff. See, these guiding words make you the best person you can be. Some days, you will have all the candles burning brightly, whereas maybe a few are almost extinguished on a rough day. Being a good person isn’t about being that 100% all the time, but it is about being the best person that you can be in that moment by holding yourself to standards.

Even if you adapted some of the Scout Law points, you may find yourself being a better person. In my mind, several points jump out right away: Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, courteous, thrifty, brave. Any number of those would be listed on a leadership motivation poster.

THANK YOU,

DONOVAN MAGUIGAN Chapter President

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FROM YOUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As we enter another season, GCSANJ is once again rallying support for Rounds 4 Research—an initiative that directly supports the future of our industry. In 2024, the auction helped provide scholarships to six Rutgers turf students and funded vital turfgrass research in New Jersey, demonstrating the powerful impact of our collective support.

MAUREEN SHARPLES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

New Jersey is typically among the top five states in the auction. However, we saw a drop in donations last year and don't want to lose momentum. Your participation is more crucial than ever to keep this initiative thriving.

Why Should Your Course Participate?

By donating a round (or multiple rounds), you are investing in the sustainability of golf in New Jersey. The funds raised help address key agronomic and environmental challenges, benefiting superintendents, golfers, and the industry as a whole.

How to Get Involved.

Contributing is simple. Courses can donate tee times for twosomes or foursomes at their discretion. The auction provides a great platform to customize your donation based on your guidelines. You can determine the starting bid, time of year, time of day, and dress code. The winner of your donated round will contact your club directly, making redeeming their prize and booking their round seamless.

The donation window is now open, and the auction will take place April 21-27, 2025. To submit your donation or learn more, visit gcsaa.org/foundation/rounds-4-research or contact me at 973-812-0710.

Let's come together to strengthen the future of golf! Your participation makes a difference—one round at a time.

Thank you for your continued support!

LET'S CONNECT

msharples@gcsanj.org

Sincerely,

@GCSANJ1926

Maureen Sharples GCSANJ Executive Director

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CHAPTER NEWS

NEW MEMBERS Kenneth Morris, Class C SkyView Golf Club

Ryan Gallagher, Class C Upper Montclair Country Club

Oliver Norfolk, Class C Liberty National Golf Club

Zachary Holm, Class A Central Park

Barrett Linke, Class C Fairmount Country Club

Scott Chaffee, Class AF Doggett Corp

Matthew Wolfe, Class A Trump National Philadelphia

Robert Ruggiero, Class EM Fairmount Country Club

Brian Johnson, Class EM West Lake Golf & Country Club

Frank McQuiggan, Class EM Springdale Golf Club

Mark Hamersky, Class C Springdale Golf Club

Mark Hamersky, Class C Springdale Golf Club

Patrick Dowling, Class B Mountain Ridge Country Club

Jackson Clarke, Class AF Helena Agri

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CHAPTER NEWS 2024 CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS! Knickerbocker Country Club Hosted by Kyle Hillegass

Chris Boyle Sherwood Moore Cup Superintendent Low Gross

Jim Rusnic Dr. Henry Indyk Cup Superintendent Low Net

Brian Gjelsvik Affiliate Low Net

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CHAPTER NEWS 2024 STANLEY CUP AND LESLIE CUP

CLASS C BATTLE OF THE BRIDGES

Congratulations to the 2024 Stanley Cup and Leslie Cup Winners!

Our Class C members went head-to-head with the MetGCSA in this year’s Battle of the Bridges, hosted

by Stephen Carpenter at Cedar Hill Country Club.

Congratulations to Team GCSANJ on bringing home the cup!

Tony Hooks of Due Process Stable and Ben Stover of Rumson Country Club won this year’s Leslie Cup. Alan Bean of The Ridge at Back Brook and Joe Scioscia of Spring Brook Country Club won this year’s Stanley Cup.

