Winter 2012

Commonwealth Crier News from the Virginia Course Superintendents Association President’s Message – What Does the Future Hold? The New Year always brings a sense of by Matt Boyce, VGCSA President matter if you’re a 15 or a 5 , it is renewed energy and an essential battery important that our end user, the golfers, charge to accomplish new things. This know we understand the game. year marks the first year of my two-year term Goal #3 – Form a Long Range Plan. Our as President of the Virginia Association has grown from a day to day Superintendents Association. The first operation into a long term endeavor. Our thing you might ask is …“Who is this “Matt, what are you going to do to make immediate Past President, Jeff Berg will guy?” Fair question. Everyone likes to tell this Association better?” Another fair head this Committee which will include their story, so I will keep it brief. question … and my answer is … Nothing! Past President Eric Spurlock, Executive My adventure started at a small family- Now that you have completely realized I Director David Norman and myself. owned public golf course where I spent six am off my rocker, let me explain my reply. Goal #2 – Promote Environmental summers as a grunt doing the normal First and foremost, our direction will Stewardship. The majority of this will be “green horn” activities. My career really got always correlate with our Association done through our new BMP Manual started when I enrolled at Penn State … I Mission and we will not stray from those which will include distribution, fund know … still proud, but it’s a sore subject! objectives. We will keep a strong Partner raising, water monitoring and becoming During my tenure at Penn State I worked Program and retain the relationships we Nutrient Management Planners. at Beaver Stadium and eventually did have worked so hard to procure while Now, the number one goal will internships at Firestone Country Club in pursuing new affiliations with existing hopefully clear the water a little bit. As I Akron, Ohio. My connections at Firestone vendors. Our Board will keep the members said before, I am doing nothing. Yes, I as afforded me the opportunity to venture to in mind when we focus on service programs your President will participate in golf Pinehurst, North Carolina, where I spent and keeping strong to those ambitions. We events, come to meetings and lead our seven years that included preparation of will also keep ties strong with our lateral Board… but you are going to help. Our two U.S. Open Championships and a support which includes the GCSAA, Goal #1 is to Get Involved. complete renovation of Pinehurst No.4. MAPGA, CMAA, VSGA, Virginia Tech, When I say “our” I don’t mean the My experience and education most VTC and DEQ just to name a few. The Board … I mean our entire Association. recently allowed me to land in Virginia VGCSA will also continue to communicate This is your Association and you need to Beach where I reside as the Golf Course to its members through publications, email, help. I realize the economy isn’t the best Superintendent at the Princess Anne website and Facebook, while also providing and our funds have seen a decline, but Country Club where I worked with one of social and educational opportunities through how much do you have invested in our Partners, The Aspen Corporation, golf events, webinars and social mixers. watching a free webinar, sending in an undergoing a complete renovation in Let me get back to my original answer of idea that you think might benefit our 2007. While in Virginia Beach I married … “Nothing.” And before I get too carried Association, getting involved with your my wife Lindy and we have two daughters, away, let me inform you that I am a goal Local Association or writing an article for Chloe, who is three, and Keagan, who is one. oriented person and my direction here will a publication … everyone can do I am honored to represent this Association explain my candid answer. Here it goes … something! Every one of our Members is and feel humbled by the support of the Goal #5 – Communicate our Value. In the responsible for their part. Yes, the major Princess Anne and its officials who afforded years leading up my Presidency I have decisions do come from the Board, but if me the opportunity to take this plunge. heard the comment “What am I getting for you remember our Board is comprised of my money?” … A fair statement? … Yes, and External Vice Presidents that are the Now that the introductions are over our reply is coming! Goal #4 – Promote sounding board for your region! let’s get down to the real matter at hand… Superintendent Golf. It really doesn’t Continued on page 15 2012 VGCSA Board Front Row: Chris Petrelli, Jeff Holliday, Matt Boyce, Jeff Berg, Jeff Van Fleet; Back Row: Patrick Connelly, Matt Sobotka, Dave Lewallen, Dan Taylor, Rob Wilmans, Mark Cote

VGCSA External Vice-Presidents At-Large Board Members

Old Dominion Golf Course Assistant Superintendent Superintendents Association Matt Sobotka Dan Taylor, CGCS Spring Creek Golf Course Independence Golf Club 109 Clubhouse Way • Gordonsville, VA 22942 2012 VGCSA 600 Founders Bridge Blvd. • Midlothian, VA 23113 Cell: 434-566-1225 Ph: 804-594-2750 x116 / Fax: 804-594-0291 E-Mail: [email protected] Board of Directors Cell: 804-640-9467 E-Mail: [email protected] VGCSA Officers Associate Tidewater Turfgrass Association Patrick Connelly President Rob Wilmans Landscape Supply Matt Boyce Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club 2931 Oak Lake Boulevard • Midlothian, VA 23112 Princess Anne Country Club One “Ace” Parker Drive • Portsmouth, VA 23701 Ph: 804-744-5445 • Fax: 804-744-9899 3800 Pacific Avenue • Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Ph: 757-488-8918 / Fax: 757-465-5991 Cell: 804-640-8872 Ph: 757-428-0346 / Fax: 757-425-6976 Cell: 757-761-4767 E-Mail: [email protected] Cell: 757-971-7222 E-Mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Virginia Turfgrass Association Vice President Mark Cote Staff Jeff Holliday, CGCS Pete Dye River Course at Virginia Tech Salisbury Country Club 8400 River Course Drive • Radford, VA 24141 Executive Director 13620 Salisbury Road • Midlothian, VA 23113 Ph: 540-633-0247 David Norman Ph: 804-794-8389 / Fax: 804-794-0389 Cell: 540-679-9002 VGCSA Cell: 804-640-0748 E-Mail: [email protected] 10231 Telegraph Road, Suite A E-mail: [email protected] Glen Allen, VA 23059 Greater Washington Golf Course Ph. 804-747-4971 x113 /Fax: 804-747-5022 Secretary/ Treasurer Superintendents Association Cell: 804-399-7802 Chris Petrelli Jeff Van Fleet E-Mail: [email protected] Cedar Point Country Club Forest Greens Golf Club P.O. Box 6138 • Suffolk, VA 23433 4500 Poa Annua Lane • Triangle, VA 22172 Ph: 757-238-2629 / Fax: 757-238-2629 Ph: 703-221-2207 / Fax: 703-221-2401 Cell: 757-641-6222 Cell: 571-238-0098 E-Mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] General Counsel

