FRONT NINE NEWS Page 1 Volume 15, Issue 1 March 2011

A quarterly publication of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Course Superintendents Association, Inc.

NWPGCSA 2011 Committees March Business Meeting Meetings/Education

Thursday, March 17, 2011 Wayne Rodgers/Mike Bochert (Yes, this is St. Patrick’s Day)

Membership MEETING AGENDA Jerry Rice

4:00-5:00 PM Social Hour Welfare Dave Stull/Julie Powell 5:00 PM Buffet Dinner (w/St. Patrick’s Day fare) Employment 6:00 PM Business Meeting Jerry Rice

Meeting Fee - $35 Finance Place: Rob Goring Venango Valley Inn & Golf Course Dress Code: Casual Attire Route 19 GCSAA/PGCSA Venango, PA 16440 Bar site. Dave Stull/Joe Giardina

Directions: Open guest policy for all Scholarship/Research From the South: From I-79, take members Durbin Loreno the Saegertown Exit heading East on Rt. 198 towards Saegertown. Credit cards accepted by Venango Valley Nominations/Ethics Go approximately 3 miles to a “T” intersection. Turn left on Rt. 19 Host Superintendent, Dave Stull heading towards Venango. Durbin Loreno Venango Valley Inn is another 3 miles on the left. RSVP to Julie by March 14th GCSAA LIAISONS From the North: Take Rt. 19 at (724) 421-7588 through the town of Venango. NOTE: While reservations are Certification Attester Venango Valley Inn is just outside needed for food preparation, last Joe Giardina of town on the right. minute reservations are understood due to the nature of the turf industry. We have Education Programming Inside This Issue never turned anyone away. Mike Bochert Chapter News: Presidents Message Page 3 Snow Mold Survey Page 6 IF THERE IS A CHECK IN First Tee Program THIS BOX, WE HAVE NOT Durbin Loreno PA News: RECEIVED YOUR 2011 DUES. Other PA Mtg. Dates Page 8 Government Relations Allegheny College Conf. Page 9 Dave Stull National News: Golf Industry Show Page 10 Media/Public Relations FYI: DUES MUST BE RECEIVED BY Julie Powell Flogton Page 12 MARCH 15TH TO BE LISTED IN Goats on Course Page 14 THE 2011 DIRECTORY. Page 2

A BIG THANK YOU To the following commercial members who donated 2011 Officers & Directors toward our President Summertime Widows Party David M. Stull, CGCS The Kahkwa Club of Erie ********************************************************************* $225 Level Vice President Bayer Environmental Science: Chris Farrell Garfield Prebor Syngenta: Jon Cuny Oakland Beach

Secretary/Treasurer Robert F. Goring, III $100 Level Whispering Woods Golf Club E. H. Griffith: Paul LaMarca, Jim Powell, Directors Tony Horvath Durbin Loreno Walker Supply: Bill Walker, Bob Windsheimer, Venango Valley Inn & Golf Dan Olson, Keith Perl Course Sunburst Turf Solutions: Mike Nati, Jim Patterson,

Jerry N. Rice, CGCS Doston Kish Lawrence Park Golf Club Hodges Rash Company: Hodges Rash, Wayne Rodgers Michael L. Bochert Best Sand Sports Turf Products: Terry Gwinn Elk Valley Golf Course John Deere Golf: Pat Hassey, Fred Marklow, Commercial Director Matt Fitch Wayne Rodgers Select Source: Mike Blatt Hodges Rash Company, Inc. Maple Moutain Equipment: Bill Degitz TeamTurf Supply: Mark Conklin Past President Dominic “Joe”Giardina, CGCS New Castle Country Club Door Prize Winners: Kindle: Nicole Cuny Executive Secretary/ Mini Video Camera: Jay Mathews Newsletter Editor Julie Powell MP3 Player: Buddy Stallone (724) 421-7588 [email protected] www.nwpgcsa.com

Chapter News Page 3 our first golf get-together of the year. As a speaker for the April meeting, we are currently working on having Steve Randall, GCSAA’s Senior Manager of Chapter Outreach, give us an informal talk about what is going on with our National Association. We will have confirmation of Steve’s attendance shortly, and I hope we can have a good showing. Come on everybody! It’s time.

