Turfgrass Matters Fall 2018

Fall 2018

INSIDE

President’s Report First Green MAAGCS Annual Championship Green Start Academy USGA MAAGCS Fall Update Stewards of the Chesapeake

Match Play Update Letter from the Editor Equipment Managers Report Chlorpyrifos Update GCSAA Report

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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

President’s Report – Michael Bostian The time has come for my final president’s report. I am not going to waste anytime rehashing the horrible weather we had this growing season. We are all tired from it and most of us have just enough gas left in the tank to begin pushing forward and making improvements for 2019.

I’d like to jump right in and thank a few people that have made my board service a rewarding part of my career. I was fortunate enough to receive scholarship support when I was a student from MAAGCS and I felt the least I could do was to pay it back as a volunteer.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the team from Waverly Woods. My bosses Tom Healy and Joseph Hills gave me the support to run and serve the association the way I saw fit. There were at least 25 different instances a year where I either had to leave early and miss a day at work. I do not take that for granted. Brett Niner, Assistant Superintendent, had to pick up my slack. If it was just simple mow and go type stuff then I wouldn’t bother to acknowledge his efforts, but he kept up on all the details from spraying to irrigation repairs to cultural practices during a brutal season. I’m sure he’ll be wishing I wasn’t at work so much next year. I’m pretty fortunate to say that the only MAAGCS event I missed, while I was President, was the July social this summer. I did not attend the assistant’s events, because those events were designed specifically for them. Brett attended most of those and represented Waverly Woods.

I never really had the chance to properly thank Galen Evans for his service to MAAGCS this summer.

Galen is now working for the county and he did a fantastic job over the last several years organizing the winter seminar and planning education for monthly meetings. We are actively looking for someone to fill his shoes. If this is something that is of interest to you, then feel free to contact anyone on the board. We have two opens spots to fill at this year’s annual meeting.

Most importantly, I want to thank all of our vendor partners. The support you have shown the members of this association year after year, event after event, is nothing short of amazing. This association and current board will continue to grow its outreach programs. The First Green program has allowed us to start spreading the word to a younger audience and some teachers. We know this is a critical step in growing the game, but we need to have an impact at all ages. The next goal will aim at the high schools so we can sell the great careers that can be found in the golf industry. With the University of Maryland, the next phase will focus on marketing in hopes that we can continue spreading all the great things the game of golf and this industry can provide to the youth in this area. A lot of things are in the works behind closed doors, but some exciting things will be developing soon. I cannot wait to share this with our membership. It has been a pleasure serving this association and I’m excited for the new developments that will take place with our next chapter president, Ryan Kraushofer, at the helm.

My last personal story is one that is not easy to talk about, but it is one that I feel is necessary to share.

I had a tough time handling the stress of the season and it sent me to the ER on a Saturday night on the last weekend of September. My chest was tight, I could breathe, but nice deep relaxing ones were nearly impossible. I could not find any comfort trying to sleep, my whole body ached. At this point, the stress had been building for two weeks and I was pretty sure I had problem so an appointment was made with my general physician for early October, first available. A few days off here and there were tried, but unsuccessful. I was within five days of my scheduled appointment, but I had this feeling it would be negligent on my part to ride it out any further. I went to the ER. At 1:45 am all the tests came back clear and I went home and got some rest. The next morning I was at work by 6:00 am and I instantly felt better. When I met my doctor five days later, he explained to me that I felt so much better because I knew I was not in imminent danger. Made perfect sense, but I still had plenty to sort through. With my family history, several cardiologist appointments were recommended and

Michael Bostian

Waverly Woods Golf Club @HeftyLeftyQue msboss4@hotmail.com

Continued on page 8 Turfgrass Matters | Fall 2018 3

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4

Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

First Green gains traction in Maryland

The STEM education program has a waiting list, TV coverage and an engaged network of superintendent hosts in the Mid-Atlantic.

Scott Hollister, GCM Magazine Steve Lockard may be new to his job as the superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools — he started in the position in July — but he’s definitely no stranger to the area.

Lockard grew up in Carroll County, Md., and knows the people who call this area home well. In his first few months on the job, he has leaned heavily on that local knowledge to settle in and has been charting his own course for the school district.

