the CGCOA
Insider
Volume 5 Issue 2 • Summer 2011
INSIDE this issue • CGCOA Principles. . . . . 2 • around the state . . . . 2 • CGCoa board . . . . . . . . . 2 • cgcoa presentation:
understanding ada compliance. . . . . . . . . . . 4
• president’s message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 • cgcoa now on facebook. . . . . . . . . . 5 • new members . . . . . . . . 5 • saving sharp park . . . 6 • how to get the
most out of your cGCOA membership. . . 7
• stay safe in the sun. . 7 • sponsor
appreciation days. . . . 8
• SPONSORs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2011 8:30 am–12 noon (south)
Tustin Ranch Golf Club tustin, ca CGCOA 30098 Red Barn Place Canyon Lake, CA 92581 www.golfcalifornia.org
PUBLISHED BY IN THE LOOP GOLF, INC. 1206 Fourth Street Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 569-8481 DESIGN BY J HILL DESIGN (707) 321-0026 COMMENTS
Please write to shaw@intheloopgolf.com
CGCOA MEMBER PROFILE
Harvey Silverman Company: City: Position:
Pellucid Corp. Foster City, CA Business Development & Marketing Consultant
How were you introduced to the game of golf? My dad was a 2 handicap and I used to caddy for him. The day after he broke par at his home course he bought a boat and put away the clubs. It was not until I had completed college (University of Minnesota) and started full time work did I start playing myself. I was invited to an industry golf event, so I dusted off my dad’s old clubs, went and hit some balls, and played my first 18-hole round at Hazeltine National outside Minneapolis. Considering what I do now, obviously I was not dismayed by my miserable outing on one of the toughest courses in the country. implementing marketing programs and messages. For my clients I attempt to raise their awareness and What attracted you to the golf industry? intelligence of various market conditions and assist I saw an ad in 1996 in the S.F. Chronicle for a company in creating and implementing programs that address looking to sell an Internet-based tee time reservation these market conditions, and help increase rounds, system. I thought that sounded pretty cool. I applied revenue, and profit. I am also now a contributing and got the job. The company was EZLinks. Much to editor of our online golf business magazine, The my wife’s chagrin, it was the first of several “pioneerPellucid Perspective. ing” efforts selling technology to golf courses. After EZLinks I also worked for Double Eagle Systems You have been involved with the CGCOA, please (which became part of Greens.com), and Uplink GPS. share in what capacity. Today, I work with Pellucid, a forward-thinking Pellucid has been a corporate sponsor of the CGCOA company that provides important data/information, for several years. I enjoy the interaction with the ownreports, insight, analysis, and marketing consulting ers. I am always learning and feel an affinity to owners services to golf course owners and operators. Corporate as they have the most skin, and risk, in the game. Founder Jim Koppenhaver along with Stuart Lindsay I currently serve on the CGCOA communications of Edgehill Golf Advisors and myself, take immense committee. I have also worked with fellow chapter pride in providing accurate and timely analysis for our sponsor/member Dawn Prebula (VGM Club) in clients. In turn, it drives solutions and results in a mea- planning CGCOA educational and social events sureable competitive advantage for our clients. associated with the GIS Show. In your current position with Pellucid you wear many hats…share your primary responsibilities. I prospect for new business and follow up on all leads generated through our web site http://www.pellucidcorp.com/ and from our various publications. I handle all of our survey projects, and have a number of recurring clients I work with monthly analyzing their point-of-sale data and
What are the biggest challenges facing the golf business today? This isn’t Vanity Fair, so I assume there are some space limitations. In short, golf courses face several major risk factors. Golf is a discretionary recreational activity, so it competes (with lots of other uses) for whatever dollars are in a golfer’s pocket. (Continued on page 5)
Around the CGCOA top: Ted
Horton, Ed Smilow, Z. Davidson & Erinn Hoyt at PGCC. left:
Special congratulations are in order for CGCOA Executive Director Ted Horton (right) who was recognized for 7th renewal of Certified Golf Course Superintendent status with the GCSAA. This rare distinction has only been achieved by ten individuals worldwide. Presenting the award to Horton is Golf Digest Architecture Editor Ron Whitten (left).