Spring also gets me back into what I really like to do, and that’s fish for bass. Yeah, it’s time for the course, but it’s really time to fish. The longer I’m in the business, the more I find it important to enjoy all life has to offer. It’s a good thing that the days are longer, because I normally need every minute of daylight. Watching the sunrise on my course is a PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE wonderful thing. Watching it set on the water is just as good. I encourage all of you to do whatever it is Winter is almost over, and spring should be right that you love best. Winter is over. Yea, it’s time. around the corner. I wish. Seems like each year we think it’s time to move outside, and Mother Nature By the way, I always catch bigger bass than Joe just laughs and slams us with more unbearable Giardina (our Past President) does. The one time I weather. Don’t get me wrong. I do enjoy the slow didn’t, I told him where to cast. Just ask him. times during the snow days as I always have indoor projects at home to work on. However, when you Respectfully submitted, think of the warmer days ahead, you have to start David M. Stull, CGCS thinking of that long list of work that needs to get done before those wonderful golfers set foot on the course for their first round of golf. Yea, it’s time. New Castle Superintendent Renews Professional Certification I do enjoy the confusion, the guys coming back, (From GCSAA News Release, Feb. 23, 2011) and the first cut of the year. Getting the leftover Dominick “Joe” Giardina, GCSAA certified golf leaves cut up, smelling the newly cut grass, and course superintendent at New Castle Country Club, seeing my golf course all come together is what it’s New Castle, PA, has completed the renewal process all about. Seeing the forsythia bloom gets me for maintaining his status as a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) with the Golf Course looking for my first rye seed germination. It also Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). reminds me that I best get going on my pre- Giardina has been at New Castle Country Club emergence if I haven’t already put it down. since 1985. A 20-year GCSAA member, he initially Punching greens is right around the corner. Yea, it’s achieved his certification in 2001. Approximately, time. 1,700 golf course superintendents worldwide currently hold “CGCS” status. Spring gives us one more chance to get together According to GCSAA President Robert M. as an association before we all get “too busy”. This Randquist, CGCS, “25% of GCSAA’s Class A year, we go back to Durbin Loreno’s as we reinstate members have elected to earn the highest level of our March meeting, which is also our first business recognition through the professional designation meeting of the year. It’s always good food and drink “CGCS” by completion of the GCSAA Certification Program. This program requires their demonstration for all. I forward to this meeting to see those of of a higher set of competencies in golf course mgmt. you who have been hibernating all winter. Then in through testing and practical application. April, we go to Dick Bartel’s course in Greenville for Chapter News Page 4 NWPGCSA , IncInc. Our New Members 2011 Meeting Schedule Keith Perl Tyler Kenyhercz Sunday, January 30th Class D Class D Summertime Widows Party 326 S. Peninsula Drive 113 Penn Woods Court Venango Valley Inn & GC Central City, PA 15926 Irwin, PA 15642 (814) 754-4458 (724) 744-7728 Venango, PA Walker Supply, Inc. Keystone Turf Products Host: Durbin Loreno

PO Box 126 1014 Corporate Lane Bridgeville, PA 15017 Export, PA 15632 Thursday, March 17th (800) 792-5537 (724) 733-0829 March Business Meeting Fax: (412) 221-4011 Fax: (724) 733-0926 Venango Valley Inn & GC Cell: (412) 889-8880 Cell: (724) 552-7314 Venango, PA Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Host: Durbin Loreno

Thursday, April 21st Tim Zimmerman Steve Marofsky Formal Golf Meeting Class D Class D The Greens at Greenville Spouse: Blythe Spouse: Kristen Greenville, PA 144 Shannon Drive 116 Rowe Road Host: Dick Bartel New Castle, PA 16105 Harrison City, PA 15636 (724) 656-8785 (724) 864-5528 Thursday, June 9th GC Supply, Inc. Keystone Turf Products Formal Golf Meeting 3587 Clover Lane 1014 Corporate Lane Elk Valley Golf Course New Castle, PA 16105 Export, PA 15632 Girard, PA (724) 658-1741, ext. 283 (724) 733-0926 Host: Mike Bochert Fax: (724) 658-2940 Fax: (724) 733-0926

