The Reporter Volume 55, No. 2. May/June 2020
Photo Courtesy of: Telluride Ski and Golf Co, Kevin Cahalane
In This Issue ...
President’s Message, Pages 2-3 RMGCSA Spring Updates, Page 14
Director’s Corner, Pages 4-5 Jennifer Cassell: A Game Lobbyist, Pages 16-17
Assistant Spotlight, Page 6 New Member Roll Call, Page 18
Superintendent Spotlight, Pages 7-8 Industry Partners, Page 19
Affiliate Angle, Pages 9-10
Focusing on the Journey, Page 11
Monitoring Your Mental Health, Pages 12-13
www.rmgcsa.org | 303-255-9611 | [email protected] 12110 N. Pecos Street, Suite 220 Westminster, CO 80234 2020 Board of Directors President’s Message President Tim Davis Legacy Ridge Golf Course by Tim Davis, Superintendent, Legacy Ridge Golf Course [email protected]
I hope this issue of The Reporter finds you Vice President and your loved ones safe and healthy. It’s Kyle Merritt crazy how much has changed since my Eaton Country Club [email protected] last President’s message. No one could have possibly imagined that we would Secretary/Treasurer Paul Sibley be in this situation as our 2020 season Walnut Creek Golf Preserve is kicking off. As I write this message it [email protected] is currently snowing, this time of year I Immediate would normally appreciate a snow day to Past President Craig Cahalane catch my breath from a hectic spring time Pole Creek Golf Course ramp up. However, this time I’m longing for the pre-COVID days and [email protected]
wishing for normalcy. Hopefully by the time this issue hits your desk Past Presidents Council we are slowly returning to our new normal. Whatever that is. Steve Sarro Pinehurst Country Club [email protected] In the days leading up to Governor Polis’ Stay at Home order the Executive Director executive committee was already fielding a flurry of texts, emails, Gary Leeper and phone calls. While we all knew that social distancing measures [email protected]
and stay at home orders were coming, no one really knew what it Directors meant for golf. We needed answers fast. Thanks to our Executive Kevin Kallas Director, Gary Leeper, his team, and our lobbyist Jennifer Cassel, we Saddle Rock Golf Course [email protected] got answers fast. They quickly communicated through legislative channels and lobbied for golf course managers to be able to protect Kevin Klemenz Harmony Club their assets. We all understand that you can’t just walk away from a [email protected] golf course. Governor Polis needed to understand this too. A letter Griff Rainford was quickly sent to the Governor’s office in which we received a Highland Meadows Golf Course swift response with the clarification. The Governor’s office told us [email protected] what we wanted to hear, and so because of this initiative, we found Mitchell Savage our association on the leading edge of information used nationally Broken Tree Golf Course [email protected] on how to proceed with golf course maintenance during these unprecedented times. The amount of communication between Jeff Wichman Patty Jewett Golf Course area superintendents, board members, executive staff, our GCSAA [email protected] field staff rep Dave Phipps, and the GCSAA was astounding. The Affiliate Liaison progressive thinking and quick reaction of our industry leaders Don Frantz deserve a lot of credit locally and nationally. I’m truly proud to be a PBI-Gordon part of our fantastic organization. [email protected] Class C Ex Officio Devin Mergl Our executive leadership is in constant communication with The Club at Flying Horse the other Colorado golf associations. This Coalition is working [email protected] collectively to shape the way golf in Colorado looks going forward. GCSAA Delegate Scott Phelps City of Fort Collins 2 Continued on page 3... [email protected] Continued from page 2... Being pragmatic about generating solutions we will show the CDC, CDHPE, county health departments or any governing body for that matter, that we are willing to meet or exceed any suggested safety protocols. All while painting our industry in positive light in the eyes of our governing bodies.
How has COVID-19 affected this association? We’ve taken our lumps but we continue to stay vigilant and work for you. We will continue to tackle the issues our industry faces, promote our profession, and stay involved. Our tournament schedule may look a little different this year, but we’ll figure it out. Stay tuned.
As always please feel free to reach out to myself or any board member with questions, comments, or concerns.
