September-October 2008

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INSIDE

2008 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

President Mitchell Wilkerson, CGCS Moss Creek Owners Assoc./PTM Bluffton, SC JULY - AUGUST 2008 (843) 837-3755 [email protected]

Vice President Paul T. Jett, CGCS Columns and Departments Pinehurst Pinehurst, NC 2 President’s Message (910) 235-8773 [email protected] 5 Executive Director’s Message

Secretary/Treasurer Jeffrey S. Connell 6 The Pat Jones Index Columbia Country Club Blythewood, SC 10 On the Road (803) 754-5968 [email protected] 15 Turf Talk Past President Billy W. Lewis 20 USGA Green Section Carolina National Golf Club Supply, NC 22 headliners (910) 755-5601 [email protected] Meadows Turns to Greene Directors Jeremy D. Boone, CGCS 41 Local Association News Smoky Mountain Country Club Whittier, NC 51 Industry News (828) 497-4020 [email protected] 58 Our Friends

Paul M. Brandenburg, CGCS 59 Welcome New Members Furman University Golf Course Greer, SC (864) 294-2060 60 What’s Next [email protected] Top Flight Educators at Show

John F. Davis Secession Golf Club Beaufort, SC (843) 522-4642 News and Features [email protected] 12 Looking to the Future Michael K. Fabrizio, CGCS Daniel Island Club Leadership Plan Confirmed Charleston, SC (843) 971-1745 12 First in Golf [email protected] License Plate Serves the Game Steve Hamilton, CGCS 26 Dog Days Dunes Golf and Beach Club Myrtle Beach, SC The Sad Story of One Man’s Loss (843) 449-7332 [email protected] 29 Bringing Back the Past Craig A. Hooks Unearthing a Jewel in Badin River Ridge Golf Club Raleigh, NC 35 Scholars Parade (919) 661-8374 ext.5 Association Backs Education [email protected]

David A. Jacob, CGCS Benvenue Country Club Cover shot: Mel Lucas Jr., and son, Mel Lucas III are overseeing the Rocky Mount, NC restoration of one of the Carolinas’ oldest courses. (252) 443-7334 [email protected]

Douglas C. Lowe, CGCS Greensboro Country Club Published bimonthly by the Greensboro, NC CAROLINAS GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION (336) 691-5822 Executive Director: Charles M. Borman, CAE [email protected] CAROLINAS GREEN: Editor: Trent Bouts email: [email protected] William M. Patton Design: Pam Latour and Rachel Mumford Forest Creek Golf Club Pinehurst, NC CONTACT INFORMATION: (910) 693-1373 17 N. Commerce St., P.O. Box 210 Liberty, SC 29657-0210 [email protected] Phone: 800-476-4272 Fax: 864-843-1149 Web: www.carolinasgcsa.org

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 1

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] PRESIDENT MITCHELL WILKERSON, CGCS

Mitchell Wilkerson, CGCS, makes a point of being ready with a smile at Moss Creek Plantation. Member Service Offers Course for Success

The way you look at situations is a business of golf. There is no “I” in team. the future. The value an individual puts mirror image of how you perform under I heard that statement when I was little on being entertained can be weighed on tough day-to-day problems. Is the glass and I have used it too. And that is what member services. Member services can be half full or half empty? The economy I think about when Dave Downing talks a hand wave, hello at the door, a smile, today has us all analyzing our budgets at about the success of superintendents in great conditions, course set up for mens work and at home. the future and golf itself. or ladies day, riding the course backwards, The golf industry has felt the effects The days of the superintendent think- wiping off the ball washers, and listening. of slow to no growth for the past few ing that this is my course are basically Listening is the lost art of member service. years. The golf maintenance side of the over and replaced with service motiva- Do you think people go to a barber to golf industry has felt the same pain for tion. This is the first step of the team hear him talk? No. They want someone many years before. We seem to always concept from the superintendent to the to listen. find a way to make ends meet even clubhouse. Member service is the break Golf will battle all forms of entertain- though our maintenance practices have point of all clubhouses and pro shops. ment for the mighty dollar. We’ve got to increased and conditions still improve Low member service means low returns, separate ourselves from the other forms each year. So where is the breaking point? which in turn can cost people their jobs of entertainment. I believe that we can I don’t think a breaking point is allowable and affect our bottom line for golf course do that with member services. It is no when it comes to conditions. maintenance. The member service is not longer the mind set just to be better than This is not a poor me or us article something we have not done, we just the course next door but to be a better but a look at where we are going in the have not carried it to the company or club value to our customer than other forms of industry that we have all had a hand in level. entertainment. building. The last few years we have heard Member service is the shining star that we must take ownership in the whole that will make golf a continued success in

2 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHUCK BORMAN, CAE ADVERTISERS

Andersons Turf & Specialty Group...... 54 The Year So Far BASF...... 23 Bayer Environmental Science...... 34 Our president, Mitchell Wilk- Carolinas GCSA member, Dave Down- Brandt Consolidated...... 21 erson, CGCS, asked that I devote my ing, CGCS, as our speaker. Fred Gehrisch, Buy Sod...... 25 column in this issue of Carolinas Green to CGCS, and his crew had the course in an update of what has happened in the wonderful condition and the scenery at Carolina Turf Farms...... 14 association so far this year. So here goes: Highlands Falls is spectacular. Corbin Turf ...... 21 On December 28, 2008, we pur- So what else has been happening chased our first association headquarters besides meetings? Well, the association is Course Doctors...... 50 and after 60 days of renovation we moved now providing administrative support to Disbrow Enterprises...... 28 into our new eight of our 12 home on Febru- local associations Divots, Inc...... 59 ary 29. with Kim Clark Dow AgroSciences...... 17 Our January handling the pro- meeting at Dan- gram. Cindy Bald- E & S Soil...... 57 iel Island Club win has coordi- East Coast Sod & Seed...... 11 once again was nated five regional a roaring success seminar programs Eastern Turf Equipment...... 49 as we continue this year and is Ewing Irrigation...... 8 to confound hard at work put- Mother Nature ting the finishing Georgia Turf & Tractor/John Deere...... inside front with January touches on the temperatures Conference and Golf Agronomics...... 33 in the 60s for Show education Greenville Turf & Tractor/John Deere...... inside front what has become program. Melissa Harrell’s...... 19 one of our most Tim Kreger, left, and Chuck Borman have set a Smith has been popular get- leadership course for the Carolinas GCSA. bringing in new John Deere Golf &Turf...... 48 togethers. Our members to the thanks to Mike Fabrizio, CGCS, and the association while handling the multitude Modern Turf, Inc...... 42 entire Daniel Island team for all the effort of renewals, address changes, etc., and An- New Life Turf...... 52 they put in for us. gie Smith has set new records in advertiz- On January 31 we had over 375 ing revenue for Carolinas Green and is on Oakland Plantation...... 3 attend our Carolinas Night party at the pace to set a new record for exhibit space PBI Gordon...... 27 GCSAA Conference and Golf Industry sales at this year’s Conference and Show. Show in Orlando, FL. We partied hard This is good, because the association’s Phoenix Environmental Care...... 7 at NBA City at Universal City Walk and reserve investments have been pounded in Pro Green...... inside back everyone agreed they always enjoy getting the stock market over the last year. How- together with their friends while at the ever, due to a conservative investment Quali-Pro Products...... 9 national show. portfolio the association is outperforming Revels Turf & Tractor/John Deere...... inside front In March we convened in Charlotte the market by seven percent. for our annual USGA Green Section In the area of government relations, S & R Turf & Irrigation Equipment...... 36 Conference. Once again Pat O’Brien both our North Carolina and South Caro- Schreiner Golf...... 39 and Chris Hartwiger pulled together a lina efforts have been on ensuring that world-class education session the day after legislation and regulations that deal with Sea Isle Supreme...... 38 we had a great golf outing at Ballantyne water and drought issues are fair to golf. Resort. Once again thanks go out to Paul And I guess that by now you all Shapemasters...... 11 Stroman and Mack Lawrence for the great know that at their July meeting the board Smith Turf & Irrigation Co...... 55 & back cover condition of the course. approved a succession plan that will The first weekend in May saw us hold advance Tim Kreger, our current director Sports Turf Irrigation...... 53 the grand opening for our new headquar- of programs, to the position of executive Syngenta Professional Products...... 13 ters building and though most of you were director upon my retirement on December not able to attend we video-taped the 31, 2009. TifSport Growers...... 32 event and will be showing excerpts of the As usual it has been a busy year for Tri-State Pump & Controls...... 4 ceremonies at this year’s Conference and the Carolinas GCSA but speaking from Show in Myrtle Beach. The day after our experience, your staff would want it no Unimin Corporation...... 40 grand opening we held our May meeting other way. Vereens Turf Products...... 30, 31 at Highlands Falls Country Club and were honored to have GCSAA president and Wiedenmann North America, LLC...... 46

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 5

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] THE PAT JONES INDEX

music on turntables before the advent of CDs and MP3s. They also made excellent Frisbees. But I digress…) On the top of the pile of 45s was a fabulous song by a one-hit-wonder named Bobby Lewis called “Tossin’ and Turn- ing” (which you may remember from “Animal House”). As the pain south of my belt buckle slowly subsided, I suddenly remembered another painful thought – I had a looming deadline for my Carolinas Green column. Eureka! I’d take a cue from fate and get in touch with a bunch of y’all down there and ask: “What makes you toss and turn?” Instant column! I grabbed a bag of frozen peas out of the freezer, positioned them very gently in my aching lap and started dialing to get the pulse of the Carolinas. I decided to ask a simple question: “What part of the job keeps you up at night right now?” Here’s what I heard. From Scott Clawson at Seven Lakes Country Club in Seven Lakes, NC: Pat Jones “What’s making me really worry right Funny how inspiration for a column now is it’s the best summer I’ve had in 15 comes from the strangest places. years. Everything’s perfect. That makes Tossin’ and I was helping my wife get ready for a me worry. It seems like the stuff I worry garage sale the other day when the muse about never happens, but it doesn’t keep struck me. Well, more accurately, it was a me from worrying. Seriously, it’s been a Turning heavy cardboard box that struck me…in great year for most of us in the Sandhills. my nether regions, to be exact. Things are going too good. I’m just wait- By way of explanation, garage sales ing for something to jump up and bite are a bit of a tradition in our family, me.” mainly since we tend to rapidly acquire From Brian Hicks at Ocean Ridge overflowing piles of useless crap. As a cur- Plantation in Sunset Beach, NC: “What mudgeon and something of a neat freak, do I worry about? Everything. In particu- I’m all about getting rid of piles of useless lar, the weather and the heat. How are crap. So I always agree wholeheartedly the greens going to be in the morning when she brings up the idea. However, when I get there? We’ve been pretty lucky in the days leading up to the event when this year, after having basically no rain for I basically become slave labor toting the two years and running out of water. Also, Discover Phoenix Environmental Care. aforementioned useless crap out of the at- the majority of play is resort play, so the tic and various other nooks and crannies, price of fuel and people not traveling has A new generation of quality products. my attitude changes. My enthusiasm is put a dent in that. But, on the upside, we suddenly tempered by being hot, sweaty, have newer equipment, a newer irrigation The complete line of advanced fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and plant tired and pissed off. system and a pretty steady labor force. growth regulators from Phoenix Environmental Care provides superintendents That leads me to my moment of both Last but not least, I worry because I have with superior quality, resistance management tools and guaranteed performance. pain and inspiration. As I grabbed one a wife and two young kids who want to ridiculously heavy box, I tripped over an- know why daddy’s always at work.” To learn how Phoenix’s value-enhanced pesticides can benefit your golf course, other behind me. The ridiculously heavy Steffie Safrit at MacGregor Downs contact 888.240.8856, or visit www.phoenixenvcare.com. box landed – ridiculously heavy corner in Raleigh, NC: “Three or four years ago, first – on my, er…groinal area. I would have said the pump station kept Green: Process - 100,0,100,40 As I writhed in pain and said many me up at night, but we finally replaced it. PMS - 349 Contact your local distributor. Blue: bad words – all in a strangely high voice The biggest thing now is what the next Process - 100,0,0,0 PMS - Process Blue Vance Whicker: 336-643-6413 – the box tipped over and out spilled a (continued on page 8...) Les Whicker: 828-612-7023 (Western NC) bunch of old-timey vinyl 45rpm singles. Jack Williams: 704-201-8162 (Charlotte Metro) (For you youngsters out there, these were Larry Boswell: 336-207-0162 (Central NC) flat black circular objects that played Pat Jones sponsored by: Anthony Whitehead: 252-290-0400 (Eastern NC)