Email: Cell: (412) 334-8413 [email protected] Email: [email protected] July Meeting (date tba) Joint mtg w/GPGCSA Grove City Country Club Mark Conklin Keith Collier Grove City, PA Class D Class D Host: Jay Mathews 5310 Cristivo Drive 3201 Sample Road Erie, PA 16506 Hermitage, PA 16148 July or August (date tba) (814) 838-5141 TerraLinks, Inc. Barbara J. Sternwheeler TeamTurf Supply 105 McQuiston Drive Riverboat Cruise 11008 Rt. 19 North Jackson Center, PA 16133 Conneaut Lake, PA Waterford, PA 16441 (724) 662-0400 (814) 796-8873 Email: [email protected] September Meeting (date tba) Fax: (814) 796-8873 New Castle Country Club Email: [email protected] New Castle, PA Host: Joe Giardina

Tuesday, October 4th Annual Meeting Welcome to NWPGCSA! Cross Creek Resort Titusville, PA Host: Buddy Stallone Chapter News Page 5 ditor’s Notes Our Heartfelt Sympathy to . . . E . . . Dick Bartel and his family on the loss of his mother, Lida, who passed away on January 24, 2011. Dick is the superintendent at The Greens at Greenville Dear NWPGCSA, in Greenville, PA. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS Hopefully by now, you all are . . . the family and friends of Mike DiJirolanio who aware that our NWPGCSA passed away on February 15, 2011. Mike was a scholarships are open to both turf former NWPGCSA member and most recently was AND non-turf students of ANY self-employed with Aarmark Turf Supplies in Allison NWPGCSA member. Both turf Park, PA. and non-turf scholarship applications are available online at www.nwpgcsa.com by clicking on “Services” or by calling me at Our Heartfelt Congratulations to . . . (724) 421-7588. The deadline for scholarship applications will be July 1, 2011. . . . Chris and Kate Farrell on the birth of their first If you have a turf student in your child, a son named Conor, on January 12, 2011. Chris employ, or if you have a child or is the field sales representative for Bayer grandchild who would like to Environmental Science operating from his home office apply for a turf or non-turf in Pittsburgh, PA. scholarship, please don’t let this opportunity pass by. Julie Powell Exec. Sec./Newsletter Ed. Chapter News Page 6 NWPGCSA SNOW MOLD SURVEY

At the last NWPGCSA board inventory available, and further course to another or even within of directors meeting, Jerry Rice production is in question. Some the same course from one area to suggested asking our members for superintendents feel that PCNB another (See #2) based on many their snow mold prevention causes root pruning and/or foliar factors. Timing of applications, practices and publishing their discoloration, so maybe excessive rain or snow answers in the next newsletter. discovering alternative products immediately following With the uncertain future of could actually help the health of applications, pH of spray water, PCNB, I thought Jerry’s your turf. application misses (See #1), suggestion was a good one. The aim of the survey was to nozzle selection, grass species It wasn’t that long ago, see what our members are using (See #4), etc. can all affect the superintendents in the snow cover in addition to PCNB and the results. regions were wondering how they results of their snow mold I hope to publish a follow-up would ever get by without the prevention applications. So far, article in the June newsletter mercury fungicides (Calochlor, nine superintendents responded, showing the results from the rest Calogran, PMAS) for snow mold and their information is of the participants and adding any prevention. The EPA made a portrayed in chart form on the amendments to the results already decision to remove this class of next page. given. If anyone would like to fungicides, and whether or not Some results were included add their snow mold prevention you agreed with their decision, on the chart, while others were practices and results to the survey, you had to learn to live with it. left blank because those it’s not too late. I’ll take any Now, pentachloronitrobenzene superintendents are still waiting additional information and add it (PCNB) may be facing the same to see the results. Bear in mind to the responses already showing. fate. Last year, there was limited that results can vary from one (Continued on page 7)

THANK YOU TO OUR SILVER PATRONS!

