PUBLICATION OF THE CAROLINAS GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION CAROLINAS
greenMARCH - APRIL 2015
Back From The Grave Ipock Helps Lead Club Resurrection Plus Bulls Bay Durham High Hopes for Valley
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
President William E. Kennedy, CGCS Chechessee Creek Club CAROLINAS Bluffton, SC (843) 987-2740 green [email protected]
Vice-President David Lee Hope Valley Country Club COLUMNS AND DEPARTMENTS Durham, NC (919) 489-4308 4 President’s Message [email protected] 6 Executive Director’s Message Secretary-Treasurer P. Adam Charles 8 The Pat Jones Index The Preserve at Verdae 12 Turf Talk Greenville, SC (864) 676-1515 16 Headliners [email protected] 18 Government Relations Immediate Past-President W. Brian Powell, CGCS 32 Local Association News Old Chatham Golf Club Cary, NC 38 Industry News (919) 361-1401 19 [email protected] 43 Our Friends
Directors 44 New Members Danny B. Allen Camden Country Club 46 The Clean Up Lap Camden, SC (803) 432-5450 [email protected] NEWS AND FEATURES John W. “Billy” Bagwell Callawassie Island Club 19 Ready for Rounds4Research Okatie, SC (843) 987-2131 21 Durham Dominates the Bull [email protected]
Robert A. Daniel, III, CGCS 24 Networking: An Assistant’s View RiverTowne Country Club Mount Pleasant, SC 25 Hope Valley Hosts Conference (843) 849-2400 Ext 2417 21 [email protected] 26 Andy Ipock Carries the Crystal Chris DeVane Forsyth Country Club Winston-Salem, NC (336) 760-8191 [email protected] W. Scott Kennon, CGCS Myers Park Country Club Charlotte, NC (704) 529-5490 [email protected]
Andrew S. Ramsey Cutter Creek Golf Club Snow Hill, NC (252) 717-6927 [email protected] 26 Charlie Spears Cherokee Plantation Yemassee, SC Published bimonthly by the Carolinas Golf (843) 844-9937 Course Superintendents Association [email protected] Cover photo: Executive Director: Tim Kreger Andy Ipock has Brian J. Stiehler, CGCS helped the Country Highlands Country Club Carolinas Green: Highlands, NC Club of the Crystal Editor: Trent Bouts email: [email protected] (828) 526-5371 Coast survive the Design: Julie Vincent [email protected] worst of the recession. Contact Information: Matthew Wharton, CGCS 103 Edgemont Avenue Carolina Golf Club P.O. Box 210 Liberty, SC 29657-0210 Charlotte, NC Phone: 800-476-4272 (704) 942-1370 [email protected] Fax: 864-843-1149 www.carolinasgcsa.org
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] PRESIDENT Bill Kennedy, CGCS
Time to Step Forward for Stewards of the Game in other parts of the country have foundered, our partnership led to a continually strong event,” Chuck explained. Pat agrees. “Chuck Borman and Tim Kreger’s leadership have helped to inspire and promote strong attendance to these meetings each year,” he said. “As a result it has long been one of the highest-attended USGA regional meetings in the country.”
But Chuck had something else to say that should make us all take notice: “It would be a shame to see this event come to an end.” The fact is the future of our annual USGA Southeast Green Section Conference is up in the air following some sweeping changes within the Green Section.
Of course our relationship as superintendents with the USGA goes Bill Kennedy, CGCS from Chechessee Creek Club and his assistant superintendent Nathan much deeper than one meeting a year. Stevely during the winter meeting at Bulls Bay Golf Club. I am an 18-year member of the USGA. I have personally had visits from Pat eing an active member of the one would argue with their knowledge and Chris at Chechessee Creek Club. Carolinas GCSA has afforded or experience or their passion or They have helped me confirm with Bme the opportunity to meet and commitment. The fact that they have members and management that our work with so many good people. We always gone about their work with a programs are strong. They have helped have relationships with many allied smile and a sense of humor has always us transition from an overseeded golf golf associations and groups. These made their presentations enjoyable as course to painting fairways. Golf course connections and relationships have been well as informative. conditioning is at its highest level ever a huge part of our association’s growth and expectations are still climbing. and success. But I know the relationship between our two groups predates my arrival in the The USGA Green Section has been a One of the greatest and longest- Carolinas so I had to reach out to the big part of our improvements as an running relationships has been with the Carolinas GCSA’s Chuck Borman for industry. All of our allied associations USGA. This March we again partner some historical perspective. are important and we all share the same with the USGA for our joint meeting goals; keeping golf healthy and growing Chuck explained that up until 2001 with education and golf at Hope Valley the game. But no group embodies Patrick and the Green Section ran all of Country Club in Durham, NC. The USGA those goals greater than the USGA. If the administration for the conference Green Section regional conference you are not already a member I highly and we ran the administration for is always well attended and I find it recommend it. I also recommend the golf portion of the event. In 2001, personally rewarding and fun. participating in the USGA meeting in Chuck recommended that we take over Durham this year. I am proud of our Like most of you, I have known Pat administration of both the education relationship and I would love think we O’Brien and Chris Hartwiger as the conference and the golf. That allowed Pat could continue to enjoy it for years to USGA’s Southeast Green Section and Chris to concentrate on the content come. This year, more than any other, is agronomists for a number of years. As that we as superintendents and other golf the year to show your support in thanks golf course superintendents, we might industry members would enjoy. for all the support we have received over not always agree completely with their the years. opinions but by the same token no “While the Green Section conferences
4 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tim Kreger
No such thing as Too Many Friends: Ask Switzerland
state agree to represent us was a big deal. But that day was nowhere on the radar when Charlie and I first met.
Another person I met working in my junior golf days who I now regard as a friend is Gene Morris, owner of Morris Marketing. That relationship carried over when I came to the Carolinas GCSA and Gene now advertises Radios for Golf in this magazine and is a general sessions partner at Conference and Show.
Clemson golf coach Larry Penley is someone else I have been fortunate to know from way back when. In those days, neither he nor I was thinking he would be a great speaker for an audience of golf Carolinas GCSA executive director Tim Kreger, Brian Stiehler, CGCS, Chris DeVane, Billy course superintendents at the Grove Park Bagwell, plant manager Scott Austin, Matthew Wharton, CGCS, Bill Kennedy, CGCS and Inn in Asheville, NC one fall meeting, but, Adam Charles at the TaylorMade facility in Liberty, SC. a few years ago, he was.
e’ve all heard the saying that can never have too many friends.” To me Recently, I toured the TaylorMade golf “It’s not what you know but that is a rule of thumb that is ultimately ball manufacturing facility here in Liberty, who you know that matters.” more helpful than building a network for SC with several Carolinas GCSA board W members. It was interesting for all of us, I’m not sure that’s the whole story. At the purely professional reasons. Friends look end of the day you have to know what out for each other beyond just a work including the folks at TaylorMade who you’re doing no matter how many friends setting. So get to know the person, not learned a new appreciation for just how you might have in high places. Ignorance just their position. A good relationship involved and engaged our association is no excuse in the eyes of the law and will survive a job change, whether that’s is in the industry in general. Who I don’t think many employers tolerate it yours or theirs. knows where this relationship will go, if very well either. anywhere? But the fact is we have now Take our South Carolina government established an open line with neighbors But I also think it’s important to know relations counsel Charlie Rountree III as an in Liberty and potential allies in golf. people for the right reasons. Sometimes I example. I first got to know Charlie when I think determined networkers fall into the was working for the South Carolina Junior I took it as a compliment the other trap of “over-designing” their professional Golf Foundation and he was on the board day when one of our industry partners map. By that I mean that they identify of the South Carolina Golf Association. I jokingly called me “Switzerland.” That’s certain people they believe might be was a lot younger and finding my way. I how he said he viewed me and how I helpful at some point and are often too think Charlie appreciated my energy and manage all relationships equally while quick to shrug off others. was kind enough to offer advice here and keeping everyone happy. there that helped me get better at what I It’s like Charlie Rountree and Chris I think that’s a mistake. By all means it was doing. helps to network with people who you Valauri, his counterpart in North Carolina, believe can be helpful in your career. But Over the years we became good friends, always say, the time to establish a the fact is it helps to network with all playing our share of golf and hunting our relationship is when you’re not asking kinds of people because you never know share of ducks together. It was only years for something. It’s better still when you how the future is going to play out. The later that I came to work for the Carolinas can bring something, even if it’s simply a intern making coffee and emptying the GCSA and some years after that when we warm smile and a genuine interest in the trash might be your boss one day. realized we needed a voice on our behalf other person. on legislative matters in Columbia. To be Which brings me to another old saying able to pick up the phone and suddenly that I believe to be 100 percent true, “You have one of the leading lobbyists in the
6 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] THE PAT JONES INDEX Pat Jones
Oh Canada, You’re Cold But Warm in Other Ways
is shrinking and every indicator is that can and should be part of that process. it will continue to shrink for at least a decade. We are heading for a smaller, The traits I identified for the successful leaner and (hopefully) smarter industry in super of the future are probably not much the future. different than they are today, but it’s worth considering where you are on the There is no “new golf boom” coming. To spectrum. Here’s what I think will really use a phrase I despise, “It is what it is.” matter to your success 10 or 15 years from now, perhaps even more than today:
Be Curious and Tinker: Be a person “The golf market is who constantly asks “Why?” Always be playing with new ideas and new things. shrinking and every Your practice green is a laboratory and you never, ever say “If it ain’t broke, don’t indicator is that it will fix it.” Pat Jones continue to shrink for at Advocate for Investment: It’s up to least a decade. We are you to build a case for those critical ot all of my trips are southward investments in the golf course that will to see y’all. Despite already heading for a smaller, separate your facility from 15,000 others Nliving a driver and a wedge from in a dogfight market that will continue to the Arctic Circle here in Cleveland, leaner and (hopefully) shrink. It might be a new irrigation system OH I occasionally head even farther that reduces your reliance on increasingly north to visit Canada. Best case, I’m smarter industry in the expensive outside water. It could be carrying fishing rods when I hop over future.” bunkers that drain properly and hold their the world’s longest international border. faces. It might be that move to ultradwarf But, the second-best scenario is that I’m Bermudagrass. It could be a “smart” attending one of our northern neighbors’ So, how does a facility thrive in that sprayer system that costs $40,000 but great turf conferences. semi-bleak future? By offering something pays for itself in a year or two. Someone has to sell the idea…and that someone My latest Canadian adventure took me unique and appealing. In the new needs to be the superintendent. to the Ontario GSA’s annual conference, market, clubs and good daily fee facilities absolutely must have a niche…that which is a shockingly large affair that Cultivate Smart People…and Listen special thing that differentiates them was well-attended by most of the to Them: The most successful from dozens or hundreds of other choices superintendents in the eastern half of superintendents I know never work in that potential members or customers the country (including the Toronto area a vacuum. They constantly reach out have. Be the “family first” club. Be the which accounts for more than a third of to others with new ideas or different “party” club. Be the daily fee that over- the 2,000-plus courses up there). points of view. They challenge their own delivers for leagues. Be the “social worldview by networking with a broad As usual, I was speechifying. I presented networking” club. Be the “wired” facility spectrum of successful people inside my take on the current state of the that gives you Wi-Fi in carts. and outside our business. Social media market but they also specifically asked makes this easier than ever, but you have me to shine up my crystal ball and talk Just be something! to make a conscious effort to do it. Start about the future. What will be the traits Have a niche that’s meaningful to people now. of the successful superintendent in the with money. Otherwise, you’re just a future? What will separate great facilities commodity. It’s honestly not that hard Balance Agronomy and Business: The from those that will flounder or fail? to identify and capitalize on your niche, days of getting your budget, spending it on conditioning and not worrying Let’s talk about the second question first. but it requires the entire ownership and about revenues, membership numbers Get ready for some news that might management team to get together, figure it out and commit to it. Superintendents make you squirm a little: The golf market (continued on page 10...)
8 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] (continued on page 10...)
