Lone Star Links - Spring 2018 Issue

Lone Star Links Spring 2018 The Official Publication of the Lone Star Golf Course Superintendents Association

Join us for this special day at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course in Waco for the 13th Annual Texas Cup. Members from across the Lone Star state will join together for a fun day of golf and camaraderie.

Golf Format: 2 Person Select Drive Sign up as a team or we will pair singles Entry Fee $150 per team If both players are members of the LSGCSA $200 per team If only one LSGCSA member and a guest Optional Mulligans - $10 per player Optional Skins Game - $20 per team Eligibility: A,B, and C - Current Members of the Lone Star GCSA (requires chapter membership) Affiliate Members – Must be current Lone Star GCSA Members

Lone Star Links - President’s Message

March 2018

The new Year has been and gone and before we all knew what was happening it is already April. This is no April fool’s joke, but quick reality check that the year has been flying by.

I am writing this message today with a heavy heart at the sudden loss of one of our very own sisters of the golfing industry. Marian Takushi our Lonestar Executive Director sadly passed away earlier this year. Almost all of you would have interacted with Marian in some form or capacity. She was the backbone for all the “behind the scenes” work that gets done. Always at the forefront of all our golf events meeting and greeting with a smile, collecting dues and payments, handing out tee prizes and selling a multitude of mulligans for a small candy bribe! She also organized our events, prizes, venues, banners, GIS Lonestar receptions and many other things. Marian was dedicated and worked tirelessly for all of us and served each of us with a passion that few could rival. We will all miss you Marian and we are praying for you and your family as they continue forward.

With Marian in our thoughts and prayers I am glad to report that we had a phenomenal memorial golf tournament in honor of Marian at the Timbercreek Golf Club in Friendswood Texas on March 19th. There were over 100 players and managed to significantly donate towards the Takushi Medical Fund. A huge thanks to all who participated to honor and pay their respects to Marian and support Jerry and Blake. I would also like to thank all the organizers of the event, Timbercreek Golf Club and all participants for making it happen. It was a perfect day and we all honored and celebrated in the way Marian would have wanted. A great day of golf, friendship and comradery.

There have been some slight changes to the Board of Directors you should all be aware of for 2018. Nathan Neumann, formerly at Amarillo Country Club, was going to be our new 2018 President. Sadly, we have lost him to the dark side and he has accepted a new position out of state at Oklahoma Golf and Country Club.

He therefore has had to relinquish his position as our Lone Star President. For the remainder of the year, I have volunteered to continue serving you in the capacity as president until the end of 2018. We are also thrilled to announce the appointment of Carol Cloud as our new Executive Director for the Lone Star Chapter. She already serves on the Central and North Texas boards and is therefore familiar with all we do and what we are about. We are thrilled to have her and welcome her onboard as a key member of the team here to serve you all, our Lone Star Chapter members.

Finally, the first Lone Star event this year will be the Texas Cup on May 22nd at Cottonwood Creek Golf Club in Waco TX. So, clear the calendar, choose you partner and get signed up for what will be a fun event. We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. If you need more information, all relevant info is posted on our website. Also, don’t forget the Texas Trophy will be held in September at Corpus Christi Country Club. This should be a great time, so mark your calendars, sharpen your skills and come out and join us. Check the website for updates and further information on this event.

That’s all for now and look forward to seeing everyone at Cottonwood on May 22nd. God bless, take care and have a great day.

Jake Snyman LSGCSA President

Lone Star Board Of Directors 2018 North Texas

South Texas

Central Texas

West Texas

Texas Gulf Coast

Mike Epps

Cody Spivey

Ken Gorzycki

James Stow

Tem Miller

Jeff Hansen

Jason Barrington

Craig Felton

Scott Robertson

Joe Todaro

Terry Gill

Jacob Snyman

Pete Ledezma

Email lsgcsa@lsgcsa.org to request contact information for any Board Member

Lone Star Links

March 2018

Marian Fluhr Takushi June 1, 1963 – February 9, 2018 The Lone Star GCSA shares in the mourning for the passing of the longtime Executive Director of the South Texas GCSA and Lone Star GCSA, Marian Takushi. Marian passed away peaceful-

ly on February 9 and our prayers go out to her husband Jerry and son Blake. She will be missed by many throughout the golf industry in Texas.

