NTGCSA Chapter Connect July 2017

Summer 2017

Volume 25 Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE...

Wrap-ups from Grapevine, Southern Oaks and Sky Creek Ranch. And much more!

President’s Message May was drier than normal and June has been wet, mother nature always like to keeps us on our toes. Our NTGCSA meetings have been growing in attends and you need to be at the next one. Our July family social will be at the new “Top Golf” in down town Fort Worth. The July meeting is a great time for you to bring out the family and have a great time with your peers. We have some great events coming up in September with the LSGCSA Texas Trophy Gentle Creek Country Club September 10-12, and our educational meeting at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children September 14.

We are very lucky to have some great members who serve on the NTGCSA board of directors. These gentlemen donate their time to help us guide our association and if you get a chance tell them thanks the next time you see one. If you don’t know who they are check out our NTGCSA web site. Better yet ask one about serving on a committee or serving as a director on the 2018 year’s board. We as a board want you to benefit from your association and need your help in making it better, so get involved and help serve. The BOD also wants you to start writing and submitting articles for our newsletter and we will have some nice prizes for the best articles of the year to be awarded at our annual banquet. Keep an eye out for e-blast coming your way with more details.

It’s hard to believe that half of the 2017 year is in the rearview mirror. At the beginning of the year I challenged each of you to “Engage” in your NTGCSA this year. Sign up your assistants, equipment managers and come out to the meetings. Sign up to host an event not just for 2017 but 2018. Also, please put some serious thought in to helping by serveing on the board or a committee. Remember, it’s your association. Help make its better. You are engaging as we are seeing more members come out to more meetings. The next time you are about to sign up for a meeting call a buddy and tell him, to get off his or her “can” and go to the meeting with you. Please remember to engage in your North Texas Golf Course Association.

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:

Mike Epps

Jorge Croda CGCS

Gene Dahlen and Drue Thompson The 2017 Ace January Superintendent Champion was crowned in June at Southern Oaks Golf Course in Burleson. Former Champion Shawn Westacott won the crown in a hard fought playoff battle over 2016 Champ Kyle Moore. Both champions fired a very impressive 73 on the outstanding Southern Oaks track. Defending Affiliate Champion Chuck McCaskill recaptured his title with a smooth 74. The Superintendent Net Champion was Clay Renfroe from Maridoe Golf Club (sound familiar??). The Affilate Net Champion was Casey Strachan.

Thank you Longhorn for being the event sponsor and the informative presentation you put on at the meeting with your partner Rainbird. Longhorn is a new Platinum Sponsor in 2017 and we really appreciate your support and participation!

Johnny Walker of the GCSAA making his first visit to the North Texas GCSA in his new role

Chad Fisher of Longhorn

Affiliate Champion - Chuck McCaskill (right) and Aaron Fox

2017 Superintendent Champion Shawn Westacott (left) and 2016 Champion Kyle Moore

A special thank you to event host Jorge Croda. The course was in outstanding condition thanks to all of the hard work you and your staff performed to prepare for the championship. Jorge was the chapter’s 2016 Superintendent of the Year and attendees learned first hand how much he deserved the accolades.

Two GCSAA dignitaries attended the event and we appreciate their participation. New South Central Field Staff Representative Johnny Walker attended his first NTGCSA event and did a great job. He’s not as cute as the old guy but he will be great in the role!

Also in attendance was GCSAA Secretary Treasurer Raphael Barajas who attended all the way from Florida to honor his great friend Jorge. We really appreciate these two gentleman taking time in their schedule to attend out special event.

Fox with event host Jorge Croda

Fox with Superintendent Net Champion Clay Renfroe

Fox with Affiliate Net Champion Casey Strachan

Syngenta launches contest to promote turf recovery, personal wellness Now through Sept. 5, golf course or sports turf professionals can submit a photo to ConditionPerformRecover.com to show how they condition themselves or their turf to perform well and recover from stress, for a chance to win one of two $2,500 cash prizes. They can also submit photos via social media by using #ConditionPerformRecover and #contest for a weekly chance to win a box of Titleist Pro V1 golf balls.

