Association Service is a Davis Love

Plus Show Wrap Sessums Retires

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] President JOHN F. DAVIS Secession Golf Club Beaufort, SC (843) 522-4642 [email protected]

Vice-President January - February 2011 DOUGLAS C. LOWE, CGCS Greensboro Country Club Greensboro, NC (336) 691-5822 [email protected]

Secretary-Treasurer Columns and Departments STEPHEN T. HAMILTON, CGCS Dunes Golf and Beach Club Myrtle Beach, SC 2 President’s Message (843) 449-7332 [email protected] 5 Executive Director’s Message 6 The Pat Jones Index Past President JEFFREY S. CONNELL 10 On the Road Fort Jackson Golf Course Fort Jackson, SC 12 Turf Talk (803) 787-4723 [email protected] 16 USGA Green Section Directors 18 Headliners JEREMY D. BOONE, CGCS Sequoyah National Golf Club 30 Local Association News Cherokee, NC (828) 506-7194 39 Industry News [email protected] 42 Our Friends CHUCK GREEN Sage Valley Golf Club 42 Welcome New Members Aiken, SC (803) 663-8232 42 The Clean Up Lap

DAVID K. FRUCHTE, CGCS Pine Needles Resort News and Features Southern Pines, NC (910) 693-7276 15 Money Under the Microscope DAVID JACOB, CGCS Rounds4Research Grants Awarded Benvenue Country Club Rocky Mount, NC (252) 443-7334 20 Myrtle Beach Success Story [email protected] Show Fights Off Recession

WILLIAM E. KENNEDY, CGCS Chechessee Creek Club 28 One Man Wants to Mow Bluffton, SC Sessums Retires, Almost (843) 987-2740 [email protected]

DAVID LEE Hope Valley Country Club Durham, NC (919) 489-4308 Cover Photo: Secession Golf Club’s John Davis will lead the Carolinas GCSA in 2011. Photo: WILLIAM M. PATTON Rachel Dankel. Forest Creek Golf Club Pinehurst, NC (910) 693-1373 [email protected] Published bimonthly by the W. BRIAN POWELL, CGCS CAROLINAS GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Old Chatham Golf Club Executive Director: Tim Kreger Cary, NC CAROLINAS GREEN: (919) 361-1401 Editor: Trent Bouts email: [email protected] [email protected] Design: Sherry Simmons and Rachel Mumford CONTACT INFORMATION: 103 Edgemont Avenue, P.O. Box 210 Liberty, SC 29657-0210 Phone: 800-476-4272 Fax: 864-843-1149 Web: www.carolinasgcsa.org

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] President John Davis Conference Success Inspires Confidence

One of the first duties of new Carolinas GCSA president, John Davis, right, was to present a memento of service to outgoing president, Jeffrey Connell.

Since joining the Carolinas GCSA in know it takes sacrifice in time and money Communications - This committee will 1994 I have always wanted to give back to for people to be part of the show, no mat- work with Tim, Carolinas Green editor, the association and the business that has ter what side of the business they come Trent Bouts, and the staff to improve served me so well. Our association has from. But what our show does illustrate is our communication vehicles including been fortunate indeed to have had some that the collective commitment to success our website. very dedicated men serve as directors and in this part of the world is stronger than in Again this year we are looking for non- as president. I have some big shoes to fill many others. board members to serve on committees. and, I promise you, I will not let you down So thank you to every single person and This helps us get an outside-the-box look in the year to come. company that made the 2010 Conference at things and is a great introduction for I have been in touch with many of our and Show another great success. Thank anyone interested in serving on the allied association presidents and execu- you also to everyone who took time to Carolinas GCSA board in future. Let us tive directors assuring them that we will complete the online survey we conducted know if you would like to serve. continue to work with them to survive to try and find ways to make the event Rounds4Research just awarded more this economic crisis. I assured them that even better in 2011. Look for more surveys than $94,000 in grants to both Clemson the Carolinas GCSA will continue to be a in the months ahead as we try and get an University and North Carolina State leader in the industry in the Carolinas and even better sense of how the association University. This is a huge achievement at the nation. No one group can do it alone. can serve the members. a time when others are cutting back on We all have to stand together to weather I am initiating four new committees support for research. Please renew your this storm. As you have heard before, golf is an this year. commitment to supporting this program $8-billion business across both Carolinas. Assistant superintendents - This commit- in 2011. Make sure your course donates a We have a right to be at the table in tee will work to get assistants more involved tee-time or two. Raleigh and Columbia. And we will in the association. Face it they are the future In closing, thank you for the opportunity continue to have our voices heard of the business and this association. to serve as your president. If you need any- throughout the Carolinas. Local association relations - I have ap- thing this year, please pick up the phone or I can say these things with confidence pointed a board member from SC and NC drop an email to a board or staff member, in part because of the continued success of to help us find ways to better serve the 12 and we will get back in touch with you. our Conference and Trade Show in Myrtle local associations. Beach. We continue to defy national trends Vendor relations - This committee will with events of this kind, pulling in strong help executive director, Tim Kreger, with numbers of exhibitors and attendeeshis vendor issues, improve communication doesn’t mean the golf economy is any bet- and find new ways to properly recognize ter than in other parts of the country. We their support.

2 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Executive Director Tim Kreger

Golf Channel star, Charlie Rymer, meets with Carolinas GCSA executive director, Tim Kreger, during the 2010 Conference and Trade Show. Calling for Words About the Writer

By Tim Kreger

I hope that each and every one of you Here is what I would like for each of as the affiliated GCSAA chapter with the reading this article is going to think back you to do. Consider it an opportunity, best member magazine in the nation - and to that time when you first met Trent whether you were there in person at I was right.” Bouts and about the impact that he has Conference and Trade Show to celebrate Angie Smith, Carolinas GCSA office made on your career and possibly your Trent’s flag presentation for 10 years of manager says, “When I first met Trent life. When I say “impact on career” that service to the Carolinas GCSA and the golf Bouts, I was most fascinated by his Aussie could be directly or indirectly. industry, or whether you were not and accent. After getting to know Trent over Some of you have been featured by ar- just want to throw a thought in. Take the past 10 years, I feel all of us in the ticles written by him in this magazine or in a moment and write an email to me at Carolinas GCSA have been greatly blessed press releases. Others have been impacted [email protected] and start it with this: by his talents. He has brought the image of by a story he has published that has been “When I met Trent Bouts……” I am golf course superintendents to a phenom- about your facility or this great game of going to compile your messages and find enal level.” golf, a game he grew up playing a bit later a proper way to present them to Trent. Jeffrey Connell, Carolinas GCSA in life than some. Call it a tribute to service that he can’t immediate past-president says, “When I bet some of you didn’t know that he argue with or be too humble to accept. I first met Trent Bouts professionally, is has probably traveled to more countries Even feel free to run those stories into when he came to the Midlands Turfgrass than all of our members travels combined! “Since I’ve met Trent Bouts…..” Association meeting to assist our guys Well, that’s a fact that I dare anyone to So here are a few examples, including with writing. I said to myself that day that prove me wrong on. But I can tell you one from the guy who some say deserve I’d never seen someone so dedicated to from the first time I met Trent, and even all the credit for bringing Trent Bouts helping individuals get better. Nor had I up to a recent venture into a pool hall one into our lives, Mr. (retired, but not gone) ever been so amazed by him challenging night, he never ceases to amaze me with Charles M. Borman, CAE, aka, Chuck. them to write and communicate with their all the places he has been, and the people “When I met Trent Bouts, in 1999, my members, which could be one of the best he has met. stepson and I were playing golf at Etowah assets that you have as a superintendent, I bet there aren’t many of us out there Valley Country Club and there was a sin- your ability to communicate. And now, who have come from a foreign land, fallen gle looking for a game and we asked him some feel that your association’s level of into a sort of “love” for a game, the indus- to join us. 18-holes later, I knew that I had communication rivals our ability grow try around it, and then taken a passion to met a great friend and that the Carolinas grass. And personally, I view him as my making it better for others, unselfishly. GCSA would from that time on be known “Australian Spell Check.”

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] The Pat Jones Index

The Last Show Still Standing

I really should do the research (but revenue. No revenue equals no programs. that would require work, so I won’t), but No programs equals no association. I have to think the Carolinas golf tour- Almost without exception, my friends nament is nearly as big as the GCSAA in the supplier community are moaning National Championship. It’s amazing in about how bad the trade shows are in our this environment to see so many folks sign industry these days. And then they’ll say, up for an optional activity at a conference. “Except for the Carolinas…that’s a great It just doesn’t happen elsewhere. Why is it show.” I kid you not. so popular? It’s affordable, incredibly well- As long as you continue to spend a organized, first-class from the bag drop to few hours of your time on that show floor the prizes at the end. Mostly, it’s fun. Want every year and take it seriously, it could to know how cool the tee-prize – a Caroli- end up being The Last Show Standing and nas GCSA backpack – was? My 15-year-old will remain a vibrant part of your asso- son actually stole it and is using it at school. ciation’s success. When your association My foursome sucked, but our motto from succeeds, you’re more likely to succeed. It’s the first tee on was stolen from “Meatballs,” that simple. that old Bill Murray movie: “It just doesn’t Speaking of which, I’m going to blow some well deserved smoke up Tim Kre- Pat Jones matter, it just doesn’t matter!” Now that is a good swing thought. ger’s tailpipe right now. The guy bugged Unless you’ve recently been up north me incessantly for two days to introduce him to a handful of exhibitors that he or around to some of the other regional ’m sitting in the midst of yet another didn’t already know because he wanted I turf events, you have no idea how lucky “blizzard of the century” thinking about to personally thank every company that you are to have a show as good as yours my two most recent visits to your warm invested money in a booth. Folks, that is. Seriously, most of the regional events I and inviting climes and once again wishin’ sounds like basic courtesy, but I can assure attend are on the verge of death. I am not I was there instead of snowy old Cleve- you that I’ve NEVER seen another as- exaggerating. Attendance is way down at land. I swear that the moment that high sociation executive do that at any level. Of school diploma hits my youngest son’s most and exhibit halls are 40-50 percent course, it may have just been Tim’s hyper- palm, I’ll be in the driver’s seat of a U-Haul smaller than five years ago. And it ain’t activity…but it was still impressive. packed with my crappy furniture, my golf just the economy. Why are others failing Two final notes about the conference. clubs, two pairs of shorts and some flip- while your show remains healthy? I had lots of nice feedback on the profile I flops. I intend to throw my snow shovel First, because they continue to offer did of Pinehurst’s Bob Farren for the No- out the window as I pass Browns Stadium. the same old thing. Updates from the vember issue of Golf Course Industry. The Anyway, as I reflect on my last couple same professors they hear every year, a comments were so nice that I decided to of trips down there, it occurs to me that so lame local celebrity as a keynoter and no do back-to-back Tarheel articles. Both the much is going on in the Carolinas that the memorable social events. Compare that Farren article and my December profile of rest of the golf industry doesn’t appreciate. to the Carolinas show where the educa- Keith Noxon of Pine Valley in Wilmington Let me give you a few examples. tion committee bends over backwards to can be found at golfcourseindustry.com if I’ll start with the obvious: this try new things and keep it fresh. New and you didn’t see them previously. year’s Carolinas GCSA Conference and different is good. Show. This was the first year in ages that Second, because their attendees (continued on page 9...) I wasn’t teaching or speaking - they stopped going to the show. Trade shows inexplicably decided to go with qualified remind me of what my Uncle Gus used to instructors - and it was eye-opening to say about your teeth … ignore them and actually spend more time on the show they will go away. Here’s the simple math: floor talking with exhibitors and you No customers equals no company will Pat Jones Sponsored by: guys. Here were the highlights: to support the show. No show equals no

