OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GEORGIA COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

Griffith Thrives With Classic Bulldog

Inside Assistants Gain Momentum Hanna Joins Foundation

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Cover: Scott Griffith is helping drive success at UGA and in the Georgia GCSA Contents board room.

News & Features

7 Spray Techs Meet

9 Leadership and Technology in Focus

11 Assistants Move into High Gear

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GEORGIA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION 13 Ice Storm Takes Down Trees

15 Hanna Move Part of Classic Success Publisher: Georgia GCSA Tenia Workman Headquarters 21 Griffith Takes Care of Business Editor: PO Box 310 Trent Bouts 25 S. Carolina Street Graphic Designer: Hartwell, GA 30643 Bill Lands OFFICE: (706) 376-3585 29 Industrial Relations a Two Way Street OFFICE FAX: (706) 376-7573 Through The Green is www.ggcsa.com published six times a year by the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Editorial/Advertising Association (Georgia PO Box 310 GCSA). Copyright © 2011 Georgia Golf 25 S. Carolina Street Course Superintendents Association, Inc. Hartwell, GA 30643 All rights reserved. OFFICE: (706) 376-3585

The Georgia GCSA appreciates the support of the following companies through the Advertiser Index association’s patrons and sponsors program: Ameriturf...... 24 A.M. Buckler...... 35 Diamond Patrons Bayer...... 38 Greenville Turf and Tractor Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation Bulk Aggregate ...... 32 Chattahoochee Turf Products ...... 32 Platinum Partners Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply Corbin Turf and Ornamental...... 4 Direct Solutions/AAT Direct Solutions...... 20 Golf Ventures Dow Agrosciences...... 37 Gold Partners Golf Argonomics Sand and Hauling...... 8 AmeriTurf Columns & Reports Golf Ventures...... 18 Bayer Environmental Science Greenville Turf and Tractor...... 40 ShowTurf Howard Fertilizer...... 34 Syngenta President’s Message Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation...... 2 Silver Partners 5 Multiguard...... 30 NG Turf NG Turf...... 24 Sound Agronomy 31 News Shorts Phillips Turf and Ornamental...... 10 Turfnology River Sand...... 28 Bronze Partners Rowland Chemical Company...... 35 BASF 36 New Members Bulk Aggregate Golf ShowTurf...... 8 Bulloch Fertilizer 36  Shots Sound Agronomy ...... 26 Chattahoochee Turf Products Southern States...... 26 Dow AgroSciences Specialty Car Company ...... 6 Golf Agronomics Sand and Hauling Stovall...... 39 Harrell’s Fertilizer and Chemical Company Syngenta...... 27 Helena Chemical Company The Andersons...... 28 Howard Fertilizer and Chemical Company John Deere Landscapes Tifton Soil Labs...... 37 Phillips Turf and Ornamental Turfnology ...... 12

May-June 2014 Through the green 3 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 4 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President’s Message PRESIDENT Mike Brown The Standard Club, Johns Creek, GA (770) 497-1736 [email protected] VICE-PRESIDENT Child’s Play Makes Greg Burleson, CGCS Augusta Country Club, Augusta, GA (706) 737-5515 [email protected] Work More Fun

SECRETARY-TREASURER It’s been a while, but finally, new homes are being built in many areas across the state. That Scott Griffith is a good indicator that the economy is slowly creeping and crawling out of the long reces- University of Georgia Golf Course, Athens, GA sion. I know commuter traffic in my area is increasing; while it’s frustrating, it also means (706) 425-3246 more people are going back to work and hopefully will want to spend some of that paycheck [email protected] on several rounds of golf or a new golf membership. PAST-PRESIDENT Anthony L. Williams, CGCS Speaking of memberships, it appears they are increasing ever so slightly at some courses. Stone Mountain , Stone Mountain, GA Though the economy is improving, there are (770) 413-5241 many of us who are still feeling the pain in our [email protected] budgets, which is affecting the size and hours allotted to our staff. It seems most courses will Tim Busek need to wait a little longer before budgets can The Manor Golf and Country Club, Alpharetta, GA begin to grow again. (404) 787-6165 [email protected] While we tighten our belts a little more, we can appreciate the positions we’re in because of the Nelson Caron impact we make on the game of golf and the The Ford Plantation, Richmond Hill, GA benefits that come with working outside on the (912) 547-4072 course. Just last month, I was reminded of one [email protected] of those benefits when my two boys were on spring break. They were able to spend a day or Tommy Hewitt two on the course with me and we had a blast as Windermere Golf Club, Cumming, GA they caught fish, hit golf balls, shot BB guns – no (770) 205-5878 golfers were around - and played with the water [email protected] Mike Brown from the water coolers. There is something about cone cups and water spilling from a cooler spigot that six- and nine-year-olds really enjoy. Kyle Macdonald St. Ives Country Club, Johns Creek, GA Sometimes we’re too busy and too worried about our budgets to remember the little things (770) 623-8213 that can make our jobs enjoyable. When I think of other professions that require long hours [email protected] in an office it helps to remind me that I enjoy this industry we’re in and the work we ac- complish regardless of the past and current economic situations. Mike Martin Hampton Golf Village, Cumming, GA So far, in 2014 our committees have done an outstanding job of putting together quality (770) 640-2170 education and golf for all of our members to enjoy. In May, we are going back to [email protected] Country Club for the bentgrass and North Georgia bermudgrass forum and then we have the Bulldog Classic coming up on June 10. John McCarthy, CGCS Crystal Falls Golf Club, Dawsonville, GA The Bulldog Classic benefits the scholarship program for our association. This is a great (770) 894-4099 cause and I want to thank host superintendent Scott Griffith and host director of golf Dave [email protected] Cousart for putting this together for our association for the sixth consecutive year. Please be sure you thank them when you see them as well as all our hosts and most importantly, Lane Singleton our industry partners. Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, GA (706) 467-1563 Also, coming up in June is the Rounds4Research auction. Please make sure your club’s [email protected] golfers are aware of the auction so they can take part in supporting turfgrass research, which improves the game for all of us. If you need more information visit www.rounds4re- Chris Steigelman, CGCS search.com. The Landings Club, Savannah, GA (912) 598-3547 I’m sorry ultradwarfers, but I’m praying for another summer like last year! I look forward to [email protected] seeing everyone at one of our coming events.

