QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
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WINTER 2015/16
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Feature Article: Changes To Fair Labor Standard Act Michigan Turfgrass Conference Recap
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QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
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WINTER 2015/16
Feature Profile: Brian Moore
Director of Agronomy at Forest Dunes & The Loop
Feature Article: Changes To Fair Labor Standard Act Michigan Turfgrass Conference Recap
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Course conditions | Winter 2015/16
Contents 4 5 6
MiGCSA Membership Report President’s Perspective The Time To Review Your Pay Practices Is Now
8 Calendar of Events 11 Turf School, Conference, and Field Day 13 2nd Annual Curling Fundraiser
Brian Moore, Director of Agronomy at Forest Dunes Golf Club
for Ice Research
15 Coming to a Land Parcel Near You 16 The Nightmare & The Dream’s
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Justin Bickel to Lead Michigan Golf Course Superintendents
17 From National, Course Conditions 18 Superintendent - Brian Moore 21 Holiday Parties, 2015 23 Industry Profile - Adam Garr, Syngenta 29 Off Course 30 Andy O’Haver - Assistant Superintendent 32 The MiGCSA at GIS 33 MiGCSA Scholarships 36 A Message from MTF 40 Association Update
23 Adam Garr, Territory Manager for Platinum Industry Partner Syngenta
30 Andy O’Haver, Assistant Superintendent, Meadowbrook County Club
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MiGCSA Membership Report
BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT JEFF HOLMES, CGCS - 2017 Western-Class A Egypt Valley C.C.
SUMMARY OF CLASSES
VICE PRESIDENT
JUSTIN BICKEL - 2017 Northern-Class A The Nightmare/Dream G.C. SECRETARY/ TREASURER
PAST PRESIDENT
MARK OSTRANDER - 2018 Western-Class A The Moors C.C. GREGG MATTHEWS - 2016 Greater Detroit-Class A Tam O’ Shanter C.C.
BOARD MEMBERS
BRAD FRY-2016 Western-Class A Harbor Shores Golf Club
JIM BLUCK, CGCS - 2016 Northern-Class A Forest Dunes
ROB STEGER, CGCS - 2018 Mid-Class A Saginaw C.C.
MIKE ROSEN-2018 Northern-Class A Ostego Club
JEFF SWEET, CGCS - 2017 Mid-Class A Bucks Run G.C.
DAN MAUSOLF - 2018 Mid-Class A Radrick Farms G.C.
DAVID J. PAWLUK, CGCS - 2018 Greater Detroit-Class A The Inn at St. John’s
DAN DINGMAN - 2017 Greater Detroit-Class A Birmingham Country Club
ASSISTANT LIAISON
TROY EVANS – 2018 Greater Detroit-Class C Bloomfield Hills Country Club
COMMUNICATIONS JUSTIN BICKEL COMMITTEE Chairman
JEFF SWEET, CGCS Vice Chairman
DAN MAUSOLF MIKE MAUSOLF COLLIN ROMANICK ROB STEGER AL LYNCH
Course Conditions is published 4 times a year by the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association. Opinions expressed by guest writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the MiCGSA. For more information on Course Conditions or the MiGCSA please contact us at info@migca.org, 1-888-3-MiGCSA or 316 Glencarin Dr. NE, Rockford, MI 49341.
Class A Class SM Class C Class AA Class AFF Class EM (formerly D) Class E Class R Class SA TOTAL
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP
WINTER 2015 MEMBERSHIP
247 67 94 33 158 50 16 9 28
249 68 104 31 167 40 19 12 35
731
751
Please log in to your account at www.migcsa.org to renew your membership for 2016. If you are unsure of your status contact us at info@migcsa.org or 1-888-3-MiGCSA.
Course conditions | Winter 2015/16
President’s Perspective Happy New Year to all! I hope each and everyone of you are blessed with a great season. This is my last official president’s letter to the membership. I have been an active association member for several years, but reflecting back it seems like the year of being president is a blur. All for the good I might add; I would not trade back any of the experiences. I have talked about getting involved before so I won’t spend much time on it, but I truly believe that what you put into something is what you will get in return and more. I feel that I have been rewarded by two fold, if not more, for the time and effort that I have put into the association. A simple phone call from someone, meeting new people and continuing friendships, participating in meetings that I would never had thought of attending, stepping out of the comfort zone and feeling comfortable. What a great association we have and it is because of each and every one of you. JEFF HOLMES, CGCS This association would not be what it is without each and everyone being a member. So with that being said you have taken your first step to being involved, Thank you for that. May your comfort zone and involvement continue to develop. The association is in great shape financially and will continue to be with the new leadership of the board. As voted on and reported to you Justin Bickel is the new President with Mark Ostrander as Vice President. Dan Dingman is the secretary/ treasure. New members to the board are Jeff Hopkins and Doug Ware. The rest of the directors are returning board members which really brings some solid continuity to the board meetings which in the end directs the path of the association. What a great bunch of people and excellent progressive thinkers. Thank you to everyone serving on the board and joining the board. We say goodbye to Brad Fry, who finished his term out and at this time decided not to rerun. Thank you Brad for your time and efforts put forth for the association. Moving into an elite group of past president alumni is Gregg Matthews and I would like to say Thank you for paving the way for me to serve as president. I feel very good about what the association has accomplished so far in its’ young age and there are many ideas and doors to open yet. This association and it’s membership is just getting started toward big things that can and will happen. As I step into the shadow of past president I still plan to remain an active member in an association that I truly believe in. Thank you for allowing me to serve your association as President. Certainly any successes that I did accomplish are a credit to Adam Ikamas our executive director and the entire board of directors. This association machine does not run by one person alone and is a credit to all the committees and board members participation. Let’s have a prosperous 2016 and continue to grow the game of golf.
Respectfully,
Jeff Holmes, CGCS Golf Course Superintendent Egypt Valley Country Club President, MiGCSA
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WITH CHANGES TO FAIR LABOR STANDARD ACT ON THE HORIZON,
THE TIME TO REVIEW YOUR PAY PRACTICES IS NOW AUTHORS: REBECCA L. STRAUSS AND ALIYYA RIZLEY
On July 6, 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division released its much anticipated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding overtime exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposed rules significantly narrow the availability of exemptions from overtime pay under the FLSA by increasing the minimum weekly salary for the executive, administrative and professional exemptions. The impending changes to the FLSA’s white collar exemptions should prompt golf courses to review their pay practices to ensure that employees who are currently classified as exempt meet all of the requirements for an exemption under the FLSA. Further, establishments that employ individuals who will need to be reclassified as non-exempt should start planning for how they will compensate these newly non-exempt employees and review their policies regarding overtime and “off-theclock” work to ensure that exposure for overtime costs is limited.
White Collar Exemptions Under the Current Regulations Under the current FLSA regulations, an employee is exempt from overtime pay if (1) he or she has the “primary duty” of performing executive, administrative, or professional duties, and (2) she earns a predetermined and fixed salary of at least $455 per week, or $23,660 annually (the so-called Salary Basis Test). An employee is also exempt from overtime pay if he or she earns at least $100,000 in total annual compensation and performs at least some of the duties covered by the administrative, executive or professional exemptions.