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] The Pat Jones Index (...continued from page 6) ADVERTISERS Andersons Turf & Specialty Group ...... 35 Bayer Environmental Science ...... 31 Bayer Environmental Science ...... 38 Carolina Turf Farms ...... 33 My second recent trip to your area was attendees weren’t just hand-picked because a remarkable visit to the campus of Wake they were big customers. Instead, they Corbin Turf Supply ...... 11 Forest University. No, I’m not bagging the applied because they’d heard about the Course Doctors ...... 15 whole writing thing and going back to program, which began last year, and had a Divots ...... 19 school to get my degree in astrophysics. sincere desire to take their non-turf course Golf Agronomics ...... 17 Instead I was among a few media types who operations skills to a higher level. As one Green Resource ...... 4 were invited to attend Syngenta’s Business attendee said, “I’ve learned more about the Greenville Turf & Tractor/John Deere ...... inside front Institute program. During my stay, I was business of my business in a couple of days Modern Turf ...... 43 witness both a Demon Deacons basketball than I learned in four years of turf school Oakland Plantation Turf Farm...... 3 victory and something perhaps even rarer: and a decade of seminars.” Phoenix Environmental Care ...... 7 a corporate event with no sales pitch. There were a couple of Carolinas guys Pioneer Athletics ...... 19 For three solid days, leading busi- in the room - Billy Bagwell of Callawas- Quali-Pro ...... 8 ness professors from Wake Forest’s school sie Island Club and Stefan Gustafson of Radios for Golf ...... 14 of management and Mike Vogt, an old Blowing Rock - but the rest had traveled Revels Turf & Tractor/John Deere ...... inside front friend and industry consultant, filled the to Greensboro from around the nation to S & R Turf ...... 9 heads of 28 superintendents from around get something they could only find down S & R Turf ...... 41 the country with high-end education that there. Pretty remarkable, and something Shapemasters ...... 43 had absolutely nothing to do with grow- you may want to check into if you’re ShowTurf/John Deere ...... inside front ing grass. There were no sales pitches for interested in building your management Smith Turf and Irrigation ...... 37 Syngenta’s products, no passionate pleas abilities for the future. Smith Turf and Irrigation ...... back cover for support and no sales guys working the Speaking of the future, I hope it holds Southern States Cooperative ...... 3 room at the breaks. another trip down your way for yours truly. Tifton Physical Soil Testing ...... 40 Instead, it was intensely focused on Can’t wait to get on a plane and head your Tri-State Pump & Control ...... inside back management, budgeting, finance, per- way … assuming that the six-foot snowdrift Vereens Turf Products ...... 22 sonnel, motivation and leadership. The blocking my front door melts soon.

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] On The Road Trent Bouts, Editor

End of an Era Means Start of a New One

By Trent Bouts

Carolinas Green editor, Trent Bouts, left, receives a plaque from outgoing Carolinas GCSA president, Jeffrey Connell, to mark 10 years in the role

The start of a new year is clearly The impacts listed above are first-wave but they always find a way to shake hands defined, if not always welcomed with the outcomes that require triage to stop, or with just as much respect when the debate clearest of eyes. Let’s be honest, sometimes at least slow, the bleeding. But it’s what is done. It’s not about being right. It’s about those celebrations drag on longer than our those wounds mean in the long-term that getting it right and that’s no small distinc- livers would like. But even if there was a will confirm this is a new era and not just tion. Empires have fallen when egos have slight haze to our gaze on January 1, we merely a bump in the road. gotten in the way of integrity. need only glance at the date stamped on Your outgoing Carolinas GCSA presi- Of course, I’m deviating here like a the calendar to remind us where we stand. dent, Jeffrey Connell, made a very telling sliced drive on a dogleg that demands Eras don’t come and go with such point in that regard as he signed off from a draw. clarity, at least not often. Rarely are single his last board meeting at the head of the The point that Connell made in Myrtle events momentous enough to shift entire table. It would have been easy, even under- Beach spoke to the future as much as it cultures to another gear. Of course there standable, if Connell had simply signed off did the recent past. As he looked down the are exceptions, like the stock market with brief but heartfelt thanks. Lord knows table, he said he saw a group of superin- crash of ‘29, or 9/11 or the advent of the he was following some genuinely heartfelt tendents who had enjoyed privileges that Internet. But most often, the transition is sentiments from two men stepping off many in their generation may not ever have given a second thought. gradual and really only recognizable in the board. “Think about what’s ahead,” he said. retrospect. In that regard, golf has been no Paul Jett, CGCS and Mike Fabrizio, “The guys following are not going to have different to the rest of society. CGCS each offered some sage perspective the chance to establish relationships Other than maybe for the introduc- on what it means to be a member of the with golf course architects, builders and tion of televised golf, metal woods and Carolinas GCSA, not just a member of contractors. We’ve been very fortunate Tiger Woods, change has tended to come the board. Jett, who served a decade on to have gotten to know these people and slowly, by increment, like water wearing the board, has hosted two U.S. Opens. appreciate the dimension they bring to away stone. It is why it took three or four Fabrizio, in his second term on the board, the game and the industry. We’ve worked decades for a college degree among golf was Carolinas GCSA president way back through a period in the game that we might course superintendents to go from the in 1994 and has hosted multiple high- not see again. Not a lot of golf courses are exception to the rule and for the role itself profile tournaments including Nationwide going to be built in the years ahead. to transition from a job to a profession. Tour Championships. “So cherish what you have been able to But make no mistake, this recession You might not agree with every deci- experience because we’ve been privileged has brought us smack bang into a new era. sion made by boards they have served on in many ways. But just as importantly, the Nearly everyone in the game has been but there can be no doubt they served. face of this association is going to have playing by new rules for a year or two. And remember, they didn’t have to. to change as the face of golf changes with Headlines have been dominated by cover- In some ways it’s a pity that every the new realities. That’s an opportunity as age of reduced budgets, reduced staffing, Carolinas GCSA member doesn’t get to sit much as it is a challenge.” reduced pay and reduced job opportuni- in on board meetings. These guys, your The trick will be recognizing it as such. ties. I know, I’ve written more than a few board members, put in many hours but And that responsibility falls to all of us, of them myself. Golf’s days of plenty are more importantly they put their heart into whether we have 18 greens, a dozen sales done, certainly for the foreseeable future. it. At times they disagree with a passion staff or a magazine to put out.

10 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Turf Talk

Figure 1. Anthracnose leaf blight Dr. Bert McCarty on bermudagrass in fall.

Dr. Bert McCarty, Research and Extension Turf Specialist at Clemson University, will address Figure 2. Black fruiting bodies or spines called setae protruding from any turf-related question in this leaf tissue of the anthracnose fungus. column. Write to him c/o: Clemson University, Department of Horticulture, Box 340375, Clemson, SC Every fall I fight diseases on my favorable for leaf-to-leaf spread of the 29634-0375 Champion bermudagrass golf greens. fungus. Although sometimes susceptible, or: [email protected] What are they and what should I do to Fusarium patch is uncommon on help prevent them? warm-season grasses, but may occur on bermudagrass at or near full dormancy. When Fusarium patch occurs without Fall, as well as spring, diseases on snow cover, the spots are one to eight bermudagrass are nothing new. They inches in diameter and reddish-brown in have occurred since bermudagrass has color (Figure 3). At this stage, the disease been used for golf courses. The main can be easily confused with Pythium Taking Aim ones occurring during these times on blight or copper spot. In the center of bermudagrass include: patches, grass collapses and is frequently matted and water-soaked. If severe, At Bermudagrass Disease Anthracnose Leaf Blight - On spots may coalesce to form large areas of bermudagrass, the disease occurs in diseased turf. Grass on the outer edge of the fall as the growth of the grass slows patches generally appears water-soaked, (Figure 1). Lower leaves of plants initially with profuse gray- or pink-colored By Bert McCarty show symptoms as elongated reddish- mycelium of the fungus present. On brown lesions that may enlarge and dormant bermudagrass, under periods eventually encompass the entire leaf of high moisture, a grayish-colored patch can form (Figure 4). Permanent blade. The disease occurs as irregular- bermudagrass damage has not been seen. shaped patches. The black fruiting bodies of the fungus have black spines called Leaf Spot - The causal agent of leaf setae protruding from leaf tissue (Figure spot diseases is primarily Bipolaris 2). Affected turf areas may thin and have a and Drechslera spp. (previously known yellow-to-orange or reddish-brown cast to as species of Helminthosporium). the overall area. On bermudagrass, leaf spot is most pronounced in fall and early spring Fusarium Patch (or Pink Snow Mold)- months when the grass is green but This disease is referred to as Fusarium not actively growing due to cool patch in the absence of snow cover and temperatures. Leaf spot rarely causes pink snow mold with snow cover. It permanent damage to bermudagrass but occurs during periods of cool (32 to 60F) can cause streaking, browning, light- temperatures, wet spring and fall weather brown blotches and stand thinning under with or without snow cover. Alternating severe infestations (Figures 5 and 6). Turf thawing and snow cover, repeated frosts, normally fully recovers when good grass cold fogs and light rain are particularly growing temperatures return.

