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July/August 2015 VOLUME 46 NUMBER 4

Published by the Metropolitan Course Superintendents Association Tee to Green August 2015 vr 2_tee to green Dec 2010 9/14/15 8:11 AM Page ii

Board of Directors

President GLEN DUBE, CGCS Centennial Golf Club Vice President DAV I D DU DON E S Westchester Country Club Treasurer KENNETH BENOIT JR., CGCS Cover: Quaker GlenArbor Golf Club Ridge Golf Club. Secretary Photography by ROBERT B. ALONZI JR. Evan Schiller. Fenway Golf Club Past President BLAKE HALDERMAN, CGCS Brae Burn Country Club Directors MICHAEL BRUNELLE, CGCS Upper Montclair Country Club BRETT CHAPIN Redding Country Club BRIAN CHAPI N Paramount Country Club DOUG DRUGO Wee Burn Country Club STEVEN McGLONE Siwanoy Country Club VINCENT PAVONETTI, CGCS Fairview Country Club Class “C” Rep DAVID PARSON The Apawamis Club n this Issue Class “AF” Rep ROBERT STEINMAN, CGCS I Pocono Tur f Feature Executive Secretary SUSAN O’DOWD Insider’s Guide to Scoring That ‘Super’ Job ...... 2 Tee to Green Staff Editor JIM PAVONETTI 203-531-8910 Departments Managing Editor PAN DORA C. WOJICK Editorial Committee Member News ...... 8 TODD APGAR STEVEN MCGLONE MATT CEPLO BOB NIELSEN Scorecard ...... 11 KEVIN COLLINS SCOTT NIVEN ANDY DROHEN TOM REYES CHIP LAFFERTY GREG WOJICK Spotlights ...... 12 Designer TERRI E YOU NG Upcoming Events ...... 16 Advertising Manager MIKE BRUNELLE, 973-777-6710

TEE TO GREEN is published bimonthly by the Metropolitan Superintendents Association 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, NY 10523-2819 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437, METGCSA.ORG Copyright © 2015 Tee to Green August 2015 vr 2_tee to green Dec 2010 9/14/15 8:11 AM Page 1

President’s Message

s I sit down to write another President’s Message on this muggy, late-August morning, I’m ref lecting on how the season has transpired up until A Anow. All in all, at least up here at Centen- nial, the season has been a good one. Wacky spring weather transitioned into a moderate summer. The only issue we’re facing now is the lack of regular rainfall. Unless you have access to municipal water, ponds are at criti- cally low levels. Couple that with the fact Mighty that we are right in the middle of aerifica- tion season and turf management can get pretty dicey. Hopefully everybody gets through this dry stretch unscathed, and all of your fall Fine projects can start without issue. A Little R&R Goes a Long Way One thing that I’m particularly grateful for Glen Dube, CGCS is that my facility has no problem with my MetGCSA President getting away for a few days this time of year, when I need it most. Every year, toward the Season end of August, my family rents a beach filled afternoon featured a bouncy castle, house in Massachusetts for one week, and I snow cones, and the ever-popular piñata. It join them for part of it. It’s something I look was nice to see a number of new faces there forward to every summer. with their families having a great time. Even though the trip is short, getting Special thanks to Bayer’s Dave Sylvester for away pays dividends. After a few days of rest making his famous BBQ delicacies and as- and relaxation, and enjoying some sun and suming the role of grill master for the day! fun at the beach with family, I’m refreshed (See photos, page 9.) and can return to work with renewed ener- I’d also like to extend a special thank gy and enthusiasm. you to Brett Chapin, our Social Committee I highly recommend a planned getaway chair, for organizing these two very special for you and your family. When you have a events. moment to recharge, your club reaps the Last but not least was the Scholarship & benefits as well! Parent/Child Tournament held August 4 at Mosholu Golf Course. Many thanks to our host, Dave Moffett, for providing both a Afterhours Fun great venue and a great playing field. By all July and August have been busy for the accounts, our parent-child teams had a won- MetGCSA. Our Summer Social, held July derful time on the links. 13, drew a sizable crowd to the Orienta This tournament is also the time we pres- Beach Club in Mamaroneck, NY. Members ent scholarship awards to well-deserving were treated to a picture-perfect evening children of MetGCSA members. I want to and an impressive seafood feast served by congratulate our eight scholarship winners the shores of the Long Island Sound. (See on a job well done and wish them the best of photos, page 8.) luck in the coming school year. Many thanks On the heels of that event was our Family to Scholarship Chair David Dudones and his Picnic at Bedford Memorial Park. This fun- continued on page 16

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FFeatureeature

Insider’s Guide to Scoring That ‘Super’ Job SuperintendentsSuperintendents andand HeadhuntersHeadhunters ShareShare TheirTheir TradeTrade SecretsSecrets WithWith AssistantsAssistants LookingLooking toto ClimbClimb thethe LadderLadder

by Jim Pavonetti, CGCS

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“I would start researching the facility the minute I mailed my resume. When I was granted an interview, this gave me the head start I needed to gather all the necessary facts and figures.” – Ryan Segrue

f there is one topic that rarely gets old among assistant superintendents, it’s how to up their chances of landing that Isuper job. That’s why, after a six-year hiatus, we decided to revisit the topic, this time seeking the counsel of area assistants who recently landed premium superintendent positions, as well as several headhunters, who are on the inside track of what it takes to impress a prospective employer. If you’re hoping to read about how to build a resume, website, or cover letter, you won’t find it here. Instead, we’ll take you to the next level, sharing the often-unspoken rules of a successful job search and inter- view process. The goal: to help you boost your chances of winning that job you’re #2: Be proactive when searching for a Playbooks for Golf ’s Greg Wojick advises hoping for. job. “I can’t emphasize enough that it’s not making the most of every interview experi- your boss’s duty to get you your next job,” ence by ref lecting on what you did well and Beginning the Job Search says Wykagyl’s Dan Rogers. “We, as superin- what you could improve on. “It’s wise to #1: Walk the walk and talk the talk. If tendents, can make contacts, provide know- keep a notebook of the questions you were you want a superintendent’s position, look— ledge and insight, but it’s up to the assistant asked and the answers you gave,” says Greg. and act—the part. Dress appropriately, shave to be the driving force behind his or her “Over time, this notebook of questions will regularly, and just as important, maintain a own career. They need to want that job bad be a valuable resource in helping you pre- professional attitude both on and off the enough to get it. And that attitude will ul- pare for future interviews.” cour se. timately come through in the interview Executive Golf Search’s Bruce Williams You can begin by cleaning up your social process.” advises looking at the GCSAA website to media. Be sure it does nothing but ref lect view the most often asked interview ques- well on you. “If you are Googling the golf #3: Accept every opportunity to inter- tions, many of which Williams, himself, facility or club, you know they’re Googling v iew. Practice makes perfect—or at the developed years ago when he was on the you,” cautions Shorehaven Superintendent very least offers the experience you need to GCSAA board. Ryan Segrue. feel more at ease when that big job inter- “Assistants should put as much work into view comes along. Prepping for the Interview themselves as they do their daily mainte- “Assistants need to be put in that uncom- fortable position of being judged and ques- You just got the call from the club’s search nance duties,” says Wykagyl Superintendent chairman or general manager inviting you Dan Rogers. “Behave like a professional, and tioned about things they know, and don’t know,” says Wykagyl’s Dan Rogers. “They for an interview. Now’s your chance to dif- dress for the position you want, not the one ferentiate yourself from the other applicants you have. After all, you never know when or will undoubtedly have some failures, but that’s the kind of experience they need to by learning more about the golf facility and where you’ll run into a member—or a pro- job you’re applying for than any other candi- spective boss.” succeed when there’s a job interview that really counts.” date—and then preparing to demonstrate “To talk the talk,” says Greg Wojick, why you’re the best fit for the position. whose company Playbooks for Golf offers Shorehaven’s Ryan Segrue encourages job job consulting services for professionals in hunters to include in their interview reper- toires any job openings with management/ #1: Research club and course particu- the turfgrass management industry, “it’s es- l ars. Job number one is to investigate the sential that you not only know turf, but maintenance companies. “I know there’s a stigma out there about these companies,” facility’s history and philosophy and any the game of golf as well: the rules, the top particulars about the maintenance operation professionals, the best courses and their says Ryan, “but I worked for ValleyCrest for three years and I learned more in that time and golf course. Find out if there are any architects. This will set you apart from renovation projects planned, underway, or the average candidate and show a hiring than I ever could have imagined about the business side of the superintendent’s job. Do recently completed and what they might be committee that you’re well rounded and looking for in a new superintendent. knowledgeable.” good work, and better opportunities will come along,” he adds.