The Salary Basis Test Under The New Regulations Under the proposed new rules, the Department has more than doubled the standard salary level for white-
collar employees to $921 per week, or $47,892 annually. The proposed salary requirement for highly compensated employees has increased to $122,148 annually. The Department has also proposed a mechanism to automatically update the salary thresholds on an annual basis. Under the proposed new rules, the standard salary level for exempt executive, administrative or professional employees would be equal to the 40th percentile of earnings for full-time salaried workers. The proposed salary requirement for highly compensated employees would be equal to the 90th percentile of earnings for fulltime salaried workers. The proposed regulations will likely not become final and effective until sometime in late 2016 or early 2017. The salary thresholds contained in the Department’s Final Rule will likely be close to $970 per week or $50,440 annually, if the regulations become effective in 2016.
The Primary Duty Requirement In addition to the salary basis requirements discussed above, in order to qualify as an exempt, white collar employee, an employee must have the “primary duty” of performing executive, administrative, or professional duties. “Primary duty” means the principal, main, major or most important duty that the employee performs. Determination of an employee’s primary duty must be based on all the facts in a particular case, with the major emphasis on the character of the employee’s job as a whole. While many anticipated proposed changes to the primary duties tests in addition to the salary basis requirement, the proposed rule does not make any specific recommendations to modify the standard duties tests. Notably, however, the Department sought public comment on whether the tests are working as intended to screen out employees who are not bona fide executive, administrative or professional employees. In particular, the Department has noted its concern that the current tests may allow exemption of employees who
Course conditions | Winter 2015/16
are performing a “such a disproportionate amount of nonexempt work that they are not [exempt white-collar] employees in any meaningful sense.” While changes to the primary duties tests do not appear to be imminent, it is important that golf courses review and understand the primary duties tests in order to ensure that their exempt, white collar employees are properly classified. Executive Duties. In order to qualify for the executive employee exemption, an employee’s primary duty must be managing the enterprise or a customarily recognized department or subdivision of the enterprise. Generally, “management” includes, but is not limited to, activities such as interviewing, selecting, and training of employees; setting and adjusting their rates of pay and hours of work; directing the work of employees; maintaining production or sales records for use in supervision or control; appraising employees’ productivity and efficiency for the purpose of recommending promotions or other changes in status; handling employee complaints and grievances; disciplining employees; planning the work; determining the techniques to be used; apportioning the work among the employees; determining the type of materials, supplies, machinery, equipment or tools to be used or merchandise to be bought, stocked and sold; controlling the flow and distribution of materials or merchandise and supplies; providing for the safety and security of the employees or the property; planning and controlling the budget; and monitoring or implementing legal compliance measures. An executive employee generally must customarily and regularly direct the work of at least two or more other full-time employees or their equivalent and have the authority to hire or fire other employees. Administrative Duties. To qualify for the administrative exemption, an employee’s primary duty must be the performance of office or non-manual work directly related to the management or general business operations of the employer or the employer’s customers. Work “directly related to management or general business operations” includes, but is not limited to, work in functional areas such as tax; finance; accounting; budgeting; auditing; insurance; quality control; purchasing; procurement; advertising; marketing; research; safety and health; personnel management; human resources; employee benefits; labor relations; public relations; government relations; computer network, Internet and database administration; legal and regulatory compliance; and similar activities. The employee’s primary duty must
also include exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance. Factors to consider in determining whether an employee exercises discretion and independent judgment include, but are not limited to: whether the employee has authority to formulate, affect, interpret, or implement management policies or operating practices; whether the employee carries out major assignments in conducting the operations of the business; whether the employee performs work that affects business operations to a substantial degree; whether the employee has authority to commit the employer in matters that have significant financial impact; and whether the employee has authority to waive or deviate from established policies and procedures without prior approval. Professional Duties. An employee properly classified as exempt under the learned professional exemption must have a primary duty of performing work requiring advanced knowledge, meaning work which is predominantly intellectual in character and which includes work requiring the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment. In addition, the advanced knowledge must be in a field of science or learning and the advanced knowledge must be customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction. Alternatively, to qualify for the creative professional employee exemption, the employee’s primary duty must be the performance of work requiring invention, imagination, originality or talent in a recognized field of artistic or creative endeavor.
The Recreational Establishment Exemption In addition to the white-collar exemptions discussed above, those operating golf courses should be aware that employees might also be exempt by way of the FLSA’s exemption for seasonal amusement or recreational establishments. Section 13(a)(3) of the FLSA provides an exemption from its minimum wage and overtime provisions for “any employee employed by an establishment which is an amusement or recreational establishment, if (A) it does not operate for more than seven months in any calendar year, or (B) during the preceding calendar year, its average receipts for any six months of such year were not more than 33-1/3 per centum of its average receipts for the other six months of such year.” To be exempt, an employee must simply be “employed by” the exempt establishment. Notably, if the
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concessionaire and host establishment constitute a single establishment, as is usually the case, the exemption applies on the basis of all the operations of the establishment, including those of the concessionaire. However, central functions of an organization operating more than one such establishment, as in the case of employees of a central office, warehouse, garage, or commissary which serves a chain of exempt “amusement or recreational” establishments, would not be within the exemption under Section 13(a)(3).
Next Steps For Employers At this stage the proposed changes to the FLSA white collar regulations are proposed, not final. However, there are some important steps that employers should be taking right now to determine the future impact of the revised regulations on operations and finances and ensure compliance with the impending regulations: • Employers should work with wage and hour counsel to conduct an audit of their workforce and determine which employees may no longer be considered exempt due to the proposed regulations. This opportunity should also be utilized to review the primary duties of all employees that are currently classified as exempt to ensure that they are properly classified.
