Volume 25 Issue 4
Winter 2017
Anthony Williams earns top GCSAA environmental honor for the second time The TPC Four Seasons superintendent wins Overall and National Private honors in the 2017 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards, with 21 others also recognized for their on-course environmental achievements. Story on page 12
Anthony Williams, CGCS (far right) leads the golf course maintenance team at TPC Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club in Irving, Texas. Pictured with the club’s Byron Nelson statue, from left to right, are Cortland Winkle, Landon Lindsey, Jacob Boelsche, Greg Neill, Brian Watson and Williams. Photo by Jacob Boelsche
Congratulations 2017 A.C. and Garry Bearden Superintendent of the Year Award Nominees
Scott Miller CGCS
Bryan Tupa
Anthony Williams CGCS
Gleneagles Country Club
Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club
Four Seasons Resort and Club
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President’s Message I have been honored to be on the 2017 board of directors for NTGCSA and serve as your president. I would also like to say thank you to our vendors. Our association could not function without you and your support. At the beginning of the year I challenged each of you to “Engage” in your NTGCSA. Sign up your assistants, equipment managers and come out to the meetings. Sign up to host an event and also put some serious thought about helping to serve on the board or its committees. Remember it’s your association - help make it better. One of the great things during the 2017 year is that you engaged. We grew in membership participation and sponsorship. The next time you are about to sign up for a meeting call a buddy and tell him or her, to get off his or her “can” and go to the meeting with you. Please remember to engage in your North Texas Golf Course Superintendents Association. North Texas Golf Course Superintendent Association’s future is looking great with our new 2018 board coming in. Kirt Phillips and his team will continue to help you and the NTGCSA grow and improve. I have truly enjoyed serving as your president during 2017. I want to again thank the super stars that have served on the 2017 BOD and Carol Cloud for keeping us straight and on task. Carol is a very big reason NTGCSA has been as good as it has been the last few years and has been a huge help to me as president. Carol thank you for all you do! NTGCSA is the largest GCSAA affiliated chapter in the state and has a very long, strong history and tradition in the game of golf. Our future is looking very bright and green! I look forward to seeing you at our Annual Awards Banquet on January 20 at Bent Tree Country Club. Thank you for the honor of serving as your president and as my old boss Charles Joachim would say “Keep it Green side UP”.
Thank you, Michael Epps Golf Course Superintendent
About Us North Texas Golf Course Superintendents Association
Board of Directors President: Mike Epps mepps@miravistacountryclub.com Vice President: Kirt Phillips kirt@dallascountryclub.org
Secretary / Treasurer: Bryan Brown bryan.brown@lkpoa.org Past President: Kevin Redburn redburnk@aol.com
Superintendent Directors Kyle Embry Willie Wallace
embry.kyle@gmail.com wwallace@dentoncc.org
Michael Underwood CGCS michaelu@ppoaweb.com Stan Wreyford CGCS swreyford@centurygolf.com Jorge Croda CGCS jorgec@southernoaksgolf.com
Vendor Directors Aaron Fox
afox@textron.com
Curt Franklin curt@gitexas.com
Chapter Executive Carol Cloud ntgcsa@gmail.com 817-368-3002 5552 Plata Ln., Benbrook, TX 76126
Network with your peers! Join us at: Ntgcsa.org and:
You and your guests are cordially invited to the North Texas GCSA Annual Awards Banquet. This "can't miss" event will be held at the Bent Tree Country Club. The evening will include a cocktail hour hosted by Schedule NTGCSA President Mike Epps, followed by dinner 6:00 - 7:00 Registration, and awards including: Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres A.C. and Garry Bearden Superintendent of the Year Award 2017 Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award 2017 Legacy Scholarship Awards 2017 Ace January Superintendent Champion 2017 Assistant Champion and Crew Champions Passing of the Gavel to 2018 President Kirt Phillips
Following dinner and awards, President Kirt Phillips will host a casino party complete with poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and a ton of GREAT PRIZES. Register at ntgcsa.org
7:00 - 8:30 Dinner and Awards 8:30 - 11:30 Casino 11:30 - Prizes Cost $150.00 per couple $75.00 per person Attire Men - Coat and Tie is preferred.