California Golf Course Owners Association 30098 Red Barn Place, Canyon Lake, CA 92587 tel: 951.246-2928 / fax: (951) 246-2929 www.golfcalifornia.org or www.californiagolf.org CGCOA Board Members President
Secretary
Owner/Operator Stevinson Ranch Golf Course
Owner/Operator Hidden Valley Golf Club
George Kelley Vice President
Immediate Past President
Owner Oak Quarry Golf Club
General Manager Santa Maria Golf & Country Club
Sam Koh
Scott Hoyt
General Manager Pasatiempo Golf Club
Administration Executive Director
Ted Horton
THC (Ted Horton Consulting)
Board of Directors John K. Abendroth Bill Aragona
President/General Manager Boulder Creek GCC & Resort
Kimberly Bauer
General Manager/Regional Director Waterhouse, Inc. Creative Hospitality Services
Z. Gordon Davidson
IGM/Meadowbrook Golf Consultant Z. Gordon Davidson & Associates, Inc. Golf & Resort Properties
Dan Farrar General Manager
Tom Frost California Alliance for Golf meeting held at Thunder Valley Casino Resort (Lincoln, CA) attracted representatives from every major golf association in the Golden State.
Shaw Kobre President In The Loop Golf
Chris Lynch
GM/PGA Project Coordinator Byron Hot Springs
Dan McIntyre
General Manager, Western Operations ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance
Emmy Moore-Minister Media/Public Relations GCSANC & CGCOA
Dave Nelson
Sales Manager, California Club Car, Inc.
President Synergy Golf Course Management, LLC Owner Salt Creek Golf Club
Greg Pieschala
Kevin Heaney
President Championship Golf Services, Inc. General Manager Tustin Ranch Golf Club
Executive Director SCGA
Bob Higgins
President Valley Crest Golf Course Maintenance
Steven J. Plummer, CGCS
General Manager Saddle Creek Golf Club Castle & Cooke
Angela Schmidt
Jerry Hollingsworth Hollingsworth Enterprises
President Tasmark Enterprises
Ted Horton
William Sherman
Eric Jacobsen
Ed Smilow
CGCOA Executive Director THC, Ted Horton Consulting Vice President of Golf Properties Castle & Cooke California Inc.
Patrick Kemball Director of Golf The SCGA Golf Course above: Jay Miller of Hidden Valley Golf Club, recipient of the NCGOA Course of the Year Award, receives warm congratulations from NCGOA President Bill Aragona during GIS Show in Orlando, FL.
Joe Priddy
Treasurer
Celtic Golf Management
above: The
Jay Miller
Valley Crest Golf Course Maintenance
Terry A. Selk
Owner William Sherman Golf Attorney at Law
Shawn Smith
Director of Golf Administration Pebble Beach Company
Focus of CGCOA Presentation: Understanding ADA Compliance Jim Ferrin, CGCS, and Sam Samuelson, CGCS, consultants with Turf Eco-Logic, provided an informative presentation to CGCOA members during a recent meeting at Sequoyah CC. The topic of discussion was The New ADA Golf Course Standards and How You Can Comply At Your Golf Facility. Facts owners need to know: 1. Golf course accessibility guidelines were adopted by the DOJ and signed into law by President Obama (August 2010) as part of the 2010 ADA Standards. 2. Existing courses must remove barriers when it is readily achievable over time. 3. Newly constructed or altered courses may use golf course accessibility guidelines- mandatory after March 15, 2012. 4. Non-complying elements covered by previous 1991 standards must be made accessible by March 15, 2012 (i.e. restrooms, parking, above: CGCOA President George Kelley (Stevinson Ranch GC) with meeting speakers Jim Ferrin, shower stalls, locker rooms etc.) CGCS, and Sam Samuelson, CGCS, respected consultants in ADA Golf Course Accessibility. 5. Future guidance from DOJ to follow on the topic of accessible golf cars. For more information about ADA Golf Course Accessibility issues and how to develop a comprehensive work plan for your facility, contact:
Turf Eco-Logic Consultants (916) 217-2044 or (916) 792-1042 www.ada-regulations.com
left: Steve Plummer (Tustin Ranch GC) addresses CGCOA membership at Sequoyah CC in Oakland, CA. above: NCGA CEO Lyn Nelson (Poppy Hills & Poppy Ridge GCs) visits with CGCOA Executive Director Ted Horton. Besides their involvement with the CGCOA, both are active members of the California Alliance for Golf.