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Come to the Course Equipped Most everyone we spoke to noted the tools needed on a site visit: • a notebook or portfolio for taking notes • a camera or Smartphone for taking pictures and Shorehaven ‘s Ryan Segrue believes in get- not what you know, that will give you that documenting what you see ting a jump on the research process. “I would edge in a job search. always start researching the facility the New Canaan’s Mike Roe found it help- • a soil probe to determine minute I mailed my resume,” he says. “When ful to reach out to the members of his how well the course has been I was granted an interview, this gave me the club who had contacts at New Canaan. aerated and topdressed and head start I needed to gather all the neces- “This was a huge factor in my getting the sary facts and figures.” job at CCNC,” says Mike. “Many of the whether there are issues with Ryan recommends perusing the club’s New Canaan members were familiar with such things as drainage or website for information or photos that could Wee Burn and came to play before my thatch improve your understanding of the club and interview.” property. He also suggests viewing the In the end, your success comes down to course on Goggle Earth. “I always tried to taking some initiative. If you know, for gain an intimate understanding of the prop- instance, that a headhunter is doing the erty before I made a site visit,” says Ryan. search, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Yet another information-gathering tack that person, if not directly, through a con- Ryan suggests: Understand the course from tact you have. Everything you can do to the golfers’ perspective by checking out stand out will help increase your chances of course reviews. “You’ll find golfers’ com- being selected from that pool of capable ments for public courses, for instance, on candidates. sites like GolfNow,” says Ryan. Country Club of New Canaan’s Mike Roe #3: Get it from the source. Try to con- begins his investigation during the very first tact the club’s former superintendent and phone call: “I request a copy of the operating even his or her predecessor. Inquire about and capital budgets, equipment inventory, the course, the golfers, the club’s staff and USGA reports, and the square footage of the resources. greens, tees, fairways, and rough,” he says, Executive Golf Search’s Bruce Williams suggesting that you also inquire about recommends taking your inquiry behind- staffing levels and the average hourly wage the-scenes to understand previous superin- of the staff. tendents’ successes, failures, and length of And while you’re at it, Bruce Williams of time on the job. Executive Golf Search suggests that you also Shorehaven’s Ryan Segrue always fo- request a copy of any maintenance standards cused on the current super and why he was or standard operating procedures that the being replaced. Did he retire, move to club has established. But probably more es- another position, or lose his job? “The cir- sential, says Williams, is that you investigate cumstances behind a superintendent leav- the club’s financial standing to be sure it’s on ing can make a big difference in the way firm footing. The last thing you want to do you approach the job, both in your cover is sign on with a sinking ship—or one that letter and interview,” says Ryan. may not have the resources necessary to do Another source of valuable information is the kind of job that will ref lect well on you. the club’s equipment manager. He can give you the lowdown on the grounds crew and #2: Put your network to work. The best the maintenance facility. You can ask about way to get the rub on the job you’re applying the shop and the equipment f leet: what for is to speak with your contacts: your boss, should be replaced or upgraded and what is industry mentors, and any contractors or missing that you should think about pur- sales reps who might have had dealings with chasing. the club. In addition to offering insight into Yet another good resource: salespeople the position and why it’s open, you might be who call on the facility. They can tell you put in touch that all-important someone things that staff may not feel comfortable who would be happy to put in a good word divulging. Ask about the morale of the staff, for you. As we know, it’s often who you know, if the club pays its bills, and even what kind

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of products the superintendent likes to buy. pearing overly critical. “Be a positive prob- The objective of this type of in-depth inves- lem solver who can provide ideas and solu- Come to the tigation: to make your interviewers feel you tions,” says Dan. “The last thing you want Course Knowing are so familiar with their operation, and to do is put your foot in your mouth by what it needs, that it would be the easiest looking for little issues that you know need What to Look For transition for everyone if they were to to be fixed but the members never noticed. Make the most of your site visit by choose you, rather than another candidate, They may perceive you as overly critical taking a comprehensive look at the for the job. and feel you’re putting down their prop- property—the good, the bad, and the er t y,” he add s. ugly of the golf course and clubhouse #4: Conduct a site visit. Even if you’ve “Try to focus on the major issues that grounds—making a photographic played the course, you can’t set foot in the members are aware of, rather than focusing boardroom without having conducted a site on the more minor f laws,” continues Ryan. record of what you see. Here are a few visit—or two or three. The site visit is your “And if the course is in great shape and the specifics on what our respondents time to scrutinize course conditions and previous superintendent was well liked, I were always on the lookout for: look for ways you might enhance play or would take nice photos of the signature hole • The composition of turfgrass species course conditions. and vistas around the property and use them on the greens, tees, and fairways, as Walking the course with a committee as background photos in my PowerPoint well as their conditioning member or the green chair is a great chance or report.” for the committee member to get to • Course aeration and topdressing know—and hopefully like—you. It’s your #5: Come to the course with a plan. • Topdressing layering, root depth, chance to demonstrate your knowledge and Make the most of your site visit by not only and moisture content on the greens, the member’s chance to disclose any pet putting together the materials you need, but tees, and fairways peeves that you can use to your benefit dur- also a thoughtful plan of action. ing the interview. Be sure, first and foremost, to wear nice • The appearance of the clubhouse Listen closely to what the committee golf attire with golf shoes or good walking grounds and surrounding f lowerbeds member points out about the course. Don’t shoes. Prepare for whatever the weather • Drainage or thatch issues worry if you don’t have all the answers at might bring. It rained about two inches that point. Just be sure to jot them down and while I performed my first site visit at Fair- • The maintenance of trees, water then address them during the interview or view. The benefit there was that I was the features, bunkers, and other hazards in your presentation. only one on the course, and I got to see how • The condition of the cart paths Most everyone we talked to agreed that water moved across the property. it’s always wise to talk to employees, the golf When I made a site visit, my to-do list • Irrigation system coverage and pro and other facility managers, and mem- was lengthy. I would look at the trees, not- efficiency and pump house operation bers to get a feel for what they like about the ing whether there were too many positioned • The condition of the maintenance course and what they would change if they too close to fine turf. I evaluated whether or facility, inside and out could. “During each of your contacts, leav- not the trees, water features, bunkers, and ing a personable impression should be high other hazards were being well maintained. • Equipment inventory and condition on your list of objectives,” says Playbooks for Is the irrigation system adequate? How are • Maintenance operation staffing Golf ’s Greg Wojick. the cart paths? Has the course been well aer- levels “Plan to spend at least three hours out ated and topdressed? Are there drainage or there,” says Shorehaven’s Ryan Segrue. And thatch issues? What is the condition of the Last but not least, secure a copy of the both Ryan and New Canaan’s Mike Roe maintenance facility, clubhouse grounds, maintenance operation budget, the emphasize walking the course, even if you’re and practice facility? maintenance standards, and the club’s offered a cart, to get a better sense of the lay- “The devil is in the details,” says Shore- standard operating procedures so you out and conditions. haven’s Ryan Segrue. In addition to looking will get a good look at the club from “You are looking for minor details and for general agronomic and drainage issues, the inside out! areas you can improve on with your skill he recommends that you take time to view set,” says Old Oaks Superintendent Shan- the course from the members’ perspective. non Slevin. While there is always something “Check for details like edged curbing, the that could be improved, both Wykagyl’s condition of tee markers and ball washers, Dan Rogers and Ryan caution against ap- weeds in f lowerbeds,” he says. “You will be