12 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Turf Talk

Figure 3. Fusarium patch (or pink snow mold) symptoms on a Figure 4. Grayish-colored patch on dormant bermudagrass from bermudagrass practice green in fall prior to frost. pink snow mold (or Fusarium patch).

Figure 5. Purplish symptoms of leaf spot on bermudagrass in fall Figure 6. Leaf spot rarely causes permanent damage to prior to dormancy. bermudagrass but can cause streaking, browning, light-brown blotches, and stand thinning under severe infestations.

Other diseases such as mini-ring, nitrogen rates and the use of liquid remain following fungicide use since the dollar spot, and Curvularia can also occur fertilizer products, grass growth has weather is too cool to promote bermudagrass on bermudagrass but are less frequent. slowed, providing these diseases a more recovery. Products to use vary. Refer to the Spring dead spot is not included in this competitive environment in which Clemson University or North Carolina State group as it does kill the grass, thus, to thrive. University pest control recommendation requires treatment. If these diseases are prevalent each guide for suggested materials. For lower Two agronomic practices in the last year on your greens, then I would suggest budget courses, increase early fall nitrogen 10 years have led to these three diseases considering increasing nitrogen rates rates so the bermudagrass can hopefully becoming more problematic or at least in early fall and routine preventative outgrow disease symptoms but thereafter, noticeable. The main one is the lack of fungicide use. Begin applications in early ignore them understanding that when overseeding bermudagrass golf greens fall just prior to when growth normally normal growth resumes, the bermudagrass with either Poa trivialis or ryegrass. slows due to shorter days and cooler will outgrow them. The overseeding would basically hide or nights (around October 1) and/or early cover up the diseases in fall through the spring (around March 15) after new Reference following spring. The diseases were still growth is apparent and repeat at 14- to McCarty, L.B. 2011. Best Golf Course present but they were much less noticeable 21-day intervals until either complete Management Practices. 3rd edition. Prentice- (out of sight, out of mind syndrome) dormancy occurs in fall or warm weather Hall Press, One Lake Street River, NJ. with the overseeding. Secondly, with the resumes in spring. Curative control of paradigm shift away from using adequate these is less effective as symptoms often

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 13

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 14 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News Rounds4Research Grants Awarded

An idea spawned and developed by the Carolinas GCSA has BMP water conservation promotion: Charles Peacock, Jenifer resulted in grants of almost $100,000 to turfgrass researchers whose Jordan-Reynolds, $5,225 work helps underpin the game’s $8-billion economic impact in the Total Grants $94,225 region. The grants are the first to come from money raised through “I think this is an historic moment,” says Carolinas GCSA Rounds4Research, the annual online auction of donated tee times. president, John Davis. “Rounds4Research is a brilliant concept “We are extremely pleased and proud to be able to provide this that lets everyone contribute a little, including golfers themselves. level of support,” says Carolinas GCSA executive director, Tim We will look back on these first grants one day as the start of Kreger, who conceived the program. “It could never have been something truly significant in terms of the golf industry stepping done without the support of our allied associations and countless up to the plate.” individuals across the industry in the Carolinas. The golf industry Davis paid tribute to Kreger’s vision and the efforts of is suffering in this recession just like the universities but we are Rounds4Research committee chair, Paul Jett, CGCS. “Both of these guys deserve an enormous amount of credit for the work they put determined to be part of the solution. This is brand new funding in,” he says. “And I’m proud of the members of this association and shows just how much the golf industry can achieve when we throw this industry for making the great strides we have with this project our collective efforts into a project.” in such a short time.” The money, $94,225 in total, will be shared between four To date, Rounds4Research has raised more than $130,000 in the research projects at Clemson and North Carolina State universities Carolinas and another $30,000-plus in several other states. Tee- including two collaborative efforts. The projects, researchers and time donations for this year’s auction which runs April 10 to 17 are funding amounts are - being accepted now. Foliar nitrogen use effieciency: Haibo Liu, $20,000 Investigating doveweed biology: Berty McCarty, Fred Yelverton, J. L. Atkinson, $44,000 Distribution and management of plant pathogenic nematodes: Bruce Martin, Hanafy Fouly, Lane Tredway, Matt Martin, Weimin Ye, $25,000

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www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 15

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] USGA Southeast Region, Green Section

Chris Hartwiger

No-till planting of an ultradwarf bermudagrass can be completed in about eight weeks during summer. Some Food for Thought in the Conversion Conversation PatrickP t i kO’ O’BrienB i Winter is a good time to reflect on topics, incrementally and the final height is at- trends and discussions from the previ- tained before growth ceases. ous season. Ultradwarf bermudagrasses continue to be the major story in the region Ultimately, experience is the best teacher G REEN SECTION with the rate of conversions from bentgrass in this area. Each superintendent will S O UTH EAST REG I ON to an ultradwarf accelerating again in 2010. develop a feel for managing winter green Although the results have been positive, speeds relative to his or her circumstances. we do receive questions or comments from golfers that are not in alignment with what Comment: Ultradwarf bermudagrasses are we observe in the region. In this article, we only for high-end clubs with large budgets. will review a few of the common ques- tions or comments we receive and offer a Response: This is a common miscon- response to each. ception that does not align with field observations. In fact, the first courses to Comment: We are concerned that the plant ultradwarf bermudagrasses were not green speeds on ultradwarf bermudagrass high-end private clubs but low- to mid- putting greens become too fast in the winter. level clubs that struggled annually with turf quality. These clubs were not seeking Response: This is a common assumption perfection, they just wanted turf in the but experience in the field does not point summer months. These courses converted to ultradwarf putting greens becoming using the no-till method which was con- excessively fast in winter. There is the sidered very controversial at the time. possibility of putting green speeds be- coming excessively fast in the winter but Practically speaking, we have found low- management protocols exist to prevent to mid-level budget courses doing all their this from occurring. work with riding equipment and main- taining green speeds between nine and 11. In the transition zone, superintendents are Most importantly, the turf is healthy. advised to begin raising mowing heights and reduce topdressing frequency as Comment: The putting greens will be too temperatures begin to drop in late summer firm for our golfers. to early fall. The protocol chosen must not be set in stone due to variability in weather Response: A look at the origin of these from season to season as well as differ- grasses provides a couple of clues as to ences in mowing equipment. Ideally, why this statement is not true generally. the desired final height is established Several of the ultradwarfs can track their

16 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] USGA Southeast Region, Green Section genetic origins back to selections from Comment: To find out if an ultradwarf Comment: We visited a course with an Tifdwarf or Tifgreen. These selections would be a good idea for my course, we ultradwarf and we think they are not were not under intense maintenance, but want to plant a test green. good grasses. they were picked because they stood out as a tighter, denser patch of turf. Today, Response: This is not a good idea for Response: This is an observation we hear management practices are going to dictate most courses for a few reasons. First, the from golfers. They are saying that they did the level of firmness in a green. The one ultradwarfs are no longer new or obscurely not enjoy the quality of the ultradwarf sur- exception to the statement above might be located in the region. By planting an face and therefore, the grass is not a good above average firmness during the season ultradwarf test green, you are asking the one. In our opinion, the quality of a put- of establishment. As a green matures, sur- superintendent to create a new manage- ting green is about 30 percent genetics and face firmness can be manipulated to satisfy ment program for one green, commit to 70 percent management. We encourage obtaining the needed equipment for the the expectations of the majority of golfers. people to select the best variety available green and carry out what may be a new at the time and work on implementing style of maintenance during a time of the the best management program available Comment: Global warming has negated year when his other greens - assuming within their budget. Ruling out a grass the need for covers in the transition zone. bentgrass - require his undivided atten- because of playability at another facility tion. The likelihood of him clearing all the should not be an indictment against the Response: Not true. The residents of hurdles above is low. grass when there are many success stories Birmingham, AL faced the eighth coldest available to see. 14-day period in recorded weather history A better approach is to use the resources in early January, 2010. Covers absolutely spent on a test green to take decision mak- If these comments are being bounced were essential and are recommended to ers on field trips throughout the region around at your course and you would like have on hand each winter season for the to play golf on ultradwarfs and discuss to have more in-depth discussions with transition zone. More information on this maintenance requirements with other USGA Green Section agronomists, please topic can be found at the following link to superintendents. This will expose the contact Pat O’Brien at patobrien@usga. article on winter management of ultrad- decision makers to a variety of grasses, org or Chris Hartwiger at chartwiger@ warf bermudagrass: http://turf.lib.msu. management techniques, budgets and usga.org to schedule a Turfgrass Advisory edu/2000s/2007/071101.pdf . levels of quality. Service visit.

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www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 17

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Headliners

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Show Success Makes News

A view of the 2010 Carolinas GCSA Trade Show floor.

Brunswick Beacon – Elsa Bonstein Golf course superintendents are quintessential professionals also. They deal with the flora and fauna of courses. If the fairways Each November, I have the pleasure of attending the Carolinas on your course are velvet carpets, if the rough is lush and green, Golf Course Superintendents Conference and Trade Show in if the greens are both flawless and treacherous, thank your Myrtle Beach, SC. Each February, I attend the Carolinas Section superintendent. of the PGA Trade Show. Both take place at the Myrtle Beach Golf course superintendents work long hours to make sure Convention Center. I started doing this many years ago when I your golfing experience is one to remember. The superintendent first began writing this column. It seemed appropriate for me to must understand grasses, and golf course architecture, and learn as much as I could about the Carolinas GCSA and the PGA must fight weeds, funguses, mole crickets, excessive rainfall and if I wanted to write about golf. drought to keep the golfers playing the course. PGA golf professionals run the people part of golf—the tournaments, the lessons, the regularly scheduled golf events at Myrtle Beach Sun-News – Alan Blondin our clubs. They market the game, they fit clubs, sell golf clothes The Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association’s and other paraphernalia; they interpret the rules of golf. They annual conference and trade show last week at the Myrtle Beach teach new golfers and work with experienced players to make Convention Center was expected to be well attended, and it was. their games even more flawless. PGA pros work long hours to The most exhibition booths and education seats were sold since make sure our golf experience is smooth and flawless. the recession hit following a record-breaking event in 2007.