That’s one of the reasons Lockard spent a recent morning at Westminster National Golf Course.

No, he wasn’t teeing it up in some chamber of commerce tournament. Instead, he was observing nearly 60 students from Eldersburg Elementary School take part in a First Green educational event hosted by members of the Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS. To Lockard, the spirit of giving back and helping the community that was so evident at the First Green outing was one of the reasons he returned home to Carroll County, and it’s the kind of thing he hopes to see more of as his tenure there continues.

“Here’s what I know ... there is a tremendous amount of collaborative spirit with all the different agencies and community groups and businesses in this area,” Lockard says.

“This is just another great example of that. It’s a natural fit with the work we’re trying to do with STEM, and a great opportunity for kids who might not necessarily find themselves on a golf course to see what it’s all about and all the science, math and technology that goes into maintaining a golf course.”

For the uninitiated, First Green is an educational and environmental outreach program and the only STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program in the country that uses golf courses as learning labs, with golf course superintendents leading the efforts. The program was founded in 1997 by superintendents in the Pacific Northwest, and GCSAA assumed nationwide administration of the program earlier this year.

Three members of the Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS — (from left) Alan Cusick from Argyle CC, Mike Bostian from Waverly Woods GC and Joseph Roberts, Ph.D., from the University of Maryland — take students through a session on water and its use on golf courses during a First Green educational event at Westminster (Md.) National GC in early October. Photos by Scott Hollister

The Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS has embraced First Green over the past three years, with the event at Westminster National being the organization’s 10th such offering in that span of time. The interest in the program was sparked after several chapter members — including the host of the event at Westminster National, Ryan Kraushofer— attended a First Green field trip during the 2016 Golf Industry Show in San Diego.

Kraushofer and Westminster National have been regular hosts of First Green events. For the most recent one, the current vice president of the Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS had custom signage and putting green flags created, made First Green T-shirts for the students, and even secured media coverage from the local newspaper, the Carroll County News, and Baltimore’s Fox television affiliate, WBFF Fox 45, which did four live segments from the golf course for its morning show.

“We’re really starting to see some traction here with First Green,” says Kraushofer, a 16-year GCSAA member. “We’ve had a lot of

The volunteers who helped make the First Green event at Westminster National happen.

these events at my course for our local schools, but we’ve even had interest from Baltimore County schools about coming up here. We’ve got a bit of a waiting list right now, but that’s a good thing and speaks to the value of the program.”

Mike Bostian, president of the Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS and the superintendent at Waverly Woods Golf Course in Marriottsville, Md., says the First Green has had a positive impact not only on students, but also on their Continued on page 8

Turfgrass Matters | Fall 2018 5

Jeff Rice Defends at the Annual Championship!

It was chilly and uncharacteristically windy at Waverly Woods GC for the 2018 MAAGCS Annual Championship. MAAGCS President and host Superintendent, Mike Bostian had the course in excellent condition with firm fairways and greens that were rolling quick and true. Over 50 members including superintendents, assistants, vendors, and educators battled for the chance to earn a victory and be crowned the Annual Champion.

Results Superintendent Division Champion - Jeff Rice 79 1st Net – John Anderes 74 Open Division Champion – Dr. Paul Giordano 81 1st Net - Mark Merrick 71

Mike Bostian, Champion Jeff Rice, Joe Haskins

Winning the Superintendent Division for the second year in a row was Jeff Rice of Oak Creek Golf Club. He posted a gross score of 79 which was enough for a four shot victory over John Anderes of Queenstown Harbor. John captured the win in the net competition with a 74 after a scorecard playoff with Ed Gasper, who also posted a 74.

In the Open Division, Dr. Paul Giordano of Bayer won with a gross score of 81, just a one stroke ahead of second place finisher Andrew Harrison of Pocono Turf. Mark Merrick of Genesis Turfgrass improved from a 2nd place net finish last year to take home 1st place net in the Open Division. After a scorecard playoff Mark’s 71 held up against Eric Snelsire of Bayer and Tim Davisson of Davisson Golf, Inc, both coming in with a 71.