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] THE PAT JONES INDEX (...continued from page 8) ADVERTISERS A.C. Schultes of Carolina...... 11 Agri-Business Technologies, Inc...... 28 We know pumps and motors. Buy Sod...... 7 or other key business metrics are over. Overall, I found your Canadian brethren Cardinal Chemicals ...... 31 Tomorrow’s successful superintendent to be not that much different than y’all. Corbin Turf & Ornamental Supply...... 5 has to be engaged in the operational Just substitute “hockey” for “SEC football” We know water. Divots, Inc...... 17 and financial management of the facility. and the conversations were pretty much Golf Agronomics...... 17 Commanding knowledge of the entire the same. Another interesting similarity We know wells. Green Resource...... 9 P&L makes you more valuable and less was their strong primary allegiance to Greenville Turf & Tractor/John Deere.....Inside Front vulnerable when change happens. And it the Ontario GSA. Yes, most are also Howard Fertilizer & Chemical...... 13 always happens. members of the national Canadian Golf Milorganite Fertilizer...... 34 Superintendents Association just as most We’ll keep you on course. Be Passionate or Get Out: The Quali-Pro...... 25 of you are GCSAA members. But, like superintendent profession is evolving the late Congressman Tip O’Neil used to PBI Gordon Corp...... 20 right now. We’re still working through say, all politics are local. They found that Pathway Biologic...... 31 the glut of folks who got a turfgrass a strong regional association was just as Radios for Golf...... 42?IO management degree in the ‘90s or important – maybe more so – than being Revels Turf & Tractor/John Deere...... Inside Front ‘00s thinking the job would be fun and part of the national group. Show Turf/John Deere...... Inside Front relatively straightforward. The post- Smith Turf and Irrigation ...... Back Cover recession reality of long hours, thin So, you may be most of a continent apart Southern States Cooperative...... 10 budgets and reduced staffing slapped a from your Canuck colleagues and you Tifton Physical Soil Testing...... 36 lot of them in the face because they got may have very different accents…but the Tif/Eagle Tif/Sport...... Insert into the business for the wrong reasons. language of turf is universal. If you get The only reason to be in this crazy industry a chance to visit, take it. Great courses, Tri-State Pump & Control...... Inside Back is because you passionately love the daily great people and great fellowship…just challenge and reward process. If you don’t, like home. it’s time to reassess and move on.
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Randy Hudson Jennifer Moore Production Manager Director of Marketing and Business Development 3887 S. NC Hwy 41 ® © 2014 Southern States Cooperative, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. Southern States® [email protected] [email protected] Wallace, NC 28466 is a registered trademark of Southern States Cooperative, Incorporated. (910) 617-3650 cell (910) 465-1876 cell Of ce: (910) 285-7465 6713_Turf_7.5x4.75.indd 1 7/3/14 12:56 PM 10 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015 @ACSCarolinas A.C. Schultes of Carolina, Inc. www.acschultes.com
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] We know pumps and motors. We know water. We know wells.
We’ll keep you on course.
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Randy Hudson Jennifer Moore Production Manager Director of Marketing and Business Development 3887 S. NC Hwy 41 [email protected] [email protected] Wallace, NC 28466 (910) 617-3650 cell (910) 465-1876 cell Of ce: (910) 285-7465 @ACSCarolinas A.C. Schultes of Carolina, Inc. www.acschultes.com
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TURF TALK Dr. Bert McCarty
Battling Poa in Bentgrass: Turf Talk Sponsored by: An Update from the Front Poa control in my bentgrass herbicides (Table 2) and plant growth continues as an ongoing regulators (Table 3). battle. What are the latest Q: Realistic expectations are needed on products and application programs for this? Poa control in bentgrass. Once Poa infests a bentgrass stand, no selective As discussed in the past, herbicide exists which will totally control Poa is the number one weed all biotypes. A more realistic control and A:problem in golf turf, worldwide. suppression goal is 80 percent to 90 The most recent contributor to this is percent. Since herbicide use can be very herbicide-resistant Poa populations. tricky on bentgrass, courses have opted This, along with loss of key control to become mostly dependent on PGRs products, has intensified the problem to suppress Poa populations. Even PGRs and further narrowed available solutions. are not totally effective as Poa tends to In bentgrass, Poa control involves a flower (produce seedheads) throughout holistic program including shifting the the growing season and these products competitive growth edge to bentgrass work best in preventing seedhead (Table 1) plus the intelligent use of expression. Once seedheads are visible, Dr. Bert McCarty PGRs just don’t work as well.
(continued on page 14 ...) Dr. Bert McCarty, Research and Extension Turf Specialist Figure 1. Poa continues to be problematic in all turf situations. Not only is the sheer at Clemson University, will amount of Poa a problem, the presence of various annual and perennial biotypes address any turf-related makes control very challenging. Long-term Poa management involves a three-pronged question in this column. approach of implementing cultural practices to favor bentgrass growth over Poa, possible herbicides and certain PGR use. Write to him c/o: Clemson University, Department of Horticulture, Box 340375, Clemson, SC 29634-0375 or: [email protected]
12 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] (continued on page 14 ...)
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TURF TALK
Table 1. Some means of minimizing/controlling Poa seed and plants in bentgrass.
• Fumigate all soil mix before planting/topdressing. • Use certified seed, sprigs or sod free of Poa. • Interseed yearly to thicken turf density. • Obtain and maintain good turf density to reduce Poa invasion. • Retain good drainage to prevent soil compaction and excessive moisture. • Reduce soil compaction: aerify and use light weight walk mowers; spike frequently to reduce surface compaction and to sever turf stolons which encourages turf density. • Avoid overseeding areas adjacent to bentgrass which, in turn, greatly encourages Poa invasion. • Core prior to peak Poa seed germination periods. • Remove clippings to remove Poa seeds. • Reduce P soil levels as excessive P levels favor Poa. Spoon feed N in summer which encourages bentgrass growth over Poa. • Hand pick and wick/dab non-selective herbicide on small Poa plants. • Plug larger spots with Poa-free turf. • Do not over-water; hand water heavily but infrequently as this stresses Poa more so than bentgrass. • Avoid controlling diseases specific to Poa when pressure is low (e.g. anthracnose, summer patch). • Improve sunlight (especially morning) and water and air drainage. Bentgrass does not compete well with Poa in shade or compacted and/or poorly drained soils. • Control Poa in greens surrounds and approaches. • Selectively moisture-stressing Poa more than bentgrass – although this can be tricky and not for everyone. • Use pre-emergence herbicides in spring and fall. • Use PGRs in spring and fall to reduce Poa competition and seedhead development.
In terms of using pre-emergence herbicides, a couple of products containing bensulide, a few distributor labels containing dithiopyr as well as siduron (Tupersan) are available for greens. Bensulide- and dithiopyr-containing products help prevent Poa infestations and spread. Siduron is used mainly to suppress bermudagrass encroachment and isn’t a great Poa product. With any of these products, apply only to dry, well established greens, prior to Poa germination and when air temperatures are below 85F. Water-in as soon as possible. Delay reseeding for four months after treatment. Erratic control typically occurs if perennial Poa biotypes are present and research suggests repeat applications over multiple years (min. four) are necessary for significant reductions of these.
Table 2. Post-emergence herbicides for selective Poa control in bentgrass.
Prograss 4SC (ethofumesate) Xonerate 70WDG (amicarbazone)
• Risky and erratic on creeping bentgrass, • Inconsistent results = Tight temperature restrictions, • Temperature (cold), shade and poor drainage sensitive, • Repeat applications mandatory, • Resistant/tolerant Poa biotypes are common, • Flashing possibility. • Not labeled for greens. PoaCure 2SL (methiozolin) Velocity 17.6SG (bispyribac-sodium) • Good efficacy against annual and perennial biotypes, • Currently, a good choice for creeping bentgrass when used at • Availability (possibly 2016 or 2017 in U.S.) and site use multiple applications at lower rates, restrictions, • Flashing possibility with higher rates/fewer applications, • Expense – still unknown. • Resistant/tolerant Poa biotypes are common, • Not labeled for greens.
14 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Table 3 lists various PGRs used to regulate Poa plants. Specific timing and repeat applications are prerequisites for success with some possible programs listed in Table 4. A dedicated PGR program can reduce Poa more than 80 percent in two years, but if it is then abandoned, you go back to square one the following year.
Table 3. Plant growth regulators for selective Poa control/seedhead suppression in bentgrass. Combination products such as Legacy 1.5L (flurprimidol + trinexapac-ethyl) and Musketeer 1L (flurprimidol + paclobutrazol + trinexapac-ethyl) also are available.
Embark T&O (mefluidide) Proxy 2L (ethephon) • Poa seedhead suppression, • Poa seedhead suppression, • Limited supplies, uncertain future. • Often combined with other products (i.e., trinexapac-ethyl) for enhanced turf quality or to enhance the efficacy of others Trimmit/Turf Enhancer 2SC (paclobutrazol) and Cutless 50WP (i.e., paclobutrazol). (flurprimidol) Primo Maxx/Trinexapac-ethyl 1L (trinexapac-ethyl, or TE) • Poa growth suppression, results in smaller plants with dwarfed seedheads, • Bentgrass growth suppression, • Repeat applications in fall, winter and spring required, • Combined with other products to improve turf quality. • Care needed when using flurprimidol on semi-dormant bermudagrass collars and surrounds.
Table 4. Some common PGR programs for Poa management in bentgrass.
Month Options March Cutless (8 oz/a)/ Musketeer (18-22 oz/a) Proxy (5 oz/M) + or Trimmit (16 oz/a) Legacy (8 oz/a) TE (5 oz/a) April Cutless (8 oz/a)/ Musketeer (18-22 oz/a) Proxy (5 oz/M) + or Trimmit (16 oz/a) Legacy (8 oz/a) TE (5 oz/a) May Cutless (8 oz/a)/ Musketeer (12 oz/a) Proxy (5 oz/M) + or Trimmit (16 oz/a) Legacy (8 oz/a) TE (5 oz/a) June Cutless (4-8 oz/a/14d) Legacy (8 oz/a) Musketeer (12 oz/a) or Trimmit (6-12 oz/14d) July Cutless (8 oz/a/14d) Legacy (8 oz/a) Musketeer (12 oz/a) or Trimmit (3-12 oz/14d) Aug Cutless (8 oz/a/14d) Legacy (8 oz/a) Musketeer (12 oz/a) or Trimmit (3-12 oz/14d) Sept Skip application to allow coring + reseeding Oct Cutless (8 oz/a) Legacy (8 oz/a) Musketeer (18-22 oz/a) or Trimmit (16 oz/a) Nov Cutless (8 oz/a) Legacy (8 oz/a) Musketeer (18-22 oz/a) or Trimmit (16 oz/a) Dec. Cutless (8 oz/a) Legacy (8 oz/a) Musketeer (18-22 oz/a) or Trimmit (16 oz/a)
M=1,000 sq.ft.; a=acre; TE=trinexapac-ethyl. Applications are made every 30 days (d) unless indicated otherwise. In southern U.S., optimum PGR timing is fall plus spring. In cooler regions, active growth extends into and through summer, thus, PGR listing in bold months are for those areas. Also, in cooler regions, a degree-day model is often used to predict/estimate optimum PGR applications. These models, however, have been less accurate in southern locations due to extensive winter temperature fluctuations. PGR rates vary depending on parameters such as environmental stress, geographical location, timing, percentage Poa populations, acceptable turf injury ranges, etc. Therefore, read and follow all label instructions prior to use.
carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 15
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] HEADLINERS
Sea Pines Worker Hits 50 Years on the Job
The regular Headliners column features media coverage of golf course maintenance issues and personalities, as part of an ongoing partnership with Syngenta Professional Products. The following story appeared recently in The Island-Packet newspaper on Hilton Head Island, SC.
cie Baker started work at Sea Pines 50 years ago, and he’s still on the job. One recent Thursday, Steve Birdwell, The Sea Pines Resort president, left, and golf course superintendent, A Jim Cregan, right, with Acie Baker at the ceremony honoring 50 years of service on the he helped slice a large white sheet cake golf course maintenance team. with the Harbour Town Lighthouse on it as the rest of the golf course found more opportunity than he did as a Riley School in the 10th grade. maintenance crew for the Ocean and young man in the Lowcountry. Heron Point courses watched. Company He worked for John Samuel “Junior” officials gave him a wrapped gift and At Sea Pines, where 11 current employees Graves Jr. at the Bluffton Seafood Co., praised his dependability, eye for detail have hit at least the 30-year mark and where Bluffton Oyster Co. is today at the and even the bacon, grits and eggs he where the ebullient Earl “Happy” Mitchell foot of Wharf Street. He was provided a sometimes brings everyone for breakfast. retired in 2009 after 45 years, Baker has 16-foot wooden bateau built on the hill by become a quiet marvel. He never uses older Gullah men Baker recalls as Clifton Baker, 72, declined his opportunity to make his sick days, he’s always on call and he’s Gaston, Frank Kidd and “old man Colson.” a speech. Then he went back to work. always early. Baker blasts holes through Graves outfitted it with a 10-horsepower the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics that Johnson outboard motor, which Baker It’s hard to imagine that anyone has ever show the median employee tenure in paid for over time. worked longer for a single employer America is 4.6 years. on Hilton Head Island. Sea Pines was Oystering was big business in those days. founded in 1956. In 1965, Baker started “I like my work,” he says. Graves had several shucking houses, his early morning trek from Bluffton to along with other oystermen including work on the island’s first golf course. Baker’s work is a portrait of the new Frank Toomer, Billy Toomer, S.V. “Chief” He has now worked at Sea Pines world sketched by Fraser, Fred Hack and Toomer and Benny Hudson. Baker said almost twice as long as its founder, the the McIntosh family when they bought the shucking house he supplied could late Charles E. Fraser, who famously into Hilton Head for its timber in 1949. turn out 300 gallons a day. He never discovered that golf courses gave value to He was born on April 24, 1942, to a really liked picking oysters, but for whites otherwise unsellable land, and became a midwife named Miss Florine in a hushed and blacks in the Lowcountry, that was magnet for vacationers and retirees. corner of Bluffton’s Belfair Plantation. about the only way to a dollar.