Thanks, Tim Davis [email protected] | 303.803.2724
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3 Director’s Corner Membership Value by Paul Sibley, Superintendent, Walnut Creek Golf Preserve
As I begin to write this article first and foremost I hope everyone is safe, healthy and coping with this unprecedented time the best you can. It looks like the golf world is playing a large part in the health and well-being of our patrons and most are probably open at this time. Thanks to all who have shared COVID-19 SOP’s that they have instituted at their own facilities as it helps to put all Colorado courses on the same page to protect staff and customers who are visiting our facilities.
So far this year the Board of Directors, committee members, executive directors, and many behind the scenes representatives have been very busy with many issues that are facing our industry which directly affect all of us. With this being my third year on the RMGCSA board I have been asked and have heard about the value that members say they get out of their membership. Prior to being on the board I felt that membership value was based on the monthly golf outings and trainings associated with them. The past few years have opened my eyes to all the efforts that take place behind the scenes that most don’t see.
Membership value is represented through many initiatives and it starts with member participation and involvement. RMGCSA offers scholarship opportunities for member’s children and grandchildren in any higher education major, as well as RMEGI scholarships for students looking to pursue careers in golf course management…Value. The association has a government lobbyist who represents all of us on key issues locally and regionally such as SB 189. If passed, this pesticide bill can have a huge effect on how we manage our courses on a daily basis. Many board members as well as RMGCSA members alike have been active in representing all members by meeting with legislators to have our voice heard as well as distributing a fact sheet outlining the issue…Value.
With the pandemic sweeping across our state the RMGCSA sent out a letter to the Governor’s office requesting they make golf course maintenance an essential business activity…Value. Members of the association who have taken the time to create a standard SOP for all courses to follow so we can remain open during COVID-19 as well as the network of Superintendents who have shared their procedures to all members…Value. Affiliate members who have provided valuable information and products to our membership that help keep facilities clean and sanitized for a safe experience…Value.
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4 Director’s Corner
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All of the efforts from the RMGCSA and RMEGI in getting the Colorado BMP guide published… Value. Members that have dedicated many hours to the successful implementation of the Annual Conference are the unsung heroes that go un-noticed but are a huge asset to the entire membership…Value. Although I have not touched on all topics that add value to my membership these are some of the things I take into account when I think of how valuable my membership is.
When we speak of membership “value” please keep in mind that there is something of value at all levels of membership. From class A to EM to Affiliate we all need each other to be successful at what we do. The more support we have the stronger we will be. To all Misc. Tips: of the people who support the membership that are behind the scenes, thank you for all • To avoid any font issues we recommend you of your efforts in supporting the tenth largest affiliated chapter of the GCSAA and openingsubmit your job in one of the following formats: my eyes to what membership “value” truly is. It is a pleasure to work with you and IHigh look Quality PDF, .TIFF, Flattened .PSD, High Res .JPG. forward to the future. • Always convert jobs in RGB to CMYK.
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5 Assistant Spotlight by Joe Laborde Assistant Superintendent, Harmony Club Club Describe your facility: The Harmony Golf Club is a fairly new club as it’s only 13 years old. Owner Byron Collins and golf course architect Jim Engh designed this course on top of an old sheep farm. The entire yardage of the property playing from the tips is 7,367. The front nine all sits and on top of the flats in a barren landscape no trees and the wind and heat will terrorize you. Go to the back nine and it’s a nice cool down, you’re playing below the flats that two different creeks that run through as well as trees making the back nine environment completely different from the front. Most rewarding part of being an assistant: Well there’s a couple things. The first is growing your crew not only as staff but also as people. And second is just seeing the product that we’ve put out. There is nothing better than taking a drive around the property at the end of the day and just thinking, “wow, this place is mint” and realizing how much good we’ve done. In this industry we can be very hard on ourselves finding every little thing we could fix, but it’s important to forget about that and just appreciate things for a second. What makes your facility unique: Jim Engh. Anybody who has worked on a Jim Engh course knows exactly what I mean. It’s a constant battle in the summer to keep the high spots wet while keeping the low spots from becoming a swamp. It’s a very similar scenario on the greens which makes pin placement very limited if the greens get rolling too quick. How many years have you worked in golf and how did you get started: I started working on a golf course when I was 16 at the Old Baldy Club as just a summer job and it turned into so much more. I loved every aspect of working on the golf course from mowing greens to the people I worked with. I just knew that this was going to be my career. This will be my sixth year working on a golf course with many more to come. What would you tell somebody interested in getting into golf course management: Do an internship. This career is a lot of hard work and long hours. An internship will tell you real quick if you want this to be your career or not. Without incriminating yourself, what's the stupidest thing you’ve done: July 4th weekend I might have mixed up a greens mower for a tee mower. What do you do when you're not at work: When I’m not at work I love to go hiking and fishing with my dog Benelli. Favorite sports team: ST. Louis Cardinals Shorts or pants: Pants all day. In my mind shorts just aren’t professional.