6 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008 ©2008 Phoenix Environmental Care, LLC. The Phoenix logo is a registered trademark of Phoenix Environmental Care, LLC. Always read and follow label directions.

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PE08-095 Carolina Turf Ad_Fullpg.indd 1 5/28/08 11:50:50 AM THE PAT JONES INDEX (...continued from page 6) day is going to hold in terms of weather. water and I’ve cut back on fairways and at “around a pound per thousand.” In this The forecast might say 75 and it turns out tees for a while. I’m pouring on the wet- business, mowing at .10 instead of .12 to be 100. How are we going to handle ting agents and doing my rain dance, but might mean the difference between a good the stress? One big advantage we is hav- it’s been tough.” job and a pink slip. Underfertilizing by a ing Turf Breeze fans on 14 greens. We A. J. Smith at Castle Bay Golf and hair might mean an unmanageable disease put them in two years ago and it really Country Club in Hampstead, NC: “We’ve outbreak and a bunch of dead greens. helps cool the canopies a lot. It was about had too many warm humid nights and hot In short, the small stuff matters. Tos- $7,500 per fan to put them in and energy days. We’ve also had some root rot and sin’ and turning is, for most, a cost of do- costs are about $250 per month for each, wet wilt from afternoon thunderstorms. ing business in our world. As a very driven but it’s been tremendous. I sleep a lot bet- Fertilizer and fuel costs have also made friend of mine who seems to always be ter knowing we have them.” us cut back on overtime, but we haven’t working on three hours of sleep per night Troy Sanders at Crowfield Golf and dropped back on quality. We’ll see how says, “I have stuff to do. I’ll rest when I’m Country Club in Goose Creek, SC: “Be- that works out in the fall.” dead.” lieve it or not, the only thing that really As I talked to superintendents around To conclude my survey of folks keeps me up at night is my five-month-old both states (and got another bag of frozen around the Carolinas, I asked one non- baby boy! We’ve have been lucky with peas for my crotch) about what made superintendent - a fellow called Trent rain so far this year. But, still, every time them toss and turn, I kept thinking about Bouts - what was keeping him up nights. I’m in bed and I hear a storm passing over the old saying: “Don’t sweat the small His verbatim answer isn’t fit for a fam- I think, “Please don’t hit us!” Other than stuff.” It occurs to me that cliché might be ily publication like this one, but it was that, it’s been a pretty damn good year.” the worst advice a superintendent could something like, “A columnist who’s past Dean Bedenbaugh at Ponderosa ever receive. his deadline again!” Country Club in Leesville, SC: “Water! You have to sweat the small stuff. Well, thanks to a little inspiration We need some! Everybody around us is With rare exceptions, it’s nearly always from a garage sale, a very heavy box and getting rain except us. We’re between the small stuff that makes the differ- an old record, I can now ease his mind by Columbia and Aiken and they’re getting ence between success and failure in this reaching down to my keyboard and push- it, but we aren’t. We had a half inch in profession. Think about our brethren in ing “send” on this column. Sweet dreams, June and a little in mid- to late-July. It just the lawn care industry for a second. They Trent. And to the rest of you, I hope you keeps going around us. We’re using pond mow at “around 2.5 inches.” They fertilize only toss and turn a little this season.

8 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] ON THE ROAD TRENT BOUTS

Researching a recent article for another golf industry publication, I came across two similar stories from opposite ends of the country. In both instances golf course operators had scrapped their head golf professional position. Instead, they now employ a customer service specialist in the pro shop and a hired gun to give lessons on the range. Both are very happy with the results. Room is Getting Of course these are just two tales from some 16,000 courses across the U.S. But at a time when the golf industry faces myriad challenges in a mired economy, it is reasonable – even prudent – to wonder if these cases Tight at the Top are isolated tangents or early slashes at the undergrowth of a bold new path. At the Carolinas GCSA’s winter meeting at Daniel Island Club several years ago, Dave Downing, CGCS, raised doubts about the long-term viability of golf’s traditional leadership model of superintendent, pro and general manager. In the leaner, meaner environment after the ‘90s boom and the first economic slump of the new century post-9/11, Downing, now GCSAA president, asked how long operators could continue to pay three big salaries to run one facility? Well, if the belt-tightening then was cause for a hard look at the operating model, the current slump makes such an examina- tion imperative and action even more likely. Talking with those course operators the other week, both said some things that reinforced what I’ve come to know of superintendents over the past decade. What puts superintendents in good stead in the eyes of a seemingly increasing number of owners is that they are problem solvers and willing to take ownership of a challenge. One operator with a working lifetime in the industry was blunt: “Talking with other owners at meetings and conferences, you know, after a few beers or when you’re on the tee and the Trent Bouts conversation really starts to flow, you hear that golf course superintendents are held in high esteem as team players. They’re dedicated to the business, good people. Pros are the exact opposite. You hear words like selfish, self-centered, not good managers.” Before there’s a riot, we all know that there are indeed plenty of golf pros who are problem solvers, hands-on, stand-up individuals. Even more fortunately, many of them are right here in the Carolinas and the region’s reputation as a leader in golf is all the better for it. But there are signs beyond those instances, north and south, that suggest a growing awareness of the squeeze on the three-part management model. The August issue of Golf magazine carries a full-page advertisement from the PGA of America touting pros as “the experts in the game and business of golf.” The ad goes on: “…PGA professionals are truly the backbone of the $76-billion golf industry…Traditionally, their expertise is associated with…managing golf facilities.” It’s a fact that GCSAA has been blowing the horn of superintendents too. But in markets such as Golf Business, the publication of the National Golf Course Owners Association, and BoardRoom Magazine, for club managers and directors, the message was subtler and as much a plug for GCSAA as it was for superintendents. One read in part: “To ensure the best playing conditions and to keep your golfers satisfied and your tee times booked, trust your course to a GCSAA Class A superintendent.” Superintendents aren’t the audience for either ad campaign but they would do well to heed the unwritten message that rests between the two. That message is essentially this: “Golf town ain’t always going to be big enough for the both of us.” Whoever packs the most firepower on behalf of the entire golf operation is likely to be the one that stays at the top. General managers are not immune either. For superintendents that means more than producing quality playing

10 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] ON THE ROAD TRENT BOUTS conditions. How many times over the last few years have you heard that “it’s not enough just to grow good grass anymore.” The current climate calls for superintendents to also work on growing play, improving golfer satisfaction, elevating the image of their course or club in the eyes of the community. As someone else said at another Carolinas GCSA meeting at Daniel Island: “Because if you as golf course superintendents don’t become part of the solution, if you don’t get it, then you become part of the problem.” That statement came from Roger Warren, then incom- ing president of the PGA of America. “And if you become part of the problem, you become expendable because that golf course owner has to find someone who does get it,” Warren said. And don’t think that he didn’t pound home that same message to golf pros during his two-year term. Many owners realize that superintendents have already saved them serious money by maintaining consistent condi- tioning despite shrinking budgets. That reality is testimony to superintendents’ initiative and innovation and remains one of the least told but most significant industry stories of the decade. But scrimping and saving are defensive tools. Eventually there’s no more fat to trim or rabbits left in the hat. The time is ripe, in fact it demands, that superintendents step over to the offensive line and take on the broader issues confronting the game. As Downing and GCSAA have been preaching for several years, it’s the success of the entire facility that counts. After all, that’s what determines an owner’s capacity to pay a decent salary, let alone three.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 11

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS

Timeline Set for First in Golf Leader Change Fact or fiction? At their July 25 meeting, the Carolinas By Tim Kreger GCSA board of directors approved a succession plan for the retirement of cur- In my travels around the Carolinas rent association executive director, Chuck I have been asked the question numerous times, why does your license tag say “First Borman, on December 31, 2009. in Golf?” For those who don’t know, I used The board has designated Tim Kreger, to work for the South Carolina Junior Golf current director of programs for the asso- Foundation, and as a fundraising program, Tim Kreger we sold “First in Golf” license tags. I took GF ciation, to be the new executive director 13. Well, my answer was always quite simply - because we are first in golf. To of the Carolinas GCSA effective January elaborate in full, I have gathered the following: 1, 2010. Over the next 16 months Borman Fact: When a resolution was passed into law in the mid-90s for the SC Junior Golf Foundation to commission a license plate that read “First in Golf”, will be working with Kreger to ensure a Myrtle Beach was the No. 1 golf destination in the country. smooth transition of responsibilities and Fact: The Carolinas GCSA is the largest affiliated chapter of the Golf Borman has also agreed to consult with Course Superintendents Association of America, with about 1,800 superinten- the association, from January 1 to June dent and affiliate members. 30, 2010. Fact: The Carolinas GCSA is the only affiliated chapter of GCSAA Chuck Borman has been the ex- which owns its headquarters (103 Edgemont Avenue, Liberty SC 29657). ecutive director of the Carolinas GCSA Fact: The Carolinas GCSA hosts the largest regional conference and trade show for golf course superintendents in the United States. since March 1, 1998 and prior to that Fact: The Carolinas PGA section has the largest membership base of all was director of membership at the Golf affiliated chapters of the PGA of America, with more than 2,000 professionals Course Superintendents Association of and apprentices. America. Borman completed a 23-year Fact: The South Carolina Junior Golf Association is the No. 1 ranked military career in January of 1989 and junior golf association in the United States by Golf Digest. immediately began his career in associa- Fact: Golf in the Carolinas has an economic impact of more than $5-bil- tion management the next month. Borman lion dollars. received the CAE, (Certified Association Fact: The Carolinas GCSA retains lobbyists in both North and South Carolina to monitor all legislation affecting golf, and ensuring golf has a voice Executive) designation from the American in regulatory matters. Society of Association Executives in 2000 Fact: The Carolinas Golf Association is the second largest state and and has renewed that certification three regional golf association in the United States. times since. Fact: The National Golf Course Owners Association office is located Tim Kreger came to the association in within the Carolinas. November of 2007 as director of pro- Fact: The Carolinas Chapter of the Club Managers Association of grams. Kreger, a graduate of Clemson America, CMAA, was the first to host the National Club Championship at Kiawah Island in 2003. University, was previously employed as the director of development for the South Fiction: Only the stories passed around from golfers on the course! Carolina Junior Golf Foundation where he From these facts, I am comfortable saying that we “The Carolinas” are first in golf. I am sure that there are many more of these type facts out there, but for was responsible for increasing net assets now, this should be enough to get anyone as excited about golf in the Carolinas of the foundation by over $500,000. Tim as I am. and his wife, Stacey, have a two-year old Look for more great things to come in the future such as First in Golf Part- nerships, www.rounds4research.com, new meetings and more. We at the Caroli- son, Caden, and they have recently relo- nas GCSA are working to ensure that our members are represented as First in cated from Columbia to Powdersville, SC. Golf everywhere they go, and most importantly, that they are recognized as First in Golf close to home.