• If the audit reveals that employees will need to be reclassified after the proposed regulations become final, or that employees are otherwise improperly classified, employers will need to determine exactly how to compensate newly exempt employees (i.e. on an hourly basis, salary basis, or by some other method). • Employers may need to budget for salary increases and/or increased overtime costs in the near future. However, they should also review their pay policies to ensure that the policies appropriately limit their exposure for overtime costs. Policies should make clear that overtime may not be performed without supervisory permission, that discipline will result if overtime is worked without permission, and that “offthe-clock” work is strictly prohibited. The authors practice employment law with Miller Johnson, a full-service law firm with offices in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. They work with employers to meet many human resource challenges and most commonly work on issues regarding wage and hour, disability, discrimination, FMLA, harassment, employee handbook revisions, and litigation. The authors can be contacted at (269) 226-2986 (Rebecca Strauss) or (616) 831-1700 (Aliyya Rizley).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 - Spring Management Meeting (The Inn at St. John’s, Plymouth) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 - Spring Management Meeting (Egypt Valley C.C., Ada) THURSDAY, MARCH 24 - Spring Management Meeting (Tree Tops, Gaylord) MONDAY, APRIL 25 - Spring Opener (Gull Lake C.C., Richland) MONDAY, MAY 9 - Can-Am Tournament (Forest Lake C.C., Bloomfield Hills) MONDAY, MAY 23 – Wee One Fundraiser (Wuskowhan Players Club, West Olive)
Please visit www.MiGCSA.org for all of the latest and most up to date information. You can quickly and easily register for events, view past issues of Course Conditions, browse and post items for sale, post and browse classifieds, and so much more. If you need help logging in email us at info@migcsa.org
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T O M i G C S A’ S 2 0 1 5 I N D U S T R Y P A R T N E R S SU P P O R T T H E C O M P A N I E S T H A T SU P P O R T YO U R A SSO C I A T I ON
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE INDUSTRY PARTNER PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT THE MIGCSA AT INFO@MIGCSA.ORG OR 1-888-3-MIGCSA
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Course conditions | Winter 2015/16
Turf School, Conference, and Field Day BY KEVIN FRANK
D
ecember and January were busy months Thomas Green teaching the turfgrasss ID lab full of turfgrass education programming. The Turf School short-course was held the Schweihofer, and Jesse Shaver. Thanks to all for presenting week of December 14th at the Kellogg Center. Turf and if you’re interested in presenting in the Innovative School is a four-day course designed to teach the basics Superintendents session next year please let me know. of turfgrass science as well as the practical techniques of There are many people that make the conference a managing turfgrass. The school was instructed by MSU success. The conference committee: Amy Fouty, Brian turfgrass faculty and staff. The curriculum is designed Schweihofer, Dan Mausolf, Marc Stine, and Becky Schoch to deliver a wide range of turfgrass management topics all deserve a huge thank you for their efforts. I’d also like including soils, turfgrass species identification, selection and to thank all the moderators for taking the time out of their physiology, turf establishment and renovation, fertilization, conference schedule to direct sessions: Rob Pylar, Dr. weeds, diseases, and insects. We had a record 90 Ron Calhoun, Kim McKenzie, Mark Frever, Al Bathum, attendees almost equally split among golf, lawn care, and Dan Mausolf, Bob Reed, Seth Stern, Carey Mitchelson, grounds managers. Due to demand Turf School has been and Jim Bogart. Special thanks also to Dave Ertl and scheduled again for Dec. 12-16, 2016. Steve Hammon from Traverse City CC for coordinating The Michigan Turfgrass Conference was held Jan. 5-7, the Equipment Technicians sessions and Troy Evans 2016 and had an outstanding turnout again this year as the for coordinating the Assistant Superintendents session. conference continues to grow in now it’s 4th year at the The silent auction to benefit the MTF Rieke/Professors Kellogg Center. We had many great speakers from out of Endowment was a huge success thanks to the efforts of state including; Chris Tritabaugh, Steve Keating, Dr. Beth Doug Johanningsmeier. Mark your calendars for the 2017 Guertal, Tim VanLoo, Gary Grigg, Dr. Lee Berndt, Pat conference, Jan. 3-5. Jones, Bruce Jump, Bob Vavrek and Dr. Leah Brilman. The Although August seems like a distant dream in January, Innovative Superintendents session was held on Thursday afternoon and the room was packed to hear presentations mark your calendars for the Turfgrass Field Day Aug. 10, 2016. from Dan Dingman, Dennis Ross, Aaron McMaster, Brian Dr. Jim Crum teaching soils at Turf School
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2nd Annual Curling Fundraiser for Ice Research
T
he MiGCSA was back to the Detroit Curling Club on January 22nd thanks to MiGCSA and Detroit Curling Club Member Ryan Moore. This year there were two starting times 11:00 and 1:00 with pizza and salad lunch served in between. With close to 40 registered and many being returns from last year it really was a great day. Detailed instruction was provided along with on ice
New MiGCSA Secretary-Treasurer Dan Dingman was a natural
Maybe a new tradition for all MiGCSA events
training for everyone. Look for this to become an annual event returning next year, January of 2017.
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Coming to a Theater Land Parcel N ear You BY PAUL ALBANESE, ASGCA
After watching the HBO series Project Greenlight, a one-hour weekly show that documents the process of creating a real Hollywood movie, I began to ponder the strikingly similar process of making a movie and creating a golf course, which I design for a living. Golf courses and movies both stem from the creative process, and both films and movies are artistic endeavors requiring the combined efforts of many people. Films and golf courses are mediums by which artists express their values, opinions and beliefs, as well as vehicles by which investors hope to make a profit. Both forms of art/commercial enterprise have similarities, including the key players, which are critical to whether a film or golf project receives Oscar from the Academy of Motion Pictures or a “Best Of” award from Golf Magazine or Golf Digest. Looking at these respective artistic genres in a comparative light will show that the artistic process, no matter which medium, is often enjoyable, frustrating and rewarding. So, for the upcoming editions of 2016, I will compare the parallel imaginative roles and facets involved with movie making and golf course creating. After watching a movie that inspires me, I often wonder: who was truly responsible for creating the powerful response from my emotions? While observing the credits, as hundreds of names scroll down the screen, I ask myself: would the movie have changed perspective had different actors played different roles? Or, how the movie may have been translated differently by another director, and thereby have created a better or worse experience for me. Similarly, after playing a golf course that truly inspires me, I again become curious as to who was responsible for the pleasant (or unpleasant) experience. Just as with a film, there are hundreds of people involved in the process of creating a golf course. And, just as with film, a golf course would have a different feel or character or quality, depending on the people involved in its creation. Producer/Owner: Movie Producers and Golf Course Owners are cut from the same cloth. The Producer of a movie and the Owner of a golf course are the people that have a creative vision, and are willing to take a risk in order to make that vision a reality. The producer of a movie and owner of a golf course both understand that it takes a talented team of creative professionals to generate a well-received project. Successful golf course owners and movie producers appreciate the key to success is entrusting the professional team assembled to create a work of art – with their money. This is not to say that Owners and Producers cannot play duel roles in these creative processes. Often, a Producer of a movie or an Owner of a golf course will wear two hats. For example, Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg is often the producer as well as the director of films, such as 1993 Oscar winning film Shindlers List.
On the golf course side, Owners such as Michigan’s Ron Otto at Garland, are known to have financed their successful projects, as well as having done the design work as well. The Producer/Owner of a film or golf course is the most critical role for these respective artistic endeavors. Without these visionary risk takers, there would be no project. Their vision is what drives the process, and makes the project a reality. Quality Producers and Owners both know that it requires a team effort to truly create a great film or golf course. And, to this end, the Owner/Producer will seek out the best players for each role, and give them the freedom to do what they do best. Next edition: Writers, Directors, Architects, and Builders. Tweet you thoughts to @paul_albanese or send feedback to our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/AlbaneseLutzke-123667061018123/
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The Nightmare & The Dream’ s Justin Bickel to Lead Michigan Golf Course Superintendents EAST LANSING – Justin Bickel, the Class A Golf Course Superintendent at The Nightmare, The Dream and West Branch County Club in West Branch has been elected as the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA) Chapter President for 2016. The MiGSCA held its annual elections on Tuesday January 5th at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing during the Michigan Turfgrass Conference. Other officers elected to the MiGSCA board include Vice President Mark Ostrander, Superintendent at The Moors Country Club in Portage, and Secretary/Treasurer Dan Dingman, Superintendent at Birmingham Country Club in Birmingham. The election marked the end of board service for Past President (2014) Gregg Matthews, Technical Field Representative for Residex and former Superintendent at Tam-O-Shanter Country Club in West Bloomfield. Brad Fry, Superintendent at Harbor Shores Golf Club also came to the end of his term at this meeting. Doug Ware, Superintendent for the City of Livonia was elected to the Board to represent the Detroit District. Jim Bluck, CGCS, Superintendent at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club in Arcadia was reelected to represent the Northern District. Jeff Hopkins, Superintendent at Muskegon Country Club in Muskegon was also elected to represent the Wester District. The MiGCSA is “dedicated to providing value to our members through programs and services that enhance and promote our profession.” The MiGCSA has more than 750 Members in Michigan and is managed by Adam Ikamas, CGCS Executive Director, who can be contacted at adamikamas@migcsa.org, 1-888-3-MiGCSA.
