#30 - Course Conditions - Fall 2015

QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

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FALL 2015

Feature Profile: Carey Mitchelson Michigan Turfgrass Conference Speaker Spotlight

Eric Davey

The 50th Annual Big Event

wins a second State Championship

Western Golf Day Fundrasier

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QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

|

FALL 2015

Feature Profile: Carey Mitchelson Michigan Turfgrass Conference Speaker Spotlight

Eric Davey

The 50th Annual Big Event

wins a second State Championship

Western Golf Day Fundrasier

速

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Course conditions | Fall 2015

Contents 4 5 6

MiGCSA Membership Report President’s Perspective Michigan Turfgrass Conference Speaker Spotlight

8 Calendar of Events 11 The 49th Annual Big Event Fundraiser 13 The 24th Annual GW Hamilton

Carey Mitchelson, Director of Operations, College Fields in Okemos

Memorial Cutter Cup

15 Golf Design - Acres to Millimeters 17 From National, GCSAA Update 18 Superintendent - Carey Mitchelson 23 Industry Profile - Marc McCoy,

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Harrell’s Inc.

27 2015 Annual Equipment Technicians

Meeting at Arcadia Bluffs

29 The 2015 MiGSCA State Championship 30 Jeremy Strock - Assistant Superintendent 35 Western Golf Day Fundraiser 36 A Call From Campus 38 Off Course 40 Membership Renewal 41 2015 5th Annual MiGCSA Student

Marc McCoy, Sales Representative, Harrell’s Inc.

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Networking Event

42 Association Update

Jeremy Strock, Assistant Superintendent, Prestwick Village Golf Club

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Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | WWW.MiGCSA.ORG

MiGCSA Membership Report

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT JEFF HOLMES, CGCS - 2017 Western-Class A

Egypt Valley C.C.

SUMMARY OF CLASSES 8/31/15

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 Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class

A SM C AA AFF D E H R SA

TOTAL

CURRENT MEMBERSHIP

FALL 2014 MEMBERSHIP

243 60 95 31 151 47 16 29 9 26

242 63 103 31 161 38 16 28 12 31

707

727

Please log in to your account at www.migcsa.org to renew your membership for 2015. If you are unsure of your status contact us at info@migcsa.org or 1-888-3-MiGCSA.

Course conditions | Fall 2015

President’s Perspective The summer certainly has been fast paced. No matter whom you ask, the sentiment is all the same, that the year has gone by quickly. The continuous on the go routine can cause stress, exhaustion or you can burn yourself out, if not careful.

JEFF HOLMES, CGCS

Having a solid agronomic plan for your property that involves your fertility plan, plant protectant schedule, cultural practices, employee training and safety will help you to stay a little more organized when the heat of the battle hits. Having a business plan that is going to get you to the finish line will be very important throughout the year. You will also have a working platform that you can keep adjusting each year. The biggest area of concern to have in place is your management team and your hourly staff members.

With the economy improving, it is hard to find good labor personnel that can be with you from spring until fall. Several industries are having the same situation and we are all trying to hire from the same pool of available people. I don’t have the answer on how to solve this situation, but at our facility we are going to look long and hard as to what we are not doing that will draw employees in. Hopefully we can be quick learners and adjust as we move forward. The trained, dependable staff is what will keep us from stressing out or burning out. With well trained people on the team, you can delegate some of the work load and help them to grow and understand how they can be a bigger part of the team.

Everyone likes a winning team. It is our job to build and refine the team that can go to the playoffs. Many of us have been taking on big projects and many of us have been in the status quo mode, but we can still refine our product and our team. More often than not the little things make a big difference. As managers we need to continuously manage and sometimes that means direct interaction and at other times means standing back and staying out of the way. The product that is delivered is a direct reflection of how strong the team is. Spend time figuring out how to form the best team possible. Your job will be much easier and a lot more enjoyable.

Remember, form a business plan, build the best team possible, refine your product frequently, empower and delegate, enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your Association is an excellent way to continue developing your knowledge and your team’s knowledge. Learning seminars are put on regularly, the website has many opportunities for educational growth and the Michigan Turfgrass Conference is in our own state January 5-7 and features some great speakers highlighted in this issue of Course Conditions.

Have a great fall and enjoy the beauty of the picturesque properties that each of us travel to or care for.

Respectfully,

Jeff Holmes, CGCS Golf Course Superintendent Egypt Valley Country Club President, MiGCSA

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Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | WWW.MiGCSA.ORG

MICHIGAN TURFGRASS CONFERENCE SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT JANUARY 5th - 7th 2016 •

The Kellogg Center

CHRIS TRITABAUGH,

Hazeltine National Golf Club: “Promotion of Fairway Bentgrass” 9 am Tuesday and “Management Experiences on new USGA A-4 Putting Greens” 2:30 pm Tuesday Chris Tritabaugh has been the Golf Course Superintendent at CHRIS TRITABAUGH Hazeltine National Golf Club since January of 2013. Prior to Hazeltine, Chris spent six years in the same role at Northland Country Club in Duluth, Minnesota.

Over nine years as a superintendent, Chris has been successful in managing for and promoting bentgrass at two drastically different facilities. 80+ year old bent/Poa mix at Northland and brand new bentgrass at Hazeltine.

Chris is a native of Minnesota, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota. He and his wife Lindsay live in Victoria, MN and have two daughters; Olive (7) and Penelope (5).

PAT JONES, Golf Course Industry: “Effective

Communications”, 3:30 pm Tuesday

For three decades, Pat Jones has been known for his insights into the golf and turf business and his candid, tell-it-like-it-is approach. As publisher and editorial director of GIE Media’s Golf Course Industry magazine, Pat runs the leading independent publication in the business and contributes his award-winning “Parting Shots” column each month.

He is a prolific writer, blogger and social media commentator and a frequent presenter at regional, national and international turf conferences.

PAT JONES

BRUCE HEPNER, Hepner

Golf Design: “Maintaining and Simplifying the Design”, 9:30 am Thursday

Bruce has 25 years of experience as a golf course architect including 17 years as Vice President of Tom BRUCE HEPNER Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design.

Bruce has had his own firm, Hepner Golf Design, for the last 5 years. Bruce has consulted at 40 clubs throughout the country including locally at Detroit GC, Birmingham CC, Battle Creek CC, Belvedere GC, Northport Pt GC, and Leland CC.

DR. BETH GUERTAL,

Auburn University: “Tips, Tricks, and New Technologies for Managing Thatch”, 10:30 am Tuesday Beth Guertal is a Professor at Auburn University.

Dr. Guertal received her BS and DR. BETH GUERTAL MS degrees from The Ohio State University, and her PhD from Oklahoma State University. Her research program focuses on soil fertility issues in turfgrass management.

Guertal served as a Technical Editor for Crop Science, and as an Associate Editor for the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Journal, Crop Science (CSSA) and Agronomy Journal (ASA). She is a past-Chair of Division C-5 (Turfgrass Management, CSSA), a Fulbright Fellow and a Fellow of CSSA, SSSA and ASA.

GARY GRIGG, Grigg Brothers: “How to write and present a budget that will get approved”, 8:30 am Thursday

Gary Grigg’s journey through the golf course industry has taken him from the potato fields of Idaho to dozens of golf construction sites worldwide, to the boardroom of one of the turfgrass industries most successful superintendent-driven companies as a co-founder and chief agronomist of Grigg Brothers®. He has built or

Course conditions | Fall 2015

helped build dozens of courses, maintained a bunch more, earned both a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) from the GCSAA and a Master Greenkeeper (MG) certification from BIGGA, served as president of GCSAA, and spoken at a GARY GRIGG gazillion turf conferences. Gary’s presentation ‘How to write and present a budget that will get approved’ will be on Thursday morning.

STEVE KEATING, The Toro Co.: “The Five

Levels of Leadership”, 1:30 pm Wednesday

Steve has been at Toro since 1996 joining Toro from the Dale Carnegie Organization where he spent 8 –1/2 years selling, writing & presenting training in sales, customer service, public speaking, managing people, developing leadership skills and managing a business.

He is currently Senior Manager of Sales and Leadership Development for The Toro Company. In his role as Senior Manager of Sales and Leadership Development he is responsible for the implementation of The Toro Selling System and Leadership Development within all US and International distributors across all Toro businesses. Steve has over 31 years of sales and sales management experience and he speaks dozens of times a year on topics relating to sales, customer service, management, team building, leadership and business management. Steve’s presentation ‘The Five Levels of Leadership’ will be on Wednesday afternoon.

JULIE STACHECKI

Julie Stachecki represents Site Specific, Inc, a company she founded in 1994. Site Specific provides turfgrass, tree and ornamental consulting services and training for golf courses, cemeteries, commercial and residential landscapes. Prior to an early-career in landscape design, Julie’s roots started at Michigan State University where she graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in Horticulture, as well as, Park and Recreation Resources.

Julie holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences with a turfgrass management emphasis also from MSU. She has been a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture since the late ‘90’s, and currently serves on the State chapter’s Board of Directors.

