LS Links Spring 2023

Spring 2023 Issue

2022 Champs!

1 Bizzel St. College Station TX 77841

• Tournament includes lunch, golf, drinks, and appetizers during scoring • Proximities: Long drive (2) and Closest to the Pin (4) (golf shop credit) • Cash Prizes four places (gross & net) • 50/50 Split the Pot - 1 ticket for $10.00 or 3 tickets for $20.00 • Mulligans (optional) $10.00 limit one • Eligibility: Current chapter members, Current Lone Star affiliate members, guests with member.

• 120 maximum players

Last weekend, the hands on the clock moved forward. Since I was born in the winter, I told my wife I would have to go in the winter or I will never get that hour back.

Time….

Mankind created time, created the clock, created the calendar, created clock watchers.

I guess there is a need for the clock so that we can operate business. I understand that daylight savings time was all about agriculture. Growing up on the farm, the only times I knew were dinner time because I could smell it, calf pulling time because the cow said so, irrigating time was because my dad said so, and daily nap time because my grandpa said so. Other than that, it was dark to dark. I don’t remember my grandpa wearing a watch but I think my dad did because my mom said so. Time for the current generation is so important. Everything is immediate. Even my wife thinks something is wrong if I don’t answer a text within 10 seconds. In fact, I would argue that we are trying to get ahead of time. “The check is in the mail”…..Apparently now you can get paid two days before your paycheck comes. What??!! I will save the personal debt conversation for another time….

Time is fast approaching for the Rounds 4 Research auction. This year’s auction is April 24-30th. Donating rounds to this worthy fundraising effort is simple and can be done online at GCSAA.org and visiting the “philanthropic organization” right from the front page. Our goal this year is to provide 160 rounds from Texas so we need you to step up. 80% of funds raised from the auction are returned to the local chapters to use as they see fit. The past few years, R4R funds were used to fund the state’s BMP project and helped produce the video that was released in December.

Any golf course is eligible to donate rounds and if you think no one is interested in bidding on your course, you are wrong. The auction is open to anyone so let your locals know. Last year, CTGCSA raised over $12,000 blowing the other 4 chapters away. If you haven’t already, you will hear more about it in upcoming meetings.

Recently I set in motion something that is long overdue in my opinion.

Johnny and Craig continue to work diligently to get a GCS inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. While that occurs, I created an ad hoc committee through Lone Star GCSA with the mission to create our own state Golf Course Superintendent Hall of Fame and honor our own. Anthony Williams offered his past experience on this project so I have asked him to chair this

committee. Our Texas Golf HOF representative, Craig Felton, and recently retired, Ken Gorzycki, have stepped up to help with this. Despite being a monumental task, the goal is to have the first induction at the end of this year. Watch for more on this and be thinking about possible candidates.

Mark May 2nd on your Calendar and make time to play in the Texas Cup. This year we are returning to Texas A&M Golf Club. Jason will have the course in great shape and ready for some great competition and great fun. Bookmakers are busy calculating the odds on Justin Lonon and Steve Gilley 4-peating. I will take the bet after we tell them the Cup is May 7th at that one course in Puerto Rico. Terry is also working with Dr. Chase Straw on maybe something a little different this year.

Speaking of this year, Dr. Chase Straw and Weston Floyd are working hard putting together a fundraiser for the Texas Aggie Turf Club. The date is April 14th, and it looks like a fun filled day of games, prizes, meeting future golf course superintendents, and ending with an evening at an Aggie baseball game. See the flyer in this newsletter for all the info.

As the hands of the clock move further into 2023, I want to wish you all the best of….wait….my wife just texted me. 10, 9, 8…..

Lone Star GCSA Board of Directors 2023 North Texas

South Texas

Central Texas

West Texas

Texas Gulf Coast

Jason Wiedeman

Jason Barrington

Craig Felton Past President

James Stow Sect. / Treasurer

Robby Jan

Jeff Hansen President

Justin Lonon

Cash Lane

Spencer Hill

Seth Smith

Cody Spivey

Jake Snyman

Chase Thatcher

Lewis Fry

Mike Upchurch Vice President

Ken Gorzycki CGCS - Director Terry Gill - Tournament Director Carol Cloud - Chapter Executive

kagorzycki@gmail.com tgill@braeburncc.com lsgcsa18@gmail.com

Email lsgcsa18@gmail.com to request contact information for any Board Member of visit LSGCSA.org

@LSGCSA

Learn about Texas golf industry impacts from 85,000 acres of greenspace toward environmental stewardship, wildlife habitat, health, and $7.4B for the economy!