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went through what I thought could be done to improve every playing surface and then explained, realistically, how that would affect the current budget,” says Mike.

#3: Go for the extra credit. Executive Golf Search’s Bruce Williams recommends going for the extra credit points when preparing your report by including copies of any documents that you, yourself, have written. “Items such as Maintenance Stand- ards, Standard Operating Procedures, Bud- gets, Equipment Replacement Plans, Daily Checklists, etc., will give the club a glimpse into what you can do for them to take them to the next level,” says Williams. And don’t forget to include any articles you have authored or even an example of your club communications. Communica- tion is one of the keys to long-term success on the job. The Interview With all that’s been written about inter- surprised at how much members notice facility, paths, equipment, irrigation. Leave viewing, you probably know about the these types of details compared to what we, no stone unturned. power of first impressions. Many surveys as turf professionals, see. Old Oaks’ Shannon Slevin recommends have been conducted in the business world Ryan also recommends gaining an taking pictures of areas that you can relate to that say it takes most interviewers just 6 to understanding of the protocol and circum- one of your past projects or experiences and 10 minutes to draw a conclusion about a stances of your site visit so there are no sur- then incorporate those photos into a Power- candidate. That means that you have to be prises. “I’ve been on site visits,” he says, Point presentation. “The PowerPoint is the on your game well before you set foot in “where I was expecting to be on my own, biggest opportunity to showcase your skills,” that meeting room. Here’s what our sources but the committee ended up joining me.” says Shannon. “Ninety percent of the candi- recommend you keep in mind: Forewarned is forearmed! dates will have similar looking resumes.” Some of the details New Canaan’s Mike New Canaan’s Mike Roe prefers to pres- #1: Pay attention to the details. Extend Roe feels are important to note are the top- ent his information in report form. “I used a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and dressing depth, if it exists; topdressing layer- a PowerPoint twice,” says Mike, “and both present a professional image. This includes ing, root depth, and moisture content on the times I felt like I lost my audience.” Mike ensuring your shoes are shined, clothing is greens, tees, and fairways. On the tees,” he shows up to his interviews with a spiral- pressed, hair is cut, and your nails are clean says, “I also check to see how quickly the bound booklet that he has prepared at and trimmed. divots are recovering or if the tees are ro- Kinkos, adding the club’s logo for a finishing I, personally, recommend having two dif- tated properly.” touch. ferent well-tailored suits ready to go for Last but not least, Mike recommends “I like to have the report tell the story of your first and second interviews. When checking for the composition of turfgrass the course and then back up what I say with called for an interview, you won’t have time species, as well as the irrigation layout and photos,” says Mike. “The report I did for to run to Jos. A. Banks to be fitted for a suit the number of quick couplers around the CCNC was 37 pages long. It detailed how I and then wait a week for it to be tailored. greens, tees, and fairways. was going to take what they have now and build off that to raise the conditioning and #2: Know the key players. “If possible,” Crafting a Plan of Action level of golf.” says Playbooks for Golf ’s Greg Wojick, “you Placing pictures from courses where he’s should learn the names and titles of the After your research is complete, your next worked, side-by-side, with pictures from people you might be interviewing with. step is to quickly craft a plan of attack. the course at New Canaan, he demonstrated You’ll appear more confident and interested TMG Golf ’s Jim McLoughlin recommends how specific areas might be improved. if they know you took the time to learn that your plan of action include what you their names.” would like to accomplish in your first year, #2: Show them the money. Keep in Old Oaks’ Shannon Slevin and Wykagyl’s your first two to three years, and then high- mind that it’s wise to demonstrate not just Dan Rogers place this practice high on their light a longer range vision for the operation. how you plan to spend the club’s money, pre-interview to-do list. Says Shannon, “It’s but also what you can accomplish for no important to make a connection not only #1: Show them what you can do. Do additional cost or, better, less money. with the names of the club officials and your best to describe how you plan to man- But Mike cautions against telling a club staff involved in the interview process, but age each portion of the facility, including you can do the changes you’re proposing for also their professions. That will help you greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, water fea- the current budget, just to sell yourself. “I talk turf in terms they can relate to and tures, landscaping, trees, rough, practice understand.”

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Dan adds, “If you’ve made it to the inter- Dan Rogers, “most important is being confi- “Search committees can sense nerves,” view, these people know a lot about you. dent that you’re the person for the job, yet adds Shorehaven’s Ryan Segrue, “so find a Knowing their backgrounds and under- humble enough to know you don’t have it way to calm down before you enter the standing where they might be coming yet. Confidence comes from preparation, room.” Deep breathing helps. from will help you better navigate their and humility comes from failure. It’s going questions.” to take both to make it happen,” he adds. #9: Follow up. If you really want the job, Dan also recommends writing down the following up is critical. Rule of thumb: names of the interviewers in the order in #7: Tell memorable stories. Give specific Touch base within 24 hours. which they’re sitting in the boardroom. examples of how and why you’ve been suc- Handwritten thank you notes can go a “That way,” he says, “you can use their cessful. “You’ll make a positive impression long way in this electronic age. Address a names when talking to them, which helps on the hiring committee by sharing inter- note to the general manager and to the head establish a personal connection.” esting anecdotes about how you helped to of the hiring committee, reconfirming your solve a tough turf or staffing problem or interest. Mention the high points of the in- #3: Ace the likely questions. Make sure contributed to saving the club money,” says terview, and restate why you’re right for the you know how you will respond to pre- Playbooks for Golf ’s Greg Wojick. “Be clear job and how you can meet the club’s needs. dictable questions, such as, “Can you tell me about your specific role at each course, and This is also a great time to correct an an- a little about yourself?” Review interview make sure to discuss topics that you know swer that you may have stumbled on during questions you’ve been asked in the past and are top-of-mind for the club, whether it’s the interview. prepare answers. At the same time, think widespread tree removal or a large-scale In the end, this is the perfect opportunity about the insights gained from your network course renovation project. to put your name in front of the hiring so you can couch your responses in the con- “Just be sure never to alter the truth or committee one more time. text of how you can benefit this particular exaggerate the facts,” continues Greg. “Even course and club. if the committee doesn’t recognize then that In the End “Ideally,” says Playbooks for Golf ’s Greg you’ve stretched the truth, they’re bound to Wojick, “you should try to gain enough con- find out later. And that’s a deal breaker.” As an assistant, you really aren’t expected to trol of the interview to insert the points you New Canaan’s Mike Roe cautions against know all. The key, however, to your inter- feel are important to your getting the job sharing negative stories about the former view success now, and in the future, will be of fer.” superintendent or his or her maintenance your ability to demonstrate a positive, can- practices. “I would be truthful,” he says, do attitude. This skill will serve you well #4: Rehearse. I’m an advocate of typing “about what I wanted to change or disliked, beyond the interview and into your every- answers to potential questions and then re- but I would steer clear of any comments that day work, helping you navigate the politics hearsing the responses out loud. Take it a may be perceived as sour grapes.” and the stresses and strains involved in run- step further and record your responses. Play ning your own golf course one day. it back to see how you sound. Repeat the #8: Be yourself. “Avoid coming across as process until you’re satisfied that you sound overly rehearsed,” says Greg Wojick. “Inter- Jim Pavonetti is the editor of Tee to Green natural, relaxed, and confident. viewers want to get a sense of your personal- and superintendent at Fairview Country Club Executive Golf Search’s Bruce Williams ity and how you would fit into the fabric of in Greenwich, CT. suggests a more impromptu rehearsal ap- t he club.” proach: “Do mock interviews with your cur- rent superintendent or peers. And make sure they ask you the tough questions,” he adds.

