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President BLAKE HALDERMAN, CGCS Brae Burn Country Club Vice President GLEN DUBE, CGCS Centennial Golf Club Treasurer DAVID DUDONES Cover: Spook Rock North Jersey Country Club Golf Course Secretary Cover photo by KENNETH BENOIT JR., CGCS Eric Madar. GlenArbor Golf Club Past President ROBERT NIELSEN JR., CGCS Bedford Golf & Tennis Club Directors ROBERT B. ALONZI JR. Fenway Golf Club BRETT CHAPIN Redding Country Club DOUG DRUGO Wee Burn Country Club ANTHONY HOOKS Richmond County Country Club VINCENT PAVONETTI, CGCS Fairview Country Club \ this Issue ROBERT WOLVERTON Edgewood Country Club Class “C” Rep GEORGE CHAVEZ Pelham Country Club Feature Class “AF” Rep KEVIN COLLINS Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident ...... Aquatrols When it comes to maintaining a golf course, safety training is Executive Director one of those not-so-obvious keys to success. ED BROCKNER Executive Secretary SUSAN O’DOWD Ted Horton’s Words to the Wise o n ...... Employee Safety Training Tee to Green Stalf Editor JIM PAVONETTI 203-531-8910 Departments; Managing Editor PANDORA C.WOJICK Editorial Committee Upcoming Events...... 9 ADDISON BARDEN SCOTT NIVEN MATT CEPLO LARRY PAKKALA J Member News...... 10 KEVIN COLLINS MIKE REEB BILL CYGAN TODD SALAMONE CHIP LAFFERTY RYAN SEGRUE Chapter N ew s...... 12 I STEVEN MCGLONE GREG WOJICK Designer Spotlights...... 15 TERRIE YOUNG Advertising Manager BRETT CHAPIN, 203-938-9240

TEE TO GREEN is published bimonthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association 49 Knollwood Road, El ms ford, N Y 10523-2819 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437, METGCSA.ORG Copyright © 2 0 13 n i i i

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Weathering \ \c/ generally try to refrain from dis­ cussing the one thing were battling on the Another job all the time: the weather. This season, however, I feel I would be doing us all a dis- ! service if I didn’t take a moment to reflect Blake Halderman, CGCS Tough Season on the seasons perfect storm of events that MetGCSA President led to highly precarious growing conditions. We started in the spring with very cool L conditions, which left little time for the turf MetGCSA Rounds 4 Research Yield to recover from aerification or to make Impressive Results headway on essential root growth heading On another positive note, I want to thank all into summer. Then, in a large portion of the of you for your support in raising funds for tri-state area, June brought with it record- the MetGCSA, which will be used to offset breaking rainfall that, in turn, brought on costs associated with the New York Best disease and a host of other issues associated Management Practices Initiative and other ? with wet surfaces and anaerobic conditions. research-based programs, such as education, If that wasn’t bad enough, July brought with scholarships, advocacy, and agronomic re­ it a heat wave that left turf managers with search throughout the Met area. soil and canopy temperatures approaching The MetGCSA led all associations with 110 degrees in certain microenvironments. the highest bid-to-value ratio. Rounds went Throw a little rain into the mix and your for more than 68 percent of their value, ’ Ukl grass is cooked—quite literally. which translated into more than $13,500 for Whether you hosted a PGA Tour event or our association to allocate to worthy causes. just prepared for normal member or guest For those of you who donated rounds, we play, we all have had to deal with the same can’t thank you enough for your support. For ! j a challenges . . . and a relentless Mother Na­ ,1,1 t f ”1 ' V those who missed out on this great opportu­ i t' » . 1 t ture. The only positive outcome in all this nity to support the MetGCSA, we hope you It 1 /, I was that it seemed people actually adjusted will consider joining us next year! 4 , J St i 1 f their level of expectations, particularly when K * r f c l ' n 1 1 i % it came to summer green speeds. It was nice, Pre-Delegates Meeting Yews jl ? 1 ! ¡1 1 for instance, to hear all the commentators ! 1 ** t ^ î I supporting slower greens on the PGA and Once again our past president, Bob Nielsen Senior PGA Tours this season. I heard one of Bedford Golf & Tennis, will represent the announcer say, “Although the greens don’t MetGCSA in Lawrence, KS, in early Octo­ look great on TV, they are alive and playing i I V~* ber at GCSAAs Chapter Delegates Meeting. \ i i s well. They need to give the course back to As our chapter delegate for the past eight the members on Monday, and the mainte- years, Bob is not only a skilled rep of our |ance staff must protect them.” association, but also a great source of knowl­ f ' ' 1 J i hd Then at the PGA Championship, the head edge about GCSAA and its inner workings. of the PGA Tour declined to discuss the At this meeting, one of the major topics of fcgreen speeds in number terms because, as he discussion will be to talk about what our put it, “It’s not fair to other golf courses to profession and industry will be like in the expect tournament conditions on a daily year 2020 and what we will need to do to basis.” He went on to say only that the green meet the expectations of our club members. speeds that week were right where he Another focus is to meet and greet the wanted them to be. candidates running for the GCSAA Board Now that’s what I like to hear! continued on page 9

I Tee to Green July/August 2013

* > v P s t - ’ luikc Isle Superintendent Ryan Segrue and crew foreman Mike Mulqueen review features of the triplex thoiver.