Baker discovered that mowing and That’s where his grandfather, James “I had no choice,” Baker said. “You could trimming greens, tees and fairways could Baker, and his father, also Acie Baker, farm, but the trouble with that was you bring a steady, year-round income. It lived. Baker’s father worked in the May could eat up all your money.” helped him raise nine children who all River, picking oysters. And that’s what Baker did too, when he left Michael C. Golf wasn’t Baker’s initial swing thought.
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] He worked for Whaley Construction in Savannah for a while. That’s the company that would eventually build Harbour Town. He worked on Pinckney Island when it was a private hunting preserve. And he ended up working on the golf course at Port Royal Plantation, where he was poached by a man from Sea Pines named Al Dunning. He went to work on the Ocean Course on January 15, 1965.
“I’m still here,” Baker said.
He’s afraid if he sits down he might not get up. So he still works, and he still goes in the river, and he still cooks for crowds on a grill someone made for him from a 120-gallon gas tank. Baker stands for the local folks who made the Lowcountry what it has become, even though the developers have gotten most of the attention.
And in his spare time, he likes to get with co-workers who are like his brothers - Harold “Fox” Jenkins and Leroy “Dab” Jenkins - and play golf.
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] GOVERNMENT Chris Valauri RELATIONS
Big Spending, High Stakes And the Work Grinds On
he 2014 U.S. Senate race won Brown of Jacksonville and Tom Apodaca took a major toll on textiles and furniture by former House Speaker Thom of Hendersonville as Rules Chair. Some in particular. Tillis over Kay Hagan eclipsed of you may remember Tom being kind T During the last legislative session there $100 million in expenditures. This set a enough to come and speak to our fall record as the most expensive Senate race meeting at Champion Hills Club several were many changes in the tax code led (including larger states such as California, years back. by reductions in corporate and personal New York and Texas) in history. This is income taxes. The key question becomes a trend which appears to set the tone Much of what you’ll be reading about what to do and where to turn in the event for years to come as North Carolina has or hear on the evening news will focus of a revenue shortfall. We will pay close become the ninth most populous state on economic development; examination attention to fiscal policy as the session with more than nine million Americans of the business regulatory network and unfolds. calling it home. how to pay for basic state services such as road construction and the demand for While the Mid-Atlantic region has been With NC correctly perceived as new schools brought about by population spared a drought in recent years growing a battleground state for the 2016 growth as less revenue is coming in population continues to place a strain Presidential sweepstakes and with because of tax cuts. It is a very delicate on water resources. Though there hasn’t our Senior Senator Richard Burr up balance. been much discussion of water policy in for re-election another new spending the past few years. There appears to be a record could (and probably will) be When someone asks how the golf consensus that this might be the year to set. For those exhausted by political industry is doing these days I give the call stakeholders back together to begin ad fatigue from last summer through same answer I’ve been giving for the past taking steps to formulate a long-term early November, be advised there is seven years. The golf industry has been water policy. probably a reprieve until late summer and remains in challenging times. I expect Along those lines it is worth noting there when (like the movie Groundhog Day) it to give that same answer during the were a few key changes in Governor begins all over again. The messaging will current legislative session. McCrory’s cabinet. Department of the probably remain much the same but the As we have over the past decade we Environment and Natural Resources names will change. Such is the state of will continue to trumpet the economic, Secretary John Skavarla was reassigned contemporary American politics. environmental and social contributions as the new Commerce Secretary. Getting back to the here and now, (our holy trinity) makes to the state, the Secretary Skvarla will oversee business the General Assembly gets underway region and the nation. This “golf...more and economic development as well as as I write this, in late January, with a than a game” theme has been our core sports development and travel-tourism. mixed bag of expectations and a ‘work message since the first NC Golf Day He is a proven industry ally during his in progress’ agenda. There is a sense nine years ago. It has gained traction tenure at DENR, especially on water that after four years of major partisan among members of the legislative staff, issues. He lives in Southern Pines and shifts, the Republican majorities in both the capital media, legislators and key has known former USGA Commissioner chambers have accomplished most of members of the regulatory community. David Fay since they were kids in New the campaign promises that led to their It has allowed us to enter public policy York. historic takeover in 2012. The emphasis discussions over water use, taxation The new DENR Secretary is Don van der will now transition to the nuts and policy and broader issues related to travel Vaart. bolts (and challenges) of running state and tourism. The phrase has become our legislative calling card. government. Now it’s time to govern. In closing I want to encourage all Carolinas GGSA members to become There will be new members to meet and There is an old adage that suggests acquainted with your local delegations. establish working relationships with. certain issues never really go away. They The effort will pay guaranteed dividends The new Speaker of the House is Tim simply get rebranded and take on a new as we move forward. Moore from Shelby in Cleveland County. identity. Clearly the debate over service- based tax policy continues to be subject Speaker Moore is an attorney and has Happy trails. served in the House since 2004. The to consideration and discussion. As North leadership team on the Senate side will Carolina evolves as a service economy it - Chris Valauri is Carolinas GCSA remain virtually unchanged from last will be in play. The days of the state being government relations counsel in North session led by Senator Pro Tem Phil a leader in manufacturing are well in the Carolina. Berger of Eden; Majority Leader Harry past. The globalization of the economy
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS
New Energy at the Top For Rounds4Research
about a problem. It is imperative that superintendents continue to urge their courses to donate rounds in support of this critical program.”
North Carolina State University’s assistant professor Travis Gannon and professor Fred Yelverton will lead the latest research effort funded by the program. Their GCSAA past-president Pat Finlen, CGCS; Carolinas GCSA chapter delegate Brian Stiehler, research will determine the effect of soil CGCS; GCSAA chief executive Rhett Evans; and GCSAA vice-president, John O’Keefe, CGCS; moisture on herbicide movement and off- with a check for money raised in last year’s Rounds4Research auction. target injury as well as formulate BMPS to minimize off-target injury. arolinas GCSA leaders are Donations can be made online at www. optimistic that new oversight for rounds4research.com. “Identifying knowledge gaps, Rounds4Research at a national understanding factors that influence and C The Carolinas GCSA pioneered the online level will help elevate the program to developing best management practices to new heights in 2015. The new associate auction to help solve a growing shortfall minimize off-target movement will allow director for Rounds4Research from in funding for golf turfgrass research. the turfgrass industry to proclaim the the Environmental Institute for Golf is Since its inception, the Carolinas GCSA positive impacts of golf courses and other Mischia Wright who has been a part of has invested more than $225,000 to turfgrass entities on the environment,” operations at GCSAA headquarters in research institutions for projects with their grant application says. Lawrence, KS for nearly 10 years. “We look specific application in the region. Some forward to keeping Mischia and everyone of those funds have been generated with “It is anticipated we will establish best at Rounds4Research busy with a huge the generous support of the 13 local golf management practices (example: load of donations this year,” says Carolinas course superintendent and turfgrass establish soil moisture content where GCSA executive director Bill Kennedy, associations in the Carolinas. The latest lateral movement and/or runoff are CGCS from Chechessee Creek Club. grant, announced in February, is for nearly likely to occur) to minimize off-target $50,000 over two years to help devise movement, allowing golf course Kennedy appealed not just to golf course best management practices minimizing superintendents to use herbicides superintendents, but anyone from a golf off-target impacts from herbicide without adversely affecting adjacent facility in the Carolinas, to do all they can applications. turfgrass or other species. Further, to secure tee-time donations for sale in development of these practices is a this year’s auction that runs June 8 to 21. “It is with great honor that the Carolinas step towards allowing the industry to The auction coincides with two major GCSA, on behalf of all local associations keep appropriate products in the hands events in the lives of many golfers, the and the Rounds4Research program, of turfgrass professionals for pest U.S. Open Championship and Fathers Day. can announce another grant funded management. Further, the proposed “Everyone who works in golf or who enjoys through these programs,” Carolinas research results will be applicable playing the game has an incentive to make GCSA executive director, Tim Kreger, to all regions of the Carolinas and sure their facility donates a foursome to says. “This is the latest example of will allow turfgrass managers to Rounds4Research,” Kennedy says. golf course superintendents helping comprehensively manage pests in the achieve solutions instead of complaining most environmentally-benign manner.”
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS
Durham Birdies Leave Him Running the Bull
nthony Durham’s win in this than 120 people registered for golf and The two-day event began with an year’s Carolinas GCSA assistant education at the annual winter meeting education panel on career development. Asuperintendent golf championship and enjoyed a course in excellent Panelists included Carolinas GCSA board ensures at least one quarter of this condition, thanks to the efforts of host members Matthew Wharton CGCS from year’s Virlina Cup team will know the superintendent Ken Ohlinger and his Carolina Golf Club and Billy Bagwell drill. Durham’s victory at Bulls Bay Golf staff. from Callawassie Island Club, along with Club in Awendaw, SC makes him an Chuck Connolly from Greenville Country automatic qualifier for the eight-man Carolinas GCSA executive director Tim Club (SC), Tony Nysse from Pine Tree team to represent the Carolinas GCSA Kreger paid tribute not just to conditions Golf Club in Florida and Trent Bouts of against the Virginia GCSA in the annual but also to the course set up which was Tee Media Consulting. The panel was challenge this fall. He joins Steve Agazzi challenging but fair. He pointed out that moderated by board member Rob Daniel, from Kiawah Island Resort’s Turtle Point the combined distance of the winning CGCS from RiverTowne Country Club. course who qualified once again as the shots in the closest to the pin contest reigning Carolinas GCSA superintendent on Bulls Bay’s five par threes was less On the morning before the education champion. The two were team-mates in than 18 feet. Play on the Mike Strantz- panel, presidents from the local the inaugural Virlina Cup in 2010. designed course, which features the associations in the Carolinas gathered highest point in Charleston County with with Carolinas GCSA staff and leadership Durham strung together three the clubhouse perched on top, was highly for the annual local association planning consecutive birdies late in his round at anticipated after an ice-storm forced meeting. Leaders from all but two of the Bulls Bay on a cold, windy day to card a the cancellation of the corresponding 13 local associations attended. two-over par 74. That hot streak helped tournament in 2014. him card a 32 in the back nine. More
Rugged up on a cold day, from left, Rodney Crouse, The Players Club at St. James Plantation; Andy Yoder, Diamond Creek Golf Club; Erik Guinther, CGCS, Roaring Gap Club; Anthony Durham, Old Town Club; Matthew Carver, Tri-State Pump and Controls; Gil Herzberg, Moss Creek Golf Club; and Chase Watson, Diamond Creek Golf Club.
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS
Golf results: First Flight Gross: 66 Rob Daniel, CGCS, RiverTowne Country Club Brent Bagwell, Snee Farm Country Club Net: 63 Nick Price, Sunset Country Club Curt Sheffer, Osprey Point Country Club
Second Flight Gross: 73 Tim Carpenter, Gaston Country Club Eric Downs, Gaston Country Club Net: 62 Sean Hardwick, Seabrook Island Club Brian Drinkard, Seabrook Island Club
Third Flight Gross: 71 Matthew Carver, Tri-State Pumps and Controls Anthony Durham, Old Town Club Net: 62 Brooks Riddle, Yeamans Hall Club Samuel Austin, Yeamans Hall Club Assistant superintendent champion Anthony Durham. Fourth Flight Gross: 72 Steve Martin, CGCS, River’s Edge Golf Club Jonathan Stewart, Sandpiper Bay Golf and Country Club Net: 61 Dawn Johnson, Bulls Bay Golf Club Gilberto Espinoza, Bulls Bay Golf Club
Closest to the pin No. 3 – 4’3” Brian Drinkard, Seabrook Island Club No. 7 – 1’2” Matthew Carver, Tri-State Pump and Controls No. 12 – 2’ Eric Downs, Gaston Country Club No. 14 – 3’6” Chris Pearson, Green Resource No. 17 – 6’6” Steve Martin, CGCS River’s Edge Golf Club
Bulls Bay’s tee-markers are as much trademarks of the course as the Ken Ohlinger received a plaque in recognition of his efforts as host clubhouse that sits atop the highest point in the county. superintendent.