Past President Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association M.E. “Dick” Gibson, Jr. Jeff Berg David Lewallen Tremblay & Smith, LLP Goose Creek Golf Club Bowling Green Country Club P.O. Box 1585 43001 Golf Club Road • Leesburg, VA 20175 53 Southern Drive • Strasburg, VA 22657 Charlottesville, VA 22902 Ph: 703-729-2500 / Fax: 703-729-9364 Ph: 540-636-9728 / Fax: 540-635-1151 Ph. 434-977-4455 / Fax: 434-979-1221 Cell: 571-233-0993 Cell: 540-974-2889 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]

2 The Commonwealth Crier Boyce Elected VGCSA President New Slate of Officers for 2012 Matt Boyce of Princess Anne Country served on the VGCSA Board since 2008. Independence GC (ODGCSA), Rob Club has been elected President of the The new slate of officers includes Wilmans of Elizabeth Manor G&CC Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Vice President Jeff Holliday, CGCS (TTA), Dave Lewallen of Bowling Association. He was installed at the (Salisbury CC), Secretary/Treasurer Green CC (SVTA) and Mark Cote of association’s annual meeting on January 17, Chris Petrelli (Cedar Point CC) and the Pete Dye River Course. (VTA). The 2012 at Fredericksburg Country Club. Past President Jeff Berg (Goose Creek Assistant position on the board is filled Boyce has been the Golf Course GC). Boyce will lead over 650 members by Matt Sobotka of Spring Creek GC, Superintendent at Princess Anne since of the VGCSA. while the vendor position is filled by 2007. Previously he worked by Pinehurst External Vice Presidents for the 2012 Patrick Connelly of Landscape Supply. Resort, where he helped prepare the #2 Board are Jeff Van Fleet of Forest Greens course for the 2005 US Open. He has GC (GWGCSA), Dan Taylor of Syngenta Recognizes Boyce, Spurlock Congratulations to Matt Boyce and at Princess Anne Country Club in Eric Spurlock, who were selected as two Virginia Beach and current President of of 27 golf course superintendents to the Virginia Golf Course participate in the Syngenta Business Superintendents Association (VGCSA). Institute, a unique, educational program. Spurlock is a Past President of VGCSA. The Syngenta Business Institute is develop a program that focused on sponsored by Syngenta in conjunction business and financial management, with Wake Forest University’s graduate human resource management, negotiation school of business and was held Dec. 5-8 skills and generational conflicts. in Winston-Salem, N.C. While agronomic Boyce and Spurlock were selected from expertise is critical to superintendent a talented pool of superintendents based success, Syngenta also recognized the on an application process that reviewed need to provide superintendents with their educational background, industry business management tools. achievements and an industry-related essay. Syngenta worked with Wake Forest to Boyce is the golf course superintendent Matt Boyce Eric Spurlock Vincel & Haney Triumph at Creighton Farms’ Joe Saylor Event The VGCSA members gathered at the Scott McArthur of the golf staff, Allie newest sensation in northern Virginia, the Marino of the F&B staff and of course Club at Creighton Farms, for a fun and Matt Zarnstorff, superintendent. The festive Joe Saylor Memorial tournament on association is grateful for the support of Nov. 1. On a beautiful Fall day, it was Brian Mike Robichaud and Attila Harai as well. Vincel and Kevin Haney of Spring Creek Joe Saylor Memorial Prize Winners: Golf Club who took home braggin’ rights, with a spectacular gross score of 10-under- Overall – Kevin Haney & Brian Vincel 62 (gross) 62 in the two-man captain’s choice format. Former VGCSA President Jeff Berg (center) with the Member-Member Host superintendent Matt Zarnstorff and 2011 Joe Saylor Tournament overall champions, 1st - Aaron Wells & Garrett Neville 63 his crew had the course in immaculate Brian Vincel (left) and Kevin Haney (right). 2nd – Jeff Van Fleet & Bo Jumbercotta 63 3rd – Ed Walker & Scott Cornwell 65 condition, despite an early season snow, 4th – Jeff Berg & Ricky Casamento 68 which delayed the event by one day. Marshall Hibbs and John Schoenfeld of 5th – Ryan Anderson & Chappy Chapman 68 In the Member-Member flight, it was Stonewall GC won with a 65. Member-Guest Aaron Wells and Garrett Neville of Belmont A highlight of the day was a hole-in- 1st – Matt Zarnstorff & Jose Velasquez 67 CC winning with a net 63 (besting Jeff one by Mark Merrick of Genesis Turfgrass 2nd – Mike Oates & Tripp Carper 67 Van Fleet and Bo Jumbercotta in a card with a 4-iron on the 185 yard 15th hole. 3rd – Ron Janicki & Mike Evans 67 playoff). In the Member-Guest flight, Matt A dazed Merrick was the last one to leave Member-Pro Zarnstorff and Jose Velasquez shot 67 to the party! 1st – John Schoenfeld & Marshall Hibbs 65 finish first in a playoff with two other teams. The staff of Creighton Farms was 2nd – Eric Cobb & Ed Eagle And in the Superintendent-Pro flight, exemplary, including Michael Vidal and Putting Contest – Ric Collins Winter 2012 3 VGCSA Announces 2011 Award Winners Club, without a bit of formal training! He took care of farms and houses, and then learned by doing, and he did it all—pro shop, last year sold his business. He and wife pool, golf course maintenance—there was Marty bought a home at Lake Oconee, only one other employee! He stayed there while retaining their Hot Springs residence. about three years. They now split time in the two locations, Fred benefitted from a friendship he and enjoy their family of daughter Sandy Jo, developed with Dr. John Shoulders, a turf son Mike and five grandchildren (all boys) professor at Virginia Tech. According to Fred, who keep them quite busy. “he took me under his wing, and showed me Fred remembers when John Shoulders how to care for grass.” started the Virginia Turfgrass Association In the late 1960s, Fred moved over to back in the 1960s. At the time, eastern take the superintendent job at the Country Virginia (Old Dominion GCSA) aligned Club of Staunton. He was there a few years, with the national association (GCSAA), when a big opportunity opened up in while VTA did not. Fred became President 1972— superintendent at The Homestead. one year, and leaned on Virginia Tech He headed up the operation, overseeing professors Shoulders, Dick Schmidt and “foremen” assigned to each of the three Jack Hall to start a series of meetings that Fred Reese, 2011 President’s Award Recipient courses. He was there for a while, but he remain popular today. He remembers when actually left when a sales job beckoned, and Dr. Shoulders started the “Turf Day” at Tech, he went to work for LESCO in Ohio. He still popular today. The profession of golf Reese Wins President’s Award was then recruited out to Denver Country course management was in its formative for Lifetime Service Club (CO) and moved west for what turned stages. Fred got in on the ground floor— Fred Reese of Hot Springs, VA is the out to be just a year. That’s when The there were only 8-9 guys doing it at the winner of the 2011 VGCSA President’s Homestead called him, “You ready to come time, and for him it was a lot of fun! In the Award for Lifetime Service. The VGCSA’s back home?!” late 1970s, they started the first “Short highest award is “to honor those superin- So Fred moved his family back to Hot Course” at Tech. tendent pioneers who were instrumental in Springs and reclaimed his position at The Fred jokes, “Being a state trooper was state and local affairs, but who may no Homestead. He remained in the job for three boring, but there was nothing boring about longer be actively involved in the VGCSA. to four years, and then began a business with being a golf course superintendent! We Qualifications include 20 years or more of Sonny Helms, Butterfield Golf Car Sales. didn’t know what-in-the-hell we were doing!” service to the turfgrass industry, at least 10 The Homestead asked him to stay on as a There was only one book written on turf of which were as a superintendent.” On all consultant, and he played that role when the management when he started—Dr. Beard’s accounts, Reese has earned the distinction. US Amateur came to The Cascades Course book at Michigan State. They couldn’t Well known as the longtime head in 1988. He moved on to become a distributor identify bugs very well, and the closest cut superintendent and director of grounds at for Ransome, but with the success of the they could make on a green was ¼". Fred The Homestead, Reese’s involvement in the US Am, The Homestead once again called figured out how to grind the bed knives, golf industry came about in a very unlikely him back. and he was one of the first in the country to manner. He grew up in Christiansburg, VA A defining year for The Homestead cut greens at 3/16". Finally manufacturers and went off to college at Emory & Henry occurred in 1994. Financial problems forced improved, and when Fred retired, the cut to study history. When he graduated he the Ingalls family to sell its beloved resort was down to 1/8" or less. somehow found himself as a Virginia State to forego bankruptcy. Literally a day before Fred had a lot of memories, and a lot of Trooper in Botetourt County, working the the doors were to close, Club Corp out of good times. “It was exciting being in the night shift. He found that duty terribly boring, Dallas, TX negotiated to buy the property infancy of the profession, flying by the seat so he sought recreation during the day and and ultimately rescue it. With the new owner, of my pants.” gravitated toward golf. He joined the the future of the employees was uncertain. Fred has observed many changes over the 9-hole Botetourt Country Club, and quickly Fred survived in his role as Director of years, and he acknowledges the challenges became a “regular.” Sports and Recreation. He then decided to faced by the young guys in the business now. One day he told the club president that if focus on what he knew best, and he asked “It’s a tough occupation, turned damn near a spot ever opened up, he wouldn’t mind to focus solely on caring for the golf courses. impossible now. Golf is struggling, with working there. In the meantime he left the Over the next 10 years, Fred worked his owners trying to save money and rounds State Police and became an insurance way up to Vice President of Operations, declining, but the strong always survive.” investigator. So one day the superintendent basically responsible for everything outside Nowadays Fred enjoys playing some left and the guy called him up and said the hotel. In 2004 he retired. Then at age great courses down in Georgia, and his “You still interested?” That day he became 65, he started the Reese Group, initially visits with family in Virginia. He still sits Pro/Superintendent at Botetourt Country consulting on property management. He on the USGA Green Section Committee

