California Capital News

1st Quarter 2020

Volume 1

California Capital News President’s Message

Jim Ferrin, CGCS

This is our first new letter in 2020. It will be a regular publication to our membership to keep them informed of the issues impacting the golf industry. In later issues we will be primarily focusing on the governmental relation efforts of the California Alliance for Golf who is our arm of advocacy for golf in California.

The California Chapter of the GCSAA provides three important things for its members of our regional six chapters.

The first is government advocacy and a legislative presence throughout California through our relationship with the California Alliance for Golf and our lobbyist Tony Rice. Secondly, we have developed our statewide BMP’s with monies from GCSAA grants and monies raised through the California Room.

With the help of the GCSAA we will

be making a concerted effort to see the BMP’s implemented at the majority of our golf courses in California. This will help us greatly in governmental relations and advocacy of our profession in the midst of legislative and environmental group pressures who don’t support the golf industry. The third major thing the California Chapter provides is the California Room at the annual GIS. This is an opportunity for superintendents, our vendors and friends can come together for an evening of food, fun and spirits. In saying that we hope to see you in Orlando on January 29th joining us at the Blue Martini Lounge.

In This Issue 

President Message



Delegates Meeting Recap



BMP Update



Dave Waymire Wins Leo Fesse Award



Gary Ingram wins GCSAA’s President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship



CAG Update



Jay Neusinger wins Inovative Conservation Award

Jim Ferrin, CGCS President, California Chapter of the GCSAA

California Room Registration Information Member Entry: $25 for registrations from Sept. 1st to Jan 15th. If registering after Jan 15th the cost will be $100.

Member Guest Entry: $25 for registrations from Sept. 1st to Jan 15th. If registering after Jan 15th the cost will be $100.

For questions or additional information please contact the association office at 559-298-6262 or email us at

californiagcsa@aol.com On Line Registration can be found at Californiagcsa.org/California Room ALL REGISTRATION INCLUDE (4) DRINK TICKETS

California Capital News

Thank You to our 2020 California Room Gold Sponsors

WilburEllis Co

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2019 Chapter Delegates Meeting October 28-29, 2019 By Leann Cooper, GCSAA Key Messages Association Report – CEO J. Rhett Evans briefed delegates on the state of GCSAA. GCSAA is in a strong financial position with investments totaling 7.7 million. GCSAA’s foundation, the EIFG, has 9.9 million in reserves. GCSAA has an operating budget of $18 million. Mr. Evans shared the following highlights: How GCSAA is Funded 48% Industry Support 25% Member Dues 18% User Fees How GCSAA allocates funding 32% Education; Advocacy and Environmental Programs 29% Golf Industry Show 10% Member and Chapter Services GCSAA is a not for profit – revenue is used to support programs and services that benefit GCSAA members.

Mr. Evans shared with the delegates several initiatives currently underway that have been successful outreach efforts on behalf of GCSAA members. Increasing member recognition remains a high priority for the association.

Chapters can partner with GCSAA in these efforts and grants are available to those that choose to adopt the revised affiliated logo.

State BMP Implementation and Facility Adoption – The delegates received an update on GCSAA’s goal to have all 50 states with a BMP in place by 2020. Mark Johnson, Associate Director, Environmental Pro-

grams thanked the chapters that have been working diligently on making this goal a reality. There are currently: 21 states with a BMP in place 17 states will finish up in 2019 The remaining 12 states are anticipated to be complete by 2020 Mr. Johnson advised that facility adoption workshops have begun.

Chapters can request grants to help offset the costs of this important next step.

Golf Industry Show – COO Robert M. Randquist, CGCS shared information regarding the 2020 Golf Industry Show, January 25-30 in Orlando, Fla. including the layout of the trade show floor. He noted that 50% of seminars offered this year are new and 23 free sessions will be offered.

GCSAAPAC Fundraising – Kevin P. Sunderman, GCSAAPAC Board Chair briefed the delegates on a few of the fundraising initiatives the GCSAAPAC has undertaken in the past year. Mr. Sunderman announced that the GCSAAPAC would sponsor a raffle during the meeting to help reach the goal of $15,000 raised in 2019.