For more information and registration please visit www.mtfconference.org Innovative Superintendents Session, 1:30 pm Thursday Dan Dingman, Birmingham CC Craig Hoffman, Links at Gateway Golf Club Brian Moore, Forest Dunes Golf Club Brian Schweihofer, Franklin Hills CC Jesse Shaver, Gull Lake CC

CHRIS WILCZYNSKI, C.W. Golf Architecture & JULIE STACHECKI, Site

Specific Inc.: “Developing and implementing a tree management program”, 10 am Wednesday C.W. Golf Architecture was founded in 2010. Chris’ professional background and experience allow him to provide golf architectural design and consulting to the entire golf industry. Prior to 2010 Chris was a partner and design associate with Arthur Hills for 20 years.

Chris teamed with Hills to complete over 20 golf course design projects ranging from upscale public, private, and resort courses to residential communities and golf renovation projects. Chris will present ‘Developing and implementing a tree management program’ along with Julie Stachecki from Site Specific, Inc. on Wednesday morning.

DAN DINGMAN

BRIAN MOORE

BRIAN SCHWEIHOFER

JESSE SHAVER

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Mark Frever 517-262-8282

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 - Detroit Holiday Party (The Lodge, Keego Harbor) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 - Western Holiday Party (Peppino’s Downtown, Grand Rapids) MONDAY-THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14-17 - Michigan State University (Turf School, East Lansing) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 - Mid Holiday Party (Bottoms Up, Holly) TUESDAY-THURSDAY, JANUARY 5-7 - Michigan Turf Conference (Kellogg Center, East Lansing) TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 - MiGCSA Annual Meeting (Kellogg Center, East Lansing) FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - Curling Fundraiser for Ice Research (Detroit Curling Club, Ferndale) THURSDAY-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 & 5 - Michigan Skins Game (San Diego) MONDAY-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9-12 - Golf Industry Show (San Diego) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 – Michigan Gathering (TBD) 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) 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

THANK YOU

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

Course conditions | Fall 2015

The 49th Annual Big Event Fundraiser

T

he 50th year for the Big Event was a successful one. With attendance of more than 100 we were able to finish the 2015 fundraising year in style. Our host for the OUR HOST, day was long time MiGCSA MARK MCKINLEY, CGCS Member Mark McKinley, CGCS along with Assistant Superintendent Matthew Groth.

There are many sponsors to thank starting with our 2015 Premiere Fundraiser Sponsors BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, Jacobsen, FIP Irrigation Services, Tri-Turf and LaFontaine Automotive. Sue Shockey of Residex helped run a poker game contest on hole #9 that raised more than $1,300 for the 50/50 split, $655 went to the team of John Cooney, Gary Johnson, Shaun Maher and Dale Bauer. Our hole sponsors were Ron Bentley & Chris Lapp from J.W. Turf who did the 50/50, Shaun Watson from Watson Golf and Dan Woolford with Fusion Cast Signs manned hole #7, Site One Landscape on #2, Control Dynamics and Terry Kerkstra on #10. Thank you also to Fusion Cast and Watson Golf on #7, Harrell’s on #10/#1 and Herman & Associates on #13 for their beverage sponsorships. And finally thank you to Todd Griebe for his $250 donation and Brian Mavis for his donation of $100.

The winning team of Derek Carroll, EJ Martin, Craig Henderson & Matt Kelly

Here were the winners from the day: Proximity Prizes were sponsored by the 2015 Premiere Foundation Sponsors BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, Spartan Distributors, Jacobsen, F.I.P. Irrigation Services, Residex, Tri-Turf and LaFontaine Automotive.

Closest to the pins winners were: #3 Darrell Smith, #9 E.J. Martin, #12 John McKinley, #14 Brett Roberts Long drive winners: #1 & #6 Matt Kelly, #8 Maggie Gdula, #15 Jarred Barley, #17 Al Perkins The winning scramble team was Derek Carroll, EJ Martin, Craig Henderson & Matt Kelly.

The MiGCSA and MTF thank you for attending this event. 100% of the proceeds raised at this event will help fund scholarships, donations, and philanthropic interests like the Wee One Foundation, EIFG and the MSU Turf Club. But the vast majority will go directly to funding turf research at Michigan State University in donations to the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. Our next fundraiser will be January 22nd at the Detroit Curling Club.

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Course conditions | Fall 2015

The 24th Annual GW Hamilton Memorial Cutter Cup

BY LEWIS NOWAKOWSKI, MSU TURF CLUB PRESIDENT

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ct. 18th, Sewickley Heights Golf Club, PA. – The 24th annual GW Hamilton Memorial Cutter Cup came to a closing end with Michigan State bringing the Cup back home to East Lansing. Before the event started both teams gathered in the banquet room to eat breakfast and exchange gifts. During the breakfast, it was all smiles and laughter between the Spartans and Nittany Lions as they gathered to talk about their respected programs. After breakfast it was time for both teams to prepare and focus on their matches. This year’s team consisted of the players of Alfredo Alvarez, Alek Bashi, Justin Nelson, Lewis Nowakowski, and Andrew Brandt. A day that consisted of sunshine and snow, still produced favorable conditions. The course was in beautiful shape and the greens were fast. Special thanks to the Superintendent of Sewickley Heights Travis Livingston for producing such a remarkable course. Going out first for the Spartans was Andrew Brandt and Ryan Bearss (caddy).

It was a neck and neck match that went to the 18th hole, resulting in a half point for both teams. Up next was the team of Lewis Nowakowski and Rob Adam (caddy), the match ended on the 14th green, with a 5 and 4 win for Lewis Nowakowski. The only error that occurred in that match was his caddy Rob accidently kicking his ball on the 2nd hole resulting in a penalty. Justin Nelson and Jesse Lavender (caddy) were out next for the Spartans. In a tough match, the Nittany Lions ended up getting the solo point. Alek Bashi and Alex Wilson (caddy) went out and accomplished what they came for and got the point on the 14th green by winning 5 and 4. Out last was Alfredo Alvarez and Dylan Smith (caddy), in a match that was dominated from the first tee shot, Alfredo won on the 13th green, and never trailed once in the match. Michigan State won 3.5 points to Penn State 1.5 points. This is Michigan State’s 3rd win in a row.

Photo: Dr. John Kaminski

THE 2015 CUTTER CUP CHAMPIONS

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Course conditions | Fall 2015

G olf D esign – A cres to M illimeters

BY PAUL ALBANESE, ASGCA

Even though The Masters is played on a hallowed golf landscape that is over hundreds of acres in size, the game still comes down to centimeters, and even millimeters.

The 15th hole at Augusta National, a great and exciting hole built on acres of land, can change in strategy and excitement based on a change of only a few millimeters.

This change is related to the height of turf cut in the front of the green. In years past, the turf height in this area was only a few millimeters lower, which had made all the difference in the playability and challenge of this hole. Golfers playing this hole in the past, if they came up short of the green surface, would roll back into the water, creating a penalty, and a nerve racking shot back over the water. In other years, shots that came up short, and started to roll back, stopped short of the watery grave. Once golfers made this realization, they did not fear attempting to go for the green in two shots.

Without fear, golfers are left with fewer choices, and with fewer choices, the less interesting the hole. So, these few millimeters of turf height at the front of the 15th green have large design strategy ramifications.

The greens at Augusta, notorious for their speed in combination with their contours, are all dependent upon millimeters. By simply raising the height of cut by only a few millimeters, the entire character of the golf course will change. Tiger Woods noted to the press after his three putt on the 11th hole this year, that he played his mishit putt based on his past knowledge of the hole – prior to the green surface being rebuilt. And, to the naked eye, the change of the slope of this surface was only centimeters. Yet, it caused one of the greatest golfers at the time to make an ill-timed bogey.

Millimeters and centimeters are as critical to the design of a golf course as are yards and acres. For this reason, when we design a golf course, we spend a lot of time working to ensure the golf greens are graded to within tenths of an inch of the desired slope and grade. A common mistake made by novice golf course builders is that they will “eyeball” the final grade of the green

surface, believing it seemed to be fine. Often, greens built without checking the specific tenths of an inch of slope will either be unplayable (too much slope) or not drain well (too flat).

Small dimensions are also related to a story about the origin of the game. It is commonly believed the small diameter of the golf hole was determined by the size of a drainpipe that was randomly selected by the first golfers on the links land of Scotland. Was there any good rationale or reason for the golf hole to be that diameter? I have always wondered how the whole game of golf may have been altered had those golfers simply utilized a little bigger pipe for the hole, such as a 6 or 8 inch diameter? Would these few inches have changed the game dramatically? Would the game have been more popular? Or less? A few inches may have changed the course of golf history.

Golf is great sport because the ground on which it is played combines both expansiveness and compactness.

This combination of scales, large and small, is why golfers are intrigued and the game is so popular worldwide.

There is nothing quite as interesting as standing on a green alongside a vast and imperceptibly sublime ocean, yet needing to gently navigate a short putt that depends only on centimeters. This dichotomy of scale creates a feeling like no other, in any other sport. Which makes golf unique.

Paul Albanese, ASGCA is a principal with Albanese & Lutzke, Golf Course Architects/ Construction Managers. They have an office in Plymouth, Michigan and are currently working on golf course projects in many countries.