12 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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14 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TURF TALK

Dr. Bert McCarty

Dr. Bert McCarty, Research and Extension Turf Specialist at Clemson University, will address any turf-related question in this column. Write to him c/o: Clemson University, Department of Horticulture, Figure 1. A spray line is evident just off the green where Rubigan had been treated Box 340375, Clemson, SC and the approach had not. 29634-0375 or: [email protected] Sizing Up Weapons In the Poa Battle

Poa continues to plague my overseeded course each year. What are your latest findings and suggestions for the upcoming Poa season?

This past year, I would rate Poa pressure as somewhat normal. However, the extremely dry fall (for most), very bright days in winter (which encourages germination), and extremely late spring, allowed Poa seedheads to remain visible into early June. In a “normal” year, seedheads stop being so noticeable by late April. This is a prime example of what happens one year may or may not happen equally in another year or location.

Bermudagrass Greens For Poa trivialis overseeded bermudagrass greens, the Rubigan 1AS program is still best. Control is most consistent with a total of 12oz of product applied per 1,000 sq. ft. split in two or three applications with the last being 30 days prior to overseeding. In heavy weed populations, complete Poa control is unlikely; however, Rubigan still provides reasonable Poa annua control (about 80 percent) with no long-term damage to the bermudagrass or overseeding. Rubigan also provides spring dead spot disease control. Other products are not consistently effective and/or damage the overseeding or bermudagrass to the point of being unacceptable.

Overseeded Fairways Tables 1 and 2 list three Poa control trials with and without sequential herbicide applications in ryegrass overseeded Tifway bermudagrass. Perennial ryegrass was seeded between September 20 and October 1 of each year with approximately 350lbs seed per acre.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 15

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TURF TALK

Table 1. Percent Poa annua control at two sites in April in overseeded Tifway bermudagrass, 2007-08. Clemson University. From Table 1, dra- Herbicide Rate Timing Site I Site II matic differences in control Barricade 4L 0.5 lb ai/a 60DBO 60 abc 92 a were noted from Site I vs. Barricade 0.75 lb ai/a 60DBO 63 ab 95 a Site II. Site I had a dini- Barricade 0.38 lb ai/a 60DBO fb Jan 38 a-d 93 a troaniline-type herbicide Pendulum 3.8CS 3 fb 1.5 lb ai/a 45DBO fb Jan 65 ab 82 ab used on it on and off for Dimension G 0.5 ai/a 45DBO fb Jan 75 a 23 d over 20 years while Site II Regal Star II G 3 lb ai/a 60DBO 78 a 85 ab had never used one. Cor- Regal Star II 1.5 lb ai/a 60DBO fb Jan 67 ab 58 c respondingly, the Barricade Ronstar 2G 1.5 lb ai/a 60DBO fb Jan 67 ab 22 d and Pendulum treatments Prograss 1.5L 1 lb ai/a Nov fb Dec 73 a 95 a at Site I averaged only 57 Revolver 0.19L 17 oz/a 7DBO 13 d 52 c percent Poa control while Monument 75 DF + NIS 0.3 oz/a 7DBO 7 d 92 a at Site II, these averaged 91 TranXit 25DG+ NIS 1.0 oz/a 7DBO 20 cd 92 a percent control. Most other Velocity 17.6 WDG 6 oz/a Feb fb 21DAL 32 bcd 93 a products provided good to Ronstar 1.5 lb ai/a 60DBO fb Jan 67 ab 22 d excellent control at one of the two sites, but not both. NIS = nonionic surfactant added at 0.5 percent v/v; fb = followed by; DBO = days before overseeding; DAO = days after overseeding; DAL = days later. The exception would be Prograss. It ranked among Site I was near Clemson, SC, on a golf course which had used a dinitroaniline pre-emergence herbicide on and off for the past 20 years. the highest control product Site II was near Hilton Head, SC, on a golf course with no previous dinitroaniline pre-emergence herbicide use. at both sites. Interestingly with Poa, single full rates of pre-emergence herbicides tend to perform equally or better than split applications.

Table 2. Percent Poa annua control at three sites in April in overseeded Tifway bermudagrass, 2007-08. Clemson University. From Table 2, know- Herbicide Rate Timing Site I Site II Site III ing few herbicides work Barricade 4L 0.75 lb ai/a 60DBO 68 ab 33 e 92 cd exceptionally well alone, Monument 75DF + NIS 0.3 oz/a 7DBO 23 cde 68 bcd 97 abc we incorporated more Prograss 1.5L 1 lb ai/a Nov fb Dec 87 a 92 ab 93 bc program-type Poa con- Velocity 17.6 WDG 6 oz/a Feb fb Mar 45 bcd 83 abc 87 d trol approaches. Again, Barricade fb Monument 0.75 lb ai/a fb 0.3 60DBO fb 7DBO 67 ab 60 cde 93 bc herbicides used alone oz/a had varying results, often Barricade fb Prograss 0.75 fb 1 lb ai/a 60DBO fb Dec 92 a 90 ab 97 abc providing good to excellent Barricade fb Velocity 0.75 lb ai/a fb 6 oz/a 60DBO fb Feb 72 ab 47 de 92 cd control at one, but not all Monument fb Prograss 0.3 oz/a fb 1 lb ai/a 7DBO fb Dec 72 ab 95 ab 97 abc three sites. The exception, Monument fb Velocity 0.3 oz/a fb 6 oz/a 7DBO fb Feb 20 de 70 a-d 98 ab again, would be Prograss. Prograss fb Velocity 1 lb ai/a fb 6 oz/a Dec fb Feb 53 bc 97 a 93 bc By itself or in combination Barricade fb Monument 0.75 lb ai/a fb 0.3 60DBO fb 7DBO 90 a 88 ab 97 abc with other products, most fb Prograss oz/a fb 1 lb ai/a fb Dec consistent control programs Barricade fb Prograss fb 0.75 ai/a fb 1 lb ai/a 60DBO fb Dec fb 95 a 88 ab 97 abc had Prograss incorporated Velocity fb 6 oz/a Feb somewhere in them. Monument fb Prograss 0.3 oz/a fb 1 lb ai/a fb 7DBO fb Dec fb 55 b 87 abc 97 abc fb Velocity 6 oz/a Feb (continued on page 18...) Barricade fb Monument 0.75 lb ai/a fb 0.3 60DBO fb 7DBO 93 a 85 abc 100 a fb Prograss fb Velocity oz/a fb1 lb ai/a fb 6 oz/a fb Dec fb Feb

NIS = nonionic surfactant added at 0.5 percent v/v; fb = followed by; DBO = days before overseeding; DAO = days after overseeding. Site I was near Clemson, SC, on a golf course which had used a dinitroaniline pre-emergence herbicide on and off for the past 20 years. Site II was near Charleston, SC, on a golf course which had used a dinitroaniline pre-emergence herbicide for at least 20 continuous years. Site III was near Hilton Head, SC, on a golf course with no previous dinitroaniline pre-emergence herbicide use.

16 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TURF TALK (...continued from page 16) So what is a Poa boy to do? Since no single product provides 100 percent control in overseeded fairways containing moderate to heavy Poa populations, courses should consider a program approach. The following components of a program approach have provided the most consistent Poa control. Of course, each step in the program approach adds expense and no herbicide or combination of herbicides will provide 100 percent control at all locations. 1. Apply 0.75 lbs ai/a Barricade 60 days prior to overseeding. By itself, this treatment provides about 75 percent control, unless it has been used for 10 or more consecutive years. To boost this percentage, read on. 2. Apply either 0.5 oz/a Tranxit, 25DG 0.3 oz/a Monu- ment 75DF, or nine oz/a Revolver 0.19L prior to overseeding as per their labels. This assumes you are overseeding after October 1 (preferably after October 15), therefore, allowing as much Poa as possible to germinate prior to overseeding. Since Figure 2. Post-emergence Poa control with two applications of these are post-emergence herbicides, any Poa which germi- Prograss. nates after application will not be controlled. If overseeding earlier than October 1, step two will have diminishing effects. 3. Apply one gal/a Prograss 1.5L in early- to mid- December for early post-emergence control. Additionally, superintendents could forgo steps one and two, and make two applications of Prograss at one gal/acre each in late November followed by another in late December. Note the exact timing restrictions. Prograss applied earlier will cause green bermudagrass to turn dormant (no long-term problems, though). However, do not apply Prograss after mid-January in the Carolinas. 4. In mid- to late-February, apply Velocity 17.6 WDG at six oz/acre when day/night air temperatures are at least 70/50F, respectively. Note that some yellowing to the ryegrass may occur for about five days after application. The appropriate temperatures at the time of application are critical to ensure maximum control. Courses which haven’t overseeded in several years may just need step one, step three, or step four. If step three is used alone, I would recommend two applications, one in late Figure 3. Poa control with two applications of November followed by another in late December as discussed Velocity (right) compared to untreated (left). earlier. As Poa pressure increases, however, more steps are necessary. At a minimum, I would recommend steps one and two in heavier Poa populations. Superintendents should scout their fairways in November and early February to determine if steps three and/or four are necessary.

