Course + Grounds

Turning the Tide

After the completion of a water-diversion project that was years in the making, golf course maintenance and conditioning have been smooth(er)

sailing for the grounds crew at Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club.

By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor

HAVING A WATER VIEW IS a desirable feature for any golf course. Being water-logged, though? Not so much.

At Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club, a private club founded in 1901 on Long Island Sound in Branford, Conn. , the fi rst and ninth holes of its picturesque nine-hole, regulati on golf course fl ooded for years aft er storms and during high ti de. Those days, thankfully, are now a thing of the past, however.

In May 2020, the property completed a ninemonth, $1.2 million water-diversion project to improve the golf course, which plays as an 18-hole course because of diff erent sets of tees on each hole. The primary goals of the project were to raise the fi rst fairway, expand the pond on No. 2, raise the fairway on the ninth hole to eliminate full-moon and high-ti de fl ooding, and reduce or eliminate fl ooding aft er major storms.

In additi on, the project included removing phragmites, an invasive species that grows along shorelines, and opening up course views on multi ple holes.

“We took the two or three worst spots on the golf course and made them the best,” says Golf Course Superintendent Wes Mackie, who joined the staff in January 2019.

While the work took less than a year to complete once it fi nally got underway, the complex project was years in the making. Pine Orchard’s staff members credit the dogged determinati on of longti me member Nick Torello with making it happen.

The $1.2 million water-diversion project at Pine Orchard Y&CC took less than a year to complete once it fi nally got underway, but planning it required years of dogged determinati on.

“Nick and Wes really headed up the project,” says General Manager Chris Goodwin, CCM. “Nick was the driving factor. When I became involved, everything was more or less in place at that point.”

SOGGY HISTORY

Sports have always been a driving force at Pine Orchard Y&CC. The property, which also includes a marina, tennis courts, foodand-beverage services, and an Olympicsized swimming pool on the ocean, was deeded to the club in the 1950s by the family of Sid Noyes’ wife, with the sti pulati on that it be used as an athleti c facility. Its golfi ng credenti als are impeccable, as Noyes, an amateur golfer and Pine Orchard member, was invited by Bobby Jones in 1934 to parti cipate in the inaugural Augusta Nati onal Invitati on Tournament, which later became the Masters.

The golf course underwent changes when it was rebuilt in the early 1960s. The fi rst and ninth holes were constructed on wetlands, and the creek on No. 1 was rerouted. As the years went by, however, the holes became increasingly prone to saltwater fl ooding.

“The fi rst hole and the landing area on the ninth hole would fl ood with every full moon, and it would take two holes out of play on a nine-hole course,” says Tim Gerrish, the project architect.

Certain greens would fl ood as well. “We had to water so much to fl ush the salt off ,” says Mackie. “We didn’t have the ability to do that everywhere.”

Torello, who started his fourth sti nt on the Pine Orchard Board of Governors in December 2020, says the golf committ ee had its fi rst meeti ng about the water-diversion project in 1999. A 2003 plan to renovate the golf course, he adds, met with oppositi on from members who felt that the creek, even though it was man-made, should not be changed.

In 2010, however, the Board of Governors gave Torello seed money to hire an engineering fi rm to explore the possibility of working with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protecti on (DEEP) to create a project that, based on

Golf Scorecard

PINE ORCHARD YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB

Location: Branford, Conn. Club Website: www.poycc.org Club Type: Private No. of Members: 450 Year Opened: 1901 Golf Holes: 9 Course Designer: Robert Pryde Golf Season: March to December Annual Rounds of Golf: Average season Average season –7,000 (2020 season – 14,000) Fairways: Bentgrass/Annual Bluegrass Greens: Bentgrass/Annual Bluegrass aerial photos of the original course, would move ti dal water in and out of the property.

“In the 2000s, we had started using more sand to build up the fairways,” says Torello. “The course never dried out again aft er hurricanes. One inch of rain would shut down the course.”

Drainage issues came to light again in 2012 with the devastati on caused by Superstorm Sandy, which, along with memories of the damage caused by Hurricane Irene in 2005, increased the urgency to renovate the golf course.

“The storms left saltwater all over the property, and we couldn’t move it quickly,” Mackie says. “There are sti ll high-water marks left , to remind us where the water was at the ti me.”

The membership ulti mately approved the renovati on project in 2012. However, there was no ti metable for the plan, and it was shelved unti l 2019.

“Seven years later, things had changed since the approval,” says Goodwin, who has been General Manager for three years and was an assistant GM at the property in 2012. “But the members weren’t going to be assessed, and the original vote stood.”

PROLONGED PROCESS

Head Golf Professional Joe Starzec, who has worked at the club for 45 years and along with his uncle is one of only two pros Pine Orchard has ever had, is well-acquainted with the fl ooding history of the course and the lengthy approval process for the project. “It was a sell to the membership. We had to sell the project to make sure everybody was on board with it,” Starzec says.