18 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Headliners

Nearly 200 individual companies bought a total of 365 booths, up marginally on both 2008 and 2009; a total of 1,231 education seats were filled; and gross revenues were up $10,000 to $570,000 compared to 2009. Steve Agazzi of Kiawah Island Resort’s Turtle Point won the nearly 260-player Carolinas GCSA golf championship with a 2-over 74 on Legends Resort’s Heathland Course. Tradition Club general manager and superintendent Clay DuBose was also a winner, taking home the $5,000 grand prize in the $15,000 27- hole challenge. In the challenge, show attendees get stamps from 27 %X\3DLOOV designated booths, and a prize drawing is held for those who get all 27. Other prizes included several iPod touches, iPads and digital cameras, and DuBose was disappointed when the last iPad *HWW  )5(( was drawn. “I thought, ‘Darn it, I’d really like to have an iPad,’ 3OXV)5(((()UHLJKW and the next draw they pull my name out, so that’s how luck had it,” DuBose said. “That’s the only way I’m going to win anything, my golf game’s not going to get it done. Though with that money I’m sure I could find a good instructor and tidy some things up.”

The Pilot – Howard Ward Foxfire general manager Howard Cannon raves about course superintendent Brook Vickery, who is also in charge of maintenance for the two courses at Whispering Pines and Southern Pines Golf Club, both under the umbrella of Avestra, the company that owns Foxfire. “Brook is the absolute best,” Cannon said. “He’s been here since 2002 when we came and he’s the best superintendent in the world. He loves this golf course.”

Cybergolf National Following a complete overhaul by Rees Jones, the South Course at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, NC will reopen in April, 2011. Carmel’s original South Course, an Ellis Maples design built in 1962, had received a cosmetic refurbishment by Jones in the 1980s. “This time, Rees was given a bigger budget and a blank slate,” said Bill Anderson, the club’s superintendent. “He basically built an entirely new golf course on top of the old one. He flipped some holes - Nos. 1 and 18 were reversed - created new ones and eliminated others. The basic routing and hole corridors are mostly intact from the original design, but we had some adjacent land available that was utilized to expand the layout,” Anderson added. Because of Charlotte’s unique climatic and subsoil conditions, two strains of zoysiagrass were chosen for the tees and fairways. The rough is Celebration bermudagrass, while A1 bentgrass was used to surface the greens. The bunker sand is crushed stone. According to Jones: “We built a shotmaker’s course fully capable of hosting a championship, but we also wanted a flexible course that everyone could enjoy. The members of Carmel Country Club will be able to enjoy a wonderful golf experience for years to come.”

The Pilot – Howard Ward The Sandhills Golf Course Superintendents Association is holding a breakfast at Mid Pines Resort Wednesday morning during which the organization will present a donation to The First Tee of the Sandhills and award two scholarships to Turfgrass students from Sandhills Community College.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 19

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2010 Conference and Show

Special Carolinas Spirit Defies The Recession

By Trent Bouts

The largest regional conference and trade show for golf course superintendents in the country continues to defy the downward pull of the recession. The annual Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC once again held its ground in all key areas. “It certainly doesn’t mean we’re recession proof but it does show a resilience and optimism in Carolinas golf that’s not necessarily present in other parts of the country,” says John Davis, from Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, SC and the Carolinas GCSA’s new president. The November event sold more trade show booths – 365 - than in each of the previous two years even though the number of exhibiting companies was down marginally. The number of education seats filled – 1,231 - was also up on ’08 and ’09. Gross revenues – around $570,000 – topped ’09 but were down slightly on ’08. “We couldn’t be happier with the support this association receives from our industry partners and from our members,” Davis says. “The companies and individuals who support this event are committed to the good of the game and that is why they continue to step up. We are very grateful for their support.” Outgoing president, Jeffrey Connell, from Fort Jackson Golf Club in Columbia, SC spelled out just how committed some companies were as he addressed the close of a Carolinas GCSA board meeting on the eve of the show. “A lot of them really might not have the money to do this, to buy a booth and pay for staff to be away,” he said. “But they do it because they see it as part of the big picture, and that’s what makes this association tick.” Carolinas GCSA executive director, Tim Kreger, echoes the sentiments expressed by Connell and Davis. “I think a lot of people expected the downturn to take a bite this year but we more than held our own,” Kreger says. “It was a great outcome and the feedback from superintendents and exhibitors alike has been overwhelmingly positive. I know we say it every year but the folks in the business of golf course maintenance in the Carolinas are a pretty special group and they share a special bond. I guess we say it every year because they keep showing it every year.” Kreger says a further indicator of the collective commitment within the Carolinas GCSA is the fact that Conference and Trade Show revenues have held steady without

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Dr. Bruce Martin, from Clemson University, was a very popular winner of the Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award.

Clemson University’s winning turfbowl team, from left, Clark Rookstool, Thomas Reeder, David Bogard and Kyle Worthy.

Tim Moraghan, of Aspire Golf Consulting, and new Carolinas GCSA president, John Davis, head to the trade show floor.

From left, Jeff Robinson, of Greenville Turf and Tractor; with grand prize winner, Clay DuBose, CGCS from the Tradition Club; Turner Revels, of Revels Turf and Tractor; and Al Hicks, of ShowTurf.

ĂƉƟŽŶŚĞƌĞ From left, Jeff Robinson, of Greenville Turf and Tractor; with assistant superintendent challenge winner, Corey Sims, from Litchfield Country Club; Al Hicks, of ShowTurf; and Turner Revels, of Revels Turf and Tractor. www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 21

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 20102 Conference and Show

being propped up by any price increases since 2007. Indeed some pricing, like the cost of more than four exhibit booths, has remained the same since 2004. The fees to attend education seminars have only increased $10 for a full-day session and $5 for a half-day session since 2003 with that bump introduced back in 2007. The cost of playing the Carolinas GCSA golf championship has even gone down $20 since 2007. “We look hard at all our pricing every single year and their levels depend on a whole range of factors,” Kreger says. “I don’t think anyone realistically expects that we won’t have to consider increases again at some point. But I think the fact we have been able to go so long without raising any prices yet maintain services, says a lot about the professionalism of the association and the quality of the people and businesses involved.” At the pre-show board meeting, past-president Paul Jett, CGCS delivered a heartfelt farewell message after 10 years on the board. Jett marveled at the progress he witnessed over his decade of service. “I’d challenge anybody to find a board as engaged and committed as our board is now,” he said. “When I sat in on my first meeting 10 years ago, who would have thought we’d be talking about the things we talked about doing the association’s business tonight.” Jett cited the distribution of nearly $100,000 in grants for turfgrass research raised by through Rounds4Research. He also mentioned the Carolinas GCSA becoming the first regional superintendents association in the country to own its own Marty Walker, CGCS from Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation, headquarters building, the growth of conference and show and left, and Billy Lewis, from the Dormie Club. golf’s new presence in the legislative arena in the Carolinas. “I’ve loved my 10 years on the board,” Jett said. “These will be times I will never forget.” The 2010 Conference and Trade Show produced many other highlights. Among them: t
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received the Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award.

22 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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won the Carolinas GCSA superintendent golf championship shooting a two-over par round of 74 on the Heathland course at Legends Resort. Nearly 260 golfers took part in the tournament across three courses. Major presenting partners were Smith Turf and Irrigation and the Toro Company. t
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manager at Tradition Golf Club in Myrtle Beach won the $5,000 grand prize in the $15,000 27-Hole Challenge. Presenting partners were John Deere Golf with Revels Turf and Tractor, Greenville Turf and Tractor and ShowTurf. t
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advance of the Carolinas GCSA annual business meeting. Rymer’s presence was possible thanks to support from Golfdom magazine and Bayer Environmental Science. t
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Student Turf Bowl.

The 2011 Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show runs November 14 to 16 at Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 23

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2010 Conference and Show

NEW CAROLINAS GCSA BOARD MEMBERS

David Fruchte, CGCS Pine Needles Resort Southern Pines, NC Age: 49 Personal: Wife, Ann. Son, Jordan 20, and daughter, Megan 16. Education: Degree in agronomy from Purdue University. Prior professional service: President, Sandhills Golf Course Superintendents Association. From left, Jeff Burgess, from Seabrook Island Club; Scott Crouch, from Golf handicap: 10 Mid Carolina Club; Dean Bedenbaugh, CGCS from Ponderosa Country Club; and Chris McKenzie, from Spring Valley Country Club. David Lee Hope Valley Country Club Durham, NC Age: 39 Personal: Wife, Wendy. Son, Jackson 7, and daughter, Caroline 4. Education: Turfgrass degree from North Carolina State University. Prior professional service: President, Triangle Turfgrass Association, Carolinas GCSA legislative action committee member. Golf handicap: 10.

Chuck Green Sage Valley Golf Club From left, Robert Wilson, from Rivertowne Country Club; Bryce London, Aiken, SC from RiverTowne Country Club; and Alan Fitzpatrick, from Patriots Point Age: 53 Golf Links. Personal: Wife, Pam. Education: B.S. in geography from Francis Marion University, A.S. in turfgrass management from Horry- Georgetown Technical College. Prior professional service: President, Carolinas GCSA 1996. Golf handicap: 6.

Leaving the board: Paul Jett, CGCS past-president; Mike Fabrizio, CGCS, Darrin Spierings, CGCS.

From left, Scott Wanzor, Curt Collins and Ray Funkhouser, of PBI Gordon.

