Summer Edition 2022 Hello Texas summer! Two things are certain about Texas summers, the sun is going to come up and it is going to be hot. In North Texas at least, a lot of comparison is already being made between this summer and the summers of 1998 and 2011. Those of us who went through those years know that we will come out on the other side…but when? We all know that tossing in extreme drought only exaggerates other issues. I know we all will adjust and do the best we can because that is what golf course superintendents are great at. Hang in there! A big thank you to Tanner Chrastecky, Bill Slade and the entire staff at Traditions for hosting the Texas Cup. It was a great time and congratulations to champions Steve Gilley and Justin Lonon and all the winners! Final results are listed on the front page of our website. Thank you to title sponsor Simplot for sponsoring the event and thank you to all the sponsors who stepped up. We certainly could not do this event without you! Some of you have heard about the unorthodox process that Trevor and his staff at Squaw Valley performed recently to battle Poa. The greens on Comanche Lakes were fraise mowed in early June and are now going through the grow-in process. Although radical and shocking to golfers, the hope is that we can find another viable tool to gain ground on the Poa battle before the most radical step has to happen. While the process and ramifications are understood, no one wants the greens to grow back more quickly than Trevor. With patience, the greens will grow back like new and the Poa will be held at bay for a few more years. At Squaw Valley, we believe in involving ourselves in anything that may help other superintendents anywhere. Thank you to GLK Services for letting us take you out of your comfort zone. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind us all about the GCSAA professional conduct code when it comes to playing golf and requesting comp golf at other courses. I know many of us appreciate our peers coming to play our courses and we appreciate the opportunity to play courses other than our own. Each golf course has its policies on accommodating industry professionals and not all afford comped golf. If you are going to play another course, let your peer know that you are going to be there whether you are requesting comped golf or you are paying full rate. Keep in mind if you are playing for anything less than full rate, remember that you are reduced or zero revenue for the facility. Keeping that in mind and as courtesy, any comments, good or bad, should be discussed directly between you and the superintendent. Not following the professional conduct code or public negativity about your round leads to ruining it for everyone. I know that I appreciate the contact ahead of time and I really appreciate the extra set of eyes and opinions from someone who knows what they are talking about, good or bad. In short, communicate with the superintendent, expect to pay and be gracious when you’re comped, and be professionally courteous. As we head into the dog days of summer, find time to attend your local chapter events. I see lots of good things on the calendar for the next couple of months around the state. Take the opportunity to catch your breath, take in different scenery, and learn something new. Remember to work on your BMPs and do not forget to thank your sponsors!
President’s Message Jeff Hansen
Field Staff Report - GCSAA Field Staff Representative
Follow Johnny Walker on Twitter @gcsaa_SoCentral
A great day at Traditions! We had a great day at the The Traditions Club in Bryan for the 2022 Texas Cup! Thanks to all who participated and our great sponsors! Tanner Chrastecky and entire Traditions staff rolled out the “maroon” carpet for all attendees on a beautiful day!
3Peat Champions!
Our Title Sponsor, Simplot helped Steve Gilley (L) and Justin Lonon (R) were crowned Texas Cup Champions make it a terrific day. Thank you for for the third time! Congratulations and your continued support! good luck in 2023!
Congratulations! To all of our Texas Cup Winners!
2nd Place Gross - Jesus Polio (L) and Travis Klosterboer (not pic)
3rd Place Gross - Chris Webster (L) and Phillip Littlefield (R)
Happy 50/50 Pot Winner Jake Snyman
Past Texas Cup Champions on display
2nd Place Net - Clay John (L) and Charlie Thames (R)
3rd Place Net - Braedon Phillips and Hunter Montgomery (not pic)
Net Champions! Chris Mrosko (L) and Ben Fisher (R) fired a very impressive 55 to take the title!
This superior Webster Chili is a careful blend of deer meat and mildly spiced sauce. This is a true meat sauce to which the select spices are added for piquant flavor! The longer it simmers, the more enhanced the savory chili flavor for a real dinner delight!
YOU BE THE JUDGE ......