Sam Welch Horseshoe Bend Country Club, Roswell, GA (770) 992-2310 Ext. 130 [email protected]

May-June 2014 Through the green 5 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 6 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS Spray Techs Gather At Catheechee lose to 100 people attended the Georgia GCSA’s annual spray Ctechnicians seminar at Cateechee Golf Club in Hartwell in February. The day-long education event featured formal presenta- tions, a panel discussion and outdoor equipment demonstration. Georgia GCSA past-president Anthony Williams, CGCS from Stone Mountain Golf Club moderated a five-man superintendent panel that discussed maximizing pesticide program effectiveness. Williams directed questions from the audience to host superinten- dent at Cateechee Buck Workman, CGCS, Matt Taylor from At- lanta Athletic Club, Tommy Hewitt from Windermere Golf Club, Tim Busek from The Manor Golf and Country Club and Lydell Mack from Big Canoe Golf Club.

George Brooke-Powell of Jerry Matt Taylor from Atlanta Other presentations on the day included one by Dr. Alfredo Mar- Pate Turf and Irrigation. Athletic Club makes a point tinez from the University of Georgia on disease identification and during the panel discussion. management for cool and warm season grasses. Rick Hayes from the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s pesticide division provided updates from his depart- ment. To wrap up the day, George Brooke-Powell of Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation discussed ways to maximize irrigation efficiency. n

Kent Cain from the Country Club of the South and Tommy Everett from Sugar Hill Golf Club.

Some of the panelists included Tommy Hewitt from Windermere Golf Club, host superintendent Buck Workman, CGCS from Cateechee Golf Club, Tim Busek from The Manor Golf and Country Club and Lydell Mack from Big Canoe Golf Club. Steven Ranew of Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation.

May-June 2014 Through the green 7 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 8 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS Future Education Focus on Leadership and Technology eorgia GCSA members can expect to see a greater emphasis tion offerings for this year and laying the groundwork for what Gon leadership and technology in future education presenta- is to come in 2015. tions. The growth of internet and social media-based platforms has “Especially with as many education offerings as we have in the provided almost saturation access to a wealth of agronomic knowl- Georgia GCSA, it can be challenging to come up with infor- edge. “So we think we need to try and present education that is a mation and speakers that people haven’t heard many times be- little bit outside the box and different to what people can get hold of fore,” Hewitt says. “So we’re trying hard to gauge what people easily,” says Georgia GCSA education committee co-chair Tommy might need or want that they can’t already get from the internet Hewitt from Windermere Golf Club. or from social media. I think developing leadership skills and Hewitt helped lead the most recent gathering of the committee in how to make the most of technology are two areas we can focus March at The Manor Golf and Country Club in Alpharetta along on.” with co-chair and host golf course superintendent Tim Busek. Hewitt points out that the challenge the education commit- Nearly 20 people attended putting the finishing touches on educa- tee faces is a result of success rather than any shortcomings. It would be a lot easier to present new information if the as- sociation didn’t do such a good a job of providing educational opportunities at events like the annual bentgrass and bermu- dagrass forums and annual meeting. “The fact that there is so much more use of social media now too means that people are constantly in touch and keeping up to date,” Hewitt says. “That’s a good thing for sure. But it means we need to find alternatives that are going to be of value to our members. I’m grateful we have such a good group of folks on the committee to help in that effort.” n

New Dates for Mike Studier from Capital City Rob Chalifoux from the Highlands Annual Meeting Club at Crabapple. Course at Lake Arrowhead. Please be sure to adjust your calendars to take note of new dates for this year’s Georgia GCSA annual meeting and golf championship. The new dates for the showpiece event of the year are December 7-9 at The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island. This is a week later than originally scheduled to avoid backing up too close to Thanksgiving. A host of awards will be given, new faces inducted into the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Hall of Fame and David Noto from Mossy Creek Golf Course will defend his title as the association’s superintendent golf champion. Tommy Hewitt from David Blowers now with Windermere Golf Club. Abell Turf and Tractor.

May-June 2014 Through the green 9 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 10 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS Assistants Committee

Moves Into High Gear Written by JOE HOLLIS hortly before spring, the Assistant Superintendents Commit- an irrigation issue while they were there, so they weren’t able to Stee of the Georgia GCSA met at Horseshoe Bend Country water it in. However; surprisingly, we had rain the following day. Club to plan out the upcoming year. Many of you may be un- In the near future we will get back up to Goshen and repair the aware of the many great things the Assistant Superintendents irrigation. Committee has done in the past, so I would like to inform you The very same day that group went to Goshen Valley, I went with about a couple of the items discussed because we need your help Scott Lambert from Peachtree Golf Club to meet with Dr. Ger- to continue to grow our organization and our profession. ald Henry at the University of Georgia. The assistants committee The major item of discussion was in regards to the athletic field wants to do more outreach with the universities in Georgia to project at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch in Waleska. Last year the let students know what to expect upon graduation. Just like the Assistant Superintendent Committee spearheaded a volunteer UGA football program, we want to keep the talent in the state project at the ranch to install a 60,000 sq. ft. sports field. This and help recruit and guide upcoming graduates into good jobs. project was an incredible success due to the hard work of Jordan One of our discussion items with Dr. Henry was around getting Bell and the many volunteers and industry partners that helped a group of five or six assistants to speak with the UGA Turf Club with donations, sweat, blood, and I’m sure Tenia Workman shed about the nature of the profession and the industry from our a tear or two as well. The committee and Georgia GCSA have perspective. gained tons of positive attention from this project. At our winter meeting, the Assistant Superintendents Committee The committee has decided to continue work at the Goshen Val- also discussed creating a Southern-Coastal Assistant Superinten- ley for this year’s volunteer project and we need your help to see dents Committee for Georgia because of the distance constraints this project through to the finish. Please be on the lookout for across the state. The idea behind the committee is to allow as- emails about dates of when we plan to volunteer at the ranch and sistants in the southern half of the state the opportunity to net- do not hesitate to join us on what promises to be a successful work and perform community service outreach closer to home. extension of our involvement at Goshen Valley. This committee will not be a separate committee but a branch of the current Assistant Superintendents Committee in order to In March, Aaron Michaels and Jeff Losee from The Manor Golf get more assistants involved throughout the state. Patrick Rein- and Country Club, Luke Ralston from The Standard Club, and hardt from Georgia Southern University Golf Course will serve Blake Austin from Peachtree Golf Club, went to Goshen Valley as chairman of this group. and applied pre-emergent to the practice field. They discovered

Attendees for the Assistant Superintendent Committee meeting at Horseshoe Bend Country Club were back row, Luke Ralston, Jeff Losee, Justin Solsvig, Sam Welch, host Kevin Dunn, Phillip Vera, Andrew Saft, and front row, Keith Williams, Aaron Michaels, Frank Siple, CGCS, Mark Snyder, Joe Hollis, John McCarthy, CGCS, Jeff Austin, Scott Lambert.

