Board of Directors

President ANTHONY GIRARDI, CGCS Rockrimmon Country Club Vice President ROBERT NIELSEN JR.,CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club Treasurer Cover: Brae Burn BLAKE HALDERMAN, CGCS Country Club. Photo by John Secretary Harvey of The GLEN DUBE, CGCS RBA Group. Centennial Golf Club Past President MATTHEW CEPLO,CGCS Rockland Country Club ROBERT ALONZI JR. Fenway Golf Club KENNETH BENOIT JR., CGCS GlenArbor Golf Club MARK CHANT Colonial Springs Golf Club DAVID DUDONES North Jersey Country Club PAUL GONZALEZ, CGCS The Whippoorwill Club MARK MILLETT Old Oaks Country Club STEVEN RENZETTI, CGCS Pinnacle Turf, Inc. n this Issue SCOTT OLSON Scarsdale Golf Club I Executive Secretary INEKE PIERPOINT Feature

Morning Coffee With Craig Currier ...... 2 Tee to Green Staff Excitement Builds as Bethpage Black Preps for Upcoming U.S. Open Editors DAVE DUDONES PAUL GONZALEZ 973-942-0566 914-273-3755 Managing Editor Departments PANDORA C.WOJICK Editorial Committee KEVIN COLLINS SCOTT NIVEN National News ...... 4 PAUL GRABBE ERIC O’NEILL DENNIS GRANAHAN BILL PERLEE CHIP LAFFERTY GLENN PERRY National Scorecard ...... 4 NICK LERNER MIKE REEB DAVE MOFFETT MIKE TOLLNER GREG WOJICK Upcoming Events ...... 5 Designer TERRIE DUNKELBERGER Regional News ...... 6 Photographer BILL PERLEE Chapter News...... 8 Advertising Manager MARK MILLETT,914-949-4203 Spotlights ...... 10 TEE TO GREEN is published bimonthly by the Metropolitan Golf Editor’s Note: These are our abbreviated spotlight formats for superintendents who have been pro- Course Superintendents Association filed within the past three years. At the end of each article, we explain how to access the superinten- 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, NY 10523-2819 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437, METGCSA.ORG dent’s last,full-length profile, should you want to read more. Copyright © 2009 President’s Message

here’s nothing like spring. The first song of a robin, the smell of freshly cut grass, Tand of course,The Masters. . . . These are just Building several of the things that signal the start of a new golf season—and just as important, a fresh start . . . an opportunity for us to rethink our programs and practices and build on our Tony Girardi, CGCS previous year’s accomplishments. We’re for- MetGCSA President Bridges . . . tunate in this way; few industries give people this kind of opportunity for a new begin- panel composed of industry leaders from ning. allied associations and the business and bank- ing industries was gathered to update and to Allied Associations: Another Thing to answer questions on the current state of the Be Thankful For club environment. Managers, superintend- ents, golf professionals, controllers, and club Also fortunate, in this time of uncertainty,is officials were all invited to attend, free of that we’ve developed a wonderful network of charge. Somewhere allied associations. Unlike—do I dare men- Many thanks to MCMA President Todd tion her name?—Sarah Palin, we, as an asso- Zorn and everyone behind the scenes who ciation, have built many bridges . . . to helped organize these events. The sessions somewhere. And I’m pleased to report we provided valuable insight into management continue to foster relationships with allied efficiencies and practices that can help clubs associations. weather the economic downturn. Beyond that, these symposiums made it clear that A case in point: The relationship between we’re not alone in our efforts to support our Charlie Robson, executive director for the Met clubs through lean times. PGA, and Richard Spear, superintend- ent of Piping Rock. Putting their heads to- Also noteworthy: The MGA’s willingness to gether for the past year plus, they compiled promote and support our industry. The annual their thoughts on how to go about adopting MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education a more realistic, cost-conscious approach to Series is an example of an effort that goes a golf course conditioning. I don’t know if long way toward promoting the job we do by they had a crystal ball or simply were ahead bringing together green chairmen, club offi- of their time when they decided to docu- cials, and superintendents for a day of discus- ment methods for trimming excesses in golf sion on a variety of topics of interest to club course maintenance practices. What is leaders. important is that two individuals from allied I can’t thank MGA Executive Director Jay associations joined forces—combined their Mottola and everyone at MGA headquarters knowledge and expertise—to create an enough for their key role in supporting our actionable guide to streamlining mainte- efforts to promote our industry to clubs and nance practices that will be useful through the golfing community in our area. this economic downturn, and for many sea- sons beyond. (Check out the article by Richard on p. 2 of the January/February In Closing 2009 issue of Tee to Green.) I’d like to wish everyone a happy and healthy start to our 2009 golf season. As always, the Of equal importance: The Metropolitan MetGCSA board remains available to re- Club Managers Association’s work to foster rela- spond to your questions or concerns. Please tionships with golf course superintendents and feel free to contact any one of us . . . at any other professionals in the golf course industry. time. I’m speaking, in particular, about the two immensely popular MCMA-organized To ny Girardi, CGCS “State of the Club Symposiums,”in which a President Tee to Green March/April 2009 1 Feature Morning C ffee With Craig Currier Excitement Builds as Bethpage Black Preps for Upcoming U.S. Open by Greg Wojick, CGCS widths will be a bit wider than they were in wife a half-hour later. No doubt she knew, 2002, but the rough will be a bit more gnarly then, what she was getting into! as we attempt to interject some variability. With that said, Craig quickly shifted back We don’t want the pros simply hitting to business: “We’ll be focusing solely on wedges out of the rough and then wedge to grooming from now until the tournament— the green,” he continued. “We want the lie ummm, I mean the championship, Craig said, t was 6:30 a.m.on April 9. A frost on to challenge them to think through the kind intimating that the USGA discourages any- the ground restricted Craig Currier to the of risk/reward shot they’ll attempt from the thing other than the term “championship” to Icart paths and roads around Bethpage State rough.” describe the annual televised event. “We’ll be Park’s golf courses, as he spoke with me Carts and equipment whizzed by, seem- doing lots of hand-brushing, topdressing with about the buildup for the upcoming U.S. ingly in all directions; still, Craig stayed on spreaders, hand-brooming . . . all attempts to Open on the Black Course, one of the five topic:“The first six feet of the rough will be cut as much of the grass as we can. courses at Bethpage. cut at about an inch and three-quarters; “Play,”he continues,“has been reduced by Craig Currier, at first blush, seems like a the next 15 to 20 feet will be at 3 to 3 1/2 half. Then, 13 days before the championship, guy who may want to consider switching to inches; and then the last 15 feet at 4 to 6 it will be stopped completely. The greens that decaf coffee. Hardworking, focused, and to inches—depending on thickness—followed are 80 percent Poa will receive growth regula- the point, he didn’t miss a beat, speaking by the native areas. tors and weekly nitrogen and micronutrient to crew members one moment and to me “The gallery ropes will be pushed back at sprays. We’ll alternate between soil spray and the next, downloading—in an affable way— least an additional 5 to 10 yards from where foliar spray fertilizers every other week. No his entire clip of thoughts, practices, and they were in ’02,”he said, explaining,“We’re granular fertilizers will be used this spring. emotions going into the 2009 U.S. Open trying to avoid an errant shot from getting a We’ll also be applying wetting agents.” Championship, the second Open held at good lie in gallery-trampled areas.” Hastily making our way through the net- Bethpage Black since 2002. Interjecting a personal note, Craig admit- work of cart paths, Craig pointed to the vari- ted,“Yes,my wife may think, right now,that ous bunker additions and enhancements I love the courses more than her and the initiated by Rees Jones,the architect responsi- Getting Into Condition kids, but that’ll change after the Open.” A ble for Bethpage Black’s 1997 renovations: “There will definitely be some art, as well as multi-tasker by nature, Craig, during the “Rees added a cross-bunker on #4, a fairway science, going into how we treat the rough 2002 Open, found himself speaking to Tiger bunker on #9, two new fairway bunkers on this time around,”Craig explained.“Fairway Woods one minute, then proposing to his #13, and a greenside bunker on #14. The