Ryan Kraushofer and Mark Merrick A special thank you goes out to Mike Bostian and his staff, the entire Waverly Woods GC staff, event sponsors Nufarm, Pocono Turf, Davisson Golf, Corteva Agriscience, Harrell’s, SiteOne Landscape Supply, Syngenta, Eagle Pump Systems, Noble Turf, Nutrien, Rain Bird and our year-long partners for supporting the event!

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Contest Winners CTP #5 – Brendon Leeming 7’ 7” #7 – Todd Cowing 14’ 11” #13 – Dr. Paul Giordano 3’ 5” #15 – Kevin Smith 3’ 4” Long Drive #9 – Kevin Monaco

Jeff Snyder, Eric Snelsire, Champion Dr. Paul Giordano

Tom Gosselin and Ralph Meola Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Three Mid-Atlantic GCSA Members Named to Green Start Academy Class of 2018

Assistant Superintendents from TPC Potomac at Avenel Farms, Sparrows Point Country Club and Baltimore Country Club are 3 of 50 elite members selected to attend the premier educational and networking event for golf course superintendents.

John Deere Golf and Environmental Science, a business unit of Bayer Crop Science, have announced the Green Start Academy class of 2018, which includes Kelsey Baier-Anderson, Assistant Superintendent at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farms; Adam Narivanchik, Assistant Superintendent at Sparrows Point Country Club; and Mark Jones, Assistant Superintendent at Baltimore Country Club.

“Every year, Green Start Academy illuminates some of the highest caliber assistants in the business – and 2018 is no exception,” said David Wells, golf segment manager for Bayer. “Their knowledge and

passion for the industry is truly unheralded, and we ‘re grateful for the opportunity to help support them as the next generation of golf course management leaders.”

Since 2005, Green Start Academy has invited 50 prestigious assistants per year to the Bayer Development and Training Center in Clayton, N.C., the John Deere Turf Care factory in nearby Fuquay-Varina and the John Deere headquarters in Cary, N.C. Through a plethora of hands-on learning activities, networking opportunities, panelist presentations and breakout sessions, Green Start Academy attendees have a chance to

learn from likeminded peers as well as top industry professionals in career development, turfgrass science and general management.

“For years, Green Start Academy has been recognized as a premier experience for assistant superintendents looking to build strong careers,” said Ren Wilkes, marketing manager for John Deere Golf. “Cultivating the leaders of tomorrow is critical not only for the impressive professionals that attend this event – but to the industry as a whole. With each new class of graduates, we become even more proud to support this unique development program.”

The Green Start Academy

by Adam Narivanchik, Sparrows Point Country Club The 2018 Green Start Academy, hosted by John Deere and Bayer, is a rare opportunity to network and hear from some of the most respected names in the golf course industry.

Throughout this event, attendees learned valuable skills to grow their own career, while producing the best possibly product for their golf course.

The application process was very thorough and included a 500-word minimum essay about upcoming trends that will shape the industry moving forward, a letter of recommendation, and a professional headshot of the attendee.

Panelists read through applications and recommended the top 50 assistants for the event. I was very fortunate to be selected to attend.

During the event attendees were presented with valuable information from current industry leaders including how to be ready for the job you want and keep it, career materials, motivating employees, developing business relationships, and the basics of building a budget.

The networking was the backbone of the event

in my opinion. Not only were there industry leaders, the assistants selected to participate are considered to be the elite throughout the entire United States and Canada. There were many people from different backgrounds scattered throughout the United States and Canada. Green Start Academy is a great platform to bring various backgrounds and differences of opinion.

The Green Start Academy has provided me with the information and confidence to invest in myself. We as turf care professionals don’t realize how much more our career is than just growing grass. This event demonstrated that elevation of one’s career is about who you know, how to present yourself, and individual choices and decisions lead to success.

Before the Green Start Academy, I was content in my position. I expected to meet interesting people and I believed that I was heading on a good path. However, after hearing the panelists presentations I understand that growth isn’t enough to just “go through the motions”. Career growth is dependent on individual choices and decisions

to improve. We as professionals need to constantly set goals and invest in ourselves to become the best we can be with no excuses for being stagnant in our careers.

In closing. I believe that the Green Start Academy is a great program with endless opportunities. Going through this process from start to finish was eye opening. Seeing the different backgrounds all come together for the same outcome shows how small knit the golf course community is. I would recommend for every assistant to apply for this program and get the experience you didn’t know you need.

