Turfgrass Matters Winter 2019

WINTER 2019

INSIDE

President’s Report GCSAA Government Relations Update Annual Meeting Minutes Annual Meeting Recap USGA MAAGCS Winter Update 20 Most Important Rule Changes MAAGCS President First Green Presentation

Training Technicians Through an Assistant’s Position Assistants Corner 50/50 Contributions for 2019 Getting to Know... Brendan Rapp Golf Industry Show Report University of Maryland Update Letter from the Editor

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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

President’s Report – Ryan Kraushofer Well, what a year 2018 was! This was the first time in my 11 years at Westminster National that we had to turn our par 4, 13th hole into a 50 yard par 3, due to all the rain and flooding issues. I hope 2019 is easier for all of us!

I’m honored to serve as the next MAAGCS President and I know I have big shoes to fill following Michael Bostian. We continue to have a great board of directors who put a lot of time and effort into making this one of the best associations to belong to. I would like to welcome Josh Fuhrman (The Golf Club at South River) as the new Education Director and Brendan Rapp (University of Maryland Golf Course) as the new Secretary. I have no doubt that these guys will be a great addition to our board.

I would like to thank those who attended and sponsored our annual meeting at Argyle Country Club. As always, the staff at Argyle did a fantastic job hosting our annual meeting and providing us with a fabulous lunch. We tried something new at this year’s annual meeting by hosting a Superintendent Forum, titled “Evaluating 2018 Successes and Failures”. Michael Bostian, Chris Harriman, Scott Wunder, Dean Graves (CGCS), and Scott Furlong (CGCS) did a phenomenal job presenting their successes and failures of 2018. After the season we’ve just experienced, I felt this was the most inspiring talk I’ve heard all year. It’s satisfying to know that you’re not the only one losing turf and that we’re all in this together, learning from each other’s successes and failures. Mr. Dean Graves (CGCS) success presentation was particularly memorable- he announced his retirement after 42 years in the golf industry. While I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Dean as well as many others in the industry did, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions throughout the years!

Ryan Kraushofer

Westminster National Golf Course westminsternationalgc@yahoo.com @westnatgolf

Finally, I would like to thank all of our 2018 partners for another fantastic year. With the support from all of our partners, we’re able to keep event costs down so everyone has the opportunity to attend, no matter what your budget size. So again, THANK YOU to all of our vendors and partners!

MAAGCS has another busy year planned for 2019, the GIS Social at the Horton Grand Hotel in San Diego was a success as was the Annual Education Seminar. Credit goes to Galen Evans for finding great topics that are relevant to each year and I believe the board has done that again for 2019.

Now I hope everyone can enjoy the off season and take some time off to spend with friends and family. I look forward to serving you in 2019!

Turfgrass Matters | Winter 2019 3

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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Thank You for Supporting the MAAGCS/VGCSA/ESAGCS Social Event at GIS! Entertainment Sponsor

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Friends Sponsors Collins Wharf Sod, Helena Chemical, Nutrien, Oakwood Sod Farm, Plant Food Co., Pocono Turf

Turfgrass Matters | Winter 2019 5

Maryland Delegates Hear Testimony Regarding Golf Tax Hikes On Monday, December 17, members of the Montgomery County (MD) Delegation heard testimony in support and opposition of a proposed bill that would increase taxes for golf courses with property values greater than $500,000, unless these golf courses abide by a proposed pesticide ban that isn’t even in effect. If it sounds confusing, that’s because it is. For any amount exceeding this $500,000, the club would be left with the highest and “best use” assessed value.

Delegate Moon proposed a similar bill last year, in which he wanted to re-asses tax rates for golf courses at a much higher rate, something that would likely drive multiple facilities out of business.

Luckily, that bill was fought hard and was shot down quite drastically, leading Delegate Moon to go back to the drawing board.