May-June 2014 Through the green 11 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS

This will only strengthen our association as a whole and continue championship. This year we are planning to do something along to create camaraderie and brotherhood that is a key element and the lines of leadership and communication. Please, if you have goal of the assistants committee and the Georgia GCSA. If you suggestions about what subjects you would like to see offered, are a southern assistant who wants to be involved or superinten- please forward those ideas to the committee. dent who wants your assistant get involved please reach out to In closing, please be on the lookout for emails in regards to Gos- Tenia at [email protected] and she will direct you to the individu- hen Valley and be a part of the continued success of such a great als that will help guide this branch of the committee. endeavor. Reach out to assistants and encourage them to create While on the topic of camaraderie and brotherhood I feel it is im- peer networks, and become active with the Georgia GCSA and portant to bring up the “shop talk” also known as “lunch bunch” the Assistant Superintendents Committee. I hope everyone has a events that some of us around Atlanta are doing. The idea behind great season and I look forward to what the Assistant Superinten- the event is to get assistants together to fellowship over lunch and dent Committee and the Georgia GCSA have in store for 2014. talk about various things going on at each other’s course. This is

a great way to network and may be one of the best $10 seminars you may ever attend. Assistant Superintendent Officers for 2014 Chairman: Scott Lambert, Peachtree Golf Club Now really there are no guidelines, it could be after work or at lunch, really whatever works for the group you are getting to- Vice Chairman: Aaron Michaels, The Manor Golf gether. We’ve done lunch and golf a few times, but mostly lunch- and Country Club es lately and we make every effort to get together once a month. Secretary: Luke Ralston, The Standard Club I encourage assistants to reach out to fellow assistants in their Treasurer: Sam Burgess, Ansley Golf Club at Settindown Creek area and get some dialogue going on creating their own “lunch Assistant Liaison to the Board: Joe Hollis, Atlanta Country Club bunch.” It will only make assistant’s network of peers larger and our association better as a whole. Lastly, the committee is very involved in determining the educa- – Joe Hollis is assistant superintendent at Atlanta Country Club in tion everyone receives at the annual assistants seminar and golf Marietta. n

12 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS Ice-Storm’s Wrath

Costs Clubs Trees Written by SCOTT MICHAUX

Shortly after the previous issue of Through The Green went to print, Mother Nature delivered a cruel blow to golf courses in Georgia. By the time the Masters was played early April, the damage from that mid-February ice storm was all but ancient history. But as the following report that appeared in the day after the storm indicates, it was to be an all-consuming headache for golf course superintendents for some time.

n e-mail arrived in Monday’s inbox from some long-range Magnolia Lane was buried in broken limbs that fell under the Aweather forecasting service purporting to know 12 weeks in weight of the ice. Fallen branches even knocked the club’s sign off advance what the weather will be like during the Masters Tourna- its chain outside the main gate on Washington Road. ment. A club spokesman described the activity going on inside as “ma- “Spectators can expect temperatures to be above average and hu- jor cleanup mode” but said there were no reports of significant mid early in the week for practice rounds, with a solid chance of damage to the club’s iconic trees such as the 150-year-old live oak thunderstorms and rain,” release claimed. “A weak cold behind the clubhouse or the Eisenhower loblolly pine that guards front will move through in the latter half of the week, making way the left side of the 17th fairway. While there will certainly be a to dry conditions for most of the tournament. High temperatures few pines missing, the course should revert to its usual pristine are expected to be in the 70s, near average for the year.” state long before Masters Week arrives. Not much of a limb to go out on there – which is good since there As for the azaleas and other flowering trees that turn the course aren’t many limbs left in Augusta. After freezing rain, ice and an into a palate of colors each spring, experts say there should be earthquake, we should be thankful meteorologists aren’t calling nothing to worry about. “The trees probably took the brunt of it,” for any plague of locusts or frogs or Rae’s Creek turning into said Douglas Bailey, the head of the department of horticulture blood. No sharknado or tsunami either. at the University of Georgia. “Most of the understory shrubs are pretty resilient. It definitely wouldn’t affect the flowering of the azaleas, unless limbs got broken off. And the blooming time will be effected by how quickly we warm up.” Augusta National is the master of making messes disappear without a trace. When some kind of tornado blew across the back of Amen Corner one evening during Masters Week a few years ago, a massive tree crushed the roof of a public bathroom tucked in the woods behind the 13th green. By the time pa- trons arrived the next morning, a new cedar shake roof had already been installed and any remnants of the mighty oak that smashed it had vanished. That’s what unlimited resources and an abundance of man- power can do for you. This magic act is not so easily replicated outside its gates. Its neighbor across Rae’s Creek – Augusta Country Club – ex- Greg Burleson, CGCS Darren Davenport pects to be cleaning up from this ice storm for most (if not all) of the 49 days left until Masters Week arrives. The 4.1 magnitude earthquake near Edgefield, SC Friday night Course superintendent Greg Burleson said the club lost between literally shook up a community already dealing with devastating 25 to 30 trees across the course, whether they were completely effects from the freezing rain that buried the area in ice – ravaging uprooted or suffered broken tops that will require removal. His trees and leaving hundreds of thousands without power for days. toughest decision will be dealing with a row of live oaks that were The weather wreaked particular havoc on our local golf courses planted recently along the 17th and 18th holes many of which with Augusta National’s 366 acres getting no special treatment. were broken or bent sideways.