#5: Take it outside. TMG Golf ’s Jim McLoughlin touts the value of encouraging an on-course interview with the search committee. “The rationale for this recom- mendation,” he writes in a June 26, 2014 Turfnet blog entry, “is that a search commit- tee will learn far more about their golf course and each candidate through collabo- rative on-course exchanges than they will be able to via routine sit-down interviews, primarily because search committees find it difficult to develop a meaningful line of questioning when dealing with technical course issues.”

#6: Don’t be cocky. Strike the right bal- ance between presenting your accomplish- ments in a positive light and coming across as overly confident. Being arrogant is one of the worst mistakes a candidate can make. “From my perspective,” says Wykagyl’s

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MetGCSA 2015 Summer Social

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at the MetGCSA Family Picnic

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Member News 2015 Scholarship Recipients Recognized at the Mosholu Parent/Child Scholarship Tournament by David Dudones, MetGCSA Scholarship Chairman

he 2015 Scholarship Awards Cere- mony was held on August 4 as part of the fourth Annual Scholarship & TParent/Child Tournament at Mosholu Golf Course, one of America’s premier First Tee golf courses. Dave Moffett, who is in his fourth season as superintendent at Mosholu, had the course in great shape. And the nine-hole, 2,300- yard 32 course proved, once again, to be the perfect setting for kids and adults of all golfing abilities. Nearly 40 participants (parent/child teams) played in a nine-hole shotgun, two- man scramble format, which was free to members and, by all accounts, a great success. The Scholarship Award Winners After golf, everyone reconvened at the club- house for a delicious buffet dinner on the patio overlooking the ninth hole. With everyone seated, the wining team from the At the Mosholu Parent/Child Golf Event, MetGCSA scholarship winners receive their well-deserved golf event —Wee Burn’s Doug Drugo and awards (left to right): Courtney Cook with her grandmother and sister, Julia; Greg and Pandora Wojick his daughter, Claire—was awarded a prize, with their son, Christopher; Will Heintz with his son, Will III; Joan Pollak and Pat Cragin with their and scholarship awards were presented to son, Andrew; Steve Renzetti accepting the award for his son, Austin; Jim Weiland accepting the award eight deserving recipients, all MetGCSA for his son, Zachary; and Elizabeth and Tim Marcoux with their son, David. members’ children. In addition to maintaining stellar GPAs, Andrew Cragin, son of Joan Pollak and Pat Will Heintz III, son of Linda and Will these students are all very involved in their Cragin of Turf Products Corporation, will Heintz, superintendent of Pound Ridge Golf communities and participate in numerous be a freshman at The Ohio State University Club, will be a freshman at Lewis & Clark extracurricular activities. “It’s great to see and plans to pursue a degree in Business College and plans to study Molecular such time invested in their communities,” Management with a focus on Logistics and Biolog y. says Scholarship Chair David Dudones. Supply Chain Management. “This is one of the best things we do as an association, and nothing makes our commit- tee more proud than to hand out scholar- ships to sons and daughters of our peers. It is an investment well spent.” Please join me in congratulating this year’s scholarship recipients—and their proud parents:

Courtney Cook, daughter of Lisa and Mike Cook of The Care of Trees, will be a senior at the University of Delaware studying Interpersonal Communications and Organi- zational and Community Leadership.

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Scorecard Brae Burn Country Club Claims Invitational Trophy

David Marcoux, son of Elizabeth and espite a few raindrops, Invita- Gross Team Winners Tim Marcoux of Atlantic Irrigation Ser- tional contestants were able to get 64 Due Process Stable & Golf vices, will be a freshman at Daniel Web- in all 18 holes on the pristinely con- Tony Hooks, Bill Costigan, Dan Marino, ster College and plans to study Game Dditioned course at Century Country Club Brett Jones Design and Development. prepared by our superintendent host, Kevin (match of cards) Sarah Perlee, daughter of Lorah and Bill Seibel, and his crew. We had a sold-out field 64 Fairview Country Club Perlee, superintendent of The Apawamis of players and some great golf rounds. Many Jim Pavonetti, Ric Apter, John Heffer, Club, will be in her junior year at The thanks to all the Century staff who had a Shaun Powers University of Vermont, majoring in Mole- hand in making this an event to remember. 66 Sunningdale Country Club cular Genetics. The event teams were made up of two Sean Cain, Davi Kubie, Stephen Austin Renzetti, son of Angela and club officials, the golf professional, and the Karotkin, Chris Toulson Steve Renzetti, owner of Pinnacle Turf, golf course superintendent from each club, will be a sophomore at Norwich Univer- making this a wonderful opportunity to net- Closest to the Pin sity, studying Civil Engineering. work with not only your club officials and #4 Jim Woods, Professional Zachary Weiland, son of Shannon coworkers, but also neighboring clubs. Putnam County Golf Club 5' 2" Mulligan and Jim Weiland, superinten- The team from Brae Burn Country Club, #4 Bob Kenney, Club Official dent of Connecticut Golf Club, will be led by our past president, Blake Halderman, Leewood Golf Club 6' 1" a freshman at Worcester Polytechnic In- placed first in the Net Division with a 55, #13 David Dudones, Superintendent stitute, pursuing a degree in Chemical claiming this year’s Invitational Trophy. Westchester Country Club 2' 9" Engineering. Congratulations! #13 Nick Lombardi, Club Official Christopher Wojick, son of Tee to Green Following the round, there were many North Jersey Country Club 5' 9" Managing Editor Pandora Wojick and awards to be distributed. Here are all the Greg Wojick, principal, Playbooks for winning results: Longest Drive Golf, will be a sophomore at the Univer- #11 Nick Yaun, Professional sity of Connecticut, pursuing a bachelor’s Net Team Winners Brae Burn Country Club in Horticulture and Resource Economics. 55 Brae Burn Country Club #11 Sean Cain, Superintendent Blake Halderman, Bill Schultz, Jon Sunningdale Country Club In addition to congratulating our recipi- Rachlin, Nick Yaun #11 Dan Marino, Club Official ents, I’d like to recognize those past boards 58 Metropolis Country Club Due Process Stable & Golf who had the foresight to initiate our Dave McCaffrey, Don Capelin, Scholarship Fund, which has enabled us Gordon Paris, Craig Thomas Low Professional to assist in the ever-increasing college 59 Canoe Brook Country Club 64 Shaun Powers, Fairview Country Club costs thanks to our Annual Bill Caputi Jamie Devers, Taylor Rossi, Scholarship Raff le, the 50/50s at our Woody Garavente, George Deitz monthly meetings, and last but not least, a portion of our dues. Finally, a special thank The team from Brae you needs to go out to the entire Scho- Burn Country Club larship Committee for their hard work in claims this year's reviewing and awarding each scholarship. Invitational trophy. Please remember to support our schol- Left to right: Golf arship raff le. It is the major income-gen- Professional Nick Yaun, erator for our Scholarship Fund! Superintendent Blake Halderman, Green David Dudones, chairman of the Scholarship Chairman Jon Rachlin, Committee, is superintendent at Westchester Club President Bill Country Club in Rye, NY. Schultz.