. Course conditions | Winter 2015/16 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | WWW.MiGCSA.ORG
FROM NATIONAL
Course Conditions BY SHANE CONROY
SHANE CONROY
As the winter season begins to wind-down I hope you all had a chance to enjoy the winter months and set up plans for the upcoming golf season. To all of those who attended the GIS, I hope you had a great time networking with peers and friends, and were able to bring ideas back to your facility. If you have not done so, please complete the after conference survey as this helps us plan future GIS events.
As we start the new season, I want to ask you: is your equipment technician a member of GCSAA? Like the superintendent profession, the role of the equipment manager has evolved over recent years. Equipment managers play a crucial role in the golf course management operation team, and are vital to the success of a facility. With equipment technology changing and greater demand than ever from golfers for tournament quality conditions, it’s important for equipment managers to be up-todate with the latest trends, techniques and education. GCSAA is helping to do just that by not only offering an Equipment Manager classification within GCSAA, but offering equipment managers all the value and benefits that come with GCSAA membership. Creating a GCSAA Equipment Manager Classification helps give the profession an identity within the association, and it gives the equipment manager the resources available to perform their job at the highest level. The MiGCSA clearly knows the advantages of proper networking, as they have had an EM classification within the association for some time now. Communicating with other industry professionals gives us access to information and insight from some of the best in the business. EM’s have numerous responsibilities at their facilities: training employees on equipment use and care, creating equipment budgets and schedules, communicating with vendors and forecasting future equipment needs are only a few of these tasks. Taking the networking and idea sharing to a national level will only increase the EM’s knowledge and efficiency. There are multiple education programs available for equipment managers through GCSAA. Webcasts, video links, GIS sessions and seminars are all available to all equipment managers who become GCSAA members. There are also certificate programs available to equipment managers which gives them access to the latest education. These certificate programs cover six different areas: hydraulics, electrical, internal combustion, drivelines, chemical sprayers and cutting units. EM’s can earn their certificates by completing the courses and successfully passing the exam. Equipment managers also have access to all the soft skill education programs GCSAA offers as well. Many EM’s are responsible for creating budgets and training employees, it’s important they have the proper training in business development, HR, and people management, all of which is offered through GCSAA. I also want to give you a quick update on WOTUS at the time of writing. As of right now, the WOTUS/Clean Water Rule has been put on hold nationwide by the 6th Circuit Court out of Cincinnati. The rule will most likely be determined in the courts moving forward, and the nationwide hold could end at any moment, but for now the rule is currently not in effect. Once I hear new information on WOTUS/Clean Water Rule I will communicate that to the association. Best of luck for the upcoming season, I look forward to meeting many more of you as the year moves on. Respectfully, Shane Conroy
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Brian
Moore
Brian Moore has been the Director of Agronomy at Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon since mid-May of 2015. Brian grew up in Westchester County, New York where his father was a Superintendent for 40 years. He attended a small State school in upstate New York and studied Geology. In 2007 he went back and enrolled in Rutgers Two-year program.
1. WHERE WAS THE FIRST COURSE YOU WORKED ON? Knollwood Country Club in Elmsford NY. What was your first job on that course? Mowing greens or raking bunkers. I would help my father out a bit in the mornings and then go caddy. When did you know that this was a job you wanted to do as a career? In my early 20’s when I realized I wasn’t meant to sit behind a desk or be stuck inside all day. What was your favorite job that first summer on a course? Mowing greens, I found it to be really peaceful and serene to be out there before play. 2. WHAT PART OF THAT EDUCATION DO YOU USE MOST OFTEN ON THE JOB? I’m a big soils guy, probably from my years of studying Geology. So probably, Soils, Soil Fertility and Plant Physiology is what I use the most. 3. WHAT COURSE DID YOU GO TO AFTER COLLEGE? Merion Golf Club Who was the first Superintendent at that course? Matt Shaffer was the Director of Golf and Ryan Tuxhorn was the Superintendent of the East Course at the time. What did you learn from that Superintendent in the first year? Water Management, the Mid-Atlantic region is a tough environment for growing Cool-Season grasses. 4. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? To represent its members in a professional manner and help grow my Michigan professional network. What are your expectations from the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation? To continue to provide leadership in our Industry and funding for scientific research.
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5. HOW HAVE YOU GIVEN BACK TO YOUR PROFESSION? Sharing my knowledge and past experiences with students enrolled in Turf Programs. Also training countless Interns and preparing them to become Assistants. 6. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR SPECIAL INTERESTS? Landscape photography, playing hockey and skiing. What is your favorite sports related movie? Rudy, I’m a big time Irish fan! What is your favorite non-golf sport? Baseball. What do you do in your spare time? Love being outside, I enjoy hiking and exploring nature. Also love photography. 7. WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF YOUR JOB? Managing the staff and keeping the team motivated. Also managing member/guest expectations. What is the easiest part of your job? Growing the grass.. 8. HOW MANY CREW MEMBERS DO YOU HAVE ON YOUR GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE STAFF? We’ll be close to 30 next year on our staff. Who makes you laugh the most on your crew? Dan Darling, our mechanic. Constant one liners and words of wisdom can put a smile on me even in the toughest of times. What type of irrigation system do you have and approximately how many irrigation heads? We are operating Toro Lynx centrals on both courses with LTC Plus controllers and 1500 heads on the Forest Dunes course and the Two-wire decorder system and 800 heads on The Loop. What is the cultural management practice you could not do without? Verticutting, grooming or brushing. With theses new Bentgrass varieties you cannot be afraid to get aggressive with them to produce a true putting surface. 9. DO YOU PLAY GOLF? WHAT IS YOUR HANDICAP? I love playing golf, its what got me into this business. The handicap has struggled through the years, playing to a 12 now. What is your favorite golf hole you have played? That’s a tough one, #6 at Chicago Golf Club I just absolutely love that green complex. What is your favorite golf course that you have played? Chicago Golf Club, just pure golf and how the game was
meant to be played. What is the toughest golf course you have played? Merion Golf Club, east course. Very penal, everywhere you have to put the ball trouble is lurking. What golf course would you love to experience once in your lifetime? St. Andrews Old Course, it doesn’t get much purer than that.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE IN YOUR ARSENAL FOR GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT? Procore 648 it’s a real game changer. What piece of equipment would you like to add to your arsenal for golf course management? Where do you start, probably a Wiedenmann Super Sweeper. 11. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING SUPERINTENDENTS TODAY? Labor and finding good help. What do you believe the biggest issue will be in the future? Labor and finding good help. 12. WHO INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST ABOUT TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT? My father and the past Superintendents I’ve worked for. Matt Shaffer and Ryan Tuxhorn at Merion, Jamie Kapes at Woodway Country Club and Scott Bordner at Chicago Golf. I’ve been blessed to work for some really bright guys. Even though all of them have worked and learned under Matt Shaffer, they all took different aspects of that program with them onto their current courses. Who is the greatest influence in your personal life? My father, he was a Superintendent for 40+ years. I’ve learned so much from him through the years, not just agronomics and cultural practices, but more importantly how to be a better manager and deal with all the stress. 13. WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED IN THE GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT PROFESSION? Water management is by far the most valuable thing I’ve learned through my career.
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14. HOW DO YOU RATE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT’S ROLE AND INFLUENCE IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY? Where would the golf industry be with out them? We are the heart and soul of the industry, we are the ones who are out there everyday striving to make it the best we can. 15. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR TIME IS DEVOTED TO NON-AGRONOMIC GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT? This past season not much due to the course construction, but moving forward if I could keep it under 30% I’d be happy! 16. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE ROLE OF AN ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT? Having a great Assistant is key; they help aid in the management of the staff and are another set of eyes out there. What is your opinion of the role of the golf course mechanic/technician? Probably the most important member of the staff you can have. A great mechanic can make you look that much better and it doesn’t take much for it to go south. You cannot maintain the turf if the equipment is not running.. 17. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF WALKING A GOLF COURSE VS. RIDING A GOLF COURSE IN TODAY’S GAME? I’d much rather walk than ride, it helps with establishing a rhythm out there and I feel you see more of the course.