The property, parti cularly its infl uenti al members, was supporti ve of the proj-

ect, notes Gerrish. However, with other stakeholders—including the Army Corps of Engineers and the Branford Inland Wetlands Commission in additi on to the state DEEP—needing to be involved, the permitti ng alone took 10 years.

“You have to have all your T’s crossed and your I’s dott ed, and you have to know exactly what you’re doing,” says Starzec.

Routi ne leadership changes to the Pine Orchard Board of Governors, as well as personnel changes within the other stakeholder organizati ons, also prolonged the permitti ng process. The two hurricanes, climate change, concerns about what fl ows out of a property, and fl ooding also altered state DEEP rules through the years. Pine Orchard had to get in the queue for state permits, and insurance policies changed because of fl ooding.

“Every person had to start from scratch, but they never lied to us,” Torello says. “They said, ‘Do what we tell you to do and “[The golf course] is beautiful now. [The renovation] opened it all up and it’s much more playable, and we got a lot of new players because of COVID.”

— Joe Starzec, Head Golf Professional

don’t vary, and you’ll have no problem.’”

The Pine Orchard staff took that advice to heart. “Everything we were asked to do, we did every bit of it, and we went a litt le bit further,” notes Mackie, who also credits an engineering fi rm, BSC Group, and Lavoie Horti culture with key roles in helping the club through the process.

ELEVATION & ENHANCEMENT

As part of the renovati on, the fi rst and ninth holes, which drained poorly, were redesigned to improve their “uninspiring golf strategy,” says Gerrish.

On the fi rst hole, the creek that had been rebuilt in the 1960s was fi lled in and moved about 65 yards away from the fi rst tee to its original locati on, which could be seen in aerial photos from the 1930s through the 1950s. The creek was widened and deepened to increase water fl ow as well.

“We could see the natural route the water used to take,” says Mackie. “It was more straight lines in the creek and the pond.”

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Superintendent Profile WESLEY MACKIE

Years at Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club: 2 Duties and Responsibilities: Oversee day-to-day operations of golf course; coordinate and set up all golf events/tournaments; manage staff and their duties; create mowing schedule; prepare and implement pesticide/ fertilizer applications; manage watering schedule; oversee all construction projects; manage annual budget. Responsible for implementing the long-term capital and organizational planning of the golf course maintenance department. Years in Golf Course Maintenance Profession: 12 Previous Employment: > Senior Assistant Superintendent at The Stanwich Club, Greenwich, Conn.;

Quaker Ridge Golf Club, Scarsdale, N.Y.; and The Bayonne (N.J.) Golf Club. > Second Assistant Superintendent, Brae Burn Country Club, Purchase, N.Y. Education and Training: B.S. in Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee Certifications: Supervisory Pesticide Applicator License in Connecticut and New York Honors and Awards: Graduated from UT with a 4.0 GPA

The project included removing bunkers and regrassing the first fairway with a more salt-tolerant bentgrass, and new irrigation was installed on the first and ninth holes.

“Most of the work was in the areas closest to the water—No. 9, No. 1, and the driving range,” says Mackie. “There was a lot of earth-moving. We completely lifted the elevation of the driving range.”

After digging a two-acre, 25-foot-deep hole, referred to as the “borrow pit,” and performing soil tests, the value of the soil on the property was discovered, notes Mackie. It was used to lift up the first, ninth and 18th fairways, which were then capped with sand-based soil.

“We took out all of the phragmites that were in the center of the golf course and buried them in the borrow pit,” Mackie says. “If you don’t bury phragmites at least six feet, they can resurge. But we didn’t have to move them off the property, so it saved us a lot of money. “We made the area a water feature and replaced the phragmites with more native species like Spartina that are more desirable and less invasive,” he adds. “We added a lot more water features.”

The removal of the phragmites between the first and ninth holes increased the capacity for stormwater and floodwater storage. In addition, it gave the areas a more natural look. By nearly doubling the size of the tidal marsh pond on the second hole, where the tees were also rebuilt, the water feature has a more visual presence.

“On our property, the water level of the creek and the pond is different based on the tide,” Mackie says. “It’s almost full at high tide.”

A tidal water holding area on the left of the 18th fairway offers aesthetic appeal. “It’s almost empty at low tide, and you can see native plants,” Mackie says. However, the second half of the ninth hole, which is high and dry, didn’t require major changes.

Other aspects of the renovation included the addition of subsurface drainage to help move water; the relocation and renovation of tees on some holes, including Nos. 1, 6, 9, and 13; enlargement and regrassing of the tees on the second and 11th holes; and reconstruction of all of the bridges on the golf course.

CHANGING THE COURSE

During the renovation, Pine Orchard also installed a couple of target greens on the driving range, which previously had only flags in the rough.

In addition to improving the playability of the layout, the renovations enhanced the seaside character of the golf course and the strategy of playing it.

“I want players to think when they’re standing on the tee. I don’t want them to just whack it down the fairway,” Gerrish says. “Any time you do a renovation, you want to find ways to make it more interesting and give golfers more options.”