4 The Commonwealth Crier and contributes his years of experience. the new Goodyear GC in Danville, which When she was small, Amy was often seen The VGCSA is proud to recognize Fred was under construction—the first nine riding a bulldozer with her Dad. As she with its highest award. holes opened later that year. He has been grew into a teenager, she worked as a crew there ever since! In 1984, he was made GM member right alongside the “guys” in addition to his superintendent duties, performing all of the daily maintenance certainly a pioneer in that regard. tasks. Her favorite was irrigation repair, He loved Goodyear GC, which was which her father still cannot quite understand. corporate golf and golf only—and he was Her younger sister followed suit. quickly immersed in all facets of the golf In his 30+ years in the business, he has operation, including the pro shop and seen LOTS of kids and employees at the finance matters. Because of that, he often club grow up. He will see them in the employed multiple perspectives in decision- grocery store or just around town. They making, balancing course conditioning always remember him, but he admits he concerns with revenue decisions. cannot always remember them. Vaughn’s association involvement began Vaughn was asked about advice for the with the Piedmont Turfgrass Association young people entering the profession. “They (NC), and he served as President in 1986. need to get involved!” he counsels. Early He has been a member of the Virginia on, Virginia Tech professor Dave Chalmers Turfgrass Association (VTA) for over 30 got him involved writing articles on turf in years, with service on its Board, as well as south central Virginia. He did not want to the VGCSA since its inception in 1999. do it at first, but he now looks back and Vaughn has also served the Virginia sees how that led him to involvement Turfgrass Council on the Board and a locally, regionally then nationally. “I got a Mark Vaughn, 2011 Distinguished Service Award number of committees, including a stint as lot out of that. You always get more back Recipient Treasurer and chairman of the Research than what you put it in,” he added. He Golf Tournament. Currently he is the recommends networking to the new Vaughn Recognized for editor of the VTC Journal. In 2011, generation of golf course managers, but Distinguished Service Vaughn was a panelist at the VGCSA not just by Facebook or Twitter. “There is Mark Vaughn of Danville, VA and Assistants Forum and a member of the no replacement for spending a few hours Goodyear Golf Club has been recognized by VGCSA Virlina Cup Team. with your peers at a local, state, or national the VGCSA with its Distinguished Vaughn’s involvement in the profession meeting; OR just playing 18 holes or sharing Service Award for 2011. The award is grew out of his love of the game as a player, some other hobby with your golf brethren.” “presented to a member who has given his and he always enjoyed being outdoors. In closing, Vaughn suggests, “you must find time unselfishly in promoting golf course Once in the business, he always reveled in a balance between work and the rest of your management and unification of the Virginia what was accomplished after a long, hard life. It goes by fast!” He does think the younger Golf Course Superintendents.” day of work. It was always a good fit for him. generation is a little better at this than his Vaughn grew up in Madison, NC and “The people in this business are second own. “In the old days, a lot of us probably enjoyed playing high school golf. He went to to none,” Vaughn proclaimed, when asked spent too many hours at the course, but NC State University with plans to become about what he likes most about the that’s just how our generation is wired.” a CPA, until one day he bumped into an profession. “I also enjoyed construction and Regarding this special award, he notes, old high school golf rival, who made a the opportunity to play some really great “There is no better recognition, than that comment that changed his life—his friend courses.” Vaughn also enjoyed working of your peers!” told him that he was a student in the major championships, including the 1999 Turfgrass department, something Vaughn and 2005 US Opens at Pinehurst #2, where was unaware of—and after his freshman he met VGCSA President Matt Boyce. He year, he changed his major. He was in the already has his sights set on working the same class as Steve Vessels, longtime 2014 US Open when it returns to Pinehurst. 2011 VGCSA Scholarship Winner superintendent at Boonsboro Country Club. Vaughn and his wife Rena have two Jeff Henderson of Hanover, VA has Following graduation, Vaughn got his daughters, Amy (30) who is married and is been named the VGCSA Scholarship start with Gary Stafford at The Cardinal a 6th grade math teacher and Autumn Winner for 2012. Henderson is one of Golf Club in Greensboro, NC. He then (22) who is enjoying life and deciding the top students in Virginia Tech’s Crop took a brief assistant’s job with Oak Hollow what her career path will be. When the & Soil Environmental Science Program, GC in High Point, before moving over to girls were younger, he had them out on the currently carrying a 3.4 GPA in the Meadow Greens CC in Eden, NC. Then golf course helping him care for the course. Turfgrass Management discipline, with They learned what hard work was all about. in 1980 he had the opportunity to go to continued on page 15