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Spotlight Calling All Assistants! Join Fellow MetGCSA Member Assistant Superintendents at the Annual Assistants Championship at Brae Burn Country Club b y To m R e y e s

n October 6, Brae Burn Country tion, the 9th green was expanded Club in Purchase, NY, will host the by an extra 1,500 square feet to pro- annual MetGCSA Assistants Cham- vide more pinable areas. Opionship. Assistant superintendents through- More recent improvements have focused out the area will have the opportunity to on enhancing the visual appeal and dramatic Dave Peterson and Bobby Jewett come together for a day of comradery, net- sightlines of the course and area around the working, and, of course, great golf. This year’s clubhouse. A pond restoration project that assistant superintendent hosts, Dave Peterson includes dredging and creating waterfalls October of 2010 marked the beginning of and Bobby Jewett, are excited to showcase between the ponds is well underway. In addi- Dave’s tenure at Brae Burn Country Club, their efforts on a day that gives back to fel- tion, they have added or improved on rock which he’s quick to note has been a great fit low turf professionals. walls and naturalized areas throughout the for him. “Blake gives his assistants plenty of cour se. responsibility, which has helped me im- The Course: Then and Now “A very active membership, who takes prove, both personally and professionally. pride in their golf course, allows us the op- The crew has been a pleasure to work with, Founded in 1964 by a group of friends from portunity to complete several capital im- and of course, being closer to family and Harrison Country Club, Brae Burn was first provements each year,” says Brae Burn Su- friends is a great benefit too,” says Dave. known as Purchase Hills. The club quickly perintendent Blake Halderman, who is A native of Pearl River, NY, Dave now abandoned the name, however, because of its pleased to take part in providing a venue for calls Ramsey, NJ, home with his new fiancé similarity to another club in the area, and in MetGCSA assistants to enjoy time away Kait. Also in the golf industry, Kait works a “name-the-club” contest, members settled from their daily responsibilities. for the USGA in the Merchandising De- on the current Brae Burn Country Club. In addition to the upcoming Assistants partment. “She travels to every U.S. Open, Open for play in June 1965, the course Championship, this year Brae Burn has staying onsite for about two months at a was designed originally by Frank Duane, a hosted a number of outside events such as time,” says Dave, who recently grabbed the long-time protégé of Robert Trent Jones Sr. the Westchester Open, the Met Open Qual- opportunity to propose to the love of his life Toward the end of 2006, Brae Burn brought ifier, and the MGA Senior Championship. at the airport on her way home from in another Trent Jones disciple, Golf Course Word to the wise when playing the . Congratulations, Dave! Architect John Harvey, to produce a master course: “The length won’t beat you up, but As an outdoor enthusiast, Dave enjoys any plan for the property. In the fall of 2007, the on these sloped greens, keeping the ball and all sports, from catching a wave and club put the plan into motion, embarking on below the hole is a must!” warns Blake. doing a mud run (favorite Pebble Beach pas- a bunker renovation project that would not times!) to playing hoops, which he admits is only make fairway bunker slopes gentler, but About Dave Peterson . . . probably his favorite. “Golf isn’t bad either, also create multiple areas to enter and exit when I’m hitting it well,” says Dave, with a the bunkers. Starting his career in turfgrass while study- sm i le. No small undertaking, the renovation ing at Penn State University, Dave Peterson’s included everything from reshaping the first internship brought him to Winged bunker f loors to installing new drainage, Foot in 2005, where he returned in 2006 for Jack of All Trades liners, sand, drip irrigation on south facing the U.S. Open. After a second internship at Turfgrass management is not the only skill slopes, and sod on most bunkers. Several en- the Kittansett Club in Massachusetts and in Dave’s bag of tricks. His superb ability to tirely new bunkers were also created. subsequent graduation from Penn State in troubleshoot and repair just about anything Drainage was installed to pick up bunker 2008 with a B.S. in Turfgrass Science, he has made him a part-time mechanic, IT outfalls and fix any problem areas in the headed West for the better part of three sea- technician, electrician, plumber, and even a roughs and fairways. And fairway expan- sons to Pebble Beach. While there, he put a carpenter, going so far as to handcraft some sions were added in many locations to bring second U.S. Open under his belt. His third of his own furniture. “Whatever needs to the fairway closer to the new bunkers, en- Open was in 2012 at The in get done, it’s pretty certain Dave can do it,” hancing playability and visual appeal. As part San Francisco, where he took time off from says Blake. of the project, Brae Burn also made a large work to volunteer at the event. “No sur- “It’s no secret that I call Dave my best cut on the par 3, eleventh hole to create bet- prise,” says Blake, “Dave asked to use his assistant ever,” says Blake. “He is one of those ter visibility to the green complex. In addi- vacation to go work on another golf course. guys who everybody loves, and he has an Now that’s dedication!” incredible work ethic.

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“As an example,” continues Blake, “one right in like he’s been here for years. He is gressional, The Olympic Club, and Merion Sunday in January around 5 p.m. I stopped by the kind of guy who just loves being on the Golf Club respectively. my office with my wife to pick something golf course—working or playing a round. Bobby moved on to become an assistant up. As I pulled in, I see all the fertilizer pal- “He’s a first-to-arrive and last-to-leave superintendent at Metedeconk National in lets outside, and there’s Dave cleaning the type of person,” Blake continues. “Even with New Jersey before joining the team at Brae shop. All of a sudden, my wife starts cursing a 5:30 a.m. start on Fridays, Bobby will be in Burn in February of 2015. “My experience me up and down saying I am working my and have the range tee cut before that time here has been nothing short of amazing,” staff too hard, etc. Finally, when she calmed and then want to dry-cut the greens that says Bobby. “Blake is a great mentor in all down a bit, I was able to explain that I never night so they are just that much better for respects to both Dave and me and allows us asked him to come in. That’s just the way the weekend. You can always count on to be involved in all aspects of the course Dave is: always looking to improve the facil- Bobby to finish all the details after every- operat ions. ity in any way he can—and obviously at one else is gone,” adds Blake. “We strive for perfection on a daily basis any hour of the day, even in the dead of A Desert Storm Veteran, Bobby served on and continue to go above and beyond our winter. the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. members’ expectations,” continues Bobby. “It “There’s no doubt, when Dave’s onsite, you His turfgrass career started with graduating is a pleasure to work with individuals who know the golf course is in great hands. He’s cum laude from SUNY Delhi with a B.S. in are as passionate about the game as I am.” made my life so much easier the past five Turfgrass Management, after completing When asked about favorite hobbies or sea sons,” s ays Bl ake. four season-long internships. His first job pastimes, Bobby mentions bowling, skiing, out of school was as the assistant superin- and hiking but then is quick to point out his About Bobby Jewett . . . tendent at CordeValle Golf Club in Cali- number-one preoccupation: “My true pas- fornia, where he hosted two PGA Frys.com sion is golf, period,” he says. Committed to Bobby Jewett may be new to the crew this Opens and the Women’s Senior Amateur. viewing the course from the player’s per- year, but he brings with him valuable golf In addition to gaining valuable tourna- spective, Bobby can be found on the course, course experience, not the least of which is ment experience on the job, Bobby has also club in hand, almost every night. knowledge of what it takes to prep for a PGA volunteered at many events, notably the With the level of commitment, skill, and Tou r. 2009 Women’s Amateur at Red Tail Golf experience Blake, Dave, and Bobby bring to “Like Dave,” says Blake of the newest Club and the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open at the Brae Burn Country Club, there is no member on his team, “Bobby has jumped Oakmont. He went on to gain Major doubt this year’s Assistants Championship Championship experience at the 2011, will be an event to remember. October 6. Be 2012, and 2013 Men’s U.S. Opens at Con- there!