Below is a very thoughtful tribute written by South Texas GCSA President Kyle Brown: Marian Takushi began her career with STGCSA about 15 years ago. Married to Jerry Takushi, a Superintendent, she had a good understanding of the needs of our association and the “Mothering” it sometimes takes to keep us going in the right direction.

Under Marian’s direction several new advertising programs were put into place allowing vendors and affiliates to have a bigger part in the association while putting STGCSA in a healthy place financially. She was great at coordinating events and was usually the first smiling face at the registration table and truly was the heartbeat who kept our events and association running smoothly.

After taking over the Executive Director position for Lone Star GCSA, similar results were obtained. These positive financial results allowed STGCSA and LSGCSA to donate more money to research at major Texas universities that ultimately will benefit our profession. Let’s not forget the famous Lone Star Reception at GIS that she organized each year. What a party that always was, with the biggest and best happening a few weeks ago in San Antonio.

Above and beyond STGCSA, Marian’s true passion was her and Jerry’s son Blake who is now attending her alma matter, The University of Texas. Blake grew up in front of many members eyes through the pictures Marian loved showing off and the many stories of his baseball exploits. Being the good Aggie that I am I remember throwing a ut barb out to Blake at the scholarship banquet last year and quickly getting chided by her. She was not taking any of that nonsense, especially when it came to her son.

She had the uncanny ability to be loving and tell it like it is all at the same time. Marian was a pleasure to know and work with and as Blake said, we may be able to fill the Executive Director position, but we will never be able to replace Marian. From all of us who had the joy of knowing you, Good-bye Marian and may your soul rest in peace.

Kyle Brown STGCSA President 3

BMP PLANNING GUIDE AND TEMPLATE GCSAA’s BMP Planning Guide and Template is an online resource that provides for the development of golf course best management practices (BMP) programs at the state level. The need for state-level BMP programs and, ultimately, golf facility-written BMP plans for nutrient, drought, and water management and integrated pest management (IPM) is greater than ever. Golf courses, many of which are located in urban environments under the watchful eye of concerned citizens, face heightened scrutiny from the public, media and environmental activist special-interest groups regarding the use of inputs (that is, water, pesticides, etc.) and commonly held misconceptions about golf course management.

It is critical that the golf industry demonstrate sustainable methods of land management. GCSAA’s BMP Planning Guide and Template makes it easy for you to follow the key steps in developing a golf course management state BMP program.

Download the BMP Planning Guide and Template BMP Planning Guide and Template – print version

LSGCSA BMP Steering Committee - Lone Star has formed it’s BMP Steering Committee to get Texas’ BMP outline and plan completed for all golf courses to use as a template for their club. You will see the progress of these plans in the coming months and we will post the findings of the review committee when the plans are complete. Johnny Walker jwalker@gcsaa.org

Lone Star Links - Chapter Page

March 2018

2018 Chapter Officers

Past President:

President:

Kevin Girt

Andy Andress

Board of Directors

Vice President:

Derick Hashimoto

Scott Robertson

Javier Martinez

Secretary/Treasurer:

Jason Kelley

Pete Ledezma

Chino Miramontes Garrett Parker, Affiliate

PETE LEDEZMA - Superintendent of the Year 2017 Congratulations to Pete for being selected as this years Superintendent of the Year. He was recognized by his peers for his dedication to the profession and to TGCSA. Pete has done a lot for TGCSA over the years. He has been a Director many times, an officer and has served as President.

He has represented TGCSA as our Chapter Delegate for GCSAA. He is active in our chapter, attends most all of the meetings and has served TGCSA very well. His club supports his involvement in our chapter and our chapter activities.

Congratulations Pete!

KEVIN GIRT

RICK PARTAIN

2017 PLAYER OF THE YEAR BIDDY CUP SUPERINTENDENT FLIGHT

2017 PLAYER OF THE YEAR SEMANN CUP AFFILIATE FLIGHT

Lone Star Links - Chapter Page

March 2018 2017 Sonny Dubose Memorial Distinguished Service Award Winner Sean Wilson CGCS (R) South Texas GCSA awarded GCI Super Social Media Award for Outstanding Disaster Response GCI presented STGCSA the Super Social Media Award for Outstanding Disaster Response on the trade show floor Wednesday afternoon to recognize the efforts of all in our association for the recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey and the way social media was used to communicate.