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Moderator Rob Daniel, CGCS RiverTowne Country Club; with panelists Trent Bouts, Tee Mitchell Williams, representing sponsor Media Consulting; Tony Nysse, Pine Tree Golf Club; Billy Bagwell, Callawassie Island Club; Green Resource, welcomes attendees to the Matthew Wharton, CGCS Carolina Golf Club; and Chuck Connolly, Greenville Country Club. education session.
Shannon Peterson, CGCS from Mountain Air Country Club, and Erik Rick Henderson, Greenville Turf and Tractor, and Daryl Ewing, Guinther, CGCS from Roaring Gap Club, represented the Western North Carolina Lakes Golf Club, attended on behalf of the North-South Carolina Turfgrass Association. Turfgrass Association.
Rodney Moss, River Ridge Golf Club, from the Triangle Turfgrass Association; and Stanley David Green from Hejaz Shrine Golf Elliott, CGCS Chocowinity Golf Club, from the Eastern North Carolina Turfgrass Association. Club represented the Upstate Turfgrass Association while Daniel Knight from Sedgfield Country Club represented the Piedmont GCSA. [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] ASSISTANTS Rodney Crouse
Networking: Simple Task Offering Super Results
email to ask any question that comes up. All of these people are individuals that I have the utmost respect for. They all have a proven track record in the turf industry and are respected by their peers.
Here comes the disclaimer, know who you are getting your advice from. Not everyone is going to look out for your best interests. It is imperative that you know you are getting sound advice. Networking is a valuable tool, but be careful who you surround yourself with. Make sure the people you are getting your knowledge from are credible sources.
Networking opportunity: Carolinas GCSA director Chris DeVane from Forsyth Country Club Luckily for us, the Carolinas GCSA is with assistant superintendents Josh Schumacher from The Dunes Golf and Beach Club and continuously working hard to create Christian Drake from Highlands Country Club after social golf at Yeamans Hall Club. opportunities to network. As assistant he definition of networking is situation like a job interview. superintendents we have two assistant “to interact with other people to meetings every year. The last meeting exchange information and develop Networking can make a huge difference was at Chechessee Creek Club where T in your career. In an article in Forbes there were almost 40 assistants, several contacts, especially to further one’s career.” As an assistant superintendent, Magazine titled “The No. 1 Way to Get Green Resource representatives and networking is vital to the advancement Hired Today,” Nancy Collamer states that the new president of our association, of our careers. So, why is networking referred candidates are 40 percent more Bill Kennedy, CGCS. The next assistant so important? What does successful likely to be hired than other candidates. meeting was scheduled early February networking mean, and how do we This truth is even more prevalent in the at Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh, develop a strong list of connections that golf course maintenance world. NC. Assistant superintendent events will help us grow as professionals? are set up to offer us great education The fact is that in the turf industry it’s and networking opportunities, so take The good news is that networking is a not always what you know, but who advantage of them if you are able. fairly simple task. All you have to do is be you know. Now, more than ever, it is able to interact with people. Networking important for assistant superintendents In addition to assistant events, the encompasses several areas of interaction. that have aspirations to take the next Carolinas GCSA also facilitates fall In this era of technological advancement, step in their careers to be proficient in and winter association meetings, local you don’t have to muster up the courage networking. Effective networking can be association operations and the best to talk to someone face to face. You can the major factor that decides the next regional turf conference in the country e-mail, tweet, or be old fashioned and phase in your professional career. Simply every fall at the Myrtle Beach Convention pick up the phone and call someone. put, networking can get you the referrals Center. you need to apply for the jobs you want. However you choose to do it, don’t be Recently, in an effort to make assistant afraid to approach the people you want Proper networking can also promote superintendents more informed and to know better. In my experience, I have better decision making. There are connected, the assistant superintendent found that most turf professionals are many aspects to our jobs as assistant committee created a Facebook page. happy to take the time to stop and talk. superintendents. It’s safe to assume that This page is a place where you can check A word of advice though, always make most of us do not have the answers to out upcoming events and find other turf it a point to be courteous and respectful every problem that arises. This is where professionals to interact with. The page when talking with people in your chosen networking can give us another resource can be found at www.facebook.com/ profession. You never know where this that we need to make informed decisions. carolinasassistants. Make it a point to industry will take you, and you could be check it out soon. In addition to my superiors at work, applying for a job with this person in the I have a list of five successful turf - Rodney Crouse is assistant golf course future. We should treat every networking professionals that I know I can call or superintendent at The Players Club at St. James. 24 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS
The First High Hopes for Turnout Post-patent At Historic Hope Valley Azoxystrobin.
Hope Valley is a classic Donald Ross design.
his year’s USGA Green Section has put together a strong list of speakers conference heads to a new venue headed by Henry DeLozier, one of Golf Strobe™ 50WG Tfor the first time in several years Inc. magazine’s most influential people in with golf and education at Hope Valley the game. DeLozier’s presentation – ‘Golf Broad Spectrum Fungicide Country Club in Durham, NC on March in the 21st century: what you need to be The first post-patent 23 and 24. Hope Valley is a 1926 Donald successful’ – will provide an important Ross design maintained by Carolinas check list for golf course superintendents azoxystrobin is a wettable GCSA vice-president David Lee. and other key golf personnel looking to granule that prevents or cures get ahead in a tight economic climate. over 27 turf diseases and over “Hope Valley Country Club and its 30 ornamental diseases. As a members are excited to host the USGA DeLozier is a partner with Global Golf curative, it controls diseases SE Regional educational conference,” Lee Advisors and before that was a vice- that are already present when says. “The club has been fortunate to president with Pulte Homes, at the time applied to turf. As a systemic have a rich golf historical past with Byron the largest developer of golf communities preventative, the turfgrass will Nelson winning his fourth tournament in the country. With Pulte, DeLozier absorb the fungicide to control here in his run of 12 straight in 1945 and developed 27 golf courses in 10 states was home to 15-time PGA Tour winner and was responsible for the operation of fungal diseases, protect lawns, and twice Ryder Cup player Mike Souchak more than 20 courses in the Pulte stable. landscapes and golf courses. for many years. The club is dedicated to He is a past-president of the National Make Strobe 50WG a key part promoting the game of golf and is truly Golf Course Owners Association, has of your integrated disease delighted to host this USGA event.” served on committees for GCSAA and management program. serves on the employers advisory council For a number of years the annual for the PGA of America. conference has rotated between Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC, Others speakers include John Foy, Grandover Resort in Greensboro, NC director of the Green Section’s newly and Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, expanded southeast region. Foy, who is Innovation you can apply. NC. Carolinas GCSA executive director based in Hobe Sound, FL, will discuss Tim Kreger anticipates strong interest as the growing trend towards no-till a result of the first-time venue. “I think bermudagrass fairway renovations. Hunki Get connected: Hope Valley and its history will be a big Yun, the USGA’s director of strategic draw for a lot of people,” Kreger says. projects, will provide an update on For more information on our wide selection of turf and ornamental products, extensive research into pace of play, one visit quali-pro.com or call 800-242-5562 The USGA Green Section’s Pat O’Brien of the biggest issues facing the game.
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Ipock Helps Put Polish Back on Crystal Coast
ndy Ipock recalls the night rock Ipock, with two infants and a mortgage on a new house, had already taken a 10 percent pay cut. He remembers bottom arrived at The Country Club thinking, “Hold on…we get paid on Thursdays. How in the of the Crystal Coast on the Outer heck is that going to happen?” A That was spring of 2009 but there wasn’t much warmth Banks of North Carolina. It was a Tuesday in the air, on the contrary. Membership once north of 500 and Ipock was sitting in on a board meeting had plummeted by more than 200 in just 12 months. The club ran a $300,000-plus deficit over the same period. It when the club treasurer set everyone’s hearts wasn’t just the recession. The general manager at the time was sinking. The club, situated on a narrow sliver recovering from serious injuries sustained in a car accident that killed his wife. “Everything was a mess,” Ipock says. of land separating Bogue Sound from the He wasn’t the only one with a pit in his stomach that Atlantic Ocean, had just $700 in the bank. night. “Everyone else pretty much jumped ship,” he says. While he didn’t take the same leap he did expect to be Tidal waves might as well have been crashing pushed. “At that point I was learning more and more about in from both sides. the golf industry and how volatile it was,” he says. “I’d hear about guys losing jobs without warning and I was thinking, ‘I’m going to be one of those guys. I guess I better get to the
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] We’re making good “ progress overall. It hasn’t been easy. It was week to week there for a long time. I think we got lucky. We found good people and we have wonderful members.” -Andy Ipock
Andy Ipock and his staff built the rock wall welcoming golfers to The Country Club of the Crystal Coast. Ipock Helps Put Polish Back on Crystal Coast by: Trent Bouts
unemployment office.’” a horror story. Ipock’s role in that recovery is difficult to overstate. What transpired next and since is surely one of the more remarkable resurrections in Carolinas golf. Club This year the club celebrates its 40th anniversary. members stepped forward and with their own money – “Andy does a phenomenal job,” Chamberlin says. “He’s some of it through personal loans - staved off bankruptcy. one of the top two superintendents I’ve worked with in 36 With most senior staff gone, “Everything pretty much came years as a general manager. He does a great job and has back to me,” Ipock says, of the subsequent year. helped this club come back from almost not making it.” The club eventually secured a new general manager, From the dead, you might say, which is kind of ironic given Chip Chamberlin, PGA an industry veteran from Michigan his upbringing. and Florida, who himself had become “one of those guys” Andy Ipock is the son of a gravedigger. His father Lennis at Donald Ross-designed Dunedin Country Club. He arrived hand dug more than 4,000 graves over a 30-year career grateful for the opportunity and with the doors still open, working in Morehead City. “He’s got forearms like Popeye,” Ipock kept coming to work. Ipock says. The dash of his dad’s pick-up bore a sticker that They’ve been a good pair. Without much more than read: “The only job where you’ll start on top and finish experience, enthusiasm and an old-fashioned work ethic, underneath is digging holes.” Ipock saw that sticker every they’ve helped get the club back on track. Membership is up day growing up and still laughs about it today. Watching his close to 340 and the club has been profitable for the past dad and sometimes wielding a shovel alongside him taught three years – still short of a fairytale but at least no longer the son a work ethic that is “above and beyond.”
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] This island in front of a par three green is another project that Andy Ipock completed in-house.