On No. 1, for instance, the tidal creek previously forced women and seniors to lay up. Now with its realignment, golfers can hit to a landing area over the creek or play it safe.

“On No. 1 and 10, the creek was not in play before,” says Mackie. “Now you have to consider the creek location on your tee shot because the water is a reality. It can even affect your second shot.”

The renovation enhanced the aesthetics of the golf course as well. Tree work, which was performed by the Pine Orchard maintenance staff, highlighted natural features of the property. The removal of some trees showcased a rock outcrop feature on the ninth hole, and also on No. 9, the green is now visible from the tee after trees were taken out and the tee was shifted to the left.

“A hole is more desirable if you can see the green from the tee,” says Mackie.

“It’s beyond what everyone thought it was going to be. It’s still evolving. It will probably take two years before the golf course is really filled in. But already we can introduce [younger golfers] slowly to the game, and have small clinics where people can play three or four holes.”

With the removal of trees around the eighth green as well as the seventh and ninth tees, the golfers now have a view of the clubhouse and the ocean behind it. “It’s beautiful now,” Starzec says. “It opened it all up.”

Part of the property is covered with fescue, and many native plants have been installed. On a portion of the course called Birch Island, which is surrounded by water except for a land bridge, more native vegetation such as rose mallow, a type of hibiscus, has been planted.

“Now it’s a highlight of the first and second holes,” says Mackie. “We’re still adding plants to give it color. The plants can grow here, but not in other parts of the state.”

Pine Orchard also has other distinctive features. With different greens for the fourth and 13th holes, the golf course has 10 greens. The other holes share a putting surface.

A two-lane state road runs through the golf course, and golfers have to cross it on Nos. 3, 4, and 12. With a separate set of tees for the second nine, golfers get a different experience on the front and back nines.

“The holes are quite different because we have different tees,” says Starzec. “They create different angles, and the tees are 30 to 40 yards apart.”

REAPING THE REWARDS

All of the planning, teamwork and effort have come to fruition since the Pine Orchard course reopened on May 1, 2020. The staff says feedback has been positive from the members, including those who were skeptical of the project.

The renovation has benefited the maintenance staff as well. “Because we don’t have the flooding issues we had before, we have no problem mowing the fairways on Nos. 1 and 9, the landing area on the 18th fairway, or the driving-range rough,” says Mackie. “It’s so much easier to maintain areas now that they’re well-drained and dry.”

With improved drainage, the golf course is better equipped to handle rain events as well. “If we have giant hurricanes hit us, there’s nothing under the sun that can help us,” says Mackie. “But we’re more prepared for a 100-year storm than we were.” Course + Grounds Operations Profile PINE ORCHARD YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB

Annual Course Maintenance Budget: $763,000 Staff: 5 full-time, 7 seasonal, 1 part-time Other Managers: George Forte, Mechanic; Joe McSherry, Assistant Superintendent; Kelsey McSherry, Foreman; Mark Palmieri, Asssistant Mechanic Irrigation System: Toro Lynx VP, about 500 heads Water Source and Usage: City water source; average usage, 5.5 million gallons Equipment: Primarily a Toro fleet, from walk mowers to fairway units and sprayers; club owns the equipment Technology: Playbooks (pesticide recordkeeping); Toro Lynx Irrigation software Maintenance Facility: Composed of two buildings. The first houses the office, parts repair area, lift station, storage of the most important machines, breakroom, bathroom, lockers, and tool-storage area. The second building houses irrigation parts, staff carts, and supply items such as fertilizer and pesticides. A washwater recycling system is located outside the shop. Aerating and Overseeding Schedules: Greens, tees, and approaches aerated each spring and fall. Greens are needle-tined monthly through the summer, and fairways and rough are aerated in the fall. Upcoming Capital Projects: Renovation of sixth fairway and the golf maintenance facility. The fifth green is currently under consideration for redesign.

The property has already been tested by Hurricane Isaias in 2020. Although the forecast called for three inches of rain, Mackie says, the property suffered more damage from wind than from precipitation. “We lost power, and we lost trees,” he adds. “But there was no flooding.”

Since the renovation was completed, Torello notes, “We haven’t lost one day from sitting water. We used to lose eight to 10 days a year.” Golfers can now take carts on the course after it rains in a matter of hours instead of days, Mackie adds.

Along with enhancing playability, the project has increased the membership’s enjoyment of the property. “Our members brought guests in droves [in 2020],” Torello says. By the end of the year, the number of rounds at Pine Orchard, typically 6,500 to 7,000 annually, more than doubled and were closing in on 14,000 for the year. “We got a lot of new golfers because of COVID,” notes Starzec.

The enhanced playability also lets Pine Orchard focus on capturing younger golfers who don’t have the time to play 18 holes, Goodwin notes. “We can introduce them slowly to the game,” he says. “We have small clinics where people can play three or four holes, and we coach them on the rules of the game.”