2 Tee to Green March/April 2009 Mike Hadley handles the Red Course; and Ryan Vogler manages Yellow and Blue. “Working with industry leaders and with a terrific crew at Bethpage . . . if this doesn’t excite a superintendent, I don’t know what would.” It All Comes Down to Weather When asked how his gut handles the in- evitable roller coaster of emotions associated with the Open Championship, Craig said, “After having gone through it once before, it’s a bit easier, but butterflies do set in when I think about the fact that 30- to 40-million viewers will be watching the golfers and the course that we’ve prepared. fairway bunkers on #18 were deepened, and “And then,there’s the weather,”he lament- “The first two years of the experiment bunkers on #11 were extended out into the ed. “We’re constantly worrying about it and proved that the golf course needs more than fairway,”Craig noted. preparing for its inevitabilities. We dodged a just cultural inputs,” Craig admitted. “It But this was only part of the total enhance- bullet this winter. I thought we’d have more needs plant protective materials and fertiliz- ment picture. The -70 course, which ice damage than we did, but shoveling the ers, but we use the ‘softest’ pesticides avail- played 7,214 yards in 2002, was stretched by snow three separate times proved to help able. By altering the height of cut, rolling, 222 yards to 7,436 yards for the upcoming immeasurably,”said Craig, who I first met in and topdressing, the greens have done re- Open. mid-January on a green at the Yellow Course markably well with few pesticide inputs. aerating to break up the ice. “Also interesting is that the three velvet How Very Fortunate Craig Is . . . To help insure he can outgun Mother Na- greens didn’t hold up with the amount of play we get. As part of the experiment, we An upstate New York native, Craig graduated ture during the Open and beyond, Bethpage poll the golfers to see how they feel about from the SUNY Cobleskill in 1993. He has upgraded its water supply. “We’ve just their golfing experience,” continued Craig. worked at Piping Rock Country Club and finished installing a 4,000-gallon-per-minute, “They detected a difference on the velvet the Garden City Golf Club, both on Long five-pump upgrade that uses reclaimed water greens—not necessarily good or bad, just a Island, as an assistant superintendent before from the Oyster Bay Township Water Treat- difference or interruption in consistency. coming to Bethpage in 1997. He enhanced ment Facility,” Craig explained of the park’s And when the velvet looked bad, the average his skill set working winters at Augusta water system, which though gaining accept- golfer definitely could tell. We’ll probably be National during his three years at Piping ance, still defies convention. switching them back to bent/Poa.” Rock. “I can attribute my strong work ethic to Green Course Goes Green working on a dairy farm as a kid and my turf The Grass Couldn’t Get Any Greener But then Bethpage is a bit of a trendsetter. In knowhow to a series of great mentors in the 2001, Craig, who happens to be intensely “I have everything I could possibly want in a golf course industry: Bob Ahrendsten (Cedar aware of pesticide use on his Long Island golf job here at Bethpage. Dave Catalano pro- Lake Club), Rich Spear (Piping Rock), courses, has agreed to participate in a pesti- vides me with all the tools I need to get the Eddie Butler (Garden City), Marsh Benson cide-use study on the Green Course. Funded job done. I have office support staff who (Augusta National), and my advisor/turf through Cornell and the USGA, the study allow me to go out into the field and get my professor Robert Emmons from SUNY began in 2001. hands dirty when I want to. Although I’m Cobleskill. “We divided the course into three sets of like other superintendents relying on each “I’m fortunate enough to get personal six greens,”explained Craig.“On the first six, day’s work as my contract for job security, I industry updates and advice from Cornell we’ve been following a normal program, can’t see myself working at another job. Dave researchers Frank Rossi and Jennifer Grant, using pesticides. On the second six, we’ve Catalano and I have told each other,‘If you the USGA’s Dave Oatis and Mike Davis, and followed an IPM program, while on the third go, I go.’We’ve both stayed and love it.” Architect Rees Jones. I have close friends in six greens, we use no pesticides whatsoever. Perhaps this year, after Johnny Miller and Rich Spear (Piping Rock), Brian Benedict Dan Hicks pack up the broadcast tents and (Seawane), John Carlone (Meadow Brook), discussions with Tiger and Phil have come Steve Rabideau (Wheatley Hills), Harry and gone, Craig and the entire staff at Bahrenburg (Huntington Crescent), Dave Bethpage can relax . . . bask in the glory that Pughe (Garden City Golf Club), and other comes from hard work. Oh, and then Craig supers in the area. can find time to enjoy his wife, Joanna, “I work with the best ‘green chairman’ in 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Ryan, and 6- the world, Bethpage’s Director of Golf Dave month-old son, Gavin. Catalano, and I have a terrific group of peo- Best of luck to Craig and the entire team ple around me,”Craig continues. “I have 12 entrusted with the significant task of prepar- turf-degreed, full-time staff, combined with ing for this year’s U.S. Open Championship. another 15 student interns and dozens and dozens of volunteers. Tim Gravert and Kevin Greg Wojick, a member of the Tee to Green Edi- Carroll are my superintendents on the Black torial Committee, is the principal in Communit- Course; Andy Wilson handles much of the ool, LLC, and founder of PlaybooksTM for Golf. purchasing and shepherds the Green Course; Tee to Green March/April 2009 3 National News National Scorecard John O’Keefe MetGCSA Makes a Few Waves at 2009 Re-elected National Golf Tournament by Mark Chant