That’s part of the reason Ipock has brought his golf course maintenance costs in under budget every year since becoming superintendent in 2006. He came in $15,000 below budget in 2014. “It’s easy to save on budget when you’ve got nothing to spend,” he laughs, harking back to the dark days when purchasing became “pretty much” COD. “Really, we save a ton because we do a lot of stuff in-house. Honestly, I get offended if they (the club) go out and ask for bids on anything.” Ipock was eyeing a landscaping career when he graduated as a bachelor of agronomy from North Carolina State University in 2002. He was engaged to his high school sweetheart Aubrey – who became mother to their two children Gracie, 10 and Drew, 8 – who spotted a newspaper ad for help at what was known at the time as Bogue Banks Country Club. Two days after returning from graduation Ipock was laboring for $7 an hour. He’d never been on a golf course before. His effort and aptitude were quickly apparent though and after six months he was promoted to assistant superintendent. Three years later he became superintendent. It’s not the only trick in his bag. He is also a certified mixologist which, he explains, “is a fancy term for a barman” and a certified pyrotechnician, allowing him to set off the kind of fireworks people travel miles to see. Indeed, Ipock’s fireworks expertise (see image left) is a factor in the club’s growing reputation as a wedding venue. The club recently won a couples’ choice award from Wedding Wire which Chamberlin says puts it in the top five percent of venues in the country. Credit for that Photo Credit Cynthia Rose Photography achievement is shared by Aubrey Ipock, food and beverage, executive chef Scott Stiehl and events and sales manager More of Andy Ipock’s handiwork, this time with fireworks. Barb Costanza. The club’s Fourth of July fireworks attract as
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] many as 500 people. Two years ago Metro North Carolina Coastal Magazine recognized the club in its best coastal event venue and best coastal golf course awards. Ipock is now aimed at achieving Audubon Sanctuary certification for the club. “We’re making good progress overall,” he says. “It hasn’t been easy. It was week to week there for a long time. I think we got lucky. We found good people and we have wonderful members. They treat me like I’m a member too. I play in all the tournaments, the member-guest and so on. I go on golf trips with them. They take me to football games. They are phenomenal. The board has always been super supportive.” Ipock also gives a nod of appreciation to some people who exercised patience at a critical time for the club and showed faith in him in the process. “I kept hearing from vendors ‘You guys haven’t paid your bill,’” he says. “But a lot of them were very understanding. I found that a lot of them - if you just talk to them - are willing to work with you. Chip came in and found ways to get them some of their money to keep things moving.” The club also received a one-time injection of $110,000 working with the town of Pine Knoll Shores and the State Government on a collaborative flood mitigation project, which was the first of its kind in North Carolina. The money was effectively payment for an easement the course offered so the town could install a powerful system to draw storm water through the course and its system of ponds and eventually into the Sound. “The town notifies me when a storm is coming and I start lowering my ponds,” Ipock says. “We’re on a giant sand dune basically so I can run water for hours and you’ll never see any of it on the golf course.” The filtering process the course provides is closely monitored by the Division of Water Quality, and other agencies, and critical to maintaining the health of shellfish populations. Storm water entering the Sound is now cleaner than it was in the past, the town is less susceptible to flooding and recovers quicker and the same is true for the golf course. “The entire course is just under 100 acres and the whole island is basically a septic system,” Ipock says. “So this project really is a win-win, for the town, environmentally and for us because we can be open sooner now after rain that would have had us flooded in the past.” As earnestly as Ipock works at his superintendent role, his commitment to the club is never more apparent than when he wears a different hat - sometimes quite literally. He has been known to step into another kind of spotlight at the club’s dinner theater nights. This past Christmas he played a “sleaze ball, used car salesman” in a Judge Judy- type scenario. “Never a dull moment,” he laughs. “As a superintendent you’re supposed to know a little bit about everything!” The outlet from the new green flood mitigation project filters floodwaters before entering Bogue Sound.
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Eastern NC Foster Lake and Pond Management and Foundation, two local charities in Horry Lee Butler and Dr. Travis Gannon, both of County. North Carolina State University, for their presentations. The format for the golf event for our December outing was a three-man two- Josh Purvis will host our March meeting low net. The winners were the team of at Carolina Colours Golf Club in New David Hughes from Myrtlewood Golf Bern. David Hardy from North Carolina Club, Cory Sims from Litchfield Country Department of Agriculture and Consumer Club and Joseph Kobylarz from the River Services will be our speaker on the topic Club. Second place was captured by the ‘How to Best Interpret Soil, Water and trio of Barry “Digger” Barthelman, CGCS Plant Test Results.’ We have not been to from River Club/Willbrook Plantation, Carolina Colours in a while and I know we Robert Gamble from The Pearl Golf Links, are in for a treat. I am sure the course will and Steve Martin, CGCS of Pro G Golf be in great shape for those who choose Management. Congratulations to the to play. winning teams.
On April 16, we meet at Belmont Lakes Our annual scholarships were also Rob Woods received a flag in appreciation of Golf Club as guests of superintendent awarded at this meeting and the his work on the annual pesticide meeting. David Coley. A representative from recipients of the $500 scholarships A.C. Schultes will talk on the topic were Stevie Martin, Patrick Saber and ‘Understanding Wells and Pump Stations: Lucy Warner. Lastly, we would like to Keeping Your Course on Course.’ thank all of our gracious sponsors, and a very special thank you to Vereens Turf Our fundraising tournament is scheduled Products, Smith Turf and Irrigation and for May 14 Timberlake Golf Club in Revels Turf and Tractor for donating the Clinton. Please plan on joining us for food for the event. this important event. The proceeds help support turfgrass research, scholarships Jay Noyes, Blackmoor Golf Club and other aspects of the turf industry. (843) 650-8534.
I would like to thank all of our 2015 sponsors and the Eastern NCTA board Midlands members for their continued efforts to Lee Butler was among presenters at the ensure the success of the association. The Midlands TA would like to thank pesticide meeting. Please visit our website at www.encta.org you for your support in 2014 and we and our Facebook page for more dates hope that support will continue in 2015. and information on our 2015 schedule. Our membership is the reason that we Stanley Elliott, CGCS, Cypress Landing Golf have such a great association. A special Club (252) 378-5743. thank you to all of the vendors and sponsors who continue to support our association. Without you, we would not Palmetto be as successful as we are. With that, I encourage our members to please include our vendors and sponsors in your The Palmetto GCSA December meeting purchasing decisions throughout the year. was hosted by Kevin Przybylski at Wild Travis Gannon addresses the group at Wayne Wing Plantation. Participants were asked On December 11, the Midlands TA Community College. to bring an unwrapped toy for “Toys for regional seminars were conducted at Tots.” We were able to fill two collection the Letterman’s Lounge at Williams- The Eastern NCTA started off the year bins full of toys for the children and, Brice Stadium. After a presentation with our annual pesticide conference at through an anonymous donation, donate ‘Demystifying Turfgrass Pathology’ by Dr. Wayne Community College. Rob Woods several bicycles. The Palmetto GCSA Jim Kerns and Lee Butler, we also heard hosted the meeting which included four was also fortunate to make donations in from Dr. Kerns and Dr. Rick Brandenburg, hours of education and a great lunch. the amounts of $2,500 each to Habitat on the topic ‘Dealing with Bugs and Crud Special thanks go to Ryan Stanley of for Humanity and Barnabas Horse Affecting Warm-Season Turfgrass.’ We
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] LOCAL NEWS are grateful to these three gentlemen Triangle from North Carolina State University. Both seminars were very informative and hopefully the attendees will be able to use some of the information to assist when problems occur. The Midlands TA also would like to thank Clark Cox, of the University of South Carolina, for hosting this event, and to each of the presenters of each seminar, the attendees and the Carolinas GCSA staff for their hand in making it a success.
The association met for our annual business meeting at Ponderosa Country Club on December 18. Dean Bedenbaugh and the staff at Ponderosa provided an awesome barbecue lunch, as they do every year. Congratulations to Alex Tolbert from Country Club of Orangeburg and Nick Price from Sunset Country Club, who were elected to serve on the board Lee Butler and wife April, Brian Green and wife April, and Ann and Jim Kerns, enjoy the Triangle of directors with current members, Mike TA Christmas party at Carolina Country Club. Holt, from Santee National Golf Club, and Happy Taylor, from Spring Valley The Triangle TA met for its annual Piedmont Country Club. Patrick Murphy, from The Christmas party in December at Carolina River Golf Club, was elected president; Country Club. Bob Young, CGCS was our Tim Flanagan, from Forest Lake Club, gracious host superintendent. In the past, At the social and business meeting of vice-president; Eddie Foust, of Humate we have normally seen the same people the Piedmont GCSA in December, we International, treasurer; Sam Cheatham, at this event, but this year was different. elected the following new officers and of Midlands Turfgrass Association, I saw a lot of new faces, mostly younger, board of directors for 2015: president: secretary, and Clark Cox, past-president. which is awesome. It was also good to Daniel Knight, Sedgefield Country Club; see the wives who support us so much in vice-president: John Crowe, Jamestown We also thank Chad Berry from Golden our profession. Park; secretary: John T. Dawson, Colonial Hills Golf and Country Club and Sam Friar Country Club; treasurer: Jeff Corn, Smith from Members Club of Woodcreek and Our annual pesticide conference will Turf and Irrigation; past-president: Chris Wildewood for their board service for the have taken place in early February by the DeVane, Forsyth Country Club; and our Midlands TA over the past years. Lastly, time this article is published. I am going directors Gary Stafford, Carolina Golf; we express great gratitude to Clark Cox to wait until the next publication to write Dean Farlow, Holly Ridge Golf Links, for a great job as president in 2014. about and hopefully provide pictures for Steve Richau, Pinewood Country Club; this event. Andrew McClannon, Starmount Forest The association is scheduled to get Country Club; and Jeff VanPelt, Alamance Our association’s annual Bob Mashburn together on March 10 at The Windermere Country Club. Club, in Blythewood, for our next Scholarship Fundraiser will take place meeting, with Troy Thrall as our hosting at Duke University Golf Club on April 6. So far this winter, the new board has been superintendent. We plan for Carolinas Look for more details on the Carolinas busy planning the year for the Piedmont Golf Association agronomist Bill GCSA website. GSCA. We do not have anything set in Anderson, CGCS to speak at this event stone yet, but we should have announced I also want to remind all of you about and I am positive it will be an informative our first event for the month of March Rounds4Research. Please donate. It is talk. by the time you read this. We will expect a good vehicle to provide much needed to have updates on our website and research for our profession. Mike Holt, CGCS, Santee National Golf Club Facebook throughout the year. Also, (803) 378-3274. Rodney Moss, River Ridge Golf Club watch for e-mails. We are all looking (919) 906-2082. forward to a successful year here in the Piedmont.
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One more thing I would like pass on. play. The AJGA puts on hundreds of North-South One of our members received a great tournaments every year at some of the award this past year. Keith Wood, finest venues in the country. Keith will be superintendent for Sedgefield Country presented with the award in June, when Club, was named superintendent of Sedgefield hosts the tournament this the year for the American Junior Golf year. Congratulations to Keith for this Association. Every year, Sedgefield hosts well-deserved honor. the Footjoy Invitational, a tournament in which many of the best junior golfers Daniel Knight, Sedgefield Country Club (336) 643-4941.
Del Ratcliffe from the North Carolina Golf SEEDING Course Owners Association. THIS SPRING?
Chris Valauri talks government relations.
As we approach the terminus of winter and the threshold of spring, I will share Mixing grass seed with Milorganite makes it a quote from our nation’s grandest easier to accurately spread the seed, especially humorist. You may know him as Mark Twain but his mama called him Sammy. those expensive small seeded species like Sammy said, as we have all experienced, “In the spring, I have counted 136 bentgrass and bermudagrass. The standard different kinds of weather inside of 24 Milorganite to grass seed mixing ratio is 4:1 hours.” by weight. Hopefully everyone has had a productive winter of projects, planning, reel grinding and painting tee markers. Maybe you have not broken all of your resolutions yet and have been able to carve out a little R&R for yourselves.
The North-South TA kicked off our 2015 calendar in late January, with robust
15-013 MAR/APR attendance at our annual breakfast. Special thanks to Matthew Wharton, CGCS for allowing us to invade the www.milorganite.com 1-800-287-9645 clubhouse at Carolina Golf Club. We
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] LOCAL NEWS filled our mouths and our minds, and Blue Ridge we were honored to have Carolinas GCSA executive director Tim Kreger, NC government relations counsel Chris Valauri, and Del Racliffe, president of the NC Chapter of the Golf Course Owners Association join us for what was a great update on legislative affairs affecting our industry in the Carolinas.
We have a date and venue for the Hamrick Cup. The 2015 installment of this fabled grudge match will be hosted by the Western NCTA on March 31 at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. Former North-South TA member Steve Shand is currently superintendent at Walnut Cove and is sure to provide a great venue. So let’s ready our torches, pitchforks, hybrids and wedges and storm the gates. It has been far too long since we have tasted the spoils of victory. Rally the troops and let us defend the civilized world from the Scholarship winner Caleb Shoupe (with plaque) with Blue Ridge TA leaders from left, Bo Miller, scoundrels from the Western NCTA and Anthony Durham, Erik Guinther, CGCS, Nick Raby, Michael Hileman, Matt Carver and Robert the usurpers from the Upstate TA. Arrington.