Schedule of Events

April 17 Scholarship Tournament High Meadow Ranch GC May 14 Golf and Education Sand Hill Farm June 18 Chapter Championship Braeburn Country Club

2018 Board of Directors President Kyle Brown Vice President Jerry Huntsman

Past President Chris Lineberger

July Member / Guest To Be Determined

Secretary/Treasurer David Gray

August Scholarship Banquet To Be Determined

Directors Wade Warms CGCS

September 11 Superintendent / Pro Shadowhawk Golf Club

Jason Barrington

October 8 Education Northgate Country Club

Richard Alcaraz

November 6 Annual Meeting and Past Presidents Meeting Kingwood Country Club

Ed Martinez Tim Phillips

Affiliate Board of Directors Mark Baughman Brandon Cole Dale Bowman

Lone Star Links - GCSAA Advocacy

March 2018

Being a part of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors Program allows you to be an advocate for the industry and affect change. Being an Ambassador gives you the opportunity to: • •

Support the future of your industry

Increase your understanding of key issues affecting golf • Grow your career

Grassroots Ambassadors build strong relationships with Congress and are the go-to people with lawmakers and their staff on golf course management issues. The most WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR important thing a Grassroots Ambassador can do is GCSAA is seeking enthusiastic, motivated members share their story with Members of Congress.

(Class A, SM or C) to serve as a Grassroots Ambassador.

The link between the member of Congress and the Ambassador is based on golf facility location. Ambassadors should project a good image, be in good standing within the chapter and community, and have an interest in government issues.

Being an Ambassador is a reasonable time commitment, requiring only two hours a month – one hour for an educational webinar and another to communicate with your paired representative.

Additionally, Ambassadors should commit to a twoyear appointment and: •

Attend half of the events and activities on the 12month Ambassador Engagement Calendar

•

Meet personally with assigned policymaker or his or her key staff at least two times each year*

•

GCSAA GRASSROOTS AMBASSADOR RECOGNITION Annually, on the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador’s service anniversary date, he or she will be awarded points based on the completion of at least 50% of activities from the Ambassador Engagement Calendar.

•

.25 service point per year for completion of 50% or more of service related activities (such as attending a town hall meeting, hosting a site visit, attending a federal or state lobby day, etc.)

•

.50 education point per year for completion of 50% or more of education related activities (such as participating in webinar-based training)

Attend Grassroots Ambassador Bootcamp at the Golf Industry Show (if attending and available)

*Options: attend an August recess town hall, have a meeting in the district office, attend National Golf Day and/or host a golf course site visit.

BRING YOUR ENTUHUSIASM WE WILL PROVIDE THE REST Ambassadors will receive the tools necessary to be successful. Monthly trainings have previously focused on the following topics: • Get Out The Vote • Election outcomes and their affect on GCSAA • Basic legislative process

• Federal budgeting process • End of year government relations reporting • National Golf Day issue preparation • Effective communication with your lawmaker • How to set up productive site visits

Contact the GCSAA Government Affairs team at 800.472.7878, ext. 3612 with any questions.

Or the South Central Field Staff Representative Johnny Walker Jwalker@gcsaa.org 713-557-0279

Lone Star Links - Chapter Page

March 2018

2018 Board of Directors President: Kenny Dierschke Yoakum County GC., Denver City, Tx Vice President: Scott Nichols Gaines County GC, Seminole, Tx Secretary/Treasurer: John Haun Palo Duro Creek GC, Canyon, Tx

Second Year Directors: Jared Hotchkiss Wichita Falls Country Club, Wichita Falls, Tx Chris Douglas Hansford Golf Club, Spearman, Tx, First Year Directors: Tom Carter Pheasant Trails GC, Dumas, Tx

Spencer Hill, Past President: James Stow Lubbock Country Club, Lubbock, Tx Ross Rogers Golf Complex, Amarillo, College Rep: Dr. Joey Young Tx Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 3rd Year Director: Syd Wiggins Vendor Rep: JK Harrison Snyder Country Club, Snyder, Tx WinField, Granbury, Tx

A big shout out to all who donated items for the Silent Auction. We raised $4,584.00.

This money will help some college students in the fall of 2018.

2017 Scholarship winner, Savannah Herridge, with Board of Director member John Haun.

JAMES STOW 2015-2017 PRESIDENT Thank you to James Stow for serving as president for these past two years. His leadership has helped our association grow and branch out into some new areas. We truly appreciate his dedication and look forward to his input on the board of directors in the capacity of past president.