24 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Golf Championship

Net 1 - Bill Hirchert, Colleton River Plantation 64* Brian Hollingsworth, Dataw Island Club 2 - Chris Futral, River Landing Country Club 64 Steve Sprouse, River Landing Country Club 3 - Todd Kirkley, Oak Hills Golf Club 64 Ken Rosefield, Oak Hills Golf Club

Four-Ball, Flight B: Gross 1 - Dale Mitchell, Golf Agronomics 78 Lou Valery, Golf Agronomics 2 - Tyler Goff, Myers Park Country Club 79* Scott Kennon, CGCS Myers Park Country Club 3 - Craig Haire, Ameriturf/Neptune Turf Solutions 79 Dale Miller, Redox Net 1 - Jason Desarle, Golfdom 65* Clint Wood, Old Town Club 2 - Gary Humphrey, Oak Island Golf and Country Club 65 David Smith, Green Resource Carolinas GCSA golf champion, Steve Agazzi, from Kiawah Island Resort’s 3 - Michael Cagiano, Cedarwood Country Club 67* Turtle Point course, with Steve Smith, of Smith Turf and Irrigation, the golf Paul Query, Cedarwood Country Club championship’s long time presenting partners. Long Drive Wayne Cutler, Lochmere Golf Club Closest to the Pin GOLF RESULTS Rodney Moss, River Ridge Golf Club Superintendent champion: Steven Agazzi, Kiawah Island – Turtle Point HEATHLAND COURSE Senior champion: Jay Gardner, Jamestown Park Golf Course Captain’s Choice, Flight A: Gross Affiliate champion: Dave Thinnes, PNC Finance Michael Bankert, Myrtle Beach National 57 James Huntoon, The Heritage Golf Club MOORLAND COURSE Damon Ryba, Wicked Stick Golf Links Championship Flight A: Gross Matt Schrader, Harrell’s Fertilizers 1 - Steven Agazzi, Kiawah Island – Turtle Point 74 Net 2 - Paul Jett, CGCS 77 Michael DeVane, Balsam Mountain Preserve 46.8 3 - Lane Smith, Cardinal Golf and Country Club 80 Ed Drake, Cypress Lakes Golf Club Net Tim Hart, Carolina Trace Country Club 1 - Kevin Thompkins, True Blue Golf Club 76-3-73 John Nachreiner, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs 2 - Troy Thrall, Hidden Valley Golf Club 78-4-74 3 - Billy Lewis, Dormie Club 82-4-78* Captain’s Choice, Flight B: Gross Roger Olmstead, Newnan Country Club 62 Championship Flight B: Gross Kim Alford, Oakland Plantation 1 – Jay Harrison, Porters Neck Country Club 84 David Droschak, Triangle Golf Today 2 – Terry Burchfield, Timberlake Country Club 85 Trent Bouts, Carolinas Green 3 – Brad Brooks, CGCS Carolina Colours Golf Club 86 Net Net Chip Martin, Falcon’s Lair Golf Club 51.8 1 – Shane Harrelson, Carolina Golf Club 86-14-72 Patrick Martin, The Trails at Chickasaw Point 2 – Chris Vincent, The Reserve at Lake Keowee 99-25-74 Patrick McLawhorn, Hendrix and Dail 3 – Ron Carlton, Brick Landing Plantation 89-11-78 Ryan Wilks, Hendrix and Dail Long Drive Senior Flight: Gross John Lavelle, Diamond Creek Golf Club Jay Gardner, Jamestown Park Golf Course 74 Closest to the Pin Net David Bowbliss, National Golf Club Steve Neuliep, CGCS The Chattooga Club 84-10-74 * scorecard play-off Affiliate Flight: Gross 81 – Dave Thinnes, PNC Finance Net 83-5-78 – Brad Wilson, Green Resource Long Drive Bob Warner, CGCS Whispering Pines Golf Course Closest to the Pin Rhett Baker, Palmetto Golf Club

PARKLAND COURSE Four-Ball, Flight A: Gross 1 - Alejandro DeAngulo, Greenville Country Club 73* Craig Harris, Greenville Country Club (SC) 2 - Adam Charles, Verdae Greens Golf Club 73 Kyle Traynham, Willow Creek Golf Club 3 - Brooks Turner, Greensboro Country Club 74* From left, David Droschak, of Triangle Golf Today; Kim Alford, of Oakland Charles Sheffield, Croasdaile Country Club Plantation Turf Farm; and Roger Olmstead, from Newnan Country Club.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 25

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2010 Conference and Show Carolinas Night

The crowd from Tri-State Pump and Controls.

From left, Trey Warnock, of Bayer Environmental Science, congratulates James Duke, of Halifax Fertilizer Company, on yet another win in the annual sporting clays event.

SPORTING CLAYS High Overall: From left, David Cooley, from Bull Creek Golf Club ; Drew Ramsey, James Duke, Halifax Fertilizers 92 from Cutter Creek Golf Club; Roger Olmstead, from Newnan Country Club; Stanley Elliott, CGCS from Cypress Landing Golf Club; David First Class Jacob, CGCS from Benvenue Country Club; Brian Green, from 1 – Scott Heath, Southern Wayne Country Club 82 Morehead City Country Club; Chris Pearson, Green Resource; and 2 – Drew Weathers, Daniel Island Club 82 Rodney Moss, from River Ridge Golf Club. 3 – Nick Thomas, Dataw Island Club 75

Second Class 1 – Keith Ward, Southern Seeds 65 2 – Mike Van Landingham, Roanoke Country Club 63 3 – Dustin Nemenz, Dataw Island Club 62

Third Class 1 – Travis Keever, Limestone College 51 2 – Robert Wilson, RiverTowne Country Club 51 3 – Brad Shaver, Helena Chemical Company 50

Fourth Class 1 – Michael Litton, Gainesville, GA 33 2 – Chris Parham, Greenville Country Club (NC) 33 Greg Cross, from Wilmington Golf 3 – Terry Fiks, Sedgefield Country Club 31 Course.

26 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News

State of the National: Your Delegate’s View

By Bill Kennedy, CGCS

The 2010 GCSAA chapter delegates meeting began with an association has reduced expenses by $5.4-million. Like many orientation session for first-time delegates, like me, at GCSAA of us, they have had to make difficult decisions reducing staff, headquarters. As I boarded the charter bus headed to Lawrence, freezing pay and cutting funding for certain programs. The board KS the conversations turned to travel, points of origin and what a has also sought additional revenue by renting unused portions of crazy summer we had all had. I quickly met other superintendents the headquarters. from all parts of the country who share the same passion for Ultimately, the members will determine whether the dues our profession as we do here in the Carolinas. Conversation will increase with the February vote. The board is committed to a always seemed to turn back to golf course maintenance and the balanced budget regardless of the outcome of the vote. challenges our industry faces. The group was engaged and the discussions were CEC O Search relevant. TheTh position has been posted and all feedback Talking with individuals from other iindicates the position is “very desirable.” Initial chapters and hearing their stories, I gained iinterviews are slated for January 7 and 8 with a much greater perspective on how different fifinal interviews on January 14 and 15. things can be from state to state. The common thread was that we all have to Field Staff deal with adversity. Problems varied from million dollar water budgets to no water EarlyE in 2010, the GCSAA board implemented availability. I spoke to superintendents in a field staff program to create closer ties such extreme wind conditions that bunker betweenb chapters and GCSAA so that programs getg more use, communication improves and sand had to be replaced with coal sludge membershipm grows. The plan divides the or it would simply blow away. I spoke to ccountry into nine regions. The goal is to have a gentleman from the Midwest who had sseven of the nine regions staffed by the end of seen temperatures at -15F and at 115F tthis year based on need. All indications are that in the same calendar year. The problems oour region will be one of the last staffed. were many but somehow each of these BillBill KennedyKennedy guys found solutions and carried on. Superintendents are truly Golf Industry Show innovative. I was proud to be a superintendent and to be a part of this group. Golf Industry Show revenue has decreased in recent years most I would like to preface the following information by saying notably due to a slow economy. The event still represents 48 that these issues are to be voted on and are not carved in stone. percent of the association’s revenue. I will do my best to convey the information without bias in the order it was put before the group. Candidate Presentations There will be elections for president, vice president, secretary- Dues Increase treasurer and a minimum of two, possibly three, directors. I met The most debated topic was also the first we addressed. The each of the candidates and will correspond with them between proposal would essentially raise dues for Class A and SM by now and February. $20 annually and Class C dues by $10 annually. The increase would take effect in May, 2011 on renewals and new member Other Items applications. There were new programs in the area of web services, In 2008 the GCSAA board in conjunction with chapter environmental programs, marketing communications, surveys delegates agreed to adopt the CPI or Consumer Price Index as the and media public relations. We also discussed “Golf’s Drive criteria for future dues increases. Increases are not automatic as Toward Sustainability” and other industry-wide initiatives. These shown last year when the board chose to forego an increase. The initiatives are collaborations with other allied associations and process calls for the consideration of an increase every other year. encourage teamwork at all levels. The members then vote on the proposal at the annual meeting in February. Dues account for 27 percent of the GCSAA budget. *Bill Kennedy is certified golf course superintendent at Chechessee GCSAA revenues have fallen $5-million over the last three Creek Club in Okatie, SC. He is a Carolinas GCSA director and years due to the struggling economy. During that time the GCSAA chapter delegate.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 27

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Sessums Retires After 43 Years…Sort of