The remainder of the current 2015 NSTA First off, I would like to thank Matt calendar includes the following schedule Carver of Tri-State Pump and Controls of meetings and events: for all of his leadership and dedication as the first president and one of the June 18: Golf Classic at Birkdale Golf founding members of the Blue Ridge Club, to benefit the Central Piedmont TA. Everybody involved has put in a lot Community College turfgrass program. of time and effort, but Matt’s efforts July 17: Family Knight at Charlotte have been above and beyond the call Knights Stadium. of duty. From everybody involved in the association, thank you, Matt. September 22: Two-man captain’s choice event at Rock Hill Country Club. 2014 finished up as a successful year. In October, we conducted our joint meeting October 23: Member-member with the Western NCTA at Hound Ears tournament and business meeting. Club. The meeting started off with an Erik Guinther, CGCS from Roaring Gap Club educational session presented by Dr. and Michael Hileman of JRM. Dec 9: Christmas Party at Chimas Lane Tredway of Syngenta. As always, Brazilian Steakhouse. it was enjoyable and informative. Thank you Lane and Syngenta. The educational Thanks everyone. We hope you all can meeting was followed by our annual make it out to several events this year. match with the Western NCTA. After Fellowship with your colleagues is good losing in 2013, the Blue Ridge TA pulled for the heart, soul and mind. Follow us on out the victory, giving both associations twitter @NSTACarolinas. Until then, a 1-1 record. A special thanks to Rick Henderson, Greenville Turf and Tractor superintendent Allen Storie and his staff (864) 419-4907. for hosting us and having the golf course in excellent shape.
Past-president Matt Carver of Tri-State Pump We started off 2015 with our annual and Controls with wife, Holly. meeting at Foothills Brewing Co. in
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NC State turfgrass website. Winston-Salem. The current board is Western NC extremely appreciative not only to Matt We will meet for our first Western NCTA Carver, but also to Mike Mizelle from golf event on March 31 at The Cliffs at Six years ago when I became involved Oakwoods Country Club and Robert Walnut Cove, where our association will as a board member with the Western Arrington from Catawba Country Club for host the Hamrick Cup competition with NCTA, I never would have imagined that their years of service. Newly-elected board the North-South TA and the Upstate TA. time would go by so quickly. But here members are Matt Adams from Mt. Airy This is sure to be a treat for all. You may we are, already in 2015, and I will be Country Club, Shane Harrelson from Ole sign up for this event and all other events serving the next two years as the Western Still Golf Club and Andrew Johnson from on the Carolinas GCSA website as soon NCTA president. I would like to thank Brushy Mountain Golf Course. We look as details are finalized. forward to a great year with the assistance Mark Rogers, of Vereens Turf Products, of these new directors. for his service over the last two years As most everyone knows, several years as president. Mark will, of course, serve ago we voted to change the officer terms At the annual meeting, we also presented the association as past-president, so we from one-year to two-year terms. Two- Caleb Shoupe with our first $1,000 will, from time to time, pick his brain as year terms have been more productive, scholarship. Caleb is enrolled in the we continue with the progress of the giving the officers more time to learn turfgrass management program at association. I would also like to thank their positions and work on association North Carolina State University and is an all of our members, vendors, sponsors business. If anyone is interested in future employee at Oakwoods Country Club in and those who hosted meetings in 2014. board service or in hosting a meeting, North Wilkesboro. Congratulations Caleb. Without your continued support we would please see one of the current officers or not have a successful local association. Finally, as the new president of the board members for more information. We are grateful for all that you do. Blue Ridge TA, I am looking forward The officers elected for 2015 are president: to a great 2015. I am humbled to have Your board has already scheduled and Shannon Peterson, CGCS Mountain been selected as the new president and booked several great meeting sites for Air Country Club; vice-president: Craig am grateful to be surrounded by such 2015, but we are still working to secure DeJong, Hendersonville Country Club; great people in our association. We look a few more details on others. The exact secretary-treasurer: Brent Ward, Bald forward to continuing with our usual dates will be finalized soon and posted Mountain Country Club; and past- events which have been very successful to the Western NCTA section of the president: Mark Rogers, Vereens Turf to date. Look for the addition of a few Carolinas GCSA web site. Products. other new events as well. As always, a huge thank you is in order for all of our The Western Turfgrass Conference is Our additional directors are David Sluder, members and sponsors who continually scheduled for early March in Fletcher and Greenville Turf and Tractor; Lee Howell, support our association. Without you, should provide educational material, the Helena Chemical Company; and Barry there would be no Blue Ridge TA. opportunity to earn pesticide points and Graham, CGCS Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. GCSAA points as well. More information Erik Guinther, CGCS, Roaring Gap Club on this event, organized by North Carolina Shannon Peterson, CGCS, Mountain Air (336) 466-1737. State University, should be available on the Country Club (828) 284-0712.
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Low Country
In May, our annual pro-super tournament will be hosted by Wexford Plantation Golf Club on Hilton Head Island. Jamie Mathews, our new superintendent director, will be busy putting that all together for us.
There are a couple of other events planned in our area to which I would like to call everyone’s attention. Long Cove Club will host the annual Darius Rucker intercollegiate tournament for the fourth straight year. This NCAA sanctioned women’s tournament will include many of the top teams in the country. Also, the 2015 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship will be hosted by Colleton River Plantation Club on its Pete Dye course. I will pray for good weather and play for both courses. Corey Hall Callawassie Island Club, who has been My meet-a-member this issue is Scott recently added to the board of directors Denny, the current president of the Low for the Carolinas GCSA. Congratulations Country GCSA. Scott has been in the golf to both of them. industry for 14 years and counting, and has been the superintendent at Argent This year is going to be a very busy year Lakes Golf Course in Sun City for the for the members of the Low Country past three years. He has worked at many GCSA. The board has put together some different courses in the Low Country, excellent events throughout the year, with including Long Cove Club, Bloody Point at least one event in 10 of the 12 months. on Daufuskie Island, Indigo Run at So no excuses everyone. Golden Bear and Hidden Cypress. Scott received his education through the Penn Our annual bowling event took place State World Campus and is attending in February at Station 300 in Bluffton. continuing education classes yearly. A We thank Allen Gerstner of John Deere couple of Scott’s goals this year are to Landscapes for setting up this outing. Our get our local association more involved in March meeting, which may have taken the community and to work with the First place by the time you read this, is our Tee project on Hilton Head, which hopes Scott Denny annual association championship, this year to grow the game of golf through our contested at the Robert Trent Jones Course future generations. Two of Scott’s favorite It has been another cold and very wet at Palmetto Dunes. More on that later. quotes are “It is what it is” and “Life is too winter for the Low Country GCSA. short to dwell on the past.” This will be One first-time event we are presenting Temperatures down into the teens have Scott’s fifth year on the board of the Low this year is a pool tournament at Cheap forced all the turf into a hard dormancy. Country GCSA and we look forward to his Seats on Hilton Head Island. I am looking Let’s just say we are really looking service as our president. forward to some spring weather. We forward to this event at which we will do have a good piece of news to share raise money for this summer’s First There is a photo of Scott with this news and with everyone. Mike Heckman, from Tee project on Hilton Head Island. We also one of Corey Hall who was our feature Long Cove Club, the current assistant certainly look forward to a big turnout. member in the January-February issue. representative on our board, has been So mark your calendar and please sign elected as our new treasurer. Mike up and pay for all events through the Nathan Stevely, Chechessee Creek Club will take over for Billy Bagwell, from Carolinas GCSA website. (843) 247-7028.
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Sedgefield’s Wood Wins Junior Award Two Renew Certification
Carolinas GCSA member Keith Congratulations to two Carolinas GCSA members who recently Wood from Sedgefield Country completed the renewal process for certification with the Golf Club in Greensboro, NC has Course Superintendents Association of America. Danny Gwyn, been named Superintendent of CGCS now senior director of agronomy for ClubCorp and the Year by the American Donald Garrett Jr., CGCS at The Walker Course at Clemson Junior Golf Association for his University, Clemson, SC both maintained their elite stats with work with the FootJoy GCSAA. Invitational. The event, held annually in June, features 90 of Gwyn who was at Devils Ridge Golf Club in Holly Springs, the nation’s top junior boys NC since 1998 now oversees the golf course maintenance competing on the course that operations at 35 properties for the company, from Hilton also hosts the PGA Tour’s Head to Kansas City and up to Boston. A 28-year GCSAA Wyndham Championship. member, he initially achieved his certification in 1990. Garrett, a Carolinas GCSA past-president, has been at The Walker Each year, the AJGA presents Course since 1999. A 28-year GCSAA member, he initially Keith Wood awards to the tournaments achieved his certification in 1995. Only about 1,500 golf course with the best individual superintendents worldwide currently hold top-level status as a hospitality, Junior-am certified golf course superintendent. fundraising tournament, charitable giving and volunteer base. Awards are also given to the events with the highest media and social media participation. Finally, the AJGA recognizes Clemson to Fill Research Role the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and general manager, as well as the most improved event, best Nathaniel “Nate” Gambrell, a new event, best Junior All-Star tournament, best Invitational native of upstate SC from and overall tournament of the year. Tournament awards for the Pendleton, is the new research 2014 season will be presented on-site at the 2015 tournament. technician for Clemson University turfgrass professor “I am so grateful to the AJGA for this award, and I take it on Dr. Bert McCarty. Gambrell behalf of my staff, because I think of this as a team award replaces Alan Estes who took a rather than an individual one,” Wood says. The grounds crew job with PBI-Gordon. McCarty at Sedgefield Country Club faces a difficult challenge each year announced Estes’ move hosting the FJ Invitational two months before the annual PGA recently saying, “…after 14 Tour event. years of excellent work, my research technician Alan Estes “The time of year that the FJ Invitational is played is definitely has accepted a position with busy, but it provides us some great opportunities,” Wood says. PBI Gordon. I wish Alan nothing “In fact, because of the course played in June, I would say it is Nate Gambrell but the very best in this new tougher for the FJ Invitational than it is for the professionals in position.” Estes can now be the Wyndham Championship.” reached at (864) 710-7904 or [email protected]. Sedgefield Country Club is a storied club, dating back almost Gambrell received a bachelors of science degree from Clemson 90 years, having played host to legends of the game such University in turfgrass management in 2011 and a masters as Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and many others. degree from Clemson University in plant and environmental There are two courses on the Sedgefield property, the Donald science in 2014, specializing in turfgrass science. His thesis Ross Course and Pete Dye Course, named after the course dealt with screening possible new St. Augustinegrasses for the architects. “Working at this course is such a wonderful transition zone. experience,” Wood says. “Just getting to watch the AJGA staff run this tournament and see these incredibly talented kids In January 2012, he founded Turf Plus LLC, a specialized weed attack this course is an honor as well.” control business catering to residential lawns and local sports fields. In addition, Gambrell has worked on a golf course and several sports fields including Clemson University Athletic Department. Gambrell can be reached at (864) 642-7411 or [email protected].
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Industry Role For Greytok Thistle didn’t overseed its new greens in 2014 and plans to continue coloring with pigments in future winter months rather than overseed, following another new trend in the market. “I Former Eagle Point golf course think they turned out really well,” Pridgen said. superintendent and Carolinas GCSA member Eric Greytok is The changeover at Thistle leaves just 10 Grand Strand courses now national sales director for with bentgrass greens, with seven of those in Brunswick Macro-Sorb Technologies and County, N.C. Conversely, there are now nearly 60 area courses SMS Additive Solutions. with ultradwarf bermudagrass greens, and all have been Greytok also spent five years as installed since the early 2000s. superintendent at Belfair Plantation Golf Club in Hilton -The Sun-News, Myrtle Beach, SC. Head, SC before moving to Eagle Point in Wilmington, NC. In 2000, while at Pebble Beach Golf House Opens In Southern Pines Golf Links in California, Greytok became the youngest golf course superintendent to host a Eric Greytok U.S. Open at age 27. He later moved to Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY where he hosted the 2004 U.S. Amateur and the 2006 U.S. Open.
Greytok will direct sales activities for both companies, implementing agronomic programs, strategic planning and new product development, as well as provide assistance and product training for golf course and sports turfgrass professionals throughout the country.
Thistle Switching To Ultradwarf Carolinas GCSA representatives Tim Kreger, Bill Kennedy, CGCS and Thistle Golf Club is joining much of the rest of the Grand Strand past-president Bob Farren, CGCS at the opening of Carolinas Golf and changing its greens to a form of ultradwarf bermudagrass House. in a project that is expected to be completed by early October. The 27-hole Tim Cate design has featured L93 bentgrass since Carolinas GCSA leaders helped celebrate the opening of it opened between 1999 and 2000, and greens on the Mackay Carolinas Golf House at the end of January. Golf House will nine were already changed to TifEagle when those holes closed serve as the headquarters for the Carolinas Golf Association, last June through September. which was founded in 1909. Carolinas GCSA president Bill Kennedy, CGCS, executive director Tim Kreger and several The Cameron nine is scheduled to close from May 11 through other Carolinas GCSA members attended the formal dedication July 1 for the transition to TifEagle, and the Stewart nine will ceremony in Southern Pines, NC. follow from July 2 into late September or early October. So the Sunset Beach, NC property will always maintain at least 18 The ceremony was held in conjunction with the CGA’s open holes. annual meeting and Golf Night, which honors the past year’s champions and Players of the Year. The new 13,000-sq. ft. “A lot of courses have struggled with bentgrass greens over the building is about three times the size of the association’s former years,” Thistle superintendent John Pridgen said. “I just feel the offices in West End, NC. The new building also has room summer is where we always struggle and we’ve been having so dedicated for a museum. much play in the summer. Now we can increase our play in the summer and not have to worry about it. The cost of chemicals is about the same, but the labor cost of the bentgrass is more because of hand watering. It won’t be as labor intensive with man power.”