May-June 2014 Through the green 13 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS

“It would be heart-breaking to have to cut those down,” said Burleson, who planned to get the course in good enough shape to open for play on the weekend as a -3 course. Forest Hills Golf Club “got banged up pretty good,” said superintendent Darren Davenport. He said at least six trees were completely lost and many more had the tops broken out of them and will have to be taken down, including one left of the 8th green that had fallen into the green- side bunker. Both Burleson and Davenport were at their respective clubs in 2004 when the last comparable ice storm hit the area. During that storm, Forest Hills lost 23 trees and kept a rented chipper in constant use for six weeks with a staff of 10 cleaning up the debris. It’s a similar story in South Carolina. Pal- metto Golf Club in Aiken was described as “a mess” by head pro and general man- ager Brooks Blackburn, who said 10 to 12 trees were down or uprooted but that pretty much every tree on the course lost limbs. “Fortunately, no greens were damaged,” Blackburn said, sending a note out to members that he hoped the maintenance staff could get the course and cart paths opened by Wednesday. “We apologize for the inconvenience but Mother Nature has not been very cooperative as of late,” he Some of the damage the ice-storm wrought at Augusta Country Club. said. That’s an understatement. If she’s refrains from unleashing any more natural disas- ters before April, at least one forecaster is guaranteeing things will be looking up when it matter most. “We are confident spectators and players at the Masters will see conditions typical of spring in the South with only one chance of rain for the week,” the forecasting entrepreneur promised. For whatever that’s worth, we’ve got that going for us – which is nice. *A day later, the newspaper published the news that Augusta National’s famed Eisen- hower Tree did suffer major damage after all and had to be removed. n

14 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS Research Giant Joins Foundation Trustees his year’s annual “Having Dr. Hanna’s perspective and voice on the board of the TSpring Classic golf foundation will be invaluable,” foundation chairman, Harold tournament was a winner Franklin, from Fields Ferry Golf Club in Calhoun, says. “He well before the first tee shot is a giant in his field and his passion and commitment to was struck at TPC Sugar- enhancing environmental sustainability on the golf course is loaf in Duluth in March. second to none.” Officials made several sig- nificant announcements before play including the news that internationally- renowned turfgrass sci- entist, Dr. Wayne Hanna, had agreed to serve on the board of the Georgia Golf Environmental Foun- Dr. Wayne Hanna dation. Dr. Hanna has spent more than 40 years - many at the Univer- sity of Georgia - developing environmentally friendly grasses now used widely on golf courses around the world. He has produced bermudagrasses such as TifSport, TifEagle and TifGrand, all of which are hardier and less costly to maintain, while providing ex- Georgia GCSA president, Mike Brown from The Standard Club, cellent fairway and putting surfaces that have featured in USGA with host superintendent Mike Crawford, CGCS and golf championships. He won the USGA Green Section Award in 2012. committee chairman Lane Singleton from Reynolds Plantation.

Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation trustees Courtney Young, CGCS from Ansley Golf Club, Gene McClure, Richard Staughton, CGCS from Towne Lake Hills Golf Club, Mike Crawford, CGCS from TPC Sugarloaf, Tim Cunningham, CGCS from Coosa Country Club, Mike Brown from The Standard Club, Harold Franklin from Fields Ferry Golf Club, Anthony Williams, CGCS from Stone Mountain Golf Club, Layne Williams and Ralph Kepple, CGCS from East Lake Golf Club.

May-June 2014 Through the green 15 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS

Dr. Hanna, who lives in Tifton, now works part time for the University of Georgia, concentrating mostly on ornamental grasses. “Hopefully I’ll be able to help out some and I’m sure I will learn a lot,” he says of joining the foundation board. “Experience sometimes counts for a lot and can help you avoid some pitfalls and find some short- er routes to where you want to go.” The Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Georgia GCSA. The Spring Classic received two other major boosts before more than 180 golfers competed in the golf tournament with foundation leaders receiv- ing checks of $10,000 from each of the Georgia GCSA and Georgia State Golf Association. Anthony Williams, CGCS from Stone Mountain Golf Club, Georgia State Golf Association president Chuck Palmer, Georgia GCSA president Mike Brown from The foundation also relies upon the support of The Standard Club, Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation chairman Harold clubs, individuals and other organizations to Franklin from Fields Ferry Golf Club and Layne Williams from the GSGA. fund programs and projects that help golf cours- es fulfill the environmental, recreational and eco- nomic needs of their communities. Established in 2004, the foundation funds research projects and delivers education and outreach promoting best management practices for environmental stewardship on the golf course. “Usually there is limited funding for turfgrass re- search and whatever extra funding can be found can mean the difference in getting a project over the hump,” Dr. Hanna says. “It can be what makes the difference and that’s in the interests of the golf course superintendent and the golf in- dustry. I’m looking forward to the opportunity.” Georgia GCSA past-president and current Su- Ben Brooks Canongate at Andy Scott from Newnan Dusty LeGrande from perintendent of the Year, Mike Crawford, CGCS Planterra Ridge. Country Club. Barnsley Gardens. hosted the event at TPC Sugarloaf and earned widespread praise for his presentation of the golf course. “We raised a lot of money with more people turning out at TPC Sugarloaf in support than we have ever had,” Georgia GCSA executive direc- tor, Tenia Workman, says. “It will take some time before we have a final dollar amount but it will be substantial. We had more than 180 people Riley McAfee and Nash Rolfes both from Idle Hour Club. compete in the golf tournament so thankfully we had access to a 27-hole facility. The folks at TPC Sugarloaf were wonderful hosts and partners in this event.” Former Georgia GCSA directors Rob Roy from The River Club and Jerry Matthews, CGCS won the gross division of the golf tournament. Net division winners were Grant Cole from The Frog Golf Club and Andy Scott from Newnan Bret Barton, CGCS from Andy Scott from Newnan Country Club and Grant Cole Country Club. n Pinetree Country Club. from The Frog Golf Club were net division winners.

16 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS

Tad Hopkins from Reynolds Plantation.

Kurt Grubbs from Callaway Gardens Resort, Scott Palmer from Houston Jason Brownell from Lake Country Club and Ron Fry from Callaway Gardens Resort. Big Canoe Golf Club.

John Fields from Ashton Hills Golf Club.

Johnny Merrick from Canongate I Golf Club.

Bryan Miller from Joey Brown from Canongate Cartersville Country Club. at Georgia National.

Jason Waller from Ansley Golf Club.

Tim Boles from John McMullan from The Georgia Club and Jeremy Wade from Greenville Turf & Tractor Mark Hendricks of Greenville Turf and Tractor. Traditions of Braselton.