Thank you to our host Tom Schunn at Sequoyah Country Club.
President’s Message GEORGE KELLEY Greetings, Fellow Golf Course Owners, I hope your tee sheet is filling up and your facility is buzzing with activity as we approach the summer season. Without any absolute empirical evidence to rely on, I believe that the worst of the slump for golf is behind us. Once the downturn is officially over we should all benefit because this recession has really hit us hard and those who survive are much better operators out of necessity. We continue to reinvent ourselves here at Stevinson Ranch. My family’s philosophy is to continue to evolve or continue doing the same old things and die a slow death. One of the new initiatives we have recently implemented is solar power which provides energy for carts, clubhouse and irrigation. My research has led me to the conclusion that we are the first course in America to install solar to power these key elements of our operation. Our commitment to conservation and ecofriendly causes made the decision to convert a relatively easy one. However, the key was our ability to obtain financing. We have a new tenyear fully amortized loan to install the system. Our loan payments are currently slightly more than the energy savings that we are realizing. When PG&E raises rates in November we will likely start seeing a net positive saving. Once the loan is paid off, we will have free energy. In addition, we will be receiving a 30% Federal rebate.
This is a program that I highly recommend golf course owners consider. Here we have the duel benefit of having the solar panels mounted on an overhead grid, which also provides shade for our customers. Not to mention, it makes a significant statement to our customers. It’s living proof that golf and the environment can be viable partners. Another new feature that I encourage you to consider is SNAG golf. This will be the snowboard effect for the golf industry in my opinion. It is an amazingly easy way to learn golf and is a blast for all involved. You can’t believe how kids embrace this concept and it is a great way for families to begin experiencing the recreational benefits of golf. To learn more visit http://www. snagpros.com. Have a great summer and feel free to contact me should you wish to learn more about our solar project or SNAG. I’ll see you on the links!
CGCOA Now on Facebook Yes, The CGCOA now has a presence on Facebook. Special thanks are extended to Steve Young and Chris Rekola with Increase Club Profits (ICP) for assisting the CGCOA with the formation of its Facebook page. Please take a moment to visit Facebook, navigate to California Golf Course Owners Association and don’t forget to “Like” the page. The Insider also suggests that you visit www.ipctoday.com to learn more about the products and services available through ICP, which are designed to help “drive up membership sales while driving cost down” at your facility. Any questions? Feel free to contact Project Manager Chris Rekola at chris@icptoday.com.