Affiliate Member Article Colorants (Dyes, Pigments, and Paints) by Curt Franklin - Ameriturf A dye is a natural or synthetic substance used to add a color to or change the color of something. Dyes are easily absorbed by turf, as well as, skin and clothing as many of you already know. Average lifespan of dyes on turf is usually limited to only a couple of days due to its high solubility in water and frequent mowing. Pigments have two specific properties, insoluble in water and it must absorb a given wavelength of light and reflect back a different wavelength(s) (2). Ex. chlorophyll in plant tissue is a pigment. The pigments that we apply on our turf can be organic and/or inorganic substance (4). Inorganic pigments are larger particles compared to organic pigments and will provide more light scattering properties and more opaque color (4). Since organic pigments are smaller in particle size/larger surface area, they provide a higher color strength and are more transparent in nature. Pigments that contain a binder, deposition aid, or sticker are called paints. These additives give paints a high viscosity and better adhesion properties, therefore providing extended color on semi-dormant/dormant turf by staying on the leaf blades longer.
Colorant Uses Many are eager to talk about the benefits of these products; however, it is important to cover the uses and applications of colorants before we get there. Dyes, with their short life spans, are ideal for using as spray pattern indicators and/or to provide short-term color solutions to damaged turf. If color is needed for longer durations, then pigments and paints are the answer. While some Superintendents utilize pigments year-round by mixing them into their spray programs as needed, most applications of pigments occur in the shoulder seasons when the turf has limited top growth but good color. This is the best application timing for the value. Not only is the pigment not cut off as quickly from frequent mowing, but the color of the turf allows the pigment to be better absorbed. When turf is almost dormant, paint is the best option due to its viscosity and adhesion properties, and reduced mowing. During dormant and almost dormant periods, higher rates of pigments and paints are required to achieve the same desired color results than when the turf has color. The biggest potential negative for paints in North Texas can come from spikes in temperature after application. Warmer temperatures can initiate turf activity after being semi dormant to dormant which may cause the appearance of the turf to look irregular. When this occurs, Superintendents will have to decide if another application is worth the return on investment to achieve back their desired color.
Colorant Application Techniques With many important factors to consider such as turf height of cut, current turf color, desired color and lonand color hues of pigments and paints, it is recomthat you test a variety of products at different dilution a small area at your facility. Here are a few recommendations gathered from various sources.
species, gevity, mended rates on
Paint products may cause centrifugal and diaphragm pumps to leak. Teflon or Silicon Carbide seals are highly suggested to limit the leaks. After use, immediately clean all spray parts thoroughly (spray nozzle bodies/diaphragms, filters, etc.) to keep your spray equipment clean from future leaks. Use flat fan or dual fan nozzles on 10� spacing versus the normal 20� to create a smaller droplet and provide better coverage. Optimal pressure range should be 40 to 55 psi.
Balancing Innovation and Sound Agronomics Sales, Contract Service, and Rental options available Call Today to See The Equipment Turf Professionals Trust
Utilize a spray wand/gun when heavier rates are required or hard to reach places. The wand/gun may require a little more practice to achieve your desired results. Fill spray tank halfway with water then add paint/pigment products with agitation to disperse properly in the tank. Continue agitation during application. If spraying near objects that stain, i.e. concrete, thoroughly wet the objects before application and rinse after.