As he revised this bill, he decided to target only a handful of golf courses that are sitting on some of the most valuable property in the county. And although the pesticide bill that was enacted several years ago in Montgomery County is not in effect because it is tied up in litigation, he went ahead and tapped in to that bill as a tie-in to this tax-re-assessment proposal. Again, it’s confusing. Furthermore, even if the original pesticide ban were to go in to effect (which may be unlikely given that the courts originally ruled that it was unlawful because preempted by state law), golf courses would be exempt from this pesticide bill, further confounding the language brought forth by Delegate Moon in his most recent bill.

Rather than focus any more on the bill itself, let’s talk about the hearings. Several activist groups, including the Sierra Club, gave testimony in support of Delegate Moon’s proposed bill, citing the dangerous use of pesticides and the exclusivity of access to these green spaces. Really, opposing testifiers didn’t even seem to credit golf courses as a green space to begin with, which will make any golf advocate want to pull their hair out. Golf courses have long been proven a valuable green space as a filter for runoff, a sequestration space for carbon, and a cooling presence among developed land, just to name a few.

The opposition consisted of representatives from the MD Coalition of Concerned Clubs, RISE (Responsible Industry for Sound Environment), and hired representatives from Cornerstone Government Affairs. In the end, great points were made and seemed effective regarding not only the benefit of these golf courses as green spaces, but the rather ridiculous notion that these courses should be paying taxes at a rate that would not commensurate with the way the land is being utilized. And the fact that the tax rates currently being paid are rates that were approved by the delegation previously.

Although nothing has been voted on, the temperature for this bill from other MD Delegates seemed to be lukewarm at best. It would be a surprise if this bill went anywhere, and multiple representatives from several areas of the golf industry are advocating against this legislation.

If you are interested in hearing more, please give me a call.

Chase Rogan GCSAA Field Staff, Mid-Atlantic Region.

CRogan@gcsaa.org @GCSAA_MidAtl.

The 20 Most Important Changes to the Rules of Golf 2019 1.

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S earch Time – Reduced From 5 Minutes To 3 Minutes.

Ball Moved During Search – Replace No Penalty.

Embedded Ball – Free Relief Anywhere Through The Course.

Measuring A Drop – Use Longest Club (Except Putter).

Dropping – Drop From Knee Height Rather Than Shoulder.

Taking Stance On Wrong Green Is Not Permitted.

Ball Unintentionally Hits Player Or Equipment – No Penalty.

Double Hit – No Penalty, Now Only Counts As The 1 Stroke.

Touching Sand In Bunker Incidentally Is Permitted.

Loose Impediments Can Be Removed Anywhere Including Hazards.

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D ropping A Ball Out Of Bunker – 2 Penalty Strokes.

Water Hazards – Now Called “Penalty Areas.”

Touching Ground In Penalty Area – No Penalty.

Ball Moves On Green After Being Marked – Replace Without Penalty.

Ball Accidentally Moved On Putting Green – Replace No Penalty.

All Damage To Green Can Now Be Repaired.

Positioning A Club For Alignment Is Not Permitted.

Caddie Assisting With Alignment Is No Not Permitted.

Putting With The Flagstick In Hole Is Now Permitted.

Ball Wedged Against Flagstick And Side Of Hole Is Now Deemed As Holed.

Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Annual Meeting Minutes

Argyle Country Club, December 13, 2018 Present: Michael Bostian, President; Ryan Kraushofer, Vice President/ Treasurer; Chris Fernandes, Secretary; Chris Harriman, Past President; Joe Haskins, Golf; Tyler Bloom, Newsletter; Eric David, Government Relations; Mark Jones, Assistants Representative; Matt Harvey, Assistants Representative; Michael Huey, IAC Representative; David Norman, Chapter Executive; Tyler Eastham, Chapter Executive, MAAGCS Members

Vice President: Ryan Kruashofer provided a financial update that included donations made in 2018 by MAAGCS. Ryan announced to the membership that MAAGCS will commit $50K over five years to the University of Maryland Turfgrass Pathology Fund. MAAGCS is in good financial standing.

Call to Order: President Michael Bostian called the meeting to order at 1:00 pm.

MAAGCS President asks if there is any other new business. No new business was presented.

Request for Amendments to 2017 Minutes/Agenda: None Approval of 2017 Annual Meeting Minutes: Michael Bostian made a request for approval. Jim Weaver made a motion to approve and Mike Huey seconded.