ohn J. O’Keefe, director of golf he Gulf Shores area of Alabama The Golf Classic course management at Preakness played host to the 59th GCSAA JHills Country Club in Wayne, NJ, and National Championship and Golf The Golf Classic, which featured two rounds T of play using the point quota system, was past president of the MetGCSA, was re- Classic, February 1-3. More than 20 elected for a two-year term on the GCSAA MetGCSA members enjoyed the three days played this year at the Cotton Creek and Board of Directors at the association’s Annual of competition, networking, and laughs. Cypress Bend courses at Craft Farms and Meeting February 6. Congratulations, John! Here’s the lowdown on how the Met fared Peninsula GC. Here’s a look at who came Here’s a look at the full election details: on the links. home with a prize: In the First Flight . . . Les Kennedy of Blind Brook and John Carlone of Meadow President The National Championship Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS, director of grounds Brook finished in the bottom half. Though at in Springfield, NJ National Championship contestants played they didn’t play as well as they would have three rounds of stoke play at Kiva Dunes Golf liked, they had more fun than anyone, catch- Vice President Club, an impressive and challenging Jerry ing up with the friends they’d made over the James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, director/superin- Pate-designed course. The greens, undulated years. Les did win a Closest to the Pin prize tendent at Wollaston Recreational Facility/ and quick, were guarded by deep bunkers. on the 16th at Cotton Creek. Presidents Golf Club in North Quincy,MA The fairways were wide, but if you missed In the Second Flight . . . The Met shined. them,you’d find yourself in the native vegeta- • Scott Niven of Stanwich and Rick Schock Secretary/Treasurer tion and, in the end, with a big number. of Aspectuck Valley both placed 6th in the Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, director of golf Tom Ashfield of Quaker Ridge and Mark Gross Division. course and grounds at Boca Rio Golf Club in Chant of Colonial Springs finished in the • Grover Alexander of Hudson Hills placed Boca Raton, FL middle of the pack. Tom shot 80-85-79 to 9th in the Gross Division. finish tied for 32nd place at +28. Mark shot • Muttontown’s Ken Lochridge and Wheat- Immediate Past President 80-83-79 to tie for 29th place at +26. ley Hill’s Steve Rabideau, representing Long David S. Downing II, CGCS, vice president Sean Cain of Sunningdale struggled Island, placed 5th and 6th in the Net Di- of operations and construction for Signature through his first round with an 87 but came vision, respectively. Golf Group in Myrtle Beach, SC back stronger to finish with rounds of 82 • Glen Dube’s and Matt Severino’s success in and 84. Brae Burn’s Blake Halderman also the Four-Ball did not carry over into the indi- Directors struggled with a first-round 87. Unlike Sean, vidual rounds. Glen was hampered by a John O’Keefe, CGCS, of Preakness Hills Golf however, Blake never got it going, shooting shoulder injury and Matt was more con- Club in Wayne, NJ an 87 and 91 in the final two rounds. cerned about the UConn basketball team. Peter J. Grass, CGCS, of Hilands Golf Club Two-time champion, Seth Strickland of In the Third Flight . . . New York CC’s in Billings, MT Miami, FL, defended his title again this year Matt Topazio had a strong showing of 13th Keith A. Ihms, CGCS, of Country Club of with a winning score of 78-76-73 +11. and a Closest to the Pin prize on the 17th at Little Rock in Little Rock,AK Penninsula. Sanford G. Queen, CGCS, manager of golf The Team Events In the Fourth Flight . . . Bob Nielsen of operations for the City of Overland Park, KS Bedford Golf & Tennis finished 9th in the Net Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, of The Olympic More notable was the Met’s success in the Division. Club in San Francisco Four-Ball competition played on Sunday be- In the Senior I Flight . . . Mark Millett of fore the Golf Classic. Here are the results: Old Oaks and Tim O’Neill of CC of Darien In the Second Flight . . . both finished just outside the Top 10. See You Next Year • David Dudones of North Jersey and John In the Super Senior Flight . . . Life A mem- Be sure to join fellow professionals at the Alexander of Royce Brook GC paired to- ber Frank Lamphier dominated the flight and 2010 GCSAA Education Conference and gether to win the Second Flight by four won by 8 points! Golf Industry Show in San Diego, CA.The strokes. In the Affiliate Flight . . . USGA will be joining us as a participating • Ken Lochridge of The Muttontown Club • Syngenta’s Dennis DeSanctis Jr. placed 4th partner in the GIS, and all who attend the and Mike Keone of Brookville CC finished in the Net Division. conference and show will enjoy a new-and- 5th in the Net Division. • Andy Drohen of Agrium Advanced Tech- improved format with events scheduled on • Matt Severino of Scarsdale GC and Glen nologies won a Closest to the Pin prize on weekdays only. Dube of Centennial finished 10th in the the 8th at Cotton Creek. For more information,visit www.gcsaa.org. Gross Division. In the Third Flight . . . Matt Topazio of Mark Chant, a member of the MetGCSA Board New York CC and Dennis DeSanctis Jr. of of Directors, is superintendent at Colonial Springs Syngenta tied for 7th in the Gross Division. Golf Club in Farmingdale, NY. 4 Tee to Green March/April 2009 Upcoming Events 2009 MetGCSA Calendar of Events