Texasgolfbmp.org Texas Golf Industry Video Texas Golf Industry BMP The Texas Golf Industry BMP Educational video shows the mission of Texas golf course superintendents to provide valuable ecosystem services, quality playing conditions, jobs, and economic impact for the state. The video highlights the benefits of approximately 85,000 acres of greenspace, $7.4 billion of total economic impact, and 100,000 jobs driven by the Texas golf industry. Texas golf’s greenspace includes 57,000 acres of rough, wetlands, and native terrain which support wildlife and pollinator habitats, cool urban heat islands, mitigate flooding, and filter stormwater runoff. The 3minute video features water conservation best management practices (BMPs) including use of drought tolerant turfgrass species and recycled water for irrigation at 40 percent of Texas golf courses.

Developed by the Lone Star Golf Course Superintendents Association (LSGCSA) in collaboration with Radius Sports Group, with the support of the Texas Golf Association, Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) North Texas and South Texas Sections, Texas Lone Star Chapter of the Club Management Association, Texas Alliance of Recreational Organizations, and a grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)

Thanks to all who joined us at The Pub for some great camaraderie, food, and drinks!

I still go to the golf course on a regular basis, but now I only go five days a week and it is to play instead of work. You would think my game would improve playing that much. Actually, it did I thought I was done with writing newsletter improve somewhat - twice, and for a very short articles when I retired from Corpus Christi time. Since moving up here to the Hill Country, Country Club a few years ago but Darlene is insisting I write another one for our publication. I I’ve had two holes-in-one. The first one was a couple of years ago on hole number 5 at Vaaler guess she needs to fill some space in our Creek Golf Club. I was reluctant to tell anyone newsletter. because I was playing by myself that day and had It’s hard to come up with anything interesting to no witnesses. After debating it with some of my golfing buddies, they convinced me that I was say now that all I do is fish, hunt and play golf.

Actually, now that I think about it, I used to know trustworthy enough so it should be counted. The a few vendors that were the same way. I always second one was a couple of weeks ago on the same course but on hole number 12, 159 yards, wanted a job like that. Just kidding of course, they were a bunch of hard working guys whom I using a 6- iron. I was playing in a foursome so it was legit, along with plenty of celebration. had the utmost respect for. They were always willing to share their wealth of knowledge in their respective fields in order to help us with our I’ve been playing golf and trying to get a hole-inone for over fifty years and now I’ve finally got it jobs and make us look good. done. I guess that “retired life” is starting to pay off.

Hole-in-One Jim Curlee

GCSAA-AFFILIATED CHAPTERS STRENGTHEN THEIR LEADERSHIP TEAMS Forty-three leaders from 24 affiliated chapters strengthened their leadership skills at the 2023 Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium, March 21-22, 2023, at GCSAA headquarters in Kansas.

This annual event allows chapters to send a volunteer leader and association staff member to GCSAA headquarters. The program is intended to strengthen each chapter’s leadership team, build on successes and learn new concepts and ideas to support chapter effectiveness.

Attendees participated in sessions focused on a broad segment of volunteer and association management topics with plenty of time to network with their peers from around the country. GCSAA staff also discussed the various ways the association can assist in chapter operations.

The session’s first day was highlighted by updates on GCSAA, regional advocacy efforts and communications platforms to assist with chapter operations. The GCSAA Board Orientation coincided with the Symposium, which allowed attendees to be introduced to recently elected board member Scott Griffith, CGCS, from Athens, Ga.

Day two was also filled with leadership training and key information from the GCSAA Foundation.

Jodie Cunningham, professional with Optimus Talent Partners, concluded the event with an interactive session on working with different generations and how to recruit and secure talent, not just employees. The entire event was very successful and well received by attendees.