Chapter Outreach Updates – John R. Fulling, Jr., CGCS, Chair, Affiliation Agreement Task Group and Steve Randall, Director, Chapter Outreach covered updates around the GCSAA Affiliation Agreement, Chapter Assessment Survey and outreach activities.

The Affiliation Agreement Task

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California Capital News

Chapter Delegates Meeting Group met in April to review the Affiliation Agreement. The task group recommended and the GCSAA Board approved five changes to the agreement. The most notable of these changes involved Section III. B, Promotional Materials and Logo. All chapters who accept GCSAA Chapter Logo Grant monies are required to change their logos and abide by the GCSAA Brand and Style guide. Affiliation Agreements are due on December 31.

The GCSAA Chapter Assessment Survey will launch November 15. This survey is conducted every three years and is used to benchmark chapter activities in 10 competency areas. The assessment survey is due on December 31.

Advocacy and Environmental Initiatives Focus Group – GCSAA staff briefly highlighted initiatives underway to help address environmental concerns and ways GCSAA is advocating on behalf of its members.

Government Affairs, BMPs, First Green and Rounds 4 Research were touched on. The majority of the session was spent listening to feedback from the delegates as they shared their perspectives regarding these topics.

Professional Development and Career Opportunities Focus Group - Qualified labor continues to be a challenge impacting the membership. In the Professional Development and Career Opportunities focus group a few of GCSAA’s programs and initiatives that can be used to train and develop staff were shared, including assistant and equipment manager certificate programs. Discussion regarding labor challenges were addressed as part of the briefing on outreach efforts with FFA and high school students.

Feedback was gathered from the delegates on additional ideas.

Town Hall Sessions – The GCSAA Board of Directors and delegates participated in two town hall sessions. The first session facilitated by GCSAA Vice President John R. Fulling, Jr., CGCS provided insight into serving on the GCSAA Board of Directors. The second session was an open format town hall facilitated by GCSAA President Rafael Barajas, CGCS.

Contnd from page 2 Code of Ethics – The Federal Trade Commission’s anti-trust laws prohibits associations from limiting competition amongst members. GCSAA has revised its code of ethics to comply with federal law.

Candidate Presentations and Breakouts – The candidates for the 2020 GCSAA Board of Directors gave presentations and visited delegates in breakout rooms.

The delegates were awarded ample time to interact and ask questions of the candidates. Those running for the GCSAA Board in 2020 are: For President – John R. Fulling, Jr., CGCS For Vice President – Mark F. Jordan, CGCS For Secretary/Treasurer Kevin P. Breen, CGCS Kevin P. Sunderman For Director (electing two directors) Zachary Bauer Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS Glenn M. Matthews, CGCS Kevin Breen and Kevin Sunderman are at the end of their two-year terms as a director. The unsuccessful secretary/treasurer candidate will need to be nominated from the floor to run for a director position.

ORLANDO 2020 CONNECT—DISCOVER E L E VAT E January 25—30

California Capital News

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BMP Update by Jeff Jensen Thank You to our 2020 California Room Silver Sponsors

GCSAA on pace to reach goal of having Best Management Practices Guides published in all 50 states by 2020 California one of 32 states to currently have published a guide In 2015, GCSAA received financial assistance from the USGA to develop a planning guide and template that would allow for the development of Best Management Practices (BMPs) at the state level.

Our goal was to develop the template in an online, digital format and have guides published in all 50 states by the end of 2020. What seemed like an insurmountable task four years ago is close to becoming a reality. As of December 2019, 32 states have published their guides including California.

The remaining 18 states will be completed in the upcoming year providing golf facilities and the industry the opportunity to demonstrate their sustainability efforts and professional land management activities.

These guides will assist in providing the following: A facility BMP manual documents the knowledge, skills, and aptitude that are required for the superintendent and other golf course maintenance staff.

A facility BMP manual provides documentation, justification and similar support for operational and project budgets, projects, maintenance practices, staff, etc. It can be used with management, greens committees, the public, etc.