The renovation “is beyond what everyone thought it was going to be,” Goodwin adds. “It’s still evolving. It will probably take two years before the golf course is really filled in.”

Torello agrees. “It was the right thing for the club to do,” he says. “We have a beautiful piece of property. We have a lot to offer.” C+RB

Coming Around

After working on a landscaping crew as a teenager, Brandon Haynes vowed to “never dig another hole in my life.” And when he started his first job at a golf course, he thought greens were artificial surfaces. But from there it’s been nothing but an enjoyable ascent to a “job I love” at California’s Oak Tree CC.

By Jeff Bollig, Contributing Editor

IT’S A GOOD THING BRANDON Haynes didn’t take the advice of his 16-year-old self when it came to pursuing a career—if he had, he would have missed out on what he now calls the “best experience of his life.”

Haynes, now 47, is the golf course superintendent at Oak Tree Country Club, which is part of the Bear Valley Springs community in Tehachapi, Calif. His fi rst exposure to anything resembling golf course work came as a teenager working on a landscaping crew, where he spent most of his ti me with a shovel in his hand.

“It’s funny,” Haynes says. “I hated it. I told myself I never wanted to dig another hole in my life. It was not a good experience. But here I am today—I have a job I love. I don’t mind that I have a shovel in my hand from ti me to ti me.”

The fact that Haynes is even a golf course superintendent is a story itself. Born in Arcadia, Calif., but raised in Santa Clarita, golf was not even in his vocabulary. He was into hiking and motocross acti viti es. In fact, Haynes sheepishly admits that on his fi rst day working at a golf course, he learned that the putti ng green was not an arti fi cial surface.

So let’s get this straight: Haynes grew up not knowing anything about golf, disliking landscaping, and not knowing that putti ng greens featured “real” grass? How does one with that background become an accomplished golf course superintendent?

It’s a long story—and one marked by talent and determinati on.

C+RB Tell us about the progression of

your career.

HAYNES I graduated from high school in 1991 and became an electrician. I did that for four years and in 1995 decided to join the Army. I was a member of the 82nd Airborne stati oned at Fort Bragg.

Aft er my tour of duty was done in 1999, I came back home and became an ASAE-certi fi ed master automobile mechanic. About 10 years aft er I came back, I was visiti ng my father in Tehachapi, Calif., when I heard the golf course needed a mechanic. Actually, I was on the shooti ng range when a person there told me about the positi on, so I dropped off a resume with the course and I was hired almost right away. There was a dire need. That’s how I got into golf.

C+RB When did you trade wrenches

for a Sti mpmeter?

HAYNES I began as the equipment manager in June 2010. It was not your typical equipment manager positi on, because they had a fl eet of vehicles and equipment to service all of the needs of the enti re Bear Valley Springs Associati on. It was a big job.

Four years into it, the assistant superintendent left the facility, and I was promoted to be both the equipment manager and the assistant superintendent. But that did not last long.

Super in the Spotlight BRANDON HAYNES

Current Position: Golf Course Superintendent, Oak Tree Country Club (Bear Valley Springs Assn.), Tehachapi, Calif.

Years at Oak Tree/Bear Valley Springs: 10

Years in Golf Course Maintenance Profession: 10

Employment History (all at Oak Tree CC): > Golf Course Superintendent (2015 – Present) > Interim Golf Course Superintendent (2014) > Assistant Golf Course Superintendent (2014 – four weeks) > Equipment Manager (2010-14)

Education & Training: Central California GCSAA Seminars; currently enrolled in University of Georgia online turfgrass program

Honors and Awards: Bear Valley Springs Association Employee of the Year, 2015.

My boss decided to change careers—get this, to work as an aircraft mechanic. Four weeks later, I was promoted to interim golf course superintendent.

C+RB How much did you know about turf

management?

HAYNES I felt I had learned a lot during my four years as the equipment manager. I was observant and I felt I had an aptitude for the job. There was a lot of on-the-job learning and training. Plus, I had been taking some courses with the Central California GCSAA. I felt I was ready for the job.

C+RB But was the job ready for you? HAYNES I was an interim for one growing season, just to see if I could handle the job. I really wanted it, but knew they were going to interview other people. Because it was a property managed by International Golf Maintenance (IGM), I not only had to be approved by them, but I also had to be approved by the golf Board and the Bear Valley Springs Association.

Everyone signed off on me and here I am. I was fortunate because of all the support IGM provides and the talented people they have. I learned so much from them. I remember Steve Gano, Director of Operations for IGM, gave me the book Best Golf Course Management Practices by Bert McCarty. I read it inside and out. I also started an online turfgrass program at the University of Georgia, and will be finishing it soon.

C+RB There seem to be several players

involved. Tell us about IGM and Bear Valley Springs.