REASONS TO USE
MILORGANITE
18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE CONCERNING GOLF COURSE ETIQUETTE? Pace of play, it drives me crazy. Really, a 5 hour round, come on! 19. WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS OF GREEN SPEED AND THE GAME OF GOLF TODAY? They need to match better with the contours and slopes of the course. I have no problem with greens rolling 12-13+ as long as they match your facility, nobody likes putting off a green and not to mention what it does to pace of play. The greens should dictate what speed is tolerable and not what the course down the road is doing. For me most importantly I feel consistent speed from green to green and true ball roll are key.
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VISIT US AT BOOTH 4340 GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW SAN DIEGO - FEB 10TH & 11TH
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Course conditions | Winter 2015/16
Holiday Parties, 2015 In all more than 150 members, family and friends attended the Detroit, Western and Mid Holiday parties this December. Along with this attendance more than 100 toys were donated to the Toys for Tots program to help a bunch of kids have a better Christmas. Thank you to all who attended and especially those who made a donation.
Hard to find a chair during the Mid Party at Bottoms Up in Holly
MiGCSA President Jeff Holmes and MTF Board Member Al Bathum at the Western Party.
The Detroit Event at The Lodge at Keego Harbor
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Adam Garr Adam Garr is the Territory Manager for Platinum Industry Partner Syngenta. He is the former Superintendent at Plum Hollow Country Club. Adam has a B.A. in English from the University of Michigan, where he originally attended with plans to become a teacher. He then followed that up with a 2-year certificate from Michigan State University in Golf Turfgrass Management. He and his family live in Novi. SO WHO DO YOU ROOT FOR ON GAME DAY? It’s been pretty easy to cheer for Sparty over the last few years! We are a Michigan State family, through and through. ARE YOU MARRIED, IF SO HOW LONG AND WHAT IS YOUR SPOUSE’S NAME? I am happy to announce that Michelle and I are getting married this year. Being that this is a second marriage for both of us, we are going the more unconventional route and eloping with our children. We are all crazy excited but keeping a lot of the details of the ceremony to ourselves. DO YOU HAVE ANY CHILDREN? WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES AND AGES? I have two girls. Ella is 9 and Lila is 8. They are 14 months apart and often get mistaken for twins. Michelle has two boys. Max is 6 and Ben is 4. So it’s fair to say, we have our own version of the “Brady Bunch” and it can get a little chaotic when we have all four of them! We’ve branded ourselves the “3+3 gang” and that’s how all our friends and family affectionately refer to us as. The kids have blended together better than we ever could have envisioned. Divorce can be difficult on kids, but they have a lot of new people in their lives who love them, and I honestly believe that we are all better now because of it. HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN THE GOLF BUSINESS? Like a lot of people, I found it by accident. My first job on a golf course was at a 9-hole municipality while I was attending school to become a teacher. I didn’t grow up around the game, but I loved being outdoors, working hard and being hands on, and being able to step back
at the end of the day and see what we got accomplished. It called to me louder than teaching. Now that my role within the industry has changed, I appreciate different aspects of the profession: building some really great relationships with some of the best people in the business, being part of a solution to a superintendent’s problem with a product, helping to develop an agronomic program for the year with someone, and being able to see some of the greatest golf courses in the country on a daily basis. WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE? My grandfather, Harold Campbell, probably played more of a role than anyone in shaping me into the man I am today. Although he passed away more than 10 years ago, the lessons he taught me have stuck and continually play in my head. He wrote me dozens of letters over the years that were purpose-driven with life lessons in them, and whenever I feel like I’ve lost my way it’s nice to go back to them. More than anything, my grandfather taught me to treat people fairly and with respect. He always wanted to believe that people had the best intentions. Grandpa Campbell definitely had more of a light-hearted approach to life, the right mix of humor and seriousness, and that’s something I’ve tried to emulate as a person, a father, a friend, and an industry professional. PLEASE DESCRIBE IN DETAIL ONE TRUE FUNNY STORY FROM YOUR CAREER THAT YOU SHARE OFTEN WHEN IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY. It was the middle of summer and the course was packed. The irrigation radio
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wasn’t working, so I was forced to use the satellite boxes to turn on the heads. I was near the tenth green waiting for a twosome to finish putting so I could cool the green off. I had the station number dialed up and my finger on the “Start” button. These guys were taking forever and I noticed they had parked their cart on the edge of the green. As they started walking back to their cart, I shifted my feet and accidentally pushed the “Start” button on the irrigation. I totally blasted one of them in the chest with the big stream of the sprinkler! Not only that, their cart was parked right next to the head so their clubs got a good shot of Rouge River water too. I panicked and turned the water off and put my hands up to show that it was an accident. I drove over with my tail between my legs to apologize but they just laughed and told me they “had it coming for parking too close to the green.” So instead of yelling at me, they actually acknowledged that they deserved it! WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING SUPERINTENDENTS TODAY? Speaking from experience, I’m going with the ever-shrinking budget and its negative impact on course conditioning. I came from a club with a modest budget, but the club mentality was to compete with the larger, more prestigious clubs while trying to operate with ½ of their budget. I’m here to tell you that you can’t do more with less. You can do less with less! But you can’t tell a perfectionist superintendent that. All those detailing projects that can’t get done within the normal hours now fall on the shoulders of the superintendent and the assistant. The hours get longer, the equipment gets older, it gets more difficult to find good labor, and when you get it done with less they go and cut your budget again! When I started at my former club in 2003, we had 26 staff in the summer. When I left in 2015, we had half that number. But the expectations never diminished, they only went higher. I am about six months removed from being a superintendent, and I still find myself losing sleep thinking about golf course projects from my past life needing to get done. I really feel for the guys out there killing themselves to achieve a standard that doesn’t meet an economic reality. As a Territory Manager for Syngenta, my new challenge is helping the superintendent succeed without breaking his budget. Preaching quality and value in a branded product because I know that a superintendent’s time is money and I don’t want him on a sprayer every 10 days when he has a thousand other things he can be getting done on the golf course instead!
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? The job of superintendent is so much more than just “growing grass.” To quote an old blog post of mine: at any given moment a superintendent can be expected to be “a motivator, a scientist, a counselor, a disciplinarian, a politician, and a psychologist— sometimes all at the same time.” There are some incredibly talented folks working in the turf industry, and I expect the MiGCSA to help promote them to be seen by the public for hardworking, professional people that they are. I would love the MiGCSA to play a role in shattering the perception that we are all just a bunch of Carl Spacklers or “guys mowing grass.” I would ask the MiGCSA to be our platform, to be our voice in the crowd, to showcase the amazing professionals that work in our industry, and how we are all doing our part to be stewards of not just the game, but the environment as well. WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE TO DECISION MAKERS WHEN DOING BUSINESS? The price tag on a product or service is something that should be considered, but it should not be the only thing. Quality, value, and performance count for a lot, too! WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING IN AN INDUSTRY SUPPORT ROLE? We have some of the greatest people of ANY industry, and being able to spend time with them, both for business and socially outside of work on a daily basis, is something I consider a huge job perk. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR POSITION? Life is all about balance, right? Being in this role is the perfect mix of challenging work, travel, and fun while still being very much connected to my family. WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE LESS SEASONED TRAVELER? Always know where you’re getting coffee in the morning. Don’t rely on the coffee maker in the hotel room, it will fail you! HOW MANY DAYS OF THE YEAR ARE YOU ON THE ROAD? In less than six months on the job, I logged almost 25,000 miles. I would say on average, my travels through the state take me away from home 2 or 3 nights a week. When you factor in conferences, national sales meetings, and regional meetings with the Syngenta team, it’s safe to say a third of my year is spent on the road.