Superintendent Blake Halderman Welcomes Assistants Tourney

Blake began his career in golf course man- After three years at Minisceongo, Blake’s Hosting the Assistants Championship is agement when he was just 15 in his native next stop was Trump National-Westchester just one example of Blake’s commitment to New Hampshire. He worked at the local as the grow-in superintendent. In 2004, just giving back to the association—and indus- nine-hole Angus Lea Golf Course for Scott four years later, Blake accepted his current try as a whole. He has been an active mem- Niven’s father, Russ, and then Scott’s brother, position at Brae Burn, where he’s quick to ber of the MetGCSA since 1995, serving on Curt. While pursuing his turf degree, Blake tell you, he is grateful for his members, co- various committees and the Board of Direc- interned at The Stanwich Club with Scott, workers, and especially his two assistants, tors for the past 11 years. His current role on completing the Niven trifecta. To round out Dave and Bobby. the board as past president allows him to his experience, he also completed an intern- remain involved but also affords him more ship at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Col- What More Could a Super Ask For? time with his wife and two children. “Be- umbus, OH, alongside friend and Two-Ball fore,” says Blake, “I would make it to all the partner Glen Dube. Blake received a B.S. in “I am so fortunate to have two extremely kids’ sports events, but now I actually have Turfgrass Management with a minor in hardworking, dedicated, and professional the time to coach their teams too!” Business Administration in 1995 from the assistants watching over the property every Speaking of time, October 6 will be here University of Rhode Island. day. I couldn’t ask for a better combination before you know it. We hope our superin- His first job out of school was as an assis- of assistants. I am so proud to have both of tendent members will encourage their assis- tant at Woodway Country Club with then them on our staff—and pleased, now, to host tants to come out for some friendly com- Superintendent Larry Pakkala. After just an event that honors not just their contribu- petition and what promises to be a great two-and-a-half years there, Blake landed his tions, but also the hard work and dedication round of golf with their peers. first superintendent’s job at Minisceongo of the many other assistants in the Met area. Golf Club in Pomona, NY. “I just wanted to I encourage my assistants go to meetings Tom Reyes, a member of the Tee To Green be a superintendent,” says Blake of his speedy and events and network with their peers, but Editorial Committee, is an assistant superinten- rise to the top. “I applied everywhere, from hosting an event like this allows them to be dent at Century Country Club in Purchase, NY. Puerto Rico to California.” in the spotlight,” says Blake.

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Spotlight Met Area Team Championship Returns to Met Area by Andy Drohen

his year marks the 35th an- Now, on October 20, Met Area Team niversary of the Met Area Team Championship contestants will have the Championship, one of the season- opportunity to experience this Tillinghast Tending events that brings together superin- gem that so many have talked about. tendent associations from Maryland to New England. Each year, up to 15 chapters send Quaker’s Evolution eight-man teams to battle it out on some of the East Coast’s finest courses. Though it’s fair to say that Quaker has This year, after a four-year hiatus from the undergone relatively few changes in its Met area, the championship will be held on nearly 100-year history, it has made some October 20 at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in notable refinements to the course. The most Scarsdale, NY, where our host, Tom Ashfield, significant, perhaps, was in 1925, when the has been the superintendent for the past purchase of additional land at the northern eight years. corner of the property prompted the club to bring Tillinghast back to change a few holes. In 1965, Robert Trent Jones added About the Playing Field some new tees and removed some outdated Opened in 1916, this par-70, 6,976-yard bunkers, and from 1991 to 1993, Rees Jones course is renowned for its world-class golf assisted Quaker Ridge in restoring all Tom Ashfield conditions. A classic A.W. Tillinghast design, bunkers and adding five new championship Quaker Ridge Golf Club is often referred to and four new forward tees. work is done and it’s up to you to keep these as “Tillie’s Treasure,” receiving numerous Over the past 10 years, architect Gil humongous trees alive!” recognitions over the years. In March 1989, Hanse has been hard at work restoring But all’s well that ends well: “None of the Quaker Ridge was voted the number one much of the course’s original design. Bun- trees have lost a single leaf,” says Tom, course in the Met area by The Met Golfer kers have been renovated and greens ex- adding with a wink and a smile, “So please magazine. The course is also highly regarded panded to their original shapes. Some of the keep it left of the trees on the second hole to on both national and international levels. greens were even digitally scanned and protect the club from any future lawsuits or In 2015, Golf Digest ranked Quaker Ridge rebuilt to USGA specifications. having to plant any other large trees!” among its Top 100 courses—#71—in the Among the most unique projects Quaker United States. completed this spring was relocating several According to famed architect Pete Dye, sizable trees—a 90-foot oak tree and two Where It all Began “Quaker Ridge has some of the greatest golf 70-foot Linden trees—from one area of Tom’s love for the game dates back to his holes ever seen,” while 31-time PGA Tour the course to the perimeter of the second first regular job as a caddy at Orchard Lake event winner Jimmy Demaret has touted hole. The intent was to protect homeown- Country Club in Michigan. He was 15 and Quaker Ridge as worthy of hosting any ers’ properties from errant golf balls since it would spend all of his summer days “loop- tournament, including a U.S. Open and PGA wasn’t possible to install large-scale netting. ing” where he quickly became one of the Championship. Quaker has, in fact, hosted its Environmental Design out of Texas was top pro-jocks at the club. Tom would regu- share of events, starting with the 1936 called in to do the work; this was the same larly get under the straps for some of the Metropolitan Open, in which Byron Nelson company that moved some of the large- better players of the club, as well as for Mrs. achieved his first significant professional vic- scale trees at Pebble Beach prior to the U.S. Walters, who was blind and, according to tory. In 1997, there was the Walker Cup; add Open. The trees were dug up, balled, and Tom, had a pretty good game. to that three Met Opens, three Met Ama- moved on a bed of airbags with a bulldozer “Walking Mrs. Walters back and forth teurs, and, yes, three Met PGA Cham- and the largest excavator you have ever seen from her ball to the cup during her pre-put- pionships. In 2018, the club will have the on a golf course. ting was my first encounter with just how honor of hosting the . On an Needless to say, this was new territory for important it was to have a feel for the con- annual basis, Quaker Ridge hosts the someone who has planted nothing larger tours of the greens,” says Tom. “Isn’t it ironic Hochster Tournament, which is an amateur than a 12-inch caliper variety! “The stress- how someone with this kind of disability event attracting some of the best golfers in ful part,” notes Tom, “is not moving the could teach another person so much about the Metropolitan Area, as well as from trees. It’s when the company tells you its the game?” around the country.