President Michael Bostian introduced the head table (with Board members present) and stated their titles. Michael asked past presidents and board members to stand for recognition.

President Michael Bostian presented a “Year in Review” highlighting the success of the events throughout 2018 with a slideshow and thanked our partners.

Michael announced the 2018, 50/50 contribution to the Yellow Ribbon Fund of $3500.

Government Relations Chairman: Eric David discussed proposed tax legislation and a proposed ban on chlorpyrifos. Eric David conducted a live poll to the membership pertaining to the chlorpyrifos ban. The membership was not in favor of the ban.

Golf Chairman: Joe Haskins announced the golf awards for the winners of this year’s biggest tournaments – The Rick Wakefield Award to Jeff Rice, Mike Gilmore Award to John Andres, Larry Cornell Award to Dr. Paul Giordano and the John Kaine Award to Mark Merrick. Awards were presented to those in attendance. Joe Haskins also presented awards for the MAAGCS season long match-play tournament to the overall winners, finalists and semi-finalists.

Ralph Meola and Andrew Harrison from team “Brothers from Another Mother” defeated Dave Nehila and Richard Sweeney from team “Made in America” for the trophy. Semi-finalists John Anderes and Jason Neal of team “Water Dogs” and Joe Haskins and Todd Cowing of team “Golf Czars” were also recognized.

Following the awards presentations, Joe Haskins announced the MAAGCS events schedule for 2019.

Past President: Chris Harriman gave the membership an update on the facility BMP website and demonstrated in his presentation how members can begin putting together their facility memberships.

Secretary: Chris Fernandes and President Michael Bostian presented the 2018 scholarships winners: Stan Zontek Memorial Scholarship • Brady Scales – Laytonsville Golf Club, Penn St. - $1,500 • Kyle Walden – Chevy Chase Club, Purdue - $1,500 • Brett Wilcom – Whiskey Creek, IAA - $1,500 Member / Child Scholarship • Morgan Furlong - $1,000 (daughter of Scott Furlong) • Maggie Kingora - $1,000 (daughter of Mark Kingora) • Ian Chapman - $1, 000 • Chris Fernandes and Michael Bostian invited their fathers to accept the awards on their behalf

Dr. Roberts of the University of Maryland thanked the membership for the commitment and gave a quick overview of the fund and its importance.

GCSAA Business/Chapter Delegates Report: Voting delegate Jim Weaver gave a GCSAA update to include the association report, Rounds 4 Research update, CPI dues increase, Government Affairs update, Membership retention growth strategy and friends of golf memberships, and GCSAA Elections.

Election of Officers: All officers have just completed the second year of their 2 year term, elected in December 2017.

Brandon Rapp introduced himself to the audience as running for Secretary.

Nomination committee chairman Chris Harriman asked if there were any nominations from the floor. No nominations were made. Chris Harriman states the current members have agreed to run for the following 2 year positions and asked if anyone was opposed to this slate of officers. There was no opposition to the slate.

Past President – Michael Bostian President – Ryan Kraushofer Vice President/Treasurer – Chris Fernandes Secretary – Brendan Rapp Election of Board Directors: Chris Harriman states that all current Directors on the board have agreed to stay on for another year and announces Josh Fuhrman is running for the open Education Chair. Josh Fuhrman introduced himself to the audience. Harriman announced that Mark Jones is stepping down from the board and thanked him for his time and appointed Matt Harvey as the new assistant representative. Chris Harriman asked if there are any nominations from the floor. There was not a nomination from the floor. Ballots were passed out with director names already on them and the winner will serve a two year team. All other candidates will serve a one year term. Results were announced to the membership and Harriman asked for a motion to destroy the ballets. Scott Wunder made a motion to destroy the ballets and Joe Haskins seconded, all in favor said “I”. The ballots were destroyed. Chris Sandels of Chevy Chase Club was voted in to serve a 2 year term.

Election of IAC Representative: Mike Huey completed 1st year of 2 year term and will remain on the board. There was not an IAC vote this year.