Jeff Kadlec (210) 413-3045 Rick Kadlec (314) 744-0379
For good product dispersion/coverage on the leaf blade, apply to a slightly moist turf (light dew, moisture from sprinklers, or light frost on a completely dormant turf). A GPA range of 60 to 80 gallons is a good place to start, especially if only going one direction. Daytime temperature for Continued on page 22
A.C. and Garry Bearden Superintendent of the Year Award
2017 Nominee - Scott Miller I am pleased and proud to submit this letter to nominate Scott Miller as Golf Course Superintendent of the Year for 2017. This past year has indeed been a year when Scott has exceeded all expectations in his position as Director of Agronomy, primarily due to the successful completion of the renovation of our Kings Golf Course. In retrospect, 2017 has really been the culmination of three years of continuous improvement that began when Scott arrived at Gleneagles in January of 2014. Over the past three years, Scott has worked hard to improve the conditions on both of our golf courses and practice facilities. Employee morale has significantly improved, and the relationships Scott has built with our Members have resulted in open and honest respect and Eust. Without a doubt, the renovation of out Kings Course this year is the highlight of Scott's achievements here. He has performed tirelessly from conception through completion, working diligently with the architect to ensure that the course would be unique, fun and playable for golfers of all skill levels. The renovation was much mote than building new greens. Scott has been involved in every aspect of planning and execution, and even though the actual construction began in May of this year, the planning began over a year ago. Scott has been able to balance endless daily details of the project while never losing sight of the big picture and the end product. His extensive knowledge, skills and experience in turf management have been a huge asset to Gleneagles — from completely redesigning our bunkers and installing the Better Billy Bunker system to renovating our greens and switching to MiniVerde Ultra Dwarf bermudagrass to building new putting greens. Out members have spoken the loudest when it comes to the Kings finished product: Outstanding. There were certainly challenges along the way, but Scott managed to handle each challenge reasonably and professionally. Scott lost his Kings Course Superintendent one month into the renovation project. He never skipped a beat, taking on staff management in addition to his other responsibilities until we were able to hire a new assistant. He was also able to maintain the Queens Course in superior condition during the renovation, despite being short staffed. The Queens Course was handling over 1100 golfing members between May and September, and we received many member compliments about the consistently great course conditions. Scott worked together with out Golf Operations team to revise our golf calendar so that we could continue to host all of our golf member tradition events and accommodate our GWGA and MGA events and activities on the Queens Course. One of Scott's priorities during the renovation process was to keep the membership informed. He communicated weekly with the membership via e-mails full of details and specific information regarding the project. He conducted golf course tours with members who were interested in riding the course and learning more about the construction. He made himself available to the members so they could call him email him Of see him at the club. He played golf with the members and joined them in some of their golfing events. As busy as he was, he never rmissed an opportunity to talk to a member. All in all, I feel privileged to have worked with Scott this past year. I am proud of his accomplishments, and I'm grateful to have him on my team at Gleneagles. Thank you for considering his nomination for the NTGCSA Superintendent of the Year for 2017.
Respectfully,
Lisa Neel General Manager - Gleneagles Country Club
A.C. and Garry Bearden Superintendent of the Year Award
2017 Nominee - Bryan Tupa I would like to nominate Bryan Tupa for North Texas Chapter GCSAA Superintendent of the year. Myself and my 4 partners purchased Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club back in December of last year, all 5 of us spent most of our careers working for the largest golf management companies in the country (Arnold Palmer Golf Management, Century Golf, Club Corp., etc.) at the Regional Vice President level and higher. As a result, we have worked with many superintendents in markets all across the country at all levels of guest expectations. So, you can imagine now that we have gone out and purchased clubs with our own money and that of our friends and family our expectations for our Superintendents is high. At Sky Creek Ranch this decision was especially critical as we knew prior to the purchase that we would be converting the greens from bent to TiffEagle in the first year. We met Bryan and were immediately impressed with his resume, his professionalism, his knowledge, and his attitude. He quickly earned our trust and through the planning of the greens renovation he showed us he was the leader we hoped he would be. We closed the golf course on July 5th and reopened on Oct 1 and the greens have turned out spectacularly. Bryan not only acted as the General Contractor for the renovation ensuring all of the vendors from the shaper to the fumigation, to the sprigging we done on time and properly, he and his crew restored several of the bridges on the course during the project. Bryan is a great leader and understands the balance between operating a club and the agronomic needs of the turf. This is a difficult balance and he does an excellent job balancing those and working with the other department heads to deliver great turf conditions and give the club every opportunity to maximize operations. I speak for the entire partnership at Advance Golf in saying that Bryan has proven to us in a short period of time that he is clearly one of the best Superintends in the North Texas Chapter and a credit to the GCSAA and absolutely worthy of the recognition of Superintendent of the Year. All the best,
Josh Smith, PGA - Managing Member
Continued from Front Cover Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, director of golf and landscape operations at TPC Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club in Irving, Texas, has been chosen as the Overall and National Private recipient of the 2017 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA), which are presented annually by GCSAA tion, Golf Course Management magazine. and Golf Digest in partnership with Syngenta. The awards recognize golf course superintendents and their courses for overall course management excellence and best management practices in the areas of water conservation, water quality management, energy conservation, pollution prevention, waste management, wildlife and habitat conservation, communication and outreach, and leadership.