Welcome, New Members! • Carlton Oaks Country Club • City of San Diego • CLM, LLC • Gold Hills Country Club • JC Resorts • LL Golf Corporation • San Ramon Golf Club • Will Gustafson
Saving Sharp Park Northern California Golf Community, Residents and a Host of Public Officials Rally to Save Sharp Park, an Historic Alister MacKenzie–Designed Public Golf Course Pacifica, Calif. — An overflow crowd of Bay Area public golfers, golf dignitaries, local residents, and political and public officials from San Francisco and San Mateo County rallied on April 28 at the Sharp Park Golf Course, to defend the 80-year-old landmark against the long-running effort by the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity to close the course. “We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously,” San Francisco Recreation & Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg said in a prepared statement read by San Francisco Public Golf Alliance co-founder Bo Links. “But we are committed to maintaining golf at Sharp Park as a valued recreational pastime at this historic and beautiful golfing venue.” Ginsburg’s commitment was cheered by a diverse crowd of 200-plus men and women golfers ranging from grade schoolers and high school team players to grey-bearded seniors. Included in the mix were San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley, Pacifica City Councilman Len Stone and former Mayor Julie Lancelle, San Mateo County Community College Board President Richard Holober, Pacifica Concerned Citizens Coalition Chairwoman Barbara Arietta, the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce, and Laborers’ Union Local 261. Mayor Lancelle called the course “a tremendously valuable recreational asset for the city of Pacifica as well as the region.” Supervisor Horsely, whose district includes Pacifica, added: “Sharp Park is an important part of Pacifica’s history, kind of the heart and soul of Pacifica. And golf is not an elite sport — it’s a great recreational resource for seniors as well as kids.” Both the Pacifica City Council and the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors have passed unanimous resolutions to keep the golf course open. Ken Venturi (who learned golf in the 1940s at Sharp Park and San Francisco’s other public courses) in a written statement urged the crowd to defend the course “with your time, your money, and your passion. Do not let anybody destroy Sharp Park.” Venturi, the 1964 United States Open champion, is the Honorary Chairman of the SF Public Golf Alliance. Opened in 1932 and designed by preeminent architect Alister MacKenzie, Sharp Park was targeted in a federal court lawsuit filed March 2, 2011
under the Endangered Species Act by a handful of activist organizations led by the Center for Biological Diversity. Since 2007, CBD has been campaigning, along with its co-plaintiff the National Parks Conservation Association, to close the golf course and have the property annexed to the adjoining Golden Gate National Recreation Area. In December, 2009, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission unanimously voted to reject the close-the-course option, following a six-month study and public hearings in which San Francisco’s environmental consultants recommended that the best and most cost-effective solution for environmental problems at the course would be to keep the 18-hole course open, but redesign some holes to enhance habitat for the protected San Francisco garter snake and California red-legged frog. Center for Biological Diversity has continued to fight the Recreation and Park Department’s Sharp Park Plan. Lauren Barr, an officer of the Sharp Park Women’s Club and spokeswoman for the San Francisco Public Golf Alliance, was heartened by the turnout at the Save Sharp Park Rally. “Obviously, this is a long fight and it will continue. But we are ready for a long fight, and we love to see the community rallying in support of this wonderful landmark golf course,” said Barr. “This is a people’s golf course, serving young and old, men and women, all cultures and ethnic groups, and all of the schools, churches, clubs, and community services that use reasonably-priced golf events to raise money for their causes. It is gratifying to see the community coming to the rescue of this great landmark.” Golf leaders in attendance at the Save Sharp Park Fundraiser included former U.S. Golf Association President Sandy Tatum, plus Richard Harris and Bo Links, co-founders of the San Francisco Public Golf Alliance. Also present were members from the Northern California Section of the Professional Golfers Association, Northern California Golf Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California, California Golf Course Owners Association, Pacific Women’s Golf Association, and the California Alliance for Golf, an organization that serves as the unified voice for the golf industry in California. About the San Francisco Public Golf Alliance: A 5,000-member, volunteer, non-profit public-interest organization of San Francisco Bay Area supporters of public golf, dedicated to preserving affordable, ecofriendly golf.
top: In support of Sharp Park are CGCOA Members Harvey Silverman with Pellucid Corporation and John Abendroth-Host of the popular Hooked on Golf Radio Show, joined by Nor Cal PGA Board Member Dede Moriarty of the Presidio GC. above: CGCOA Member Harvey Silverman speaks with SF Public Golf Alliance Co-Founders Bo Links and Rich Harris at Save Sharp Park Fundraiser. below:
Poster to raise awareness, photo provided by Joann Dost.