GC Supply, Inc. Harrell’s Hodges Rash Clancy Emery Donald Liprando Company, Inc. (724) 658-1741 (724) 355-0238 Hodges Rash IV Tim Zimmerman Mike Zedreck (412) 200-2531 (724) 658-1741, ext 283 (412) 980-9093 Wayne Rodgers (412) 427-4667 Irrigation Technical Keystone Turf Service Company Products Krigger & Company, Kenneth McCloskey Tyler Kenyhercz Inc. (724) 234-4376 (724) 552-7314 Gail Fitzgerald Steve Marofsky (800) 252-8873 TerraLinks, Inc (412) 334-8413 Joe Danhires Christopher Collier (724) 444-5744 (724) 535-3110 Keith Collier (724) 662-0400 Chapter News Page 7

(Continued from page 6) if any fertilizer was applied at names would be used, but my Originally, the information the same time, and if so, what anonymous helper told me “pre- asked for was the products, the analysis and at how many mixes” would be too confusing to rates, and the timing of snow mold pounds of N. I said that no one list without using brand names so preventatives. In addition, I asked would be named and no brand you’ll see some below. Julie Powell

# AREA PRODUCTS RATES DATE NOTES / RESULTS / M. 1 G Instrata 5 oz. Early November Great results with both. Sprayer “miss” areas T Interface 6 oz. are covered with Snow Mold. 2 G Propiconazole 2 oz. Early November Great results on all but 1 green. The first Iprodione 4 oz. green sprayed had moderate control. Maybe didn’t mix properly? 3 G / T FF 2 4..5 lbs Early November F Chlorothalonil flo 5 oz. Mid November Propiconazole 3 oz. 4 G TM + IP E-Pro 4 oz. Early November Controlled Pink, but not Grey Snow Mold. FF 3 5.8 lbs. Mid February Late application due to snow cover. T Thiophanate-Methyl 2 oz. Mid November 80% control. Iprodione 4 oz. F PCNB 12 oz. Mid November 75% control. Some Grey on bentgrass 5 G Chlorothalonil wdg 1.25 oz Late October This was the 2009 application. First time Iprodione 2.5 oz. doing a “split” application which added a PCNB 14.5 oz. Mid November early “pre” application. Zero snow mold, best results ever. G Instrata 2.5 oz. Early November 2010 application. Late on the early Concert 10 oz. Early November application. Great results again. 6 G Propiconazole 2 oz. Chlorothalonil wdg 5 oz. Iprodione 4 oz. T 26/36 4 oz. Chlorothalonil wdg 4 oz. F PCNB ? 7 G Thiophanate-Methyl 6 oz. Mid November Propiconazole 2 oz. (early enough for Chlorothalonil wdg 2 oz. plant uptake) 8 F Thiophanate-Methyl 2.3 oz. Propiconazole 2 oz. Iprodione 4 oz. G / T Instrata ½ rate Applied different products due to weather. FF 2 normal Switched to granular after snow fell (had to shovel greens). 9 G Interface 6.15 oz. Mid November Triticonazole 70% ai 0.23 oz. T Junction 3.5 oz PCNB 3 oz. Triticonazole 19.2 % ai 0.88 oz. F Interface 4 oz. Triticonazole 70% ai 0.2 oz. PA News Page 8

OTHER 2011 MEETING SCHEDULES (In an effort to avoid conflicting dates and assist our multiple association members)

Greater Pittsburgh GCSA’s Mountain & Valley GCSA’s 2012 Turf Conference and 2011 Schedule 2011 Schedule Trade Show Dates

• March 14th - Nemacolin • March 14th - Joint shoot with • February 21-23, 2012 - Woodlands Shooting Academy GPGCSA at Nemacolin Western PA Turf • April Mtg - tba Woodlands Conference & Trade Show, • May 23rd - Scholarship & • April 27th - Annual Meeting, Sheraton Four Points North, Research Tournament, Down River Golf Club Mars, PA - *tentative dates Allegheny Country Club • June 7th - Couples Outing, • February 29-March 1, 2012 • June Mtg - tba Bedford Springs - Golf Industry Show, Las • July Mtg - Joint w/ Northwestern • September 12th - Scholarship Vegas Convention Center, PA GCSA at Grove City Country Scramble, Nemacolin Las Vegas, Nevada Club, date tba Woodlands • August 6th - Family Outing, • October Mtg - tba PNC Park • November - Scholarship • September Mtg - tba luncheon during PSU Turfgrass • October 17th - Annual Meeting, Conference, State College Elks Green Oaks Country Club Club • December - Spouse Appreciation Evening, date tba PA News Page 9 NORTHWEST PA ATHLETIC FIELD, TURF, GOLF AND ORNAMENTALS CONFERENCE Tuesday, March 22, 2011 - Allegheny College Campus Center Meadville, PA