Winter 2012 5 VGCSA Assistants Forum a Success GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans was Keynote Speaker

The third annual VGCSA Assistants Eric Spurlock acted as moderator, posing coordinated the program and introduced Forum took place in November in a new questions about the profession to the speakers. region, and with 87 attendees at panel. Following the education, participants Dominion Valley Country Club, it was As usual, Charlie Fultz opened the enjoyed a golf outing and reception the most successful one to date! meeting, thanking Presenting Partners afterwards. Matt Dryden and Matt Previous events were at Farmington CC Grigg Brothers and all five VGCSA local Sobotka of Spring Creek GC won low and the Country Club of Virginia, and associations, GWGCSA, ODGCSA, gross, while Ray Nash (Dominion Valley each successive event has seen TTA, VTA and SVTA. VGCSA CC) and Bo Jumbercotta (Landscape continued growth. Assistants Committee Chair David Supply) won low net. This year’s rendition was highlighted Callahan (Hidden Valley CC) by the keynote speech delivered by GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. Evans was candid in his remarks, acknowledging the challenges of today’s economy, and reminding assistants that “the strong will survive.” He related recent trends with graphs and analysis. Following his presentation, the assistants roundtable took place, with panelists Keith Happ (USGA Green Section), Ray Nash (host superintendent, Dominion Valley CC), Mark Cote (Pete Dye River Course at Eric Spurlock, Jeff Berg, Ray Nash, and Rhett Evans Virginia Tech), Mark Vaughn (Goodyear at the thrid annual VGCSA Assistants Forum held at CC) and Evans. VGCSA Past President Champions Matt Dryden (left) and Matt Sobotka Dominion Valley Country Club Virginia Leaves the Virlina Cup in the Carolinas In the midst of heavy rains, soft conditions and winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour, the Virginia team was defeated by Carolinas in the Second Annual Virlina Cup matches; contested between golf course superintendents from both regions. Members of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association defeated their Virginia counterparts 9.5 to 6.5 in the two-day Ryder Cup-style event. The team from the Virginia GCSA won the inaugural event last year but struggled away from their home turf this year. Matches were contested in the South Carolina Lowcountry at Chechessee Photo ID Creek Club and Secession Golf Club where Carolinas GCSA director, Bill Products to promote ties between the two regions,” explained Eric Spurlock Kennedy, CGCS and president, John regions allowing superintendents to expand VGCSA Team Captain and Past Davis, were respective hosts. their networks and share knowledge. President. “We may have been defeated, The Carolinas GCSA took a narrow “The event has become a highlight for but the Cup will only remain in the early lead after the four-ball matches and many of our members, not only for the Carolinas for a short period,” he said never looked back through the foursomes golf but more importantly the camaraderie with grin. and singles. The matches are presented amongst all players. A great deal of time in partnership between the two is spent discussing current turf issues and For complete results, see page 15. associations and Syngenta Professional legislative issues that face both of our 6 The Commonwealth Crier McDonough Recgonized for Environmental Stewardship Peter McDonough of guide has just been published as is available legislative activities to protect Virginia’s golf The Keswick Club has at www.vgcsa.org/bmps. industry. Previously McDonough has been been recognized by the McDonough hails from New England, and recognized with the VGCSA Presidents VGCSA with its new he has displayed outstanding environmental Award for Lifetime Service in 2001 and the Environmental stewardship at The Keswick Club, where he VGCSA Distinguished Service Award in Stewardship Award for has been superintendent for many years. 2003 for his work on the drought crisis. 2011. The award is The golf course is among the very few in He was a founder of the VGCSA and served presented to a member Virginia that has received its Audubon as its first President in 1999-2000. “in recognition of Peter McDonough Environmental Certification, a highly sought distinguished and meritorious service in the after recognition program awarded to courses environmental stewardship of Virginia golf that have proven to provide a high degree of courses, and in grateful appreciation for environmental quality for both people and unselfishly promoting the profession of golf wildlife. Categories of compliance include course management, which led to the environmental planning, wildlife and habitat advancement of the association.” management, integrated pest management, VGCSA BMP Guide In 2011, McDonough skillfully guided the water conservation, water quality team responsible for the production of the management and outreach and education. Just Published Best Management Practices for Virginia Golf The course maintains 25 acres of buffer Environmental Best Management Courses project, emphasizing the zones in which no fertilizers or pesticides are Practices for Virginia’s Golf Courses commitment of Virginia’s golf course used around the perimeter of the golf course summarizes best management practices superintendents to efficiently manage natural or natural streams that run through it. With (BMPs) and provides details in resources and to be stewards of the Keswick’s keen interest in the environment, accompanying recommendations environment. The BMP project began as a it is not surprising the club is home to 80 specifically adapted for golf courses in dream several years ago, and through the different bird species, whitetail deer, fox, Virginia using the results of current leadership of McDonough, it became a migrating geese, rabbits and squirrels. The research, the experience of golf course reality with the engagement of the top Keswick golf course is also surrounded by 320 superintendents in implementing BMPs, superintendents in Virginia, Virginia Tech different varietals of trees and shrubbery. golf industry representatives, and State faculty turf experts and top industry McDonough also serves as Chair of the suppliers, as well as effective fundraising of VGCSA Government Relations Committee, regulators with an emphasis on the numerous sources (allied associations, and he collaborates with association protection of water quality. VGCSA vendors, private donors, etc.). The BMP colleagues on agency committees and in developed the document in cooperation with representatives of Virginia Tech, Virginia governmental agencies, allied associations of the Virginia Golf Council, and private sector partners. New Diamond Sponsor Golf course superintendents, current and prospective golf course owners, golfers and other stakeholders, and Growth Enhancer Turf Consultants and The Tom Rash Company are committed regulators will find the information to the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association and have become contained within this document to be Diamond Sponsors to show their support. useful in understanding the use of BMPs for the protection of environmental quality. The Tom Rash Read the BMP Executive Summary