6 Superintendent Spotlight by David Luna, Superintendent, The Broadmoor - West Course Manager Describe your facility: Set in the Cheyenne Mountain foothills of Colorado Springs, the Broadmoor Golf Club is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Our two iconic courses were designed by some of golf’s greatest names, and have played host to numerous national tournaments and championships including the U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Women's Open, and PGA Cup Matches. What’s the biggest challenge you face at your facility? I believe the topography of our golf course is the biggest challenge at our facility. The elevation change, lack of sunlight, and being butted up to the mountain and slopes on the course can make it difficult to maintain the quality of turf that we expect. What do you like about your team at your facility? I really enjoy the family atmosphere and environment between all employees. Our crew has been coming to this facility for multiple years, so as you build a relationship with the people you work with, it makes your working crew feel more as a family unit. What are you getting right at your facility? Attention to detail. The amount of time and emphasis on details is what I believe sets our facility apart from others. We strive to make the courses and perfect as possible not only in terms of playability, but aesthetics, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the golfer. What would you tell someone that is interested in getting into golf course management? This career path is something you need to have a passion for. There are many long days and few days off during the season, so it can wear you down. As long as you have the drive and love for the game of golf, it can be a very rewarding profession. How many years have you worked in golf and how did you get started in the industry? I have been in the golf industry for eight years. I began as a cart attendant in high school, which is where I found a passion for golf. I then came back to work on the maintenance side as a greenkeeper, showing me how much I enjoyed this line of work. From there I went on to finish school, interned at some very nice clubs, and ultimately ended up getting me to Colorado and The Broadmoor, where I have settled in long term. What’s your favorite hole on your course and why? The par five, tenth hole on the West Course is my favorite hole. To me, it is very unique in the layout. An uphill hole from tee to green, with a hard sloping left to right fairway. Once you are on the green, the view to me is unbeatable, looking back down the fairway onto the city of Colorado Springs.
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Without incriminating yourself, what’s the stupidest thing you’ve done on the job? It would have to be putting diesel fuel in a gas machine. It only took one time to make sure it never has happened again. What do you do when you’re not at work? I love being outside and active, whether it’s hiking, golfing, sporting events or live music. Shorts or Pants? Shorts. Definitely miss not being able to wear shorts.