In 2011, we are excited to SCHEDULE once again welcome the Northwestern PA Golf Course 8:00 am - 9:00 am Registration and Trade Show Superintendents Association (NWPGCSA) to our list of 9:00 am - 9:45 am Calibration of Spreaders and Sprayers sponsoring organizations for this Joel Hunter, Penn State Cooperative Ext., event. This organization, in Crawford County addition to our continual sponsors, Allegheny College and the 9:45 am - 10:30 am Poly Tank Safety, Joel Hunter Keystone Athletic Field Managers (KAFMO), make this the premier Program from 9 am - 10:30 am will be worth 3 core credits Green Industry Conference in Northwest Pennsylvania, Eastern 10:30 am - 11:00 am Break and Trade Show Ohio and Western New York. World renowned speakers and 11:00 am - 11:45 am Breakout Session I over 30 commercial exhibitors Golf Option - Designing Your Topdressing will be present for this day-long Program Green Industry extravaganza. Dr. Andrew McNitt, Penn State University Pennsylvania Pesticide certification credits, as well as 11:45 am - 12:30 pm Breakout Session II GCSAA continuing education Golf Option - Reducing Pesticide Use credits, will be available Steve Legros throughout the entire conference. (1 category 7, 18, or 23) Make your plans now to attend this outstanding conference and 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch and Trade Show learn about the latest research and management in the Green 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm Using Weather Data to Predict Pest Infesta- Industry. Jeff Fowler tions Ruth Benner, Penn State Cooperative Ext.

(1 category 6, 7, 18, or 23) Directions: Take the Meadville exit off of I-79. Follow US 6, 19, 2:15 pm - 2:30 pm Break & 322 to Park Avenue. Continue on Park Avenue to Randolph 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm Breakout Session III Street. Turn right onto Randolph Golf Option - Herbicide Update Street and follow Randolph to 1st Jeffrey Borger, Penn State University light. Turn left onto North Main (1 category 7, 18, or 23) Street. At the “Y”, bear right.

Allegheny College is on N. Main REGISTRATION FEE: $45 per person, walk-ins are $55 Street. Follow signs to parking. (coffee, refreshments, lunch, and materials included)

REGISTER ONLINE: http://extension.psu.edu/events Address: 540 N. Main Street Or call toll free at 877-489-1398 Meadville, PA 16335 National News Page 10 GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW REPORT