Introduction of President Ryan Kraushofer: Outgoing Past President Chris Harriman thanked Michael Bostian for his service to the board and presented him with a plaque. Past President Michael Bostian thanked the board, audience and sponsors and introduced new President Ryan Kraushofer. Incoming President Ryan Kraushofer made a speech and a plaque was presented to Chris Harriman for his 9 years of service on the board.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:42 PM.

Turfgrass Matters | Winter 2019 7

2018 MAAGCS Annual Meeting Recap The 2018 MAAGCS Annual Meeting was held on Thursday, Dec. 13th at Argyle Country Club.

Prior to the meeting, Superintendents, Mike Bostian, Chris Harriman, Scott Furlong, Scott Wunder and Dean Graves gave presentations covering how the challenges of 2018 affected them and the strategies they used to take on the unique circumstances that everyone endured. A common theme expressed was to lean on your colleagues for support and to understand that others are dealing with similar challenges. Another important lesson was to be sure to take time for yourself and not let stress become unbearable. Spend time with your family and friends, and relax every once in a while.

The Annual Meeting brought fourth changes to the board. Saying goodbye after 9 years of service was Past President Chris Harriman, Superintendent at Cattail Creek.

Galen Evans, Education Chair, also left the board after taking a position outside of the industry. Both brought enthusiasm and drive to the association and will be missed. Matt Harvey of Cattail Creek replaced Mark Jones of Baltimore Country Club as the Assistant representative. Mike Bostian passed the torch to incoming President Ryan Kruashofer of Westminster National Golf Club. Mike will continue to serve on the board as immediate Past President. Chris Fernandes has moved from Secretary to Vice President/Treasurer.

Elections for a new Director and a new Secretary took place with Josh Fuhrman, Superintendent at The Golf Club at South River and Brendan Rapp, Superintendent at the University of Maryland Golf Course being elected to the board respectively. Both are excited to serve the association.

The announcement of the afternoon came from Dean Graves of Chevy Chase Club, who announced his retirement after 42 years in the industry, a complete surprise which rightfully earned a standing ovation from the membership. Dean was an MAAGCS Past President and expressed his gratitude towards the association and its members, citing lifelong friendships he has made throughout his career. Congratulations Dean!

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MAAGCS Equipment Managers Complete Level 2 of Certification Program Anthony Lewis of Chevy Chase Club and Zachary Hill of Little Bennett Golf Course became the first MAAGCS Equipment Managers to complete the Turf Equipment Technician Certificate Program Level 2. They are two of the six equipment mangers in the country to complete this advanced certificate program since it was launched in 2018. Level 2 covers advanced concepts in the key competency

areas of: Administrative Management, Best Management Practices, Cutting Units, Drivetrains, Electrical Systems, Engine Technology, Hydraulic Systems, Metalworking and Fabrication, Spray Systems and Turfgrass Operations.

Congratulations to Anthony and Zachary for this impressive accomplishment!

Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

USGA MAAGCS Winter Update – Paul Jacobs New Year, New Rules

There were several changes to the Rules of Golf that took effect on January 1, 2019. Most of the changes are intended to make the Rules easier to understand and apply or to improve pace of play. Some of the changes are also likely to have an impact on course maintenance. Below are a few of the key changes that relate to course care, and some information about what superintendents and golfers should be prepared for this season.

REPAIRING DAMAGE ON THE PUTTING GREEN: Golfers will now be able to repair the putting green surface, including damage caused by maintenance equipment, old hole plugs, animal damage, spike marks, damage from the flagstick and ball marks. This change will be welcomed by superintendents and golfers alike because putting surfaces are prepared to provide a smooth surface in the morning, but imperfections are inevitably – and often inadvertently – created throughout the day. However, golfers still cannot improve their line of play beyond repairing and restoring the damage. This means that you will still not be able to repair aeration holes, natural surface imperfections or natural wear of the hole.