Turfgrass Matters | Fall 2018 7

President’s Report continued again everything checked out fine. Hefty Lefty has a good ticker, but a noisy brain.

Many things contributed to the anxiety, but at the end of the day the job was the driving force. I had dug myself a deep hole to start the season on five pocketed greens. They were essentially scalped after nine inches of rain fell on them after our mid-May aeration was complete. The mechanical damage took a few days to rear its ugly head. The initial damage was gut wrenching and I then found myself in grow-in mode for the whole month of June. No real problem at this point, just simple embarrassment and a race against the calendar.

Once the July heat set in, we were along for the ride and I felt comfortable with where these five greens were. My new mid-summer goal was to get them back in normal condition by Labor Day. Once the last two heat waves were over after Labor Day my target goal of “normal” was pushed back to October 1st. The greens had held their own for the last 60 days, and I was proud that we grew turf through the thick of the summer. This is where the real fun began.

Four and a half inches of rain pushed out the heat after Labor Day and little did I know the sun was going to be gone for the next three weeks. Again, the greens handled the heat just fine, but the rain and lack of sun sent us down a tough spiral. There was virtually no response from weekly sprays and none of my tricks were working.

Even though I thought I was being defensive I was still providing my fair share of mechanical stress. Four outings a week and at least 150 rounds a day were the norm for us the whole month of September.

The one thing that was new to start the month of September was the gray leaf spot that was ravaging the rough. The disease showed up early in August, but really caught a head of steam during the first week of September. My best estimate is that we lost 40% of our rough in those final two weeks of summer, icing on the cake.

Long story short, for 12 summers I have prided myself on being able to ride the stress of a summer. This season showed me things I had never seen before. How on earth can a sand based green stay so wet? I had never been behind the curve to start a season before and never had my butt whooped in September like this year. Those extra 60 days showed me that I can handle 60-90 days of nonsense just not 120.

Now, I am still in planning mode, organizing and scheduling necessary repairs and improvements to the course. However, this off-season will be so much different than any one I’ve ever had before. I have to start planning on how to prevent this scenario from getting the best of me in the future. One thing that Galen Evans did so well was to try and center our education events on current topics and issues. Moving forward, the MAAGCS board will keep the same approach as we have speakers scheduled to address coping with stress. I am going to do my best to follow the doctors orders and eat healthier and exercise. Will this be enough?

One last remark goes out to my inner circle. These fellas know who they are and I could not have made it through this debacle of a season without your support. Many times you all made me feel like I wasn’t in this alone and you all were right in it with me. It’s pretty amazing that you could set aside time for me while you all were plenty busy dealing with your own responsibilities. A lot of our vendors served as therapists this year, and we must all take the time to thank them for being there for us. Also, my bosses never lurked over me, gave me the space and resources necessary to push through the season. We all hope that a good track record gives us some margin for error if we have a problem or make a mistake. “A baker is only as good as his last doughnut” or however it goes, so I better stop writing and get back out there grow some turf.

First Green continued parents and others who have helped chaperone the field trips.

“I’ve bumped into people at the grocery store or the gas station or even when they come to play at my golf course who have thanked me for the First Green, for what it’s teaching their kids and for what they’re all learning about the golf industry,” the 18-year GCSAA member says.

“It’s been really rewarding.”

During the Westminster National stop, students spent time at stations focused on water use and how golf courses employ this important resource. They used math skills to calculate the distance of various golf shots, examined soils found around the golf course and some of the pests that superintendents in the Mid-Atlantic deal with in maintaining their properties, and even tried their hand at putting, which for many was the first time they had ever held a golf club.

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Brandy Hunt is a physical education teacher at Eldersburg Elementary and worked with Kraushofer and the Mid-Atlantic chapter to organize the event. She says programs like First Green can pay immediate educational dividends for students.

“I’m a firm believer in tactile learning,” Hunt says. “I think kids need to move and get their hands on whatever it is they’re focusing on. So, I think this program really hits home. The kids are super excited to be here, and they’re definitely going to take home the message a lot more effectively because they’re seeing and feeling what it is we’re talking about.”

Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

USGA MAAGCS Fall Update – Paul Jacobs Don’t let a good crisis go to waste Without a doubt, 2018 will be remembered as one of the most challenging seasons in recent history. What began with extremely cold temperatures resulted in winterkill on bermudagrass throughout the region. The harsh winter weather was followed by a cool and wet spring, which resulted in slow recovery. However, cool season grasses did not have it easy either.

When summer finally arrived, it arrived with a vengeance. Frequent and heavy rain continued from spring through summer and was matched with high temperatures. Many facilities exceeded their plant protectant budgets and still experienced disease outbreaks and turf decline. Courses that stayed within their budget fared worse and are likely facing reestablishment and the subsequent costs. Now that cooler temperatures have arrived, it’s time to focus on recovery and what effects this challenging summer might have on next years’ conditions.

WEED PRESSURE: Regardless of what type of turf is being managed, weed pressure was high this year. Kyllinga, nutsedge, crabgrass and goosegrass populations exploded by late summer. For those that were unable to stay on top of post emergent applications, next year’s pressure will likely be high due to the increased quantity of seeds deposited into the soil this season. Be ready with timely preemergent applications and post emergent spot treatments.

Paul Jacobs USGA Green Section Agronomist

WINTER INJURY: Bermudagrass winter injury was a serious issue this spring, but most courses were able to recover with a combination of strategies, including elevated fertility levels, sprigging and sodding. Most of the sodding and sprigging was delayed until June because until then, bermudagrass growth was minimal. The lack of growth made it difficult to determine what was going to recover and what needed to be reestablished. Areas that were damaged last winter and appeared to recover this summer may not have the robust rhizome system required for winter survival. Practices to promote bermudagrass health will be critical this fall to decrease the likelihood for winter injury: • • • •

Increase the height of cut to at least 0.75 inches prior to first hard frost.

Eliminate all nitrogen fertilizer applications beginning in September.

Reduce cart traffic in areas where winter injury is problematic annually.

Treat preventatively for spring dead spot.

RECOVERY: Turf loss in low lying and poorly drained fairway areas was commonplace throughout the region due to prolonged periods of saturated conditions. Additionally, grey leaf spot and other fungal pathogens caused turf thinning in roughs. Where disease killed turf in the rough, crabgrass and other weeds (including bentgrass) filled the voids. Reestablishing a dense stand of turf this fall is critical to reduce weed pressure before preemergent applications next spring.

The challenges this year were plentiful, but don’t let a good crisis go to waste. During a tough year, weaknesses in infrastructure are often highlighted. Most areas that struggled this year were a result of inadequate drainage or poor growing environments. There is no better time than now to educate golfers why turf struggled in these areas and to make necessary improvements. Before long, the snow will be falling and golfers will have long forgotten the challenges of 2018.

Turfgrass Matters | Fall 2018 9

Stewards of the Chesapeake a Hit at Chevy Chase Club!

It was another exceptional event and Chevy Chase Club played an excellent host. Dean Graves, his assistant Chris Sandels and the entire staff had the golf course in superb condition for our annual Stewards of the Chesapeake event. With another sold-out field, 120 players got to experience a special afternoon while helping raise funds for turfgrass research. A special thank you goes out to all of the sponsors and staff at Chevy Chase Club that made this an unforgettable event.

The morning kicked off with registration and a surprise tee gift from CCC and Head Professional Jim Fitzgerald, a logoed hat for everyone in attendance supporting the event.

Breakfast was served on the patio followed by guest speaker Steve McDonald’s presentation.

After Steve’s presentation it was time for golf.

In the tournament the team of Lester Tanner, Cam Copley, Lance Ernst and Chris Sandels (along with his local knowledge) took home first

place. The format was a four-man shamble with two best ball net scores counting, and they carded a 115. Following golf was the reception that was staged beautifully on the lawn in front of the clubhouse, but a quick downpour forced a quick decision to move inside, a seamless transition for the Chevy Chase Club staff.

In the contests, Ken Shoots, Bo Jumbercotta, Lester Tanner and Tyler Bloom won closest to the hole on #4, #9, #12 & #15 respectively.

Steve McDonald blistered a drive on #8 for the longest of the day while Steve Smith won the putting contest.