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The manual should be maintained and if possible, in conjunction with any water quality monitoring, nutrient management and pest management records to document the professional land management practices on your course. This is important for when watershed groups, regulators, media, public, etc. inquire, suggest improper management, or similar circumstances that indicate the golf course is a source of pollution or is improperly managed. It is important to remember that regardless of any regulatory threat, risk management elements, etc. that all superintendents should work to improve the image of (Continued on page 7)

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California Capital News

Dave Waymire wins 2019 Leo Feser Award Waymire’s GCM article — a collection of wisdom culled from fellow turf managers — has been selected as the best superintendent-written story published in the magazine.

Dave Waymire, CGCS, (pictured) the regional vice president of agronomy for American Golf Corp. based in San Diego, has been chosen as the recipient of the 2019 Leo Feser Award from GCSAA. Now in its 42nd year, the award is presented annually to the author of the best superintendent-written article published in Golf Course Management magazine — the association’s flagship publication — during the previous year.

Waymire, a 39-year GCSAA member, wrote the article The 10 commandments of successful superintendents, which was published in the July 2018 issue of GCM. His story shared career and managerial tips to help superintendents reach the top of their professional game, with advice gleaned from Waymire’s long career working with superintendents in his role at American Golf. ―It is remarkable the amount of knowledge one absorbs after working with so many superintendents over the years,‖ Waymire says. ―The 10 commandments article was created by polling a variety of great superintendents and putting their ideas down on paper. I was just the director. The superintendents named in the article and Megan Hirt (editor of GCMOnline.com) really deserve the credit and this award. ―Winning the Leo Feser Award is simply amazing. For years I have read articles and noted the Leo Feser mention at the end of each article. I was surprised GSCAA even wanted to print the article, so being awarded the Leo Feser is completely unexpected, and I am extremely thankful.‖ ―Superintendents learning from other superintendents and helping each other achieve career success has been a staple of our association since the very beginning,‖ says GCSAA President Rafael Barajas, CGCS. ―David Waymire’s story tapped into that ethos in a way that clearly resonated with GCM readers and is certainly worthy of recognition as our 2019 Leo Feser Award winner.‖ Earlier this year, Waymire’s article also placed first in the business management writing category of the annual Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association awards.

Dave Waymire

Bayer 2020 Platinum Sponsor

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California Capital News

Thank You to our 2020 California Room Bronze Sponsors

BoTerra

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Gary Ingram, CGCS wins GCSAA’s President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship Overseeing an environmentally responsible golf operation is just a starting point for the California superintendent, whose community outreach efforts are a cut above.

Gary Ingram, CGCS, director of agronomy at Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland, Calif., has been selected by the GCSAA Board of Directors as the recipient of the 2020 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship.

Ingram will officially receive the award at the 2020 Golf Industry Show in Orlando, Fla., during the Opening Session, presented in partnership with Syngenta, on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the Orange County Convention Center.

GCSAA’s President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognize ―an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf — a contribution that further exemplifies the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land.‖ ―Gary Ingram’s career is a shining example of how superintendents are making the golf industry more environmentally sustainable,‖ says GCSAA President Rafael Barajas, CGCS. ―In addition, he has brought the message of the many benefits golf courses to his community through tireless outreach efforts. He is true steward of the land and champion for the industry.‖ Ingram keeps Metropolitan Golf Links, an 18-hole course located on a former landfill, in the public conscious by collaborating with numerous community organizations, including the Police Athletic League, Spanish Unity Council,

Gary Ingram, CGCS

Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland City Council. Ingram, a 39-year GCSAA member, also serves on the local water district’s landscape advisory committee. Outreach to the next generation of golfers comes through Metropolitan Golf Links’ nonprofit organization, the Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative, which provides STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, art and math) field trips to 200 area students each year. ―My parents were both teachers, and I was always proud of how they positively affected the youth in our community,‖ Ingram says of his affinity for community involvement. ―Through Metropolitan Golf Links, I facilitate the Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative (OTEI). OTEI is a nonprofit organiza(Continued on page 7)

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California Capital News

Gary Ingram Contnd from Page 6 tion dedicated to teaching environmental science, agronomy, and using the course as a living lab for Oakland students. Since then, we have hosted over 2,000 students and had dozens of high school interns, some of whom have become employees at Metro. This has proven to be a great opportunity to both teach and maintain my core values of environmental stewardship and community involvement while also doing a job that I enjoy.‖ Ingram grew up in Berkeley, Calif., near Tilden Park Golf Course, where he worked when he was in high school. It was both his love of the outdoors and nature as well as his stints on the Tilden Park maintenance staff that inspired him to earn a degree in ornamental horticulture from Merritt College and set him on the path to a career as a golf course superintendent. ―Now, after 50 years and being involved with numerous areas of the golf business, I still feel blessed to be involved with the creation of beautiful recreation facilities for our communities while enjoying the wonders of Mother Nature,‖ Ingram says.