www.pagcs.org). Suanne puts official proclamation from the out 9 monthly E-newsletters of governor’s office drawn up “The Bonnie Greensward” recognizing Nebraska Golf Day. throughout the season, and their The event itself was held at one of members are encouraged to go to their member’s courses, and their website to view them. Kristen used all the “bells and The Chapter Executives whistles” at her disposal. The Session included some rather governor, who is an avid golfer, amazing accounts of chapter was the first to tee off, and all the Attending the 2011 Golf innovation. For example, golfers were announced at the first Industry Show as NWPGCSA’s Kristen Crawford, Executive tee just like a professional Chapter Executive was very Director of the Nebraska GCSA, tournament. There were six news informative and enjoyable as gave a powerpoint presentation stations present to highlight the always. Tuesday, February 8th on her efforts to establish a event on the surrounding news was the day for Chapter Nebraska Golf Day. She got the channels. University of Nebraska Executives and Chapter idea by attending GCSAA’s turf students were also present to Newsletter Editors to meet. In the Chapter Leaders Executive help with and play in the event. past, these sessions were held on Symposium last March, and by Nike sponsored white golf caps two different days. It was nice to using her contacts with the with “Nebraska Golf Day” attend both sessions on the same governor’s office and her superb embroidered on them for all the day connected with a organizational skills, she had the participants. Kristen even complimentary lunch. entire Nebraska Golf Day ready arranged the foursomes to include Since I haven’t attended the to go by April 29th…of the same a media person and a member of Golf Industry Show for a few year! one of the golf associations to years, it was fun to reacquaint Nebraska only has one provide information on the golf myself with some of the chapter affiliated GCSAA chapter, but industry during the round. executives I had met before as Kristen coordinated her efforts Kristen said her favorite well as meet some new ones. with all the other Nebraska State picture from the event shows the Kristen Liebsch, Executive Golf Associations. She had an local PGA president, the Nebraska Secretary for The Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents, and I go way back to the first “National” we attended almost ten years ago. How our kids have grown! It was also nice to meet Suanne Gardiner, Newsletter Editor for “The Bonnie Greensward”, which is the Philadelphia Association’s newsletter. Suanne was one of the presenters for the Chapter Newsletter Editors Session as she explained how she coordinated the information and advertising for both the newsletter and the website of the Philadelphia Chapter (check it out at National News Page 11 GCSA chapter president, and the EVANS NAMED GCSAA CHIEF EXECUTIVE governor of Nebraska all casually standing and talking with each OFFICER other in their golf attire. After the Golf Course Superintendents dinner when the governor had his Association of America (GCSAA) chance to speak, Kristen said she President James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, almost fell off her chair when he announced today that J. Rhett said, “Next year, let’s go for a Evans has been selected as the Nebraska Golf Week!” organization’s chief executive There is never a shortage of officer. Evans, who has served as inspirational people from the golf interim CEO since late June of industry and beyond at the Golf 2010, came to GCSAA in July 2009 Industry Show. Nick Price was as chief operating officer. Prior to the featured speaker at the joining GCSAA, he was the “Celebrate GCSAA!” Session director of the parks, recreation and commercial facilities division for where he was presented with the the Phoenix suburb of Mesa, Rhett Evans 2011 Old Tom Morris Award. Arizona (population 490,000). He GCSAA CEO Television golf analyst and former was elevated to that position in LPGA player, Judy Rankin spoke 2005, after serving as that city’s and convention and travel services; on “Lessons from the Links” and convention center and amphitheatre implementing headquarters building Pat Williams, senior vice director beginning in 2001. operational efficiencies; and staff president of the Orlando Magic “We are excited to have Rhett reorganization. At the same time, GCSAA has improved member spoke on “The Magic of Evans as our CEO,” Fitzroy said. service through the creation of a Teamwork”. “He has a track record of success everywhere he has been. He has member savings program; automated Now for the numbers. Total membership, registration and attendance from the two experience in the golf industry, both on the facility level and from an donation processes; new presenting partners’ (GCSAA and organizational perspective. He has communications vehicles; an NGCOA) registration portals was experience in managing a large staff improved online job board; and the 14,781, which is a 4% increase and being accountable to a variety expansion of the field staff program. over last year. In terms of of constituents. And, he is a “I am honored and humbled to be qualified buyers--those who are consensus builder. That will serve a part of the Golf Course involved in the purchasing him well with GCSAA members Superintendents Association of decisions--attendance increased and in the increasingly America. It is a tremendous organization whose members play a 11% for a total of 5,752 qualified collaborative golf industry.” vital role in the game. I have the buyers. There were 551 While in Mesa, Evans managed all program areas including the utmost respect for their skill, exhibitors spread across 180,000 dedication and integrity that goes into square feet of exhibit space, which convention center and amphitheatre; spring training making the sport challenging, yet is a 4% decline in exhibition space complex (Chicago Cubs); enjoyable,” Evans said. “I appreciate from last year in San Diego. At cemetery; recreation and aquatic the trust the board has in me and the the educational conference, 5,272 complexes; and 2,600 acres of park support staff provided in this seats were filled for over 100 space. Also under his watch were transition. Success comes through seminars showing a 13% increase the operations of Dobson Ranch dedication and teamwork. I am from 2010. and Riverview golf courses. He excited to work with a team that Finally, my report from the oversaw a budget of $32.5 million includes the members, industry partners, allied associations, staff and Pennsylvania Hospitality Room is and a $28 million capital budget. other constituents to make GCSAA it was very well attended and very In his tenure at GCSAA, he exhibited solid leadership in the best it can be and to strengthen LOUD! It was nice to see such a the golf industry so it can ensure the good turnout and to see so many implementing cost saving measures through more advantageous vitality of this great sport.” familiar faces from across PA. contacts in the areas of technology By Julie Powell FYI Page 12