Acknowledgments We normally conduct about 30 Poa research trials yearly. This would be impossible without the cheerful assistance provided by Alan Estes, Rex Blanton, Jack Harrell III, Jeff Marvin, Jeff Atkinson, and Raymond McCauley at Clemson University. The willingness of superintendents to allow us to speckle their courses with studies also is most appreciated. This includes Matt Davis and Dave Fonnesworth at Boscobel Country Club, Don Gar- rett, CGCS, at the Walker Course, Jay Gratton, Bill Kennedy, CGCS, and Seth Zeigler with the Spring Island Company, and, Scott Ferguson, and Karsten McElfresh with Wild Dunes Resort, and the various companies and their representatives for helping sponsor much of this research. We will have additional Poa control mini-field days next spring, so plan on attending and comparing and contrasting your results with others. 18 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] USGA SOUTHEAST REGION, GREEN SECTION

Chris Hartwiger

The combination of drought, winter temperatures and spring traffic adds up to poor turf quality on common bermudagrass. A Hotel Room Patrick O’Brien With a Viewpoint

On the Road with the USGA opportunity to begin cultural practices on Summer is a busy time for USGA Green warm season grasses after several months of GREEN SECTION Section agronomists. By this time of year, we dormancy. Rainfall totals returned to near SOUTHEAST REGION have had our fill of fast food, hotel rooms with normal in much of the region. Temperatures noisy air conditioners, sunscreen bottles and in April were ideal for bentgrass growth and long drives. Along with life on the road we recovery from spring aeration. Bentgrass have the chance to make connections with putting greens by and large had a fantastic many people and learn first hand the trends spring for growth and playing conditions and issues facing superintendents. We will reflected this good weather. Overseeding share what we have learned thus far this year transitions progressed predictably in late May and offer our unique perspective on these and June. industry trends. Summer Winter July typically kicks off the summer stress The winter of 2007-08 was set up for period for bentgrass putting greens in the a major winterkill throughout the region. Southeast. The advent of improved fungi- Bermudagrass throughout much of the region cides and other life support tools is helping was under stress in drought stricken areas most superintendents keep their bentgrass and when it went to bed in late fall, it was in putting greens in good shape. In early July, a weakened state. Fortunately, temperatures many parts of the region began experiencing cold enough to inflict serious injury never ar- afternoon thunderstorms multiple days in rived. With that said, we did see our fair share a row. While this helps keep reservoirs and of poor common bermudagrass. It seems the ponds full, it is not good for bentgrass putting common was particularly hard hit through the greens. Only time will tell how bentgrass drought and winter. When exposed to traffic greens perform for the rest of the summer. in the spring, it was beaten down into submis- sion and an unacceptable playing surface Commodity Prices resulted. Most of it came back, although it A major story affecting everyone in golf took until well into July before it proved to be this year has been the increase in commod- acceptable for golf. ity prices. Everything from fertilizer, fuel, herbicides, sand and anything going into the Spring clubhouse has increased in price. We are not Superintendents were enthusiastic about talking about normal three to four percent in- the return of warm temperatures and the flation driven increases, either. Certain plant

20 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] USGA SOUTHEAST REGION, GREEN SECTION nutrients have spiked in price by as much as golfers? Yes. Are golfers aware and accepting 50 to 100 percent. All this is occurring while of lower quality playing conditions? We say our customers (golfers) are paying $4 a gallon the answer is ‘no’ for a couple of reasons. to get to the golf course. For a leisure activity First, most golf courses do not operate like golf, these trends are troublesome. with any type of concrete maintenance standards. They operate under a loose standard Saving Money or Cost Cutting of “we try to create the best product for the A popular topic in the 1990s on Turf amount of money we have.” This system Advisory Visits was raising the bar on play- works well when budgets creep upward over ing conditions through increases in operat- time slightly faster than the rate of inflation ing budgets. We have not heard this phrase because there are incremental improvements in many years. It has been replaced with in quality. Second, communications regard- a desire to determine the least amount of ing budgets and expectations rarely filter resources necessary to produce the desired down to the golfer. standard. This is a way to save money and As more courses are faced with cost cut- stretch the budget dollars a little farther. It ting, communication will be more important should not be confused with cost cutting. than ever. If standards must be lowered, it Cost cutting in golf course maintenance is better to get the news out sooner rather must go hand in hand with lower expecta- than letting them be a surprise to golfers. If tions. This is a simple concept but many market conditions are requiring your golf golfers and country club members are not course to save money or cut costs, we can getting the message. help you with the process and communicat- Let’s use an example to illustrate this ing the implications to owners or members. point. A superintendent at a private club We see hundreds of courses a year and we is asked to cut his budget by 10 percent. are always “PowerPoint” ready for meetings. Typically, this means there will be fewer Give us a call or email: Patrick O’Brien (678) employees and there will be less money to 591-7340 or [email protected] or Chris buy fertilizers, herbicides and other supplies. Hartwiger (678) 591-7410 or chartwiger@ Will this alter the product created for the usga.org.

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www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 21

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] HEADLINERS

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 report appeared in the Morganton News Herald mid-summer. Quaker Meadows Lands Big-name Superintendent

When Quaker Meadows Golf Course needed a new superintendent, they turned to one of the top North Carolina families in that line of work. John Greene is a fourth-generation greenskeeper from Linville. His great-grandfather helped build the first course there in the 1920s, working with the great designer, Donald Ross. His grandfather was superintendent at Linville Golf Club for many years while his father supervised the building of Mt. Glen and Linville Ridge golf courses. John Greene, CGCS Greene spent his high school days in Pinehurst where his dad took the job at Pine Needles for golf legend Peggy Kirk Bell and her husband. He played football and basketball there before going to N.C. State to learn all he could about the family profession. He has supervised the upkeep of several courses, including Blow- ing Rock’s, from 1985 to 2000, before coming to Quaker Meadows in January. Since that time he has got the local course in the best shape it’s been in for many years. Leon Lucas, former North Carolina State University faculty member and Carolinas Golf Association agronomist, visited Quaker Meadows recently and said it was not the same course as last year. He told me last week that “golf courses take a lot of work, but John Greene has expertise in knowing what they need and when they need it.” Greene has the title of director of operations at Quaker Meadows and is in charge of all aspects of the course’s management. He was president of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association in 2004. He says Quaker Meadows is a fine course for all levels of golfers and is great for workers. Greene is impressed by the number of young people from local physical education classes and the Morganton Recre- ation Department who use the par three course. The Greenes make their home in Linville. Wife Cathy works for Samaritan’s Purse in Boone. Son Zachary, 20, works in golf course construction and younger son, Benjamin, attends Avery County High School. “My dad was very successful and easy to get along with,” said John Greene. “I’ve adapted his philosophy that taught me to respect owners, golfers and those who work for me and give them the very best I can give them.”

22 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 23

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS

This spring Crawford and his assistant superintendent, Guy Stevens, cali- brated sprayers, installed new nozzles and sprayed the greens in late April. In July, YOU DON'T GET A MULLIGAN they aerated and topdressed the greens. “We did core aeration, just like we do WHEN SELECTING TURFGRASS. at Lockwood,” Crawford said. “Cinghiale Creek does not need as much aeration as Lockwood does because the kids do not use it all day long every single day of the week. Once a year aeration may be enough.” Crawford has been superintendent at Lockwood Folly for seven years and enjoys his job despite obstacles that are often beyond his control. “The first year was tough. We had a huge hurricane that wiped out trees and made a mess of things,” he said. “Last year, we struggled with drought much of the time. Today, with the economy and gas prices, we need to do more with less. We always need to keep the future in Jason Crawford inspects greens at mind and ask ourselves, what has immedi- Cinghiale Creek shortly before getting ate impact, what about the next year, and busy with aerification and topdressing. Giving Back the one after that?” In addition to his work with the local Through First Tee First Tee, Crawford is president of the Cape Fear Golf Course Superintendents By Elsa Bonstein Association. At Cinghiale Creek, he works with students from the Brunswick Community College Turf Program which Jason Crawford, superintendent at has adopted the course as a laboratory for Lockwood Folly Country Club, in Supply, its active curriculum. NC, believes in giving back to the game When asked why he is so active in with his whole heart. His devotion is helping with junior golf, he replies, “I’m evident in the pristine condition of Cing- only following the example set by other hiale Creek, the home of The First Tee of superintendents in our area. Billy Lewis, Brunswick County. superintendent at Carolina National and “Jason exemplifies the core values past president of the Carolinas GCSA of The First Tee,” said Rusty Petrea, who was instrumental in building the facil- with his wife, Carol, founded The First ity at Cinghiale Creek. He volunteered To them it’s a game. To you, it’s your reputation. Your career. That’s why you shouldn’t settle for anything less Tee of Brunswick County. “He treats our hours of his time to make it happen. than the superior certiﬁed turfgrasses produced by Buy Sod. Our premium varieties include the most complete TifDwarf greens, bringing the equipment Matt Owens, superintendent at Sea Trail, line of certiﬁed Bermuda grasses in the industry: TifSport, T-10, Patriot, and Tifway 419. from his own course annually to aerate donated much of the turf equipment they and topdress our greens.” use today.” The First Tee complex in Brunswick “Junior golf is great,” Crawford said. BUYSOD VARIETIES County is a 20-acre site near Shallotte “It gets kids away from computer games TIFSPORT BERMUDA EL TORO ZOYSIA TALL FESCUE BLENDS TIFBLAIR CENTIPEDE T-10 BERMUDA with three greens and multiple tees, and into the outdoors where they learn practice green and clubhouse containing good things. Kids need a place of their MEYER ZOYSIA KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS GREENS QUALITY PATRIOT BERMUDA TIFWAY BERMUDA classrooms, offices, locker rooms, indoor own and Cinghiale Creek and The First BLENDS BENTGRASS putting green and golf simulator. Over Tee of Brunswick County is there just for 400 youngsters are enrolled annually in them. The program here impacts the lives Coming Soon: Zeon Zoysia - New, fine bladed zoysia for tees and fairways. the program that is serviced by two paid of kids every day by teaching not just golf, personnel and more than 200 volunteers. but core values like responsibility, honesty Twelve affiliate courses provide additional and sportsmanship.” sites for weekly programming, tourna- Rusty Petrea sums it up best: “Jason ments, golf clinics and other First Tee Crawford is a hero for our golfing com- activities. munity.”

24 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008 Call 1.866.4BUYSOD for more information. PO Box 4089, Pinehurst, NC 28374 www.buysod.com [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] YOU DON'T GET A MULLIGAN WHEN SELECTING TURFGRASS.

To them it’s a game. To you, it’s your reputation. Your career. That’s why you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the superior certiﬁed turfgrasses produced by Buy Sod. Our premium varieties include the most complete line of certiﬁed Bermuda grasses in the industry: TifSport, T-10, Patriot, and Tifway 419.

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Coming Soon: Zeon Zoysia - New, fine bladed zoysia for tees and fairways.