“The ELGA winners are to be commended for their commitment to environmental stewardship on the golf course,” says Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “They are a testament to the idea that golf courses can be compatible with environment, and in many cases, enhance it.”
Williams is no stranger to the winners’ circle. He was named the Overall and National Public winner in 2006 for Williams, a 21-year member of GCSAA, is joined by fellow his work at Stone Mountain (Ga.) Golf Club. He is the only “triple crown” winner of the ELGAs, having also won the golf course superintendents and GCSAA members Jay Neunsinger of Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek, National Resort award in 2005 while at Renaissance PineIsle Resort and Golf Club in Sugar Hill, Ga. He has Calif., and Scott Main, CGCS at Mauna Kea Resort in Kowon numerous other environmental awards as well, includhala Coast, Hawaii, as national honorees. Neunsinger is ing the GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewthe National Public course winner, while Main won for Naardship in 2010. tional Resort course.
The winners will be recognized Tuesday, Feb. 6, during the Williams’ upbringing on the family farm in Indian Creek, Opening Night Celebration of the 2018 Golf Industry Show Ga., where six generations of his family have lived, set the stage for his environmentally focused career. in San Antonio. Winners will also be featured in upcoming issues of Golf Digest and GCSAA’s official monthly publica“I’m part Cherokee, that was my upbringing — take care of the land, the land will take care of you,” Williams says. “I don’t remember not having that as a part of my professional DNA.” At TPC Four Seasons, water conservation is the cornerstone of the environmental program. One hundred percent of the water used on the course is reclaimed and comes from the Dallas County Utility and Reclamation. Williams’ staff attends 20 hours of water conservation training annually, and each year he presents the “Golden Hose” award to the member of his team who is the best manager of water. Williams’ integrated pest management (IPM) program is bolstered by a “war room” that’s equipped with a microscope, diagnostic tools, resource materials and more. This year, the same year the club hosted the AT&T Byron Nelson PGA Classic, the maintenance team exceeded its IPM goals and saved $28,450 by reducing the use of chemicals and fertilizers. Williams is actively involved in spreading golf’s environmental message in the Dallas area. He averages 26 presentations a year to homeowners associations, school groups and other organizations. “I want to show that, as superintendents, we want to create memorable golf,” Williams says. “But how much more special is it when you have those encounters with wildlife?”
A.C. and Garry Bearden Superintendent of the Year Award
2017 Nominee - Anthony Williams CGCS In 2017, Anthony Williams and his family moved to Texas from Georgia to become part of the team at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Dallas at Las Colinas, hosts of the 2017 AT&T Byron Nelson PGA event. A few of his career milestones include winning Marriott’s highest honor the J.W. Marriott Award of Excellence and winning Marriott Golf’s Grounds Manager of the Year award twice in two different brands (Renaissance, Marriott). He has developed and sustained cutting edge environmental programs for golf courses and hotels throughout his career.