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8 Affiliate Angle by Drew Hunter, Colorado Golf & Turf
What is your current affiliate company and your position. How long have you been in this position? My position at Colorado Golf & Turf is Director of Golf Sales & Operation. This is my eighth spring with CGT, but not always in the same role. I started as a Sales Administrator in 2013. Where are you based out of and what territory do you cover? Our nine-acre facility is located in Littleton, near Chatfield Reservoir. Our Club Car territory consists of Colorado, most of Wyoming, and the western third of Nebraska. What are the responsibilities of your company to our industry, and how is your company involved with RMGCSA? Our industry responsibilities at Colorado Golf & Turf are made up of golf car, utility vehicle, and equipment sales, service, parts, and rentals. We are greatly involved in the golf industry but also provide mowers/vehicles, parts, and service to apartments, schools, landscape companies, and individuals. We have been a proud Industry Partner to the RMGCSA for many decades. What might we be surprised to know about your company? Tom Bauerle founded Colorado Golf & Turf, Inc. in 1983 with the mission to provide the highest quality product and service to our customers. After 37 years, he is still our leader and lives out this mission every day. Did you go to college? If so, where and what major did you graduate with? I started college at Colorado State University and ended up transferring to Adams State College to pursue a career in education and coaching. How and when did you begin working in the golf industry and what do you like most about it? I began working at Collegiate Peaks Golf Course in Buena Vista, CO at the age of 17. I enjoyed being outside every day, but most of all enjoyed the gratification of taking care of the course. I knew that hard work in May and June (slower season at 9,000 feet!) would lead to good conditions later in the summer. I also enjoyed the instant gratification of a well-cutfairway or green. Tell us a little about your family, and what hobbies or activitiesyou participate in when you are not at work? My wife, Allyson, is from North Carolina and is the chief of our household; she appreciates spending time in the outdoors, traveling to see her family in NC, and taking care of our black lab. We have a two-year old son named Wade who enjoys being a fireman, building forts, camping, and playing golf with me from time- to-time. We can’t wait to welcome our second son to the family on May 1st!!!!!
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What are the biggest changes you have seen in the profession since you began your career? Or, what are the most important changes that the company has seen the past 5-10 years? This is a loaded question with all the changes and turmoil we have seen over the past six weeks. We all would agree that the Corona Virus has changed our world. My heart goes out to those effected by this pandemic –many families are struggling with their health and the uncertainties of the future. Although these are trying times, I am excited to see the golf industry prevail. I know our colleagues in the industry are brilliant and will evolve with society over the coming years. Do you regularly attend RMGCSA meetings or events, if so why are they important? Many of my current friendships have began at RMGCSA events. The meeting and events are important to meet new people, catch-up with old friends, and share best practices in the industry. What would you like other people to know about RMGCSA? I want people to know that the RMGCSA is doing things outside of events to promote and grow the well-being of the industry. The RMGCSA has a passion for education, advocacy, and development of their members, as well as showing the public across the region how golf courses are an integral part of community. At Colorado Golf & Turf we are extremely excited to see the RMGCSA partner with the Colorado Section of the PGA, the Colorado Golf Association, and the Mile High Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America to form the Colorado Golf Coalition. You know a lot of people in our industry. What are they saying are the biggest obstacles to overcome for them to be successful? It seems that no matter where we travel the common obstacle is staffing. It is hard to find good people! You get to see many facilities and properties. What is an interesting new or innovative practice you have seen? I would argue that we have the best territory in the country. We are grateful to visit facilities from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to the Sand Hills of Nebraska to the Western Slope of Colorado. Throughout this region we see many unique facilities and practices. Courses are being forced to evolve with COVID-19 and will introduce many new practices to golf this season. I am excited to travel our territory and see the new procedures being introduced at each facility.
10 Focusing on the Journey by Tim Dagg, Nutriens This has been a very interesting year unlike any other we’ve come to know. As I was looking through the archives of the USGA Greens Section Record the other day, I came across an article titled “Chosen to Live” by Jerry Schemmel written for the May / June publication in 1998. Yes, it’s that Jerry Schemmel who was the voice of our Colorado Rockies on KOA radio up until this year. Briefly, Schemmel talks about his experience and how his life carried on after being a passenger on a plane that crash landed back in 1989. Now although this article was in a publication of turfgrass management there aren’t any turf tips related to growing quality grass. However, it does relate very well to how one should go about everyday business along with the image one projects. For me, this article was another reminder of what really is important in life.
I’m pretty certain that for every one of us there is a priority to be successful. Schemmel speaks about how it took a tragedy to change his priorities. In fact, after the crash he started to reevaluate what he felt was important in life and I doubt that any of us would react much different after such a tragic event. He came to redefine what the word success meant to him. He writes that success is not measured by where we are at but rather what was done along the way to get where we are. He became more focused on honesty, integrity and relationships along with making sure that family always came first.
This year Summer officially begins for us on June 20th. For everyone in our industry this usually means a lot more work, a lot more hours and a lot more stress. Most salespeople will travel many more miles on the road dealing with out of control and upset driver’s while turfgrass managers will often experience higher pest activity at the same time as trying to keep up with the expectations of today’s golfer. Add to that the things that we have no control over – weather, accidents, the past or even the future and things can get very busy very fast.