www.geTurf.com Company which is included with this mailing, or download the BMP Full Report at www. Chris Appel, Owner (540) 588-1606 Tom Rash, Owner (804) 594-1135 vgcsa.org/bmps. Hard copies will be Paul Hartzell (703)402-9914 Sam Coggin (757) 784-4224 Lester Craig (540) 588-4198 available in February upon request from Jay Watson (276) 698-4718 VGCSA.

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moc.frutslever.www moc.cnihcnif.www 79474300-wb-SCGV10404x7TG-N53OOFFUC1SP 79474300-wb-SCGV10404x7TG-N53OOFFUC1SP 8 The Commonwealth Crier Member Profile: Jordan Booth Willow Oaks Country Club • Richmond, VA

Golf holes at your facility: 18 What has been, to date, the most rewarding part of

being a golf course superintendent? Years at your current golf club: 7 Participating in the transformation of the Years as a golf course superintendent: 3 golf course during and after the renovation in 2007. Favorite hobbies: Racquetball, golf, fishing What would be one thing, if you could, change Favorite professional golfer: I pull for all of about the golf course superintendent profession? the Clemson guys: Jonathan Byrd, I would change the stigma that Lucas Glover, DJ Trahan, Sam Saunders. superintendents are not environmental

stewards. Favorite sports team(s): Clemson Tigers, Atlanta Braves In the next five to ten years, what are the biggest challenges we face as golf course Biggest role model(s) as a professional: superintendents? Obviously water and John Pennypacker and Eric Frazier Jordan Booth at St. Andrews Links' Jubilee environmental regulations but also the Course How did you get your start in the golf closing of golf courses across the country. maintenance profession? Summer job Golf needs to be promoted at the junior level between high school and college, for all of us to succeed.

Thank You 2011–12 Partner Program Participants!

Diamond Graden USA Inc. ITT Flowtronex Golf Buy Sod Horizon Distributors John Deere Golf Aquatrols Finch Services PBI Gordon Corporation Lawn & Landscaping Training & Cleary Chemical Growth Enhancer Turf Consultants Plant Food Company, Inc. Consultants FMC Professional Solutions Harmon Turf Services, Inc. Scott Turf Equipment Lebanon Turf Hydro Solutions, Inc. Landscape Supply Southern States McDonald Design Group IGM Meadowspring Turf & Homefield Fertilizer The Care of Trees Mini Verde Modern Turf M&M Consulting Quali-Pro Trinity Turf, Inc. Newsom Seed Sunbelt Rentals Revels Tractor Turf & Garden Peebles Golf Cars Terra Vea Smith Turf & Irrigation Woodbay Turf Technologies R&R Products, Inc. Syngenta Woodward Turf Farms, Inc. Rick Bryner Golf Sales Research Tom Rash Company Solitude Lake Management Chantilly Turf Farms Bronze Synatek Gold Coggin Agronomic Solutions Turf Works, LLC Nonprofit Agrium Advanced Technologies Dow Agrosciences Valent Professional Products MAAGCS BASF Turf Dupont Professional Products Williamsburg Environmental USGA Green Section Grigg Brothers Fertilizer East Coast Sod & Seed Group Virginia Turfgrass Council Harrell's Fisher & Son WinField Solutions Precision Laboratories Golf Cart Services (EZ Go) Yamaha Golf Cars of VA Turf Equipment & Supply Helena Chemical Innovative Turf Services Silver Aspen Corporation VGCSA would also like to thank the sponsors of the 2012 GCSAA Social Event Aspire Golf Consulting with our partners MAAGCS and ESAGCS (set for 7pm, Wed., Feb. 29 at Treasure Island, Las Vegas): Bayer Environmental Science Presenting Sponsors - BASF, Finch Services (John Deere), Nutramax, Quali-Pro, Horizon Distributors, Syngenta Buffalo Turbine LLC Supporting Sponsors - Bayer, Landscape Supply, McDonald & Sons, McDonald Design Group, Cannon's Service Mid-Atlantic Dry-Ject, Turf Equipment and Supply Co. Davisson Golf Friends - Coggin Agronomic Solutions, Davisson Golf, Hydro Designs, Plant Food Company, Egypt Farms Precision Laboratories, Winfield Solutions Genesis Turfgrass, Inc.