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CHAPTER NEWS GCSANJ BRINGS THE HEAT TO NOR’EASTER SKI DAY! GCSANJ took the cold head-on and came out on top at this year’s Nor’easter Ski Day at Pico Mountain Ski Resort, where camaraderie and competition were in full swing. A big thank you to everyone who participated and made the day such a success!

Congratulations to Steve Aspinall for taking home 1st place in skiing and Tommy Magazeno for securing 1st place in snowboarding!

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors, BASF and Grass Roots, for making this event possible. We couldn’t have done it without your support!

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FOUNDATION NEWS GCSANJ FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO RUTGERS TURFGRASS STUDENTS Each December, our allied industry associations come together to celebrate and support the students of the Rutgers School of Turfgrass Management by awarding them well-earned scholarships. The Annual Turfgrass Student Awards Reception, hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, showcases the dedication and achievements of future leaders in the industry.

As part of this tradition, the GCSANJ Foundation proudly awarded scholarships to six outstanding students: Carson Chiovarou Brandon Marchetta Jeremy Rys Tyler Seeton Sean Harris Joseph Venuto These students have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies and a passion for the turfgrass industry. We congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to their continued success in the field.

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2024 Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Paul Dotti

By Maureen Sharples

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey is proud to recognize Paul Dotti, Director of Grounds at Arcola Country Club, as the 2024 Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award recipient. A leader in New Jersey's turfgrass industry, a mentor to many, and a dedicated steward of the environment, Paul has made an indelible impact on the profession and those fortunate enough to work alongside him.

Paul's career in golf course management spans decades, but his path to the profession was unique. Growing up in Northvale, Paul developed a love for the game early on, playing for the Saint Joseph High School golf team. He continued his passion at William Paterson University and played on the golf team while studying communications.

After graduation, he initially took a job at Pay-Per-View but quickly realized it wasn't his true calling. Paul knew he wanted to work in golf, and after being encouraged to meet Sal Barone, golf course superintendent at Edgewood Country Club, he was hired and soon enrolled in the Rutgers Two-Year Turfgrass Management Program. He quickly rose to assistant superintendent, crediting Sal for instilling a strong work ethic that shaped his career. "Sal gave me a lot of responsibility very early on. We worked seven days a week, and I was in charge of 27 greens on weekends. I'm very fortunate that Sal instilled that work ethic in me—it helps me to this day."

This career shift allowed Paul to combine his passion for golf with a deep appreciation for agronomy and course maintenance.

When Sal retired, Paul became the golf course superintendent at Edgewood Country Club, where he made significant strides in environmental sustainability. His initiatives in resource conservation and responsible water management set a high standard for environmental stewardship. He converted 25 acres of rough into wildflowers and implemented cutting-edge agronomic programs that balanced playability with ecological responsibility. Paul also became an Audubon Steward for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, assisting other golf courses in achieving Audubon Sanctuary certification.

In 2009, Paul became the Director of Grounds at Arcola Country Club, overseeing significant renovations and hosting numerous state and national golf events. His handson approach and unmatched craftsmanship in course construction are evident in the club's continued excellence.

Paul personally oversees and executes construction projects, blending agronomic expertise with construction know-how to create a course that consistently exceeds expectations. His mentorship has been invaluable to many in the industry, inspiring and guiding numerous superintendents throughout their careers. His commitment to professional growth and supporting peers has solidified his position as a cornerstone of the New Jersey turfgrass community.

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consultant for superintendents pursuing Audubon certification, Paul was quickly influenced to join the board. He spearheaded the Education Committee, which created the GCSANJ Crystal Conference, a successful twoday event at Crystal Springs Resort. Years later, as chapter president, Paul partnered with Keith Kubik, president of the New Jersey Turfgrass Association, to have GCSANJ join the New Jersey Green Expo in Atlantic City—a partnership that continues to thrive today. Paul's efforts have been instrumental in advancing educational opportunities for superintendents, further strengthening the profession.

Off the golf course, Paul is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Lisa, who works at Arcola Country Club, have two children, Samantha and Nicholas. Samantha was a recipient of the 2024 GCSANJ Foundation Scholarship.