Tee to Green July /August 2013 safety management policies and procedures at the golf course is often overlooked in Where Do I Start? necessary to prevent injuries and illnesses in favor of doing what we do best: providing As the property manager at your facility, it’s your workplace,” says Tom. “We’ve used the our clientele with superb playing conditions up to you to develop a safety program tai­ club’s monthly DVD safety training service, while meeting that increasingly important lored to your property’s specific safety haz­ which is based on topics you’d like to cover. bottom line. So yes, sometimes employee ards and challenges. You might start with an Included with the DVDs is an instructor’s safety training takes a backseat to venting, internal audit to assess your facility’s short­ guide and quizzes for staff—basically, rolling an extra day, or double-cutting comings. Then prioritize the things that everything you need to conduct a safety greens. It’s a tradeoff most superintendents need to be done. Are your MSDS sheets meeting,” he adds. don’t think twice about ... until, perhaps, an accessible? Do you have well-stocked first- Like many other companies out there, accident happens. Then they realize that aid kits? Do you provide personal protective Golf Safety’s videos and custom programs ignoring safety training is one of the cost­ equipment along with instructions for using are available in both English and Spanish. liest mistakes a golf course manager can it? Do you have an emergency evacuation But as with any outsourced program, the make. plan in place? Equipment safety training? deeper you get into a safety program, the The reality is that no matter how good And the list goes on. more money it will cost. This organization’s your golf course looks, your job can be in If you find this task too overwhelming— basic safety video plan starts at $200 per jeopardy if there are serious accidents, work­ and it certainly can be—you have the option month, which is a pretty good deal when ers’ compensation claims, or injured golfers. of hiring a consultant to do it for you. There you consider what it might take to get out But beyond that, golf facilities—like any are people out there who were inspectors in of a worker’s comp claim or an OSHA business—have a moral and legal obligation a past life and are knowledgeable about the violation! to provide a safe work environment and also rules and regulations on golf courses. You Among our survey respondents, videos a safe place for golfers to play. might also find guidance from your facility’s and live demonstrations tend to be the In my second season as superintendent at insurance company. training methods of choice. Several, like ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance at Ted Horton of THC-Ted Horton Con­ Tom at Quaker, also have their employees Lake Isle Country Club, where my organi­ sulting and former superintendent of West­ go through more formal training, using zation puts a high priority on employee chester, Winged Foot, and Pebble Beach golf booklets and quizzes to ensure they’ve safety training, I realize now, more than ever, courses, suggests a slightly more do-it-your­ learned the essentials. “We’ve used training the extreme importance of taking the time self approach, looking outside of our indus­ manuals and SOPs for all our mowing and to properly train employees. Not only does try for successful safety programs that can standard jobs,” says North Jersey Country it help to keep employees—and golfers—out easily be adapted to your facility’s particular Club’s David Dudones. “Then we have the of harm’s way, it offers great peace of mind needs. His favorite: The Dupont “STOP for employees sign to acknowledge they’ve re­ knowing that while you can’t always take Safety” program. “This program became a viewed the information.” danger away, you can provide the tools very important base for safety programs that needed to help your staff avoid dangerous I used for years,” says Ted. (See article on situations. page 8 for more tips from Ted.) Ensuring Your Fac ility Is I p to Snuff I’m so convinced of the merits of safety Another highly recommended resource is No matter which program or video option training that I’ve combined some of the called Golf Safety (golfsafety.com), which is you settle on for your facility, safety train­ thoughts and practices of area superintend­ a risk-compliance company. Not only does ing starts by ensuring your maintenance ents, culled from a recent survey I con­ this organization have a firm grasp on golf facility is orderly and free of hazards and ducted, with some of the many principles course maintenance safety, it’s also inti­ violations—inside and out. At our facility, I’ve learned in implementing—and main­ mately familiar with OSHA regulations, we started with keeping not only a well- taining—a successful safety training pro­ state-by-state. organized storage area, but also a tidy break gram on my course at Lake Isle. Quaker Ridge Superintendent Tom Ash- room and, yes, restrooms as well, rotating Whether you are thinking about imple­ field enlisted Golf Safety’s help in building responsibility among crew members for menting a safety program for the first time a training program for his club: “This com­ managing these areas. or just enhancing the one you have, the arti­ pany will write a comprehensive safety pro­ In and around our storage area we ensure, cle that follows should give you a few tried- gram for your facility that includes hazards among other things, that: and-true measures to help you make safety a and exposures specific to your property, • each piece of equipment has its own priority on your course. as well as OSHA-required programs, cur­ parking area to avoid time wasted moving rent Material Safety Data Sheets, and other several mowers to get to the one you need

Tee to Green July /August 2013 • tools are well marked and placed where ures ensure the safety of not only our em­ Time invested in they are easy to find ployees but the golfing public as well. If a • designated walkways are marked and switch or guard is not functioning correctly, educating employees painted to eliminate tripping hazards and it should be locked and tagged out until on proper equipment ensure a safe flow of traffic throughout the repairs can be performed. facility A lot of our equipment also features roll­ operation is time well • combustibles, e.g., paint, oil, and gas, are over protection safety (ROPS), which con­ stored in fire-resistant cabinets to avoid an sists of a roll bar and seatbelt. To serve its spent. Not only will it explosion in the event of a fire purpose, the ROPS needs both the roll bar We also ensure that our facility’s outside and seatbelt to function properly. If one or result in greater yard is as neat and pristine as the golf course. the other is damaged, the machine should With these practices in place, employees be tagged out. Employees should always employee safety, but start and end their day thinking about clean­ wear their seatbelt when a roll bar is on a liness and safety machine or run the risk of being crushed by also fewer repair bills the equipment. In the end, time invested in educating as employees learn to karningthelnsand Outs of employees on proper equipment operation Ki|iii|)im>nt Operation is time well spent. Not only will it result operate equipment We all know of a person or two who’s lost in greater employee safety, but also fewer a finger or toe in an equipment mishap. So repair bills as employees learn to operate appropriately and job number one at the start of each season equipment appropriately and recognize mi­ recognize minor is bringing employees—particularly new nor problems before they become major ones—up-to-speed on the various pieces of headaches. problems before they equipment used in golf course maintenance. The training can be as simple as taking keeping Employees Out of become major employees through the basics of how to safely operate a machine or as complex as Harm's Way headaches. requiring employees to complete a step-by- Right behind operating equipment safely is step equipment certification checklist that requiring that employees use personal pro­ details how to use each machine and re­ tective equipment (PPE). I’m sure most of us quires employees to sign the checklist, stat­ offer our employees safety glasses, earplugs, ing they understand how to properly oper­ gloves, chaps, and helmets, but how many of ate the equipment. us actually require that they wear them? All Shorehaven Country Club’s Shannon Sle- but one of our survey respondents required vin, like most everyone we surveyed, makes their employees to use PPE, but often only sure to document the training sessions he to protect their eyes and ears. Top on my runs, which is a smart way to relieve your must-wear list: facility of any liability if an accident were to • Safety glasses. Every employee should be happen. issued a pair of safety glasses and educated Another, often more palatable training on the importance of wearing them for all method, is to have employees watch opera­ duties on the golf course. With the amount tor and safety videos available through your of debris and rocks that bunker raking or equipment suppliers in both English and trimming and rotary mowing alone can Spanish. The saying, “A picture is worth a kick up, employees who don’t wear safety Lake Isle crew foreman thousand words” might ring true in your glasses are at risk for lifelong vision prob­ Mike Mulqueen and mechanic operation. Many times it’s not what you tell lems, loss of vision, or worst case, loss of an Chris Morra discuss equipment employees, but rather what they see that eye. operation. makes a lasting impression. I did hear of a super who purchased a Last but not least, why not enlist your more contemporary style of safety glasses mechanic to demonstrate how to operate that he outfitted with chums (straps) and the machinery in a safe and prudent man­ found that employees not only took better ner. After all, who knows better than your care of the glasses, but also enjoyed wearing mechanic the hazards of reels, blades, belts, them. That’s a small investment to make to chains, and saws? Having the most knowl­ protect your employees’ eyes. edgeable person on your staff custom-tailor • Helmets. If you don’t require that helmets an equipment safety program to your opera­ be worn on your property, you might want tion makes a good deal of sense. to reconsider. The OSHA rulebook states, At the same time, it’s the mechanic’s re­ “The employer shall ensure that each af­ sponsibility to make sure each piece of fected employee wears a protective helmet equipment is in top repair before it goes out. when working in areas where there is a Checking all safety switches and making potential for falling objects.” The most sure all guards are in place and functioning likely “falling objects” on a golf course properly is of vital importance. These meas­ would be—you guessed it—golf balls. white. I’ve heard of supers supplying helmets imprinted with employees’ favorite sports logos, and locally, Fairview s Jim Pavonetti bought helmets that look like safari hats. “The guys who mow rough actually seem to enjoy wearing them,” he says. If this tack works, it’s well worth the extra expense and effort. • Earplugs or earmuffs. Excessive exposure to high levels of noise can, over time, cause permanent hearing loss, so it’s essential that employees using power equipment, as well as those working in close proximity to them, be outfitted with earplugs or earmuffs. It’s also important that they be trained on the proper fit, use, and care of these hearing protection devices. While this OSHA standard does not We also ask that employees never wear specifically mention golf courses, there’s lit­ Ensuring Safety on the Course earphones that play music while operating Another important aspect of employee— tle doubt that if you had a surprise inspec­ machines. Not only does it impair their tion and your employees weren't wearing and golfer—safety is to train your staff to be helmets, you’d get hit with a fine. And you ability to hear if there’s a problem with the on the lookout for any unsafe situations on machine while operating it, but playing the golf course and property. My top three: can be even more certain that if an em­ music loud enough to enjoy over the ma­ ployee were injured or, worse, killed by a • Potential physical hazards. Are there any “falling object” while not wearing a protec­ chinery is sure to cause hearing loss down low-hanging or dangling tree limbs, uneven tive helmet, you would be opening your the road! Hearing loss happens gradually, steps or other areas that could cause a golfer checkbook. and it’s our responsibility to protect employ­ or employee to slip, trip, or fall? Are there ees from damaging noise exposure while on areas where poison ivy or bee or hornet nests You could try to entice employees to the job. wear helmets by varying from the standard could present a threat to employees or golf­ ers with serious allergies? There are myriad other potential hazards that your employees should be trained to note and report— before an accident happens. • Golf cart safety. The golf cart is the most widely used piece of equipment on the golf