The objectives for the 2023 Chapter Leader/ Executive Symposium included: •

Gain practical skills and knowledge to help you successfully lead your facility and your chapter

•

Explore the challenges and changes impacting today’s association operating environment

•

Build an ongoing professional network of peers and share best practices and innovative ideas

•

Receive updates on programs and initiatives that are of interest to chapters from GCSAA

Attendees from Texas included: •

Central Texas GCSA – Carol Cloud and Tony Nash

•

Lone Star GCSA – Carol Cloud and Jeffrey Hansen

GCSAA/GOLF DIGEST ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS IN GOLF AWARDS Presented by GCSAA and Golf Digest in partnership with Syngenta, the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards recognize golf course superintendents and golf courses around the world for their commitment to environmental stewardship.

The ELGAs are presented in partnership with

APPLY TODAY 2023 ELGA applications are now open.

In 2018, the ELGAs were updated to recognize more superintendents in more focused areas of environmental sustainability. The ELGAs are based on the environmental best management practices that GCSAA recommends all courses utilize.

Access the Facility BMP Tool

September 9, 2022 Dear Roy and Edwin Kizer Superintendent of the Year Committee: I would like to nominate Jay Cockroft, Alsatian Golf Club Superintendent, for this prestigious award. His dedication and work ethic are amazing, and the Alsatian would not be here today without him!

Alsatian Golf Club opened in July 1995. Jay Cockroft helped build the course and was our Superintendent until he left in 2007 for the prestigious San Antonio Country Club. He came back to the Alsatian Golf Club in 2011 and still remains here! He is the backbone of our course. Jay has an 8 person staff, 6 are part-time retired people! He has managed to have our course in excellent condition and our greens are some of the best in South Texas. Jay’s commitment to his profession and the Alsatian is outstanding. We are so very lucky to have him! We do two aerations a year and overseed in October. Jay works tirelessly during these projects. He is in every day at 6 a.m. and does not leave until the work is completed. He works most weekends and holidays. His staff would walk across fire to help him. This means a lot when you have the support of your staff. Jay has been through 5 General Manager, three owners, and countless staff changes in his department. Yet, he has never missed a beat! His dedication is unwavering.

Please consider Jay Cockroft for this award. He is very deserving of this honor.

Laura Kothmann Reed General Manager Alsatian Golf Club

Congratulations to all our 2022 Nominees Chris Erickson, Fair Oaks Ranch & Country Club Michael Chandler, Avery Ranch Golf Club

Todd Leist, Vaaler Creek Golf Club

More information and Conference Registration at Tex-

2023 GOLD SPONSORS Thank you for your support!

2023 SILVER SPONSORS Thank you for your support!

Silver Sponsors

Thank You 2023 Silver Sponsor!

Click Here For a List of Texas Golf Courses compiled by the Lone Star GCSA.

William “Bill” Hanna

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Bill Hanna. Bill was known by many around the state and will be missed.

Please keep his family in your prayers.

Thank you for your interest in Rounds 4 Research. By making a donation, you will help ensure the future of the game.

To participate, you can provide your donation to by filling out the online online form or download and submit the PDF Form.

Tips to maximize your donation Donation description To make your donation as complete and appealing as possible, please include in your description: Type of golf facility and number of holes The use of caddies or golf carts Inclusion of any food and beverage Overnight hotel accommodations Access to club amenities, such as the pool, spa or tennis courts  For multi-course facilities, note which course the round will be played on Blackout or restriction dates for redemption of the round Redemption certificates Please provide an official redemption certificate for the winning bidder to present at the course. If you do not have one, the GCSAA Foundation would be happy to provide our official Rounds 4 Research redemption certificate, complete with the specific information you have provided.

Facility logo and images Send digital photos and logo of your facility to rounds4research@gcsaa.org. These images must be in JPG, GIF or PNG format and in any size as long as they are 72 pixels per inch in resolution.

Multiple donations Multiple donations that have the same value may be submitted on a single form. You can indicate the number of donations per year, and the years in which you wish to donate. If you are submitting multiple donations of varying value, please use a separate form for the each package.

today to make a difference!

The Rounds 4 Research program was designed to address a critical shortage in turfgrass research funding by auctioning donated rounds of golf online. If you are unable to donate a round due to restrictions this year, please consider making a monetary donation. Donate

The program is administered by the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Rounds 4 Research allows GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations to participate as fundraising partners with the vast majority of proceeds going back to those organizations.

Click here to make a monetary donation to Rounds 4 Research