A special thanks goes out Landscape Supply, the presenting sponsor for the event the past two years. Bo Jumbercotta addressed the crowd at the reception and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support the event and association. As always, proceeds from this event are used for turf research, advocacy and association initiatives. In 2018 MAAGCS committed $25,000 over five years to the

University of Maryland Turfgrass Pathology Research Fund, its purpose is to support turfgrass research infrastructure.

Another successful year in the books and it’s time to start preparing for 2019!

Results Champions Lester Tanner, Retired Cam Copley, Nufarm Lance Ernst, Turf Equipment and Supply Company Chris Sandels, Chevy Chase Club Long Drive #8 – Steve McDonald, Turfgrass Disease Solutions, LLC. Putting Contest Steve Smith, Columbia Country Club Closest to the Pin Contests #4 – Ken Shoots, Argyle Country Club #9 – Bo Jumbercotta, Landscape Supply #12 – Lester Tanner, Retired #15 – Tyler Bloom, Sparrows Point Country Club

Players and sponsors enjoying breakfast on the patio Bo Jumbercotta, Stephen Britton, Scott Furlong, Pete Wendt

Bridget Harashak & Samantha Abraham

Mark Merrick & Dean Graves 10

Chris Sandels, Lester Tanner, Cam Copley, Lance Ernst Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Match Play Championship Presented by Syngenta Stewards of the Chesapeake Sponsors Presenting

Awards Party Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

The third Annual Match Play Championship is complete. “Brothers from Another Mother” defeated “Made in America” 2 up in the final match that was played at Bulle Rock. A special thank you goes out to Sam Camuso and Syngenta for sponsoring the event and to everyone that participated. See you next year!

Results 1st Place Brothers from Another Mother Ralph Meola & Andrew Harrison 2nd Place Made in America Dave Nehila & Rich Sweeney Semifinalists Golf Czars Joe Haskins & Todd Cowing Water Dogs John Anderes & Jason Neal

Breakfast Sponsor

Other Sponsors Aqua-Aid, BioBoost, BASF, Davisson Golf, Inc., Floratine, Genesis Turfgrass, Helena Chemical, Noble Turf, Luck Ecosystems, M&M Consulting, Nufarm, Nutrien, Pocono Turf, PondHawk by LINNE Industries, Rain Bird, Textron

2019 GIS in San Diego Hotel Reservations Open Steve McDonald & Joe Haskins

Deadline to Reserve a Room is December 5th!

MAAGCS, ESAGCS & VGCSA will return to the Horton Grand Hotel in the Gaslamp District for the 2019 Golf Industry Show in San Diego.

Room availability begins on Feb. 2nd and runs through Feb 9th. Rates are $175 - $215 for a room (depending on date and beds requested).

Josh Berman, Tim Crowley, Adam Miller, Reid Mitchell

This cool New Orleans style hotel will also host our annual Social Event from 7-10 p.m. on Wednesday, February, 6th. Special entertainment will be provided by Lele Rose and you won’t want to miss it, so SAVE THE DATE!

Visit https://book.passkey.com/event/49665263/owner/14227/home to book a room and use Access Code: GISGCS0219263 Have a credit card ready to hold the room.

Turfgrass Matters | Fall 2018 11

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12

Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Letter from the Editor – Tyler Bloom Dear Members, So much for fall recovery as we’ve experienced first frost by the third week of October. I am sure like many of you, I’m ready to turn the page to 2019. Record breaking rainfall throughout the season challenged creativity, prioritization and daily operations. Most of all, it challenged all levels of employees, regardless of position.

I want to bring up a discussion about mental health that seems to be gaining more discussion in our industry. I personally dealt with a bit of mental funk in late July and early August, which I can attribute to sleep deprivation from a 4-5 month old who hasn’t figured out my sleep schedule.

We’re working on that! The golf season certainly tested patience and nerves. If there was one valuable lesson this year was how critical resonating positivity and calmness can set the tone for all — members, staff and other departments.

The 2019 Golf Industry Show has a number of seminars to discuss health, dealing with stress and developing strategies to improve your mental wellness. As we all start the “winter rehabilitation” process to regroup for the next season, setting yourself up for success starts with your own physical health. Registration is now open for GIS, so take a look. Your facility and team will be glad you did.

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

One of my goals in 2018 was to make exercise and mindfulness training a part of my daily routine.