Anthony received the Environmental Leaders in Golf Award, National Resort Division in Dec 2005 Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America (GCSAA) Competition, 2006 National Public and Overall winner of the Environmental Leaders in Golf Contest and was selected as the 2010 honoree of the GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship. Will 2017 be the year that he makes it a triple crown and wins in the Private Club Category? As an accomplished writer and speaker, he was recognized by the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association as the 2011 Environmental Communicator of the Year. The American Hotel and Lodging Association acknowledged his innovative work at the Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort by selecting Evergreen as their 2010 National “Good Earth Keeping” award winner. He is the Environmental Editor for Golfdom magazine and is involved in numerous environmental, service and philanthropic activities. Anthony is also a 9th degree Black Belt, Founder of the Cornerstone Martial Arts Society and 2001 inductee into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and has received multiple President’s Awards or Tae Kwon Do and Karate. As if being an award winning Martial Artist and award-winning superintendent, he was also previously ranked in the top 25 in the world with the Archery Shooters Association and competed in the 1995 World Championships. His first environmental book, The Environmental Stewardship Toolkit was released at the 2012 Golf Industry Show by John Wiley and Sons publishing while my most recent book Noble Habits was released in 2015 by Xulon Press, both books are available through Amazon. Golf and Martial Arts may not seem like they go hand in hand but at the core of each sits the mantra or goal, if you wish, to have a “oneness with nature”. He truly believes that if you take care of the land, the land will take care of you. In addition to currently working as the Golf Course Superintendent at the Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club at the Four Seasons Resort and Club, Las Colinas he also is a Dojo Charter Holder for the National College of Martial Arts since 1989. For more than 30 years Anthony worked for Marriott International and upon retirement was the Director of Grounds for Marriott International, Marriott Golf. Anthony’s passion for excellence in all aspects of his life is evident should you have the privilege to spend even a few minutes with him. He is a life long learner and leader, having taught Martial Arts most of his adult life, attributing his belief that anything is possible provided you are willing to work hard enough to achieve it. This ideal is something he learned from his 4th grade teacher, Mrs Tarkenton (mother of Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Viking Quarterback). He enjoys teaching the next generation of superintendents while he himself, continues to learn and grow. Sincerely
Jim Kern, General Manager Paul Earnest, Director of Golf Ellen Frost - Director of Club Operations
2017
Mexico GCSA Established as GCSAA’s 99th Chapter Chapter will strengthen international ties.
The Mexico Golf Course Superintendents Association (formerly known as Asociacion de Superintendents de Campos de Golf de Mexico) has been established as the 99th affiliated chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Mexico GCSA is the second international chapter of GCSAA, but the first in more than 90 years, as the Ontario GCSA was one of the original chapters when GCSAA was formed in 1926. In addition, GCSAA has individual members in 98 countries. Asociacion de Superintendents de Campos de Golf de Mexico began in 2000 and has hosted annual meetings and educational conferences since then. The group transitioned into Mexico GCSA Nov. 5 during its annual meeting in Queretaro, Mexico, where GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans was on hand to officially welcome the group into the GCSAA fold. “GCSAA is only as strong as our membership. So today, as you become part of the association, you are adding to our strength,” Evans told the gathering. “I thank you for your commitment to improving the professional lives of all superintendents, and I am very proud to welcome Mexico GCSA into the family.” With the establishment of the chapter, superintendents in Mexico will be able to further their professional development. Because it is an affiliated chapter, members of Mexico GCSA will have the opportunity to become GCSAA Class A members and certified golf course superintendents.