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INDUSTRY PROFILE WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR SPECIAL INTERESTS? I have a lot of creative energy inside me that I find needs to be expressed from time to time. When I was at my former club, I had my blog and it was the perfect outlet for that creativeness. Over time that grew to include video production, something that I’ve always had an interest in but never the opportunity until I stumbled upon YouTube and a little camera called a GoPro. I’ve taken my blog down but my YouTube channel still remains if anyone wants to check out some of our work: (www.youtube.com/superin10dent). I still have plans to one day write the “next great American novel.” WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK? My life outside of work is spending time with my family. When we have all the kids, they come first. I try not to commit to anything when I’ve got the kids, even though there has been some incredible offers over the years. I want them to grow up and say, “My dad was always there for me.” Our 3+3 weekends are spent showing these kids the world, getting into adventures, and giving them moments and memories they will never forget. WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE VERY BEST PRODUCT YOU OFFER AND WHY? Luckily for me, our products really do a good job of selling themselves. Our customers, and myself included when I was on the superintendent side, have come to trust in the Syngenta brand and know that there is a level of quality and value on everything we put out in the marketplace. We do the research to bring innovative products to the market, but we spend just as much time in developing agronomic programs for the superintendent to help him to be a success! If I just had one product I could hang my hat on, it would be Secure®. Not just because I think it’s the best contact fungicide on the market for dollar spot, but because I used it at my former club and had tremendous agronomic success because of it. In three years of rotating Secure with Daconil Action® every 14 days on our fairways religiously, I never saw so much as a single dollar spot, and even under extreme pressure situations. I know that’s a bold claim, but I’ve got enough witnesses within our industry that can vouch for me. There is some truth to the rumors of a global chlorothalonil shortage, and I think over the next several years we will see this more severely expressed, so I think Secure is the perfect alternative for superintendents to consider going forward. HOW LARGE IS YOUR TERRITORY? My territory is all of Lower Michigan. I like to tell people I’m allowed to drive as far north as the Mackinaw Bridge, but I can only wave to the other side when I get there before I have to turn back around. I work with hundreds of superintendents and dozens of sales reps from Residex, Harrell’s, SiteOne, Helena, and Crop Production Services. Plus, I get a lot of phone calls from homeowners and small business owners about our lawn and garden products. It can be a lot for one person to manage, but I am pretty organized, detailed, and I’m a good juggler.
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INDUSTRY PROFILE DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME AND IS THERE A STORY BEHIND IT? No nickname although I think Marc McCoy (Harrell’s) is trying right now to see if “Shooter” will stick. HAVE YOU EVER HAD A HOLE IN ONE? No, and if I ever do #1. I don’t deserve it and, #2. My friends and family will never hear the end of it. But it’s unlikely to ever happen. Wait, does Putt-Putt count? HOW MANY ROUNDS OF GOLF DO YOU PLAY A YEAR? I plan on playing in as many of the MiGCSA events this year as my schedule allows. This will get me on some of the best golf courses in the state of Michigan! Aside from that, I don’t golf in my free time as I find it more frustrating than relaxing. Plus I would rather spend that time with my family while the kids are young. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY/ CONFERENCE THAT TURF CARE PROFESSIONALS CAN ATTEND? By a landslide, the best educational opportunity out there is the Syngenta Business Institute held each December at Wake Forest University. Each year, an exclusive group of only about 25 superintendents are invited to an intense four-day business acumen crash course focusing on negotiating tactics, capital budget planning, bridging the gap between generations, and so much more that they don’t teach you in turf school. I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected to attend in 2013. What’s more, you don’t have to be at a Top 100 club to be invited to the SBI. You just have to apply! Another great educational opportunity, especially for young superintendents and assistants is volunteering for a major tournament. You will learn and see things done that you can take home with you and implement immediately to improve your efficiency and staff morale. Do it if you haven’t done it already! ARE THERE ANY NEW PRODUCTS ON THE HORIZON? Yes, but I am sworn to secrecy at the moment. It’s an exciting time to be a part of Syngenta! What I can say is, you should expect Syngenta’s tradition of bringing cutting-edge and innovative products to the marketplace to continue for a long time to come.
FIVE THINGS PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ADAM GARR? 1. 2. 3. 4.
5.
To date, the videos on my YouTube channel have been viewed a total of 70,000 times globally for a total watch time of 179,178 minutes. I have something bordering a “cult following” in Britain, Germany, and Australia. In 2014, I was the Featured Superintendent in a Japanese equivalent of “Golf Digest.” I have absolutely no idea what that article says about me to this day, but I hope it’s positive. I have an irrational fear of escalators, and it only started a few years ago. Whenever I’m on one, I get wobbly in the knees and feel like I will fall backwards. Given the option, I will almost always take the stairs instead. In December 2015, I completed my first half marathon in Indianapolis with a time of 2:20:01. I owe a huge debt of thanks to my fiancé Michelle, who ran with me and helped push me across that finish line. Conquering that distance is way more mental than physical! I’ve got my sights on shaving ten minutes off my time at the Detroit Half Marathon in October 2016. I am a huge Metallica fan, having traveled and seen them perform more than ten times over the years. I lean towards their heavier, older stuff, pre-“Black” album. The louder, the better!
Mark Frever 517-262-8282
A TOAST,
At Par Aide, we’d like to raise a paper cup to you, our valued customer. Because it’s your unyielding
IN APPRECIATION OF YOUR BUSINESS.
HERE’S TO YOU.
dedication to the course that inspires us to keep building the industry’s most innovative products. So from Par Aide, we salute all you do. Cheers.
Wherever golf is played.
Course conditions | Winter 2015/16
Off Course BY STEVE COOK, CGCS, MG
E
xhausted, standing on a ledge at 20,000’ and weighing the risks of ascending further, I thought of my goals climbing Ama Dablam, a 22,500’ peak in the Himalaya of Nepal: raise money and awareness for Make-A-Wish Michigan … and avoid injury. Here, at the base of the Gray Tower, dangerous rock fall had caused our lead guide to recommend abandoning our summit attempt. Bitterly disappointed but with my goals achieved, I decided the best decision was to listen to our expert. After 24 days of trekking and climbing, we descended to base camp and then back to Kathmandu for a hot shower, leaving the final 2,250’ for another trip. Over a year ago I decided to make an attempt on this peak considered technically more difficult than Mount Everest and in the process raise $22,500 for Make-a-Wish. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family and the golf industry, we raised over $36,000 beating our original goal by almost $14,000. In the process we granted 5 Wishes!
A life without risk is a life unlived.
With time to reflect on our choice to turn around so close to the summit, some things are clear. The choices we make and the risks we take have consequences. I chose to dedicate over a year of my time (and the equivalent of the price of a new car!) training and preparing to climb a hazardous mountain in the Himalaya. That risk led to 5 children, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, getting some hope and courage in their health battle. A life without risk is a life unlived. Many of you were part of that fundraising effort so thank you, as you were with me on every step.