Paul's leadership, passion, and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact. His commitment to service and professional excellence makes him deserving of the Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award. The GCSANJ congratulates Paul Dotti on this well-earned honor and thanks him for his years of service to the profession. His legacy of mentorship, environmental advocacy, and craftsmanship will continue to shape the industry for years.

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2024 Member of the Year Award Recipient

Patrick Husby

By Maureen Sharples

Patrick Husby, Golf Course Superintendent at Due Process Stable, is the well-deserved recipient of the 2024 Member of the Year Award. If this recognition sounds familiar, it’s because Pat also earned this honor in 2021, after raising over $20,000 for the GCSANJ Foundation by completing the grueling David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge— running four miles every four hours for 48 hours.

But those who know Pat understand that his commitment to the golf industry and community knows no bounds, making this second recognition no surprise.

This year, we celebrate his relentless dedication to improving the playing conditions and agronomic practices at the First Tee – Jersey Shore Ocean County Park Learning Center. In the fall of 2023, the facility's turfgrass was in dire need of attention. As president of the GCSANJ Foundation, which annually donates to the First Tee, Pat was well aware of the vital role the organization plays in shaping the lives of young golfers in the

county’s community. This facility is often a participant’s first experience with golf, and making a positive impression is vital to the program’s success. With that in mind, Tony Hooks and Pat rallied the team at Due Process—including Pat’s son Aidan Husby, Jackson Cocozello, Bill Welch, Rob Decker, and Jeff Schultz—to give the facility muchneeded attention.

Operating on a modest budget, they relied on the generosity of affiliate members who donated services and products. Pat’s expertise was invaluable in transforming the turf into a highquality playing surface. This involved a strategic, long-term approach focused on improving soil health through aeration, overseeding with premium grass varieties, and implementing a precise fertilization and irrigation regimen. His meticulous attention to detail—including optimizing mowing heights and scheduling applications to reduce turf stress and minimize pathogens—was critical to the success of the transformation.

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The team invested a substantial amount of time and effort into this project, and the results speak for themselves. Pat’s passion for our industry and his genuine desire to make a lasting impact extends beyond turf management. He has served as a mentor to his team at Due Process, ensuring they not only hone their technical skills but also develop the values of confidence, discipline, and leadership that golf instills in its players. Since the transformation, Pat has become a member of the First Tee – Jersey Shore Industry Council.

Pat’s exceptional contributions to both the GCSANJ Foundation and the First Tee – Jersey Shore exemplify the spirit of service and excellence, and we are proud to recognize him as the 2024 Member of the Year.

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A QUICK NINE

Sean Konsavich Golf Course Superintendent at Old Bridge Golf Club at Rose-Lambertson and our chapter’s new District 3 Director, answers our NINE quick questions.

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up at the Jersey Shore, enjoying the laid-back beach town vibes. I played a lot of competitive sports growing up and love being part of a team. I'm married to my beautiful wife, Lia, and we have one son named Colston.

How did you get into the industry?

I moved to Farmingdale as a kid, where Shore Oaks Country Club was at the time; now it is Eagle Oaks Country Club. I lived on the 18th hole and would watch the golfers pass by daily. While in high school, I worked almost every job there besides maintenance. It wasn't until I was at Western Kentucky University that I called Pat Husby, the superintendent at the time, and told him I wanted to intern on the course for the summer. After completing work for the summer, I went back to college, changed my major, and began pursuing a turf career.

Who are industry?

your

biggest

inspirations

in

the

What innovation has had the most significant impact on your day-to-day?

Rain Bird CirrusPro. Learning how to irrigate correctly has greatly impacted our turf health and playability.

While at college in Kentucky, I worked for Wyatt Warfel at The Club at Olde Stone. I worked there for four years while studying and in between internships, and this is when I realized that work can be enjoyable.

How do you like to spend your time away from the course?

Tell us why you wanted to join the board and what you hope to bring to the group.