However, this is where I feel we are all fortunate. I find relief in the fact that we’re a part of one of the greatest industries that there is. At least in my mind. I often think our industry can help us slow down a little and enjoy the surrounds while reminding us of the actual priorities in life. The beauty of landscape, nature, wildlife, rainfall (snowfall for those of us that love to ski), friendships and family. I don’t mind sharing that I’ve developed a habit to pull over a few times a week while on the road and text my fully grown adult kids since they are so important to me.
So, as the heat of the days ahead continue to increase along with the workload, I encourage everyone to keep a proper perspective on things. The one tip that Schemmel gives at the end of his article is to concentrate on the journey and the destination will take care of itself. Somehow this was not the first time I had heard this, but it is so true. As we all come under the stresses of the months ahead, I hope none of us neglect what’s really important.
11 Monitoring your Mental Health by Dave Phipps, GCSAA Staff, www.gcsaa.org
As my kids were growing up, every Thanksgiving, my mother would have a little talk with her grandchildren and tell them a little story that instilled a “gratitude attitude.” I feel her optimism was instilled in me to this day and hope it will carry over to my two sons and their families someday.
So, the other day as I was reading my wife’s Farm Journal — yes, she receives these; she owns wheat land in the Palouse — and a story popped out titled Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude, written by Sara Schafer. I couldn’t help but see the parallels between farmers and superintendents in their day-to-day lives when it comes to daily stressors on the job. With Sara’s permission, I have reproduced her piece below.
ADOPT AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
In being thankful for your many blessings, you can reduce stress
How can you keep your chin up this growing season, which will likely be sprinkled or slammed with stress?
Take a gratitude walk, suggests Dave Gordon, an author and motivational coach. For five minutes each day, walk around your facility and clear your mind of everything stressing you out.
“I started this practice 15 years ago, and it changed my life,” he explains. “Say out loud what you are thankful for. This will set you up for a positive day.”
Gratitude is like a muscle, Gordon says, the more you exercise it the stronger it becomes. Build your muscle by reading uplifting books, spending time with positive people and thanking important people in your life.
“We know people who reflect on gratitude are happier, feel valued and experience Possibility begins with empowering you. fewer health issues,” says Marty Kelly, CEO of Productive Leaders. For support, please contact Tim Dagg: P: 970-301-8632 E: [email protected]
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12 Monitoring your Mental Health Continued from page 12... Monitor your health As a golf course superintendent, you owe it to your family to monitor your stress signals. If it were as easy as your car when the red light pops on, you would have it made. You need to be aware of what some of the stress signals are. I read in the April 2020 Farm Journal, that unhealthy patterns such as headaches, increased irritability, sleep difficulty, increase use of alcohol or drugs, communication difficulties and isolation are all signals to slow down and focus on wellness.
Sean Brotherson, family science specialist for North Dakota State University stated, “Health is the most important asset to any operation. If it is the most important asset, it also needs to be the most important priority.”
Brotherson and Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension farm health and safety specialist, offer these suggestions for farmers, ranchers, and their families but I think golf course superintendents fall under these suggestions as well: Know the warning signs of stress, during stressful times, do a stress self-inventory. Slow down and prioritize sleep, eat a healthy diet, and get a physical checkup. Seek local resources, including clergy and medical professionals. Talk with other superintendents, exercise daily, and take regular breaks throughout the day.
Credit: Farm Journal/AgWeb.com
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13 RMGCSA Updates
GHIN RENEWAL AVAILABLE NOW As a reminder, this GHIN service is open to all RMGCSA member classifications.
In 2008, the CGA graciously extended complimentary handicaps to all active Class A and B RMGCSA members. You will need to switch your GHIN number from your current handicap club to the RMGCSA Golf League by contacting Daniel Robbins, at [email protected].
The fee for the GHIN to all active members (other than Colorado RMGCSA Class A or B members) is $40.00 per year. Once we have received your information it will be forwarded to Daniel Robbins where he will submit your information to the CGA and they will provide you with a GHIN number.