Wearing a safari-type helmet, Fairview Country Club crew member Enrique Martinez makes safety look fashionable.

Tee to Greenju ly/August 2013 when the lightning system is activated. The ate people to contact in an emergency. golf maintenance staff should be privy to Assistants, mechanics, and foreman are gen­ this information as well, not only to help erally well informed about emergency pro­ golfers do the right thing, but also to protect cedures and should, without a doubt, be the themselves in a lightning storm. go-to people on your staff. One often overlooked aspect of lightning • It’s a good idea to run drills to ensure safety is ensuring the safety of rain shelters. employees know how to handle an emer­ To protect against a lightning strike, these gency situation—particularly a life-threat­ structures need to be properly grounded or ening one— before it happens. they can become dangerous targets during a If and when an accident occurs, first re­ storm. sponders and others on the scene will need With these simple precautions, accidents to fill out a written accident report indicat­ that a facility can be held accountable for ing what happened and what the area looked can be greatly reduced, if not eliminated. like when they arrived. Insurance companies and legal counsel frequently request these reports. For that reason, it’s important that knowing How lo Respond in an the form be filled out accurately with the course by both staff and golfers, yet it’s the Emergency date and time, as well as any corrective one thing that often gets overlooked when A crucial aspect of any safety training pro­ measures planned to prevent future acci­ developing a safety plan. It’s important that gram is to have an emergency plan in place dents. It’s also helpful to include photos or a we scan cart paths regularly for potholes or and employees who have been taught how video. debris that can knock a cart off course. And to respond in the event of an emergency. Interestingly, the majority of the people if your property has guardrails, they should we surveyed did not have a formal emer­ always be in good repair. Sharp turns and gency response plan in place, but those who steep slopes are other potential hazards that did seemed to hit the high points. Quaker’s should be properly marked with signage to Tom Ashfield and Fairview’s Jim Pavonetti warn employees and golfers to drive with have plans they review with employees at caution. least twice a year, detailing in particular • Lightning. Lightning is the most danger­ how to handle fires, heavy storms (hurri­ ous hazard that golfers and staff can canes), injuries, and electrical storms. encounter on the golf course. The wide- Stanwich’s Scott Niven makes sure that open spaces, tall trees, and the metal clubs his assistants and a few selected staff mem­ being used are all reasons to seek shelter bers are aware of their emergency response when lightning is in the area. More people plan, while North Jersey Country Club’s than you think are killed every year due to David Dudones puts his time and energy lightning. into a Hazard Communication Plan, which Most properties have lightning detection not only puts him in good stead with and warning systems already in place. If your OSHA, but also ensures employees know property does not, it may be an investment how to handle hazardous materials responsi­ worth making. Signs should be posted in bly and respond appropriately if a spill were visible areas—on golf carts, bag tags, score- Here are a few key points: to occur. cards, in locker rooms, and in the pro shop— • Maintenance staff members should be Also interesting was that the superintend­ informing players of the proper protocol aware of the location of all Automated Ex­ ents at only two clubs in our survey— ternal Defibrillators (AEDs) and first- Quaker Ridge and Fairview—were actually aid supplies on the property. Just like with held to any safety standards. “At Quaker, lightning safety procedures, the locations of were expected to have an employee safety these items should be listed in conspicuous program in place that includes a safe chemi­ areas for all golfers to review in case of an cal handling program and first-aid and CPR emergency. training,” says Tom. Jim Pavonetti is re­ • At least one person trained in the more quired to remain CPR and First-Aid certi­ technical aspects of emergency response fied. “Certification is good for two years, so (e.g., CPR and defibrillator operation) we hold classes every year at the club,” says should be onsite at all times. Golf courses are Jim. “I go every other year, and my assistants one of the top five places where cardiac and mechanic go the opposite years.” arrest occurs, so we need to be properly trained and prepared to react to those types of situations. Don’t Let OSHA Get You • Publicize emergency procedures in your Through the survey process, I came to real­ facility’s monthly newsletter; at the same ize that few superintendents are aware of time, make members aware that your main­ the OSHA requirements that could come tenance staff is prepared to help. Of course, back to bite them if their course were ever More people than you it’s likely that not every member of the subjected to an inspection. No matter how maintenance staff will be capable of re­ thorough you feel your safety program is, it’s think are killed every year sponding in an emergency situation, but in your best interest to be sure it takes into due to lightning. every employee should know the appropri­ account OSHA requirements, which are de- Tee to Green July /August 2013 you can cover this material with your staff tries to create a consistent awareness of Though it is relatively on a rainy day or break it up into five 10- to safety by bringing it up at regular intervals rare for OSHA to conduct15-minute meetings over the course of the during the season. season. New staff training seems to trump all golf course inspections, Once the training is complete, be sure to other training, which makes sense. David document and keep it on file for OSHA to Dudones runs a lengthier meeting at the they can and do happen, review in the event of an accident. Main­ beginning of the season for newcomers to taining accurate training records can save the staff, while, in addition, Jim Pavonetti especially if an accident you a huge headache if an inspector calls. offers added training for anyone perform­ occurs on your property. If you would like more information on ing a task or operating a piece of equipment OSHA requirements, you’ll find it on for the first time. OSHAs website: osha.gov. signed to ensure that facilities “provide a place of employment free from recognized hazards that will or are likely to cause death Milking ¡1 Program Work or serious physical harm to employees.” This Once you have a safety program in place, is also known as OSHAs general duty clause there are several steps you can take to ensure and one of the most cited violations during its success. Here’s what I, and other superin­ OSHA inspections. tendents I surveyed, have found helpful. Though it is relatively rare for OSHA to • Keep it consistent. I have found that conduct golf course inspections, they can committing a minimum of 15 minutes a and do happen, especially if an accident oc­ week to teaching and reviewing safety top­ curs on your property. In June, a freak acci­ ics with your staff is ideal. If you can spare a dent where several employees were injured little more time, it’s nice to allow another 15 by lightning on a course in Connecticut led minutes or so for discussion. This is a great OSHA to come calling the following day. opportunity to review any accidents or close During the inspection, the course was fined calls that anyone has experienced. a whopping $11,600 for violation of the Along with a meeting time limit, it’s good general duty clause. Keeping our properties if you can establish a consistent starting and employees OSHA compliant is clearly time for your training sessions. One super­ • Add interest to your sessions. To spice important not just from a safety perspective, intendent felt rounding up the crew a half- things up now and then, it’s great to call in a but from a financial perspective as well. hour before the scheduled lunch break