Ingram’s leadership in the industry has been well documented through the many awards he has received, which include GCSAA / Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards in 2014 (in the overall and national public course categories) and 2018 (in the communications and outreach category), CourseCo Superintendent of the Year, and GCSA of Northern California Superintendent of the Year.

In his 15 years at Metropolitan Golf Links, Ingram has employed an integrated pest management plan, chemical application management plan, and water conservation practices such as hand watering, reduction of irrigated turf, and use of an enclosed wastewater treatment recycling system. Ingram is also working to make Metropolitan Golf Links a zero-waste facility. He served on the steering committee to create the environmental best management practices guide for California golf courses. ―The (President’s Award) is special because it shows how golf courses and our industry can be more than recreational facilities and how they are truly community assets,‖ Ingram says. ―But my colleagues, coworkers and of course my family deserve much of the credit, as they have shaped who I am and supported what I have done at Metropolitan, with OTEI and through my career.‖

BMP Update Contnd from page

4

golf course management and their profession.

Help to support the golf course management industry on the local, state, regional and national levels. GCSAA is investing significant resources on behalf of the industry to support and keep the tools (land, water and inputs) that superintendents rely upon for success.

For more information on the BMPs or to download the California BMP and adopt it for your facility, visit https://www.gcsaa.org/environment/bmp-planningguide. To view the California guide in a PDF format, visit https://www.gcsaa.org/docs/default-source/ environment/california-golf-industry-bmp-guide.pdf.

GCSAA thanks the California BMP Committee for completing the state guide and we hope that all superintendents reading this will consider adopting it and customizing it to your facility and specific agronomic region.

Jeff Jensen serves as the Southwest field staff representative for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America covering Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada. Follow him on Twitter @GCSAA_SW or visit the Southwest region webpage at http:// www.gcsaa.org/community/regions/southwest/.

California BMP Committee Members           

Jim Ferrin, CGCS Glenn Matthews, CGCS Jim Abate Jeff Jensen John Nachreiner Jim Schmid Kevin Breen, CGCS, Don Ebarb Kurtis Wolford Pete Bowman Jim Culley

   

Steve Showers Tyler Truman Vince Zellefrow Gary Ingram, CGCS

Administrative Members Irene Cline Kimberly Milne Marc Connerly

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California Capital News

California Alliance for Golf Government Relations Update

Be sure to watch for future updates from the California GCSA Government Relations Committee Chairmen

The California Alliance for Golf is the governmental relations, legislative action organization for the state. It is an umbrella organization comprised of the Southern and Northern California Golf Association’s, Southern and Northern California PGA’s, Golf Course Owners, Club Managers, and California Golf Course Superintendents. It promotes a unified voice for the golf industry in California advocating for the golf industry at the local, regional, state and national levels. Its main role is Government relations and advocacy efforts.

Keeping ―on the pulse‖ of proposed bills and legislation are critical to the sustainability of the organization and those that it serves.

CAG recently elected its officers for the 2020 year  President, Kevin Heaney, Executive Director Southern California Golf Association  Vice-President, Jim Ferrin, CGCS, President California Chapter of the GCSAA  Treasurer, Len Dumas PGA, Executive Director and COO, Northern California PGA  Secretary, Tom Schunn, CCM, GM and COO of La Rinconada CC  Past President, Emmy Moore Minister, PR and Communications Expert

Syngenta 2020 Platinum Sponsor

The California Legislative session has begun for 2020. We will begin to monitor state wide legislation as well as local regional issues. On the agenda will be the status of independent contractors (teaching golf professionals), water, and continued pressure on the use of glyphosate to just name a few issues.

The following individuals lead our task force on a daily basis.