“I am excited to welcome our newest GCSAA members,” said GCSAA President Bill H. Maynard, CGCS and director of golf course maintenance at the Country Club of St. Albans (Mo.). “This certainly expands our international reach, and we look forward to serving the members of Mexico GCSA and helping them advance their profession.” A complete list of GCSAA’s affiliated chapters can be found at https://www.gcsaa.org/resources/chapter-
A beautiful day and a great golf course made for an outstanding Annual Meeting in October. Thank you to our host Prestonwood Golf Club for providing an outstanding venue and to Turf Materials for being our Platinum Sponsor. Officer and Director elections were held during the business portion of the event. Congratulations to new board members K.D. Davis and Anthony Williams. Aaron Fox was re-elected as the Affiliate Director and Jason Wiedeman was appointed at a later date. (L) Title Sponsor - Tony Campagna, Turf Materials (R) Host Superintendent - Paul Van Voorhis
Champions Gross - Score 66 (L) Colton Janicek and (R) Robbie Boyd
Champions Net - Score 56 (L) Grant Meredith and (R) Curt Franklin
A beautiful November day at Vaquero Club was a spectacular setting for the North Texas GCSA Annual Scholarship Fundraiser. A full field of 144 players enjoyed outstanding course conditions provided by Vaquero Director of Agronomy Matt Weitz and his staff. Participants were in awe of the beautiful views and near perfect playing conditions. The entire Vaquero team rolled out the red-carpet in a very special way that day. For the first time ever, the chapter held a silent auction that raised over $5000 thanks to donations made by our affiliate members. This tournament will fund $20,000 for Legacy Scholarships to be awarded in January 2018 to children of NTGCSA members! A very big thank you goes out to all of our great hole sponsors that day and especially: Hat Sponsor - Colligan Golf, Shirt Sponsors - Helena and PTP, Lunch Sponsors Bayer and EZ-GO, Closing Ceremony Sponsors - Austin Turf, BWI and EZ-GO, Drink Sponsors - BASF, Longhorn / Rainbird, Macrosorb, Texas Sports Sands, and Winfield.
Cooooold...hardly describes the day but we had a great time at Shady Valley for the Assistant and Crew Championship! We had over 120 players brave the elements to enjoy a day of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Thanks to all who came out, our sponsors and everyone who participated. See you again in 2018!
Crew Champions! - Brook Hollow Golf Club
Long Putt Champion - Tony Leblang
Assistant Champion - Cody Janssen
Our host team from Shady Valley
Continued from page 7 spraying should be at least 40 degrees for optimal drying and adhesion to the leaf blade. A light watering of 2-3 minutes that evening can be beneficial to paint distribution across the leaf blade as well. Spraying in two different directions can achieve better product coverage across the leaf blade but requires more maintenance. Allow at least 20 minutes for drying before going a different direction to limit tracking issues. Higher product rates may require a longer drying period. Greens are often sprayed using spray hawks for more control. Spray your pigments and paints 9 to 3 or 10 to 4 for better visual coverage from a distance and less likely to show imperfections. Best to re-apply your pigment/paint before it completely dissipates, it will provide a better look and product performance.
Colorant Benefits Pigments and paints open the door for a variety benefits due to their water insoluble properties and ability to adhere to the leaf blade weeks longer than dyes. Long lasting color without the use of fertilizers or pesticides is a huge cost benefit and agronomically sound versus over seeding. Various paint research has found that some active turf utilized less water by covering the plant. While I am not suggesting that pigments/paints are a substitute for watering, pesticides and fertility, they are great tools to supplement current agronomic practices. Warmer turf canopies. This benefit has been cited in multiple research studies. Average warm up is about 1 to 2 degrees. This warm up allows for quicker plant activity that prolongs fall color and provides faster Spring green up (1). Cover up turf damage until good growth conditions exist.