By David Droschak

28 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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Bill Sessums, CGCS officially retires from Duke University “I designed it, built it, did the whole ball of wax – but didn’t get Golf Club in late January, ending a 43-year career as a golf any credit for it,” recalls Sessums, laughing. “I would go over a lot to superintendent that spanned such golf-rich areas as Florida, Pinehurst Resort and look at course No. 3 - that was still a lot of old North Carolina, South Carolina and his home state of Texas. Donald Ross. You can’t duplicate Donald Ross, but let’s just say I got Well, he’s sort of retiring. some ideas and incorporated that into the par-3 course.” Sessums, 74, is replacing his day-to-day, 70-hour–a-week While in the Sandhills, Sessums formed a friendship and job as the superintendent at one of the finest university golf working relationship with Pinehurst Resort head superintendent, facilities in the nation with a part-time mowing position. When Brad Kocher, who tapped Sessums for the 1998 construction work I ask Sessums if he is crazy, or has a screw loose in his head and on a redo of course No. 5. At the time, Sessums was “enjoying” not necessarily in a piece of the club’s golf course maintenance early retirement after being let go from Pinewild, a course which equipment, he sits back in a chair in the maintenance office break at the time was embroiled in lawsuits and financial difficulty. room and just chuckles, his red cheeks engulfing his round face. “When Brad called me I said, ‘When do you want me to “I’ve always said you’ve got to be stupid to do this work. But I start?’ I had full rein on that project,” Sessums says. “I had the just love it,” says Sessums, who underwent two knee replacement most fun of my life. I could not wait to get out of bed to go to surgeries in 2010. “I stop and think a lot of times and ask myself, work. I packed my lunch every day and ate under a tree in the ‘What else would you want to do?’ There is nothing that I would parking lot or out on the course. I was in my element.” rather do. It’s outside and at a lot of the courses I’ve worked at I’ve After the No. 5 project was completed, Sessums contemplated been my own boss. And there’s nothing prettier than being out in several offers from golf course construction firms, but decided the early morning and watching irrigation, againsta that route because he didn’t want to that curtain of water; it’s just beautiful, uprootu his wife Bonnie, who had taken a seeing that rainbow form in it.” jobj with the Carolinas Golf Association. In Sessums is a cross between a romantic golfingg circles, where it seems as if everyone and hard charger, who has taken pride knowsk everyone, Sessums’ close relationship in “nursing” golf courses along for four withw Pinehurst Resort and Bonnie’s decades, or back to health when ailing, like CGAC ties opened the door to meet Duke during this past summer’s nightmare heat UniversityU Golf Club general manager and wave that ate up Triangle-area bentgrass directord of golf, Ed Ibarguen, who would at greens like a Pac-Man game. timest be seated with Bill and Bonnie at CGA “I relate a lot of what I do to the human HallH of Fame banquets. It was at one of those body and the drugs we use to treat people, CGAC dinners that Ibarguen asked Sessums and how they interface with life and plant ifi he was still tending to 49 holes of golf at material,” Sessums says. “I’ve made my Pinewild.P applications a lot of times with chemicals “Bonnie jumped up and said, ‘Heck and fertilizers thinking, ‘If a person is sick no,n he’s been out of work for so forth and you don’t give him a ribeye steak, you kind sos on,” Sessums says. “Ed said, ‘Here’s my of nurture them along.”’ card,c don’t do anything until I talk to you.’ Labeling Sessums as “old school” TheTh next morning there is a voicemail on would fit like a pair of Texas bib overalls. Bonnie’sB phone to see if I would meet him He prefers to be called a “greenkeeper,” not BillSessums forf lunch.” a superintendent, and his favorite golf course architect is Donald Sessums was hired at Duke on February 1, 1999, a journey that Ross, not Tom Fazio or Jack Nicklaus. Sessums, who comes from a has taken him all the way to the White House with the national family of farmers, began his superintendent career in 1967, working championship women’s golf team. “It has been a great ride,” says for “peanuts” at Preston Hollow Golf Club in Dallas, TX a course Sessums. “But then again, my whole life has been fantastic.” owned by his father-in-law that had, shall we say, a rudimentary “The Duke University Golf Club owes Bill Sessums a maintenance budget. world of thanks for his many outstanding contributions to our “I worked by myself,” Sessums says. “I would get up about success,” Ibarguen says. “Over the last 11 years, he earned our 3.30 in the morning and water the greens. The maintenance deep respect and sincere admiration. There is no doubt that he building had a dirt floor and we had one walk mower. I had to is an exceptional superintendent but more telling, Bill Sessums pull hoses and only water with two sprinklers at a time. Two sets is without a doubt one of the finest people I have ever been would cover the greens; that’s how small they were.” associated with in the game of golf. We feel so fortunate to have During the 1970s, Sessums made superintendent stops at Bill Sessums on our team and I can promise you that he will courses in Jacksonville, FL, Orlando, FL and Greenville, SC before always be considered an essential member of our Duke University helping open Pinewild Country Club in Pinehurst in 1988 – his Golf Club family.” first major break in the business and a move that would change After taking off the month of February, you’ll be able to catch his life. up with Sessums as the bermudagrass starts to kick in and a Sessums, at the time working for Dallas-based Club Corp few bunkers need tending at Duke. “I’ve always said I wanted to of America, helped with the construction and completion of the get out on the back nine and just go mow so I don’t have to pay Magnolia Course, and was then given an opportunity to design attention to anybody,” he says. “I guess I just can’t go away.” the private club’s nine-hole, par-3 course. Calling creativity one of No hurry Bill, you’ve earned it. his strong suits, Sessums jumped at the chance.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 29

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Sandhills Mid-Pines or Pine Needles a $500 contribution to The River Farm. We appreciate Lodge and Golf Club. This is First Tee of the Sandhills in host superintendent Benjamin Hello to all. I hope everyone always a well-attended event the name of the Sandhills Monroe for providing a great had a good holiday season and we thank Adam Ancherico Golf Course Superintendents golf course for our event. We and is ready for a new and and Steve Dorer, CGCS for Association. By bringing would also like to thank our hopefully, for some of us, including our members in new players to the game and sponsors for without your better year in 2011. As of this this event. A board meeting hoping to ensure generations support we would not be able writing we are preparing for was planned following brunch of new golfers, The First Tee to serve our members. our annual Eastern Turf and to start the ball rolling for a is a worthy cause that directly Good luck to everyone in Syngenta brunch at Mid- schedule of events for 2011. affects our industry. the coming year. Pines Inn and Golf Club. We We are pleased to announce In November we held our - Morgan Stephenson, Tobacco are also playing golf at either that we were able to make annual fundraiser at Little Road Golf Club (919) 673-9364.

30 CAROLINAS green November - December 2010

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Cape Fear Strange, a two-time U.S. The Cape Fear and Eastern Open champion, Ryder Cup North Carolina Turfgrass player and captain, had just Associations played their returned from calling the annual Ryder Cup-style Ryder Cup for ESPN the match in October. During previous week. Even so, he most years, the highlight of took time out of his busy the day is finding out which schedule to come out and team wins. That wasn’t the share stories with us. case for this particular event. He could not have been Past U.S. Ryder Cup captain and two-time U.S. Open champion, Thanks to Brian Green, more hospitable to everyone. Curtis Strange, in jeans and white shirt, alongside the Eastern our host superintendent He took the time to talk NCTA’s Drew Ramsey and the challenge cup. and general manager at and joke around with all Morehead City County Club, of the golfers from the two Matt Martin, left, this time the highlight was associations. He posed for with surprise a special guest with his own pictures with everyone special guest, close relationship with the that asked and was the last Curtis Strange. Ryder Cup itself. person to leave after all of Green arranged for the teams had finished. It Beaufort, NC resident Curtis truly was a great experience. Strange to come out and - Matt Martin, North hang out with everyone Carolina State University after the golf was over. (910) 675-2314.

Palmetto I would like to thank Alan Jarvis, CGCS and the staff at Our annual end-of-summer Pine Lakes for hosting us. review meeting was held During the Carolinas in October at Pine Lakes GCSA Conference and Trade Country Club. Dr. Bruce Show in November, the Martin discussed diseases for Palmetto GCSA also presented bermudagrass and bentgrass a check for $2,500 to Habitat that crept up this spring and for Humanity. Habitat is summer and what chemicals a great cause that we have were used to treat or prevent donated to for several years as the diseases. Jim Miller, from part of our fundraising efforts. Aqua-Aid covered a variety As of this writing, we were From left, Palmetto GCSA board members Alan Jarvis, CGCS, Scott of topics pertaining to soils preparing for our end-of-year Grumman, Jon Stewart, Max Morgan, CGCS, Matt Schrader, Scott Fretz and soil testing. Some of the cookout and golf tournament and Steve Martin presented a check to Dr. Bruce Martin, third from right. basic minor elements were for early December at Myrtle discussed and what the proper From bottom left, Beach National King’s North readings in the soil should vertically, Gail Olive from course. Thanks to Vereen’s and be for each. The Palmetto Habitat to Humanity, Revels Turf and Tractor for Golf Course Superintendents with Palmetto GCSA sponsoring the cookout, Tri- Association presented a check board members Kevin State Pumps and Control and Thompkins, Scott Fretz, for $2,500 to Dr. Martin after Palmetto Turf Consultants for Max Morgan, CGCS; the meeting to help fund his prizes, and Helena Chemical middle column, Matt turfgrass research. We would Company for the on-course Schrader, Dan Saber, like to thank him for all that refreshments. Steve Martin; third he does for the members - Matt Schrader, Harrell’s column, Jon Stewart of the association and (843) 385-3411. and Scott Grumman. superintendents everywhere.

32 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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Eastern NC their career. Our members association continues to grow. is taking his first golf course are professional, support the Thank you on behalf of the superintendent position at The Eastern North Carolina industry, honor the members of entire membership. Timberlake Golf Club in Turfgrass Association has the past and offer help to others Filling the above-mentioned Clinton. Congratulations. successfully wrapped up when needed. This association positions on the board are Thanks for your continued another year. We offered is not just made up of one Ben Peters, of Smith Turf and support and I look forward to educational events for our member, but a one large group Irrigation; Buckley Brockmann, working with everyone in this members to obtain pesticide working together to achieve from Washington Golf and association again 2011. and aquatic points, student these objectives mentioned. Yacht Club; and Justin Helms, - Drew Ramsey, Cutter Creek scholarships, logo wear, I would like to take a from Farmville Country Club. Golf Club (252) 459-3910. family night outings and rival moment to recognize just a We look forward working golf matches between local few of these fine people: Brad with all three of you and thank Western NC associations … where we Brooks, CGCS from Carolina you for stepping up. Hope everyone has enjoyed a are now champs two years Colours; Brian Green, from The Eastern NCTA would great Christmas and welcomed running. The association Morehead City Country Club also like to recognize members in a happy New Year by the has also been involved with and Reid Hobbs, of Regal that have recently taken steps time they read this. We’re funding university research Chemical Company; for the up in their career. Justin Stutts looking forward to another and sponsoring local college dedication, support and honest has taken the superintendent great year in the Western students with their turfgrass opinions during their two-year position at Brandywine North Carolina Turfgrass degrees. Most importantly stint with the Eastern NCTA Bay Golf Course in Cherry Association and hope to have the Eastern NCTA through board of directors. Their Point. Jeff Johnson is now the details of future meetings the years has constantly leaderships has, no question, superintendent of Southern confirmed soon. been the centerpiece of what been the driving force behind Wayne Golf Club in Wayne We closed out our 2010 the members strive to be in how, what and where this County, and Austin Allison calendar with a great meeting

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www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 33