“Syngenta offers a comprehensive range of products, like Heritage Action fungicide and Divanem nematicide, that treat biotic stress such as disease and insects, while also helping turf recover quickly from abiotic stress like heat and drought,” said Stephanie Schwenke, turf market manager at Syngenta. “These products can be used together in extensively researched agronomic programs to help condition turf, before and during the season to help provide unrivaled turf quality that will recover quickly from seasonal stress.”

By submitting a photo, entrants will have a chance to win one of two grand prizes of $2,500 in either the Personal Fitness or Turf Fitness categories, as voted on by attendees of the Golf Industry Show 2018, visitors to ConditionPerformRecover.com or @SyngentaTurf Twitter from Feb. 1 through 9, 2018. Turf professionals can submit to either category with photos that include: • Personal Fitness: Turf professionals or their teams working hard, exercising together or recovering from a stressful day. May also include customers playing golf, doing yoga or participating in an event such as a 5K. • Turf Fitness: Turf professionals keeping their turf game ready, including maintenance, tournament preparation and recovery, product applications*, daily care and golf course or sports field shots.

“We understand maintaining first-class turf quality that meets player expectations is time-intensive and taxing,” explained Dave Ravel, head of sales for turf at 8. “Turf professionals can be so committed to achieving healthy turf and team commitments, that they forget to make their own health a priority. ConditionPerformRecover.com provides a guide of daily exercise routines, local activities, stressrelief programs and more to help achieve personal health goals for a more balanced life.”

To enter the photo contest, learn more about agronomic programs or gain access to tools and resources for personal fitness, visit ConditionPerformRecover.com.

The North Texas GCSA Family Appreciation Social is FINALLY here!

When: Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where: Topgolf - Fort Worth Why: To show your family how much you appreciate their support.

Who: Immediate family. Space is limited so please don't bring the next door neighbors kids and dogs. :-) How Much: This year we will only be charging families up to 4 members (parents and kids) $25.00.

Additional kids will be charged $5.00. You can't beat that for a night of fun for the family.

There will be golf, food, prizes, and most important fellowship among friends and family.

HEY KIDS..... Again this year we will have prizes and goodie bags! So bring your best swing and be ready to have some FUN, FUn, Fun! Anybody caught NOT smiling will be accessed a 2-stroke penalty.

2018 DOG DAYS OF GOLF CALENDAR SPONSORED BY LEBANONTURF IN COOPERATION WITH GCSAA Submissions for the 2018 Dog Days of Golf Calendar will be accepted through Aug. 1, 2017. From the submissions, 14 dogs will be selected. Owners of the selected dogs will be notified in September, and the calendar will be distributed with the November issue of GCM magazine.

Plan now to stop by the LebanonTurf booth at the Golf Industry Show in February to place your vote for the 2018 Dog of the Year. The winner's owner will receive a $500 prize and $3,000 for his or her GCSAA-affiliated chapter. A $2,000 charitable donation will also be made by GCSAA and LebanonTurf in honor of the winner.

LebanonTurf has been supporting golf course superintendents and their chapters through the Dog Days of Golf Calendar for more than a decade.

Turf Trivia at the 2017 U.S. Open GCSAA tv was on hand at Erin Hills to record all the hard work and success of GCSAA members preparing the course for the tournament. They also took a little time for fun trivia with the fans. Click the logo or visit gcsaa.tv

John Walker joins GCSAA JOHN WALKER NAMED SOUTH CENTRAL FIELD STAFF REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR GCSAA Former GCSAA board member joins national staff Lawrence, Kan. (May 23, 2017) – John Walker, who has been a golf course superintendent in Texas for the past 30 years, has been named the field staff representative for the South Central region of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

Walker joins the GCSAA staff following four years as director of golf course maintenance at Bentwater Yacht and Country Club in Montgomery, Texas.