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Course conditions | Fall 2015 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | WWW.MiGCSA.ORG

FROM NATIONAL

GCSAA Regional Roundup

BY SHANE CONROY

SHANE CONROY

As the season winds down, I hope all of you had a great year. It seems like every season Mother Nature throws a lot at us and always keeps us on our toes, this year was no different. From a cold winter, to a wet spring, I hope you all enjoyed the September and early October weather as it hopefully allowed many of you to complete your on-course projects and get through aerification with little issue.

GCSAA had a busy season with one of the main talking points all year being the Clean Water Act, also known as WOTUS (Waters of the United States). As I write this, the Clean Water Rule has been put on hold nationwide. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has stayed the employment of the EPA and Army Corps’ Clean Water Rule. GCSAA is still supporting Senate Bill S. 1140 and H.R. Bill 1732. Both of these bills aim to have the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers revise definitions of the WOTUS rule and preserve the existing rights of the original WOTUS rule.

While the legal proceeding are determined there are some action steps you can accomplish in the meantime. Get a better understanding of the watershed your course is situated in and find out if you are located in a floodplain. Find out if any of the wetlands on your course have inlet or outlet connections. If you are unsure of anything, you may consider seeking assistance from a local environmental consultant, this is a good option before contacting the EPA or Army Corps directly. Depending on the scope of work you will be competing in 2016 you may need to apply for a Fill and Dredge 404 permit or an NPDES Pesticide Application 402 permit. You can find more information on WOTUS and the permitting process on our WOTUS webpage updated frequently by our Government Affairs team, you can access the WOTUS webpage through the GCSAA website.

GIS 2016 is taking place February 6-11 in sunny San Diego, the show is three weeks earlier than the 2015 show so please make sure you have your housing and travel plans in order. As many of you know, the show features great education events, as well as provides networking opportunities on the national level. If you haven’t done so, please consider playing in the GCSAA Golf Championships. This is a great way to meet superintendents from around the country and allows you the opportunity to play some of the best San Diego area courses. Registration for both the GIS and Golf Championships if available online so please check that out if you haven’t done so already.

GCSAA is always seeking new participants for the Grassroots Ambassador Program. I have reached out to a handful of you thus far regarding the program, and thank you to those who have signed up. GCSAA will be hosting two Ambassador bootcamps at the San Diego GIS, so please register for one of those if you are participating the Grassroots Ambassador Program. As always, you can get more information on the Grassroots Ambassador Program through the GCSAA Government Affairs webpage.

Additionally, I would like to invite everyone to participate in the ‘Member-Get-a-Member’ promotion currently running through GCSAA. This is a great way to get an industry partner involved in our association, and provides you an opportunity to attend the Golf Industry Show on the house. The ‘Member-Get-a-Member’ form can be found on the GCSAA website, and please contact me for any questions.

Finally I would like to remind everyone to please contribute to the EIFG if you haven’t done so in the past. The EIFG helps the industry by funding education, research, scholarships and advocacy. A big thank you goes out to all of those who have donated in the past.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming MiGCSA function and at the GIS in San Diego.

Respectfully, Shane Conroy

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Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association | WWW.MiGCSA.ORG

Carey

Mitchelson

Carey Mitchelson is the Director of Operations at College Fields in Okemos, he has been there since grow in 14 years ago. Carey’s Father was a golf course Superintendent at Southmoor Golf Club in Flint. Carey started in the business working for his Dad who made sure he put in a full day. Carey has three children Justin, Jordan and Chase.

1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AT SOUTHMOOR? I was 14 years old…mowing greens/picking range/changing cups/filling pop machines/fixing irrigation/rake bunkers…that was Monday…the next day we really got busy. The job description was pretty vague …...and if I recall it paid $1.50 per hour. Greens fees were $3.75 for nine holes….we raised the rates .25 cents one year and never heard the end of it. When did you know that this was a job you wanted to do as a career? Initially I went to Central Michigan to play baseball/study to be a teacher. After 3 years realized being tied to a desk was not for me. There was a certain amount of energy being on the course and employed in an industry that brought enjoyment and recreation to so many. What was your favorite job that first summer on a course? Picking the range. I practiced hitting lob wedges over the 30 foot fence back on to the range to be picked up later at night. It was a lighted range and 9 hole regulation lighted golf course. I never perfected that shot and it has cost me. Turf wise I always enjoyed hand watering the greens. The immediate results of that job was gratifying.

2. WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR EDUCATION? Michigan State University. What part of that education do you use most often on the job? Communication skills. It wasn’t a required class but an accumulation of interaction with the professors and our studies and incorporating those into the real world. Exchanging thoughts on a particular problem requires knowing your audience and using the proper terms and expressions to reach them. The professors were patient and took time with each of us. A good lesson for any supervisor to learn.

3. WHAT COURSE DID YOU GO TO AFTER COLLEGE? Country Club of Detroit, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. Who was the first Superintendent at that course? Superintendent who hired me was Bill Milne.

What did you learn from that Superintendent in the first year? My father ran a Daily Fee Public Golf course and his expectations were the same as those at this highly regarded Private Club and I believe that is still true at any course. Mr. Milne introduced me to the politics involved with Board and Committee members and how to juggle those… all the while making sure the course is always taken care of first. He was also very active in forming some of the Associations we currently have. It encouraged me to contribute as well.

4. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? I have been impressed by the strides the association has made since it was decided to combine all the local associations into a statewide group. All those involved in the process took a chance and they delivered a product that increased the already significant presence of Michigan as a Statewide Chapter with the GCSAA. My expectations? I hope they continue doing what they have been doing for the past 6 years, I know many of the board members and I have tremendous respect for all the decisions they’ve made. Congratulations to

Course conditions | Fall 2015

everyone involved. Where can the MiGCSA improve? Difficult question. From all that I have observed the Board seems to be constantly addressing the need to improve and communicate with its members. One of my past club presidents always said “let the brain surgeons do the brain surgery” and I agree. Any comments I have made to the Board have always been well received and if any deserve consideration they were prompt in addressing them.

5. WHERE CAN THE MTF IMPROVE? I believe the MTF can improve its messaging. As a Foundation our sole purpose is to provide funding to our professors for research. Today, anyone can Google any topic and receive information instantly. Because of that, some may perceive the need of our work at MSU not so crucial…and perhaps the funding of it not so critical either. However, the turf team at MSU and the work at the Hancock Center is the best in the world and support for them should not be taken for granted. The MTF has a responsibility to engage with all of golf and let them know the research at MSU remains second to none and will continue that way.

6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS RELATED MOVIE? Sorry, but have to go with the old stand-by…Caddy Shack---…I might not watch the whole thing anymore, but whenever surfing channels, who can resist checking in to see how Bill Murray / Chevy Chase are getting along.

7. HOW HAVE YOU GIVEN BACK TO YOUR PROFESSION? I’ve tried to be active and participate on various Boards and committees over the years. I’ve served on the Board for the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents in various capacities prior to it becoming MIGCSA. I have also been active on various committees with the GAM and USGA. Our clubs location in Lansing allows me to interact with MSU and the Michigan legislature quite easily. I try to represent the golf industry at many events and functions and am happy to do so. The golf industry has a definite financial impact in Michigan and it deserve the respect it gets. Currently, I am the Vice-President of the MTF and have served on the board for 9 years. As the incoming President I hope to serve the MTF as well as so many of the other Presidents have done.

8. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR SPECIAL INTERESTS? I enjoy playing golf a great deal and am thankful for all the chances we get to see so many great clubs. I took up skiing the past few years and have learned there are actually sports outside of golf. Splitting wood in the winter has become a nice hobby. It is a great work out and the time goes by fast. Can’t count how many cords of maple and cherry I have or have given away, but it makes a great thank you gift. I still try to get in a run once and a while, but it seems the mile markers are not in the same places they use to be…not sure when they started making them farther.

I’ve also actively fundraised and spoken in behalf of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team in Training. With the help of so many fellow superintendents we have raised over $250,000 for those organizations. I would like to thank all those who took the time to be involved. It made a difference in many lives. I believe everyone should try to do some charity work at some time in

their life. We sometimes take for granted how good life is… others are not so fortunate. What is your handicap? Somewhere between not-bad and a has-been. When mid-season 4.0 most of the time 6+. I’ve managed to qualify for the Michigan Amateur each of the decades starting in the ‘80’s, but it gets harder each time and the clock is ticking on 2010 – 2020.

9. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF HOLE YOU HAVE PLAYED? Tie- #16 Cypress Pointe – easily the most photographed hole ever / # 13 Pine Valley – Bobby Jones called this the best par four in the world. I heard this before playing there and wouldn’t doubt anything Mr. Jones says about anything. What is your favorite golf course that you have played? Tie – Cypress Pointe / And Whoever’s course is kind enough to let me play on. We are fortunate in our Industry to have so many individuals who will open there doors if possible to others in the industry. I can’t thank enough all those who have offered a round of golf.