THE NEW TESTAMENT OF GOLF By John Paul Newport (Taken from the February 21, 2011 edition of The Wall Street Journal)

levels. The most restrictive format might follow strict USGA rules of play but allow souped-up balls and clubs. Mr. McNealy said this format would be popular with seniors or others who are happy with USGA golf but can’t hit the ball as far as they used to, or would like to. The least restrictive forms of play would set purists’ teeth on edge: teeing up shots in the fairway, legalizing one mulligan per hole, allowing 6-foot “bumps” (no nearer the hole) to get relief from trees and other obstacles, and requiring the second shot from a bunker to be thrown. These games would be geared primarily toward kids or rank beginners. For each format, Flogton handicaps could be It’s no secret that golf, as an U.S. Golf Association’s established. Different social industry, is lagging. Rounds sanctioned game is simply too mores would also be encouraged, played in the U.S. have been difficult to attract and retain from trash-talking during declining slowly for nearly a enough to keep the game backswings to wearing cargo decade. More courses are closing growing. shorts. than opening. More players have In particular, the Flogtonites But it wouldn’t be “goofy flowed out of the game than argue, golf needs better ways to golf,” Mr. McNealy insisted. The flowed in, says the National Golf appeal to videogame-enamored rules for each format would be Foundation. There may be many kids and to casual adult golfers clearly established and enforced. reasons for this, including the who lack the time, inclination or “If you hit a bad shot, it will still down economy and sociological athletic talent to master the be a bad shot that you have to take changes, but some in the golf game. “We’ve got the courses. personal responsibility for. That’s industry have begun to wonder The courses are beautiful and the core value of golf. No excuses aloud whether the rules of the under-utilized. There need to be allowed,” he said. game are really the problem. alternative golf formats that will Mr. McNealy is himself a The most radical vision for a bring more people out to play three-handicapper. Some of New World Order in golf is the these courses,” Mr. McNealy Flogton’s other backers are also Flogton project being pushed by a said last month when he low-handicappers, including John group of Silicon Valley executives unveiled the proposal. Donahoe, CEO of eBay Inc., and whose front man is Scott In Flogton (that’s “not golf” Bill Campbell, chairman and McNealy, the co-founder and spelled backward), players could former CEO of Intuit. former chief executive of Sun take their pick from several sets Their aim is not to replace Microsystems. In their view, the of rules to match their skill (Continued on page 13) FYI Page 13

(Continued from page 12) were to work, it would be a off clubs and balls--a major part USGA golf, but to provide an conglomeration of a lot of ideas. of Flogton vision and a subject of alternative, with the expectation It’s not going to end up being keen interest to manufacturers-- that many Flogton players would exactly what Scott McNealy or would actually help make golf eventually migrate to the regular anyone else thinks it’s going to more fun to play. The easiest, game, the way tee-ballers grow be right now,” said Casey quickest improvement would be to into baseball. For others, Alexander, a golf industry the ball. Polara Golf will however, Flogton might be the analyst for Gilford Securities introduce an improved version of only style of golf needed or who nevertheless supports the its nonconforming ball this spring desired. Courses could easily initiative, as a way to get people that the company says will self- accommodate both styles of play, talking. Mr. McNealy correct up to 90% of a slice or Mr. McNealy argued. Flogton characterizes Flogton as an hook. That would seem to be play would be faster, which “open source” enterprise and is every slicer’s dream. But would it courses could cope with by counting on Web feedback to also deprive him of the deeper designating certain times or nines help the game evolve. satisfaction, that comes from for Flogton play. Flogton golfers One obvious response to the hitting the occasional perfect could also play with USGA Flogton initiative is that most shot? players, competing with them by golfers already play non-USGA The AGA believes that cross-indexing handicaps. golf, some if not most of the technology could add 25% to the “We know there will be time. What regular foursome distance of an average golfer’s resistance. A lot of old-line clubs doesn’t invent a few of its own drive and double the amount of will never allow Flogton play, and quirky rules to make things more backspin on wedge shots hit into that’s fine,” Mr. McNealy said. interesting? All those scramble greens. But if everybody has But skiing traditionalists at first and Stableford formats used at access to the same equipment, is resisted snowboarding, he pointed golf outings and club the essential challenge of golf out, “even though by now almost tournaments are nonkosher. really any different than it was everybody acknowledges that Who needs a new sanctioning before, or the frustration of snowboarding saved the industry.” organization to tell golfers how relative poor play any easier to How likely is Flogton to catch to have fun? abide? If alternative golf takes on? Not very, at least in its Another question is whether off, I guess we’ll find out. current out-of-the-box form. “If it taking the technological limits

THANK YOU TO OUR BRONZE PATRONS!