Tell us about Old Bridge Golf Club.

I have become friendly and learned a lot from the members of this association. I look forward to discussing the challenges of our industry and coming up with ideas to help everyone be more successful. Advocating for industry support and helping create a sense of community for our membership.

I enjoy time with my family, playing golf, and watching my New Orleans Saints. Whodat!

Old Bridge Golf Club is a new 18-hole public golf course designed by Stephen Kay. It is located in Matawan, just 6 miles south of Staten Island. It offers terrific views and challenging play. It is one of the rare public golf courses built in New Jersey in the last twenty years.

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FEATURE

What’s next for Old Bridge?

As we enter year two, we look forward to the course continuing to mature and establish itself as a premier public golf destination in New Jersey.

What is something unique about Old Bridge?

Old Bridge Golf Club is known as "The Rose," a name that pays tribute to the Rose family, who once farmed the land where the course now stands. The club's logo of a rose proudly reflects this history.

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RUTGER PLANT DIAGNOSTIC LAB NOW PROVIDES ROOT PATHOGEN PROFILING SERVICE Summer patch disease, caused by the fungus Magnaporthiopsis poae, and take-all patch, caused by Gaeumannomyces avenae, are well known to modern golf course superintendents. These diseases are historically difficult to identify from field symptoms alone and tricky to identify with classic turf diagnostic protocols in the laboratory as well.

Do you want to proactively develop a patch disease prevention program that is suited to the specific pathogen or pathogen complex that you have at your facility?

If you do, then we recommend you take advantage of this new service!

Recent research has identified an emerging pathogen, Slopieomyces cylindrosporus, in samples submitted to diagnostic laboratories nationwide. All of these samples exhibited disease symptoms in the field that resembled both take-all and summer patch. The diseased turfgrass included Kentucky bluegrass, annual bluegrass, and creeping bentgrass. Many of the samples came into the laboratories despite well-executed patch disease prevention programs.

Each of these samples was first evaluated by laboratory diagnosticians using standard protocols and subsequently shared with the turf pathology research team in Dr. Ming-Yi Chou's lab for molecular confirmation.

Be aware that gene sequencing technology takes more time than our traditional turf diagnostic protocols, so service turnaround time will be about 10 business days, rather than our typical 24-hour turnaround. Tentative results will be provided in 24-hours and confirmation of the pathogen(s) will follow in 10 business days.

A high percentage of the samples we evaluated had Slopieomyces cylindrosporus as the causal agent rather than Magnaporthiopsis or Gaeumannomyces. In fact, several other root-infecting fungi were also identified in the sample survey, and in several cases, multiple pathogens were found in the sample. Slopieomyces was particularly common in the bentgrass plugs.

Questions can be directed to Rutgers Plant diagnostic Lab: Tel: 732-932-9140 / email rutgerspdl@njaes.rutgers.edu

Early spring sampling is necessary for preventive fungicide programs, so don’t wait!

For more information visit: sites.rutgers.edu/chou-lab/rootdisease-profile/

Slopieomyces is morphologically identical to Magnaporthiopsis on turfgrass roots, so specialized testing is needed to separate the two fungi with 100% certainty. Furthermore, we are finding that Slopieomyces will likely require different management strategies for optimal control than those typically used in conventional take-all and summer patch programs. Proper identification and profiling of the pathogen or pathogen complex at your facility will allow you the opportunity to fine-tune your management program for these devastating diseases.

Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory is now providing a new service leveraging state-of-the-art gene sequencing technology to help separate the new pathogens from the old ones and help to profile the root-infecting patch disease fungal community at your facility.

Do you have hard-to-control patch diseases at your facility?

Do you have frequent break-throughs in your patch disease prevention programs?