*Note: You will not be considered “Activated” in the system until you have paid. If you already have a GHIN number, please provide it to us so we may update your information in the RMGCSA database.
Visit the RMGCSA web site at http://rmgcsa.org/form.php?form_id=19&c=1 to renew your GHIN number today!
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15 Jennifer Cassell: A Game Lobbyist
By Judy Malone/Photographs courtesy CGA/ Article from Colorado Avid Golfer
THE ACTIVITY THAT brings so many people to Colorado, cast the same spell on Jennifer Cassell. Yet, this Kansas girl’s dream of being a ski bum soon took a backseat to her first love — Politics But how does golf fit into this?
Not long after her parents enrolled their then-10-year-old daughter in a local junior golf program, Jennifer Cassell became a competitive player who eventually earned spots on the golf teams at Wichita East High School and the University of Kansas.
But by the time she graduated from KU in 2003 with degrees in political science and international studies, Cassell had burned out on golf. She took up ski instruction for a couple winters and worked in the golf shop at Breckenridge Golf Club one summer and on the maintenance crew at the Keystone courses a year later.
Her interest in politics led to an M.A. in international studies from the University of Denver, as well as jobs as a legislative aide, campaign manager and research associate. She eventually became the legislative liaison for Governor John Hickenlooper’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade and part of his Legislative Policy staff before joining the private-contract lobbying firm of Tomlinson and Associates in 2013.
When the firm’s owner retired in 2016, Jennifer Cassell and colleague Ed Bowditch took over to create the government relations firm Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs. For the last six years, she has lobbied on behalf of the Colorado golf industry.
“Life comes full circle,” Cassell comments. “I have a wide perspective on golf, having experienced everything from playing the game to administrative and groundskeeping duties. I am very fortunate to have stayed with it because it has brought me to Colorado golf and helped to make me the person I am today.”
FROM A LEGISLATIVE PERSPECTIVE, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP ISSUES FACING COLORADO GOLF FACILITIES IN THE NEAR FUTURE? Environmental concerns—particularly, responsible pesticide usage and management—would be first and foremost. This seems to be a widespread theme for everyone right now and one we are addressing in this session. Proper and responsible pesticide usage is just one of many examples where the golf community can educate the public on how they are responsible stewards of the land. A second environmental concern is always water, both usage and conservation policies. Continued on page 17... 16 Continued from page 16...
At the end of the day, golf courses and clubs are businesses and employers. So, we are always watching legislation that might affect the business of golf, like employee relations, paid sick leave and Family Medical Leave polices, to name a few.
Because the golf industry encompasses so many distinct and different issues from multiple associations, it is noteworthy to mention the value of the Colorado Golf Coalition (Colorado PGA, Colorado Golf Association, Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Mile High Chapter of the Club Management Association of America) coming together to show a united front and coalesce for the good of the game.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO LEVERAGE GOLF TO IMPACT YOUR CAREER?
Golf has opened up a lot of doors for me and helped me in my professional career. It has allowed me to network, to get new or prospective clients and provides an opportunity to develop personal relationships with my existing clients. Golf gives us a shared interest. And, it always brings a smile to our faces when I can remind a client that I can out-drive them!
AS A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN, DO YOU FEEL A RESPONSIBILITY TO INSPIRE OTHER WOMEN?
I would consider it a privilege rather than a responsibility to be able to inspire women and girls to play golf. Golf is a lifelong game that can take you many places, both personally and professionally. Had I not stuck with golf, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Just like politics is a tough career, golf is a tough sport to play. Hopefully, I can inspire women and girls to stick with it and to persevere. By doing these two things, golf will reward you—as will politics.
WHO IS YOUR DREAM FOURSOME–AND WHY?
There are so many, but I grew up watching these three world-class golfers both on and off the course and it would be my honor to play with them–Freddie Couples, Davis Love III and Dottie Pepper. Just as importantly, we would walk the course, and my caddie would be my dad!
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17 RMGCSA New Member Roll Call New Member Roll Call: • Garrett Marsh, Assistant Superintendent at Todd Creek Golf Club
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