To donate or learn more go to www.steveswishclimb.blogspot.com
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Andy
O O’Haver Andy O’Haver is the Assistant Superintendent at Meadowbrook County Club in Northville. He and his wife Cassie live in South Lyon have a four year old son named Korwyn. Andy was an intern at Meadowbrook in 2000, came back after graduation but left midsummer for another job. He came back again in 2010, and stayed until spring 2012 before going to California. He was back again this past June. He said “I Just can’t get MCC out of my blood!”.
1. HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN THE GOLF BUSINESS? Metropark but my golf schedule interfered with the work schedule so it didn’t work out. The next summer the park was full but I was referred to Hudson Mills Golf Course, where I luckily landed the gig. It was too perfect, I lived in Dexter, only a few miles from the course and...I got free golf! Little did I know I found a career I’ll never forget my first day at work, learning how to change cups on a snowy Saturday morning in May. Man, I was hooked. We had a great time. The crew was special, 3 of us went on to MSU, and Jerry Cyr, my first super led us all with so much more than agronomics, he guided us in life. Every assignment I got that first year felt like the most important job on the course, it was awesome! 2. WHO IS THE GREATEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE? It’s certainly not breaking news that this business is tough, wife, Cassie, and 4yr old son, Korwyn, have endured a move to Northern California for a couple years, then all the way back to Michigan for a year in the U.P. It’s safe to say we’ve had our highs and lows, and our bumps in the road , but when I come home they’re still happy to see me. My son is a chameleon, he’s adapted everywhere we’ve gone and lives completely in the moment. That inspires me. My wife knocks my socks off. She spends the majority of everyday the last four years at home with our son, alone, no car, and in a strange place without friends. She’s resilient, courageous, and has successfully raised our son to be a cool little dude. Without them I’d be lost in the fairy tale of the turf world, chasing those elusive perfect conditions with reckless abandon. Because of them, I stay grounded and much more attuned to what’s important in life. 3. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS TODAY? This is a complex issue. When I started in this business golf courses were popping out of the ground like dandelions in a super’s yard. Supply couldn’t keep up with demand. Then things changed. The over saturated golf course market led to an over saturation of qualified turf managers. The challenge now is how to compete for the next job, whether you’re
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going after a superintendent position or even many of the assistant positions. It’s pretty safe to say that when you get down to the top five, or the final cut, if you will, all candidates will have an education, similar experiences, and the ability to grow grass. Like Gary Grigg and Pat Jones said at the MTC this year, your ability to manage your department as a business will be the difference maker. Can you balance a budget, find ways to trim the fat, and run your maintenance program more efficiently? Lest we forget about the most important resource to your success or failure, your staff. Strong leadership skills go a long way to making your job better. Learn what leadership is and how it can help your operation. Master, or begin to master these skills and find a way to get them on your resume! 4. WHO INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST ABOUT TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT, WHO ELSE INFLUENCED YOU PERSONALLY? I’ve been tremendously lucky throughout my years. Every superintendent I worked for, seven by my count, has taught me something. Whether right or wrong, good or bad, there’s always something to learn. I have two, though, that stand out. Two that I call mentors. Two that have always been there for me. My first super at Hudson Mills Metropark Golf Course, Jerry Cyr, and the other is Mike Edgerton who recently retired from Meadowbrook Country Club (after 40 years!!!). They are the definition of professional, consummate gentleman, and downright fun to be around. Without them, I’d be wandering around trying to find a career that’s as satisfying as this. 5. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE ROLE OF THE MECHANIC IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE ASSISTANT? A good mechanic is worth their weight in gold! They are the MVPs of the department. You know this if you’ve ever
had a ‘bad’ mechanic. The relationship between the assistant and equipment tech has to be respectful and open. As an assistant, you should know how to run every piece of equipment in the shop and know some basics like pre-mow checks. Is equipment tech part of the training team? Should he be? Darn right, No one knows the ins and outs of the machine like the mechanic. Likewise, no one should know more about the ins and outs of operating that machine in the field than the assistant. Work together, you’ll be glad you did. 6. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE CONCERNING GOLF COURSE ETIQUETTE? My biggest pet peeve, by far, is we as an industry whine about golfers’ etiquette. Visit any turf care facility, shop, agronomic department, etc., and I guarantee you hear someone complain about unrepaired ball marks or divots. And, heaven help you if you’re on social media, twitter needs to add a button next to the like button, a tissue! Once a day there’s a picture of a unraked bunker WITH a bunker rake right next to the footprints! Oh, the horror! That’s not our job. Our job is to prepare the playing field every day to the best of our abilities in order for the paying customer to have the best chance of enjoying themselves. How many of you have said, ‘man, this golf course would be in such better shape if we didn’t have any golfers’? Think about that, it’s real, how’s that working out for the industry. Let it go, focus your energy on something that improves your golf course.
5 THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT ANDY O’HAVER 1. I HAVEN’T WATCHED A MOVIE IN THE THEATER IN OVER TEN YEARS. 2. YES I GOT MY TURF EDUCATION AT MSU AND I PROUDLY CALL MYSELF A SPARTAN FOR THAT... BUT THAT’S ALL...I’M A WOLVERINE. 3. IPA IS MY FAVORITE STYLE OF BEER (SOME OF YOU MAY KNOW THAT). 4. 3 THINGS NO ONE EVER GUESSES RIGHT ABOUT ME-MY AGE, WEIGHT, HEIGHT 5. I LEFT THE BUSINESS FOR 5 YEARS AFTER GETTING BURNED OUT. I TRIED RETAIL, LANDSCAPING, PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY.
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The MiGCSA at GIS Than k Memb you to Mi G e castin r Collin R CSA Clas sA oman g the ic v Annu al Me otes at the k for eting Grass GSCA w w and a as elected here Peter A ll J on th of the pro President . e ball p o s e d ot we re app bylaws roved .
More than 13,000 attendees and 250,000 square feet of exhibitor space were on display at the 2016 Golf Industry Show in San Diego.
Congratu lati place finis ons to the MSU T urf he winning th s in the Collegiate Club on their 7th & 8th Turf Bow e 2016 Tw l competi itter com tion, and petition. for
ers, emb o M wh SA iGC roots M 100 higan l Tap ic than ith Mic t Socia fantast e r o a 15 was em ds w ing o th d frien ather e food our 20 t u G . Th o o n ou t ent. nk y ies a igan th Tha famil Mich uary 8 hank y this ev e r thei ded th n Febr erie. T soring n o e t rad o t pon g a ie ama s for s D c n e Sa as th rtner as w stry Pa u Ind
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MiGCSA Scholarships BY JIM BLUCK, CGCS MIGCSA SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
The 2015 MiGCSA scholarship season is now complete and the awards have been present. Your association has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to the dependents of current MiGCSA Members and to the Turf students at Michigan State University. These funds are appropriated from the 3 major fund raisers throughout the season including the Northern Fundraiser, Western Golf Day and The Big Event. The four Heritage Scholarship’s are a $1,500 award given to the dependents of current members who are seeking secondary education and also complete the application process. Each applicant is asked to submit a 750 word essay along with a list of their extracurricular activities and scholastic achievements. Once the deadline passes, each of the 14 applications we received this year were distributed to the committee for grading. The scores from each committee member are added up and the 4 applicants with the highest scores win the scholarships. The committee this year included members Daniel Heiss, Phil Kluesner, Mike Rosen and Doug Hoeh. The Student Scholarship is awarded to either a 4 or 2 year student attending Michigan State University. Jeff Holmes CGCS and I interviewed each of the 8 candidates to determine 2 winners. Each winner can be awarded a $2000 scholarship. The criteria used to determine
2015 Heritage Scholarship Winners Emily Fulling, Dylan Goike, Laura Brown (not pictured Lauren E. Roeser-Nordling)
Steve Goike with his son Dylan
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the winners include reviewing the student’s grade point average, work experience, interviewing skills, occupational goals and their scholastic activities. Jeff and I were very impressed with the quality of individuals Michigan State has within their Turf Program.