May-June 2014 Through the green 17 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 18 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS

Many Thanks To Our Partners The Georgia GCSA and Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation greatly appreciates the support of the following companies, facilities, organizations and individuals for helping make the 2014 Spring Classic so successful:

Platinum

Rob Roy from the River Club and Jerry Matthews, CGCS received their gross Bayer ES/Howard Fertilizer division trophies from Georgia GCSA president Mike Brown. and Chemical Company Casey Tree Experts Tyler Andersen from , Neal Chattahoochee Turf Products Wisdom from Druid Hills Golf Club and Randy Corbin Turf and Ornamental Mangum of Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply. Supply/Precision Labs Direct Solutions Direct Solutions Gene McClure Georgia Chapter CMAA Georgia GCSA Georgia PGA Section Golf Ventures Greenville Turf and Tractor GSGA Harrell’s/Syngenta Idle Hour Club Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation John Deere Landscapes Phillips Turf and Ornamental / Phoenix /UPI Reynolds Plantation ShowTurf Sound Agronomy Southern States Turfnology

Gold NG Turf

Silver AmeriTurf Paul Wages Allen Weed of Greenville Turf and Tractor, Margaret Shirley from the American Junior Golf Foundation, Scott Lambert from Peachtree Golf Club and Mark Hayes from Marietta Country Club.

May-June 2014 Through the green 19 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 20 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] FEATURE

A view of the rolling terrain on the 17th hole at UGA golf course.

Written by TRENT BOUTS

One Rising Star With Both Feet Firmly Grounded

Georgia GCSA past-president Anthony Williams, CGCS presents Scott Griffith with a gift of appreciation for hosting the 2013 Bulldog Classic.

May-June 2014 Through the green 21 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] FEATURE

Sunrises on another bright day at the UGA golf course.

Unlike many, Scott Griffith graduated with his degree in Ramen lap, he’s going to take care of it,” Brown says. “When you put 20 noodles well before he ever set foot on a college campus. The or so people in a room at a committee meeting there are always one-bedroom apartment he rented from the age of 16 was not a two or three who generate most of the ideas and drive most of the dorm room but at times it felt like one. “Trust me, I had a lot of discussion. Scott is always one of those guys.” buddies who wanted to come over,” he laughs. Brown recognized Griffith as a “go-getter” many years before Life was teaching him what behavioral psychologists describe as they became colleagues as directors on the Georgia GCSA board. the friction between our intuitive and cognitive minds. The for- Back in the ‘90s they were part of a concerted effort to lay the mer is all about the fun and what feels good in the here and now. groundwork for an assistant superintendent committee. Brown The latter is driven more by fact and what makes sense in the big- remembers that Griffith turned up to every meeting, answered -ev ger picture. Griffith was smart enough to learn that lesson which ery call and completed any task he took on. That hasn’t changed. is why today his career and his contribution to the Georgia golf “Scott carries out his duties as well as any person I’ve known industry are so clearly on the ascendant. in my time on the board,” Brown says. “And that’s pretty high Griffith, 38, is golf course superintendent at the University of praise when you consider some of the people I have been fortu- Georgia golf course in Athens and secretary-treasurer of the nate enough to serve with over the years. He’s such a good, genu- Georgia GCSA. He is, in the judgment of Georgia GCSA presi- ine person who always has a smile and the effort and motivation dent, Mike Brown from The Standard Club, one of the most reli- he brings to everything he does is incredible.” able hands in the association. “If you put something in Scott’s

22 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] FEATURE

Bulldog Classic Invests in Youth

As host superintendent for the annual Bulldog Classic, Scott Griffith does more than prepare the golf course. Each year his efforts amount to an investment in the future of his profession and the state itself. The Bulldog Classic raises money for the Georgia GCSA Legacy Scholarships, which provide financial support for children and grandchildren of association members. This year’s event on June 10 will be the sixth in a history that has already generated close to $25,000 in funding for students looking to further their education.

It is one more feather in the cap for Griffith who has overseen a remarkable resurgence in the presence and prestige of the UGA golf course. When he arrived in 2006 the course was just finishing a greens renovation and in need of resources to maintain a high level which George Stafford, the then new director of auxiliary services made available.

Griffith has done a mountain of work in many areas helping attract a Web.com Tour event from 2010 through 2013. Multiple men’s and women’s Southeastern Conference Championships and three Griffith eventually moved out of that apartment in Abbeville, AL and did NCAA women’s championships have been indeed go to a real college, Troy University, about an hour away. He was played on the course which also hosted there to study business administration but the two most significant outcomes a men’s NCAA regional tournament in from his time there had little to do with academics. One was joining the U.S. 2012. It is also home to the Liz Murphey Marine Corps Reserve. While many of his friends were reveling in newfound Collegiate Classic, the oldest women’s freedoms, Griffith put his hand up for a different kind of school all about collegiate tournament in the southern U.S. duty and discipline. His father, Phillip, was also a U.S. Marine serving in the Vietnam War. Hon- “What Scott has helped build with the oring that service was a lifelong ambition for the son but the father was less Bulldog Classic is just wonderful,” says enthusiastic. “When I told him what I’d done, he said ‘Boy, don’t you know Georgia GCSA executive director Tenia there’s an Air Force?’” Griffith recalls. “He was a little worried.” Griffith Workman. “To do something that has such served proudly in the Marine Corps Reserves for eight years. an impact on the lives of young people The second big deal at Troy was meeting his future wife, Kim. Although while helping out fellow superintendents is Griffith had no idea at the time, meeting Kim was his first step to becoming inspiring. We are so grateful to him and for a golf course superintendent. “She graduated before me and wanted to move the support of Dave Cousart and everyone to Georgia to be near her brother,” he says. While Griffith had ambition he at UGA.” n concedes he had “no real plan” for what he would do with a business degree.