Jason Floyd, former WTGCSA member and Assistant at Ross Rogers Golf Complex, was chosen to compete on an episode of Forged in Fire which aired on the History Channel. For many years, Jason has generously donated his handmade knives to our silent auction. Jason made it through the two elimination rounds to the final event of the contest, even though he had to battle many obstacles. After having his Ninja knife and Ninjato sword tested in various ways, Jason was chosen the Forged in Fire Champion! CONGRATULATIONS JASON! We are proud of you and the way you represented Texas!!
“ I would like to say thank you to everyone who came out tonight. It was so awesome to have so many friends, family and knife owners there to watch. It was so much fun to get to hang out with all of you! I would also like to thank Terry Dunn for over nighting the handle material I needed for this sword. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people!! Doing the final build at my dads shop with him getting to watch it all happen was so much fun. Jimmy Floyd thank you for letting me use your shop ad tools to make a $10,000 sword. A Memory for me that is priceless!”
Rounds 4 Research Auction Raises Record-Breaking $482,000 For Turfgrass Studies
National program has raised nearly $2.5 million since 2012 Rounds 4 Research - Lawrence, Kan. (May 3, 2022) -- The 2022 Rounds 4 Research fundraising program to support turfgrass studies, administered by the GCSAA Foundation sold 1,361 rounds of golf and yielded more than $482,000 in its April 25-May 1 online auction, making it the most successful in the program’s history and an increase of $129,000 over 2021. The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
The Lone Star Chapter participated in the R4R Auction and raised an amazing $15,948.80! Chapter members donated 61 Rounds (4somes). Thank you to everyone who made this a great year!
The top bid was $10,100 for the Dormie Network one-year membership to six private clubs. "Thanks to generous donors and bidders who care about supporting the game they love and for making this year’s Rounds 4 Research auction our most successful yet," said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. "Golf is more popular than ever, and it is wonderful to see golfers and the industry come together to ensure its future.” The national campaign is presented in partnership with the The Toro Co. Several multi-course operators have also joined the effort to support research, including ClubCorp, Dormie Network, Founders Group International, GreatLIFE KC, Kemper Sports, Marriott Golf, the PGA Tour TPC network of courses and Troon Golf. “We are proud to join other management companies and individual courses in being a part of this important effort for the good of the game,” said David Nicholls, senior vice president of science and agronomy for Troon Golf. “Rounds 4 Research benefits everyone who cares about golf because it is making sure that the game will be here for many years to come.” The program has raised nearly $2.5 million since launching in 2012. For more information about Rounds 4 Research, visit rounds4research.com.
GCSAA LAUNCHES CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR TURF EQUIPMENT MANAGERS Certified Turf Equipment Manager designation is the first of its kind for turf equipment technicians. Five decades after creating the first certification for golf course superintendents, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has debuted the Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM) program to bestow upon turf equipment management professionals who have demonstrated a high degree of knowledge and proficiency in their profession. The CTEM designation was developed by turf equipment managers and educators under the guidance of a professional psychometrician. The CTEM designation is the highest recognition that turf equipment management professionals can achieve. It is the first certification program in the world for turf equipment manager professionals. The CTEM program is the culmination of an ever-expanding list of programs for equipment managers since GCSAA added the Equipment Manager membership classification in 2015. Two years later, the Equipment Manager Certificate Program (EMCP), which demonstrates key competencies in eight different areas on two different levels, began. To be eligible to enter the CTEM program, individuals must be currently employed as a turf equipment manager, have three or more years of experience and have successfully completed the EMCP Levels 1 and 2. “Our certified golf course superintendent designation is widely recognized as the pinnacle achievement in the profession, and we are proud to expand that tradition to turf equipment managers,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Ever since equipment managers became a part of the GCSAA family, we have continually expanded our resources and opportunities for them to grow their careers, and CTEM is that commitment realized.” Once an eligible individual submits his or her application and is accepted into CTEM, he or she will have 12 months to complete the attesting process. The CTEM attesting criteria was developed following the same psychometric process as the CGCS attesting. The attesting, which can take place in person or virtually, will be conducted by two equipment managers who have already earned their CTEM designation. To pass the attesting, an applicant must demonstrate a minimal competency level over the entire attesting content. Once an individual becomes certified, he or she must earn a combination of 5.0 points through continuing education and service every five years to remain certified. For more information about the GCSAA’s CTEM program, visit www.gcsaa.org/ctem