What is the toughest golf course you have played? Pine Valley – first timers will all say the same…and the reputation is well deserved. It sets up a tough round mentally knowing “this is the toughest course in the world…hit away”. Turtle soup status is also well earned. There are many others that may deserve the “toughest” designation ….hopefully I can keep researching for you. What golf course you would love to experience once in your lifetime? Augusta, and sadly had an invitation to stay and play for a weekend but turned it down it’s a long story that gets repeated on statewide radio each spring in Michigan come April.

It involves a member who extended an invitation and a young, naïve superintendent who in his infinite wisdom decided that a construction project was more important. Don’t ask.

10. NAME ANY THREE PEOPLE WHO WOULD MAKE UP YOUR “DREAM SCRAMBLE TEAM” By three I assume you include me as the fourth…which would be a mistake..I’m not very good in scrambles. Let’s go with The King / Bobby Jones / My Dad. All of them impacted me or golf.

It would be a chance to say thank you for the ride.

11. WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF YOUR JOB? My role has changed since opening this course. Running the day to day operations of all departments requires a daily assessment of the needs of the entire club – Course/Facility/F&B/Pro Shop/ Financials/etc. Projecting those needs and making ends meet can be difficult, but making them meet is also very gratifying.

Organizing our operations to meet the expectations of customers is the most difficult. Simply handling questions and criticisms properly. What is the easiest part of your job? Delegating all the tasks that need to be accomplished. I trust all my key supervisors and know that when items, (crucial and not so crucial), are expected to be done I can count on them to step up and achieve them beyond expectations.

12. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING SUPERINTENDENTS TODAY? In our sector (public golf) I believe making ends meet and finding a work force that will be willing to take on the hours and physical labor needed to run a course. What do you believe the biggest

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issue will be in the future? Golf may be in deep trouble if we can’t convince younger people to take up the game. Budget concerns will continue to grow in the golf industry if we can’t get our youngsters to pick up a club and enjoy the game. It is difficult in this technological world to get kids interested to take up something that requires a great deal of time and attention.

13. WHAT RESEARCH WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ACCOMPLISHED FOR TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT? Under Executive Director, Gordie LaFontaine the MTF was instrumental in convincing Michigan State University that our turf team would continue to improve and bring new research if a plant physiologist position could be added. Emily Merewitz was brought on board 3 years ago for that position and I look forward to seeing her results in the upcoming years. Shade studies, drought studies and cold temperature affects are all on the horizon for her research. The MTF can also thank Gordie for his diligence in working with MSU when we decided a Cold Temperature Growth Chamber would be a vital tool for our research. It is amazing when you realize that, in Michigan, many of our courses are under the effects of cold weather for more than half the year. The effects of that and how we can help ourselves in the future may be addressed with some of the tests that can now be done. All of the professors are very active in their various capacities: Joe Vargas, Trey Rogers, Kevin Frank, Thom Nikolai, Jim Crum, and Dave Smitley have all had impact on golf in Michigan and throughout the world and we should be proud of them. MSU and the turf managers in this state are very fortunate to have so much talent at their disposal.

14. WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUPERINTENDENTS? Movement in the ranks has been difficult the past few years.

Some very talented turf guys have had to sit on the sidelines waiting for a chance to advance. Those that can grow grass and understand the economics involved with any of their decisions will have a better chance of improving themselves. Be versatile and don’t be afraid to take on any tasks. Decision makers are important to any industry and golf is no different. Every course wants to have a superintendent who can commit to his judgments as well as manage a course. Make yourself the most valuable asset at the course you run.

15. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF TEN YEARS FROM NOW? Some would think retired…I am 59 years old. But I see myself very active here and still involved with the various golf industries. Hopefully that Augusta thing will have worked out by then. How would you like to be remembered 100 years from now? I hope to be considered someone who made a difference. Professionally and personally. Professionally, I feel fortunate to be in a position to help others reach their goals, respect our industry and be a mentor to some very dedicated individuals. Personally, years ago I was impacted by my daughter Jordan’s diagnosis. Not knowing what to do was a bit unnerving for me. But doing something was important. Just like running a Marathon, all anyone can do is take the first step

and keep on moving. I believe we made a difference in many people’s lives with the donations that were made. I can’t thank enough all those in the golf industry who helped over the years with my goals of helping The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society but we made a difference together.

16. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE IN YOUR ARSENAL FOR GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT? My duties have changed over time. When I started…an army of aerifiers were vital for my tasks. Today my # 1 guy is Greg Bishop (Supt of Golf Course) and he and I might have to agree or disagree on this… but rolling greens have had both agronomic and financial impacts at our club. Both in a positive way. What piece of equipment would you like to add to your arsenal for golf course management? New Fairway mowers.

We have 40 acres of fairway and not much chance in reducing acreage. What is the oldest piece of equipment that is still being utilized in your fleet? We have a 1991 Jacobsen LF 100 that mows Fairways 2 times a week.

17. WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST ON YOUR CREW? Kevin Genson, I’ve never seen him anything except excited about everything he does. He is fearless to say anything to anyone and his sense of humor keeps everyone loose.

18. WHO INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST ABOUT TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT? My Father. What is the most valuable thing you have learned in the golf course management profession? Don’t react to quickly too stressful situations take a moment use time when needed. Also don’t say yes to everything no is ok to say.

19. WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW SUPERINTENDENT? You will only be as successful as those who work for you.

Share your successes and failures the same. Lead by example.

I know the question asked for one piece of advice but when I started I needed way more than one.

20. HOW DO YOU RATE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT’S ROLE AND INFLUENCE IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY? Biased as I am…it may not sound fair…but we are crucial to the golf world. Economics will dictate the success of some operations, the quality of turf for others. Superintendents control both of those. Regulations, environmental concerns, water restrictions …the list continues to grow and most of them fall into our laps.

21. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR TIME IS DEVOTED TO NON-AGRONOMIC GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT? Unfortunately for me 75%. I enjoy the agronomic part more than any other…but my duties keep me away from what I really enjoy the most and what I did for 25 years. I am fortunate to have Greg Bishop as my superintendent of the course. He does wonders with the tools I provide him.

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22. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE ROLE OF AN ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT? He and the mechanic are the gears that keep everything running smoothly.

A great assistant can make a supt. look pretty good. Most in our profession love being outside and in the mix of things. But the job has changed. More time is required in the office and at the desk. The assistant superintendent is the eyes and ears for many courses and I have a lot of respect for them. Its hard work ….and not always appreciated.

23. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF WALKING A GOLF COURSE VS. RIDING A GOLF COURSE IN TODAY’S GAME? I enjoy walking courses when playing. Many people today don’t even know that pleasure. Time to talk, engage and I believe it improves your game.

But, on the other hand, many people wouldn’t be able to play so many interesting and great courses without the ability to ride. I may be a purist at heart but the reality is riding is here to stay so enjoy.

24. WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS OF GREEN SPEED AND THE GAME OF GOLF TODAY? I have two opinions. The superintendent in me wishes things could be a little more sane. The job is difficult enough already and the costs involved are hurting the bottom line. Keeping up with the course next door can be tough, and golfers don’t always compare apples to apples. The player in me likes the smooth, fast surfaces that so many courses give us now…and like everyone else the first topic at the 19th hole and on TV is how the greens played and how fast they are. We all do it…I don’t see it changing.

25. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would like to see fairway and bunker expectations to soften. Not physically, maintenance expectations. Costs to maintain them and the level of expectations have become hard to afford.

FIVE THINGS PEOPLE DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT CAREY MITCHELSON? 1. I have participated in over 18 Marathons / 25 Half Marathons / and various versions of Tri-Athlons on 3 different continents. Most of it to raise awareness and fundraising for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. To date raising over $270,000 for the Society.

2. I have qualified for the GAM Michigan Amateur in various decades starting in 1980. The last one in 2006 left me a bit unnerved… I only had one golf ball and didn’t know it until after the round was completed. Left two sleeves at the scorer’s table by mistake.

3. In High School I received letters in football/baseball/basketball/golf and track. Something like 14 letters. The track was earned during a rain out of a baseball game and track coach asked me to run the 2 mile at an event next to baseball field. I placed…ran in baseball shoes and pants, on a cinder track.

4. I originally enrolled at Central Michigan University and minored in Photojournalism.

5. A picture was taken of me (by Paul Kolbe) at a Superintendent golf event. Paul turned it into a silhouette and used it for the background of the contents page. That silhouette has shown up in magazines/billboards/graphic images/etc for the past 20 years.

No… we did not trademark it.

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Course conditions | Fall 2015

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Marc McCoy Marc McCoy was looking for a summer job the summer of 1995 and saw an advertisement in the local paper, Golf Course Superintendent Jamie Simons was looking for some outside workers at Shadow Ridge Golf Course, formerly the Ionia Country Club. Marc thought “what a great opportunity; I could get a tan and mow some grass, that couldn’t be all bad.”

Jamie quickly opened Marc’s eyes to the fact that there was much more to golf course maintenance than just getting a tan and mowing grass. He had a great experience and gained a friendship he will have forever. Jamie continues to be a great mentor to Marc still today.