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1ST ANNUAL GOLF COURSE BIRD COUNT IS A “BIRDIE”

By Matt Ceplo, CGCS Let's face it, golf and birds have been flying together (pun intended) since we first picked up a club. And let's not forget a "birdie" is a pretty sweet score on any hole. The term "birdie" has American roots—first used in 1903 at Atlantic City Country Club. The story goes that a fellow named Al Smith hit an amazing shot and, in his excitement, exclaimed, "That's a bird of a shot!" And just like that, the "birdie" was born, referring to a score of one under par. Not bad, huh? Sadly, I don't get to shout "Birdie!" too often during my rounds, but I live in hope.

Let's top this list when we do our second Bird Count later this year. You don't need to be an expert birder to participate—actually, the less of an expert you are, the more fun it becomes. Keep an eye out for more details as we get closer to the date.

In the meantime, I hope you had a fantastic winter season, took some time to slow down, and are looking forward to a golf season full of birdies, eagles, and maybe even a few more owls for good measure.

As for an Eagle—well, let's just say I haven't had the pleasure of shouting that one in ages. However, during our club's Christmas bird count, two bald eagles decided to show off by flying right overhead. As cool as that was, I was hoping for a little more participation from our bird count. But I'm thrilled with how many different species we spotted!

To highlight the environmental perks of golf courses, we thought, what better way than by showing off all the feathered friends living on them? Over a dozen clubs participated, and we had reports of 65 species. Not bad for a bunch of golfers with binoculars! Birds of prey, naturally, tend to catch the eye, and of the 12 common species this time of year, we spotted 9! These included: Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel, and of course, the iconic Bald Eagle.

Our nocturnal buddies, the owls, were just as impressive. We managed to catch glimpses of 3 out of the 4 common species, including Greathorned, Eastern Screech, and Barn Owls. Who knew golf courses were such popular nightlife spots?

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GCSAA FEATURE

GCSAA CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW Northeast Region Recognitions

By Kevin Doyle, GCSAA Field Staff In addition to T.A. Barker, CGCS being elected GCSAA’s 88th President, chapter delegates elected Paul L. Carter, CGCS, superintendent at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay in Harrison, Tenn., as vice president, and Marc E. Weston, CGCS, superintendent at Indian Hill Country Club in Newington, Conn., as secretary/treasurer.

Marc E. Weston, CGCS, was secretary treasurer at the 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego. He was first elected to the GCSAA Board of Directors at the association's annual meeting in 2021.

Weston is the certified golf course superintendent at Indian Hill Country Club in Newington, Conn., where he started in 2001 as assistant superintendent and became superintendent in October 2003. He previously held the assistant superintendent position at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn. He has an associate’s degree in horticulture from the University of Connecticut and Turfgrass Certificate from the University of Massachusetts.

Four golf course superintendents have been selected as recipients of the 2024 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA) by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The annual awards are presented by GCSAA and Golf Digest in partnership with Syngenta. Eight runners-up also received recognition for their environmental efforts.

GCSAA Secretary Treasurer Marc E. Weston, CGCS

The Natural Resource Conservation Award recognizes effective strategies for water conservation, energy conservation and sound wildlife management.

Natural Resource Conservation Award Jim Pavonetti, CGCS Fairview Country Club, Greenwich, CT. Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, is a 29-year member of GCSAA and has been the superintendent at Fairview Country Club for 16 years. Pavonetti was the 2023 ELGA Innovative Conservation Award recipient and was the first runnerup for the 2018 and 2019 Natural Resource Awards and the 2021 and 2022 Innovative Conservation Awards.

The Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA superintendent members, while the Melrose Equipment Management Experience provides professional development for GCSAA equipment manager members.

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GCSAA FEATURE

opportunities for superintendents and equipment managers and, in turn, improve the future of the golf course management industry.