Call 1.866.4BUYSOD for more information.www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 25 PO Box 4089, Pinehurst, NC 28374 www.buysod.com [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS eye. They said she was about six weeks old and since the wounds had already healed over, she most likely had been shot when she was about four weeks. We had a decision to make. We were told about “quality of life” and some people said we should put her down. But Dr. Stacy Jones and her staff at North Myrtle Beach Animal Hospital encouraged us in every way. They even took up a collection to help send her to a specialist in Wilmington, NC. We made numerous trips to North Carolina for her operation and follow-up care. We were told that if we worked with her legs every day that maybe she might regain some feeling in her legs. Well, we did. My children took her as our family mission. They worked with her on a daily basis. Since I found her on what was then the nine holes called the “Sapphire” nine, I named her Sapphire, or Sassy for short. Eventually, she did regain about 20 Jay Nelson’s daughter, This year I celebrate 25 years in percent use in one foot, just enough for Audralyn Nelson, with Sassy. the golf business with 20 as a golf course her to hold herself up and use the bath- superintendent and the last five at Crown room. Believe me this was a real victory Park Golf Club in Longs, SC. There are after eight months of working every day More Than a lot of responsibilities in the job, but the with moving her legs. one I take the most seriously is being a Over the next two and half years good environmental steward. This not Sassy really found a home at the golf only involves being smart with chemicals course. Members fed her treats they Just a Dog and fertilizers and how they affect our had bought for her. She rode around environment but also a responsibility to the course in the cart with me, acting By Jay Nelson all the wildlife that is on the course. as if she was the one in charge, and We are members of Audubon Inter- maybe she was. She had no idea she was national and working with them we have handicapped. She was an inspiration to become even more wildlife friendly. But everybody. my life changed on May 22, 2005, when On Memorial Day this year, some- I was called to No. 15 tee box because time around 11pm, the maintenance shed there was a puppy that needed some help. got broken into and a small amount of Before I could get there it started to rain, gas was stolen. Sassy stayed on a runner and I couldn’t find any puppy. in a sandy area a long ways from where The golfers had already headed to they took the gas. But for some reason the clubhouse. I sat in my truck for a few they felt it necessary to shoot Sassy and minutes wondering what to do, when I throw her into a pond on the course. If thought I saw something move behind the gunshot didn’t kill her, being unable the trash can. There behind the can was to swim because of her handicap did. this very small, hungry, wet puppy. But I am now taking the time to thank she had even more problems. When she Dr. Stacy Jones and her entire staff for got up to walk, she couldn’t move her all the attention they showed Sassy. I back legs. She just started dragging herself would take her there for her baths usually Jay Nelson down the cart path. every Tuesday. The staff went above and I sat there in the rain that day crying beyond to treat her special. because I was unsure about what would I will continue to be as good an come of her. I quickly transported her to environmental steward as I can possibly our veterinarian at North Myrtle Beach be, which will include taking care of the Animal Hospital. They X- rayed her and next animal that might walk up. To the gave us the bad news. She had been shot people who shot Sassy, I thought you in the back and the bullet was still lodged should know that she was more than “just in her spine. She was also missing one a dog,” she was my friend.

26 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS

A Note About Jay Nelson

I thought I would take this chance to tell you a little about Jay. His course is one of the Classic Golf Group courses here in the Myrtle Beach area and they awarded him golf course maintenance operation of the year. He was also awarded the Durald Wilson award from Classic. This is given to someone who has given back to the community by showing a caring, positive attitude towards others. Jay is the most positive person you will ever meet. This year also marked the 14th year for the James Mangum golf tournament, started by Jay in 1995. It was a way for Jay to honor his grandfather who died in ’94. It was his way of turning a negative into a positive as he would say. This year the tournament raised $7,500. That made just a little over $120,000 that his foundation has been able to give to charity in the past 14 years. He does this through the James W. Mangum Foundation. The tournament is always held at Carolina Springs in Fountain Inn, SC, second Thursday of June. Jay also volunteers his time to teach a class for the San Diego Golf Academy here in Myrtle Beach. He brings equipment up for them to use and also addresses many other subjects, but you can bet he starts by talking about being a good environmental steward and that he always ends that way. The students often say they can feel his passion. Jay also is vice-president of the North Myrtle Beach High School Navy JROTC program. He cooks out for them at least six or seven times a year not to mention all the fundraising efforts and mentoring he supports. “Have grill will travel” is his motto. And you know about Sassy but believe me there have been countless other dogs that Jay has brought home for us to foster and or nurse back to health. The girl in the picture is Audralyn, Jay’s youngest daughter. Jay has another daughter Samantha, and two sons, JR and Jordan. Just thought you might want to know a little more about Jay and you could understand why Sassy was so special to him. Christina Nelson

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 27

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 28 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Bad Eyesight? Mr. Magoo? No…He’s an Agronomist By Trent Bouts

Golf course superintendent, Mel Lucas III, and his father, links consultant, Mel Lucas Jr., are bringing history out of the ground at Baden Inn Resort.

Hidden treasures are not always wrapped in cotton wool and tucked neatly in a shoebox beneath the stairs. Sometimes, as with the golf course at Badin Inn Resort east of Charlotte, NC, the ravages of time and the elements do the shrouding. Recovery becomes as much as an exercise in archeology as agronomy. Witness a report in the Stanly News and Press from early 2007: “…looking from my window last summer I was alarmed to see a not-so-young, pleasingly plump gentleman crawling on his hands and knees along the edge of a sand trap. I called the pro shop. “He’s looking for the green,” I was told. “Bad eyesight? Mr. Magoo?” “No. Just Mel Lucas. He’s an agronomist.”” Given the scope of what was ahead in the restoration of the course built in 1924, it was entirely appropriate that the project should begin at a crawl. In many ways,

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] the golf course was nearly as dilapidated as the inn itself which had been boarded up decades before. Without unlimited funds for a massive makeover, this would be a comeback made by increments rather than in leaps and bounds. “We’re chipping away at it,” says Mel Lucas, Jr., who turns out to be as genial as the aforementioned Mr. Magoo but whose vision for the future of the golf course is laser sharp. “We’ll get there.” Lucas has the credentials to support his prediction. President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America in 1980, he has split recent decades between golf course construction in Europe and his home in Dartmouth, MA. This hole is one that will take on a new look when the adjacent sluiceway is converted The son of a greenkeeper, his agronomic from stone and concrete to wetlands. pedigree is matched only by his passion Dramatically for the history of the game. Today he is lowering the president of the Golf Collectors Society greenside and his business card cites his profession edges of these as “links counsellor” with two ls, just like bunkers has the old days. All in, the combination eliminated a makes him an ideal fit for the project at bowl effect that Badin Inn. compromised That fact was why one of the backers drainage and of the Badin Inn restoration called Lucas green health. when they bought the property three years ago. Lucas had helped the part- owner on a previous restoration 20 years earlier. When he came to take a look, Lucas had to apply a cross between x-ray vision and crystal ball gazing to see what once was and what might be. “It’s a gem,” he says. Lending considerable luster to that

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] sense of hidden treasure is the fact that Badin Inn was at various times a stage for the likes of Walter Hagen and Sam Snead, whose good friend, the Carolinas’ own, Johnny Palmer, learned the game at the course as a teenager. Palmer, an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour and member of the victorious U.S. Ryder Cup team in 1949, grew up in Badin. But like many gems, this was one was buried in the dirt. With backhoe and shovel, Lucas and his son, Mel Lucas III, the golf course superintendent, have recovered the original contouring of 14 greens. Decades of sand splashed forward by bunker shots and layer upon layer of thatch had introduced humps and bumps where once there were none. In one instance the original green surface was 28 inches down. In another, an intact greenside sprinkler head from The father and son team of Mel Lucas Jr. and Mel Lucas III have worked hard to restore the ‘50s was found 24 inches down. critical nutrients to the golf course at Badin Inn Resort. Often these raised areas compromised drainage, further exacerbating pressure known for many years as Stanly Country that go with new construction. Here it on turf health in the central part of the Club. was a combination of old technologies greens. Originally crafted by V.C. Edmin- For Lucas, the younger, delving into a and years of mismanagement. It takes a ster, the course had been redesigned by restoration as he moved up to golf course little longer to see the results. But we’ll Ellis Maples in 1960 but the subsequent superintendent responsibilities felt like get there. Slowly but surely.” half-century had not been kind to his one step forward and one step back. He Results to date include those re- work. first picked up a club as a four-year-old contoured green surrounds, a number of Badin was founded around an alu- following his dad out onto the course at renovated tees and some new tees to pro- minum plant established by L’Aluminum Piping Rock Club in Locust Valley, NY. vide extra length. One of the most excit- Francais in 1913. Alcoa bought the plant In 2002, he joined Intergolf Design where ing projects on the drafting board centers from the French during World War Two his father still serves as a consultant. on what is an ailing stone and concrete but as the 20th century wound down, so “Coming here was kind of like going drainage ditch stretching through the did Alcoa’s operations and any sense of backwards,” he says. “I was used to all the first seven holes. Originally a sewer line, momentum at the golf course, which was new technology and the new equipment (continued on page 33...)

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] (...continued from page 31) Museum On Shelf Plans to establish a major golf course maintenance museum at Badin Inn Resort are on hold. Owners of the resort signed an agreement with GCSAA to house the national association’s stock of old maintenance machines and equipment. But to date, they have been unable to secure the major financial support necessary to convert an old barn on the property into a suitable facility. The delay disappoints Mel Lucas Jr., who served on a historical preservation committee for GCSAA’s 75th anniversary. The committee has since been disbanded but Lucas felt the Badin Inn property, with its proximity to Pinehurst and a The lodge that housed the likes of Sam Snead at Badin Inn Resort was major city like Charlotte, made it an ideal location shuttered for many years but two of three floors are now fully restored. to showcase the history of the golf course superintendent. the ditch will be restored into wetlands as part of a $1.5-million project “It would be a no-brainer,” he says. “This would funded by the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program. be a prime location for GCSAA seminars. People The project will lend considerable aesthetic appeal to the early could play a nice old golf course and have a quali- holes. It will also include an additional irrigation source for the golf course as well as tons of material that the Lucas’ plan to turn into ty experience visiting the museum. But now it’s kind strategically placed “hillocks and hummocks.” “It will also put an end to of hoping there’s a sponsor, or many sponsors, the whitewater rapids that would come crashing through the golf course who will step forward. GCSAA hasn’t done as every time there was a major storm,” Lucas Jr. (that is the senior of the much as I think they could to make this happen.” two), says. “We will be able to make this a real good test of golf.”

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NEWS Bennett-Maples Scholars Named Sons and daughters of Carolinas GCSA members will share in $11,000 worth of educational support through this year’s Bennett-Maples Scholarships. The scholarships are named in honor of Carolinas GCSA founders, Grant Bennett and Henson Maples. This year, 11 students will each receive scholarships of $1,000 to meet the cost of their ongoing education. As part of the scholarship process, applicants had to prepare an essay about the impact their parent’s career as a superintendent had made on their lives. Here are excerpts from those essays by the successful applicants.

Kelli Allen Daughter of Danny Allen Camden Country Club Camden, SC “As I have gotten older I can see how difficult being a superintendent is. Last summer I worked at Camden Country Club helping dad and got a little taste of medicine. Coming home from work I know my dad has had some hard days. But he never brings it home. He faced many difficult situations and many even more difficult people but always tried to handle them in a Christ like way. My dad is a man of integrity who always stood for what he knew was right even when it wasn’t the easiest thing to do.”