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Local News at Mimosa Hills Country Club in Morganton, NC. Thanks business meeting and social to Dan Winters, our host is always a great event for superintendent, and all the members to come together staff at Mimosa Hills. About and enjoy some good food 40 people turned out for the and fellowship with others education session with Jim in our industry. The meeting Cornelius, who specializes in was to include elections of human relations. He gave an the new board members excellent talk on how to deal for 2011. Unless there was a with troublesome employees. massive protest and riot The weather didn’t look outside the clubhouse that great by the time we were to night, the new officers for play golf but the 16 brave souls the board are as follows: who stuck it out were rewarded Jeff Briggs, of Cleary Chemical Corporation, with his new HDTV. president, Keith Wood, with mostly dry conditions. Sedgefield Country Club; Mark Rogers, now at Grove Piedmont Piedmont GCSA over the years vice-president, Brent Gentel, Park Inn Resort, led the and thank those new sponsors Starmount Forest Country Well 2010 got off to a slow winning team that included that came on board in 2010. Club; secretary, Geoff start but turned out to be what Sterling Ambler, also from the Without your support each year I would consider a successful Dail, Forest Oaks Country Grove Park Inn, Wayne Stines, the Piedmont GCSA would year for the Piedmont Golf Club; treasurer, Jeff Corn, from Laurel Ridge Country not be able to put on the events Course Superintendents Smith Turf and Irrigation. and provide the scholarships Club, and Steve Neuliep, CGCS Association. Throughout the Directors are: Chris DeVane, to turf students that we do. You from the Chattooga Club. Dan year our attendance at events Forsyth Country Club; Ryan are a big part of what makes Winters’ team finished second. continued to increase with Sudano, Grandover Resort; Our leadership will remain us ending our year with our this association continue to be David Johnson, CGCS the same in 2011 as officers very popular maintenance successful in what we do each High Point Country Club; complete the second year tournament at Winding Creek and every year. Scott Fallon, Bermuda Run I would also like to thank of the new two-year term Golf Course. We had a full field Country Club. Tournament the members who come out arrangements. Thanks to all of 25 teams turn out for a great advisor, Russell Hill, day of golf. It sure did beat the to support and participate in Grandover Resort. those volunteers who give our meetings and tournaments previous year when it was rainy Finally, I would like to their time to this association throughout the year. If you have and cold. Congratulations to thank the board members and to the members who any suggestions or ideas that our winners from Cardinal that served this past year. support it with their dues can help make the association Country Club and the guys Without your support, we and participation. I also stronger and better please do from Bryan Park Golf Course would not have been able to want to make a special point not hesitate to give me or any who finished second, one have a successful year. It is of thanking each and every board member a call or email. shot back. because of your commitment vendor who helps us put We are working hard to make We had our TV drawing to the Piedmont GCSA, that on the events we do each for the members that actively the Piedmont GCSA a success we are able to have the great year. Without their support participated and were in good each and every year for you. association that we do. I have standing with the association We are always looking for we would not be able to get enjoyed serving as president together and network as throughout the year at our new members to serve on the board, as well. If you would this past year and would not often as we do and enjoy fall fundraiser in October. like to serve in the future, let have done what I was able to the camaraderie that comes Congratulations to Jeff Briggs, the winner of a brand new one of the board members do without the help of each with that. flat screen HDTV. We hope know, so you can serve and and every board member. Good luck to everyone for he enjoys his prize and gets get more involved with the Thank you for everything a good year in 2011. plenty of good use out if it. Piedmont GCSA. you did for the Piedmont - Matt Lovell, CGCS I would like to thank all Our last meeting of 2010 GCSA. Rumbling Bald Resort (828) of our sponsors that have was held at Forest Oaks - Bruce Martin, Tanglewood 625-1771. continued to support the Country Club. The year-end Park (336) 399-5938.

34 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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North-South thankful for that. The event consumption that goes along was two-man teams with a best with them. Seriously, we are ball format. For 2010, the gross having twice a week practices division winners were Chad with world renowned golf Tulloch and Tim Davis with a professionals in an effort round of 71. The net division to regain our beloved winners were Jason Bradley and Hamrick Cup. Josh Rigsbee with a net round Lastly, as we enter 2011 of 65. Congratulations to the we would like to introduce winners on what was a great our new board of directors: day of golf and fellowship. president, Eric Dusa, CGCS; The final firework for 2010 vice-president, Chris was our annual holiday party. Fortnum; treasurer, Matthew This year we attended Chima’s Wharton; secretary, Jason Brazilian Steakhouse for the Bradley; past-president Tim The North-South TA board for 2011, from left: Tim Carpenter, event. It was a great night for Carpenter. Directors: Scott Rick Henderson, Matthew Wharton, Eric Dusa, CGCS, Scott many as stories were passed Cook, Rick Henderson, Scott Kennon, CGCS, Chris Fortnum, Jason Bradley and Josh Rigsbee. and lies revisited. You might Kennon, CGCS, Josh Rigsbee. Absent, Scott Cook. have thought we had all just I welcome each of them finished a round of golf. One to our New Year and look Happy New Year to all. Artie Helton, and his entire thing is for sure, our members forward to working alongside On behalf of the North-South staff impressed everyone. The can eat. them in the best interests of Turfgrass Association, I hope golf course and grounds were We may need to look at an the North-South TA. Please everyone had a great and spectacular and everyone had eating contest for the Hamrick feel free to contact anyone peaceful holiday season. As a great time. The redesign and Cup this year. Judging from on our board if you have 2011 is upon us we are already changes on the golf course the results in 2010 that may be questions, comments or preparing for a great year were impressive. Thanks to the only way we beat the guys complaints as we go through for our local association. We everyone at the venue who from the Upstate Turfgrass the year. Stay warm and have ended last year on a strong helped with the event. Association. However, the a great start to 2011. note with some great events. Our gold sponsor for the Western North Carolina To begin with, our annual event was Arborguard. They Turfgrass Association may - Eric Dusa, CGCS White members tournament was have been a great supporter of like eating better than we Plains Country Club held at the Club at Irish the North-South TA for many do – something mysterious (843) 672-3816. Creek. Host superintendent, years and our association is about those hills and the food

Net winners at the members’ tournament were, from left, Jason Gross division winners at the members’ tournament were, from Bradley and Josh Rigsbee. left, Tim Davis and Chad Tulloch.

36 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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38 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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Greensboro Course Lands Golf Award

Doug Lowe, CGCS and Wes Proctor delivered Greensboro Country Before: Severe slopes and a cart path compromised the par 5 Club’s Farm Course an award-winning renovation. second hole.

Congratulations to Carolinas 1909 inception, Greensboro GCSA members Doug Lowe, Country Club has been the CGCS, Wes Proctor and most prestigious golf institu- their staff on Greensboro tion in town, but its Carlson Country Club’s Farm Course Farm course was never a winning Golf magazine’s source of great pride. The 2010 renovation of the year. suburban 1963 Ellis Maples The results of the $6-mil- design was intended to be a lion project during the club’s meaty, modern alternative to centenary year opened in the club’s shorter Donald Ross November. Lowe is director course at its downtown facil- of grounds and golf course ity, but Carlson Farm failed to management and current take advantage of its potential. Carolinas GCSA vice-presi- “Forty years after the club dent. Proctor is superinten- acquired the course, it enlisted dent at the Farm Course. Donald Steel for an extreme “Wes just did a fantastic makeover. Ably assisted by During: Contractors temporarily left a six-ft monument to show job,” Lowe says. “He pretty Jonathan Gaunt, Steel trans- how much grade they removed. much devoted a year of his formed a tired 6,914-yard, life to the project, from sun par-71 layout into a 7,302- up to sun down seven days yard, par-72 funfest. Two new a week. He’s really enjoyed par 3s, the 5th and the 14th; seeing the course go from completely rebuilt greens an older facility that had not and bunkers; new zoysia had a lot of money spent on grass fairways; and dramatic it, into a modernized course alterations to seven other that really takes advantage holes have infused the Farm of what is a beautiful piece with the kind of challenge and of property. Having been playability that can compete there for 12 years, he’s put with any course in the region. a lot of his career into that In a year when Old Macdon- course and he can be proud ald captures top new course of what he’s helped achieve.” honors, it’s only fitting that The magazine wrote of the renovation award goes to the renovation: “Since its the Farm.” After: The finished product with a new fairway bunker and relocated cart path.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 39

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Industry News

Johnson Wins Boswell Wins Sequoyah’s Lucky mountains of western North TETAC Honor Super Senior Number is 26 Carolina, arrived at No. 26. The new course and Boone David Johnson Jr. of Arcadian Congratulations to Larry Sequoyah National Golf Club, featured in the May-June issue Shores Golf Club in Myrtle Boswell, of Carolina Turf where Carolinas GCSA direc- of Carolinas Green last year. Beach, SC was named Turf Products, on his recent success tor, Jeremy Boone is certified Carolinas GCSA members Technician of the Year by the winning The Society of Seniors golf course superintendent, will get the chance to experi- Turf Equipment Technicians national golf championship. has landed on Golfweek maga- ence the golf course as part Association of the Carolinas Boswell shot rounds of 68, 72 zine’s listing of the 50 best of a novel two-day meeting in November. Johnson’s award and 74 to win the 65- to 74- casino courses in the country. format coming up in June was announced during the year age group by three shots Sequoyah National, a Robert that will also include white- Carolinas GCSA Conference at Quail Ridge Country Club Trent Jones Jr. design in the water rafting. and Trade Show. Johnson in Boyington Beach, FL. That works with golf course super- win followed his victory in the intendent, Steve Martin, at North Carolina Super Senior Arcadian Shores. Championship at Morehead City Country Club. There he Sheehan Lands returned rounds of 73 and 69 to win by two shots. Boswell Orlando Trip has long been one of the lead- Help ensure continued support for turfgrass research, ing lights in Carolinas Golf please donate a tee-time as soon as possible. Go to Jeffrey B. Sheehan, from the Association events and has a www.Rounds4Research.com and be part of the 2011 Grey Fox course at Foxfire double-figure string of CGA auction from April 10 to 17. Golf and Country Club, majors to his credit. Jackson Springs, NC will head to this year’s Golf Industry Show in Orlando, FL free of Two Renew charge. Sheehan was one of Certification Coming Events five winners drawn nation- ally in an annual competition Congratulations to Carolinas QJanuary 25, 2011 QApril 10-17, 2011 presented by the Golf Course GCSA members Sam Crowe, Assistant Superintendent  Rounds4Research Auction Superintendents Association from The Reserve at Lake Theme www.rounds4research.com Daniel Island Club of America, the Environmen- Keowee, and Bill Hirchert, tal Institute for Golf and Bayer Charleston, SC QJune 12-13, 2011 from Colleton River Planta-  Pars and Paddles Environmental Science. All tion, on successfully renew- five winners receive airfare, QMarch 14-15, 2011 Sequoyah National ing their certified golf course hotel accommodations for five  USGA Green Section Golf Club nights, conference full-pack superintendent status with the Conference Whittier, NC registration, two education Golf Course Superintendents Ballantyne Resort seminars and $200 spending Association of America. Charlotte, NC money.