James Blackwelder at The Club of Carlton Woods has been nominated by Tim Huber, CGCS for GCM's Most Valuable Technician Award. Please take a minute of your time to vote for him today! Check out his profile here:
James Blackwelder The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas
A veteran of the Marine Corps during Vietnam, Blackwelder is an industry veteran who manages two equipment shops at Carlton Woods, located three miles apart. Timothy Huber, CGCS, the club’s director of agronomy who nominated Blackwelder for the Most Valuable Technician Award, describes him as a “hands-on and high-energy” equipment manager who places special emphasis on shop organization, cleanliness and safety. Blackwelder is as skilled with a wrench in his hand as he is in managing shop operations at Carlton Woods, with industry certifications from a host of manufacturers, including Jacobsen, John Deere and Foley Co. “He deserves this recognition because he is a grinder (no pun intended) every day and truly holds our operation together,” Huber says. Read the nominations submitted by golf course superintendents to learn about these EM members' valuable contributions to their golf facilities, and then vote for the technician most deserving of this year's award. Online voting closes July 15, and the winner will be profiled in an upcoming issue of the magazine. Thank you for your support!
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE AWARD AND CAST YOUR BALLOT!
WRAPPING UP NATIONAL GOLF DAY WEEK During National Golf Day week last week, more than 210 individuals from the golf industry participated in more than 264 virtual Congressional meetings. More than 500 individuals in golf participated in National Golf Day activities including Culture of Belonging Industry Roundtable on May 10. The industry forum included a discussion on the diversity, equity and inclusion movement, Make Golf Your Thing and a deep dive on how creating a culture of belonging is a critical path forward. Individuals who participated in virtual Congressional meetings on May 11 received issues training on May 10. They had a chance to meet the members of their state team and figure out a game plan for their virtual meetings in virtual practice rooms.
Everyone at National Golf Day talked about three important issues: S. 3282 -- The Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act. The bill would gut the strict, science-based standards already in place for the registration and use of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Opposing this bill offered an opportunity for attendees to talk about the GCSAA’s BMPs 50 States By 2020 initiative. The industry got to showcase the groundbreaking accomplishment of having comprehensive environment and agronomic Best Management Practice guidelines in place in all 50 states. The PHIT Act, including asking for cosponsorship of H.R. 3109 and S. 844 -- The Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act to help Americans return to physical activity and achieve healthier lives. HR 3897, the bi-partisan “H-2B Returning Worker Exemption Act”, which would permanently exempt workers who have been admitted to and worked in the United States on an H-2B visa during the past three fiscal years from the annual 66,000 visa cap (the “returning worker exemption”). In addition, HR 3897 would address other program integrity measures. The week was successful, and now planning begins for a physical event in Washington, D.C., in spring 2023, including the return of the Community Service Project. It will be great to be in Washington again with golf industry leaders to share the positive and important story of the role golf plays in this country. Thank you to everyone who helped make the second virtual event a success.
Our goal is to leave the land better than we found it! We’re humbled & proud to share our Texas Golf Industry BMP Guide supporting environmental stewardship & high-quality golf facilities.
We are pleased with the great feedback that has been received on the Texas Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide that was published on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. The guide has been loaded to the GCSAA website, in addition to our LSGCSA site. We have a social media campaign running in conjunction with the launch, so please support the effort by sharing/liking on Twitter and Facebook. The guide provides an overview of thirteen best management practices (BMPs) in golf course maintenance to support environmental stewardship and optimal course conditions in the state of Texas. Our goal is to create and maintain courses that are ecologically functional and healthy green spaces, demonstrating commitment to environmental stewardship, the community, and a quality golfing experience.
Thank you, LSGCSA members. We appreciate your partnership with us in developing the Texas BMP Guide.