guest speaker who could offer some real-life Here are the five OSHA requirements worked best. experience. Some of the more interesting you’d do well to weave in to your main­ Time spent on training among our survey ideas I’ve heard about were a chiropractor tenance staff safety training program if you respondents ranged from one to five hours presenting safe lifting practices and back haven’t already: over the course of a month. Pelham’s Jeff injury prevention; a first-aid supplier re­ • A Hazardous Communication Program Wentworth, along with a number of the viewing the various components of a first- covering the basics of working around haz­ others we spoke to, found rainy days the best aid kit; a fireman on fire extinguisher safety; ardous materials. Each employee should also time to squeeze training into a busy sched­ and an EMT on emergency response. Get be able to locate and use MSDS data sheets ule. In addition to capitalizing on bad creative. Do anything to make safety train­ and spill kits. weather, The Stanwich Club’s Scott Niven ing something to look forward to, rather • Lockout/Tagout training designed to than dread. teach employees to shut off and then tag • Enlist the support of your supervisory dangerous machines so that everyone is staff. Most everyone we surveyed seems aware that those pieces of equipment are out The Seven Key Points of a to involve assistants or mechanics in train­ of commission until proper maintenance Well-Planned Employee ing employees. Ridgewood Country Club’s has been performed. Safety Program Todd Raisch was one who gave both his • Blood-born Pathogen guidelines to en­ assistants and mechanic the lion’s share of sure employees avoid on-the-job transmis­ An effective employee safety pro­ the responsibility for showing staff the sion of hepatitis-B and the HIV virus. gram incorporates the following ropes. Should this rare, but possible, type of situa­ points: Employees look to their higher-ups for tion present itself on the golf course, em­ Responsibility for administering cues on proper conduct, which means that in ployees need to know the procedures and the program addition to training employees, you and precautions. your assistants, foreman, and mechanic must • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Compliance with the program consistently demonstrate the program’s training to ensure employees recognize Communication of safety and principles in your daily practices. If, for how and when to use PPE required by law health information instance, you want crew members to wear for operators and applicators. Identification and evaluation of safety glasses when raking bunkers, then • Fire safety training to ensure employees workplace hazards wear the glasses yourself while showing are well versed in how to handle a fire, in­ them how to do the job. As the Dupont pro­ cluding operating a fire extinguisher and Investigation of occupational gram espouses,“You will achieve the level of executing an evacuation plan. injuries and illness safety that you demonstrate you want to If incorporating these five topics into Correction of unsafe conditions achieve.” your training program seems like more or behaviors • Reinforce safe work practices. Another trouble than it’s worth, keep in mind that Employee information and tack that seems to work in driving home the training Tee to Green July /August 2013 importance of adhering to your safety pro­ gram is to empower key people on your staff—your assistants or foreman, for Ted Horton’s Words to the Wise instance—to reinforce safe work practices and correct any unsafe behaviors. This not only sends a strong signal that safety counts, on Employee Safety Training it also gives your assistants or foreman a bit more authority in your staff’s eyes, increas­ ing the likelihood that staff will comply. They’ll come to know that “Big Brother” is watching! “At North Jersey,” says Dave, “we are always quick to point out any issues that we know have the potential to cause harm f J Horton, who is currently because of unsafe actions.” owner of Ted Horton Consulting, Tom regularly reminds his crew to be as well as the consulting superin­ aware of their surroundings. “The golf tendent to ValleyCrest Golf Course Main­ course has many areas that compromise tenance and the consulting advisor to the safety,” he says. “We emphasize areas that Asian Pacific Group, has more than 45 present a hazard and also seeking safety years of highly successful work experience when there’s a dangerous situation out in private golf and country club, resort, and there—a lightning storm, for instance.” public daily fee golf course maintenance Though it may seem a bit stringent, a for­ operations. As a veteran in the golf course mal disciplinary system should be put in industry, Ted has long been a proponent place to identify repeat offenders of your and practitioner of golf course employee safety policy. Those offenders should have to safety training. do more training, or perhaps have their posi­ In the mid-’80s, well before employee tions within your department reevaluated. safety training was “in vogue” and Ted was While correcting unsafe behavior works, superintendent at Westchester Country reinforcing safe behaviors can be even more Club, he and his then assistant Mary Me- motivating. You might try rewarding your donis penned an Employee Safety article 3. Zero accidents should always be the staff with a cookout every other month if that earned them the highly respected goal. Celebrate safety often! the group has managed to steer clear of vio­ GCSAA Leo Feser Award. 4. Safe and at-risk behaviors (safe and lations, or you could recognize high per­ Now, with golf course safety among his unsafe acts) are always done by people, not formers with an award at the end of the long list of consulting services, Ted was machines. This is why we must look at season. ValleyCrest Company has an annual happy to share with us a few of his core everything in the workplace but concen­ Safety Celebration in which four Ford 250 beliefs about initiating and maintaining a trate on people and their actions to see Pickup Trucks and numerous other smaller successful employee safety training pro­ whether they are working safely. awards are presented to employees who gram on your course. 5. You maintain standards by setting an have exhibited safety on the job. example through your own behavior and The key is to encourage, rather than force, 1.1 think it is important for every superin­ by making sure that you are following the employees to buy in to your safety program. tendent to recognize/admit that “we have a desired behavior. This will, no doubt, yield more lasting moral and fiduciary responsibility to keep 6. When it comes to correcting at-risk be­ results. our employees and guests safe. It’s that sim­ haviors, silence is consent. Why? If you see ple in my mind.” an unsafe behavior and don’t address it, the 2. Skilled superintendents give safety the person may think they are performing sat­ In the End... same attention and effort that they give to isfactorily. Others in the area will also Safety training is always a work in progress. quality, morale, cost, and production. think the behavior is satisfactory. There We have to continually evaluate what works Why? Because when each of these areas is will be no reason to change. and what doesn’t, while ensuring that our given proper importance, they work to­ 7. When you actively address safe or unsafe programs keep pace with the changing gether to create a strong performance. But behaviors, you send a signal to the people needs of our facilities and the changing if even one of these areas is neglected, the around you that your safety standards are rules and regulations of our industry. others will suffer too. high. With just a little bit of effort, you can put a program in place that demonstrates your commitment not just to safety, but to the When you actively address safe or unsafe long-term success of your entire operation. behaviors, you send a signal to the Ryan Segrue, a member of the Tee to Green Editorial Committee, is superintendent at Valley- people around you that your safety Crest Golf Course Maintenance at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, NY standards are high.