Our 2009 Meeting and Social Calendar is Annual Assistants Championship Annual Meeting inching toward completion. If anyone is able October November to host a meeting or social event that does not Date & Site OPEN Date & Site OPEN have a site, please contact the appropriate committee chairmen. For professional Met Area Team Championship MetGCSA Christmas Party events, contact either of our Tournament October December Committee co-chairs: Ken Benoit at 914- Date & Site OPEN Date & Site OPEN 241-0700 or Mark Chant at 631-643-0047. Our Social & Welfare Committee co-chairs Educational Events are Mark Millett (914-949-4203) and Paul Gonzalez (914-273-3755). Both are available to discuss any upcoming social events. UMass Turf Research Field Day UMass Extension Turf Program office at 508- Wednesday,June 17 892-0382 or visit www.umassturf.org and Superintendent/Manager or Guest UMass Joseph Troll Turf Research Center select “Conferences & Workshops.” Tournament South Deerfield, MA Wednesday,June 3 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day The field day will focus on the wide range Brae Burn Country Club (Golf & Fine Turf) of research projects that university faculty, Purchase, NY Tuesday,August 4 staff, and graduate students currently have Host: Blake Halderman, CGCS Horticultural Farm II underway at the research center and at other New Brunswick, NJ locations. The field day will also feature dis- MetGCSA Invitational Tournament Save the date,and watch for details. Call 973- Thursday,June 25 plays and demonstrations from turf industry vendors. 812-6467 or visit www.njturfgrass.org for The Stanwich Club further information. Greenwich, CT For further information, contact the Host: Scott Niven, CGCS Family Picnic Scholarship Application Deadline: Be Date & Site OPEN Sure Not to Miss It! Education Meeting ward Don’t delay in calling for your 2009 MetGCSA Scholarship A Date & Site OPEN ember of the application! Any Class A,AL, B ,SM,C,AF, or AFL m in. B ut the MetGCSA or a dependent of a member is eligible to w Summer Social All applications MUST be Date & Site OPEN deadline for submissions is fast approaching. received by Friday,June 12. etGCSA Executive Secretary Met Championship and Met Area Team Application forms are available through M Ineke Pierpoint at 914-347-4653. If you have any questions about the Championship Qualifier R Chairman Bob Nielsen PLUS the Poa Annual Tournament application process,please feel free to contact S & ou can reach him by calling 914-234-3779 Monday,September 28 at Bedford Golf & Tennis Club. Y optonline.net. The Meadow Brook Club or by sending an email to rnbgtc@ The Scholarship & Research Committee will select recipients based on lead- Jericho, NY mitment to a chosen Host: John Carlone, CGCS ership, maturity,scholastic capabilities, activities, and com career. eeting. Watch our Calendar Superintendent/Green Chairperson Scholarships will be awarded at our Education M or on the website, www.metgcsa.org, for Tournament of Events in the Tee to Green Monday,October 19 the precise date of the event. Sleepy Hollow Country Club Scarborough, NY Host:Tom Leahy,CGCS

Tee to Green March/April 2009 5 Regional News Every Voice Counts at NYSTA’s 2009 Turfgrass Advocacy Day by Michael Maffei, CGCS