He also served as the golf course superintendent at Blackhorse Golf Club in Cypress, Texas; Shadow Hawk Country Club and Houstonian Country Club in Richmond, Texas. Walker was chosen from a field of many quality candidates for the job, who went through a rigorous interview process.

“I am thrilled to join the GCSAA staff and be able to share my knowledge and passion for the profession with other superintendents in the South Central region,” said Walker. “GCSAA is undertaking some exciting and important initiatives, and I look forward to helping implement those valuable new member services and programs with superintendents from Arkansas to New Mexico.”

Walker has served on numerous national committees and was in his second year as a GCSAA board member, a position he has relinquished with his hire as a member of the association staff. Walker also is a former president of both the South Texas GCSA and the Lone Star GCSA, and he served on the board of directors of the Texas Turfgrass Association.

Walker will be the GCSAA liaison for affiliated chapters in Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. GCSAA has nine regional field staff members who maintain direct communication with 98 affiliated chapters.

Walker has a bachelor of science degree in agronomy from Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Sharon, reside in Magnolia, Texas.

“While I am sad to see John leaving the board, I am proud to support him as he leads by example, directly bringing superintendents together in his home region to benefit GCSAA, its affiliated chapters and the profession,” said Bill H. Maynard, CGCS, GCSAA president and director of golf course maintenance operations at St. Albans (Mo.) Country Club.

With Walker leaving the nine-member national board, past president Keith Ihms, CGCS and director of golf course maintenance at Bella Vista (Ark.) Village, has been appointed to temporarily fill his vacated position until the 2018 annual meeting in February. At that time, Ihms will resign from the board and an appointment will be made to fill the final year of Walker’s two-year term, according to GCSAA bylaws.

As a recent past president (2015), Ihms is familiar with current GCSAA initiatives, specific committee assignments and will provide continuity to the board for the next eight months.

“I am honored to be asked to serve the GCSAA membership in this temporary capacity on the board of directors, and I thank the ownership at Bella Vista for again supporting me and GCSAA,” said Ihms.

More information will be provided later regarding the board elections and appointments that will be made at the 2018 annual meeting in San Antonio.

National Golf Day a Success in Washington DC The GCSAA contingency joined the We Are Golf coalition April 26 on Capitol Hill for the 10th anniversary of National Golf Day. GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors met with their legislators to share the economic value and numerous other benefits of the golf industry. Visit gcsaa.tv or click the photo to the right for a great video reviewing all of the activities of the day.

I attended National Golf Day in Washington, D.C. on April 24-26th this year. During this time I was honored to be able to advocate for golf through many different ways.

Monday, April 24th was arrival day. This day was all about briefings for the upcoming meetings and events and an evening reception for the GCSAA delegation teams.

Tuesday the 25th was very exciting! For the first time ever, a community service project was planned for the National Mall. Attendees to National Golf Day volunteered and were assigned to teams to do mowing, edging, aeration, rock clean-up, bench clean-up, and irrigation. This project lasted from 8:00 a.m. until noon. It was amazing to see over 100 golf professionals participating to make an impact on this area. Hats off to the ringleader, Steve Mona.

After the service project the buses returned us to the Hyatt Regency where we attended several briefing meetings to prepare for the legislative visits the following day. That evening the National Golf Day Launch Party was held in the Microsoft Innovation & Policy center. I had the opportunity to meet Chantel McCabe from the Golf Channel.

Wednesday the 26th was the day that all legislative meetings were scheduled to take place. I started off the morning by attending The First Tee Congressional Breakfast at the Capitol Visitor Center. This was a great way to start the day! We had the opportunity to hear firsthand how golf has shaped the lives of two First Tee scholarship recipients.

After the breakfast it was time to take the group picture on the U.S. Capitol steps and go to Capitol Hill for the legislative visits. I was honored and happy to represent Texas as part of the Texas contingent. National Golf Day showcases how the industry is taking an active role in promoting legislation to help the game. For the congressional meetings, there were nearly 200 attendees from 35 states. This strong attendance demonstrates how golf gives back.