ARE YOU MARRIED, IF SO HOW LONG AND WHAT IS YOUR SPOUSE’S NAME? I have been married to Tami for 14 years. Hard to believe it’s been that long. I guess time flies when you are having fun! Do you have any children? Tami and I have 2 children. Matthew and Lucas, Matthew is 9 and Lucas is 6.

WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR EDUCATION? My education came from Spartan County, Michigan State University. I’ve been a Sparty my whole life, and I really got lucky they had the best program in the business for Turfgrass Management. Go Green!

WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE? Wow, this is a great question. I have to say that so many people have influenced me throughout my life. To pick one person is really hard, however I would say that overall Jeff Holmes has really helped me get to the place I am today in my personal and professional career. He may not know it, but he has taught me that you have to dress, and carry yourself in a professional manner every day. Everything we do is being critiqued, and creating a personal brand you can be proud of is essential. He has taught me that if you always carry yourself in a professional manner, have a great attitude, you will be successful. Thanks Jeff!

PLEASE DESCRIBE IN DETAIL ONE TRUE FUNNY STORY FROM YOUR CAREER THAT YOU SHARE OFTEN WHEN IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY. Back when I first started in the business I stopped by Muskegon Country Club to see Kevin Welp. On the way into his shop I noticed a sign that said “Salesmen by appointment Only”. I thought well that must mean everyone but me. I entered the shop to which I saw a group of guys standing around in the shop. I asked, is Kevin Welp was around? A man jumped right to my question and said, do you have an appointment? I said no, I’ve left several messages on the office phone but didn’t hear anything back so I figured I’d just stop in and introduce myself.

He says, “If you don’t have an appointment, I don’t have time”.

I thought ok and walked out with my tail between my legs. He still denies to this day that event ever occurred, saying I would have never have said something like that. Today he is one of my best friends!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT DEALING WITH A CUSTOMER? This is embarrassing to even say, but back in the day I was stopping in to see Jeff Sweet at Bucks Run Golf Club. I always looked forward to our visits because typically we would take a ride around the course, which I love to do. This was an early morning and Jeff had the golf course in mint condition like always. We went on a few greens and I kept thinking to myself, man these things look awesome. Finally I said to Jeff, man your greens look really good, what fertility program are you using on them? He paused for a minute, looked at me and said that’s your fertilizer you dummy! I felt about 2 feet tall and he still today doesn’t let me forget about that.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE TO DECISION MAKERS WHEN DOING BUSINESS? My best advice to decision makers when doing business is to pick someone who provides great service that you trust. Build a relationship with that person and you will have a joint business relationship and a friendship that will last forever.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING IN AN INDUSTRY SUPPORT ROLE? I would say the most rewarding part of being in an industry support role, is you are always helping people. I never see myself as a salesman, but someone that can help other people solve problems to make them better at what they are doing. If I can help a golf course superintendent be better at what he/she does, he will help me be better at what I do. I always put my customer’s needs first, and seeing them succeed puts a smile on my face. That’s truly what my job is all about!

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WHAT IS YOUR BEST SUCCESS STORY? Getting in the door at Muskegon Country Club! I left that day thinking I was out for good and 6 months later I was in his office and he was buying stuff from me.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR POSITION? Don Benham once told me to be successful you have to have fun and enjoy what you do. He said eventually your customers will be some of your best friends. At the time I didn’t understand what he meant, but today I do and he was 100% right. Being around my friends every day is so awesome, and I wouldn’t change it for anything!

WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE LESS SEASONED TRAVELER? My snowmobile friends and I have a motto to never pass a gas station without filling up. When you drink as much coffee as I do, you never pass a rest area without stopping either. The next one can be 30 miles or more up the road.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR SPECIAL INTERESTS? I love snowmobiling, hunting, golfing, and hanging out with family and friends.

HOW MANY MILES DO YOU DRIVE IN A TYPICAL YEAR? I drive approximately 45,000 miles per year, and I truly love it!

WHO HAS THE NICEST SHOP THAT YOU CALL ON AND WHY? No question, Lost Dunes Golf Club is the nicest shop. You could eat off the floor, and the shop is always perfectly organized. If you have never seen it, take a trip and check it out. It is amazing!

Steve, John, Matt, and Seth do a great job keeping that shop pristine at all times.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK? I love spending time with my family and friends. It doesn’t matter to me what we do, it’s just great hanging out with them laughing and having fun.

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE VERY BEST PRODUCT YOU OFFER AND WHY? Fleet has to be the best product I offer. It works so well, and I have had very few guys not continue to use it. I have even had guys say, if you aren’t using it, your greens are not as good as they could be. Pretty cool technology!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PROFESSION YOU ARE IN? I love to drive, talk on the phone, and spend time with friends.

What better profession could there possibly be? I am truly blessed!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM TO SELL/DEMO? I love selling our Harrell’s Max foliar nutrients. It is so cool to sit down with a customer and help them develop their own program using our products, and then see them have great success with the program that they created. That’s pretty cool stuff!

HOW LARGE IS YOUR TERRITORY? Western and Mid-Michigan. I have a big territory, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. My customers are great.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE TO PLAY? I can’t pick one, even if you asked my top ten, I would have a hard time. I guess I don’t hit the ball very far, so if I had to pick a style of course I enjoy, I would pick the shorter old style courses. More of Driver 7,8,9, PW, target golf as some like to call it. Those are fun for me to play.

IF YOU HAD TO HAVE A DIFFERENT PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE? If I had to have a different profession, I would probably be a chiropractor. I was going to be one to start with, but Jamie Simons talked me into going to Michigan State for a turf degree, and I never looked back. To me being a chiropractor would have been a great profession because you would always be helping people. Whether it was to get better posture, relieve back pain, or whatever. Helping people in that way would be pretty cool.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLFER AND WHY? Tiger Woods is my favorite golfer. I would love to spend the day with him and pick his brain and hear some of his stories. I’m sure he has some good ones!

DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME AND IS THERE A STORY BEHIND IT? I do have a nickname. Most of my friends and customers call me “Shooter”. I had actually given that name to Jason Ward when he was the golf course superintendent at the Grande Golf Club in Jackson. He quickly spun it back around on me, and it has stuck ever since. Today there are a lot of “shooters” out there but that’s just how it goes.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A HOLE IN ONE? No, I have holed out from 150 yards, but never a hole in one.

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY TIME IN GOLF WHEN WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I would go back to the early 1900’s when Donald Ross was designing courses. I think he is one of the best architects of all time, and I would love to have been around when he was building all these great tracks!

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INDUSTRY PROFILE HOW MANY ROUNDS OF GOLF DO YOU PLAY A YEAR? Not enough. I would say I play about 10 to 15 times per year. I love the game and wish I could play more, but it gets a little tough with young kids. I will say that Lucas just turned 6 on September 28th. I told him I would pick him up from school that day and asked him what he wanted to do. He said Dad you said you would take me golfing sometime this summer. I said then that’s what we will do. That afternoon Lucas, Matthew, and I went and played 9 holes at The Emerald at Maple Creek. It was one of the best rounds of golf I have ever been a part of, and I never swung a club!

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY/ CONFERENCE THAT TURF CARE PROFESSIONALS CAN ATTEND? I’m a homer, so I love the Michigan State Turfgrass Conference. MSU has the best turf professor’s in the industry, and I love the new set up Dr. Frank and staff have put together for the winter conference. It doesn’t get any better in my opinion.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY WILL BE DIFFERENT IN 10 YEARS? Good Question, I hope everything is exactly the same. I love the way it is now, but I know too that change is inevitable. Let’s cross our fingers that it only changes for the better!

SIX THINGS PEOPLE DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MARC MCCOY? 1.

I took first place in the state as a junior in high school with my Architectural Drafting design and I still have the original prints today.

2.

I do antique tractor pulling a few times per year, and back in 2007 I bought at International H. We have done some improvements to it, but still have a ways to go.

3.

I rode in a Porsche convertible for the first time this summer with Collin Romanick. I can honestly say that was one amazing ride! I didn’t think a car could corner like a snowmobile, but if you are in the right car it can. Thanks Collin.

4.

5.

I love to hand water…….That always gets a second look when I tell people that, but that is truly my favorite job on the golf course.

My favorite movie is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

6.

I am a member of the Snow Dawg’s Snowmobile Racing Club!

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A TOAST, IN APPRECIATION OF YOUR BUSINESS.

HERE’S TO YOU.

At Par Aide, we’d like to raise a paper cup to you, our valued customer. Because it’s your unyielding 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.

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2015 Annual Equipment Technicians Meeting at Arcadia Bluffs

BY DAVE ERTL, EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN, TRAVERSE CITY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

T

hank you to everyone involved from Arcadia Bluffs Jim Bluck, CGCS, Paul Emling, Daniel Heiss, Patrick Sullivan & Phillip Kluesner to all of the speakers who have shared their knowledge and to Jason Farah, Superintendent at Crystal Mountain for hosting golf. To all of the Technicians that attended, Adam Ikamas and the MiGCSA for making all of our technician events happen.