DID YOU KNOW? GCSAA has an on-line store that is packed with a wide variety of items, ranging from apparel and merchandise to books and education materials.

Home Clothing Merchandise CGCS Books Member Certificate Frame Cypress Print Golf Frame

Have any suggestions or concerns? Email them to lsgcsa@lsgcsa.org or any Board Member

Lone Star Links - Chapter Page

March 2018

Jarrett Eledge (R) honored as Central Texas GCSA 2017 Superintendent of the Year Jarrett Eledge was selected by his peers as the 2017 Superintendent of the Year in Central Texas. Jarrett is the Superintendent at Lighthouse Country Club in Kingsland and is known for providing outstanding playing conditions at his home course. He is a very active member of the Central Texas GCSA and well respected by his fellow members.

In 2017, he hosted the McClure Matches and attendees were amazed at the terrific course conditions and hospitality of the Lighthouse staff.

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know we are always looking for content for the LSGCSA newsletter? All members are welcome to submit articles for our newsletter!

Articles must be in by the 20th of the month prior to publication. Articles cannot advertise a specific company, but can certainly link to a company if it pertains to the article.

Did you know you can always send in an ad for a separate issue with coupons or monthly specials listed in the ad? It can be in addition to your “regular” ad or “substituted” for your regular ad!

Board of Directors

Executive Board President Matt Cowan Vice President Craig Felton Secretary / Treasurer Jake Snyman Past President Jared Heine

Calendar of Events April 16 – McClure Match Play @ Brackenridge Park, S.Ant. June 11 – Superintendent / Championship @ Falconhead Golf Club, Aus. October 15 – Crew Appreciation Championship @ Greyrock Golf Club, Austin November 12 – Toy Drive @ Dominion Country Club, SA December 3 – Annual Meeting @ River Crossing Golf Club, Spring Branch

Superintendent Directors Jarrett Eledge Anthony Nash Tyler Andersen Brody Dillard Daniel McCann Affiliate Directors Corby White Link Windham Terry Harris

Lone Star Links - 2018 GIS Reception

March 2018

THANK YOU 2018 GIS RECEPTION SPONSORS The 2018 Lone Star GCSA GIS Reception was definitely the “happening spot” on the San Antonio Riverwalk on Wednesday evening, February 7. Hundreds of LSGCSA members and their guests packed the Hardrock Café for a relaxed evening of fun. Of course, non of it was possible without our awesome reception sponsors. Please help us thank these companies who “stepped up to the plate” to make the evening a great success. See you next year in San Diego!

Congratulations and Good Luck to the new TTA Executive Director Katie Flowers (left). She follows TTA Legend Mrs. Shirley Duble who retired in December.

Lone Star Links - Chapter Page

March 2018

Congratulations!

2017 A.C. and Garry Bearden Superintendent of the Year Winner Scott Miller CGCS of Gleneagles Country Club

and NTGCSA Distinguished Service Award Winner Keith Ihms CGCS of Bella Vista (center) April 23 – Bully Cup @ Hurricane Creek Sponsored by Harrell's May 14 – The Stephen Best Memorial Pro/Superintendent @ Sky Creek Ranch Sponsored by PTP June 14 – Chapter Championship @ Trophy Club Country Club Sponsored by Longhorn Inc. July - Family Social Date and Site To Be Determined September 27 – Education Event @ Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Sponsored by WinField United October - Annual Meeting Date and Site To Be Determined Sponsored by Turf Materials November - Scholarship Tournament Fundraiser Date and Site To Be Determined December - Crew Championship Date and Site To Be Determined

2018 Board of Directors Executive Board Kirt Phillips President Bryan Brown Vice President Jorge Croda CGCS Secretary/Treasurer Mike Epps Past President Superintendent Directors Willie Wallace CGCS Michael Underwood CGCS KD Davis CGCS Anthony Williams CGCS Jason Wiedeman Affiliate Directors Aaron Fox Curt Franklin

TE As TROPHY September 16 - 18, 2018

2018 Gold Sponsors

Dusty Daniel, Chris Harborth, Colby Johnson, Pat Johnston

Dennis Wagner

Corby White, Chris Webster, Dirk Doyle, Eric Glover, Colt Phillips

Pat Cooper, Pat Neuendorff, Scott Anderson, Mark Cohorn, Ricky Jackson

2018 Silver Sponsors