Since January, I spend once to twice a week with a personal trainer, which has brought a new sense of energy, and something to look forward to. I have been more in tune with managing my time during the work week, and take some personal time to improve mentally and physically. I spend 10 minutes before the work shift focusing on breathing to clear my mind, and incorporate this practice throughout the day. Listening to podcasts such as Finding Mastery by world renown psychologist, Michael Gervais, has provided plenty of motivation. Simple integration into my work day has paid dividends in a season of relentless challenges.

Discussing the challenges with our peers can be a great source of therapy, and no one should feel ashamed. Reaching out to counseling is also another avenue to develop your plan. No one hesitates to reach out to agronomists from the USGA or Steve McDonald to develop strategies for our turf. Why not for our own personal health? Most health insurance companies will cover this cost, so utilize it. I can say that I have, and plan to reintegrate these coaching sessions over the winter.

Set your annual health check ups now. Three to four months until the doctor’s schedule is open puts us right back into the final days of winter.

I am by no means a health nut, and I enjoy the skills of our Executive Chef. However, asking your Executive Chef or Food and Beverage team to develop a prescribed program versus ordering off the menu at last second can be an effective method. I’ve enjoyed Pork belly sandwiches as much as anyone. Since April, I have lost 15 pounds and certainly feel a lot better.

Discussing these same issues with staff can be very helpful and continue to build your workplace culture to new levels. When your employees know you care about their personal success this can be the difference from jumping to a new company for a dollar more an hour.

I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy some of the MAAGCS events coming up including our Annual Meeting in December. Enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones, and take a break from the grind.

Turfgrass Matters | Fall 2018 13

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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Equipment Managers Report The Equipment Management section on the GCSAA website has recently seen an upgrade. There are now nine updated sections for your Equipment Manager or team to access education for no further fee.

The online video section has a plethora of information including equipment management series on demand, five minute fix videos are consistently updated to discuss a number of industry topics from hydraulic hoses, tire changes, height of cut accuracy and safety meetings. Conference education presentations are now included from the Golf Industry Show over the last three years.

How many times has your Equipment Manager said that staff is unaware of equipment protocol or safety? Your staff can also use frost delays and poor weather to view many of these topics for their own personal knowledge and safety. Many of the videos are less than 20-minutes, so it could be beneficial and create a supporting platform for your operations.

Starting in a new position or just need to start from scratch? There a handful of worksheet templates for equipment maintenance records, annual budget, service work orders, R&M budgets, equipment inventory and more. Safety resources such as equipment SDS and MSDS labels can be found here, too.

In addition, there are a number of prep courses offered online for the Turf Equipment Technician Certificate Program level 1. The program is made of eight exams covering cutting units, drivetrain systems, electrical systems, engine technology, hydraulic systems, metalworking and fabrication, spray systems, fundamentals of turfgrass operations.

Level 2 is being completed with expected December 2018 launch. In the state of Maryland, you can contact Tony Lewis or Turf Equipment and Supply for more information regarding testing.

Chlorpyrifos Update The U.S. Department of Justice has requested a rehearing of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision to direct the EPA to ban chlorpyrifos.

Last month, the court directed the EPA to uphold an Obama era decision that would ban the use of chlorpyrifos in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice had 60 days to appeal this decision before the chemical was banned. The 9th Circuit Court can rehear the case in front of a 22-judge panel instead of the three judges that made the original decision. If the court refuses to hear the case, the next step is a decision by the Supreme Court. At this point, there is no timeline for when the case will be resolved and it could be hung up in the courts for months.

professional fertilizer applicators more choices in the products they can use. Specifically, the new law:

If the EPA wins the decision and chlorpyrifos is not banned nationwide, it will be up to individual states to make that decision, if they choose.

Some Maryland legislators proposed a ban on chlorpyrifos last year and it was voted down by a slim margin. There is no doubt that the same legislation will be introduced this year if the EPA wins the judgement.