Shane Assadzandi Son of Saeed Assadzandi, CGCS Champion Hills Club Hendersonville, NC “Few other fields require so much cooperation, adaptability and most importantly of all, versatility ... As I have spent years observing the industry, I have learned lessons about hard work and dedication. My father is a tireless employee and always strives to do the greatest good that he can for the company he works for…I have seen my father take a shovel and dig up a sprinkler head in the morning only to don a three-piece suit and attend a business meeting in the afternoon.”

Jessica Wilkerson Daughter of Mitchell Wilkerson, CGCS Moss Creek Plantation Bluffton, SC “Growing up on golf courses and watching the work my dad does has really helped shape me as a young adult. I have learned that no matter how much money you make, what really matters is that you are doing what you love. Since my dad was a little boy, he has been dedicated to the game of golf and working outdoors on the golf course. There is nothing else he’d rather be doing and that is very inspirational to me. I have seen how doing something you love can shape your life and truly make you the person you want to become.”

Christie Meda Daughter of David Meda Arrowhead Country Club Myrtle Beach, SC “My dad has always worked incredibly hard to make sure that he and his business are successful ... Throughout life there will be those behind the scenes and those in the spotlight, but without each piece of the puzzle the performance is incomplete … I will follow his example of ethics, dedication and perseverance. Some have had the chance to learn from dad as a golf course professional but I have been blessed with the opportunity to see all aspects of my dad as a person and leader.” (continued on page 37...)

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] (...continued from page 35) NEWS Holly McDanel Daughter of Greg McDanel, CGCS Rolling Hills Country Club Monroe, NC “My father’s job as a golf course superintendent has taught me several things. If you are going to do something, do it to the best of your ability. He has always stressed the importance of this lesson and I carry it with me today in every job that I do whether working at CVS or completing homework assignments for class. His strong work ethic and dedication to his job have shown me the importance of hard work … He has shown that service is an important component of any career and I plan to the serve the community as well in my future career as a pharmacist.”

Jordan Fruchte Son of David Fruchte, CGCS Pine Needles Resort Southern Pines, NC “I have learned from my dad’s career path that in order to be happy about your life you must have a job in which you have an absolute love for what you do, or else you won’t find your life to be happy. I know for a fact that flying airplanes for a career is the thing that I would do for the rest of my life for no salary if I had to, because I love to fly and have always dreamed about flying airplanes around the world or anywhere in general.”

Tyler Dacus Son of Gary Dacus Rolling Green Golf Club Easley, SC “I now have a much greater understanding of my dad’s job because I now work part-time at the club. It’s not just growing and cutting grass. It is much deeper and harder than what I first thought … I have also learned what an impact my dad’s job has on the golfers. I have been working with the golf carts and the bag drop for a couple of years now and I hear all the complaints and praises whenever he does something … I have also learned that some golfers won’t be happy regardless of what he does.”

Kurt Bivins Son of Ron Bivins Country Club of Salisbury Salisbury, NC “Western Carolina University has been my home away from home for the last three years. As I approach my next and final year, I can still thank my father for the influence he has had upon me … I am excited where this world will take me but will never forget where and who I cam from. My parents have influenced me more than anyone in my life and I so thankful to have a working, providing father who takes nothing for himself and shares all with me.”

Jordan Benton Son of Greg Benton, CGCS Grove Park Inn Resort Asheville, NC “Needless to say my dad is also a perfectionist and makes sure it is done the correct way. Doing things the correct way has rubbed off on me. I would rather do something correct the first time than have to go back and do it again. I realize that it may take me longer the first time but in the long run I will have the advantage. Also I would like to point out that even though my dad has long, busy days, he still manages to come to all my baseball games.”

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] (...continued from page 37) NEWS Katherine Young Daughter of Dale Young Bald Head Island Club Wilmington, NC “… I believe golf course superintendent families make many sacrifices … Take a family vacation in the summer, “Not a chance, the greens are going to fry, they will never survive unless I syringe.” Vacation over the holidays, “not this time, my crew really needs a few days off.” Breakfasts together, “Are you kidding?” My dad is out the door and on the road before the sun even rises. Dinner together, “Possibly, but you can count on it being late.” Despite the many sacrifices, his commitment keeps our family strong, determined and proud.”

Pierce Wright Son of Steve Wright, CGCS Boca West Country Club Boca Raton, FL “My perception of golf course superintendents is much different from many people’s opinions. Some people look at the profession of a golf course superintendent and just see them as fancy gardeners on an enhanced scale. But they could not be more mistaken. A golf course superintendent does much more than just water plants and throw out some fertilizer whenever they feel like it. Golf course superintendents should be revered as artists, most of whom are given a blank canvas and instructed to create a masterpiece.”

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] LOCAL NEWS

Ernie Hayes holds a plaque commemorating the scholarship From left, GCSAA past-president, Randy Nichols, with Western endowment in his name surrounded by his sons, from left, Jim, NCTA president, Fred Gehrisch, CGCS. Wally and Michael. Western NC A legend of the course where Dexter Bentley all of whom have strong golf course superintendent and Paul Waycaster are super- golf backgrounds. Jim, a profession in the Carolinas, intendents. pharmacist now, is a former James E. “Ernie” Hayes, Over the years the Class A PGA professional. has been recognized with WNCTA has given close to Michael, a former golf course a scholarship endowment $20,000 in education scholar- superintendent, is now a in his name. Hayes, 85, ships to sons and daughters grounds and site consultant was surprised with the of association members. The to Laurelmor, a new resort announcement at a recent Ernie Hayes endowment opens project. Wally owns and op- meeting of the Western with $7,000 and a commit- erates HydroLinks Irrigation, North Carolina Turfgrass ment from the WNCTA to specializing in installation of Association at Cummings raise that amount to $25,000, golf course irrigation systems. Cove Golf Club in Hender- at which time Gehrisch said A special guest speaker sonville, NC. “it will start paying for itself.” at the Cummings Cove WNCTA president, Tim Wemple At the meeting announc- event was a past-president Fred Gehrisch, CGCS, of ing the Ernie Hayes endow- of the Golf Course Super- Highlands Falls Country example of giving back that ment, Gehrisch praised the intendents Association of Club, said the endowment we want to honor,” Gehrisch support of industry partners. America, Randy Nichols. would “rightfully ensure that said. “They are the ones to thank Host superintendent, Tim future generations will know Hayes is a past winner of as it has been their gifts that Wemple, won high praise for the name of Ernie Hayes.” the Carolinas GCSA’s Distin- have made this happen,” he his presentation of the golf “Ernie has given so much to guished Service Award. He said. course which has undergone the people around him in still works part time at Linville Hayes was joined at extensive renovation in the golf industry and it’s his Land Harbor’s 18-hole golf the meeting by three sons, recent years.

Cape Fear did such a great job with this us an update on putting green - Jason Crawford, Lock- prestigious tournament. disease and fungicide control wood Folly Country Club (910) Congratulations to Mike We had a well-attended at Wilson’s in August. 842-7027. Claffey on successfully hosting dinner meeting at Wilson’s Keep an eye out for this year’s Carolinas Amateur restaurant in July where Lee information on our second Midlands Championship in July. Mike is Miller, from North Carolina annual fishing tournament one of the legends of the golf State University, spoke on coming up October 2. This is a The Midlands Turfgrass course maintenance profession the issue of putting green fairy great event with a great future Association held its annual in the Carolinas and it was no ring. Lee Butler, also from NC and we look forward to strong golf championship at Camden surprise that he and his staff State, was scheduled to give participation. Country Club late July. Con-

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] LOCAL NEWS

George Hilliard, of the Myr- Palmetto tle Beach Area Golf Course At press time, we’re once Owners Association, was again in the middle of our on hand to present a check growing season and I’m sure to the Palmetto GCSA for all of us face many different $1,000, which we appreciate challenges on a day-to-day very much. He also gave a basis. As of late July, the heat brief update on the current hadn’t been extremely bad state of golf rounds being and for certain areas along played in the Grand Strand the Grand Strand, we had area as it relates to revenue enjoyed our share of some and the economy. decent rainfall. Let’s hope Our next outing was that trend continues into the slated to be held at the fall until we can expect some Caledonia Golf and Fish relief from Mother Nature. Club. After some minor When things aren’t going as setbacks and planning smoothly as planned on the changes, the golf and an- golf course, take a quiet mo- nual elections has now ment to yourself and remem- been moved to True Blue Clay DuBose, CGCS, left, thanks George Hilliard, of the Myrtle ber the important things in Golf Plantation on Sep- Beach Golf Course Owners Association, the a $1,000 donation. life that matter the most. tember 11, where Kevin We held our annual Thompkins will be our host golf championship at The In the net division, Jason superintendent. Tradition Golf Club late Crawford fought hard to The Palmetto GCSA July where 40 players turned defend his net title but lost in board of directors would out to battle out the heat a play-off on the card to Gene like to encourage everyone and grind their way around Meyle with a net 67. Dan who plans to attend the the Ron Garl-designed golf Connolly followed up the net meetings to please register course. Congratulations to division in third place. Closest on-line or via phone call Kevin Thompkins, from True to the pin winners were Dan with payment in full to the Blue Golf Plantation, who James on No. 2, Joel Ratcliff, Carolinas GCSA office. fired a four-under par 68 to CGCS, on No. 5, David At some point in the near win the gross championship Pulley on No. 12, and Scott future we are looking at by a four-shot margin over Grumman, CGCS, on No. 15. only taking pre-registrations his closest competitor, Scott A special thank you goes for meetings. This is of great Low shooter, Kevin Thompkins, Grumman, CGCS, from the benefit to our association out to Harrell’s Fertilizer and with the Palmetto GCSA’s golf in maintaining financial Members Club at Grande Simmons Irrigation on the day championship trophy. Dunes. To the best of my for being dinner and golf prize records and meeting at- knowledge, Kevin’s was the package sponsors. The bever- Without them it would be tendance. It also makes the lowest scoring round in many age cart was also sponsored very difficult to provide addi- on-site meeting check-in a years in the golf champion- by Palmetto Turf Consultants tional services while maintain- much smoother operation. ship. Randy Allen, CGCS, and Modern Turf. We cannot ing a respectable cost at our - Clay DuBose, CGCS, from Burroughs and Chapin, thank our vendors enough for monthly meetings. The Tradition Golf Club finished third with a 74. supporting our association. After the golf and dinner, (843) 241-1721.

gratulations to Troy Thrall, Sam Cheatham 2. the new year was held at the Fort Jackson Golf Club. from Columbia Country Net: Matt Schrader 1, the Country Club of South Our next meeting is Club, who won the superin- Bobby Driggers 2. Carolina at Crickentree scheduled for October and tendent title ahead of Rhett Camden Country Club hosted by David Meldrum. It will be a joint meeting with Baker, from Palmetto Golf was in great shape despite the was a rainy day so not much the Upstate Turfgrass Asso- Club. Paul Nichols won the lack of rain and host super- golf was played. Our speaker ciation at Musgrove Mill Golf net division ahead of Wyman intendent, Danny Allen, had talked with the group about Club in Clinton. Corder. everyone playing it from the the importance of financial - Sam Cheatham, South Vendor division results – back tees. planning. Our spring meeting Carolina Turfgrass Foundation Gross: Todd Joefreda 1, The first meeting of was hosted by Jimmy West at (803) 957-0616.