reen industry members who attended the New York State Turfgrass Association’s (NYSTA) G2009 Turfgrass Advocacy Day on March 11 had nothing but high praise for the day’s activities and discussions. Held for the 10th consecutive year at the Empire State Plaza in Albany,NY,the event drew 44 participants from all parts of New Yo rk. Among them were MetGCSA mem- bers Blake Halderman of Brae Burn and Bob Nielsen of Bedford Golf & Tennis—in addition to me. The Advocacy Day kicked off with an association breakfast and a presentation by Jeff Lane of the Vandervort Group and lob- Senator David Valesky joins NYSTA board members after his update on State byist for the New York Alliance for En- budget issues at the 2009 Turfgrass Advocacy Day. From left to right: Rick Holfoth, vironmental Concerns. Jeff provided an CGCS, of Country Club of Rochester; NYSTA Secretary/Treasurer Bob Sanderson of overview of the current legislative climate in Sodexho Campus Services at Nazarath College; NYSTA Vice President Greg Chorvas of Albany and introduced this year’s top issues, Cantine Veterans Sports Complex; Senator David Valesky,vice president of Pro Tempore; which revolved around the Local Regu- NYSTA Past President Michael Maffei, CGCS, of Back O’Beyond, Inc.; Saratoga Sod Farm’s Steve Griffen, a NYSTA past president and past chair and current board member of lation of Pesticides, the Preemption of Ferti- the Empire State Council of Agricultural Organizations. lizer, renewed appropriations for the Turf- grass Environmental Stewardship Fund, Using Less Than Label Rates of Pesticides, behind-the-scenes support our industry re- local regulation of fertilizers will enable funding for the New York Farm Viability ceives, here is a recap of the discussions of application requirements to vary from mu- Institute, and the Pesticide Product Regis- the day. If nothing else, it makes clear nicipality to municipality and, as a result, tration System. NYSTA’s critical role in supporting our make it difficult and costly for applicators to Before the mid-day break for lunch, industry and shows what you, personally, achieve compliance. attendees had the opportunity to meet with can do to support NYSTA’s work. Every Assemblyman Koon and Senator Young senators and assembly members representing voice counts. have introduced legislation (A6039/S2475) their districts to discuss regulatory issues and that would prohibit county governments concerns that were important to them. All In Opposition of Local Regulation of Pesti- from adopting fertilizer regulations and void told, 52 legislative visits were made. cides. Jeff Lane presented the first issue, any existing legislation. We support legisla- As Advocacy Day participants lunched, “Local Regulation of Pesticides,” which tion providing “preemption” to the State Senator David J.Valesky provided an inform- refers to legislation that would allow local through the New York State Department of ative update on State budget issues. municipalities to create their own pesticide Agriculture and Markets for fertilizer appli- Reflecting on the day,Steve Griffen, past ordinances or regulations. cation and use. president of NYSTA and one of the found- Our position is that if localities were ers of Turfgrass Advocacy Day, noted: “I allowed to enact their own pesticide laws, Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Fund thought it was a very effective Advocacy we would be left with a confusing patch- Seeks Ongoing Support. Once again, I had Day. Being our 10th Turfgrass Advocacy work of ordinances that differ from town- the opportunity to brief participants on Day, our attendees were well prepared and ship to township. Concerned green in- the status of the Turfgrass Environmental more effective than ever in communicating dustry members had the opportunity to Stewardship Fund. For the uninitiated, this what is important to us. Legislators and meet with legislators and remind them that fund was established to support environ- their staffs knew us from years past and were the State has “preemption” with regard to mental research that extends beyond the tra- pleased to give us the time to present our pesticide use. ditional turfgrass management practices and issues.” techniques. Pushing for Preemption of Fertilizer. I pre- For the past three years, the New York sented the next issue,“Preemption of Fer- State budget included $175,000 in appro- The Day’s Discussions tilizer.” This issue focuses on county priations for the fund, which have allowed To give Met members insight into the governments that are beginning to pass local us to support a variety of worthwhile re- laws regulating the sale and application of search endeavors, including: fertilizers. As is the case with pesticides, • “Prospecting for Resistance to the An- 6 Tee to Green March/April 2009 nual Bluegrass Weevil in Improved Culti- podium to update us on the New York A Great Day, Overall vars of Poa annua,”conducted by Dr.Daniel Farm Viability Institute, an independent, Peck of Cornell University nonprofit organization that is dedicated to Attendees of this year’s Turfgrass Advocacy • “Development of Molecular Diagnostic strengthening the agricultural and horticul- Day immediately grasped the importance Techniques for Identification of Invasive tural industries in New York. The institute and industrywide effect of each and every Pest Crane Flies in Turfgrass,”conducted by ensures industry success by supporting one of the issues presented by NYSTA rep- Dr. Daniel Peck and Dr. Ping Wang of applied research, education, information resentatives. Equally important: Legislators Cornell University transfer, technology adoption, and market were receptive to our issues. • “Benefits of Turf: Reasons Why Pesti- analysis. According to Steve Griffen, the issues that cides and Fertilizers Applied to Turf are Not In previous years, direct state funding has generated the most interest from legislators Just for Cosmetics,”conducted by Cornell allowed the institute to support research of were the “product registration” and “less University’s Dr.A. Martin Petrovic economic and environmental importance than label rates” issues. “Legislators are also • “Integrated Cultural Practices to Reduce for the turf industry. Grants have helped concerned, however, with the budget, gov- Dollar Spot on Golf Course Fairways,” fund research on: ernment waste, and unnecessary regulations conducted by Dr. Alex Ellram of SUNY • Accelerated Sod Production Methods that could impede business,” says Griffen, Cobleskill. • Practices for Reducing Annual Bluegrass noting that they’re more interested now • Allocating funds to Cornell University Sod Losses than ever in legislation that has an economic for research in turfgrass and landscape weed • Curbing the Economic and Environ- impact. management mental Effects of the Invasive European From Jeff Lane’s perspective, the 2009 • The development of an enhanced NYS Crane Fly on Production Sod Farms Turfgrass Advocacy Day was all-the-more diagnostic system for turfgrass insects, We recommend a State appropriation of meaningful this year because NYSTA mem- weeds, and diseases $3.3 million in the 2010 fiscal-year budget bers and industry participants were able to This year, unfortunately, there is no to support the New York Farm Viability clearly communicate concerns to legislators appropriation in the budget to support the Institute. on every issue, but especially about “less Stewardship Fund’s work. We are recom- than label rates” and the “preemption of mending, therefore, that legislators restore Legislative Oversight of the Pesticide Pro- fertilizer.” the $175,000 line item for the Turfgrass duct Registration System. Elizabeth Seme, “I’m already getting positive feedback Environmental Stewardship Fund so that NYSTA’s executive director, presented the from supportive legislators who want to pass we can continue to support research tar- final issue, which centered on the New York turfgrass proposals into law,”says Lane. geted at enhancing turf management solu- State’s current “Pesticide Product Registra- tions that protect environmental quality. tion System.” Our Many Thanks The problem: The pesticide industry is We’d like to thank our loyal sponsors who Using Less Than Label Rates of Pesticides. continually developing products with new help make this event possible. They are Steve Griffen presented information on the modes of action that provide more targeted the Northeast GCSA, the Sullivan County issue of “Using Less Than Label Rates of and effective controls. The use of these Challenge Golf Tournament, the New York Pesticides.”Right now,in New York State, more favorable products is being delayed, State Lawn Care Association, RISE-Re- commercial applicators need to obtain however, because of New York State’s cur- sponsible Industry for a Sound Environ- NYSDEC approval for applying pesticides rent pesticide product registration system. ment, Grassland Equipment & Irrigation at less than label rates. Our recommendation is to have ongoing Corp., Helena Chemical Company, and Our recommendation is to create a new legislative oversight of the pesticide registra- Dow AgroSciences. section in the Environmental Conservation tion program to address delays that prevent For more information regarding the issues Law that allows a pesticide registered for the use of new pesticide products, including discussed at the 2009 Turfgrass Advocacy use in New York State to be applied by new formulations with enhanced modes of Day, please visit the NYSTA website at commercial applicators in a dosage, con- action, less potential for pesticide resistance, http://www.nysta.org/events/lobby- centration, or frequency less than specified and improved efficacy and compatibility day2009/lobbyday2009.html. on the label—unless the labeling specifi- with the goals of integrated pest manage- cally prohibits such use. ment (IPM) programs. We also believe New Michael Maffei, superintendent at Back York State should recognize and accept the O’Beyond, Inc., in Brewster, NY, is past presi- Maintaining the Viability of the New York registration decisions of the United States dent of NYSTA and co-chair of the NYSTA Farm Viability Institute. Steve stayed at the Environmental Protection Agency. Government Relations Committee.