HAYNES IGM is a company that handles all aspects of golf and landscape maintenance for private, resort, public and municipal courses across the country. It had the contract with Bear Valley Springs Association. The association governs the various amenities for the Bear Valley Springs gated community. Some of the other amenities offered at the property include: an equestrian center; more than 50 miles of hiking and horse trails; baseball/soccer complex; two stocked lakes; Whiting Center (gymnasium) for indoor hockey and basketball; three campgrounds; two large parks; large dog parks, and many other smaller activity areas.

We maintain all the turf and landscaping for the association grounds. I have regional agronomists and supervisors for IGM, but my position is similar to working directly for the course. All of us at IGM help the club with not only daily maintenance, but capital project planning and long-term improvements. We’re a private course, so we have a club President, a Greens Committee chair, and a General Manager.

C+RB What is the geography of the region

and the golf course?

HAYNES The property sits at the southern tip of the Sierra Nevada mountains and would be considered a semi-mountain-type course. We are at about 4,200 feet elevation. We do get all four seasons here, but we are open year-round. It could snow one day and the next you’re out there teeing it up. We have had snow in June before.

Tehachapi is about 45 miles southwest of Bakersfield. It is known for the Tehachapi Loop, a spiraling piece of the railroad that connects the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert. People come from all over the world to see it.

Golf Course Profile

C+RB What makes the course enjoyable,

yet challenging to play?

HAYNES Our course is set in the mountain area on the valley floor and that does attract considerable wildlife. The views are scenic. Our terrain is slightly hilly with smaller greens and 30 bunkers total. Our greens are bentrgass with some Poa annua, and our fairways and tees are mostly rye. The course has no shared fairways, which means all holes have out-of-bounds on all sides.

We are a nine-hole course, but play 18 with alternate tees for the back nine. Our course plays a little on the shorter side, but makes up the difference with more precision shots needed during the round. You could walk the course, but with the elevation most people use carts.

We are a private gated community, so most of the golfers are from within the gates. Guests are welcome with an invite, so most of them are locals or out-oftowners visiting on the weekends. Most of our clientele are members in the retired age bracket, and then a mix of semi-retired folks and the weekend golfers of all ages who are attracted during the season.

C+RB What are your biggest agronomic

challenges?

HAYNES While the wildlife makes it interesting, we can have damage daily from feral hogs and elk, depending on the season. Other than wildlife, we have granite soils, which can be a challenge with providing a soil

OAK TREE COUNTRY CLUB

Website: www.oaktreecountryclub.org Year Opened: 1971 Ownership: Private (Part of a gated community, Bear Valley Springs Assn.) Golf Holes: Nine (plays as 18 holes, with a second set of tees for back nine) Course Type: Mountain Course Designer: Ted Robinson, Sr. Par: 72 (36-36) Yardage: White Tees play to 6,325 yards Golf Season: Year-Round

Annual Rounds: Typically 28,000— in 2020, that increased to 40,000 Grasses: > Tees and Fairways: Rye > Roughs: Rye/Fescue > Greens: Bentgrass with some

Poa annua

Water Features: Pond in play on No. 7; golf course wraps around Gill Lake.

No. of Bunkers: 30

conducive to turf growth. We will get some fairy ring, snow mold, a little brown patch and Fusarium, but we stay on top of it. We are not in a hot, hot area, but because of the elevation we get the radiant heat. I do have to syringe in July and August because of that.

C+RB Have you picked up the game of golf? HAYNES I do play golf and try to play with the late men’s league on Tuesday nights during the summer. I won’t mention my handicap, but I do have a lot of fun playing. It’s not that I did not like golf when I was younger, it was that I was into other things. I do believe it is important for golf course superintendents to play and understand the game.

C+RB There are some Native American

artifacts adjacent to your course, including some acorn-grinding holes. Were you involved in the preservation of that?

HAYNES IGM volunteered to help coordinate the building and groundwork of the Kawaiisu Indian preservation area. We helped clean up the trails, installed the information boards for the different sites, put in reflection benches that were donated to help make the preserve, and helped create a parking lot for the public. It was a fun project, and we learned a great deal.

C+RB You have mentioned you like the out-

doors. What are your non-golf hobbies?

HAYNES I love many outdoor activities during all times of the year. I do a lot of hiking, mountain biking, skiing, wakeboarding, dirt-bike riding and anything else that I find challenging. I did get the chance almost four years ago to climb Mt. Whitney (the tallest mountain in the contiguous U.S., elevation 14,505 feet). It took us two attempts. For the first one, we got turned around about two miles from the top due to bad weather. C+RB

Course + Grounds Operations Profile

Staff Size: 7 full-time and 8 seasonal. Responsible for managing the golf course and the grounds for Bear Valley Springs Association (parks, ballfields, hiking trails, etc.)

Water Source: Lakes (well-fed); also use effluent on rough and perimeter head areas.

Aerating and Overseeding Schedules: Third week of April and September for aerating. No overseeding.

Upcoming Capital Projects: Nothing currently planned at the moment, but some thought of a bunker renovation in upcoming years.