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] LOCAL NEWS

North-South It has been an active year choice research tournament for the North-South Turfgrass was held at Westport Golf Association. In February, we Club in Denver, NC. We held our educational meeting would like to thank host featuring Dr. Charles Peacock superintendent, Stan Over- from North Carolina State Uni- ton, for allowing us to use the versity doing a half-day seminar golf course. In the end, the on best management practices Verdict Ridge team won the for water quality and the second event with a score of 13-un- half of the day featured Tony der par. Altum, of Altum and Associ- In total, the North-South ates Irrigation Consulting, TA raised $3,000 for turfgrass advising on irrigation system research that day. The money upgrades and improvements in will be split equally between the industry. The North-South Clemson University and TA thanks Barry Gemberling, North Carolina State Univer- of ArborGuard Tree Specialists, sity. We thank Larry Feller, of for sponsoring the meeting. Syngenta, for being our gold In April, we joined the level sponsor for this event Western North Carolina and Buddy Smith, with Mod- Turfgrass Association for our ern Turf, for their silver level annual Hamrick Cup golf tour- sponsorship of this event. nament. This year’s matchplay Our final meetings of the format was closely contested year include our strokeplay with North-South TA pull- championship at Cabarrus ing out a victory by a score of Country Club on September 15.5 to 11.5. We retain the 17 followed by our annual cup for another year. We thank business meeting at Carmel David Wrenn, of Southern Ag. Country Club in October. Insecticides, for his gold level - Ed McClafferty, From left, Scott Fallon, Todd Armstrong and Ed McClafferty sponsorship of this event. Carmel Country Club (704) with the Hamrick Cup for another year. In May, our captain’s 945-3325.

for that chocolate cake that I eat business was increasing partici- Triangle my own weight in every year. pation at outings and meetings. The first meeting of the The second annual Bob In 2007, we staged nine events year was our pesticide confer- Mashburn fundraiser was held but this year we will only have ence at Prestonwood Country at Hope Valley Country Club six meetings. Hopefully this Club. Attendance was strong where we had another strong eases the burden on our mem- once again with 80 participants. turnout. We had 88 members bers but still provide plenty of The Triangle Turfgrass Asso- and guests of members play in opportunity to get together and ciation would like to thank Dr. this event. Congratulations to share knowledge. Fred Yelverton and Dr. Bruce Ken Russell and his partner for One big meeting will be Martin for a great presentation. winning the event with a 14-un- with the Piedmont GCSA in It’s always nice to get an update der par total. That’s really great the annual challenge match on disease pressure and weed scoring for a two-man team. where we will be going for our control before tackling the sum- With support from our third title in a row. We felt that mer time blues. The buffet and sponsors the association handed Ken Russell one big reason for low participa- staff at Prestonwood are great out over $1,200 in prizes. We tion last year was that several and have been a big reason for thank all of our vendors for their Simon Handley, Chad Buch- meetings were just not at a good such great success with this continued outstanding support. man, Wiley Covert and staff for time. As such we tried to fac- event over the years. Thanks to As expected the golf course was all of their hard work. tor in summer as a time when all the folks at Prestonwood for outstanding and a big reason The board of directors had none of us want to leave the having us. I would also like to for such strong participation. I several productive meetings nest this year. Scheduling can personally thank the pastry chef would like to thank David Lee, during the spring. One order of also be tough when there are

44 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] LOCAL NEWS also other local, regional and age and pro shop teams. Chris national associations hosting Newnham, from Secession events. Sorting out a calendar Golf Club, and his team took that works for everyone can be home the first place winnings a challenge. and plaque. Afterwards we had The board is developing a a nice reception and raffle of guideline to give scholarships out in Bob Mashburn’s name and is looking to come up with new ideas and equal ways to give out these scholarships. If any member has an idea about scholarships please contact a board member. Finally, we are always looking for future sites to host a meeting, so if you are interested please contact a board member. Our association championship will be at Twelve Oaks Country Club in October and our Christmas party will be at Carolina Country Club. Chris Newnham - Charles Sheffield, CGCS, Croasdaile Country Club (919) donations from all participating 383-2030. clubs, giving away a grand prize of $500. Lowcountry There have also been some major amateur events in our Ray Bindewald, left, receives a memento of his appearance Well, it’s summer and it area recently. Eric Greytok and on the cover of Carolinas Green from Cross Winds owner, looks like The Weather Chan- Dean Farlow, at Belfair Planta- Sam Pate. nel personnel have once again tion, just hosted the prestigious Upstate forgotten to update the 10-day Players Amateur tournament forecast for Beaufort County. on The East Course. The field The heat is on in up- There were several win- Every day is forecast for a high consisted of an international state South Carolina I can ners in the skins format but in the mid 90s, low in the mid group of top amateurs all on an tell you as we work on our Kyle Traynham took home 70s and a 40 percent chance invitational basis only. grow-in after the renova- more than anyone thanks of isolated thunder storms. You Bill Hirchert and Carson tion at Furman University to his sharp iron game. would think they would catch Kamps, at Colleton River Plan- Golf Course. I’m sure we After play, the folks at Cross onto this one of these years. tation, also just hosted a quali- could all do with some Winds made a nice presen- The Lowcountry Golf fier for the U.S. Amateur on the cooler temperatures and tation to Ray with a plaque Course Superintendents As- Dye Course. Boasting one of the a little more rain but it is to mark his appearance on sociation started off the summer largest fields for a qualifier in summer after all. the cover of the July-August at Pinecrest Golf Club with our the country, the top six finishers Speaking of rain, one issue of Carolinas Green. annual staff challenge tourna- got to move on to Pinehurst of the heaviest downpours It was a wonderful gesture ment. Designed for superin- No. 2 and No. 4 for the U.S. to hit Greenville recently from the club. tendents to say thanks to the Amateur late August. The just happened to come an At press time we were crews for all they do every day, Lowcoutnry GCSA would like hour before our most recent still working out details for provide them an opportunity to to say thanks to these two clubs meeting at Cross Winds our challenge match with play some golf and be catered for hosting these big events and Golf Club. It says some- the Midlands Turfgrass As- to, this year did not disappoint. bringing quality exposure to our thing about the job that sociation but we were look- Everyone at Pinecrest did area. Both courses are always host superintendent, Ray ing at a superb facility in a great job in making us feel in excellent condition and are Bindewald, does there that our area as a potential host comfortable and taking care awesome representations of the the course still played great site. of all the details. Big thanks to golf in our area. and while we were small in - Paul Brandenburg, superintendent, Rob Whitney, In August we were prepar- number we had a big time CGCS, Furman University for getting the event set up ing for our big showdown with on the course. Golf Course (864) 294-2060. as well as the food and bever- the Coastal Plains GCSA.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 45

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 46 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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The Charles Jones Memorial Fundraiser and chapter challenge, hosted by Chris Mahoney Coastal Plains at Brays Island Plantation, is In May we headed to always a highlight of the sum- The Club at Seabrook Island mer, providing a nice break where Nick Price is golf to get out, have a couple of course superintendent. The Coca-Cola’s and see some old Coastal Plains GCSA greatly friends. This year was to be a appreciates the hospitality two-person captain’s choice that Nick and the folks at format. The day was to start Seabrook extended on the with breakfast, hosted by the day. Carmen Magro gave a Carolinas GCSA, followed with wonderful talk on foliar appli- lunch at the River Gazebo. cations. Good information is - Chris Johnson, May River always valuable and it is easy Club (843) 706-6798. to take on board when it is so well presented. Thanks also to Troy Piedmont Sanders for hosting our meet- Michael Eargle It is with a heavy heart ing at Crowfield Golf and North Charleston. We were all eventually and we are that I announce the end of Meg Country Club. The meeting hoping for a good turnout to fortunate to have such out- Schexnayder’s service as our included a great reel grinding these seminars which provide standing researchers serving administrative assistant for the demonstration with Foley our members with a valuable golf. When we can catch a Piedmont GCSA. Her five years and Express Dual. Then in service so close to home. few fish and spend some time of service shaped the Piedmont July we headed to the Links In September, all attention catching up with colleagues GCSA into one of the premier at Stono Ferry where Michael turns to our annual fishing tour- to support this effort, it really local associations. While most Eargle hosted a very enjoyable nament which is really getting is a winning event all round. members might not realize how captain’s choice event. to be a huge event. Last year You can find registration important she was to us, just ask Late August we were we raised $5,000 which we do- details and forms at the Caro- any past-president about how scheduled to partner with the nated to Dr. Bruce Martin and linas GCSA website, www. valuable the assistance was that Carolinas GCSA hosting a staff at the Pee Dee Research carolinasgcsa.org. she gave. regional education seminar Center. This kind of support - Jason King, Daniel Island Meg was promoted from at the Hilton Garden Inn in for turfgrass research helps us Club (843) 856-2438. her current position outside golf to a regional manager- ship which required a move to out was on. Starting up before Chevrolet. I always knew that the game over 40 members she would do very well in her and guests hung out and got a new position after leaving an chance to catch up over some administrative position with hotdogs and brats. This was us at Grandover Resort. The a free event for all Piedmont same abilities she used to help GCSA members as Syngenta our association grow did not go picked up the tab for the dinner unnoticed, which no doubt led and the tickets to the game. to her promotion. The board Unfortunately the Grasshop- of directors was aware that one pers were not able to pull out a day this would happen and win for us but it was a home run joining the Carolinas GCSA for the Piedmont GCSA and local association administrative Syngenta. support program should provide Brent Gentel Meg Schexnayder Coming up is our last a smooth continuation of our match for the year with the success. Kevin Smith at Bryan Park Golf Melon University. Congratula- Triangle Turfgrass Association. On the brighter side, the Course, received our family tions to our winners. This match has historically Piedmont GCSA has awarded scholarship. The scholarships Our annual night out at the been one of our most highly our annual turf and family were awarded in the amount of Greensboro Grasshoppers base- contested events. Stoney Creek scholarships. Shane Gravett, $1,000 each. Shane is currently ball event, with host Syngenta, Golf Club will host this year’s at Sedgefield Country Club attending Greensboro Techni- was a big hit with everyone. event thanks to host superin- received our turf scholar- cal Community College and Past-president, Russell Hill, tendent, Mark Shaw. This will ship. Chris Smith, son of Chris is attending Carnegie manned the grill and the cook be a noon shotgun start on