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10 The Commonwealth Crier

The Buy Sod Corporation Horizon Acquires

Announces New Appointment G.L. Cornell The Buy Sod Corporation Horizon Distributors, Inc., a full-service distributor of announced that John Robertson has FOR IMMEDIATElandscape RELEASE and irrigation products and a wholly owned subsidiary accepted the position of Regional of Pool Corporation, has expanded into the Maryland and Sales Manager for our Golf and HorizonVirginia Distributors markets withExpands the inacquisitionto the Mid -ofAtlantic the G.L. Market Cornell Sports Turf market segments. Company. Based in Gaithersburg, MD, G.L. Cornell is a John is responsible for sales and CHANDLER, Ariz.distributor – December of 1 golf9, 201 course1 – Horizon equipment Distributors and, irrigationInc. (Horizon), products a full- serviceand marketing to the Golf and Sports distributor of landscapea provider and of irrigation equipment products services and witha wholly sales ownedthroughout subsidiary Maryland, of Pool Corporation, announced today it has expanded into the Maryland and Virginia markets with Turf markets in North Carolina, the acquisition of Virginiathe G.L. Cornell and Delaware. Company (G.L.“We Cornell).look forward Based to in supportingGaithersburg, and MD , G.L. South Carolina and Virginia. He Cornell is a distributorexpanding of golf the course current equipment product and offerings irrigation in products the former and a G.L. provider of will also manage the company’s John Robertson equipment servicesCornell with sales locations throughout to Marylandinclude ,the Virgin fullia breadthand Delaware of irrigation,. wholesale landscape business in landscape, specialty and professional lawn care equipment Virginia. “We look forwardproducts to supporting currently and expand availableing the atcurrent all Horizon product offeringsales centers,”s in the former said G.L. Cornell locations to include the full breadth of irrigation, landscape, specialty and professional John graduated from Campbell University in Buies Creek,lawn care equipmentJim productsRoss, president, currently availableHorizon. at “Theall Horizon G.L Cornellsales centers team,” said has Jima long Ross, NC with a degree in Business Administration and Northpre sident, Horizon.history of serving the golf course turf care professionals in the Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC with a degree in Mid-Atlantic market,” said Ross. “This transaction allows Turfgrass Management. Prior to this position, served as“This a transaction Horizonexpands Pool to provide Corporation’s these share professionals of the more with than additional $2 billion irrigation resources and landscape distribution marketplace by strengthening our presence in the Mid-Atlantic market,” Territory and/or Regional Sales Manager in Sod Distribution,said Manuel Perezthat de la will Mesa, help president them and build CEO on, Pool their Corporation successes,. and we’re looking Golf-Residential-Commercial Irrigation and as an Assistant forward to doing just that.” Golf Course Superintendent. John brings 20 years experienceThis marks the thirdHorizon acquisition is Horizona professional has made distributor in the past of year turf, following irrigation the products, company’s and a proven track record of success in the turfgrass industry,integration of the outdoorLas Vegas power-based equipment,Turf Equipment fertilizers Supply Candompany allied last products, December, and the which will be invaluable in meeting the needs of our customers.Boynton Beach-basedrepresenting Kilpatrick Company brands including, Inc. in May Rain. Bird, Hunter, Jacobsen,

John can be reached at 804-337-0703 or via email at“ The G.L Cornell teamToro, has Irritrol, a long historyExmark, of serving Echo, theMonsanto, golf course Vista, turf care Unique professionals and FX in the [email protected]. Mid-Atlantic marketProfessional,” said Ross Lighting.. “This For transaction more information allows Horizon about to Horizon, provide visitthese professionals withwww.horizononline.com additional resources that will help them build on their successes, and we’re looking forward to doing just that.”

About Horizon Distributors, Inc. Horizon is a professional distributor of turf irrigation products, outdoor power equipment, fertilizersWhen it’s and all allied about products playability serving the and professional expectation turf, landscape is at its and highest, golf markets, and currently operates 59 sales centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,demand Texas, Utah, andCertified Washington, representing t brandsurfgrass. including Rain Bird, Hunter, Jacobsen, Toro, Irritrol, Exmark, Echo, Monsanto, Vista, Unique and FX Professional Lighting. For more information about Horizon, please visit www.horizononline.com The Buy Sod Corporation is a full line producer of both cool and warm

season turfgrasses. Headquartered in Pinehurst, North Carolina, we have multiple production sites strategically located throughout Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. We have approximately 3,700 acres in production and all of our turfgrasses are certified by the appropriate state certification agency to warrant the genetic purity of our product. We also offer sod installation and stripping services as well as customized contract grow services. We specialize in golf course quality inventory levels.

At Buy Sod, we believe quality products blended with excellent service are the foundation for a successful business.

For assistance, contact: John W. Robertson • 804-337-0703 • [email protected]

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Your online resource for golf and the environment: www.eifg.org

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EDGE offers: Featured topics include: • Practical solutions to environmental issues • Integrated plant management • Wildlife habitat management • Resources for presentations, reports, research or interviews • Water management • Siting, design and construction • Information developed by professionals and experts • Energy and waste management within the golf and environmental industries

Visit www.eifg.org to learn more about EDGE.