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One of his work buddies had noticed too and so before heading Hahn’s Super Bowl Win one of Many off to buy a lottery ticket he pulled Hahn close in the golf course maintenance facility. “He rubbed my head for luck and off he went,” Hahn says. “He bought a ticket and won $100!”
Members Make A Mark on Nail Bay
Panthers mascot Sir Purr with Tim Davis and the lucky Chris Hahn.
Chris Hahn, assistant superintendent to Tim Davis at Cabarrus Country Club in Charlotte, NC, was already in for a big year in 2015 but it keeps getting bigger. For one, Hahn is getting A view from Nail Bay, the first golf course in the British Virgin Islands. married in April. That’s momentous enough for most people. But then in January he won an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Carolinas GCSA members have been instrumental in bringing the Super Bowl. the first golf course to British Virgin Islands. Nail Bay, a nine-hole private club, is maintained by Carolinas GCSA An avid Carolina Panthers fan, Hahn owns a permanent member Jaman Spake who at 22 became one of the youngest seat license with the team and as such was eligible to enter superintendents in the business when he landed a job at a drawing for the big prize. “His seats are way up in the Barefoot Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC following an internship nosebleed section and there are like 20,000 PSL owners but his there. was the name they drew,” Davis says. Davis and Hahn’s family, who were notified by the Panthers before Hahn, had some fun Spake has since turned to a number of contacts he made with breaking the good news. during his time at Barefoot to help build and grow-in Nail Bay. They include Patrick Donelan, CGCS, Alan Jarvis, CGCS from Hahn, who has been with Davis for two years, says his boss told Pine Lakes Country Club, Greg Salisbury of Watertronics and him he wouldn’t be able to go home for lunch like he normally Jimmy Abernathy of Catawba Valley Community College. did. “He said we had to meet the general manager and the Spake graduated from Catawba Valley’s turfgrass management incoming and outgoing club presidents instead,” Hahn says. “I program in 2006. was thinking oh, great, I’m going to lose my job. Then we got near the clubhouse there was all this loud music and Tim says, Nearly 10 years after working with Donelan at Barefoot, Spake ‘It looks like they’re having a dance recital or something.’” invited him to help construct Nail Bay designed by Chris Gray of Grayworks, with wall-to-wall Paspalum. Spake reached out When Hahn stepped into the clubhouse he found his family, his to Jarvis for Paspalum tips then to Salisbury for help with build fiancée and Panthers cheerleaders and paraphernalia all over a reverse osmosis plant and pump station. Salisbury installed the place. “I had no idea what was going on,” Hahn says. “My pump stations at Barefoot and Pine Lakes. mom said my color wasn’t good. She said I looked like a sheet of notebook paper.” With help from that group and others, Spake has been able to overcome several challenges unlike anything he encountered Needless to say Hahn and his wife-to-be had a ball at the Super in Myrtle Beach. The BVIs’ lack a lot of infrastructure and Bowl. But, as they say in the commercials, that’s not all. A day equipment was one. Volcanic rock, soil that wasn’t conducive or two before Hahn won his Super Bowl trip, his fiancée Ariel to growing grass and the lack of freshwater were others. Spake won a three-day trip at a bridal shower. Then a few days later, at also had to nurse his sod back to health from the brink following another bridal shower, she won another three-day trip, this time a weeks-long trip from Georgia. to the Dominican Republic. “It’s been a pretty lucky couple of weeks,” Hahn says. No kidding.
40 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015
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Anderson Lands Award, New Role
Carolinas GCSA past-president The CGA was the first state or regional golf association to offer and Distinguished Service Award an agronomy service to its member clubs and currently is one winner Bill Anderson, CGCS is of only three associations to do so. The service is free of charge now serving the golf industry to CGA member clubs, excluding expenses. “This is a great as consulting agronomist for opportunity for me to do some positive work in the turfgrass the Carolinas Golf Association. industry,” Anderson says. “I hope I can bring some experience Anderson began his new role as well as some new ideas to the program.” January 1 becoming the third CGA agronomist since the A 40-year superintendent at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, program’s inception in 1982. NC Anderson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Then in February he was Crop Science and Turfgrass Management from Michigan honored by the USGA win the State University. He is a member of the USGA Green Section Ike Grainger award for 25 years Committee. of volunteer service to the USGA Dr. Carl Blake of Raleigh, NC was the CGA’s first agronomist Green Section committee. and served clubs for 15 years. In the process, he became a Bill Anderson, CGCS Anderson was one of 16 legend for his expertise and his sense of humor. Dr. Blake retired recipients named at the after the 1997 season and the role was taken over by Dr. Leon USGA’s annual meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New Lucas of Apex, NC. Dr. Lucas retired from the CGA in 2014 after York in February. Ike Grainger served on the USGA Executive 17 years. “This has been a whole lot of fun,” Dr. Lucas says. “I Committee and served as USGA president in 1954 and 1955. enjoyed visiting clubs and working with superintendents, their The award in his name was instituted in 1995. staffs and club members.” Anderson can be reached at [email protected].
Carolinas Calendar March 23 - 24, 2015 USGA Regional Conference Hope Valley Country Club Durham, NC
May 4, 2015 Carolinas North-South Myers Park Country Club Charlotte, NC
October 5 - 6, 2015 Fall Meeting Grandfather Golf & CC Linville, NC
November 16 - 18, 2015 Annual Conference and Show Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach, SC
carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 41
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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] OUR FRIENDS
Cameron A. Blair has been promoted to golf course S. Perry Payne, CGCS former golf course superintendent at superintendent at Carmel Country Club, Charlotte, NC. Tobacco Road Golf Club, Sanford, NC is now employed with Spence Golf, Inc., Greensboro, NC. Scott Clawson, former golf course superintendent at Seven Lakes Country Club, Seven Lakes, NC is now golf course Scott M. Pitts is now assistant golf course superintendent at superintendent at Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, NC. Trillium Links and Lake Club, Cashiers, NC.
Sam W. Crowe, CGCS, former golf course superintendent at Allen O. Schley is now golf course superintendent at Bradford The Reserve at Lake Keowee, Sunset, SC is now golf course Creek Golf Course, Greenville, NC. superintendent at Summit Chase Country Club, Snellville, GA. Robert W. Sinclair, former assistant golf course superintendent Steven Donahue, former golf course superintendent at at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Highlands, NC is now golf Heron Point Golf Club, Myrtle Beach, SC is now golf course course superintendent at Bear Lake Reserve, Tuckasegee, NC. superintendent at Whispering Pines Golf Club, Myrtle Beach, SC. Lee Souther has been promoted to golf course superintendent John Fralick is now territory manager with HARCO Fittings, at Chowan Golf and Country Club, Edenton, NC. Columbia, SC. Jaman T. Spake, former golf course superintendent at Asa High, former assistant golf course superintendent at Barefoot Resort and Golf, Myrtle Beach, SC is now golf course Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA is now golf course superintendent at Nail Bay Resort, British Virgin Islands. superintendent at Adena Golf and Country Club, Ocala, FL. Dockery Steed, former golf course superintendent at Colton C. Jones, former intern at Pinehurst, LLC., Pinehurst, NC Founders Club at St. James, Southport, NC is now golf course is now assistant golf course superintendent at The Peninsula superintendent at The Players Club at St. James, Southport, NC. Club, Cornelius, NC. Andrew T. Stephens, formerly with Prestonwood Country Owen Legg, III, former first assistant golf course Club, Cary, NC is now golf course superintendent at Belvedere superintendent at Dormie Club, West End, NC is now first Country Club, Hampstead, NC. assistant golf course superintendent at Brook Valley Country Club, Greenville, NC. Shawn A. Thornton is now assistant golf course superintendent at Greenville Country Club, Greenville, NC. Mark A. Letson, former assistant golf course superintendent at Trillium Links, Cashiers, NC is now director of amenity Joseph R. Wagner, former assistant golf course superintendent maintenance at Trillium Links and Lake Club, Cashiers, NC. at Greenbrier Country Club, Chesapeake, VA is now second assistant golf course superintendent at Belle Haven Country Alan J. Owen has been promoted from assistant Club, Alexandria, VA. superintendent at Pinehurst No. 2 to golf course superintendent at Pinehurst No. 6 and No. 8, Pinehurst, NC. Robert J. Warner, former golf course superintendent at Whispering Pines Golf Club, Myrtle Beach, SC is now retired.
WITH SYMPATHY Samuel “Sam” Ayers, Sr. Carolinas GCSA members and friends extend their deepest sympathies to the family of long-time member Samuel “Sam” Ayers, Sr., 64, of St. John Towers, Augusta, GA who died January 26, 2015. Ayers was a native of Columbia, SC and a former resident of Aiken, SC who made Augusta his home for the past two years. He was a retired golf course superintendent with more than 30 years of service and was a member of the Carolinas GCSA, GCSAA and of Edisto Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Roberta W. Ayers; three sons, Samuel Ayers, Jr., Christopher Ayers and Noel Leseueur; three daughters, Laural McLean, Angel Stewart and Jennifer Stewart; a brother, Edward L. Ayers, Jr.; and nine grandchildren. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the St. John Towers, 724 Green Street, Augusta, GA 30901.
carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 43
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
CLASS SM - Superintendent David S. Mattes, The Links at Challedon, Mount Airy, MD
The Carolinas GCSA would like to recognize our conference and show partners for CLASS C – Assistant Superintendent their generous support of the conference J. Glenn Bryant, Pinehurst, Pinehurst, NC and show. The support offered through Linsey W. Eckles, Myrtle Beach National Golf Club, Myrtle Beach, SC these partnerships allows Carolinas GCSA members to enjoy an extensive array of William G. Ford, Edgewater Golf Club, Lancaster, SC member benefits throughout each year. Wyatt W. Kotary, Cape Fear National Country Club, Leland, NC
Monday Golf Championship James A. Liddle, Mill Creek Golf Course, Mebane, NC SMITH TURF & IRRIGATION Nathan M. Martin, Wade Hampton Golf Club, Cashiers, NC THE TORO COMPANY Nick J. McLennan, The Peninsula Club, Cornelius, NC PNC EQUIPMENT FINANCE TCF EQUIPMENT FINANCE Phillip R. Rudd, High Point Country Club, High Point, NC Robert R. Sabour, Myers Park Country Club, Charlotte, NC Monday and Tuesday Seminar Education SYNGENTA Blake Stephenson, Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, NC R. Mahon Wilson, Holly Tree Country Club, Simpsonville, SC Tuesday Seminar Luncheon GOLF AGRONOMICS QUALI-PRO CLASS AS - Associate Exhibit Hall Plant Designs Scott Gerbereux, Carolinas Golf Association, Southern Pines, NC MCPHERSON GREENHOUSES Tuesday Carolinas Night at the Beach CLASS AF - Affiliate TRI-STATE PUMP & CONTROL C. Graham McElveen, Mirimichi Green Express, Castle Hayne, NC Wednesday Fellowship Breakfast Daniel A. Sherman, Piedmont LLC, Shelby, NC CORBIN TURF SUPPLY NEW LIFE TURF CLASS AFCORP - Corporate Member Wednesday General Session Cam Coor, Cardinal Chemicals, Clayton, NC On Site Communications RADIOS FOR GOLF David Dudek, E-Z-GO/Cushman, Augusta, GA VERTEX STANDARD Chris Dyer, E-Z-GO/Cushman, Augusta, GA Nutrite, Lancaster, PA Sporting Clay Event Paul Grosh, BAYER CROP SCIENCE LP Matthew J. Gross, Smith Turf and Irrigation, Charlotte, NC CAROLINA FRESH FARMS Clint Hickman, Smith Turf and Irrigation, Charlotte, NC Wednesday Buffet Luncheon Matt Pound, Smith Turf and Irrigation, Charlotte, NC COASTAL FLORATINE, INC. Richard Warriner, BASF Corporation, Research Triangle Park, NC ARMOR TECH Russell Zamostny, John Deere Landscapes, Bluffton, SC 27-Hole Challenge JOHN DEERE GOLF REVELS TURF & TRACTOR GREENVILLE TURF & TRACTOR SHOWTURF WITH SYMPATHY—Buddy Jones Refreshment Breaks Carolinas GCSA members and friends extend their deepest sympathies to the family HARRELL’S, INC. of long-time member Buddy Jones, 82, of Greenville, SC husband of Jo Ann Porter MBCC Parking Sponsor Jones, who died November 6, 2014. Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late Linton CARDINAL CHEMICALS CAROLINA FRESH FARMS L. and Verbie Poston Jones and served in the U.S. Navy and later worked for John D. BAYER CROP SCIENCE LP Hollingsworth. Welcoming Sponsor GREEN RESOURCE He was hired by Carolinas GCSA legend, James “Whitie” Wright, to work part-time at Greenville Country Club when the club’s Chanticleer course opened. He would become Student Turf Bowl PRECISION LABS, INC. a golf course superintendent and spent almost 25 years working for the club between the Chanticleer and Riverside courses until his retirement. He was a member of Salem Distinguished Service Award Dinner J.K. MORRO, INC. United Methodist Church. KNOX FERTILIZER COMPANY Surviving, in addition to his loving wife of 61 years, are a son, Chris Jones and wife Technology Station SUNBELT RENTALS, INC. Brandy of Piedmont; two daughters, Debbie Carroll and husband Nelson of Greenville, MODERN TURF and Joni Jones Dilworth of Greer; eight grandchildren, Cody and Hunter Dilworth, NUFARM AMERICAS, INC. NJ and Neelie Carroll, and Lexi, Gabriel, Josiah and Isabella Jones; and a sister, Ruby Trash Can Wraps Powell and husband E.C. of Piedmont. He was preceded in death by a grandchild, Noah VANDEMARK FARMS, LLC Jones; two brothers; and two sisters. E-Newsletter GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY Memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 2700 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611. 44 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] WELCOME NEW MEMBERS WITH SYMPATHY
John David Hilton Edgar McCoy Huggins Carolinas GCSA members and friends Carolinas GCSA members and friends extend their deepest sympathies to extend their deepest sympathies to the family of long-time member John the family of long-time member Edgar David Hilton, who died suddenly on McKoy Huggins, 82, of Fairmont, who January 25. He was 88. Born in Dillon, died January 22 at National Health SC Hilton enlisted in the U.S. Navy Care in Garden City, SC. Huggins, at age 17 with the help of his parents who became chief executive officer after graduating from high school in of Mullins Truck and Tractor in 1973, June, 1943. He served on a destroyer was responsible for the company’s ship in the Pacific campaign during expansion into the professional turf World War II. After the war he attended Wofford College in equipment business. Spartanburg, SC playing baseball and football. Mullins was born August 16, 1932 in Fork, SC to Mitchell Hilton enjoyed a 32-year career in golf after earlier work in McKoy and Flossie Jones Huggins. He attended Lake View home construction, finance, insurance and banking. He was schools and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from manager with First Citizens Bank and Trust in Carolina Beach, Clemson College. Upon earning his Master of Agricultural NC when he built Half Moon Park Family Campground in 1961 Economics from Clemson, he became an agronomist for the along the Intracoastal Waterway. university. He worked there until leaving to become vice- president of Southern Agricultural Chemicals in Kingstree, SC a Hilton entered the golf and turf industry by chance when he was position he held until 1983. asked to manage the local Fort Fisher Country Club in 1968. Despite no previous turf experience other than playing golf, he In his youth, Mullins helped on the family farm, was a member fell in love with the industry and joined as many associations of Fork Baptist Church and was active in Boy Scouts and other and allied programs as he could. Among them were the Eastern organizations. Throughout his life, he fondly recounted a trip NCTA, Triangle TA, Turfgrass Council of NC, Carolinas GCSA, he earned to the National 4-H Congress in Chicago for winning and GCSAA. He served on several boards and was president of a state achievement award. That experience, at age 14, had a some of these associations. He joined the Carolinas GCSA in lifelong effect on him. 1971 and served on the board. He was instrumental in working with his peers to lobby the State of NC Agriculture Commission He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, resigning with and Governors office on behalf of the golf industry. a rank of staff sergeant (E-6). He was an honorary member of the S.C. Agricultural and Mechanical Society, and was active He would crisscross the state to attend all monthly meetings in the National Soybean Association, the South Carolina Seed regardless of location. His son David says his father “loved Certification and Crop Improvement associations and in Lion’s meeting with his peers, vendors and university professors to Club International. He served his Lord in several capacities over improve his education and gain more knowledge.” That sentiment 30 years at Trinity United Methodist Church in Fairmont. was echoed by Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award winner Bob Bell, now retired from Smith Turf and Irrigation. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sylvia Oliver Huggins; a son, Gregory Dale and his wife Paula of Fork; and son, Justin “John was always a true, true gentlemen and a good friend to Clark (J.C.) and his wife Melanie of Columbia. He also is survived many people in the golf course business,” Bell says. “He was by six grandchildren, Jessica, Nancy, Jillian, Adeline, Lila and just a great guy all the way around, very even-tempered and Shepard Huggins; and his sister, Jackie Huggins McLellan. he sincerely loved the golf course business.” Hilton’s passion was underlined with his collection of more than 500 golf books He was preceded in death by two sons, Edgar (Edd) McKoy Jr. which he graciously and quietly donated to the Carolinas and Richard Oliver; a granddaughter, Jennifer Marie; his parents; GCSA several years ago. and his sister, Bobbie Huggins Page. Memorials may be made to Trinity UMC, 304 Trinity St., Fairmont, NC 28340; Marietta Over the years he served golf facilities in a host of capacities Cemetery, P.O. Box 99, Marietta, NC 28362; or the Boys and including manager, site representative, construction Girls Homes of NC, P.O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450. superintendent and golf course superintendent. Those facilities included Fort Fisher Country Club, Bald Head Island Golf and Country Club, Echo Farms Golf and Country Club, Country The Carolinas GCSA extends sincere sympathies to the Club of Spartanburg, Cape Fear Country Club, Country Club of family and friends of long-time member Dale Hanna of Green Virginia, Prestonwood Country Club, Governor’s Land at Two Resource following the death of his son Furman “Mitch” Hanna, Rivers Country Club, Tantallon Country Club 31. Mitch Hanna was killed in a road accident near Conway, SC Hilton’s working career ended in 2000 at age 74 when he early January. retired to a farm in New Manchester, WV. carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 45
[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] THE CLEAN UP LAP
Horses for Courses saline solution and, yes, his contact lenses. “Everybody has their moments,” he says. With no replacements or glasses on hand, Winter may send golfers he woke especially early the next morning to beat the traffic on indoors but it brings horses to a 90-minute drive home to Kiawah to get another pair before Pinehurst, NC. Tracks adjacent driving back to Bulls Bay for golf. “I’m blind as a bat without to Pinehurst Resort become them,” he says. busy when harness racers avoid the northern cold at that time of year. But every now and Ace Venturers then a horse seeks an Golfers at the Carolinas GCSA winter meeting at Bulls Bay Golf alternative to the sand tracks Club followed in the footsteps of some pretty cool history on the and makes a getaway for the par three ninth hole. The plaque, above, tells how two golfers golf courses. It happened again drained consecutive holes in one back in 2011, a feat with odds recently with one nag racing up calculated at 17 million to one. For the record, the closest anyone and down several holes on got from the Carolinas GCSA was 3ft 6in by Chris Pearson of courses No. 3 and No. 5. Green Resource. Fortunately police and the horse’s trainer managed to get the beast back in harness before too much damage was done. Kevin Robinson, CGCS, above, says two greens were easily repaired with a ball mark tool. “You hope they run across the greens in a straight line,” Robinson says. “It’s when they decide to change direction that they can really tear it up.”
Dig This This issue’s main feature on Andy Ipock references his dad’s career as a gravedigger. Lennis Ipock shoveled holes for caskets for 30 years. When he finally retired he went to work on the golf course maintenance crew for his son at The Country Club of the Crystal Coast. Thinking he’d ease the old man into the new environment, Andy set Lennis a task he knew he could handle – digging holes for trees to be planted around the clubhouse. When the son came back to check on dad’s progress he found the holes in all the right places except each one was perfectly square. Old habits are hard to break. Hurtin’ Curtains The Carolinas Golf Association’s new agronomist Bill Anderson, Inside View CGCS may be one of the most recognizable faces in golf course maintenance in the region. But he is currently sporting a new TransGolf’s George Frye, left, is look likely to make some heads turn. Anderson was hanging unlikely to forget this year’s a curtain rod when the chair he was standing on flipped and winter meeting at Bulls Bay Golf his forehead came crashing down on one of the upturned legs. Club. Although he might like to. Fifteen stitches later his doctor starting talking about plastic After a late decision to spend surgery. “My wife told him not to bother,” Anderson laughs. the night in Charleston, Frye woke thirsty at one point and headed to the bathroom for Well, Mow me Down some water. He drained his glass Just making sure everyone noticed the nod to colleague Thomas but something wasn’t quite right. Bailey in Golfweek recently. In a glowing piece on Wade Hampton “I felt something go down my Golf Club in the mountains of western North Carolina, Brad Klein throat and wondered if there was wrote: “Since arriving at Wade Hampton 11 years ago, golf course dirt in the glass,” he says. “There superintendent Thomas Bailey IV has overseen installation of was like a three-second delay 25 miles of drain tile. And the reason you can bump-and-run an and then I thought, ‘Oh no!’” approach shot into these greens is simple – but the product of considerable labor. Bailey’s crew hand mows the last 20 yards of Frye’s worst fears were confirmed when he turned on the light approach area into the greens and treats the ground there to a to reveal that he’d picked up the glass he’d earlier filled with greens-quality topdressing program.” Everyone does that, right?
46 CAROLINAS green March - April 2015
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Beginning in 1925 as Southeast Toro in Jacksonville, Florida, E.J. Smith was one of only a handful of Toro distributors nationwide. After moving to Charlotte in 1932, our founder decided that putting his name on the front of the building would help customers understand just how dedicated he was to the fledgling golf industry.
Styles, equipment, maintenance practices, and even the game of golf have changed and evolved over the last 10 decades. But as Toro’s oldest active distributorship we continue to build on the set of standards set by E.J. Smith back in 1925 – Integrity, innovative products, exceptional service and that same, absolute commitment to our customers’ success. Those will never go out of style at Smith Turf & Irrigation.
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“To be honest, Champion Paul Kaufman-Superintendent was on my mind early on, Prestwick Country Club because it was the sexy, Myrtle Beach SC in-vogue pick. But I put in a test green with TifEagle, MiniVerde and Champion, and after 2 years of playing around with all three, I got to see the limitations and strong points of each grass. I also looked at a lot of TifEagle courses. In the end, my bosses and I agreed that TifEagle was by far the best ultradwarf for Prestwick.”
You’ll find TifEagle Bermudagrass at the greens. From a competitive standpoint we spectacular Prestwick Country Club in Myrtle were just lagging behind. So I put in a combi - Beach SC. This links-style gem was designed nation test green with TifEagle, MiniVerde and by Pete Dye and his son P.B. Dye and opened Champion and evaluated all three grasses for in 1989. Superintendent Paul Kaufman is re - over two years. I also looked at a lot of other sponsible for the day-to-day management and clubs, and talked to a lot of other superintend - upkeep of this top-flight course that features ents, We decided to no-till and shut the course towering dune-like berms, stairway bunkers down on June 18th. Believe it or not, we were and bulkhead-protected greens. It was Paul open for play on September 1 with superb along with his bosses who made the decision new TifEagle greens.” Take a tip from Paul to go with TifEagle. “Our Tifdwarf was really Kaufman. Whether you’re renovating your ex - beginning to show its age and was getting to isting greens or planning a brand new facility, be almost unmanageable. On top of that, the insist on the best. Specify certified TifEagle Myrtle Beach area is so competitive. There Bermudagrass by name. You can sod it, sprig are almost 100 courses here now in what’s it or even no-till it under the right conditions. essentially a one-mile by 30-mile strip, Visit us on the web at www.tifeagle.com, or and the majority of them have ultradwarf call 706 542-4525 for more information. TEAM UGA ®
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