Our team met with representatives for Senator Ted Cruz, Senator John Cornyn, Rep. Kenny Marchant, Rep. Kay Granger, Rep. Sam Johnson, Rep. Pete Sessions and Rep. Joe Barton. In these meetings we highlighted three important issues: the impact of environmental regulations on golf, specifically the Clean Water Rule and NPDES Pesticide General Permits, H-2B labor regulations, and the PHIT Act (H.R. 1267 & S.482) During the meetings, we focused on: - Asking Congress and the Administration to repeal the Clean Water Rule and work with all stakeholders, including golf, to write a rule that reinstates state/federal cooperation and ensures a clean environment and healthy economy.

- Asking Congress and the Administration to support and co-sponsor S. 340, the “Sensible Environmental Protection Act of 2017” and H.R. 953, the “Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017” which would clarify congressional intent that CWA permits are not required for lawful pesticide application.

-Urging Congress to renew the H-2B Returning Worker Exemption in appropriations legislation to fund the remainder of FY 17 as well as FY 18.

- Asking Congress and the Administration to support and co-sponsor S.792, the “Save Our Small & Seasonal Businesses Act of 2017” and H.R.2004, the “Strengthen Employment and Seasonal Opportunities Now (SEASON) Act”.

- Asking Congress and the Administration to support and co-sponsor the “Personal Health Investment Today” (PHIT) Act, S.482 and H.R.1267.

This was a successful trip were we had many opportunities to have our voices heard and express the important impact the golf industry has on our economy.

2017

Casey Reynolds Ph.D. appointed Executive Director of Turfgrass Producers International Reynolds comes to TPI from the position of assistant professor and turfgrass extension specialist at Texas A&M, where he coordinated statewide turfgrass research and extension programs. He was the creator and editor of the program’s website, AggieTurf.tamu.edu, and developed much of its educational content. Prior to joining Texas A&M, he served as a turfgrass research and extension associate for North Carolina State University (NCSU) from 2003-2013.

Reynolds is a passionate advocate of the benefits of turfgrass and intent on delivering the message of their usefulness in urban environments. His professional career has been rooted in science, combined with the curiosity of a researcher and the ability to communicate with people on multiple levels. In the positions he’s held, he’s proven to be equally effective as a speaker in formal presentations; a leader and contributor on boards and committees; and an informative resource for groups, businesses and individuals. He’s at home in an office or in the field. He brings these strong assets to the TPI team.

Reynolds grew up in rural North Carolina, and although his family didn’t farm, they lived on a farm with livestock, pastures, and a huge garden. His summer jobs were all plant related and a golf course internship in 1996 prompted his interest in turfgrass. He says, “It’s amazing some of the things we ask turfgrasses to do—and they do them.”

He earned his BS in Crop Science, his MS in Crop Science and Business Management, and his PhD in Crop Science, all at NCSU. He has been married to Diane Silcox Reynolds since 2013 and they happily anticipate the arrival of their first child, a little girl, in May. Diane has a PhD in entomology and works for Adama, an agrichemical company.

Asked what TPI members should know about him, Reynolds said, “I’ve heard so many great things about TPI, I’m excited to be working with them and eager to connect with them. I’m looking forward to supporting them on all fronts, especially in making sure their voice is heard on the issues TPI sees as most important to the turfgrass industry and beneficial to the membership.”

Reynolds can be contacted at creynolds@TurfGrassSod.org.

Member Profile - Anthony Williams CGCS

Merlin Tielkemeier

The April event was held at Grapevine Golf Course hosted by longtime NTGCSA member Merlin Tielkemeier. Merlin and the staff at Grapevine performed their magic and provided great golf course conditions for a fun golf event. The tournament was played as a Stableford Point format which made it fun for golfers of all levels. Grapevine GC has hosted the North Texas GCSA many times over the years and members are never disappointed.

Our event Sponsor was Helena who provided a great speaker in Brad Shaver Ph.D. who spoke on Nematode control and management. Dr. Shaver is a self-proclaimed #brogronomist and works for Helena. The information was very pertinent and timely.