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“So I packed my bags and off we went.” the idea of sitting at a desk for eight hours a day. He enrolled in the turfgrass program at Gwinnett Tech. Kim had a teaching position to go to so for Griffith the move was less of a risk than it was a simple rerouting. Today, the couple “It wasn’t easy to say the least,” Griffith recalls of working a full- have been married 17 years and have a daughter Addison, 9, and time job then making the hour and 15 minute drive to and from son Jack, soon to be 3. Lawrenceville at least three nights a week. But he was determined and paying heed to lessons he’d already learned. Grinding under Arriving in Newnan, GA Griffith picked up a copy of The Newn- the sun for that peanut farmer confirmed the value of a strong an Times-Herald and scanned the Help Wanted ads. He re- work ethic. sponded to one and was interviewed and hired before sundown. Scott Griffith, who had played only a handful of rounds in his “He was such a genuine guy. So honest and upstanding,” Griffith life, was suddenly a member of the golf industry as a laborer for recalls. “He was one of the nicest, hardest working people you golf course superintendent Jim Miller at Newnan Country Club. could ever meet. Working for him reaffirmed my desire to make a career of working outside. I wish I would have known about my Sweating on the crew at the golf course echoed what Griffith ex- current profession while I was in high school because it would perienced working summers for a peanut farmer while in Ala- have been a no-brainer decision then as it is today.” bama. It was hard but it was outside and it meant making a dif- ference with your hands. All of which appealed to him more than He may have been young, strong-willed and independent but he

Shots into the 13th green at the UGA golf course demand a strong nerve

May-June 2014 Through the green 25 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 26 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] FEATURE was smart enough to listen, just as he did to another elderly voice a new superintendent and Griffith applied with Mangum’s sup- at Gwinnett Tech. “Palmer Maples (Jr., CGCS) was teaching port. “The course had one of the most beautiful, natural layouts there at the time,” Griffith says. “It was so beneficial to hear from that I had ever seen. It didn’t hurt either that my future boss was a Hall of Fame superintendent who could teach you things you a former superintendent himself and had a good understanding don’t get from book study. He told what it was like on the ground. of the demands and challenges of the job.” I don’t think most of us in that class knew how lucky we were.” Cousart is as committed to the industry as anyone. He is a long- By the time he graduated in 1999, Griffith already had a job lined time Georgia GCSA member who served a two-year term as pres- up at Sunset Hills Country Club in Carrollton where Jim Kac- ident of the Georgia PGA Section. “He’s been a big push behind zenski, CGCS – now with Green Works Turf Solutions – was su- me being involved in the Georgia GCSA,” Griffith says. “And it’s perintendent. Kaczenski took Griffith to a host of Georgia GCSA very fulfilling work although I don’t really view it as work. It gets meetings and important seeds were sown, both in terms of net- you out there and makes you interact with people you wouldn’t working and in the value of service to the profession. normally come into contact with. Some of the most successful superintendents are not people who stay in the background. And After three years, an opportunity emerged at Atlanta Athletic we need that as a profession. If we don’t stand up for ourselves Club under Ken Mangum, CGCS. With Kaczenski’s encourage- we’ll be downgraded or moved over. I’d like to think I’m a small ment, Griffith took a pay cut and made the move to a second as- piece of making sure we keep going in the right direction.” sistant’s role. “That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Griffith says. He was intimately involved in two renovations at -At Since arriving at UGA, Griffith has hosted four Web.com tour- lanta Athletic Club. “I could not have asked for a better situation naments, the 2013 Women’s NCAA Championship and three as an aspiring superintendent; two renovations on a world-class NCAA Regionals. Most recently, the golf course was ranked the facility under one of the best superintendents in the business. I fifth best public golf course in Georgia by Golfweek magazine for was in all the way.” 2014. Griffith also manages the three-acre practice facility for the UGA men’s and women’s teams. “It’s been really neat to see so Griffith’s next move was to the University of Georgia in late 2006. much talent come through the programs and I enjoy watching UGA golf course general manager, Dave Cousart, was looking for them on TV now,” he says. n

May-June 2014 Through the green 27 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 28 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS “We Can’t Say Enough How Grateful We Are…” ust as most golfers have Jlittle idea how much goes into preparing the course for their enjoyment, so do few members realize how much goes on behind the scenes of the Georgia GCSA. A gather- ing at The Standard Club in Johns Creek in March would have provided some inkling. About 40 people attended the meeting of the Georgia GCSA’s industrial relations Georgia GCSA director Mike Martin from Hampton Georgia GCSA president Mike Brown with Rocky committee. They discussed Golf Village with Jimmy Geter, CGCS of AmeriTurf. Driebrodt of Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply. ways the association and its industry partners can continue to work together for their mutual ing with conflicts. But for the Georgia GCSA at least, those re- benefit. lations are harmonious with the focus less on solving problems than on where to take new and positive steps. “As members, we need to remind ourselves of the little things we may take for granted such as not paying for lunch, a greens fee, Brown says the meeting covered a host of topics over lunch and or a cart fee at one of our events,” says Georgia GCSA president more formal discussions afterwards. The overwhelming feedback and industrial relations committee chair Mike Brown, who is su- from industry partners was positive including in response to a perintendent at The Standard Club. “These items are so often golf outing and dinner that brought industry partners together picked up by our vendors and we do so appreciate it. Their sup- with Georgia GCSA directors at the annual board retreat at port makes attendance at association events so affordable. That in Reynolds Plantation early this year. turn means more superintendents have access to education and “We had a very positive response from everyone involved dur- networking opportunities that make the whole profession stron- ing this event and we will continue with this in years to come,” ger. We can’t say enough how grateful we are as an association.” Brown says. “I think this creates an atmosphere where vendors The name of the committee – industrial relations – is a term that and board members can improve on their relationships and come in many professions carries a negative connotation around deal- up with ideas that may enhance the association.” Brown emphasizes that the level of commitment from many industry partners goes beyond financial support for events or in advertising in Through The Green. “Many of them volunteer to help during amateur and profes- sional golf tournaments, serve on our committees and help run our events,” he says. “It is impressive to see how many vendors and educators are willing to help create a better arena not just for golf course superintendents but Some of the industrial relations committee members who attended the meeting at The Standard Club. for golf as a whole.” n