Tee to Green March/April 2009 7 Chapter News Meet Your MetGCSA Board Members

From left to right: Class AF Rep Steve Golf & Tennis;MetGCSA Executive Old Oaks CC; Class C Rep Scott Olson of Renzetti, CGCS, of Pinnacle Turf, Inc.; Secretary Ineke Pierpoint; Past President Scarsdale GC; Secretary Glen Dube, David Dudones of North Jersey CC; Mark Matt Ceplo, CGCS, of Rockland CC; CGCS, of Centennial GC; Rob Alonzi of Chant of Colonial Springs GC; Ken President Tony Girardi, CGCS, of Fenway GC;Treasurer Blake Halderman, Benoit, CGCS, of GlenArbor GC;Vice Rockrimmon CC; Paul Gonzalez, CGCS, CGCS, of Brae Burn CC. President Bob Nielsen, CGCS, of Bedford of The Whippoorwill Club; Mark Millett of Your 2009 Committee Chairmen at Your Service

We’ve provided a list—with phone num- Education Committee To ny Girardi, CGCS, Rockrimmon CC bers—of each of the MetGCSA’s commit- Rob Alonzi, Fenway GC 914-764-5010 / Cell 203-904-8715 tee chairs. Please feel to contact any of 914-472-1467 / Cell 914-484-0373 Blake Halderman, CGCS, Brae Burn CC them with questions, comments, or helpful 914-946-1074 / Cell 914-469-1987 suggestions. Government Relations Committee Glen Dube, CGCS, Centennial GC Social & Welfare Committee Awards Committee 845-279-8960 / Cell 845--803-1020 Mark Millett, Old Oaks CC Matt Ceplo, CGCS, Rockland CC Blake Halderman, CGCS, Brae Burn CC 914-949-4203 / Cell 914-588-0731 845-359-5346 / Cell 201-965-7641 914-946-1074 / Cell 914-469-1987 Paul Gonzalez, CGCS, Whippoorwill Club Bob Nielsen, CGCS, Bedford Golf & Tennis 914-273-3755 / Cell 914-424-3603 Bylaws Committee 914-234-3779 / Cell 914-525-0604 Bob Nielsen, CGCS, Bedford Golf & Tennis Steve Renzetti, CGCS, Pinnacle Turf, Inc. Special Events Committee 914-234-3779 / Cell 914-525-0604 Cell 914-384-9227 Rob Alonzi, Fenway GC 914-472-1467 / Cell 914-484-0373 Club Relations Committee Long-Range Planning & Steering Steve Renzetti, CGCS, Pinnacle Turf, Inc.. Ken Benoit, CGCS, GlenArbor GC Committee Cell 914-384-9227 914-241-0700 / Cell 914-760-3575 Matt Ceplo, CGCS, Rockland CC 845-359-5346 / Cell 201-965-7641 Tournament Committee Communications & Advertising Ken Benoit, CGCS, GlenArbor GC Committee Membership Committee 914-241-0700 / Cell 914-760-3575 David Dudones, North Jersey CC Glen Dube, CGCS, Centennial GC Mark Chant, Colonial Springs GC 973-942-0566 / Cell 973-417-0415 845-279-8960 / Cell 845-803-1020 631-643-0047 / Cell 631-2522 Paul Gonzalez, CGCS, Whippoorwill Club 914-273-3755 / Cell 914-424-3603 Scholarship & Research Committee Website Committee Mark Millett (Advertising) Bob Nielsen, CGCS, Bedford Golf & Tennis Ken Benoit, CGCS, GlenArbor GC Old Oaks CC 914-234-3779 / Cell 914-525-0604 914-241-0700 / Cell 914-760-3575 914-949-4203 / Cell 914-588-0731 Paul Gonzalez, CGCS, Whippoorwill Club Tri-State Turf Research Subcommittee 914-273-3755 / Cell 914-424-3603 Matt Ceplo, CGCS, Rockland CC 845-359-5346 / Cell 201-965-7641 8 Tee to Green March/April 2009 Committee Explores Merits of Hiring an Seeking Sherwood Executive Director A. Moore Award Nominations