The speakers that represent their industries best had put together a great educational experience for the Equipment Technicians. Starting with John Biesbrock and Mike Thorsen, Technical representation at its finest on behalf of

Jacobsen touched base on the future of hybrid technology pertaining to the Eclipse 322. It was very relevant education pertaining to the future of our industry.

Following Jacobsen was John Deere Technical Support Speakers Marv Vanarsdal and Mike Honeycheck from J.W. Turf. Hybrid Technology and the need to understand Tier 4 updates pertaining to the John Deere 7500 A Fairway mower with state of the art technology that all of us need to understand.

John Garlets with Spartan Distributors spoke about keeping us refreshed on our hydraulic trouble shooting skills. Then before we broke for lunch we were fortunate enough to have Jake Herr from H&R Pressure Washer out of Kalkaska walk us through troubleshooting hot water pressure washers.

I cannot emphasize on how important it is to understand the equipment around us and Jake did a marvelous job in educating us on what to look for when we are in need of getting our equipment cleaned and our pressure washer is down.

One of the great things while putting all of this together for me is that it also gives some of us technicians who do like to get out and golf a chance to do so. For the price of only $25.00 for a membership in the MiGCSA you can soak up educational experiences like this one.

Keep an eye out for the Technician Training at the Michigan Turfgrass Conference January 5th and 6th 2016 and the Spring Management Meeting at Treetops Resort in late March.

Superintendents please don’t miss out on signing up your Technicians for an educational experience that they need and deserve. Hope to see you all there. Thank You All Again.

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The 2015 MiGCSA State Championship MiGCSA Class A Member Steve Fiorillo, CGCS along with MiGCSA Members Jeff Zeman, David Elliott, Adam Hahn & Rafael Morales had Eagle Eye Golf Club set up for a Major Championship. The 9th Annual State Championship, the MiGCSA Major, was a great success. This event is not just for those competing for the trophy there is also a 2 of 4 net team game so everyone can get in the game. The threat of thunderstorms in the morning gave way to a very brief shower that briefly slowed play for the 56 in attendance. A highlight of the day was a hole in one on the 12th by Matt Gaver! At the end of the day 2013 State Champion Eric Davey shot a 3 under par 69 to regain the State Championship trophy.

2015 State Champion Eric Davey

Here are the rest of the winners: Team best 2 of 4 net 1st place: Score of 121 Eric Davey, Scott Rettmann, Brett Roberts & Ryan Moore 2nd place: Score of 122 Scott Wilkinson, Matt Gaver, JD Kensinger & Tim Topolinski

Host Superintendent Steve Fiorillo, CGCS

3rd place: Score of 127 Dave Plummer, Michael Harwood, Tom Stark & Chris Wilczynski Individual: 2015 State Champion – Eric Davey 2015 Low Net Champion – Doug Palm, CGCS

Low Net Champion Doug Palm, CGCS

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Jeremy

Strock

Jeremy Strock has been the Assistant Superintendent at Prestwick Village Golf Club since 2008. He has been married to his lovely wife Tammy for 12 years. Jeremy grew up on a dairy farm in Manchester Michigan and once his farming days were done, it seemed only natural to transition into the golf industry you could say it’s always been in his blood. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1998 with a 4 year bachelor of science degree in turfgrass management.

WHERE WAS THE FIRST COURSE YOU WORKED ON? Hickory Sticks Golf Club in Manchester, Michigan. What was your first job on that course? Mowing greens. When did you know that this was a job you wanted to do as a career? After my family decided to sell the farm during my teenage years, I found I still wanted a career that would allow me the freedom to work outside. What was your favorite job that first summer on a course? Trimming irrigation heads.

It was rather serene to be surrounded by only the sounds of nature while you work.

WHAT PART OF THAT EDUCATION DO YOU USE MOST OFTEN ON THE JOB? I would say problem solving skills. Being able to recognize an issue, whether it be identifying a specific weed or disease and using the knowledge I gained from college to resolve the problem. What course did you go to after college? TPC of Michigan in Dearborn. Who was the first Superintendent at that course? Mike Giuffre WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THAT SUPERINTENDENT IN THE FIRST YEAR? Mike taught me how to learn from my mistakes. Anyone can make a mistake. However it takes a certain kind of individual to not only allow, but encourage you to grow from your mistake as opposed to reprimanding you for it. This allows you to understand what you did wrong and in the future not make the same mistake twice.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CHILDREN? WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES AND AGES? No children to speak of unless you count the four-legged, furry variety in which case we have 4. Nemo is a 14 year old Italian greyhound.

Corky is an 8.5 year old chihuahua/dachshund mix. Ritz is a 6.5 year old dachshund/chihuahua mix and Reggie is a 5 year old whippet. I won’t mention the 2 rabbits, guinea pig, rat, or fish though.

Course conditions | Fall 2015

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT AND TEAM? As you can imagine, I am a big fan of the Michigan State football team. I was actually a kicker for the team for a short stint during my tenure there.

DO YOU PLAY GOLF? WHAT IS YOUR HANDICAP? I try to get out a couple times a year. I hate to admit my handicap is somewhere around 18. Not exactly what you would expect from someone who works on a golf course for a living. What golf course would you love to experience once in your lifetime? I would like to try my hand at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. What is your favorite golf club in the bag? My favorite club is whichever one happens to be working for me that day.

The pitching wedge seems to make frequent appearances throughout a round.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE IN YOUR ARSENAL FOR GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT? The lightweight greens roller. What piece of equipment would you like to add to your arsenal for golf course management? The Graden verticutter for tees and fairways. What is the oldest piece of equipment that is still being utilized in your fleet? A 1995 loader.

IF YOU HAD A MULLIGAN IN A TOTALLY DIFFERENT CAREER CHOICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? If I hadn’t chosen a career in the turfgrass industry, I would like to say I’d be a candy maker in a chocolate factory. Of course my waistline would never be the same if that happened.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD OR RESTAURANT? The Cheesecake Factory, which opened not too far from our house last year.

WHAT VEHICLE WOULD YOU DRIVE IF YOU HAD A MONEY TREE GROWING IN YOUR YARD? I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a new

2010 Camaro and modify it to look and sound like Bumblebee from the Transformers movies. Otherwise I would have to say a C7 Z06 Corvette. My father in law owns a ZR1 Corvette while my brother in law owns a Z06. You could say it runs in the family.

HOW MANY CREW MEMBERS DO YOU HAVE ON YOUR GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE STAFF? During the summer, we employee about 18 staff members in the maintenance department. What type of irrigation system do you have and approximately how many irrigation heads? We use a Toro Network LTC system that is comprised of about 1500 heads. What is the cultural management practice you could not do without? Aerification WHO IS THE GREATEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE? My greatest influences would have to be my mom and my wife. I learned my fierce work ethic from my mom while my wife has always been there to support and encourage any endeavors I venture into.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? I expect the MCGSA to be able to represent Michigan superintendents as not only a whole but also as individuals with specific needs and goals. I want them to continue to promote and improve the profession by offering educational opportunities, staying up to date with relevant research and timely outcomes, and by having fun with taking part in social charity events.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA? I expect the GCSAA to advocate for the preservation and advancement of our industry. They need to continually recognize that it is the management staff that is not only a vital component in the welfare of any golf course, but that they also help to promote the enjoyment and growth of the game.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION? I expect the MTF to continue to support education and research taking place at Michigan State University. New

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educational advancements will be the forefront for future research projects that will not only benefit improved turfgrass growth, but also help to develop new methods of turfgrass management.

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF YOUR JOB? The most difficult part of my job is the daily management of employees. Everyone’s personality and work ethic is different. Utilizing them as a team takes patience and determination on my part. A leader is only as good as his support staff. What is the easiest part of your job?

The easiest part of my job is knowing what I have to do to get my job done for the day.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS TODAY? The biggest issue facing assistant superintendents today is the competition surrounding applying for superintendent positions. It is a natural progression to go from being an assistant to a super. However, not every assistant is cut out to be a superintendent. You have to be able to make yourself stand out from the crowd in order to be considered for such a position, especially since superintendent positions are not a dime a dozen.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF TEN YEARS FROM NOW? Ten years from now I would hopefully like to see myself as the superintendent of my own golf course. That’s what I’m currently working up to.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED 100 YEARS FROM NOW? 100 years from now I would like to be remembered for the work I accomplished to bring the greens back after they endured a harsh winter season. Thanks to a vicious cycle of back to back ice and snow, our greens incurred some major winter damage. We were not sure if the greens were even going to survive. After removing the damaged portions and careful reseeding, we waited.

Through meticulous watering and handling, the greens finally started to show some life again. That was one of my proudest accomplishments.

WHO INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST ABOUT TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT, WHO ELSE INFLUENCED YOU PERSONALLY? Both Dr. Rogers and Dr. Rieke have had a profound influence on me. They both had a contagious enthusiasm for everything turfgrass.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE THE BIGGEST ISSUE WILL BE IN THE FUTURE? The biggest issue I see facing the turfgrass industry in the future is the survivability of a golf course. Golf courses tend to sit on quite valuable property. If attendance starts to decline, the corporate owner may see a golden opportunity to sell the course to a developer for top dollar as opposed to keeping it as a golf course. These days everyone is out to make a fast buck or two.