Supported in part by a grant from The Toro Foundation. The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of GCSAA

12 The Commonwealth Crier News from Local Associations

News from the GWGCSA By me sitting down and composing this Cohoon, CGCS, Daniel Mahoney and Shawn Gill, Scott Jaquays, Aron Redd newsletter, I realize that the season has the entire staff at Heritage Hunt for a and Jason Wirtz won the scramble event. finally come to a close. The rains that fine event. The evening concluded with our Board started in April continued throughout the November was a busy month in the elections. Election results for the year, totaling 53.2" for the year. No talk Greater Washington. Starting off, we had 2012/2013 Greater Washington Board of drought restrictions this year. A mild the snow delayed Joe Saylor hosted by are as follows: weather pattern at the end of the season led Matt Zarnstorff at Creighton Farms Golf Ray Nash, President to increased revenue, resulting in less grief Club. The overall championship was Bo Jumbercotta, Vice President from the sweater folders and bean counters. won by Brian Vincel, CGCS, and Kevin Tony Blevins, Secretary/Treasurer Some news and notes from the Greater Haney from Spring Creek Golf Club. Jeff Van Fleet, External Vice President Washington – condolences go out to The following week, Ray Nash from Of note, the 2012 event schedule is John Burke, golf course superintendent Dominion Valley Country Club hosted starting to fill up. We currently have at Westfields Golf Club, on the passing of the VGCSA Assistants Forum. This confirmations at several venues. If you his mother. Additionally, congratulations well-attended event featured an would like to host a meeting, please go out to Dr. Peter Dernoeden, turfgrass informative “roundtable discussion”, contact any of the GWGCSA board science professor at the University of highlighted by panelists Rhett Evans members for more information. The full Maryland, for being selected to receive (GCSAA CEO), Mark Cote (Pete Dye schedule will come out in March. the 2012 GCSAA Col. John Morley River Course), Mark Vaughn (CGCS, As a reminder, VGCSA membership Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Dernoeden Goodyear CC), Keith Happ (USGA) dues are due at the end of January this will be acknowledged at the GCSAA and Ray Nash (Dominion Valley CC). year. If you have not done so already, Education Conference in Las Vegas. We finished off the season the next please submit your payment as soon as We did manage to play some golf late week with our Annual Meeting at possible. Thanks, and in the season. The annual Superintendent- Evergreen Country Club. As usual, Dave enjoy the break Assistant championship was held in Anderson, CGCS, Mike Brennan and while you can. October at Heritage Hunt Golf & Country the entire staff must be thanked for Club. Congratulations to the team of another great event. I would also like to Eric Nelson and Matt Urban from 1757 recognize Bryan Dolleslager and Chris Hall Jeff Van Fleet Club who won the trophy with a better for their continued support of our chapter GWGCSA ball score of 63. Kudos goes out to Steve and this yearly event. The team of External Vice President

Email Addresses Needed – Time to Update Your Member Contact Information The VGCSA is committed to communicating with members about local and state events, regional news, employment opportunities and much more. The online member directory is a great networking tool. But none of these efforts are successful if your contact information is out of date. So if you are not getting our communications (emails, newsletter, mailings), please send us an email with your correct info ([email protected]). Email address updates are particularly important to keep you informed throughout the year! News from the ODGCSA The Old Dominion GCSA held our McDonough. meeting at Fredricksburg CC on January annual meeting and par 3 shoot-out in Following the meeting we held the par 17th. A great turnout and the new November at Independence Golf Club. 3 shoot-out on the Short Course. The format ensured that this would be a The results from the Board of Directors winners of the superintendent’s special evening—and it was! Our elections for 2012 were: President-Eric competition were: Dick Fisher, Scott meeting schedule for 2012 is currently Frazier (Willow Oaks CC), Vice- Kinnan, John Destino, Nathan Warren, being established. President-Scott Mauldin, CGCS (The Charlie Clark, and Jared Struck. The Foundry GC), Secretary/Treasurer- winners of the vendor’s competition Andrew McCormick (Hanover CC) and were: John Pennypacker, Tommy Director Kevin Fortune (Glenmore CC). Adams, and Andy Lutz. Thanks to all our Scott Mauldin gave us an update from suppliers for lunch, cocktails, and many Dan Taylor, CGCS the GCSAA chapter delegates meeting great prizes. External President followed by a BMP update from Peter We just attended the VGCSA annual ODGCSA

Winter 2012 13 News from Local Associations

VTA News TTA News Finally we are catching a break from We are in the planning stages for The last part of 2011 in Southeast Mother Nature. Rounds have been up meetings for the up coming year so if there Virginia turned out to be a great month the past few months and the temperature is any subject that anyone would like to for golf. Warmer weather kept the courses has been conducive to lots of healing hear about now is they time to let that be crowded all the way into the beginning of both of turf and frazzled nerves. We have known. The same goes for meeting January. Winter projects here at Elizabeth had a busy year on and off the golf locations as we will be trying to firm those Manor have been delayed while we courses and this break in the action has up by March. I would like to thank all continued to set the course up daily to been most welcome. those who hosted meetings this year as well accommodate the unusually heavy load of By the time this is published the new as the members of the VTA board who golfers for December. format of the Annual Meeting in have worked to make them successful. I Green grass on shady or wet fairways on Fredericksburg will be in the past and by hope in advance that all were able to attend January 1st is the norm from here all the all indications it will be an excellent start the annual as it will be a way to the beach. Winter grassy weeds for a new tradition. The VTA is obviously welcome break from the seem to be dominating areas that were not proud of the two award winners as their normal grind. treated with pre-emerge this fall. Even honors were much deserved. Fred Reese areas that were treated have heavier break of the Homestead (retired) and Mark through than in years past. Quite a few Vaughn of The Goodyear Golf Club both Mark Cote courses in the area also experienced late deserved the recognition they received. VTA President season outbreaks of brown patch on greens. It was not uncommon to have the sprayers loaded with fungicide during the end of SVTA Update November or even the first weeks of Everyone is looking forward to a prosperous Both of these conditions can go December. New Year in the Shenandoah Valley. 2011 misdiagnosed because testing methods are On the Tidewater Turfgrass side we are had its ups and downs, but for the most part not always accurate. I ended up in the ER looking forward to a busy year in 2012 and it turned out to be a successful year to grow several times with neurological conditions. are trying to find new events to increase turfgrass. This winter has been very interesting After two spinal taps, extensive blood work, membership at the meetings. This winter to say the least, with 4" of snow in late IV antibiotics for 28 days and over a month of we are looking to have a day at a skeet- October and several days in the 50s in oral antibiotics, I’m still looking for answers to shooting club, as well as making it to a December. Hopefully the weather will stay many of my chronic Lyme Disease symptoms. Norfolk Admirals Hockey game. In March mild to maintain play and we look forward It is still hard to believe that one tiny we are going to kick of the season by to a great spring growing season. insect can change your life in so many ways. bringing in Lane Treadway from NC State The SVTA board has been busy setting up Remember, half of all Lyme-related tick bites as our first speaker. The meeting will be speakers and sites for 2012. We look forward don’t cause the stereotypical Bull’s Eye held on Thursday, March 29 at Kingsmill to another great year and an opportunity to marking on your skin and you can get Resort. Mark your calendar! establish new relationships and hold exciting multiple disease infections from one tick The monthly TTA 9-holers will continue meetings. We have two new board members bite. It’s very difficult to find ticks, especially this year with an earlier start time in an this year; Vice President is Paul Hartzell and the pinhead sized deer ticks. Beware that effort to finish up before rush hour traffic Secretary is Peter Schmidt. The SVTA ticks don’t disappear in the winter. Please becomes a problem. The Dick Cake Memorial would like to thank Kurt Hellenga and Kip educate your staff and yourself this spring will be held in June and the annual OBX Fitzgerald for all their time and service to about the signs and symptoms of Lyme trip in September are both on the schedule. the organization. Disease and be very persistent with your I hope everyone has a great year in 2012. Finally, I would like to warn everyone doctor to check you for Lyme if you are There seems to be a small resurgence in about a disease that is spreading across the experiencing any symptoms. the business of golf, and I hope to see that state of Virginia rapidly and left untreated I wish everyone a great 2012! trend continue in the New Year. can cause severe life threatening issues. I’m talking about Lyme Disease. After struggling since the early spring and through summer with fatigue, aches and memory loss, I was finally diagnosed with Lyme Disease in late David Lewallen Rob Wilmans August and most recently with Rocky SVTA Elizabeth Manor Golf and Mountain Spotted Fever in November. External Vice President Country Club 14 The Commonwealth Crier President’s Message (cont.) As I close on my first submission to the We appreciate their cooperation. I Commonwealth Crier I hope you see our appreciate your attention and look forward goals as attainable, real and an avenue to to seeing you soon. propel this Association to another level. Your Board is excited for the New Year and Respectfully Submitted, look forward to the challenges we will face. I commend our Board for their time and efforts; I look forward to pushing our Association to another level with you. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our Partners for their continued backing of our goals. They continue to be strong in an Matt Boyce economy that is slowly making a comeback. VGCSA President