The Fertilizer Use Act of 2011—also known as Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law—authorizes the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program to regulate the use of fertilizer on turf not used for agricultural purposes. It requires both homeowners and lawn care professionals to follow University of Maryland fertilizer recommendations and use best management practices when fertilizing lawns. In addition, the law requires lawn care professionals to be licensed and certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture to apply fertilizer to the properties they manage. The department maintains a list of certified lawn care professionals along with additional information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law on its website at www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Fertilizer Changes The new regulations regarding the use of fertilizer products took effect on October 1, 2018 as a result of changes made to Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law during the 2018 session of the Maryland General Assembly.

The changes make the regulations regarding organic fertilizer products consistent with those for synthetic products. Additionally, they give

• Allows lawn care professionals to apply up to 0.5 pound of soluble or insoluble nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. from November 15 through December 1. Currently only soluble nitrogen is allowed during this time period.

• Removes the requirement that organic fertilizer products be “low phosphate.” The change allows these products to be applied according to University of Maryland recommendations and soil test results.

Turfgrass Matters | Fall 2018 15

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Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents

GCSAA Report – Chase Rogan SBA Hosts Regulatory Reform Roundtable I recently attended a Small Business Administration (SBA) Regulatory Reform Roundtable, at which small business representatives were afforded an opportunity to share their stories of how regulatory policy has affected small business. Approximately 50 attendees showed up to voice opinions, heard by a panel of representatives from the SBA Office of Advocacy. The conversation was interactive, and the panel listened deliberately, answered questions, and offered insights and follow up on presented matters.

The SBA Office of Advocacy is an internal office of the SBA and serves as the independent voice for small business within the federal government. In a nutshell, this office advocates on behalf of small business to ensure their regulatory feedback is noted. As part of their mission, the Office of Advocacy hosts roundtables across the country to gain valuable insights from small businesses in the field.

Through the follow up process, the office has specialists who engage with the businesses that bring forth concerns, making sure that the office understands the concern so that it can be addressed within the context and conversation of regulatory reform.

Industries showed up from manufacturing, transportation, construction, environmental engineering, cyber security, and others. As one individual brought up concerns regarding the WOTUS (Waters of the United States) rule, it provided an easy segue for me to speak of similar challenges within golf, citing the ambiguity of the definition of WOTUS and consequential lack of understanding of how the rule will be enforced. Likewise, I spoke to the industry’s challenges with labor shortages across the country, as well as industry use of the H-2B visa program. And one thing is for certain, we are not the only industry struggling to find labor.

Chase Rogan GCSAA Field Staff Mid-Atlantic Representative chaser@gcsaa.org 800-472-7878, ext. 3609

The office defines small business as fewer than 500 employees, thereby including nearly all golf course venues. While GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassadors program serves as a voice for representation within regulatory policy, the SBA Office of Advocacy can also help our industry, and have regional advocates across the country with which you can connect. Find more information at the SBA Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advocacy.

I learned that one of President Trump’s early policies on regulatory reform included a mandate to eliminate two federal regulations for every one new federal regulation imposed, which is a strategy to help small business growth. One of the most intriguing concerns that highlighted why the SBA Office of Advocacy is so important for considering the ramifications of regulations on small businesses was concerns over an issue with a change-order for the manufacturing of U.S. Naval Academy pea coats.

Turns out, the change-order will switch to synthetic jackets that will hurt U.S. small-business manufacturing, including the production of wool required for the classic pea coats used in the past.

Furthermore, the classic wool pea coats worn by officers are much more flame and heat resistant than their incumbent synthetic version, further puzzling the decision to make this switch. This meeting was a great learning experience.

Save this Date – February 20, 2019 MAAGCS Education Seminar Ten Oaks Ballroom, Clarksville, MD Turfgrass Matters | Fall 2018 17

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

Lebanon Turf Mid-Atlantic DryJect Oakwood Sod PondHawk by Linne Industries

Graden Growing Solutions Harrell’s

Rain Bird Sunbelt Synatek

Luck Ecosystems Newsome Seed

Pocono Turf VGM Club

Save this Date – Thursday, December 13, 2018 MAAGCS Annual Meeting — Registration Open

14600 Argyle Club Road Silver Spring, MD 20906

Host: Mike Barrett To Register Visit: http://www.maagcs.org/event-3113265 2018 Sponsorships Available Please contact Tyler Eastham for sponsorship opportunities. teastham@gmail.com 757-329-3577

18

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Turfgrass Matters | Fall 2018 19

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