HOW DO YOU RATE IMPORTANCE OF THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT’S ROLE AND INFLUENCE IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY? The assistant superintendents are like the backbone of the industry. They have their hands in a multitude of things, whether it’s to oversee and support the staff or back up the superintendent. Without the assistant, the structure of the team will fall apart. In other words, assistants are the glue that holds everything together.

WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS? I see the next generation of assistant superintendents being more tech savvy. With new technologies coming out every year, it won’t be long before golf courses become more automated. Not only will assistants have to know about the practical side to turfgrass management, but also the technological side. You can already start to see it by how we time our irrigation systems to start and stop via computer.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE CONCERNING GOLF COURSE ETIQUETTE? My biggest pet peeve is members who think they’re above the law and feel they can drive their golf carts anywhere, including those areas that are posted “Designated Cart Path Only.”

WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS OF GREEN SPEED AND THE GAME OF GOLF TODAY? Golfers today expect course conditions to be consistent and fair. However, not all golfers play on the same scale.

While the better golfer expects green speeds to be fast,

Course conditions | Fall 2015

the novice prefers speeds to be closer to their level of play or slower. In the end, I just don’t want to lose too many pin locations by the greens being too fast.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? One thing I would change about golf course management would be the politics and drama. Both should be left for the GCSAA to take care of privately, not handled publically out on the golf course.

WOULD YOU RATHER BE A WELL-COMPENSATED ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OR A POORLY COMPENSATED SUPERINTENDENT? Is this a trick question? Of course I would rather be a well compensated assistant superintendent. I would feel more valued as an employee which can go a long way when working 15 hour shifts.

PLEASE DESCRIBE IN DETAIL ONE TRUE FUNNY STORY FROM YOUR CAREER THAT YOU SHARE WHEN IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY. Back when I was working at the TPC of Michigan, every July we would host a PGA Senior Tournament. Our hours were so erratic that we were never sure whether we were coming or going. Most nights we were lucky to get 3-4 hours of sleep. One time a coworker was trying to roll a green. He had worked so many hours during the week that he ended up falling asleep on the roller. By the time he woke up, he was already halfway down the fairway. So we figured it was best for him to take a nap as opposed to having him try to finish his shift.

5 THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JEREMY STROCK 1. I MAKE ICE CREAM HAND MADE WITH AN OLD FAMILY RECIPE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS. 2. I PLAYED FOR A YEAR ON THE MSU FOOTBALL TEAM BACK IN 1994-1995.

3. I CARRY ABOUT A 215 BOWLING AVERAGE. I HAVE 6 PERFECT GAMES AND 3 800 SERIES. 4. I HAVE A 640HP TRANSFORMER CAMARO THAT I LIKE TO DRIVE ON WEEKENDS. 5. MY TREMENDOUS THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE WHEN I WAS A KID, LED ME TO TAKING ENCYCLOPEDIA BOOKS TO BED AT NIGHT. THE BEST PART WAS WAKING UP AND RECITING WHAT I HAD LEARNED THE NEXT DAY TO MY PARENTS.

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Course conditions | Fall 2015

Western Golf Day Fundraiser HOST SUPERINTENDENT AL BATHUM, CGCS

The Western Golf Day Fundraiser was on a picture perfect fall day September 21st at Cascade Hills C.C. Our host for the day was MiGCSA Class A Member Al Bathum, CGCS along with Members Jason Reece , Orville Davis and Tony Houle.

There are many sponsors to thank starting with our 2015 Premiere Fundraiser Sponsors BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, Jacobsen, FIP Irrigation Services, Tri-Turf and LaFontaine Automotive. Chad Kempf of The winning team of Mark Dennison, Cory Parmalee, Shawn Pranger & Paul Richter Rain Bird helped run a poker game contest that raised more than $780 for the 50/50 split, $390 went to the team of Jim Higgs, Alex Greenacre, Shaun Maher and Larry Harwood. Our hole sponsors were Eric Cowan from J.W. Turf who did the 50/50, Site One Landscape Supply Lee Collins, Jeff Kingsley & Micah Wise amd Scott Inman with Pump Logic. Thank you also to Harrell’s and David Herman & Associates for their beverage sponsorships.

Jim Johnson and Great Lakes Turf sponsored the deluxe Hot Dog stand at the ½ way house and finally thank you to Brian Mavis for his donation of $100.

Here were the winners from the day: Proximity Prizes were sponsored by the 2015 Premiere Foundation Sponsors BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, Spartan Distributors, Jacobsen, F.I.P. Irrigation Services, Residex, Tri-Turf and LaFontaine Automotive.

The winning scramble team was Mark Dennison, Cory Parmalee, Shawn Pranger & Paul Richter.

The MiGCSA and MTF thank you for attending this event. 100% of the proceeds raised at this event will help fund scholarships, donations, and philanthropic interests like the Wee One Foundation, EIFG and the MSU Turf Club. But the vast majority will go directly to funding turf research at Michigan State University in donations to the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. Our next fundraiser will be January 22nd at the Detroit Curling Club.

MiGCSA President Jeff Holmes, CGCS addresses the attendees

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A Call From

Campus

Evaluation of Crown Membrane Health and Gas Accumulation in Response to Ice Stress and Management Practices of Creeping Bentgrass and Poa Annua Objectives: 1. Investigate whether crown membrane fatty acid ratios and composition may correlate to toxic gas accumulation and are they differentially accumulated between creeping bentgrass and poa annua under ice cover stress 2. Evaluate how lipid profiles and FFA change over a time course of ice cover 3. Use a simulated ice cover experiment to determine whether membrane health changes due to incubation of turf with specific ice cover associated gases 4. Evaluate whether chemical treatments commonly used in the turf industry reduce turf loss due to ice cover, particularly related to membrane disruption or FFA accumulation

Dr. Emily Merewitz and Dr. Kevin Frank Michigan State University Creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass are two important putting green species that are sensitive to ice cover damage.

Creeping bentgrass is typically more tolerant to ice stress than annual bluegrass. A major cause of damage under prolonged ice cover is the accumulation of toxic gases and damage to grass crown tissue. Several management practices have been reported to improve turf survival of winter, but have not been investigated in controlled studies. This project aimed to determine whether commonly used plant growth regulators (PGRs) and an oil based product, Civitas, have an effect on turf survival of ice cover and is that survival related to membrane or crown health.

Separate creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass fields were maintained at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center at Michigan State University. Plots of both species were treated in late summer through fall of 2014 every two weeks with: Civitas, mefluidide, propiconazole,

or trinexapac ethyl at label recommended rates. Turfgrass plots underwent natural acclimation to cold conditions in fall 2014.

Turfgrass plugs were then taken on 11 Nov 2014 from each plot, planted in 4 inch plastic pots in native soil, and then transferred to an environmentally controlled low temperature growth chamber (-4oC) where they underwent 1) no ice or 2) ice cover (0.5� thick) treatments. Turfgrass plugs were taken out of the low temperature growth chamber at 0, 20, 40, 60, and 100 days after temperature treatments. Plants were then destructively sampled by cutting the plants in half. Half of the plant went to gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) for analysis of free fatty acids while the other half went towards a percent regrowth assay in a greenhouse.

Ice covered plugs treated with mefluidide, propiconazol, and civitas all had significantly more regrowth than trinexapac-ethyl and untreated control plugs after 20, 40, and 60 days in the low temperature growth chamber.

Exposure of plants to the low temperature chamber conditions and the regrowth assay results should not be directly correlated with number of days of survival in the field. The chamber conditions completely freeze the soil profile, which would not likely occur under field conditions.

We are currently installing heating ribbons in

Course conditions | Fall 2015

the growth chamber in order to keep soil temperatures warmer and more closely aligned with field conditions for future projects.

At 20 days under ice cover, the majority of the fatty acids detected within annual bluegrass were linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, and palmitic acid. Plants that were treated with mefluidide, propiconazole, and Civitas have a greater percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic acid being the most increased due to these chemical treatments, compared with trinexapac-ethyl and untreated samples (Table 1). The unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid is a precursor to the plant hormone jasmonic acid, a hormone involved in stress responses and the induced systemic resistance pathway. Fatty acids greater than 18 carbons were detected in trace amounts primarily in Civitas treated samples. Further evaluation of these profiles is needed and is being performed.

Figure 2 – Regrowth (%) of annual bluegrass plugs maintained under ice cover in a low temperature growth chamber (-4 °C) that were treated with different plant growth regulating compounds. Different letters indicate statistically significant differences within a sampling day (P ≤ 0.05).

Table 1. List of free fatty acids found in annual bluegrass crown tissue exposed to different chemical treatments after 20 days of ice cover. The fatty acid designation ratios are (C, number of carbon atoms)/(D, number of double bonds). Different letters indicate statistically significant differences within each column (P ≤ 0.05).