BALL PLAYED FROM PUTTING GREEN HITS UNATTENDED FLAGSTICK IN THE HOLE: Golfers can now putt from on or off the putting green with the flagstick in the hole without incurring a penalty if the ball strikes the flagstick. Whether to putt with the flagstick in or out will be a personal preference, but all golfers should practice good etiquette and carefully remove the ball from the hole with their hand, not by rapidly removing the flagstick. Doing so can damage the hole for following groups, especially if there is more than one ball in the hole.

Paul Jacobs Agronomist Northeast Region pjacobs@usga.org @Pauls_twitter

AREAS THE COMMITTEE MAY MARK AS PENALTY AREAS: Under the new Rules, “water hazards” have been superseded by the expanded concept of “penalty areas.” Penalty areas include all previously defined water hazards and lateral water hazards, but also give the Committee the ability to define other areas, such as heavily wooded areas, canyons or native areas as penalty areas. By doing so, a ball lost or not playable in a penalty area can be played outside the area with a one-stroke penalty.

MOVING OR TOUCHING LOOSE IMPEDIMENTS IN A BUNKER: Loose impediments such as leaves, pine needles, sticks or stones may now be touched or moved in a bunker. This change alleviates some of the burden placed on maintenance teams to provide bunkers that are free of debris. Even when maintenance teams clean bunkers in the morning, debris may collect throughout the day that they cannot immediately address. This change in the Rules allows the golfer added flexibility to address these situations on their own, without penalty.

In addition to the changes mentioned above, there were several others made that golfers and superintendents should become familiar with. For a complete list of changes and details about the changes, please visit www.rulesofgolf.com

Turfgrass Matters | Winter 2019 9

MAAGCS President Wows the Crowd with First Green Presentation In a room full of GCSAA Staff, Executive Directors and Board Presidents of GCSAA chapters from across the country, Ryan Kraushofer earned a standing ovation after a tremendous presentation highlighting the First Green program. Ryan discussed the STEM education program and the successes he and the MAAGCS members and volunteers have had hosting schools from the counties surrounding his home base, Westminster National Golf Course. Ryan discussed the processes he uses to get the school and county officials on board for the fun and informative field trip and how each chapter can get involved in the program.

With his interactive presentation, the audience was able to see first-hand the impact that the field trips have on the students, teachers and parent volunteers. Ryan had tons of pictures to share and even included multiple videos. One of the videos was produced by the Carroll County School System which highlighted their experiences at the field trips, showing students Incoming MAAGCS President Ryan Kraushofer highlights the success of the First Green Program. taking moisture readings, looking at pests Ryan along with county officials. through microscopes and even having fun putting on the putting green.

If you are interested in hosting a First Green Field Trip at your facility, Another video he shared was from Fox Baltimore’s coverage of one of you can visit www.thefirstgreen.org or contact Ryan Kraushofer for the First Green field trips. This video included short interviews with more details.

Training Technicians Through an Assistant’s Position

by Anthony Lewis

A resourceful position in the Turf field is the Assistant Equipment Manager. An appointment I’m lucky to work with has been a multifaceted advantage. He/She improves workflow in the shop, is a junior Manager to the Department, and will eventually contribute to a valued field in need of expertise. There are qualities to look for in an up-and-comer on your staff or an applicant’s resume listed below.

• E agerness to understand- to me, anyone that naturally asks or wants to know “why” we are doing something stands out because it implies they’d like to use reason to make a decision. This leads to a higher level of understanding as the majority of troubleshooting is acknowledging that something is not operating properly and determining why. Equipment Management is easy until something doesn’t work the way it should.

• T akes Ownership- Endorsing the “my shop” or “my equipment” mentality can be left by the wayside but someone on your crew or an applicant that cares how the fleet and shop area look is worth the extra focus. He/She has to work daily with what they have so making the best of a situation demonstrates ability to manage 10

along with an optimistic but guarded attitude. A person that shows this will likely go the extra mile to ensure a quality product is delivered day in and day out.

• B usiness minded- Our vendors in this area are fantastic. That being said…a prospect will be resourceful in reaching out for comprehensive information, bulk discounts, and other sources for out of stock or possibly aftermarket parts. Granted this may be reaching on the separation between Technician and Manager, the drive to search is a stand out feature.