y now,most of you probably Examining Local Associations know that the MetGCSA is considering the feasibility of Over the past six months, the Met Com- B mittee has also looked long and hard at the hiring an executive director to run our association. The concept of an executive operating models of other local and regional director for the Met is not new. In fact, if chapters and associations to understand both you were a member back in the early ’80s, their challenges and successes. you, no doubt, remember the days when Committee members contacted such Jim McLoughlin (1993 John Reid Lifetime groups as the MGA, Met PGA, NYSTA, the Achievement Award winner) represented New England Regional Turf Foundation, our chapter as its chief executive. When he the Club Managers Association, and a num- moved on, however, the chapter returned to ber of local superintendent chapters. its traditional way of operating, relying, Though, in the end, it was clear that a num- once again, on volunteer boards and com- ber of different models exist to operate an mittees to run the association. association effectively, the Met Committee Despite this, the thought of hiring an concluded that hiring an executive director Executive Director has never died. In fact, makes the most sense for our chapter. Keep chapter boards and members have toyed in mind,however,that our objective is not to with this idea on and off for years. replace an executive assistant with an execu- Finally,late last year,a committee was cre- tive director; rather our intent is to comple- ated to research and discuss the merits of ment our current staff with a new chief the Met resurrecting the executive director executive. position. Chaired by Tim O’Neill,CGCS, he Awards Committee is now the committee consists of the following The Job in the Making accepting nominations for the Sherwood A. Moore Award. This members: Matt Ceplo, CGCS • John Car- The group is working to build a job descrip- T lone, CGCS • Scott Niven, CGCS • Tony award is presented to a golf course su- tion that will outline the responsibilities perintendent who has advanced the pro- Girardi, CGCS • Robert Nielsen,CGCS • required for the executive director position. Bob Alonzi, CGCS • Joe Alonzi, CGCS • fessional image, status, and reputation of In addition to being well-acquainted with the golf course superintendent. Peter Rappoccio, CGCS • Blake Halde- programs, activities, issues, and opportunities man, CGCS • Larry Pakkala, CGCS. Sherwood, the award’s first recipient that affect golf course superintendents, the and namesake, was a leader both locally executive director would be expected to and nationally,having served as president GCSAA Chapters Across the Nation work on behalf of the MetGCSA to educate of the MetGCSA, GCSA of New Jersey, Tim was asked to chair the committee due the regional golf community about the and the GCSAA. He was also an articu- to his involvement during 2007-2008 as chapter’s mission and also liaison effectively late spokesman for the profession and chairman of GCSAA’s Chapter Relations with regional entities, such as GCSAA and mentored a number of the nation’s finest Committee. In this role, Tim met with its chapters, local and regional golf organiza- superintendents, many Met members chapter representatives from across the tions, and universities with turf programs. among them. country and saw, firsthand, how chapters The committee is also putting together a Although Sherwood passed on, we ran their organizations. list of general chapter duties and responsibil- continue to celebrate his life and many In all, there are about 100 affiliated chap- ities, as well as specific fiscal responsibilities. contributions to our profession through ters of the GCSAA. Of those chapters, this coveted award. If you’d like to approximately 10 have true executive direc- A Focus on Funding nominate a candidate, contact Matt Ceplo at 845-359-5346 or by email at tors. Another 30 to 40 chapters employ an One major stumbling block to resurrecting executive assistant similar to the Met associ- [email protected], and he this position has been finding a way to fund will send you a nomination form. But ation’s position filled by Ineke Pierpoint it without disrupting the overall fiscal health through the Metropolitan Golf Association. don’t delay. All nominations must be of the chapter. The committee, therefore, received by June 20, 2009. You can send It became evident that a number of the will also be looking at funding options over most highly successful chapters were repre- them by fax to 845-359-5346 or by mail the next several months and, later this to: Matthew Ceplo, CGCS, Rockland sented by an executive director. Respon- spring, will make its final recommendations sible for the day-to-day operation of , 380 Route 9W,Sparkill, to the board with the hope of pursuing an NY 10976. association, these executive directors were executive director for the MetGCSA some- also charged with achieving the chapter’s time in 2010. long-term goals, including program de- velopment, fundraising, and membership growth and participation. Tee to Green March/April 2009 9 Spotlight Blake Brings Met Back to Brae Burn for Super/Manager Tourney by Mike Tollner

n June 3, Brae Burn Country Golf Course Architect John Harvey, to pro- Club Superintendent Blake Hal- duce a master plan for the property. In the fall Oderman will welcome MetGCSA of 2007, the club put the plan into motion, members and their managers for the asso- embarking on a bunker renovation project that ciation’s annual Superintendent/Manager would not only make fairway bunker slopes Blake Halderman, CGCS Tournament. When the Met last visited Brae gentler, but also create multiple areas to enter Burn in 2007 for the association’s Education and exit the bunkers. OH, alongside friend and Two-Ball partner meeting, the club was just shy of embarking The renovation included everything from Glen Dube; the two are reigning First Flight on a renovation project that has left few areas reshaping the bunker floors to installing new champions. of the 45-year-old course untouched. With drainage, liners, sand, drip irrigation on south His first job out of school was as an assis- the current layout playing at 6,850 yards, facing slopes, and sod on most bunkers. Sever- tant at Woodway Country Club with then tourney contestants will enjoy a competitive al entirely new bunkers were also created. Superintendent Larry Pakkala. After just round of golf on the club’s newly renovated As part of the project,Brae Burn also made a two-and-a-half years there, Blake landed his 152 acres. large cut on the par 3,11th hole to create bet- first superintendent’s job at Minisceongo ter visibility to the green complex. The 9th Golf Club in Pomona, NY. “I just wanted to About the Club green was expanded an extra 1,500 square feet be a superintendent,”says Blake of his speedy to provide more pinable areas. rise to the top.“I applied everywhere, from Its Origins: Founded in 1964 by a group of Drainage was installed to pick up bunker Puerto Rico to California.” friends from Harrison Country Club, Brae outfalls and fix any problem areas in the roughs After three years at Minisceongo, Blake’s Burn was first known as Purchase Hills. The and fairways. And fairway expansions were next stop was Trump National-Westchester club quickly abandoned the name, however, added in many locations to bring the fairway as the grow-in superintendent. In 2004, just because of its similarity to another club in the closer to the new bunkers, enhancing playabil- four years later, Blake accepted his current area, and in a “name-the-club” contest, ity and visual appeal. position at Brae Burn, where he’s quick to members settled on the current Brae Burn Next on the list: A clubhouse renovation tell you, he is grateful for his members, Country Club. that will, in turn, lead to more work on the coworkers, and especially his two assistants, Open for play in June 1965,the course was course. “The club plans to move the pro shop Matt Plosila and Brian Gallagher. designed originally by Frank Duane, a long- to the upper level and create a sports bar grill Professional Affiliations: Blake has been a time protégé of Robert Trent Jones Sr. overlooking the finishing hole,”explains Blake, member of the MetGCSA since 1995, and Where It Is Today: In the fall of 2006, Brae adding,“As part of the project, we’ll be lower- five years ago, joined the Board of Directors. Burn brought in another Trent Jones disciple, ing the 18th green complex 10 feet,raising and Currently serving as treasurer, Blake co- expanding the range tees, and building a new chairs the Government Relations Commit- putting green near the pro shop. This will cre- tee and serves on the Tri-State Turf Research ate a new member entrance directly into the Committee, after having served for the past pro shop, provide the membership with en- four years as co-chair of the Tournament hanced views of the golf course,and keep all of Committee. He is still very involved with the golf operations in a central location.” the Met Area Team Championship, which he, along with fellow member Andy About Our Host Drohen, worked long and hard to resurrect. YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR On a Personal Note: Away from the Education: course, Blake enjoys spending time with his GRINDING! Blake received a B.S. in Turfgrass Management with a minor in Business Ad- family: Kristen, his wife of 10 years, and their On Site Grinding/Screening ministration in 1995 from the University of two children, Emma, who’s 6, and Brendan, Tree Wood, Stumps, Wood Chips, Brush, and Waste Removal Rhode Island. who’s 4. “We enjoy skiing as family,” says Training Ground: Blake began his career in Blake, noting that he and Kristen are also Additional Services Available golf course management when he was just 15 kept busy with the many sporting, club, and Excavation, Drainage, Stump Removal, in his native New Hampshire. He worked at outdoor activities the kids are involved in. Site Work, Mobile Screening the local nine-hole Angus Lea Golf and Tennis For more on Blake: Please refer to the Met Bulk Material Available Club for Scott Niven’s father, Russ, and then website, www.metgcsa.org, to retrieve the Mulch, Topsoil, and Compost Scott’s brother, Curt. archived May/June 2007 issue where Blake’s While pursuing his turf degree, Blake full profile last appeared in the Tee to Green. Westwood Organic Recycling interned at The Stanwich Club with a third 1160 Manaroneck venue Niven; this time, it was Scott. To round out his Mike Tollner, a member of the Tee to Green White Plains, NY 10605 914 - 490-1694 experience, he also completed an internship at Editorial Committee, is an assistant superintend- Muirfield Village Golf Club in Columbus, ent at The Apawamis Club in Rye, NY. 10 Tee to Green March/April 2009 Spotlight The Met’s Annual Invitational Makes a Return Trip to The Stanwich Club