Tee to Green July/August 2013 Superintendent/Green Chairperson Championship Qualifier PLUS Tournament The MetGCSA and Hudson Valley GCSA Tuesday, October 8 Poa Annual Tournament Sunningdale Country Club Tuesday, September 17 Scarsdale, NY Spook Rock Golf Course Host: Sean Cain, CGCS President’s Message continued from page 1 Suffern, NY of Directors. I am proud to announce Host: Daniel Madar Annual Assistants Championship that we have officially nominated John Wednesday, October 23 O’Keefe of Preakness Hills Country Club Met Area Team Championship Quaker Pudge Golf Club for the office of vice president for the Monday, September 30 Scarsdale, NY 2014 GCSAA board. John has been a long­ Mountain Ridge Country Club Assistant Host: Stephen Wickstrom time Met member and past president, and West Caldwell, NJ Superintendent Host: Tom Ashfield we wish him well as he enters his final Host: Cliff Moore three (but extremely important) years on the board. If you have any questions for Bob or Educational Events John about the GCSAA or would like to be more involved in our national organi­ NYSTA's Winning Fields, Winning trends in turfgrass management. As always, zation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Fairways Seminar the expo will feature key speakers from all them. Tuesday, October 1 segments of the green industry, as well as a Bethpage State Park Golf Course and comprehensive trade show with more than SUNY Farmingdale, Farmingdale, NY 100 exhibitors. Get Onboard For further information, call the show It is never too early to start thinking about Winning Fairways will take place at Beth­ office at 800-873-8873 or 518-783-1229, running for the MetGCSA boardjoining page and will kick off with Cornell’s Dr. or visit the website at www.nysta.org. a committee, or hosting an event next Frank Rossi leading a tour of the Bethpage year. Our November Annual Business Green Course. He will discuss turf varieties MetGCSA/CAGCS Fall Seminar Meeting is fast approaching, and that’s and selection, as well as how to manage turf Wednesday, December 4 where elections will take place for impor­ without pesticides. Also from Cornell, Dr. The Patterson Club tant positions. Marty Petrovic will discuss fertility and his Fairfield, CT Serving on the board allows you to be latest research. And Dr. Ben McGraw of Host: Jason Meersman involved in the kind of decision making SUNY Delhi will address how to best man­ that shapes the future of golf in our area age the annual bluegrass weevil on Long Save the date, and watch for details. and keeps you at the forefront of the latest Island. developments in our industry. If you are At Winning Fields, held at SUNY Farm­ 38th Annual New Jersey Green Expo interested in running for the board, please ingdale, Dominic Morales, professor emeri­ Turf and Landscape Conference contact Matt Ceplo, our Nominating tus of SUNY Delhi, and Dr. Tamson Yeh Tuesday — Thursday, December 10—12 Committee chairman. of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Trump Taj Mahal Resort Casino Speaking of getting involved, please Suffolk County will present sports turf Atlantic City, NY be sure to join me at our season-ending management strategies. In addition, SUNY The New Jersey Green Expo offers a com­ golf events: the Met Championship and Farmingdale’s Assistant Athletic Director prehensive educational program providing Met Area Team Championship Qualifier Tom Azzara and The LandTek Group’s cutting-edge applications and tactics to PLUS the Poa Annual Tournament at Kevin Malone will lead a tour discussion of guarantee green industry professionals’ suc­ Spook Rock and the Superintendent/ the installation and maintenance of the cess on the job. Offering one of the largest Green Chairperson Tournament at Sun- newly renovated sports facilities. trade shows in the tri-state area, the expo ningdale. What a great way to close a chal­ For further information, contact NYSTA also provides attendees with the opportu­ lenging season! at 800-873-8873 or 518-783-1229, or visit nity to view the latest and greatest products the website at www.nysta.org. and services on the market. Blake Halderman, CGCS For further information, call 973-812- President Turf & Grounds Exposition 6467 or visit www.njturfgrass.org. Tuesday-Thursday, November 12-14 Rochester Riverside Convention Center MetGCSA Winter Seminar Rochester, NY Wednesday, January 15,2014 The Turf & Grounds Exposition offers an Westchester Country Club excellent opportunity to network while re­ Rye, NY maining current on the latest research and Save the date, and watch for details.

Tee to Green July/August 2013 2013 Scholarship Recipients Named at the Mosholu Parent/Child Scholarship Tournament by Glen Dube, CGCS, MetGCSA Scholarship Chairman