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After finishing high school in 1983, Tom York Metropolitan area’s Canoe Brook after the 1996 U.S. Open, when Tom knew entered the army on the G.I. Bill to earn Country Club. He remained there for seven there would be a break in the action. money for college and to become a military years before landing his current position in Tom and Karla have two children: police officer. Tom originally thought about 2007 at Quaker Ridge. Andrew, who is 14 and in his first year of becoming an FBI agent like his cousin who high school, and Kylie, who is 9 and in the was taking a similar career path. But Tom A Family Man fourth grade. still had a hankering for a good game of golf and would play on whatever golf course he Tom and his wife, Karla, will be celebrating Bring Your ‘A’ Game! could find, whether it was in Germany or 19 years of marriage on October 12, just Belgium or in upstate New York when he several days before he hosts the 124 Met The membership and Tom’s staff are very was stateside. Area Team Championship players at Qua- much looking forward to having everyone “We have all kidded about playing golf on ker. Their first encounter was clearly by play Quaker Ridge on October 20. The a course that looked like a cow pasture,” says chance, when Tom was an assistant superin- course is truly a great test of golf. Tom’s best Tom, “but in Germany, it was actually a cow tendent and invited to join a fellow assistant advice: “Keep the ball below the hole when- pasture. On several of the holes, cows would at his relative’s birthday party. Working long ever possible, because as you know, Tilling- be grazing in the fairways and rough!” Tom hours, Tom wasn’t eager to go, but after hast was known for having great green laughs, “I liked to think of them as moving some prodding, he relented, and it was there complexes with lots of movement!” hazards!” that he had the good fortune of meeting his After his three-year stint in the army, Tom future bride, Karla. Andy Drohen, a member of the Tee to Green took a job working on the grounds crew at They lived on opposite sides of the State Editorial Committee and co-chair of the Met Oakland Hills Country Club in Birming- of Michigan, but lucky for Tom, Karla was Area Team Championship, is the Northeast ham, MI. But having had a longtime passion willing to make the trek to see him while U.S. & Canada Sr. Regional Sales Manager for for law enforcement, Tom decided to take he was busy spending long days on the golf the Turf & Ornamental Group at Koch a brief hiatus from turf and joined the course at Oakland Hills. After dating a few Agronomic Services. Bloomfield Hills Police Department as a dis- years, they planned a wedding a few months patcher. It didn’t take him long, however, to realize that turfgrass management was his true calling. He enrolled in the two-year turf program at Michigan State University while working as a crew member and then an assistant at Franklin Hills Country Club, in Franklin, MI. After completing the program, Tom decided to further his education, earning a B.S. in Crop and Soil Science. Degree in hand, Tom accepted a position on the crew at Oakland Hills Country Club, where he had the opportunity to expe- rience all that went into prepping the course for the 1996 U.S. Open. The following year, Tom was offered the superintendent’s posi- tion at Edgewood Country Club in Com- merce Township, MI. He worked there two years, cutting his teeth on a 60-acre golf course that averaged more than 36,000 rounds a year! Talk about having to keep up with divots! From there, Tom headed East to the New

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Upcoming Events Save the Date for These Upcoming Events!

Nine and Dine Event Met Area Team Championship President’s Message continued from page 1 Wednesday, September 23 Tuesday, October 20 committee for their hard work in organ- Silvermine Golf Club Quaker Ridge Golf Club izing this event and in conducting the Norwalk, CT Sca r sdale, NY scholarship selection process. (See article, Host: Larry Pakkala, CGCS Host: Tom Ashfield page 10.) Assistants Championship MetGCSA Christmas Party Speaking of Awards Tuesday, October 6 Saturday, December 5 Brae Burn Country Club The Stanwich Club We are pleased to announce two special Purchase, NY Greenwich, CT honors that will be awarded at our an- Assistant Hosts: Dave Peterson and Host: Scott Niven, CGCS nual Winter Seminar on January 13: Bobby Jewett Matt Ceplo, superintendent of Rock- land Country Club and a MetGCSA past president, has been selected to receive Met Championship and Met Area Team our coveted Sherwood A. Moore Award, Championship Qualifier PLUS and respected Golf Course Architect The Poa Annual Tournament Tuesday, October 13 Rees Jones will be honored with our John Meadow Brook Club Reid Lifetime Achievement Award. You Jer icho, NY can read all about these deserving award Host: John Carlone, CGCS recipients in the upcoming issues of Tee to Green! More in Store Educational Events As summer ends, we have a golf-packed September and October ahead of us. The MetGCSA/CAGCS Fall Seminar 40th Annual New Jersey Green Expo Nine and Dine will be hosted by Larry Thursday, November 12 Turf and Landscape Conference Pakkala at Silvermine Golf Club on The Patterson Club Tuesday – Thursday, December 8 – 10 September 23. Fairfield, CT The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa The Assistants Championship will be Host: Jason Meersman At l ant ic Cit y, NY held on October 6 at Brae Burn Country The New Jersey Green Expo offers a com- Club and hosted by Assistants Dave Turf & Grounds Exposition prehensive educational program providing Peterson and Bobby Jewett. I urge super- Tuesday – Wednesday, November 17 – 18 cutting-edge applications and tactics to intendent members to encourage their Rochester Riverside Convention Center guarantee green industry professionals’ suc- assistants to attend this special event and Rochester, NY cess on the job. Offering one of the largest enjoy much-deserved time away from The Turf & Grounds Exposition offers an trade shows in the tri-state area, the expo their job and course. excellent opportunity to network while also provides attendees with the opportu- Finally, on October 13, John Carlone remaining current on the latest research and nity to view the latest and greatest products will host the Poa Annual/Met Cham- trends in turfgrass management. As always, and services on the market. pionship/Met Area Team Championship the expo will feature key speakers from all For further information, call 973-812- Qualifier at the Meadow Brook Club. segments of the green industry, as well as a 6467 or visit www.njturfgrass.org. As you can see, we have a great lineup comprehensive trade show with more than of venues. Please mark your calendars 100 exhibitors. MetGCSA Winter Seminar and take some time to enjoy one of our For further information, call the show Wednesday, January 13, 2016 many upcoming MetGCSA events. office at 800-873-8873 or 518-783-1229, Westchester Country Club or visit the website at www.nysta.org. Rye, NY Glen Dube, CGCS Host: David Dudones President

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Patron Directory Patrons listed on this page are supporting our association. You are encouraged to support them.