Photoprotection. Pigments have the innate ability to filter, absorb and reflect damaging (UV) or excess light energy (PAR). Synthetic colorants mimic the function of naturally occurring compounds that plants already produce to filter and reflect light. Both the waxy cuticle layer and leaf hairs are anatomical structures that function in reflecting UV and PAR light (2). If plants receive more sunlight than they can process under growing conditions (photoinhibition) they will start to release other plant pigments (carotenoids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids) to protect themselves from this type of abiotic stress. The turf will usually display a dark bluish to purplish color at the top of the leaf blades (2). Researchers are discovering that synthetic pigments can reflect/refract light which help during high light abiotic stress periods. Colorants are improving and changing some of the ways Superintendents are managing their turf. Researchers do not fully understand if there are any long term negative effects of colorants yet because they seem to mimic the most important pigment to plant life, chlorophyll. One thing to watch for in the product you choose is what your pigment has in it. Some pigments have higher metals, such as Copper and Zinc, than others (3). However, copper has been known to have some fungicidal properties which could be beneficial on warm season turf during the shoulder seasons. As pigment and paint usage continues to grow, so will the creativity of application techniques and the results. Please share any techniques and/or ideas you have, and we will post your information to the NTGCSA website. NTGCSA@gmail.com Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! REFERENCES (1) Green Section Record Vol. 50 Sept 21st, 2012 (2) Sports Field Management April 1st, 2014 (3) University of Clemson, May 2013 (4) BASF Dispersions-Pigments press release, Nov. 2010
President’s Message
2017 Chapter Delegates Meeting Report - Kansas City, November 7-8 by Jorge Croda CGCS •
Association Report -GCSAA CEO, Rhett Evans briefed delegates on the state of GCSAA. He thanked the delegates and the chapters for their incredible support of the GCSAA Disaster Relief Fund. To date, total donations raised is $150,000. Chapters have contributed over $60,000. Overall, GCSAA remains on solid financial footing. In 2017, GCSAA is projected to have $18,066,000 in revenue and $17,963,000 in expenses. The Golf Industry Show remains the largest revenue generator for GCSAA. In 2017, the GIS net revenue was $3.88 million. The association expects to have a successful show in San Antonio. GCSAA continues to put its resources to work in areas that are focused on its members – research & environmental programs, field staff, career services, and advocacy & outreach, which have collectively experienced a 60% growth in funding since 2012.
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Rounds 4 Research Auction - The delegates celebrated the success of the top 5 chapter fundraisers in the 2017 R4R Auction. Chapters are encouraged to find a champion – a delegate, the president, chapter executive – someone who will spearhead the initiative in their chapter. 2018 Auction will be April 30-May 6. Chapters just need to recruit the rounds to donate – EIFG administers the rest of the program. Call or email Mischia Wright, Associate Director, EIFG at 800-472-7878 or mwright@gcsaa.org.
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State BMP Implementation – The delegates received an update on GCSAA’s goal to have all 50 states with a BMP in place by 2020. GCSAA thanked the chapters that have been working diligently within in their states to make this goal a reality. Ten states have a BMP in place, with 3 more set to come online this Winter. The State BMP initiative is gaining steam and we expect to hit the goal by 2020. Chapters/superintendents are encouraged to contact GCSAA through their field staff for assistance or additional information.
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Government Affairs Briefing – The Government Affairs team brought the delegates up-to-date on three key priorities and asked for all members to get involved in GCSAA’s advocacy efforts. They can do this by:
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GCSAA now has a Political Action Committee (GCSAAPAC) to support advocacy efforts on behalf of the membership. The GCSAAPAC will distribute money to Congressional champions who help advance GCSAA’s Priority Issue Agenda. Delegates and members can get involved by volunteering to sit on the PAC Board, or by contributing.
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Attend National Golf Day on April 24-25, 2018. Registration opens on January 1. There will be a community service project on the National Mall again, and a Congressional reception at the Capitol Visitor Center.
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Be a Grassroots Ambassador – GCSAA is entering the 4th year of this important program that matches a member of Congress with a GCSAA professional member. GCSAA has 305 Grassroots Ambassadors. There are still districts open and in need of a volunteer. Check out the Ambassador page on gcsaa.org or contact Michael Lee, Manager, Government Affairs, for more information. January 1 also kicks off the GCSAA Advoca-
cy Network which offers GCSAA members who are not Ambassadors the opportunity to support the association’s larger grassroots army. Watch for a survey in GCSAA This Week.
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Task Group Updates – Each year, GCSAA has numerous committees and task groups that meet to help guide the association. The delegates heard from three task groups with exciting new programs. GCSAA is focused on growing its value proposition with current and potential members. GCSAA asked these task groups to help increase the value students, assistants and equipment managers get in their membership by enhancing learning and networking opportunities.