n his 26-year tenure at The putting greens to accommodate faster green Stanwich Club, Property Manager speeds. It embarked on a three-year renova- Scott Niven has played host to num- tion project that, in 2006, put the club on Ierous association golf events, including at least another of ’s lists: “Best New one other Invitational and one of the very Remodel” among courses in the U.S. Scott Niven, CGCS first Met Area Team Championships. On June 25, when Met members return to About Our Host State and New Jersey Turfgrass associations,as Stanwich for the 2009 Invitational Tourna- well as a long-tenured member of the ment, they’ll play the same 186 acres but on Education: Scott received a B.S. in Turfgrass Connecticut AGCS. And if all that’s not an all-new course—the result of the club’s Management in 1976 from the University of enough, Scott continues to serve our own highly acclaimed $4.5 million golf course Rhode Island. association, which he led as president in ’88 renovation project. Training Ground: Scott, it seems, was des- and ’89, sitting on nearly half the Met’s com- tined to become a turfgrass manager. Start- mittees, including the Communications ing at age 9,he worked alongside his father at Committee, where for the past 10 years, he’s About the Club the Claremont Country Club in Claremont, been a regular contributor to the Tee to Its Origins: Owned originally by burglar NH, and then at the Angus Lea Golf and Green. alarm magnate Edward T. Holmes, the club Tennis Club in Hillsborough, NH, which his On a Personal Note: Besides being an avid was once a 330-acre gentleman’s farm, com- father purchased when Scott was 12. golfer (since age 7), Scott enjoys mountain plete with horses, chickens, and cows. Called After earning his turf degree, Scott accept- biking, running (he’s a four-time New York Semloh Farm (Holmes’ name spelled back- ed an assistant’s position at Greenwich Marathon runner), and lifting weights at the wards), the property featured numerous lakes, Country Club, landing, three years later, his gym. Skiing and travel—from Japan and carefully cultivated gardens, and 15 fountains. first superintendent’s position at St.Andrew’s Australia to parts of Central America and Stanwich Club founders bought 186 acres of Golf Club in Hasting-on-Hudson, NY. Europe—are other passions Scott shares with the estate in 1962, including the main house After two years there, he accepted the super- his wife of 25 years,Dana,and his son Nick,a and four other buildings, for a mere intendent’s position at Siwanoy Country college freshman, and daughter Heather, a $475,000. Golf course architect William Club in Bronxville, NY—his last stop before Greenwich High School senior. Gordon and his son David were hired over Stanwich. For more on Scott: Please refer to the Met the celebrated Robert Trent Jones to design Professional Affiliations: Scott has been website, www.metgcsa.org, to retrieve the the course, which opened its doors in 1963. actively involved in numerous industry asso- archived November/December 2007 issue Where It Is Today: Stanwich’s solid design ciations. For GCSAA, Scott has served on where Scott’s full profile last appeared. Also has put the course on Golf Digest’s TOP 100 nearly every committee, most recently chair- worthy of an online read:Scott’s comprehen- LIST. After hosting the 2002 USGA Mid- ing the association’s Research Committee. sive account of Stanwich’s renovation proj- Amateur, it became clear to the club that it He’s president of the Tri-State Turf Re- ect. Titled “Anatomy of a Golf Course needed to “modernize”the course by increas- search Foundation, a member of the USGA Renovation,” the article appeared in Tee to ing length and softening highly contoured Research Committee and the New York Green’s January/February 2007 issue.

Tee to Green March/April 2009 11 Support Our Advertisers!!!