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Air with Care

Product: Ourfresh Metered Aerosol Features: ▶ The modern soluti on to metered aerosol ▶ Off ers consistent fragrance release for 30 days ▶ Uti lizes dry fragrance refi lls that release the right amount of appealing fragrance, reducing fragrance overload with no sti cky residue. Multi ple scent opti ons available ▶ Refi lls are chemical-free, to keep the air you breathe fresh and clean

Duffy’s Tri-C Club Supply

www.duff ystric.com

Bringing the Heat

Product: Adjustable Infrared Heaters Features: ▶ Pivot to directly warm objects below the canopy frame ▶ The att achment maximizes desired heat transfer while electrical lines are concealed within the mast, for an integrated, seamless aestheti c ▶ The heaters automati cally power off when the umbrella is closed ▶ Heaters available in black or white ▶ Designed for the outdoors, a Somfy® User Control

System ensures a simple turn on/off of the high-effi ciency heaters ▶ Heater system can be applied to parasols and cabanas

TUUCI

www.tuuci.com

PRODUCT SHOWCASE P��� + P����

Sling for Your Supper

Product: Avana Sling Dining Features: ▶ Comfortable aluminum outdoor furniture made in the USA ▶ Includes dining, counter and bar-height chairs/stools. ▶ Five-step powder-coati ng fi nishing process and outdoor foam and fabrics provide durability ▶ Classic design fi ts any style

O.W. Lee Co.

info@owlee.com • www.owlee.com

Chair Fit for a President

Product: Eusti s—Kennedy 23 Arm Chair Features: ▶ A newer design of the popular Kennedy chair ▶ Named for the arm height of the chair, which measures right at 23 inches ▶ Popular choice among country clubs, grill rooms, lounges, etc. ▶ Made to order and comes with a 20-year warranty ▶ Carefully engineered in the USA with the proprietary Eusti s Joint®

Eustis Chair

www.eusti schair.com

Nesting Comfort

Product: Alison Nesti ng Chair Features: ▶ Nests eight-high for ti me-saving convenience ▶ Upholstered inner and outer backs create seamless contours ▶ High-strength, lightweight, smooth aluminum frame ▶ COMFORTweb® seat lets guests rest in the lap of luxury ▶ 12-year structural frame warranty ▶ Hand truck available for easy transport

MTS Seating

734-847-3875 www.mtsseati ng.com

Mighty Deck

Product: RecDeck™ PVC Flooring Features: ▶ Now includes UV inhibitors and a unique compositi on of materials that allow it to U������ V������� stand up to the most extreme weather ▶ Virtually unaff ected by most pool and deck chemicals ▶ Thick reinforced PVC membrane can be used in any recreati onal area where slipresistance, waterti ght integrity and longterm ease of maintenance are required ▶ Ideal soluti on for common deck problems Quiet on the Course including cracking, fl aking, de-laminati on, Product: 2020 Drive2 QuieTech EFI™ Fleet ▶ spalling and peeling Off ers an aggressive slip-resistant texture Car in NEW Arctic Drift Features: ▶ Yamaha-exclusive QuieTech technology ▶ and superior anti -fungal formulati on Can be installed over foam for added ▶ Performance-tuned, industry-first independent rear suspension ▶ 12.8% more miles to the gallon over the comfort in hydrotherapy, acti ve aging competition (45 MPG) applicati ons or wherever extra fall ▶ Industry-leading fuel economy with Accu-fuel delivery system protecti on is required ▶ Fewest emissions and up to 76% fewer ▶ Available in three colorspollutants than competitors ▶ Made in USAYamaha Golf-Car Company

RenoSys

866-747-4027 www.yamahagolfcar.com/golf

800-783-7005 • www.renosys.com P��� + P����

Bringing Warmth Outdoors Bringing Warmth Outdoors

Product: SUNGLO infrared Product: SUNGLO infrared outdoor patio outdoor pati o PSA265 Features: PSA265 Features: ▶ Natural gas ▶ Natural gas▶ Permanent mount ▶ Permanent mount inpatio or deck; uses minimal floor space in pati o or deck; uses ▶ Manual controls to minimal fl oor space ▶ Manual controls to fully automated models ▶ 100% safety shut-off , fully automated models quiet infrared heat ▶ Glossy black or stainless-steel post ▶ 100% safety shut-off , quiet infrared heat ▶ Glossy black or Infrared Dynamics 888-317-5255 www.infradyne.com stainless-steel post

Infrared Dynamics

888-317-5255 www.infradyne.com

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Ice Ice Baby

Product: Sphere Undercounter Ice Machine Features: ▶ First to make spherical ice in North America ▶ The demand for unique cocktail design at a reasonable cost is high ▶ Makes clean, clear 1.8inch diameter ice balls for amazing cocktail presentati ons with minimal diluti on ▶ Eliminates the mess of ice molds or the high price of third-party ice vendors ▶ Sphere ice looks beauti ful, is more sanitary and is more profi table than any other opti on in the market today ▶ Fits neatly under a bar, taking up less than 25 inches wide of all-important undercounter space ▶ Makes up to 50 lbs. (500 spheres) of ice producti on per 24 hours ▶ Built-In storage bin with 36-lb. capacity ▶ Durable stainless-steel exterior with easy-to-remove-and-clean air fi lter