he 2013 Scholarship Awards Ceremony was held on August 6 — as part of the third annual Parent/ Child Scholarship Tournament at Mosholu Golf Course. One of Americas premier First Tee golf courses, this was the perfect venue for our members and their children to get out and enjoy playing the game that is such a large part of their parents’ livelihood. Our gracious host, Dave Moffett, who is in his second season at Mosholu, had the course in great shape. And the nine-hole, 2,300-yard par 32 course proved to be the perfect setting for kids and adults of all golf­ ing abilities. Nearly 40 participants (parent/child teams) played in a nine-hole shotgun and were divided into two divisions. One divi­ sion was for children 12 and over, the other for kids 12 and under. The tournament was free to members and, by all accounts, was a great success. Of course, the superb weather didn’t hurt! At the Mosholu Parent/Child Golf Event, MetGCSA scholarship winners receive their well-deserved awards (left to right): Teddy Norman, MetGCSA member; Frank Amodio with his daughter, Katherine; lion I lie Teams Pared Bill Perlee with his daughter, Sarah;John Carlone with his son, David; Mike and Lisa Cook with their Rockland Country Club’s Matt Ceplo and daughter, Courtney; Greg Wojick accepting the award for his daughter, Kara; Samual Kerr, son of David his daughter, Megan, took first place in the Kerr, with his grandfather. 12-and-over division with a one under score vision went to Team Dube. I partnered up of 37, while third place honors went to Rob of 31. Meadow Brooks John Carlone and his with my son, Jake, and nephew, Cole. Thanks Dorsch and his daughter, Savanna, who came son, David, took second place with an even to their putting prowess, we shot an even in with a score of 38. par score of 32. par score of 32. Second place went to Kevin When all was said and done, and my son, First place honors in the 12-and-under di­ Doyle and his daughter, Bailey, with a score nephew, and I got in the car to go home, the Centennial's Glen Teddy Norman, is a member of the Dube with son Jake (l) MetGCSA, working as an intern for su­ and nephew Cole perintendent Joe Alonzi, at Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY He is a junior at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Sarah Perlee, daughter of Lorah and Bill Perlee, superintendent of The Apawamis Club, is in her freshman year at The Uni­ versity of Vermont majoring in animal science. Jane Sylvester, daughter of Julie and Dave Sylvester, sales representative for Bayer En­ vironmental Science, is in her senior year at Michigan State University studying music education and performance. first thing they said was how much they year’s scholarship recipients—and their were looking forward to doing this again proud parents: Kara Wojick, daughter of Tee to Green next year. If you saw the look on the kids’ Managing Editor Pandora Wojick and Greg faces when they swung and finally con­ Katherine Amodio, daughter of Jean and Wojick, principal, Playbooks for Golf, is a nected on a shot, you’d know that more than Frank Amodio of Valley View Greenhouses, senior at the University of Connecticut, pur­ just my son and nephew are looking forward is a senior at Boston College working to­ suing a bachelor’s in English and a master’s to a repeat event. ward a Ph.D. in psychology. in secondary education. Congratulations to this year’s winners! Jack Bresnahan, son of Tami and John In addition to congratulating our recipients, Bresnahan of BASF Chemical Company, is a I’d like to recognize those past boards who The Scholarship Aw ard Winners senior at Plymouth State University work­ had the foresight to initiate our Scholarship After golf, everyone reconvened at the club­ ing toward a B.S. in adventure education Fund, which has enabled us to assist in the house for a delicious dinner on the patio with a minor in music. ever-increasing college costs thanks to our overlooking the ninth hole, which offered Annual Bill Caputi Scholarship Raffle, the the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great David Carlone, son of Leslie and John 50/50s at our monthly meetings, and last weather and beautiful sunset. After dinner Carlone, superintendent of Meadow Brook but not least, a portion of our dues. Finally, a was served and the prizes from the golf Club, is a junior at Hofstra University study­ special thank you needs to go out to the event were distributed, scholarship awards ing film. entire Scholarship Committee for their were presented to 12 deserving recipients, hard work in reviewing and awarding each who were either MetGCSA members’ chil­ Courtney Cook, daughter of Lisa and Mike scholarship. dren or a member themselves. In addition to Cook of The Care of Trees, is a sophomore Please remember to support our scholar­ maintaining stellar GPAs, these students are at the University of Delaware studying ship raffle. It is the major income-generator all very involved in their communities and communications. for our Scholarship Fund! participate in many extracurricular activi­ ties. It’s amazing how they can get it all done Austin Garceau, son of Mariane and Tim Glen Dube, CGCS, chairman of the Scholarship and still maintain exceptional grades. Garceau, superintendent of Haworth Coun­ Committee, is superintendent at Centennial Please join me in congratulating this try Club is entering the masters program at Golf Club in Carmel, NY. Western Carolina University studying clin­ ical mental health counseling. Kelsie (l) and Carlie with their dad, Scott Sarah Garceau, daughter of Mariane and Member on the Move Tim Garceau, superintendent of Haworth Carlos Gonzalez-Guerrero is a Country Club, is a senior at SUNY Cort­ new assistant superintendent at The land majoring in economics with a double Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, NY minor in history and sociology. Previous position: Assistant superin­ tendent at Manhattan Woods Golf Amanda Gross, daughter of Elizabeth and Club, West Nyack, NY Doug George, superintendent of Waccabuc Country Club, is a junior at Northeastern Birth University studying civil and environmen­ Congratulations to Scott Olson, tal engineering. superintendent of Hampshire Coun­ try Club in Mamaroneck, NY, and his Samual Kerr, son of Betsy and Dave wife Brook Hanna, on the birth of Kerr, superintendent of Ridgewood Coun­ their twin boys, Grant Asher (7 lbs., 4 try Club, will be a senior at Liberty Univer­ ozs.) and Blake Abram (8 lbs., 5 ozs.), sity majoring in business marketing. on August 15.

Tee to Green July /August 2013 Chapter Sews A Fond Farewell to Ineke Pierpoint The MetGCSA’s Longtime Executive Secretary Retires After Nearly 20 Years of Service by Matt Ceploy CGCS

tribute, a thank you, acco­ in Fayetteville, NY, and has two children: Seniors, Eastern Seniors, U.S. Seniors, and the lades for a job well done. Megan, 16, and Garrett, 13. Triangle Matches and you can see Ineke had This article is just a small a more-than-full plate. token of our tremendous appreciation for To put things into even better perspective, Ineke Pierpoint’s many years of service, Flitting Her Knowledge to Work at that point, Ineke was juggling more than working diligently behind-the-scenes to In the midst of growing a family of turfgrass 1,742 members. She collected dues, sent assist our association and our membership as managers, Ineke seized the opportunity to meeting notices for more than five or six the MetGCSAs executive secretary. become further involved in the industry she monthly meetings, while tracking atten­ “Ineke has been the backbone of the asso­ knew best, accepting a position as client dance at each of those meetings. She oversaw ciation for nearly 20 years,” says MetGCSA administrator with the MGA at the start of six different budgets, handled announce­ President Blake Halderman, commenting on 1994. ments both online and in print, and tracked Ineke s hard work and dedication. “She was Some of you may be surprised to know all the organizations’ paid advertisers, while extremely knowledgeable about the day-to- that Ineke is actually employed by the MGA integrating the ads into the various associa­ day operations, and being part of a family of and that the MetGCSA is actually an MGA tions’ newsletters and annual directories, golf course superintendents, she fully under­ client. which she compiled. The list, I’m sure, goes stood the membership and its needs.” When Ineke was hired, our association on. All you had to do was spend a few min­ was the only organization outside of the utes in Ineke’s office, and you’d realize just MGA in her charge. Her job description, how much she did. The phone was constantly Stapl'd in the Turf World however, quickly grew, and in her nearly 20- ringing. Well before her involvement with our asso­ year tenure with the MGA, she was respon­ And then there were those instances that ciation, Ineke was immersed in the world sible, at one time or another, for at least six Ineke would go above-and-beyond the call of golf course management. She married other clients. And for a period, she was jug­ of duty. I remember one time in particular George Pierpoint in October of 1967 when gling responsibility for all six at once: the when I was president and I got a call I wish I he was the golf course superintendent at Hudson Valley GCSA, the New Jersey could forget. Harrell’s Joe Stahl rang me early Orange County Golf Club. George was an GCSA, The Long Island Seniors Golf As­ on a Saturday morning to tell me that then accomplished superintendent his entire ca­ sociation, the Metropolitan Club Managers Siwanoy Super Dave Mahoney had passed. In reer. And as the wife of a superintendent, Association, the Tri-State Turf Research order to get the information out to the mem­ Ineke became more than familiar with the Foundation, and of course us, the MetGCSA. bership as quickly as possible, Ineke went into inner workings of the job of a turfgrass Add to that helping with the Westchester the office that Saturday and sent an email to manager. I remember talking to Ineke about George when he was working at the Concord Resort and Golf Club in Kiamesha Lake, NY That was when the Catskills were the place to be, and George was managing the resort’s two courses: The Monster Course, which was, at the time, nationally known, and the Inter­ national. If managing two courses wasn’t bad enough, he also operated the resort’s ski slope. George was putting in long hours year-round, and Ineke was right there along­ side him, offering her understanding and support. Two years after they were married, Ineke and George began a family. They have two sons, George IV and Rob. No surprise, they’ve both followed in their father’s foot­ steps, becoming superintendents. George is at Harbor Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, and has three boys: Travis, 16; Logan, 14; and Ryan, 11. Rob is a superin­ tendent at Onondaga Golf & Country Club