Participants in both Melrose programs are chosen through an application process based on financial need, involvement in communities through volunteer efforts and a drive to progress in their careers. Twelve superintendents were chosen for the 2025 Melrose Leadership Academy, and five equipment managers were chosen for the Melrose Equipment Management Experience. Three selected from the Northeast region:

As part of the selection process, all applications were judged anonymously by a panel of golf industry professionals, who evaluated applicants on their professional career development experiences, ability to motivate and mentor, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, talent and drive to excel as a superintendent. Two were chosen from the Northeast region: • Richard Kremer of Pequabuck Golf Club • Jill Seymour, CGCS, of Charleston Springs Golf Course

• Mark Finch, Country Club of Vermont • Timothy Johnston, The Haven • Gregory Pinto, Rockland Golf Course The purpose of the Envu Superintendent Grant Program is to assist golf course superintendents with their professional development through participation in the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, which features the most comprehensive education program available in the industry.

2025 Envu Superintendent Grant Program Recipients

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GCSAA FEATURE

Molly Biggs, Maureen Kahiu and William Errickson are the 2024 Dr. James Watson Fellows from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), and each will receive a $5,000 scholarship. The Watson Fellowship is supported by The Toro Company and is administered by the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. Errickson is obtaining a Ph.D. in plant biology from Rutgers University; he earned his master’s degree in soil science from the University of New Hampshire and received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Stockton University. The objectives of his current research are to evaluate physiological and growth traits that are affected by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in cool-season turfgrass during abiotic stress, to understand which mechanisms are responsible for improving bacteria-mediated stress tolerance and to develop effective methods for field inoculation of turfgrass with PGPR.

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GCSAA RESOURCES UPCOMING WEBINARS Nano Silica in Turfgrass Management presented by Aquaritin Turf Solutions Apr. 16 @ 10 a.m., Central John Dempsey, Ph.D.

Addiction Awareness and How to Help When You See It Apr. 24 @ noon., Central Chad Allen

Beginning AI: A Primer to Understanding Practical Applications of Artificial Intelligence Apr. 17 @ noon., Central Roch Gaussoin, Ph.D.

VISIT GCSAA.ORG/EDUCATION/MY-LEARNING-HUB

Times listed are for the U.S. Central time zone.

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CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP KNICKERBOCKER COUNTRY CLUB Hosted by Kyle Hillegass

Cody Lyman, Jeff Weld, Robert Weber, and Keith Bennett

Ken Anson, Sean Konsavich, Brian Kahl, and Nick Alley

Jim Devaney and Kyle Hillegass

Todd Raisch, Mike Brunelle, Michael Tode, and Travis Pauley

Jaeger Kovich, Kyle Hillegass, Brian Rykaczewski, and Nigel Quinlivan

Shaun Kennedy, Jason Osterhoudt, and Pat McMahon

Justin Eckert, Russ Harris, Joey Wolff, and Jay Long

Drew White, Rob Schipper, Chris Marra, and Nick Adams

Paul Dotti, Jim Cadott, Dick Neufeld, Lance Rogers, and Gary Arlio

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2024 ANNUAL MEETING HUDDY’S INN

Mike Johnston and Jill Seymour

Sean Konsavich and Pat McMahon

Darrell Marcinek and Paul Ramina

Glenn Miller, Vince Giunco, and Ron Luepke

Jim Cadott and Bruce Peeples

Joe Kinlin, Todd Raisch, Tony Hooks, and Tyler Otero

Patrick Husby, Graham Kasprzyk, and Tom Havelka

Chris Boyle and Tom Tuttle

Jack Geltzeiler and Christian Abreu

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NEW JERSEY GREEN EXPO BORGATA HOTEL

Ed Mellor, Chris Boyle, and Tom Ashfield

John Miller and Paul Ramina

Doug Johnstone and Don Asinski

Andy Bulizak and Tim Christ

Ron Luepke and Kevin Driscoll

Rob Johnson and Zachary Owen

Dennis DeSanctis Sr., Dennis DeSanctis Jr. and Matt Sudol

Chris Boyle, Rich LaBar, Jason Osterhoudt, and Chris Carson

Darrell Marcinek and Lou Bosco

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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

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

BASF Plant Protection & Plant Health Products, Fungicides, Herbicides, Insecticides Jarad Luknicki Ph: 914. 334. 2412 Jarad.Luknicki@basf.com Paul Ramina Ph: 908.413.2944 paul.ramina@basf.com