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Kyle’s Not In Kansas Anymore I also wanted to let y’all know that the Georgia GCSA is a model chapter for the But He Is Very Glad He Went GCSAA. It was mind blowing to see how far ahead of the curve we are compared Recently Georgia GCSA director, Kyle ing our association. Her excitement and to other associations, again something I Macdonald, from St. Ives Country Club, enthusiasm is infectious. took for granted. The issues facing other in Johns Creek traveled to Lawrence, KS This is not just something I witnessed, I chapters are by far some of our greatest for GCSAA annual Chapter Leaders and was told by many of her peers that she was strengths. Executive Symposium. He wrote the fol- the glue that kept the symposium together. There have been countless superinten- lowing letter to his fellow directors upon She was the reason numerous chapter ex- dents who helped build our chapter and his return: ecutives continued their attendance year it is now our responsibility to continue to add to the great foundation they laid. I “I just got back from the 2014 GCSAA after year. Many of us don’t fully appreci- ate how our association’s best interest is would tell all of you to take a few minutes Chapter Leaders and Executives Sympo- on her heart and mind 24/7/365. and pat yourself on the back but also not sium with Tenia. What a fantastic experi- to get complacent and continue to find ence! If you get the honor to be invited, I am incapable of putting into words how ways to improve our association year in make sure you go. You will get more out of deep her passion for the Georgia GCSA and year out. We have a great group of and the superintendent profession truly it than you could ever put in. I am not the superintendents and more importantly, a runs. If the saying is true that “if you find greatest wordsmith but I will try my best great group of guys who support the pro- something you love to do, you will only to explain what I saw. fession and each other. work a few days in your life,” then I be- First and foremost, we have the best ex- lieve Tenia has only worked a handful of In closing… thanks to Tenia for inviting ecutive director in the industry, hands days (one of those was Monday because me to the symposium and to this associa- down! I have known Tenia for the past I missed the 12 pm flight). I want to per- tion for all it does for me and each of our few years but until this week in Kansas I sonally thank Tenia for all of her hard members.” n did not realize how passionate she is for work, passion and dedication to our as- Kyle Macdonald outside GCSAA advancing our profession and support- sociation and profession. headquarters in Lawrence, KS.

May-June 2014 Through the green 31 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] AJC Covers Crawford’s Work at TPC The following report by Stan Awtrey ap- peared in the Atlanta-Journal Constitu- tion in thelead up to the Champions Tour event at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth. The crazy winter weather caused a lot of headaches for golf-course superinten- dents this year. But you aren’t likely to no- tice any difference at this week’s Greater Gwinnett Championship at TPC Sug- arloaf in Duluth. Superintendent Mike Crawford and his 38-man crew have again whipped the course into shape for this week’s 54-hole Champions Tour event. “It was a challenging winter, that’s for sure,” said Crawford, the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association’s 2013 Superintendent of the Year. “With the cold weather you lose a lot of time where you aren’t able to work on the golf course, so it’s made the last six weeks more compressed.” The and fairways, overseeded with ryegrass, and the bent-grass greens are in championship condition. The only change in the layout is at the 10th tee, which was pushed back about 40 yards to make the par-5 a three-shot hole and improve the pace of play. Now that the heavy lifting is finished, Crawford, his team and a group of 35 ad- ditional volunteers will spend the week making sure the professionals have a great experience. “It’s a great thing for the community and Gwinnett County,” Crawford said. “Per- sonally and professionally, this is what we do. When you’re able to prepare for an event like this, it’s special. Not many people get to do this, and that makes it extra special.” n Correction Mark Hayes, golf course superintendent at Marietta Country Club, and the club’s general manager, Randy Rice, were incor- rectly identified as being from Peachtree Golf Club in the March-April issue of Through The Green. We apologize for the error. n

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Department of Agriculture Click the online log-in tab. You will create a username and password. You just Changes Affect Applicators have to have the capability of uploading documents. According to the Georgia Department So what does that mean for pesticide of Agriculture website, the department is applicators on golf courses? In order to Will you need to do this on a yearly basis? required by O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1 to verify renew your contractor or applicator li- No, luckily, documents will only need to citizenship and immigration status for all cense, you must send in a copy of one of be submitted one time. Companies will public benefits issued. All public benefits the approved documentation (usually a only have to resubmit when their respec- are defined in the law as certifications, li- driver’s license) and a notarized affidavit tive ownership changes. censes, registrations, state grants, etc. All (found online at www.agr.georgia.gov/ver- The folks at the Georgia Department of new and renewal licenses require a nota- ification-of-lawful-presence.aspx), along Agriculture and friendly and available rized affidavit and provide one form of with the renewal forms and a check for if you need to call or have further ques- acceptable documentation as defined in contractor license or applicator license. tions (404) 586-1411 or (855) 4-AG-LI- O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1. You may mail or fax your affidavit and a CENSE (855-424-5423). Also, contact The department will implement this copy of your authorized documentation your local extension office if you need change online no later than July 1, 2014. to our customer service center for up- help filling out forms, supplying a notary As directed by law, GDA will utilize the load. The Licensing Division fax number or need any other help (800) ASK-UGA. Federal Systematic Alien Verification is (404) 586-1126. – Jennifer Davidson, Muscogee County for Entitlements (SAVE) program oper- You can also fill out the paperwork on- Extension, UGA. n ated by the United States Department line (www.agr.georgia.gov/licensing.aspx). of Homeland Security. Jerry Pate Takes On Turf Pride Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation announce its appointment as Turf Pride’s distribu- tor in Georgia, as well as Alabama, Mis- sissippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, western Tennessee and northwest Florida. “We are extremely excited to partner with Turf Pride and look forward to growing their Turf Pride business,” said owner, Georgia GCSA’s trophies from this year’s GCSAA Golf Classic included runner-up Jerry Pate. in the chapter competition and top 10s in that event and the four-ball. Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation is also happy to announce that Robert Sienko was recently awarded the title of Senior Members To Tee Up In Mid-Am Master Technician by The Toro Com- pany. This is the highest level of achieve- The Georgia GCSA will be well-repre- Country Club and Chris Hall of Arbor- ment awarded to individual technicians. sented at this year’s Georgia State Golf guard Tree Specialists. Individuals who earn this certification Association Mid-Amateur Championship Noto, Roy and Singleton, along with Neil must demonstrate a high level of exper- at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee in Eaton- Wisdom from Druid Hills Golf Club and tise, a strong commitment to professional ton from May 16-18. At press time, at Scott Tullis from Landings Golf Club, development, superior professionalism least five Georgia GCSA members were had already enjoyed success on the golf and excellence in customer service. qualified to tee it up in the Mid-Am with course this year. They combined to repre- The company also announced the fol- one more qualifier to be played. They sent the Georgia GCSA in GCSAA’s Golf lowing Service Advisor Award recipi- were David Noto from Mossy Creek Golf Classic in Orlando, FL in February. Their Course, Rob Roy from The River Club, ents in Georgia: Dustin Cofer, Bruce team was runner-up in the annual chapter Lane Singleton from Reynolds Planta- Dowling, Jeremy Jarmin, Joey Largin competition. n tion, Chris Purvis from Berkeley Hills and Tommy Pike. n