Experience comes with time and the best thing a Manager can do for an Assistant is to set them up for success by letting them find the answer with reasoning and guidance as needed. Allowing him/her to be proficient in operating equipment will promote the ownership mentality and someone who will recognize an operator’s complaint by knowing how a piece of equipment should perform in the field. The future of a position in this industry where intricacies are governed by increased needs for efficiencies both labor and environmentally related depend on a promotion program in-house.

Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Assistants Corner – Matt Harvey I would love to start with wishing everyone a Happy New Year. As we finally have turned the page on 2018; there are a few things to reflect for this upcoming year. By now, I am sure you are either wrapping up a few winter projects or perhaps, right in the middle of one or two. Either way, 2018 was one of the worst years on record and finally being able to turn the page is a breath of fresh air.

I have been fortunate to attend of few education seminars already in the new year, and everyone is still talking about how bad 2018 was. I feel 2018 was so bad for many of us in the business that we will continue to talk about it well into 2019. However, I don’t want to beat a dead horse. Let’s focus on a new chapter and discuss some things that you should take into consideration going into the new year.

First, lets talk about health. Given last year was hard on us all, this is the time of year that should allow most of you to take some much-needed vacation from your course and recharge the battery.

This time of year, because of the holidays, you get to spend time with family and friends. I encourage all of you to take this time for yourself. It will not only benefit you physically, but also mentally. With all the strains and stresses from last year, take the time to decompress and relax. I personally try to take most of my vacation December through February. Staff sizes are smaller, and the work load is decreased. Take a vacation, travel and maybe go visit family and friends. Your mental and physical health will be well rewarded.

Matt Harvey Cattail Creek Country Club matt@cattailcreekcc.com @MathewHarvey13

But that brings me to another topic, family. This year is a particularly different feel for me. If you had the opportunity to attend our Annual Meeting this year, you would have had the opportunity to hear Mr. Dean Graves speak to the audience. I started out working for Dean as an intern at the Chevy Chase Club. I remember one thing Mr. Graves always spoke about, and that was family. So, Mr. Graves, given a much bigger audience, touched on family amongst other things once again. But this talk was different for me. See, I am set to welcome my first child into the world this upcoming year and his words rang louder than previous years. I won’t get into specifics about what Mr. Graves spoke about that day, but what made the loudest noise to me was that you need to put family first, spend time with them and never take them for granted. One of things I hope you do is take time for family. It might be visiting grandparents or brothers and sisters, but either way take that time to talk and share with them as time on this earth is short. Don’t look back at your life wishing you could have spent more time with someone but work always got in the way. I know I am looking at this year much differently and I encourage everyone to do the same.

Finally, I wanted to touch some things to do for this upcoming season. Take this time to educate yourself. There are many opportunities this winter season to learn something new. With GIS and the Mid-Atlantic Education Conference right around the corner, I encourage everyone to attend some type of education. Get out and talk to other Assistants and Superintendents about what they learned from last year. Networking is a powerful tool. What you might learn from a simple conversation might make or break your season this upcoming year.

Turfgrass Matters | Winter 2019 11

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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Thank You, 2018 MAAGCS Partners!

Please patronize these outstanding companies which support the profession!

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Alban Tractor Co. Inc. Collins Wharf Sod Dow AgroSciences Fisher & Son

Bronze

Central Sod Farm Davisson Finch Services

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Graden Harrell’s Luck Ecosystems

Rain Bird Sunbelt Synatek

Newsome Seed Pocono Turf

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50/50 Contributions for 2019 will benefit the Robert W. Fogle, III Memorial Scholarship Fund — Sponsored by the Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company Robert W. Fogle, III was a 31 year member of the Pleasant Valley Community Volunteer Fire Department. He was a 25 year member of the Baltimore County Fire Department, and a University of MD MFRI Instructor working with the Carroll County EST Program for over 5 years.

Bob was also a co-chair of the PVFD Annual Golf Tournament for over 20 years. On May 30th 2014 while training with the Baltimore County Fire

Department Bob suffered a Heart Attack and died in the line of duty.