How to Get the Most out of your CGCOA Membership
california golf Adventure Guide
Stay Safe in the Sun This Summer with Tips from the Sun SafeTee Program
Whether it’s you, your staff or your golf partner, it’s important to learn all you can about skin cancer prevention and sun safety. Here are a few tips:
Clothing Wearing clothing to protect as much skin as possible when you are in the sun is a key component of a comprehensive skin protection program.
Sunscreen
in This issue: •
Courses by Region
•
Tweetable Holes
•
Favorite Ocean Courses
•
Wedding Locales photo: Napa Valley’s
Chardonnay Golf Club
photo courtesy of chardonnay golf club
The first CGCOA Golf Guide is available in hard copy and electronic versions. This is your opportunity to support the CGCOA, fellow CGCOA members and promote your own facility using quality content at virtually no cost. Print Version • Offer it in your pro shop, this guide is only available to CGCOA members and sponsors • Add value to your tournaments by offering the guide to tournament directors • Free shipping to current advertisers, minimal shipping costs to CGCOA members Electronic Version (Content is King) • Send an eblast to your membership or database with a link back to your website. Your database is protected and you get the benefit of providing your members with quality content • Embed or link it to your website, so your customers keep coming back time and time again Private Label CGCOA Magazine (coming soon) • For as little as $495, you can have a private-label, quarterly magazine to send to your members • Promote your course, website, lessons and specials to your own membership • You keep control of your database • Provide your database, membership with high quality magazine, a $2400 value for a fraction of the cost If you have questions or would like product shipped to your facility, call Shaw Kobre at 707.494.4820 or email him at shaw@intheloopgolf.com.
Sunscreens help to prevent the sun’s UV rays from reaching the skin. However, no sunscreen provides complete and total protection. By selecting an appropriate sunscreen you can minimize the effects of UV rays on your skin.
Wear a Hat A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim (all around) is ideal because it protects areas often exposed to the sun such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap with about 7 inches of fabric draping down the sides and back) is another good scalp and skin protector.
Wear Sunglasses That Block UV Rays Long hours in the sun (without protecting your eyes) can increase your chances of developing eye disease. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage.
Hydrate Hydration is important anytime you are out on the course, but extra attention should be paid during the summer months, in a hot climate or at elevation. Water is the best for hydrating, but you may want to consider using a sports beverage or adding a product to the water that replaces essential electrolytes. These valuable tips were supplied courtesy of Sun SafeTee, a San Diego-based, not-for-profit organization that is committed to sun protection education and skin cancer prevention for golfers. Sun SafeTee provides educational programs to golf organizations, distributes literature and sunscreen at tournaments, and has produced videos on sun protection for golfers. It has the endorsement of several golf organizations including the National Council for Better Health Through Golf. To learn more about the Sun SafeTee Program visit: www.sunsafetee.org.
THE CGCOA WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT: CGCOA
NGCOA
FOUNDATION SPONSOR
Premier Partners
Golf Insurance Services, LLC
Club Car Inc.