Following the education program and a great lunch, attendees enjoyed the golf course on a beautiful day. Our champion for the day was Scott Miller who shot an impressive +10 in the Stableford tournament. Jorge Croda finished 2nd after a scorecard playoff with Hud Haas. Both were +7 for the day. Hmmm, all three places filled by 40++ members?? Maybe we found a format that works for these folks!

Dr. Brad Shaver

Mike Epps

Proximity winners were Donny Lecroy, Hud Haas, Michael Underwood and Brian Cloud. Thanks to our great hosts at Grapevine, our terrific sponsor Helena, and to all who participated during this very busy time of year!

Lower photos: Top row left - Scott Miller. Right - “Stretch�

Miller. 2nd row L - Hud Haas. R - Jorge Croda. 3rd row L - Jason Wiedeman and Brian Cloud. R - Michael Underwood

How Much Water Is Needed To Flush A USGA Putting Green?

By John Daniels, agronomist, Central Region

Periodic flushing of putting green root zones is necessary for golf courses using irrigation water with high concentrations of dissolved salts.

Salt buildup in root zones poses a serious threat to turfgrass health. In soils with high permeability and good drainage, such as a USGA putting green, excess salts can be leached out of the root zone with heavy irrigation. Routine testing with a portable salinity meter will help determine when leaching is necessary and a soil test will recommend if any amendments are needed. However, many turf managers do not fully appreciate the volume of water required to flush salts from putting green root zones.

Consider the following example: A 12-inch deep root zone that conforms to USGA recommendations and has 20 percent air-filled porosity would require 200 cubic feet of water per 1,000 square feet to become saturated. This is equivalent to 1,496 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet. If a golf course has 3.2 acres of putting greens, it would require 208,530 gallons to flush all putting green root zones. In other words, 2.4 inches of water would be needed across the putting surfaces to reach saturation.

If a putting green is 5,000 square feet and has four sprinkler heads, each with an output of 24 gallons per minute, the sprinklers would need to run for 78 minutes to deliver the amount of water needed to flush the root zone. If the sprinklers on the putting green have a distribution uniformity of 75 percent, the runtime would have to be increased to 104 minutes in order to achieve the needed 2.4 inches of water across the putting surface. Keep in mind that limitations in irrigation system flow as well as the infiltration rate may necessitate a cycle-soak program to effectively deliver this amount of water.

Note that these values are only an example; the actual volume of water needed to saturate a soil profile will vary from course to course. Furthermore, additional water may be necessary to move harmful salts completely through the profile.

Monitor the drainage outfall to confirm whether or not enough water has been applied to flush a given putting green.

When the electrical conductivity of the drainage water is similar to the irrigation water, leaching has been successful.

Many courses find it necessary to irrigate over two consecutive nights to apply enough water to get the desired leaching effect.

Golf courses using irrigation water with minimal amounts of soluble salts and those in climates with ample rainfall may never need to flush their putting greens. Conversely, facilities using recycled water sources and those in arid climates often need to include periodic flushing as part of their irrigation management.

The USGA article, “Flushing Greens: More Than Just Heavy Watering,� provides detailed information about flushing putting greens and other additional useful tips for success. For more information about managing salinity at your specific facility, contact your local USGA agronomist.

John Daniels joined the Green Section in 2014 as an agronomist in the Central Region. He is currently based out of Dallas. jdaniels@usga.org Phone: (972) 331-3101

Mike Epps

Bryan Tupa

For the 3rd year, the North Texas GCSA honored one of our former members with the Stephen Best Memorial Pro / Superintendent Championship. The event was held at Stephen’s beloved Sky Creek Ranch where he was the Superintendent up until his death in 2011. Stephen was an enthusiastic advocate for Skin Cancer awareness and this tournament continues to be a great reminder for all NTGCSA members to be aware of the dangers of this dangerous and deadly disease.