John Fulling, CGCS with his Daughter Emily
Richard Brown with his Daughter Laura
2015 Student Scholarship Winners, Evan Stoddard & Ryan Kaczor
Course conditions | Winter 2016
EVERY SUPERINTENDENT NEEDS A GREAT CADDIE. Let us try out for the part. We can provide all the supplies you need to keep your course looking its best. With our knowledgeable staff, we can help you make an ace.
1.800.SiteOne | SiteOne.com
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. Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | WWW.MiGCSA.ORG
A Message From
A
MTF
s the incoming President of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation I would like to thank the MiGCSA Board of Directors and Executive Director Adam Ikamas for the opportunity to pass along information and appreciation in regards to the 2016 MTF Annual Turfgrass Conference in East Lansing. The decision to leave Grand Rapids three years ago was a difficult one. President Emeritus John Fulling and the MTF Board of Directors wanted to provide the best opportunity for education to all those in our industry. After much discussion, returning to the University location in East Lansing made the most sense. There were certainly learning curves as we took on the task and the MTF Board of Directors appreciate all the input many have provided. Immediate Past President Brian Schweihofer was instrumental in laying the ground work for the return of the conference to East Lansing. Board Member and current Vice- President Amy Fouty took the baton from Brian has been enthusiastic and detailed in refining all aspects the past two years. She has worked diligently with Professor Kevin Frank and our Executive Secretary, Becky Schoch to provide a conference that the attendees would enjoy, the MSU administrators embrace and speakers and guests would feel welcome. Affiliated industries, suppliers and many others associated with the turf industry have all had a part in improving our conference and we would like to thank them as a whole for all their efforts and contributions. With her guidance, Amy has made our conference something to be very proud of and she has it right when she says –
MiGCSA President Jeff Holmes, CGCS presents MTF President Brian Schweihofer with a donation of $20,682.32
“It is critical in today climate that we remain strong in our support of the Turf Industry and Turfgrass Education. This Conference is a vital piece of that process.” There were many highlights to this year’s conference … among them: Attendance surpassed planned estimates and many of the educational rooms had to be adjusted upward to meet the demands. The Educational Sessions were well received and Professor Kevin Frank lists many of the speakers and his thanks to all those who helped in this issue as well. He is currently planning for next year’s educational sessions and he is welcoming any suggestions that attendees would like to include. The Halftime show continues to grow and offers chance for all to mingle and relax. Our thanks to all those who participated as booth representatives and others who came to enjoy. The Rieke Endowment Auction held during the Halftime show raised over $7,000 for that Endowment and our thanks to all those who contributed to the auction. Doug Johanningsmeier is responsible for this auction and its success…many thanks to Doug. Significantly, the MTF was also pleased to announce Mr. Thomas Green as the recipient of the first award of the Paul Rieke Graduate Assistantship at this year’s conference.
Course conditions | Winter 2015/16
Dr. Rieke was instrumental in the selection process over the past few months and I am sure he is as pleased… as we all are… that the Rieke Endowment can fulfill its original goal set years ago in funding Graduate Assistance to the Professors. Many worthy candidates received Scholarships they are: Brett Zander – Norman W. Kramer Outstanding Scholar Award, Michael Kennings - Robert Hancock Memorial Scholarship Award and Evan Stoddard – Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award. The University continues to produce outstanding students and the selection process is a difficult one. I have been fortunate enough to be involved with the Scholarship selection process for several years and each year two things remain constant....Quality students who apply for the award ……and the difficulty in selecting an individual among so many deserving applicants. Thanks to all those who sought the awards and took the time and vigor of the process. Increasingly popular is the Reception that was held on Wednesday evening. This event allows for those in the industry who have been helpful in funding research at MSU a chance to be acknowledged by the MTF and MSU. Guests from many of the allied associations and companies were present and we are thankful they took the opportunity to be a part of the evening. A special thanks to the MiGCSA Board of Directors, Outgoing President Jeff Holmes and Executive Director Adam Ikamas for the continued financial support of the MTF which is greatly appreciated.
Paul Rieke and Thomas Green - Paul Rieke Graduate Assistantship Award winner
Michael Kennings
Much of the conference is geared to the MiGCSA membership. Your input is always welcome, your attendance greatly appreciated and finally your overall support of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation as we help fund research graciously valued. Carey Mitchelson President Michigan Turfgrass Foundation
Kevin Stoddard
2015 Award Winners Brett Zander
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. Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | WWW.MiGCSA.ORG
ASSOCIATION UPDATE
The MiGCSA at the Michigan Turfgrass Conference and Beyond Contrary to some popular belief the MiGCSA does not run the Turf Conference, this is 100% a product of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) and their Conference Committee, Chaired by Amy Fouty. I know it can sometimes be confusing as to who does what around here. That is actually a good thing because it means we are doing things well together. This year was no exception, the lineup was superb, the schedule Tuesday to Thursday was an amazing “why did we not do this before improvement” the organization and flow was flawless. Thank you to Amy, Becky Schooch, MTF Executive Secretary, Brian Schweihofer, MTF President, Dr Kevin Frank and the many, many more who serve on committees and work so hard to produce such a great show.
ADAM IKAMAS, CGCS
The MiGCSA held our Annual Meeting on Tuesday afternoon and I am happy to report the chapter is in a good financial standing, we even made a new investment into a mutual fund of $50,000 in 2015. The 2015 year also showed a profit of $37,562.32 thanks in large part to our 12 Tiered Industry Partners and 25+ Companies that participated to bring in more than $105,000. Please remember if you only do one thing for your chapter this year it is to thank your representative of our Industry Partners for partnering with the MiGCSA.
We also had a banner year for fundraising which allowed the MiGCSA to make $33,172.32 in donations to the Wee One, Student and Member Dependent Scholarships and other philanthropic endeavors related to turf. We also were able to make the largest donation we have ever had to the MTF with a donation of $20,682.32. If you decide to do more than the one thing mentioned above for your chapter this year it would be to attend one of the 2016 fundraisers. Every year we have three starting with Arcadia Bluffs on the first Monday in June and 100% of the proceeds from these events go right back to our industry. In 2016 we will have the Western Golf Day at Kent Country Club on September 19th and the Big Event at Plum Hollow on October 3rd. Mark your calendars for these events and make it a priority to have a great time and support your industry, the definition of a win-win. We also have a great lineup of regular meetings in 2016 as you see in the insert calendar in this issue. Utilize your membership to network with your peers, if you don’t know anyone sign up as a single and we will make sure you get into a good group, or possibly stuck with me! But please don’t let that dissuade you. Grow your network, grow your professional life and use your Association to do it.
Adam Ikamas, CGCS MiGCSA Executive Director
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MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION 316 GLENCARIN DR. NE | ROCKFORD, MI 49341
LANSING, MI PERMIT NO.689
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MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
LANSING, MI PERMIT NO.689
316 GLENCARIN DR. NE | ROCKFORD, MI 49341
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