40 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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Stirling G. Ambler, Class C, assistant superintendent, Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, Asheville, NC. Steve Arthurs, Class A, superintendent, Cherryville Golf and Country Club, Cherryville, NC. Grayson P. Clark, Class C, second assistant superintendent, Seabrook Island Club, Johns Island, SC. Gregory M. Ewald, Class C, second assistant superintendent, Old Edwards Golf Club, Highlands, NC. Corporate Partners Michael E. Hayes, Class C, assistant superintendent, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Banner Elk, NC. Joseph D. Graham, Class A, superintendent, Legends Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC. The following companies deserve Asa J. High, Class C, assistant superintendent, Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA. thanks for their generous support of Andrew D. Johnson, Class S, student, Catawba Valley Community College, Hickory, NC. the 2010 Carolinas GCSA Conference Ryan W. Lambeth, Class SM, superintendent, Crooked Tree Golf Course, Browns Summit, NC. and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC. Daniel A. McDowell, Jr., Class S, student, Clemson University, Clemson, SC. Lance Oliver, Class C, assistant superintendent, Capital City Club Brookhaven, Atlanta, GA. SMITH TURF & IRRIGATION Michael J. O’Malley, Class C, assistant superintendent, Old Edwards Club, Highlands, NC. THE TORO COMPANY Christopher T. Pippin, Class A, superintendent, MacGregor Downs Country Club, Cary, NC. PNC EQUIPMENT FINANCE Kenneth M. Rich, Class C, assistant superintendent, Rivers Edge Golf Club, Shallotte, NC. TCF EQUIPMENT FINANCE Joshua N. Rigsbee, Class C, assistant superintendent, Charlotte Country Club, Charlotte, NC. Monday Golf Championship Dean R. Sparks, Class C, assistant superintendent, TPC Piper Glen, Charlotte, NC. SYNGENTA Patrick W. Stanley, Class C, assistant superintendent, MacGregor Downs Country Club, Cary, NC. Monday and Tuesday Seminar Mark W. Vaughn, Class A, manager of golf and grounds, Goodyear Golf Club, Danville, VA. Education Michael J. Wallace, Class C, second assistant superintendent, Greenville Country Club – Chanticleer Course, Greenville, SC. GOLF AGRONOMICS Christopher E. White, Class C, assistant superintendent, Oldfield Club, Okatie, SC. Tuesday Seminar Luncheon AFFILIATE MEMBERS MCPHERSON GREENHOUSES John M. Brown, Class AF, president, NewLife Turf, Inc., Norway, SC. Tuesday Evening Reception Ryan G. Francis, Class AfCorp, turf superintendent, Bayer Environmental Science, Clayton, NC. Exhibit Hall Plant Designs

TRI-STATE PUMP & CONTROLS Tuesday Carolinas Night at the Beach Our Friends NEW LIFE TURF CORBIN TURF SUPPLY Matthew R. Bilheimer, formerly with Malphrus Golf, Lenoir, NC is now with Environmental Solutions, Wednesday Fellowship Breakfast Lenoir, NC. Jedidiah P. Fedor, formerly with Dormie Club, West End, NC is now a The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, RADIOS FOR GOLF Salem, SC. VERTEX STANDARD Joseph D. Foley, has been promoted to superintendent at Badin Inn Golf Resort and Club, Badin, NC. Wednesday General Session Jonathan D. Franck, formerly with The Cliffs a Glassy, Landrum, SC is now at Bald Head Island Club, On Site Communications Bald Head Island, NC. Corey Hall, formerly with Wexford Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC is now superintendent at BAYER ENVIRONMENTAL Chechessee Creek Club, Okatie, SC. SCIENCE Jason Harris, formerly with The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, Sunset, SC is now at The Cliffs at Mountain SPORTING CLAY EVENT Park, Marietta, SC. Wednesday Keynote Speaker Jesse W. Harris III, has been promoted to superintendent at Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, NC. John I. Horton III, formerly with The Heritage Golf Club, Pawleys Island, SC is now assistant GOLFDOM MAGAZINE superintendent at Debordieu Club, Georgetown, SC. Wednesday Keynote Speaker Jeffrey L. Johnson, formerly with Wedgewood Golf Club, Wilson, NC is now superintendent at Southern Wayne Country Club, Mt. Olive, NC. MODERN TURF Jaime Matthews, formerly with Colleton River Plantation, Bluffton, SC is now with Wexford Plantation, COASTAL FLORATINE Hilton Head Island, SC. Wednesday Buffet Luncheon Ian E. Murphy, formerly with Geoponics Earth Chemistries, LLC, Raleigh, NC is now assistant superintendent at Lake Burton Club, Clayton, GA. JOHN DEERE GOLF Nicholas Raby, formerly with Chapel Hill Country Club, Chapel Hill, NC is now assistant REVELS TURF & TRACTOR superintendent at Oak Valley Golf Club, Advance, NC. GREENVILLE TURF & TRACTOR Robert Reid, has been promoted to assistant superintendent at Lenoir Golf Club, Lenoir, NC. SHOWTURF 27-Hole Challenge Mark Rogers, formerly with Laurel Ridge Country Club, Waynesville, NC is now superintendent at The Grove Park Inn and Resort, Asheville, NC. HARRELL’S, INC. David Screws, formerly with The Cliffs at Glassy, Landrum, SC is now outlet manager at Carolina Fresh Refreshment Breaks Farms, Charleston, SC. David A. Smith, formerly with The Cliffs Valley, Travelers Rest, SC is now with STEC Equipment, QUALI-PRO Sandy Springs, SC. GREEN RESOURCE Peter Speziale, has been promoted to superintendent at Bryan Park Golf Course, Browns Summit, NC. Welcoming Partner David Trout, formerly with Woodland Valley Country Club, Loris, SC is now at Azalea Sands, North Myrtle Beach, SC. SUNBELT RENTALS Edward L. Walker, formerly with Woodside Plantation Country Club, Aiken, SC is now assistant Equipment Rental superintendent at Mid-Carolina Golf Club, Prosperity, SC. Trey Winoski, has been promoted to assistant superintendent at Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, NC.

42 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 43

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] The Clean Up Lap

Dream Teams What score do you think Zach Johnson and Jason Gore could manage if they were part of a captain’s choice foursome? Well, they did team up at the Carolinas GCSA golf championship at Legends Resort but even with the help of two others could only man- age a modest one-under par round of 70 on the Heathland course. Unlike their name- sakes on the PGA Tour, Johnson and Gore have more interest working on a golf course than with a club in their hand. Johnson, a 19-handicapper, is a student member from Guildford Technical Community College and Gore, who plays off 25, is an assistant JoelJoel Ratcliff,RtRatcliliffff, CGCSCGCS modelsmoddelsl safetysaftfety gear tot helphhellp preventpreventta anyny ffurfurtherthther uncomfortable uncomfof rtat blble encountersencountet rs ththe superintendent at The Dunes Golf and next time he tips over a golf cart. Beach Club. Another notable namesake pairing put together Steve Martin, from Ar- Too Cheeky: Part Two cadian Shores Golf Club, and Jon Stewart, An earlier edition of The Clean Up Lap cited a golf cart crash involving two Carolinas from Grande Dunes Members Club, in the GCSA past-presidents that left them closer than either cared to be. We can now reveal four-ball format. Their 85 didn’t see them the two involved were Bob Warner, CGCS from Whispering Pines Golf Course in Myrtle laughing though. Beach, SC and Joel Ratcliff, CGCS with Coastal Floratine. “Let’s just say one of Bob’s big cheeks was pressed up against one of my small cheeks,” Ratcliff says, now equipped with Lost Ball some modified safety gear – a personalized hockey mask courtesy of Bill Patton, from Chris Pearson, of Green Resource, was Forest Creek Golf Club in Pinehurst, NC. clearly keeping the score for his pairing with Brian Green, from Morehead City Country Club, in the four-ball event at the Carolinas GCSA golf championship. Pear- son failed to record a score on the 7th hole at the Parklands course at Legends Resort. Instead, written in the tiniest lettering in the space where a number would normally go, were the words: “Brian lost my ball.” Blast from The Past Carolinas GCSA immediate past-presi- dent, Jeff Connell, got a phone call recently that carried him back like a time machine. On the other end was Carl Gray, calling to let Connell know that he had just landed the golf course superintendent’s job at The Scott Fallon with boobootyty won at the Golf IndusIndustrytry ShShowow in 20092009. Champions Golf Club in Kentucky where the two first met in 1993. Gray was then in An Ace in The Hole his first of two summers as an intern and Scott Fallon, from Bermuda Run Country Club in Bermuda Run, NC jarred an ace Connell, now at Fort Jackson Golf Club in at Tidewater Golf Club and Plantation during Conference and Trade Show week. It Columbia, SC was the assistant superin- was his second ace of the year. Fallon seems to have a knack for lucky breaks during tendent. It gets better. Gray was standing superintendent conferences. His hole-in-one with a six-iron on the 173-yard ninth in Connell’s old office where a few minutes hole at Tidewater accompanied a win on the trade show floor. He picked up a 32-inch earlier he’d been digging around in the flat screen TV in a drawing at the Course Vision booth. That of course followed his back of a desk drawer. There he found grand prize win – valued at $6,000 - in the 27-Hole Challenge at Conference and Show a packet of photographs showing Gray in 2008. Then early in 2009 at the Golf Industry Show in New Orleans, LA he picked and Connell on deck at the U.S. Senior up three more prizes including a nearest the pin and a second place in the four ball Amateur in 1994. They’d been sitting there competition and new digital camera in a lucky draw at the president’s reception. hidden for a full 16 years.

44 CAROLINAS green January - February 2011

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