Tee to Green July/August 2013 Ineke and George Pierpoint Meet Susan O’Dowd, the MetGCSA’s New Executive Secretary

the entire membership. This was not the only time she extended herself for our association. MGA Executive Director Jay Mottola was quick to point out the wonderful job Ineke did in working with our association, as well as a number of other important client groups that work out of the MGAs Golf Central headquarters. “Most notable,” says Jay, “was Ineke’s outstanding and dedi­ cated work with the MetGCSA, while also iy M /M / e would like to give a warm cated in the heart of the electronic business working closely with associations like the W welcome to Susan O’Dowd, district in midtown Manhattan. Hudson Valley GCSA and the Tri-State the MetGCSAs new executive They lived in the City until 1990, when Turf Research Foundation. secretary. Susan is replacing Ineke Pierpoint, their daughter, Stacey, was born. They “Ineke’s passion for the important role who has retired after nearly 20 years of serv­ traded the bustle of Manhattan for a home that golf course superintendents play in ice to the Met (see article, left). in Irvington, NY, where they resided for 19 golf and at our clubs and courses came nat­ An avid golfer and former board member years and then moved to Tarrytown in urally for her, as her husband George is a of the local chapter of the Executive Wo­ 2009. retired superintendent and her two sons men’s Golf Association (EWGA), Susan It was in 2008 that Susan decided to steep have continued the family tradition and are brings a wealth of knowledge and experi­ herself in the game she loves. She joined the in the business as well. Ineke leaves a record ence to this position. She came to us from EWGA, becoming involved in all aspects of of great service to the MGA and golf.” American Independent Paper in Tarrytown, the association. Susan served on the board as NY, where she worked for 17 years as a Leadership Chair for two years, became a Retired hut Never Idle full-charge bookkeeper/office manager in league captain, mentored new golfers, re­ Well, yes, Ineke plans on enjoying a little charge of maintaining all financial reports cruited new members, organized outings R&R in retirement, but a woman that on- while overseeing payroll and human and tournaments, and went on to win the the-go never completely grinds to a halt. resources. MVP Cup for two consecutive years! Her Harley days, for one, aren’t over. (Yes, Born in Brooklyn, NY, Susan was raised “I’m happy to say,” says Susan, “that I’m Ineke and George own Harleys.) “I still and educated in Ireland. Moving back to off to Arizona September 6 to compete in plan on heading to Long Island this Sep­ New York after high school, she went to the EWGA finals.” Yes, this is the largest tember with the motorcycle club and then work for family at Intercity Cabinetry & women’s amateur golf tournament in the to Stanton,Virginia, next year,” notes Ineke. Design in lower Manhattan. Interestingly, world! And then, of course, she and George look this is where singer/songwriter Mariah “Susan stood out from the rest of the ap­ forward to spending more time with their Carey recorded her first hit song, “Vision of plicants for this position,” says MetGCSA grandchildren. “Now when we visit them,” Love,” that caught the attention of Columbia Executive Director Ed Brockner, “and has says Ineke, “I don’t have to worry about Records. Mariah was just 17! already gotten off to a great start on behalf being back to work on Monday!” “My brother was kind enough to let her of the Met.” Ineke and George have moved up to and her band use an empty room in the back Susan does lament, however, that filling Middletown, NY, where George was born of the woodshop, no charge, to do their Ineke’s footsteps won’t be easy:“She has done and raised and where they first met—just music,” explains Susan, who remembers an amazing job and will truly be missed by in time to celebrate their 46th anniversary Mariah rushing through the shop to her all, especially me! All the associations I’m in October! makeshift studio. “When she got her first big assigned to work for—the MetGCSA, “We appreciate all that Ineke has done check from Columbia, she showed her grati­ HVGCSA, LISGA, and the Tri-State Turf for the MetGCSA,” says Blake,“and we will tude by buying my brother a state-of-the-art Research Foundation—have been very wel­ miss her. We wish her all the best in her coffeemaker.” coming and patient with the whole transi­ retirement.” tion process. I’m happy to work with such a great group of people.” Matt Ceplo, a member of the Tee to Green There’s More to Susan Than Meets Speaking for everyone in the Met .. . the Editorial Committee and a MetGCSA past the Eye! feeling is mutual! president, is superintendent at Rockland Coun­ In 1988, Susan met her husband, Richard, You can reach Susan at at 914-909-4843 try Club in Sparkill, NY. who was president of Manhattan Electron­ or [email protected]. ics, a successful computer peripheral store lo­ Tee to Green July/August 2013 o The MetGCSA 2013 Summer Social . . . aSiwanoyCountry Club SMASH!!!

Hosted by Steven McGlone

fentile & M icheli Collins Rich, Jackie & lodi fon & i Steven

Scott Apgar Kevin Collins, Kên Benoit\

falderman, Brocki

Jasmine & Mati Shana & Brian Cjelsvik Spotlight Spook Rock to Host Triple-Header Event by Kevin Collins

fjUn September 17, the MetGCSA f will hold its annual Met Cham- Han, Now anil Then ^ ^^pionship and Met Area Team Cham­ Dan knows every intricacy of these, and Dan Madar and Teddy pionship Qualifier at Spook Rock Golf every other hole on the course, all too well. A and we’ve also cut down trees around the Course in Suffern, NY, while teaming fixture in the Hudson Valley for the past 26 greens and tees, in-house, to increase airflow up with the Hudson Valley GCSA for years, Dan’s been the lead guy at Spook Rock and sunlight. I’m pleased with the results.” NYSTAs annual fundraiser, the Poa Annual since 1987. His love of golf and golf courses In addition to Dan’s responsibilities at Tournament. began in the ’70s when he worked as a starter Spook Rock, he is also the superintendent of Spook Rock is a great venue for this triple­ at a local municipal course in Livonia, MI. nearby Germonds Cemetery, a job he thor­ header event. Designed by Frank Duane, Soon after, Dan enlisted in the Navy and oughly enjoys. “It’s very peaceful over there, Spook Rock opened for play in 1969 and is spent four years serving our country. When and the residents never complain,” he says known for its contoured fairways and scenic he was discharged, he decided to pursue a with a chuckle. layout. The course averages 38,000 rounds of career in the turfgrass industry and enrolled Dan has been generous with his time in golf a year and has consistently been ranked in Michigan State University. His first real giving back to the industry. He served as in the top 100 public golf courses in the exposure to golf course maintenance oc­ president of the HVGCSA and was a board country. curred at Winged Foot, where he interned member for many years. In addition, Dan The actual “Spook Rock” is located near for Sherwood Moore. With an associate’s donated 15 years of his time as chairman of the intersection of Airmont and Spook Rock degree in hand, Dan landed his first assis­ the HVGCSAs Hudson Valley Cup tourna­ Roads in Suffern. And according to legend, tant’s job at the famed Piping Rock Club on ment, which raises funds for scholarships and this rock marks the grave of an Indian Long Island, working for Mel Lucas. After six research. It is still the most popular event on princess who was slaughtered by local white years at Piping Rock, Dan accepted his first the HVGCSA calendar every year. settlers. When the moon is full, her ghost is and current superintendent’s position at said to walk the earth with the sole purpose Spook Rock. of haunting the descendants of her murder­ I first met Dan in the early ’90s. Back Han, the Family Man ers. Pretty scary stuff! then, Dan didn’t have any grey hair. Now he I can’t help but think back to the days has nothing but grey hair. During our phone when I’d be in Dan’s office and his young conversation, the subject of aging came up. children would be running around. Well, Staling on Your Game “I’ve turned into a grumpy old man,” says of course, they’re not so little anymore. While you won’t have to fear a visit from the Dan. (I’m older than Dan, so what does that Daughter Kristen, 27, graduated from Indian princess this trip, you will have to be make me?) We talked hip replacement and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), is concerned with staying on your game. There other maladies before turning the conversa­ married, and is running her own Media and are a number of intricacies to playing this tion to one of my earliest memories of Dan. Advertising business. Son David, 24, is a pro­ course well, so I asked our meeting host, Dan It was back in the 1990s, and we were fessional musician (davemadar.com) cur­ Madar, to give us a few pointers on two of his standing on one of Spook Rock’s fairways rently touring and performing around the favorite holes on the course. when a golfer approached us to complain country. Son Eric, 22, graduated from RIT First was hole # l.“The first hole is a diffi­ about the unraked sand trap he just hit out of. and is a professional photographer. This cult par 4, about 420 yards in length,” says Dan’s eyes narrowed as he told the man, “I month’s cover shot was courtesy of Eric! And Dan. “It doglegs left with bunkers right and don’t have the crew to rake bunkers every finally, son Alex, 19, is a sophomore at RIT, left, narrowing the landing area. If you can day. If the golfers practiced a little etiquette majoring in the hotel and hospitality man­ hit a Glen Dube-like draw, you’ll have a short and raked the trap after they hit out of it, agement program and swimming breast­ iron approach. If not, hit a three-wood or there wouldn’t be a problem.” The complain­ stroke for the RIT Tigers swim team. long-iron to set up a mid-iron approach shot. ing golfer slinked away. I stole a quick look at Last but not least, Dan and his lovely bride, Left is out of bounds for the entire length of Dan, and his nostrils were flared. I made a Karen, will celebrate their 32nd wedding the hole. mental note never to antagonize Dan. anniversary this coming October. Karen The second was hole #12. “This hole is a runs her own interior design business. short, 325-yard par 4. You can’t drive the Dan looks forward to a big turnout on the green, but you may want to use your driver 17th. Hope to see you all there! to get past all the trouble about 220 yards Always hard at work, Dan’s been occupied from the tee. The trouble includes water left with a number of projects at Spook Rock Kevin Collins, a member of the Tee to Green and right, a fairway bunker left, and some over the past decade. Dan reports, “We’ve Editorial Committee, is Mid-Atlantic and mounding right. The green is bunkered right been on a drill-and-fill and Dryject program Northeast territory manager for Aquatrols Corp. and left and has some severe contours. This is for seven years, so the greens are draining of America and the owner/president of Dryject a nicely framed hole.” better and the turf is much healthier. In Northeast /TurfPounders. 2008, we installed a new irrigation system, Tee to Green July /August 2013 © Superintendents and Green Chairs Are Sunningdale Bound by Chip Lafferty