Tony Rice, Englander Knabe and Allen, Lobbyist Craig Kessler, Governmental Relations Southern California Golf Association Kevin Fitzgerald, Governmental Relations Southern California Golf Association Marc Connerly, Executive Director California Golf Course Owners Association, Northern California Chapter of GCSAA, Southern California Chapter of GCSAA, The Hi Low Desert Chapter of GCSAA Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Jim Ferrin, California Chapter of the GCSAA This newsletter will be reporting on CAG’s legislative efforts through the year on a regular basis alerting member to issues pertaining to the golf industry.

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California Capital News

Innovative Conservation Award Jay Neunsinger, Boundary Oak Golf Course Set against the foothills of Mt. Diablo, Boundary Oak Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course that opened in 1969 and currently supports 67,000 rounds of golf per year. Neunsinger and his staff have implemented many large- and small-scale initiatives focused on energy conservation, including a property-wide switch to LED lights, Jan Neunsinger motion detector lighting throughout the clubhouse and maintenance facility, and the installation of 1,080 solar panels.

Since the addition of the solar panels in 2017, the 18-year GCSAA member is expanding the energy-saving footprint even more with the installation of eight vehicle charging stations later this spring. Neunsinger won a national ELGA in 2017 and that same year was named the GCSA of Northern California’s Superintendent of the Year.

First runner-up in the Innovative Conservation category is Shannon Easter, golf course maintenance director at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Fla. Second runner-up is Christopher Flick, director of grounds operations at Cog Hill Country Club in Lemont, Ill.

California GCSA 2020 Hospitality Suite January 29, 2020 6:00 to 9:00

Don’t miss this years California Room during the 2020 Golf Industry Show in Orlando. The California Room will be held at the Blue Martini Lounge located a short walk from the Orange Country Convention Center.

We will once again be raising funds for the California BMP project.

Please help by attending this event. You will be treated to a fun evening of famous Blue Martini cuisine, special beverages, and lots of friendly faces. You will not want to miss this special evening.

Members $25, Members Spouse/Significant other $25 (Maximum of 1 guest). Your registration will include hosted hors ‘d ouerves and drink tickets for your favorite beverages as well as live entertainment.

Contact Irene Cline or Kimberly Milne 559-298-6262 if you have questions.

BLUE MARTINI LOUNGE located at Pointe Orlando

9101 International Drive Suite 1182 Orlando, FL 32819

California GCSA

We’re on the Web Californiagcsa.org 2020 Board of Directors OFFICERS President, - Jim Ferrin CGCSTimber Creek and Sierra Pines GC Vice President— Kurtis Wolford Woodbridge Country Club Secretary Treasurer, Glen Mathews, CGCS Visalia Country Club Past President, & Chair of the BMP CommitteeGary Ingram, CGCS– Metropolitan G.C.

DIRECTORS Vince Zellefrow

El Camino C.C.

Jim Abate, CGCS PGA Tour Agronomy

Steve Showers Brookside C.C.

John Nachreiner Shady Canyon Golf Club

Jim Schmid The Lakes Country Club

Tyler Truman Sun City Palm Desert

Don Ebarb Marbella Country Club

AFFILIATE REPRESENTATIVES Jim Culley Seed King

Pete Bowman BoTerra

GCSAA Field Staff Representative Jeff Jensen GCSAA Field Staff-Southwest

Executive Directors Irene Cline/Kimberly Milne, Executive Directors California GCSA, GCSA of Central California, & Sierra Nevada GCSA Phone: 559-298-6262 Fax: 559-298-6957 Email: Californiagcsa@aol.com Marc Connerly Executive Director GCSA Northern California, HiLo Desert, SoCal GCSA Phone: 916- 456-1320 Cell: (916) 214-6495 Fax: 916-456-7672 Email: info@golfcalifornia.org Sandy Cooper, Executive Director San Diego GCSA Phone: (760) 845-7045 Email: info@sdgcsa.com

Government Relations Committee Members Kevin Breen, CGCS LaRenconada C.C.

Kurtis Wolford Woodbridge C.C.

Jim Ferrin, CGCS Sun City Roseville

Stu Rowland Rancho La Quinta C. C.

Affiliated Associations California Alliance for Golf California Turfgrass & Landscape Foundation Jim Ferrin, CGCS Sun City Roseville G.C. Bruce Williams, CGCS