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Equipment Manager Task Group – the task group helped launch two new certificates in 2017. Metalworking and Fabrication; Fundamental of Turfgrass Operations. This brings the total of certificates available up to 8. The task group will continue to work towards a new Certified Golf Course Equipment Manager designation.
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Student Task Group – The student task group provided feedback on a new online mentoring program; suggested free student web membership (which is now a reality) and helped with a new marketing piece aimed at high school students and their parents.
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Assistant Superintendent Task Group – Exciting news from the task group a new Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series is getting ready to launch. These certificates are aimed at helping assistant superintendents market their expertise and knowledge, although they are available to everyone. The Agronomic and Business exams will debut by the end of 2017. The 2018 task group will further define the remaining certificate criteria for content relative to communication/leadership, and environmental management.
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Election Process – The delegates learned about proposed bylaws changes that would alter the current election process. The proposed changes are based on feedback from past delegates to make the election process clearer and to put the control back in the hands of the members/delegates. The changes would affect the election of directors and the process to fill the seat of a Director who either resigns, or has been elected to the Secretary/Treasurer position.
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No proposed changes to President, Vice President or Secretary/Treasurer election process.
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Each open director position would be voted on one at a time. Continued on Next Page
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Proposed bylaw change would require an immediate vote by ballot for any vacancy that might occur due to the unexpired director’s term in the Secretary/Treasurer election. This unexpired term would be voted on after the open position(s) for director(s).
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A proposed change to the bylaws will also address how to fill a term due to a resignation on the Board. Currently, the President appoints a replacement. The change would be to have the President appoint a replacement until the next election. The membership would then vote on the replacement.
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Governance Updates – The delegates received an update regarding proposed changes to the GCSAA Bylaws, and updates made to the GCSAA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Guidelines.
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Proposed Bylaws Changes – delegates heard about proposed changes to the definition and requirements of the ISM membership designation, the changes to the election process and adding references to the Chapter Delegates Meeting and dissolution of the association. These changes would require a 2/3 vote at the Annual Meeting.
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Code of Ethics – GCSAA revised its Code of Ethics. All items that were not legally defensible were struck.
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Professional Conduct Guidelines – The items that were struck from the Code of Ethics as not legally enforceable were moved to the Professional Conduct Guidelines.
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Interactive Meeting - Delegates took part in small group discussions and an interactive Town Hall with the GCSAA Board of Directors.
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Candidate Presentations and Breakouts – the candidates for the 2018 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 2018 GCSAA Board of Directors are:
• For President – Darren J. Davis, CGCS • For Vice President – Rafael Barajas, CGCS • For Secretary/Treasurer - John R. Fulling, CGCS, Mark F. Jordan, CGCS
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For Director (six members are on the slate for two director positions) T.A. Barker, CGCS, Kevin P. Breen, CGCS, Nelson J. Caron, Kevin P. Sunderman, Rory Van Poucke, Jeff L. White, CGCS
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There are two open positions for director, with Kevin P. Breen, CGCS being at the end of his two-year director term and Kevin P. Sunderman is completing a one-year appointment.
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Both secretary/treasurer candidates, John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS, and Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, are in the middle of their two-year director terms, so the unsuccessful candidate for secretary/treasurer will remain on the 2018 Board of Directors for the second year of their two-year term.
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Under the current election process the remaining year of the successful secretary/treasurer candidate will be filled by appointment and since Keith A. Ihms, CGCS, was appointed to fill the rest of the first year of Johnny Walker’s two-year director term, following Walker’s resignation from the board earlier this year, the second year of that director position will also be filled by appointment.
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If the delegates approve the proposed bylaws changes to the election process, these two one-year terms would be voted on by the assembly at the Annual Meeting.
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After attending the breakouts, my recommendation for Secretary/Treasurer is John R. Fulling and for Directors-- Kevin Breen for 1st position and split votes between Rory Van Poucke & Kevin Sunderman for 2nd position.