( 1 inally . . . MetGCSA members the 8th green with a shared chipping area, s f f / will not only meet at Sunning- effectively making 4 and 8 the largest Biar­ dale Country Club, but also have ritz green in the area!” the opportunity to play golf at the October To date, the club has reworked holes 4, 5, 8 Superintendent/Green Chairman tour­ 6, 7, and 8 and completed green and tee ney. Though this will be the fifth meeting complex work on 11, 12, and 14. This fall, Superintendent Sean Cain has hosted in his the club will forge ahead with plans to re­ 15-year tenure at the club, only one—the work the 9th green complex and lengthen 1998 Invitational—offered members the number 10. “This will involve tying the 9th opportunity to get out and enjoy the links. green complex to the 10th tee and moving Sean Cain, CGCS Well, some things are worth waiting for. the 10th green back about 40 yards to its This trip, members will have the fortunate original location between the first and 11th chaired the Membership Committee, and opportunity to play a course that has bene­ tee,” explains Sean, who is pleased not only even had a stint in 2003 as Tee to Green’s co- fited from numerous enhancements over with the fruits of their labor, but also with editor with college buddy, Rolling Hill’s the past seven years. the membership’s positive response to any Glenn Perry. and all improvements. “It was important to me to try to give “Once the membership realized what we back to MetGCSA and our members.‘Try’ is A Changrd Course had here, they were behind our efforts 100 the key word here,” says Sean.“I give a lot of In 2006, Sean began working with architect percent,” says Sean. “And with Mike’s help, credit to the board members who have gone Mike DeVries to recapture the course’s orig­ we have been able to reveal what Sunning­ the distance, fulfilled their commitments, inal 1917 Seth Raynor design. Thanks to dale can be.” and become president of our association.” Mike Moss, the club’s historian and Sean’s green chair at the time, Sunningdale was able to not only confirm that Raynor routed Where Have the Years Gone? Beyond Industry Obligations and built the course, but also understand the It doesn’t seem that long ago that Sean began For Sean, there’s no life without sports. He’s long chain of modifications that took place his career in turfgrass management with an avid cyclist and an accomplished low- over the years to Raynor’s original design. Fred Montgomery on the grounds crew of handicap golfer—a force to be reckoned “Some of the changes we were proposing Mohawk Country Club near Sean’s home with at Met golf events. Sean’s also been weren’t an easy sell,” says Sean, “but after turf in Schenectady, NY ... or that he com­ known to frequent the gym, where one of his some tough meetings, we were able to con­ pleted his B.S. in Turfgrass Management at prime objectives is to prep himself for the ski vince the membership of the value of re­ the University of Rhode Island ... interned season. A hard-core skier, Sean spends most establishing lost vistas and the integrity of at The Stanwich Club with Scott Niven ... weekends in the off-season at his “fortress of many of the holes.” and then, in 1991, with degree in hand, solitude,” a home he owns near the slopes in Having a firm grasp on how architects landed an assistant’s position with Jeff Scott, Stowe, VT. from the early 1900s worked with the land then superintendent at The Apawamis Club. By the time the Superintendent/Green and its topography, Mike DeVries was able Clearly, time flies when you’re having Chair tourney arrives, Sean will start think­ to flawlessly recapture many of Raynor’s fun. ing about giving his clubs a rest and heading design features. Sean cites the sixth hole as a After four years at Apawamis, Sean knew north. prime example of DeVries’ handiwork. he had gained not only the training and ex­ “I go up to Vermont every chance I get in “Mike reestablished the strategy of this perience he needed to take the next step, but the winter,” says Sean. “It gives me a chance Alps hole. He lengthened it by more than 70 also the confidence. “I learned a tremendous to recharge my batteries and get ready for yards and added some of his own brilliance amount from Fred, Scott, and Jeff,” he says. “I another challenging season ahead.” to the green and tee complex,” Sean was ready when Sunningdale opened up.” Be sure to join Sean at Sunningdale for explains. In addition to leading a highly regarded this season-ending event, and enjoy all that Also notable was DeVries’ work on holes 8 golf course, Sean has, over the years, led a the newly renovated course has to offer! and 4. “On 8,” says Sean, “Mike realigned number of MetGCSA committees, serving the tee and removed a number of trees on the Board of Directors for five years. Chip Lafferty, a member of the Tee to Green behind the green. Then using his bulldozer He devoted most of that time to co-chair­ Editorial Committee, is superintendent at Rye like a paintbrush, he tied the 4th green into ing the Tournament Committee, but also Golf Club in Rye, NY.

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