Now with the support of the Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company the Robert W. Fogle III Memorial Golf Tournament is the best golf tournament in the county and is raising funds for students pursuing a career in public safety.

Turfgrass Matters | Winter 2019 13

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Getting to Know... Brendan Rapp Superintendent University of Maryland Golf Course How did you get started in the industry?

Brendan Rapp Superintendent University of Maryland Golf Course brapp@umd.edu @brendanrapp

I started working with McDonald & Sons during their renovation at Chevy Chase Club when I was 17 years old, my next door neighbor was the project manager. It was just a summer job for me, but I came back the following summer to work on the maintenance crew and ended up working there for 7 years and enrolled in Maryland’s turf program. I realized how much I enjoyed the job and working outside. I did not want to have a typical office job.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

For me, it is getting to work outside and see the results of our work every day. I also enjoy the network of Superintendents we have and how we are all willing to share information with each other regarding our successes and failures.

What excites you about joining the MAAGCS board?

I’m excited to become a part of the board, because I like the direction it has moved the last few years. We need to educate people about what we do and specifically young people. We need more high school students looking for a summer job and possibly a career on the golf course.

What are you most looking forward to in 2019?

I’m looking forward to less rain and better weather.

What do you like most about the turf industry?

I like that for the most part we are all competitive people looking to make our course the best it can be, but at the end of the day we aren’t competing against each other and are willing to help each other out in anyway that we can.

What is the toughest aspect of your position?

The toughest thing for me is usually dealing with the red tape of working through the state and university. At another club, I may be able to hire an assistant or make a big purchase much faster.

Here everything takes more time and has more channels to funnel through.

Turfgrass Matters | Winter 2019 15

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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Golf Industry Show Report – Adam Narivanchik Assistant Superintendent, Sparrows Point Country Club adman_spcc@gmail.com Before I made the journey to the Golf Industry Show in San Diego, California, I was not quite sure what I should expect. The idealistic concept that everyone shares similar goals, ambitions and works together for the overall state of the industry was new to me. I was told there would be innovative and new products showcased by manufacturers. I was told that the people I met during this event might even shape the way my career progresses for the rest of my career. I was told that the education, while I only participated in the free seminars, would be the best delivered by the best professionals.

I am pleased to say that none of these statements fell short of expectations. The modernization of products and general size of the trade show floor was remarkable. Keep in perspective this was my first time attending the Golf Industry Show. I was excited to see the diversity of equipment from tractors, sprayers down to the software being introduced to

enhance accountability and safety.

While I did get to meet people from all over the world, the best part of the networking was getting to interact and see a different side of the people I know from our local MAAGCS association. Forming a stronger bond with our local association members is critical in my growth. Sitting down and discussing life and my own personal interests was far different than interacting at our facility.

The best part of meeting people from all over the world was gaining new perspectives on the challenges and solutions for common problems.

Listening to speakers from Australia and Europe discuss similar challenges demonstrated how small the industry is. Whether it was a round table discussion or topic specific seminar, the challenges were the same from labor and water management.

Listening to professionals discuss their passions and failures, regardless of simplicity or

complexity, was motivating. The common ground we share was family and personal relationships. Hopefully, through my own career progression I will have the opportunity to present my Adam Narivanchik passions. The Golf Industry Show was a good benchmark to measure up against in my development.

I believe that going to this event truly has bettered me as a turf manager and a person, because I got out of my comfort zone. Listening, speaking and receiving insight from the best of our profession provides great value. Throughout the education, the networking and the trade show, my biggest takeaway was the importance of family. Finding a good balance between all of them will pave my path through the industry.

University of Maryland Update Max Sturges, student at University of Maryland and current staff member at Chevy Chase Club, has been fortunate to attend the Golf Industry Show on two occasions.

During his time at GIS, Max placed a priority on Max Sturges networking, with the help of the Chevy Chase team, which he felt put him in positions to meet a diverse crowd of experts and professionals.

“If you don’t have a large network of people, it is hard in my opinion to go up to a random person and start up a dialogue,” said Sturges.