BASF Corporation Green Valley Seed Johnston’s Evergreen David Schell Jeffrey Hum Nursery, Inc. (410) 800-8762 (800) 535-7882 John Johnston (814) 897-1900

Select Source TeamTurf Supply Yamaha/Nuttall Golf Michael Blatt Mark Conklin Cars, Inc. (814) 440-7658 (814) 796-8873 Martin Proctor (814) 227-5326

FYI Page 14 GOATS FEEDING RIGHT ON COURSE By Greg Kocher, Lexington Herald-Leader, September 26, 2010

their animals to be used for the landfill introduce producers to local managers and golf course projects. The who might want to consider goats for producers benefit because they save on vegetation management. David M. Peel, feeding costs. And “it’s a little free specialist for facilities control at Toyota advertising about the goat industry,” Motor Manufacturing, wanted to see said Kidwell, who raises goats for their whether goats might be used to eat meat. “As people talk about it, vegetation at five detention ponds around hopefully our meat prices go up a little the automaker’s Scott County plant. bit.” “This might be something we could take Goats won’t leave an area looking a look at,” Peel said. “It could be a like a mowed, groomed lawn. Many of good-neighbor policy for us,” given that the tall stalks will remain but the leaves there are Scott County goat producers will be stripped. That helps golf course who might be interested in partnering superintendent Don Davis in the with Toyota. removal of rocks or other debris that Meanwhile, a Glascow man has might damage mowers. “At least I can started a goats-for-hire company in get it down to a point where I can see south-central Kentucky. Al Dilley is the what my mowers are going over,” founder of Goat Browsers, which he calls Davis said. “If there are tree limbs an “environmentally friendly land down, I can see them much better.” enhancement service.” The company Goats on a golf course might sound And the animals are a curiosity for was on its first job last week, as seven silly, but it’s no joke when it comes to those visiting the course. “I have yet to animals ate the weeds in an overgrown weed control. Avon Golf Course in see a golfer that didn’t stop and take a family cemetery in Barren County. eastern Fayette County (Kentucky) has look at them,” Davis said. Dilley, 64, a retired tool-and-die maker, used goats to trim ragweed and other tall, Goats are being used as a green touts goats as the “greener weed eaters.” woody brush since mid-August (2010). alternative to chemicals and machinery Dilley hopes to get more business from The goats don’t eat on the greens or roam across the country. In Detroit, they’ve shopping centers and other properties at will on the 70-acre course. They are trimmed weeds on a lot that will be that have problems with weeds. “It’s a penned in small paddocks with battery- used for an urban garden. Maryland niche business,” he said. “You’re not powered electric fencing. They are enlisted them to control invasive weeds going to get rich, but it’s worth the effort. moved from spot to spot to eat grown-up in a wetland area. In Arizona, they’ve You never know. After Colonel (Harlan) areas. When they’ve stripped the weeds nibbled the scrub brush that might Sanders (founder of Kentucky Fried in one spot, they’re moved to another. otherwise stoke small fires into roaring Chicken) sold that first chicken, he did “They don’t eat tin cans, and they infernos. Goats have been used to all right.” don’t eat golf balls,” said Terry control kudzu, that rapidly growing Hutchens, goat specialist with the vine commonly found throughout the University of Kentucky Cooperative South. Goat control of kudzu generally Extension Service. Hutchens was among costs $3 an acre while chemicals will the speakers last week at a goat “field cost $60 to $70 an acre, Hutchens said. day” at the course at Bluegrass Station, Gary Logsdon, environmental the former Army base now operated by manager for Bluegrass Station, the Kentucky Department for Military acknowledged that he and others Affairs. The state leases the golf course “kinda laughed” when goats were first to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County proposed for weed control. “We didn’t Government to operate. Last year, have any experience with goats, and we Bluegrass Station started using goats to really didn’t have any desire to become eat weeds on three closed, capped and goat experts,” Logsdon said. So fenced landfills covering 51 acres. Logsdon turned to UK and Hutchens to Keeping weeds off the landfills was provide the expertise to justify the use expensive but necessary because a good of goats and to design and monitor the grass turf is needed to keep the caps project. UK also had relationships with intact. area goat producers and matched The benefit of the goats is that they Bluegrass Station with reliable are free. Scott County goat producers partners, Logsdon said. Kevin Kidwell and Gary Riddle allow Last week’s field day was held to Page 15

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