Hoshizaki America

www.hoshizakiamerica.com

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Hot and Ready

Product: Heated Shelf Features: ▶ Keeps serving trays, pizza boxes, take-out containers, concession items, and bagged meals hot and ready-to-go for your customers ▶ Embedded heati ng elements deliver precise and consistent radiant heat, eliminati ng hot and cold spots. Even the top shelf can be heated ▶ Opti onal enclosed removable stainlesssteel side and back walls, to conserve heat steel side and back walls, to conserve heat ▶ Fast heat-up, easy-to-use Low - Med. -

High temp setti ngs reach up to 200°F ▶ Hidden electronic controls on the back of the unit allow operators to save their ideal preset work-surface temperature from 120°F to 200°F without customer interference ▶ Adjustable legs or opti onal casters for proper placement on uneven fl ooring ▶ Additi onal sizes and powder-coati ng opti ons available ▶ Standard sizes available to fi t two to fi ve shelf applicati ons (consult factory) ▶ Each shelf, including the top, can be individually controlled to be ambient or heated ▶ All-stainless-steel constructi on, for ease of cleaning ▶ Standard 120v operati on ▶ Two-year parts, one-year labor warranty

Cres Cor

www.crescor.com

Integrated Irrigation

Product: 702/752 Series Electric and IC (Integrated Control) Rotors Features: ▶ Faster, easier adjustments ▶ Fewer parts to simplify both maintenance and inventory ▶ Off er fl exibility and numerous other benefi ts ▶ New self-adjusti ng stator eliminates the need to change stator confi gurati ons when switching out nozzles ▶ Delivers consistent rotati on speeds that opti mize performance ▶ Off er a wider range of throw, which gives superintendents greater installati on fl exibility and fewer parts to stock ▶ Opti on of setti ng 552 and 752 rotors at full-circle or part-circle arcs with the turn of a screw, thanks to Rain Bird’s

Rapid-Adjust Technology ▶ The rotors’ MemoryArc feature retains two part-circle arc setti ngs, so the rotors can be switched from full- to part-circle operati on in seconds ▶ A Seal-A-Mati c™ (SAM) check valve provides 17 feet of holdback, keeping lines charged with water and preventi ng low-head drainage ▶ Top-serviceable access to the rotors’ components makes maintaining them faster and easier

Rain Bird Golf Division

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Modular Muscle

Product: Modular Gym Space Features: ▶ 320-sq. ft . shipping containers ▶ Stocked with commercial gym equipment to provide safe, private, modular gym space ▶ Off ers trainers and gym goers the opportunity to book 60-minute private reservati ons ▶ Pods are outf itt ed with cutti ng-edge technology and audio equipment ▶ Members can take pre-fi lmed classes taught by BOLD’s trainers, stream content from their favorite fi tness apps, or FaceTime with personal trainers remotely

BOLD

info@trainbold.com • www.trainbold.com

Streamlined Software

Product: Clubessenti al Member Experience and Club Management Soft ware Features: ▶ Everything needed to streamline operati ons in one fully integrated suite powered by real-ti me data-sharing between website, reservati ons, accounti ng and POS modules

Clubessential

▶ MRM—the club industry’s fi rst predicti ve analyti cs tool ▶ Payments—one platf orm for payments and processing ▶ Mobile—enhance member engagement everywhere ▶ Websites—stunning digital representati ons of your club ▶ CRM—close more membership sales in less ti me ▶ Reservati ons—convenient web and mobile booking opti ons

www.clubessenti al.com

Join the Club

Product: ClubProcure Features: ▶ Program off ers clubs 150 ways to save ti me and money ▶ More than 3,000 clubs nati onwide leverage

ClubProcure’s strategic relati onships with well-known, nati onal companies to gain tremendous buying power ▶ Pick and choose which off erings work best for your needs ▶ This year marks the 25th anniversary of ClubProcure servicing the club industry

ClubProcure

www.clubprocure.com

ADVERTISER INDEX

CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY www.callawaygolf.com

CHAMBERS www.chambersusa.com

13

31

CLUBPROCURE 800-363-5480 / www.clubprocure.com

ETHOS CLUB & LEISURE 972-341-8133 / www.ethosclubandleisure.com

2

25

EUSTIS CHAIR 978-827-3103 / www.eusti schair.com

9

FIBERBUILT UMBRELLAS & CUSHIONS 39 866-667-8668 / www.fi berbuiltumbrellas.com FLAT TECH, INC. 855-999-3528 / FlatTech.com