Summary Points

Fatty Acids Molar percentage (mol %)

saturated unsaturated

Trace

16:0 18:0 16:1 18:1 18:2 18:3 24:0 26:0 Palmitic Stearic Palmitoleic Oleic Linoleic Linolenic Lignoceric Cerotic acid acid acid acid acid acid acid acid

Civitas

30.5 bc 29.1 b

6.6 ab

6.7a 13.5 b 12.9 ab

0.08

0.06

Propiconazole

26.9 c

26.2 b

4.7 c

5.3a 21.6 a 15.3 a

N/A

N/A

Mefluidide

29.3 c

26.2 b

6.3 ab

7.1a 19.0 a 11.7 ab

N/A

N/A

Trinexapacethyl 33.4 ab 35.4 a

7.2 a

5.8a 9.0 bc

9.3 b

N/A

N/A

Untreated

5.5 bc

5.6a 8.0 c

8.1 b

N/A

N/A

LSD

35.0 a

37.0 a

3.83 1.33 4.73 2.22 4.83 5.73

Currently, field plots are being treated in the same manner as in 2014 in order for collection of turf plugs.

Analysis on creeping bentgrass plants and the other objectives listed above are also on-going.

Figure 1 – Annual bluegrass plants treated with Civitas, mefluidide, propiconazole, trinexapac ethyl, or untreated under ice (0.5” thick) in a low temperature growth chamber (-4°C)

• Annual bluegrass regrowth after simulated ice cover in a growth chamber was significantly affected by plant growth regulator or civitas treatments.

• Enhanced survival of annual bluegrass after treatment with plant growth regulators or civitas could be related to shifts in fatty acid accumulation.

• More work is on-going to thoroughly investigate fatty acids and gas accumulation in both creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass responses to chemical management practices and ice cover.

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Off Course

BY CRAIG KOOIENGA, INDIAN TRAILS GOLF COURSE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS

B

ack in 2003 I started running to stay in shape and aid in quitting smoking. I started in March of that year training for the 5/3 River Bank Run in early May. Although pretty destroyed at the end, I finished in a respectable time. Since then I have run in numerous races including 2 Marathons one in Knoxville TN, and the other in Traverse City, the River Bank Run, a half marathon, and the North Country Trail relay all in 2015.

The benefits of running go way beyond the racing aspect.

Getting together with great friends and meeting new friends, enjoying nature in all weather conditions, and stress relief are just some of the other benefits that I have enjoyed through running. My favorite running activity at present is running while my 5 year old son Grayson rides beside me on his bike. He learned to ride two months ago and has already gone on rides exceeding 6 miles.

Since my introduction to running all those years ago I have also become very fond of cycling both road and mountain and triathlon. Training for triathlon is very enjoyable because of the great variety found in swimming, cycling and running. Trail running and mountain biking have been a lot of fun because they take advantage of the great woods, terrain and trails found here in Michigan.

Going forward I hope to continue training and sometime soon qualify for the Boston Marathon. I am just beginning to figure out how to train properly to run 26.2 miles. My friend and I recently decided to try to run a Marathon in all 50 states. So far we can cross Michigan, Texas and Tennessee off that list.

Course conditions | Fall 2015

MTESP Partners

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Membership Renewal You can renew in many ways, the fastest and easiest is to log in to your account at www.migcsa.org and click on the “Renew you MiGCSA Membership Here” link. If you would rather print and mail in your membership renewal you can find the renewal form online under the join tab. This form can be mailed to MiGCSA 316 Glencarin Dr. NE Rockford, MI 49341 or faxed to 1-888-364-4272.

You may also scan and email the form to info@migcsa.org.

Your membership dues and continued support within the MiGCSA has helped make all of the items below possible, so thank you for your support of the largest single state chapter in the country.

In 2015 your Association has: • Hosted over 1,000 members at our Meetings, Golf Events & Fundraisers.

• Donated $19,651.25 to the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation to support Turf Research at MSU • Donated $3,500 to the Wee One Foundation • Awarded $7,000 in Scholarships to MSU Turf Students and MiGCSA Member Dependents • Produced four issues of the industry leading Course Conditions Magazine • Produced the Membership Directory • Partnered with the Michigan Golf Alliance (MGCOA, PGA, GAM, MTF, and CMAA) to host the Michigan Golf Day in Lansing • Year to date over 114,000 visitors to migcsa.org • Invested $50,000 into a mutual fund • Hosted three Fundraisers to support the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Research, The Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, The Wee One Foundation, The Environmental Institute for Golf, MiGCSA Member Scholarships & MSU Student Scholarships.

• Worked hard every day to provide value to our members through programs and services that enhance and promote our profession.

Below is a chart of how the renewal cycle works with the MiGCSA. You are free to renew at any time in the red bar without losing your membership. As you approach the right side of the bar your notifications of renewal will become more frequent and your membership will eventually expire on 6/15/16.

Research suggest that the microorganisms responsible for mineralizing the organic nitrogen in Milorganite remain active up to the time soils freeze. This means a dormant application of Milorganite in late fall, or just prior to freeze up, will work to your advantage all winter and spring.

Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association

Membership Renewal Cycle

the Michigan golf course suPerintendents association

October 15 th Membership Renewal for all 2014 Members

|

fall 2014

June 15 th All 2014 Memberships Expire

October November December January F ebruary March April May June July August September

For more information on dormant feeding with Milorganite, contact Jaime at 1-800-287-9645 | www.milorganite.com

15-040_Sept15

Membership Renewal from 2015 to 2016 Membership

Course conditions | Fall 2015

2015 5th Annual MiGCSA Student Networking Event --STUDENT PERSPECTIVE-RYAN BEARSS MSU TURF MANAGEMENT STUDENT VICE PRESIDENT MSU TURF CLUB SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2015 - Held annually at College Fields Golf Course, the MiGCSA Student Networking Event provides Michigan State Turf Students the unique opportunity to not only learn, but golf with Michigan turf industry professional. All though I am a second-year turf student at MSU, this was my first year attending the event.

With about a 2:1 student to professional attendance, students were paired in groups of 3-4 with a Superintendent or Company representative in each. I was privileged to golf with Rob Pylar, Area Sales Manager with Bayer. For me, this was an opportune moment as the chemical side of the industry is one of my greatest interests. Throughout the round (and event) Rob was extremely informative and an all-around fun person to golf with.

Following the best ball round of golf, we met back at the clubhouse for hot dogs, the award ceremony (lowest score, etc‌), and industry panel Q and A. The panel answered questions honestly, and gave attendees a great look at different segments of the turf industry. All though most informative, it was the life and career advice that each panel member gave following questions I most appreciated.

Reflecting on the event, the experience was fulfilling and most appreciated by not only myself, but all students who attended. Events such as these make me truly proud to be a Spartan. While being a Spartan provided me this opportunity , the real thanks goes to those who created it; Carey Mitchelson (College Fields GM), Greg Bishop (College Fields Superintendent), Joey Smallwood (College Fields Assistant Superintendent), and of course Adam Ikamas and the entire MiGCSA board.

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ASSOCIATION UPDATE

Inspections and Corrections This summer there was a lot of talk at our meetings about the increase in MDARD Pest and Plant Management Division (PPMD) inspections. In our ADAM IKAMAS, CGCS last issue there was a letter from the department explaining the process they use and will use to identify the facilities to be inspected. This is quote directly from the PPMD “MDARD has made a renewed effort to conduct inspections at golf courses in the last 3 years. MDARD began by identifying golf courses in Michigan that did not have a certified applicator as an employee in MDARD’s records. Of the approximate 900 golf courses in Michigan MDARD identified 322 golf courses who did not appear to employ a certified pesticide applicator. Over the past 3 years, 113 inspections have taken place with a high rate of non-compliance with MDARD’s regulations. 81 golf courses or 72% of the 113 inspected golf courses received an immediate stop order with enforcement action taken after the inspection was completed.”

Many members and others in the Golf Industry have spoken to me about this issue and see it as a money grab or a way to get higher enforcement numbers for the PPMD. I can guarantee you this is not the case. If they were out to fine as many as possible they would not give us this type of warning. The police do not give you a heads up on a speed trap do they? The goal of these inspections is to get compliance that is it. Often fines are low and if compliance can be achieved often they are dropped.

I think many of you reading this are not in the target group of non-certified applicators.

However I do believe many of you may know who these facilities are. Please help our industry out by letting them know. This is a great reason to join the MiGCSA, also a great resource to help them navigate the regulations is the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program www.MTESP.org. The MTESP is a great way to do a free assessment of their property to see where they are not in compliance. Ignoring the issues is not an excuse, the inspectors will be much happier to see that there is work being done to become compliant in regulations 636 & 637. The data inputted into the MTESP Program is confidential and can provide a road map to being compliant. Even if you are reading this and think you are safe from inspection wouldn’t you rather know where you possible gaps are? It cannot be easier than right now, visit www.MTESP.org and get registered. Complete the modules and even get a site visit if you want to become a certified property. Let’s get golf back on the right side with the MDARD and PPMD.

Adam Ikamas, CGCS MiGCSA Executive Director

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION 316 GLENCARIN DR. NE | ROCKFORD, MI 49341

LANSING, MI PERMIT NO.689

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION 316 GLENCARIN DR. NE | ROCKFORD, MI 49341

LANSING, MI PERMIT NO.689