Rick Sigel (916) 635-1050
rsigel@gpins.com
www.golfinsuranceservices.com
ANNUAL SPONSORS Club Satellite Network Ted Salata (650) 462-9700
csnlife.com
Cyber Golf Network Inc. Dan Murnan (425) 640-7170
dan@cybergolf.com
www.cybergolf.com
Ed Smilow, Esq. Ed Smilow (714) 937-2095
edsmilow@golfcourselaw.com www.golfcourselaw.com
Golf Now Brad Axon (480) 232-5370
baxon@golfchannel.com www.golfnow.com
Greenway Golf George Kelley (209) 664-6400
gkelley@greenwaygolf.net www.greenwaygolf.net
Pellucid Corporation Jim Koppenhaver (847) 808-7651
jimk@pellucidcorp.com www.pellucidcorp.com
Pellucid Corporation Harvey Silverman
harvinfc@pacbell.net Professional Golfers Career College Edward Smilow
edsmilow@golfcourselaw.com www.golfcollege.edu
Tapin Solutions Reed Thompson (866) 742-8044 (toll free)
info@tapinsolutionsinc.com
Target Specialty Products Lon Richards (562) 802-2238
trecs@target-specialty.com
www.target-specialty.com
ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance Greg Pieschala (818) 737-3110
gpieschala@valleycrest.com www.valleycrest.com
VGM Club Dawn Prebula (866) 620-2774
dawn.prebula@vgm.com www.vgmclub.com
Dave Nelson (800) 564-6531
dave_nelson@clubcar.com
The Toro Company Doug Dahl (800) 585-8001
dougd@turfstar.com
Darren Redetzke (800) 348-2424
dredetzke@toro.com
Entegra Procurement Services Jim Bailey (877) 922-0285
jbailey@intlclubsuppliers.com
Preferred Partners Clubsurance Joel Willis (843) 572-4567 www.clubsurance.com
Electronic Transaction Systems Corporation Hadi Akkad (800) 834-7790 www.etsms.com
Helena Chemical Christy Byrd (803) 822-8028
brydc@helenachemical.com
Pepsi Tracy Maphet (886) PEP-GOLF
Smart Buy Suppliers Gatorade Tracie Maphet (886) PEP-GOLF
Motorola Kelly Jadlot (800) 933-4262
Office Depot John Travers (301) 567-6704
Srixon Sports Hollie Vokal (678) 518-5121
Sponsor Appreciation Days The California Golf Course Owners Association and our sponsors invite you to join the Board of Directors and fellow golf course owners and operators at one of our Sponsor Appreciation Days, sponsordeveloped luncheons and educational programs. The theme: Hot Topics for Sustainability featuring speakers and panel discussions on (1) California Environmental Issues (2) Risk Assessment and Safety and (3) Operating Technology in the New Economy plus a keynote speaker and a tabletop mini trade show with education about each of the CGCOA Sponsor programs. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 (North), 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Cinnabar Hills GC, 23600 McKean Road, San Jose, CA 95141
Tuesday, October 18, 2011 (South), 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Los Serranos CC, 15656 Yorba Avenue, Chino Hills, CA 91709
Harvey Silverman (Continued from front page) Additionally, the golf course business is heavily reliant on weather, something no one has control over. And now, we are also seeing both demographic and cultural changes that are not necessarily golf-friendly. Operators need to heighten their awareness and have the proper tools to understand and combat these challenges. How do you view the future of golf? There will be fewer golf courses in 2015 than there are now. Those that survive will enjoy better times financially. There will always be a certain percentage of the population that will take up the game, and we, as an industry, could increase those numbers by making the game easier to learn and play. I believe there needs to be some level of bifurcation of rules and equipment standards if we are going to attract new people to the game. What tips would you have for a golf course owner interested in improving his/her bottom line? I have met many owners and operators who understand the expense side of the business and several have made significant and intelligent changes already. But I don’t think it pays to cut the marketing budget, that is, if there even is a marketing budget. The key to success today is understanding and increasing customer retention, and finding ways to strategically steal rounds from your competitors. Golf has always been a collegial business which tempers competition. If an owner asks his/her banker today which they should be, collegial or competitive, guess which one the banker would prefer? We learned with our clients last year that finding ways to successfully out-market competition made a huge difference and enabled them to out-perform their local markets. Who would you include in your dream foursome? Donald Trump. On a windy day. No hats allowed. For money. Bob Hope. How many jokes can be cracked in an 18-hole round? Bill Murray. Trump has to ride with him. Ben Hogan. Can I copy that swing, please?