3

FORETEES sales@foretees.com / www.foretees.com

THE MONTAGUE COMPANY 800-345-1830 • montaguecompany.com

PEACOCK + LEWIS AIA www.peacockandlewis.com

PREFERRED CLUB 800-523-2788 / www.preferredclub.com

STUDIO JBD & JEFFERSON GROUP ARCHITECTURE 401-721-0977 / Pcafaro@JBDandJGA.com

TRI-C CLUB SUPPLY – DUFFY’S 800-274-8742 / www.duff ystric.com YAMAHA 866-747-4027 / YamahaGolfCar.com

55

56

21

27

19

43

IDEAEXCHANGE

BACK ON TRACK

By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor

A special “Member for a Day” online auction of rounds at prestigious courses around the country has revived the First Tee Savannah (Ga.) program, which was shut down in 2017 after its funding dried up.

THINK BIG. CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS. PUT IN THE WORK.

These concepts might not be among the nine core values of First Tee programs. But they certainly helped the Board members of First Tee Savannah (Ga.) revive the program, formerly known as First Tee of Savannah, after it was shut down in 2017 when its funding dried up.

Alex Messinger, President of the First Tee Savannah Board of Directors and Head Golf Professional at Savannah Golf Club, had been asking questions for the past two years about how to restart the program.

“The opportunities for youth development are spectacular through the First Tee curriculum,” says Messinger, who has lived in Savannah since 2016. “Golf is a sport you play for life, and it builds relationships.”

For almost 15 years, First Tee of Savannah was a presence in the local golf community and in the lives of young people learning to play the game. The program is important to Savannah, Messinger believes, because the community has so many golf courses.

Apparently, others agreed. The national First Tee office connected Board members with Eric Sedransk, who launched a “Member for a Day” initiative in May to support New York City restaurants by feeding hospital

The auction raised over $140,000 for First Tee Savannah, covering its entire 2021 budget and allowing the program to be expanded to multiple facilities in the area.

front-line workers and then began to market the concept for other causes. The mission of Member for a Day is to help nonprofits and charitable foundations achieve and exceed their fundraising goals by using technology, social media, and golf.

In early December, the Member for a Day concept was used to conduct a seven-day silent online auction for First Tee Savannah, raising just shy of $141,000 – enough to cover the entire budget for 2021.

The chapter only expected to raise between $10,000 and $20,000, notes Teia Acker, another Board member.

The auction included packages at almost 60 golf courses. People could bid on rounds at prestigious properties including Pinehurst #4, TPC Harding Park, Winged Foot, Baltusrol, Atlanta Country Club, Butler National, Congressional, East Lake Golf Club, Harbour Town Golf Links, Merion, Philadelphia Cricket Club, Quail Hollow, Sahalee Country Club, Secession Golf Club, and TPC Sawgrass.

The 10 members of the First Tee Savannah Board were responsible for using their connections to recruit and line up participating courses, and people from all across the country bought packages. But most of the money, Acker says, came from local donors. “It let us know that the city was excited to have [First Tee] back,” she notes.

Currently, no other fundraisers are planned, but Messinger says First Tee Savannah is partnering with the Korn Ferry Tour’s Club Car Championship at The Landings Club’s Deer Creek Course, which is scheduled for March, for additional support. “Typical fundraisers haven’t been able to happen because of COVID,” he notes in explaining the organization’s search for new ways to generate funds.

First Tee Savannah applied for 501(c)3 status in August, and Messinger hoped to have the chapter reinstated by January. The Board expected to have an Executive Director and a program manager in place by February, so programming could resume in the spring or early summer

The original chapter operated out of the nine-hole Mary Calder Golf Course, just west of downtown Savannah. The rebranded First Tee Savannah will operate out of multiple facilities, including Bacon Park Golf Course, Henderson Golf Club, Crosswinds Golf Club, and Richmond Hill Golf Club.

The chapter is working toward gaining access on the golf courses at nearby military facilities as well. “Having it at the military locations will open it up to more juniors and more participants,” says Messinger.

The previous program had about 150 participants, but the new Board hopes to attract even more golfers by using the additional facilities.

Other goals include building in-school programs with physical education teachers and coaches, as well as creating opportunities for students to take part in after-school programs. For school programming, First Tee will provide tools and training built on its nine core values.

To generate support in the community and sponsors for activities, Board members have also reached out to people who were involved with the original program and to stakeholders in the golf industry.

“We have a group of people who want to have an impact and participate with fundraising, but it doesn’t stop there,” says Acker. “We want people who love to work with kids and want to be part of something good.”

The Board is seeking volunteers with different skill sets, such as coaches who are on the ground and present at activities, as well as people who excel at advertising, social media, communications, and paperwork.

Of course, fundraising will remain an ongoing endeavor, and the Board knows how to build on its success.

“Invest the time, the money, and the needed resources into your own initiative first,” Acker advises. “People will spend money with people they trust. When you don’t see someone in action, your reaction is slim to none.”

NEW! BACK OFFICE SYSTEM WITH FORETEES BUSINESS