May-June 2014 Through the green 33 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 34 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS SHORTS Georgia GCSA Boasts Pinehurst “Champions” Two U.S. Opens will be decided at Pine- hurst in June but already the Georgia GCSA can claim two “champions” from competition in the Sandhills of North Carolina. Kirk McKinney and Robert Padgett, from Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, were winners in a golf tournament on the Pinehurst No. 8 course in March. The tournament was in advance of the annual USGA Green Sec- tion regional conference in partnership with the Carolinas GCSA. McKinney and Padgett combined for a round 74 to win the gross division in the tourna- Robert Padgett and Kirk McKinney after their win. ment’s fifth flight.n

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May-June 2014 Through the green 35 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] New Members Tee Shots Georgia GCSA Welcomes Movers & Shakers › David Alexander, Class C. › David Alexander is now second assistant golf course Second assistant golf course superintendent, Big Canoe Golf Club, superintendent at Big Canoe Golf Club in Jasper. Jasper (706) 268-3319. › Jeffrey Austin, formerly assistant golf course superintendent in › Dane Alexander, Class C. training at Augusta National Golf Club, is now assistant golf course Assistant golf course superintendent, The Ford Plantation, superintendent at Quail Hollow Country Club in Chardon, OH. Richmond Hill (912) 756-3170. › David Blowers, formerly shop manager at East Lake Golf Club in › Ted Fuller, Class SM. Atlanta, is now with Abell Turf and Tractor in Holly Springs. Golf course superintendent, Ocean Forest Golf Club, › Thomas Davis, formerly assistant golf course superintendent at St. Simons Island (912) 506-0815. The landings Club – Deer Creek in Savannah, is now golf course › Scott Griffin, Class SM. superintendent at Sapphire National Golf Club in Sapphire, NC. Golf course superintendent, Perry Golf Club, Perry (478) 987-1033. › Jason Friedman, former senior assistant golf course superinten- › Stacy Jones, Class SM. dent at Legacy Golf , has been promoted to head golf course Golf course superintendent, Governors Towne Club, Acworth superintendent at Legacy Golf Links/Fox Creek Golf Club. (678) 439-3009. › Scott Griffin, formerly second assistant golf course superinten- › Matthew Klein, Class C. dent at Quail Ridge Country Club, is now golf course superinten- Second assistant golf course superintendent, Champions Retreat Golf dent at Perry Golf Club in Perry. Club, Evans (706) 210-4360. › Don Hemmerle, formerly golf course superintendent at Wilming- › Micah Leonhard, Class C. ton Island Club in Savannah, is now golf course superintendent at Assistant golf course superintendent, The Georgia Club, Statham Bacon Course in Savannah. (770) 725-8131. › Howard Horne, formerly of The Golf Club of Georgia in Al- › Wayne Massey, Class AF. pharetta, is now shop manager at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. President, Medalist Golf, Inc., Cumming (678) 679-0500. › Kyle Johnson, formerly golf course superintendent for par 3 and › Alex Rhodes, Class C. practice facilities at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, is now Senior assistant golf course superintendent, The Landings Club – golf course superintendent at Inverness Country Club in Birming- Deer Creek, Savannah (912) 695-8340. ham, AL. › David Torbett, Class AF. › Matthew Klein is now second assistant golf course superinten- Account executive, Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation, Atlanta dent at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans. (404) 346-5340. › Kurt Russell, former head golf course superintendent at Legacy › Dustin Walker, Class SM. Golf Links/Fox Creek Golf Club, has been promoted to senior Golf course superintendent, Beaver Kreek Golf Club, Douglas director of agronomy at Legacy Golf Management and Legacy (912) 384-8230. Turf Farms. › John White, Class AF. › Eric Slekovich, formerly assistant golf course superintendent at Territory manager SE GA, Golf Ventures, Tifton (229) 256-3107. Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, is now first assistant golf › Embree Wilson, Class C. course superintendent at Reynolds Plantation – The Creek Club. Senior assistant golf course superintendent, The Landings Club – › David Torbett is a new account executive with Jerry Pate Turf Plantation, Savannah (912) 598-3547. and Irrigation in Atlanta. › David Winters, Class AF. › John White is now territory manager for southeast Georgia for Chief executive officer, Bio Dirt, Inc., Dawsonville (770) 530-7573. Golf Ventures. › Vince Wood, Class C. Assistant golf course superintendent, Country Club of Gwinnett, Snellville (770) 978-7755. Congratulations › Congratulations to John Godlewski from Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course in Fayetteville on recently attaining his Class A status Marriages with the Georgia GCSA and GCSAA. › Congratulations to Patrick Reinhardt from Georgia Southern › Congratulations to William Oakley from Eagle’s Landing Country University Golf Course and his new bride, Jessica, who were Club in Stockbridge on recently attaining his Class A status with the married on April 26. Georgia GCSA and GCSAA. › Congratulations to Wally Gresham from Sunset Hills Country › Congratulations to Ben Brooks from Canongate at Planterra Ridge Club and his new bride, Mistie, who were married on May 3. in Peachtree City on recently attaining his Class A with the Georgia GCSA and GCSAA. › Congratulations to Hoyt Ellspermann from Reynolds Plantation Births – The Creek Club in Greensboro on recently attaining his Class A status with the Georgia GCSA and GCSAA. › Congratulations to Joey Brown from Canongate at Georgia › Congratulations to Bradley Tremmier from RiverPines Golf in National in McDonough and his wife, Chastity, on the birth of their Alpharetta on recently attaining his Class A status with the Georgia son, Bo Carter Brown, on April 4, 2014. Bo weighed 7lbs and 14oz. GCSA and GCSAA.

36 Through the green May-June 2014 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Georgia GCSA Events  mark your calendar May 5, 2014 Bentgrass and North Georgia Bermudagrass Forum and Golf Outing Atlanta Country Club Marietta, GA Host superintendent: Mark Esoda, CGCS June 10, 2014 Bulldog Classic Benefiting the Georgia GCSA Legacy Scholarship Fund UGA Golf Course Athens, GA Host superintendent: Scott Griffith August 6, 2014 Turfgrass Field Day UGA Griffin Campus Griffin, GA September 15, 2014 Bermudagrass Forum and Golf Outing King and Prince Golf Course St. Simons Island, GA Host superintendent: Chuck Moore October 14, 2014 Assistant Superintendent Seminar and Golf Championship St. Ives Country Club Johns Creek, GA Host superintendent: Kyle Macdonald

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