Our motivational speaker for the event was longtime NTGCSA member, Don Armstrong. Don is a former Superintendent and was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2005. He has written a great book titled “Finish Your Race” Don did a great job talking about his journey and the inspiration he used to battle his disease and to find success in every aspect of life. Don’s book can be found at amazon.com and comes highly recommended for all who have read it.

Stephen’s father John Best, widow Cheryl Best, and daughter Madison joined us at the meeting and were very appreciative of the chapter’s commitment to preserving Stephen’s memory and message. John gave a very nice talk to attendees and expressed the family’s gratitude.

Steve Trotter and Cheryl Best

Don Armstrong - Finish Your Race

Curt Franklin and Steve Trotter Thank you Steve for donating your 50/50 pot winnings to the Best Family Foundation

Thank you Bryan Tupa for a great day on the golf course. The course was in outstanding condition and we all enjoyed it! And thank you to our great event Sponsor, Professional Turf Products.

PTP is always ready, willing and able to support the NTGCSA!!

Our 2017 Pro / Superintendent Champions were Greg Marsh and Brent Lingel (Top row, left - L to R: Marsh and Kyle Embry. Brent Lingel (not pictured) Member / Member Champions were Tim Klein and Bradley Snodgrass (Top row, right - L to R: Klein, Kyle Embry and Snodgrass)

Balancing Innovation and Sound Agronomics Sales, Contract Service, and Rental options available Call Today to See The Equipment Turf Professionals Trust

Jeff Kadlec (210) 413-3045 Rick Kadlec (314) 744-0379

New on the ntgcsa.org website!

Great ways to get involved and support your association!

Check it out today!

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GOTCHA! NTGCSA Members in action in 2017! 1. Curtis Bruton and

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family at Great Wolf Lodge 2. Jeff Freshwater and daughter Sydney 3. Kerry Smith loaded for hog 4. Joe Todaro and family celebrating graduation 5. Prez. Mike Epps and family at school 6. Rush Pribble and family camping 6. Mitch O’Brey and sister Taylor enjoying the Byron Nelson at Four Seasons 7. Don Tennant and family celebrating at the beach 8. Proud papa Bryan Tupa and new daughter - Cameryn Joyce Tupa. She was born on 4/18/2017. 6 Lbs 2 Oz and 19.5� long. Both her and my wife Angel are doing great!

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North Texas GCSA Participates in 2017Earth Day TX The NTGCSA participated in EDTX held in April at Fair Park in Dallas. The chapter hosted an informative booth in the special Golf section created to display and promote the environmental benefits of golf courses. Event participants were able to learn about the benefits of golf courses and the great work being done in the North Texas region by NTGCSA members.

Brian Cloud organized and hosted the booth. “ I really feel that the booth was a good start in becoming involved with the event and could pay off in the future. I appreciate the help and support provided by Professional Turf Products, Austin Turf and Tractor, Longhorn Irrigation, and BWI. “ said Cloud. “Anthony Williams was also a big help by providing bird houses for display and other recommendations.”

The golf section also included The First Tee of Dallas, the Golf Course Builders Association, and the USGA. In addition to the festival open to the public, the event included a panel discussion and a luncheon honoring golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. (Left) Booth included electric vehicles, water conservation equipment and information, and Earth Day signage.

(Right) Signage and birdhouses told the story of environmental benefits of golf.

(Bottom Left) Robert Trent Jones speaking at luncheon. (Bottom Right) Panel discussion includes Dr. Kimberly Erusha USGA, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Justin Apel GCBAA, and John Daniels USGA.

GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans appeared on the Golf Channel on Earth Day to talk about the environmental benefits of golf courses. Click on the photo to the left of visit the Golf Channel and search “Earth Day Rhett Evans”

Click

North Texas GCSA Member Don Armstrong appeared on the Golf Channel - Morning Drive to talk about his great book “Finish Your Race�. Don was the guest speaker at the May Chapter Event.

Great job, Don. And congratulations on the success of the book!

Finishyourrace.com