BLOOMING BEDS Horticultural Maintenance, Decorative Planters, Interior Plantscapes Wayne Jackson Ph: 973.937.7009 www.bloomingbeds.com wayne@bloomingbeds.com

CLUB CAR- VIC GERARD GOLF CARS Club Car, Carryall Utilities & Golf Cars Vince Giunco Ph: 732.284.7892 vgiunco@vggc.net

DOUBLE ‘D’ TURF LLC Dennis DeSanctis Jr. & Sr. Aeration Products and Services Ph: 732.580.5516 Dennis Jr@doubledturf.com

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

EAST COAST SOD & SEED Sod & Seed Supplier, Bent Grass, Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, & 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 OUTDOOR SUPPLY Irrigation & Turf Products Rain Bird Golf Distributor Fred Rapp frapp@ewingos.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

FINCH TURF John Deere Golf Course & Sports Turf Maintenance Equipment Joey Wolff jwolff@finchturf.com Cell:410.215.6921 Russ Harris rharris@finchturf.com Cell: 609.498.4031

FISHER & SON COMPANY Distributor of Golf & Turf Products, Fertilizer, Seed Rob Johnson Mike Weber Zach Owen Brandon Perrine Ph: 800.262.2127 rjohnson@fisherandson.com

FMC An Agricultural Sciences Co. Durentis, Serata, Kalida, Rayora, Fame, Quicksilver Jeff Rice Cell: 410.279.4342 Jeffrey.Rice@fmc.com

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GCSANJ PATRON DIRECTORY GRASS ROOTS, INC. Service, Technical Support & Quality Products! www.griturf.com Ken Kubik: 973.418.7035 Keith Kubik: 973.418.7034 Keith Bennett: 908.489.6769 Nick Alley: 570.875.8100 Office: 973.252.6634 sales@griturf.com

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

HELENA Chemicals & Fertilizers Tim Gerzabek Cell: 609.221.9240 GerzabekT@helenaagri.com www.helenaagri.com

NOBLE TURF Brian Gjelsvik 25 Roland Avenue Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Ph: 856.273.1402 briang@seetonturf.com

NUFARM Chemical Manufacturer Michael Molchan 25 Roland Avenue Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Ph: 610.653.7983 michael.molchan@nufarm.com

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

PLANT FOOD COMPANY Liquid Fertilizer Manufacturer Dick Neufeld: 973.945.6318 Tom Weinert: 914.262.0111 Tom Pepe: 609.751.1372 Rich Sweeney: 609.580.0402 Biostimulants & Other Products for Premium Turfgrass

SYNATEK Shaun Kennedy Injection, Fertilizers, Chemical Products, Seed, Wetting Agents Ph: 862.266.9288 skennedy@synateksolutions.com

POCONO TURF Matt Paulina Sales Representative, PA & NJ 610.883.6108 ​mattpaulina@gmail.com www.poconoturf.com

SYNGENTA Manufacturer, Plant Protectants Chris Marra Cell: 862.505.4319 Christopher.Marra@syngenta.com Doug Rider Cell: 215-260-9137 Douglas.Rider@syngenta.com

SITEONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY Landscape Supplies, Hardscapes, Nursery, Irrigation, Agronomics Frank Jacheo: 732.489.1442 fjacheo@siteone.com Fred Stauffer: 317.518.2841 fstauffer@siteone.com Shawn Reynolds: 401.486.9133 sreynolds@siteone.com

WILLOW'S BEND Golf Course Irrigation Pump Station Sales & Service Scott Scherer P.O. Box 1344 Belle Mead, NJ 08502 Ph: 908.837.9102 scott@willowsbend.com

STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Commercial Toro Turf & Irrigation Equipment Distributor Jim Devaney 3191 Highway 22, Branchburg NJ Ph: 908.722.9830 Cell: 973.713.3599 jdevaney@storrtractor.com THE GREENERSIDE

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