✪ A.G. Enterprises ✪ Double ‘D’ Turf, LLC ✪ Pinnacle Turf, Inc. ✪ The Terre Company of Rick Gordon ~ Staff Uniforms Drill & Fill Specialist 40 Skyview Lane New Jersey, Inc. 201-488-1276 / Fax: 201-489-5830 Dennis DeSanctis Sr.: 732-241-7378 New Rochelle, NY 10804 Seed, Pesticides, Nursery Stock, [email protected] [email protected] Steven Renzetti, CGCS & Fertilizer www.AGEnterprisesonline.com 914-384-9227 Byron Johnson: 973-473-3393 ✪ DryJect N.E. / TurfPounders ✪ [email protected] Scott Ferguson: 201-956-4511 All Pro Horticulture, Inc. “Your Aerification Solution” www.Pinnacleturf.net [email protected] 54 Railroad Avenue Kevin Collins / Steve Jordan / Copiague, NY 11726 Bob Lippman ✪ Plant Food Company, Inc. ✪ Tom Irwin Inc. John Seib 914-672-6029 / Fax: 845-228-1728 “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” “With Tom Irwin, You Are Not 631-789-6680 / Fax: 631-789-5711 [email protected] Tom Weinert: 914-262-0111 Alone” [email protected] ✪ Dick Neufeld: 973-945-6318 13 A Street, Burlington, MA 01803 Emerald Tree Care, Inc. Tom Pepe: 609-751-1372 Jeff Houde: 203-731-1776 Aqua-Aid, Inc. 26 Fox Meadow Road David Conrad: 914-263-3244 800-582-5959 Surfactants, Verde Cal, OARS, Scarsdale, NY 10583 [email protected] Root Pruner, & Drill & Fill Steve Farrelly: 914-725-0441 ✪ Playbooks for Golf Bert Brace: 570-510-4996 Kevin Wyatt: 203-422-2441 Mobile Coverage System, Golf Course ✪ Turf Products LLC / TORO [email protected] ✪ Field Guides, Soil Analytics, Aerial Toro Irrigation & Equipment [email protected] Evergreen Organic Recycling Photography, Consulting, Career Pat Cragin 1160 Mamaroneck Avenue ✪ Development, Professional Search Cell: 860-874-2812 Aquatrols Corp. of America White Plains, NY 10605 Services Ofc: 800-243-4355 1273 Imperial Way James Amodio / Raymond Colasacco Greg Wojick: 203-219-0254 ✪ Paulsboro NJ 08066 914-949-9030 Matt Leverich: 913-221-8052 Valley Green, Inc. Kevin P. Collins, NE & [email protected] www.goplaybooks.com 205 Wilson Avenue Mid-Atlantic Territory Mgr. ✪ Norwalk, CT 06854 609-841-2077 Executive Turf Products ✪ Seeton Turf Warehouse, LLC Greg Moran [email protected] 92 Vine Road, Stamford, CT 06905 Brian Bontemps: 845-239-7959 Cell: 845-901-1358 Ken Gentile: 203-496-0891 Brian Gjelsvik: 973-670-7139 Ofc: 203-831-9748 Argento & Sons, Inc. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 1 Prospect Avenue ✪ White Plains, NY 10607 Grass Roots Turf Products, Inc. Soil Solutions, LLC ✪ Valley View Wholesale Louis Argento “Serving Turfgrass Professionals Aerification Professionals Greenhouses 914-949-1152 / Fax: 914-948-0255 Since 1978” 7 Whittemore Place 229 Smith Ridge Road [email protected] Ryan Batz / Keith Kubik Ryebrook, NY 10573 South Salem, NY 10590 Ofc: 973-252-6634 ✪ Anthony Decicco / John Decicco Frank Amodio Atlantic Golf & Turf www.GRIturf.com / [email protected] 914-393-0659 / Fax: 914-939-5010 [email protected] 9 Industrial Boulevard ✪ Kevin Amodio Turner Falls, MA 01376 Growth Products, LTD ✪ Steven Willand, Inc. Fertilizers, Organics, & [email protected] John Garcia: 203-996-6267 “Quality Turf Equipment” 914-533-2526 [email protected] Fungicide Products 4 Production Drive 80 Lafayette Avenue ✪ ✪ Brookfield, CT 06804 Westchester Tractor, Inc. Atlantic Irrigation White Plains, NY 10603 George Corgan: 914-213-3622 60 International Boulevard Specialists, Inc. Howie Gold: 917-559-4425 [email protected] Brewster, NY 10509 Rain Bird & All Related Supplies [email protected] www.StevenWillandInc.com John Apple / George Risley Ray Beaudry / Tim Marcoux ✪ 845-278-7766 800-878-8873 Harrell’s ✪ Synergy Turf / Pocono “Growing a Better World. Partners www.wtractor.com ✪ Turf Supply BASF for Success” “Agronomic Professionals” ✪ Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. “Intrinsic Brand Fungicides” Scott Tretera: 914-262-8638 Bobby Steinman, CGCS “Serving the MetGCSA for Peter Jacobson: 919-530-9062 [email protected] 860-488-2822 39 Years” [email protected] www.harrells.com [email protected] Bob Lippman: 914-447-6257 ✪ [email protected] Bayer Environmental Science LaBar Golf Renovations ✪ Syngenta “Backed by Bayer” 6 Claremont Road, Suite D1 Dave Lippman: 914-447-5192 23 Roslyn Drive [email protected] Dave Sylvester: 860-841-3173 Bernardsville, NJ 07924 Ballston Lake, NY 12019 Rich LaBar: 908-502-5253 [email protected] ✪ Blue Ridge Peat Farms Fred Montgomery, CGCS [email protected] 518-424-0760 / 518-399-6588 ✪ Westwood Organic 133 Peat Moss Road [email protected] White Haven, PA 18661 [email protected] Recycling ✪ P.O. Box 139, Purchase, NY 10577 Gene Evans / Chuck Evans LaCorte Equipment ~ ✪ Tanto Irrigation, LLC 570-443-9596 / 570-947-5888 John Deere Golf James Scoli: 914-949-3244 “Serving the MetGCSA for 40+ Years 914-946-WOOD “Premier John Deere Golf Distributor William Bartels: 914-347-5151 Cushman / E-Z-GO in the Northeast” [email protected] Nick Roberto: 845-637-7641 Fax: 914-347-6323 Eric Berg / Jeff Sutphen / Jim Calladio [email protected] ✪ Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. [email protected] 800-560-3373 / Fax: 631-591-3447 Frank Savakis: 203-605-0554 ✪ South Hackensack, NJ 07606 [email protected] The Cardinals, Inc. Glenn Gallion: 201-954-5878 [email protected] www.LaCorteEquipment.com Complete Distributor of Golf Course Marc Santospirito: 516-662-3554 [email protected] ✪ Accessories & Turf Maintenance Supplies ✪ Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. John Callahan: 800-861-6256 Winfield Solutions, Inc. Custom Golf Hydrogeologic Consulting & Golf Course Materials Fax: 860-673-8443 “Service, Solutions, Insight” Environmental Engineering Services Eric Bresky, CGCS Michael Giacini: 631-433-4494 Rob Good: 860-678-0404 ✪ The Care of Trees [email protected] 845-849-8640 [email protected] Mike Cook: 914-345-8733 [email protected] Jeremiah Green: 914-241-8110 DeLea Sod Farms ✪ Metro Turf Specialists www.winfieldpro.com Bentgrass, Fescue, & Bluegrass Sod Ken Clear: 203-863-0900 “Customers, Our TOP Priority!” Greg Gutter: 914-241-8110 & U.S. Silica Topdressing Scott / Ernie / Todd / Rich / Jake Mike Hollander / Scott Geiser 203-748-GOLF (4653) 800-344-7637 www.metroturfspecialists.com [email protected] ✪ Denotes MetGCSA member Tee to Green June Cover 2015_Tee to G dec 2010 cover 6/28/15 8:09 AM Page 2