Sturges, like many of young golf course industry professionals, can find the Golf Industry Show to be intimidating, but also an opportunity to develop interpersonal skills. Setting an itinerary to meet specific exhibitors and professionals with the help of a current Superintendent would be beneficial.

As an ambassador for the University of Maryland turf program, Sturges encourages other students to talk with students from

opposing schools. Discussing their previous internships and sharing contact information is one step to creating a larger network.

The University of Maryland Turf Bowl team finished third at this year’s competition. The team’s preparations included bi-weekly meetings identifying turf species, diseases, insects and discussing practical applications of irrigation UMD Students receiving award at GIS and human resource management.

Geoffrey Rinehart is recognized for leading the charge and organizing the preparations and trip details.

“Even if students or younger turf professionals don’t attend the seminars, the networking opportunities to share personal past experiences helps build relationships,” said Sturges.

University of Maryland tour

Turfgrass Matters | Winter 2019 17

Letter from the Editor – Tyler Bloom Dear Members, Sunny San Diego, right? The mediocre weather didn’t spoil a lot of positive and refreshing perspectives at the Golf Industry Show. There were also some interesting cultural shifts in San Diego including a lot more homeless, the persistent smell of marijuana throughout the city and the presence of scooters. My wife and staff got a kick out of a video shared by our assistant, Adam Narivanchik, of my awkwardness riding a scooter. Some things are just not meant to be.

The major change in my opinion over the last few years has been a concerted effort by the GCSAA educational committee to improve offerings to all and improve staff building and retention. The technical overload seems to be balancing out with great discussions on the softer skills in our profession. The diversity of speakers was equally impressive.

I can speak personally that putting together a presentation can be both fun, but worrisome. Often times, I question whether my approach to staff development and industry perspectives will connect with others. The follow up to the Monday session was resoundingly in favor to times are changing. Engagement, mental health, appreciation, culture and work, life balance are not trends or voodoo anymore.

Chris Tritibaugh, Carlos Arraya, Jodie Conningham, and Dr. Lisa Goately were some others shedding light on workplace culture. As we have a few weeks left until the start of the golf season, I challenge you to engage with these terms and incorporate into your daily operations. Think it is too difficult? Okay here are some quick tips.

Tyler Bloom Superintendent, Sparrows Point Country Club @tbloom_SPCC tbloom@sparrowspointcc.org

• Purchase a 40 to 55-inch SmartTV for your breakroom or equip a standard LED TV with Google Chromecast. Cast educational videos from the bi-weekly USGA emails or Turfnet webinars.

• Sign up for Twitter, follow the individuals listed above.

• Leverage your existing vendor relationships to speak with your staff. I’m not just talking about your assistants. Engage your entire team into the industry, and make a point to do this once a month. This will get your team excited about learning and drive engagement into our craft.

I also heard a tip about the art of mingling and networking. Do not talk about the usual suspects – politics and religion – and also the WEATHER. The industry social and networking events get old rehearsing 2018 was the worst weather year. I would’ve come home a millionaire if I had a dollar for every conversation that was started about 2018 weather season.

Moving forward into 2019 there seems to be a positive mindset shift on labor. One initiative I am spearheading is the development of high school internships. The lean-start up theory was built out of necessity in 2015, and has evolved rather quickly with great success.

Speaking with GCSAA representatives Chase Rogan and Shelia Finney, we are going to see a serious support channel to move this forward. If you are in need of labor, which I assume is near all of our members, please reach out to me. Yes, we are starting in Baltimore County with 25 high schools. My bold prediction by end of 2019, our program will be replicated, developed and supported with accreditation by the GCSAA and Future Farmers of America.

This is not going to be a cure all for every region, but I believe there will be practices that can be utilized for all entry level type employees to engage in the industry. If you have any insights, input or suggestions, don’t hide behind this magazine and wait for the next Indeed.com superstar to show up. Engage!

Customizing to your specific needs will ultimately lead to repeatable success and support. In a recent meeting, I was told by the Internship Supervisor for Baltimore County Public Schools that there is an oversupply of students and not enough organizations to support the program.

Opportunity is knocking, we need to create our own luck.

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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

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