Award Winnners (cont.) graduation expected in May of this year. the CCV starting May, 2012. He also Henderson’s affection for the turf had the opportunity to work on Pete industry started early, when he worked in Wendt’s team as a volunteer for the US Who Is his father’s business, Capital Turf & Senior Amateur at Kinloch this past fall. Irrigation during high school. His Dad This Member? was also a Hokie, and he told Jeff he New to the Commonwealth Crier would have to pay for his own college, so this year is a “Who Is This Member?” at an early age he learned to save. The contest. In the next newsletter grand plan was for him to take over his (Spring) we will reveal the identity of father’s business after graduation from the member pictured above and Tech, but economic pressures forced the feature a current picture and profile. business to close in 2008. So Jeff had to The first person who emails the re-think his plans, and he sought to test correct answer to jholliday83@msn. out all arenas of turf management, com will receive a $25 gift card to interning at a landscape company, the Dick’s Sporting Goods. Virginia Tech athletic fields and a golf course. He found golf to be his favorite. Clues: His golf internship was at The Country • Also a member of the ODGCSA Club of Virginia, under the tutelage of • His favorite college sports team is Troy Fink, superintendent of the famed Clemson James River Course. Toward the end of • Originally from NC this past summer, a position opened up as assistant-in-training, and Henderson accepted the offer to come on board with Jeff Henderson, 2011 Scholarship Recipient Match Results for the 2nd Annual Virlina Cup Presented by Syngenta Day One, Monday, October 10, 2011 Foursomes Matches Day Two, Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Chechessee Creek Club Dick Fisher / Mark Vaughn (VGCSA) df Mark Miller / at Secession Golf Club, Singles Matt Davis (CGCSA) 6&5 Four-Ball Matches Matt Sobotka (VGCSA) df Will Pennell (CGCSA) 3&2 Chester Guzek / Andrew McCormick (VGCSA) df O’Neil Crouch / Billy Lewis (CGCSA) tied Andrew Jeff Snyder (VGCSA) df Mark Miller (CGCSA) 3&2 Billy Lewis / Jim Knaffle (CGCSA) 1 up McCormick / Chester Guzek (VGCSA) Matt Davis (CGCSA) df Mark Vaughn (VGCSA) 4&3 Troy Thrall / Steve Agazzi (CGCSA) df Jeff Snyder / Jim Knaffle (CGCSA) df Dick Fisher (VGCSA) 6&5 Steve Agazzi/ Matt Davis (CGCSA) df Jeff Snyder / Jeff Whitmire (VGCSA) 3&1 Jeff Whitmire (VGCSA) 4&3 O’Neil Crouch (CGCSA) df Andrew McCormick Will Pennell / O’Neil Crouch (CGCSA) df Matt Boyce (VGCSA) 4&3 Matt Boyce / Matt Sobotka (VGCSA) df Mark Miller / / Matt Sobotka (VGCSA) 2&1 Troy Thrall (CGCSA) df Matt Boyce (VGCSA) 7&6 Will Pennell (CGCSA) 1 up Foursome Matches Tied 2-2 Billy Lewis (CGCSA) df Chester Guzek (VGCSA) 2&1 Troy Thrall/ Jim Knaffle (CGCSA) df Mark Vaughn / CGCSA Leads 4.5 to 3.5 Jeff Whitmire (VGCSA) df Steve Agazzi (CGCSA) 3&2 Dick Fisher (VGCSA) 4&3 Carolinas GCSA wins Singles Matches 5 CGCSA leads 2.5 to 1.5 after Four-Ball Matches. to 3 and wins Virlina Cup 6.5 to 3.5 Winter 2012 15 Protect from root to leaf tip with one defensive play.

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©2011 Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC., 410 Swing Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using this product . The label contains important conditions of sale, including limitations of remedy and warranty. Heritage® and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.