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 47

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September 23 with registration to accommodate up to 40 teams have grown closer to this com- out by late August. Our an- open at 10.30am and lunch at with both courses available for munity of superintendents in four nual fundraiser will be held early 11am. Cost is $30 per player and play. Harrell’s Fertilizers will years than I ever could have in a November at Southern Pines thanks to Bayer Environmen- sponsor the lunch and reception lifetime in Phoenix. That makes Golf Course, formerly know as tal Science for sponsoring this sponsor and Cleary Chemicals me grateful and I give you my The Elks. If you would like to event. Remember we need at will be our drink sponsor. thanks. sponsor a hole or enter a team, least 10 two-man teams to avoid I have really enjoyed serv- - Mike Duffy, Grandover contact Kevin Robinson, CGCS, a three-point penalty, which ing as your president this year. Resort (336) 294-9456. or Dave Bowbliss. caused our loss last year. Even though I am only half-way - Jack Helmann, Sandhills After that it is time again through my term I have found Community College (910) 315- for our annual fundraiser on Oc- the experience to be very reward- Sandhills 8152. tober 21 being held this year at ing. Serving my second term on Our pesticide education Grandover Resort. This is a great the board as president made me session in July went very well. Eastern NC opportunity to invite some out a bit nervous to start but with We had just over 30 people at- of town friends up for some great some solid advice from past tend and several of them were The Eastern North Carolina golf, even if I do say so myself as presidents and help from board local landscapers or government Turfgrass Association is doing co-host of the event with Russell members Brooks Turner, Brent employees. The Moore County well and the hot summer meet- Hill. The fall fundraiser gives us Gentel and Jeff Corn has helped extension agent, Taylor Williams, ings are being well attended. the financial boost that makes so me keep everything straight. co-sponsored the event with us. We recently had a sports turf many of our programs possible, What has amazed me the most Thanks to the Sandhills Com- meeting at East Carolina Uni- like scholarships, research dona- was how welcoming everyone munity College for the free use of versity hosted by Joey Perry. The tions and community service has been since moving here four their auditorium. members attending were treated programs. So please make plans years ago. Sometimes I still feel The agenda included Dr. to a wonderful tour of the entire to attend this event. The cost like the guy from Arizona but my Fred Yelverton discussing some athletics facilities at ECU. We will be $400 per team which involvement in the Piedmont of the new herbicides, Lee Miller learned a lot about the differenc- includes lunch and a reception GCSA has shown me what a - Dr. Lane Tredway’s graduate es between managing sports turf afterwards. We have the ability great organization we have. I assistant and lead investigator compared with golf turf - same Carolina Greens - providing an update of their grass but different problems. investigation in causes and cures Joey was a wonderful host for fairy ring and Dr. Charles as we were allowed to see the Apperson of the North Carolina new baseball field including the Expect service in high gear. State University entomology press box and locker rooms. The department, who gave a very football field and the suites over- interesting presentation on the looking the field were wonderful life cycle and control methods for along with the practice area that mosquitoes. Our thanks to all of includes a full-sized artificial them. field. We all were treated to a We are currently working on wonderful lunch overlooking the a slate of nominees to serve on stadium and most of us, I believe, our board and as officers of the even escaped without getting a association from October 1, 2008 parking ticket. to September 30, 2009. Anyone Our next meeting, tradi- interested in serving in either ca- tionally our best attended of the pacity, contact Ron Kelly, CGCS, year, was set for late August. We’ve upgraded to Deere power. or Morgan Stephenson. We are That was our family night a especially looking for a replace- Grainger Stadium in Kinston Though the Stores-On-Wheels® may look the same on the outside, now there’s a lot more under the hood: More sales reps. A link to ment for the current secretary … hosted by Stephen Watson. The John Deere Golf equipment distributors. The full backing of John I plan to retire next year! members were invited to bring Deere Landscapes branches. Irrigation parts. Partnership with Our calendar has two events their spouses and children at the industry associations like the GCSAA. So take a look. Now, more scheduled for the September- association’s expense for food, than ever, we can deliver the support you’ll need down the road. October timeframe. They include fun, fellowship and a wonder- an outing at Sandhill Turf for all ful baseball game watching the members, which we think of as Kinston Indians. I know many of our “end of the stress session” out- us were looking forward to some ing, and our assistant/crew outing friends and family time away which we hold at Seven Lakes from the grind of a golf course.

08-3170 Country Club. Dates are not set - Cale Cooke, Northgreen yet but fliers were expected to be Golf Club (252) 446-1456.

Vertis QCA 1300 19th Street, Suite 200 08-3170 48 CAROLINAS greenEast Moline, ILSeptember 61244 - October 2008

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Carolina Trace Country Club Sanford, N.C.

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] PPeakeak condition. Peak performance. Peak demand. Course Doctors puts your course at the top of its game

Full service golf course construction, renovation and custom rock work Since 1992, Course Doctors has been the choice of celebrated designers and superintendents to make their course designs a reality. And for good reason. Course Doctors brings to every project wide-ranging experience, proven ingenuity and complete focus. In addition, Golf Digest Magazine consistently ranks our new constructions among the Best New Courses: • Victoria Nat’l Golf Club, Newburgh IN, 1999 • Eagle Point Golf Club, Wilmington NC, 2000 • Belterra Resort Golf Course, Belterra IN, 2001 • Calusa Pines Golf Club, Naples FL, 2001 • Rock Barn Golf & Country Club, Conover NC, 2002 We are chosen repeatedly to perform renovations to prepare courses for PGA tournaments: • Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte NC, 2002 & 2003 • Forest Oaks Country Club, Greensboro NC, 2002 & 2003 • Rock Barn Golf & Country Club, Conover NC, 2002 • Le Triomphe Golf & Country Club, Broussard LA, 2003 If you want a course built to play and stay And we work with many top design ﬁrms at its peak, call us to discuss your next such as Fazio Golf Course Designers, project at 828-692-2001 or visit us Robert Trent Jones II, Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design, Davis Love III, and online at www.coursedoctors.com many others: “ Course Doctors has an exceptional working 34 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731 knowledge of the nuances required to produce fax: 828-692-7552 quality golf courses.” –Steve Curtis email: [email protected] Pinnacle Entertainment Licensed General Contractor (NC, VA, LA, SC) Member: Golf Course Builders Association of America, CGCSA, NGF 50 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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CGSA_pg_gs.indd 1 7/7/04 2:29:16 PM INDUSTRY PPeakeak condition. NEWS Peak performance. Cliffs Center Peak demand. Open for Visitors Course Doctors By Mike Harbin puts your course The Cliffs Environ- mental Research Center is at the top of its game in full swing. The first of its kind, the center researches and tests cutting-edge, environmentally-enhancing Full service golf course techniques used in golf construction, renovation and course maintenance. The center employs one full-time custom rock work research technician, three Since 1992, Course Doctors has been graduate students and Dr. the choice of celebrated designers and Haibo Liu from Clemson superintendents to make their course University. designs a reality. And for good reason. In the first year we will Course Doctors brings to every project research several exciting top- wide-ranging experience, proven ingenuity ics. Some of these are: Mike Harbin at the new Cliffs Environmental Research Center. and complete focus. • Organic fertilizer evalua- tion on creeping bentgrass turfgrass variety is the best • Lawn and sport field turfs. This is a wonderful In addition, Golf Digest Magazine greens in the Southeast; performer in our area and We would like to en- facility with unlimited consistently ranks our new constructions • Organic foliar fertilizer determining the best manage- courage everyone to make potential for The Cliffs to among the Best New Courses: effects on nitrogen uptake ment practices for each of an appointment to visit and demonstrate our efforts in • Victoria Nat’l Golf Club, Newburgh IN, 1999 in creeping and velvet the turfgrass varieties. Listed experience what is going on at being good stewards of the • Eagle Point Golf Club, Wilmington NC, 2000 bentgrass; below are the turfgrass variet- the center. You can bring your environment. The normal • Belterra Resort Golf Course, Belterra IN, 2001 • Diamond zoysia putting ies that will be tested: clubs and hit a few balls or operating hours of the • Calusa Pines Golf Club, Naples FL, 2001 green management with • MiniVerde bermudagrass strike a few putts on different center are 7.30am-4pm, • Rock Barn Golf & Country Club, hydronics; Diamond zoysiagrass types of turf. The center is for Monday to Friday. For Conover NC, 2002 • • Organic approach to dollar • All varieties of creeping both the golfer and the home directions and appointments We are chosen repeatedly to perform spot. bentgrass owner who enjoys quality turf please contact Libby Carew renovations to prepare courses for PGA In addition to these • Velvet bentgrass and the challenges that come at (864) 660-1164. tournaments: topics, we will test different • 419 bermudagrass in maintaining top quality Mike Harbin is director • Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte NC, types and varieties of turf • Seashore paspalum lawns through the eyes of the of construction and agronomic 2002 & 2003 to help us determine what • All types of native grasses professionals. research. • Forest Oaks Country Club, Greensboro NC, 2002 & 2003 • Rock Barn Golf & Country Club, Conover NC, 2002 Carolinas Kids Are must be a child or grandchild school seniors, accepted at Jordan Fruchte, Westmin- • Le Triomphe Golf & Country Club, Legacy Scholars of a GCSAA member. The such an institution for the ster College (UT) Broussard LA, 2003 If you want a course built to play and stay program is funded by The En- next academic year. Father: David Fruchte, CGCS, Pine Needles Re- And we work with many top design ﬁrms at its peak, call us to discuss your next Three children of vironmental Institute for Golf 2008 GCSAA Legacy Carolinas GCSA members and supported by Syngenta sort, Southern Pines, NC. such as Fazio Golf Course Designers, Award winners from the project at 828-692-2001 or visit us are among 20 recipients of the Professional Products. Carolinas are: Major: flight operations Robert Trent Jones II, Hurdzan/Fry Golf Golf Course Superintendents The awards are based Course Design, Davis Love III, and Britney Acosta, Mars Hill Katherine Young, College online at www.coursedoctors.com Association of America’s on academic achievement, many others: College, NC. of Charleston (SC) college scholarship program. community involvement, Father: Robby Acosta, Father: Richard Young, “ Course Doctors has an exceptional working 34 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731 Each student receives $1,500 extracurricular activities and superintendent, Country Class A superintendent, knowledge of the nuances required to produce fax: 828-692-7552 quality golf courses.” towards their college educa- leadership skills. Applicants Club of Sapphire Valley, Bald Head Island Golf –Steve Curtis email: [email protected] tion under the Legacy Awards must be enrolled full time at Glenville, NC. Course, Wilmington, NC. Pinnacle Entertainment program. an accredited institution of Major: music (math/religion Major: special education Licensed General Contractor (NC, VA, LA, SC) To be eligible, applicants higher learning, or for high minor) Member: Golf Course Builders Association of America, CGCSA, NGF

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 51

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CGSA_pg_gs.indd 1 7/7/04 2:29:16 PM INDUSTRY NEWS

Johnson Takes Rose Position After more than 25 years in the turfgrass industry, Jay Johnson joins Smith Turf and Irrigation. Johnson takes on the role as golf irrigation territory manager vacated by Joe Rose, who resigned to accompany his wife following her appointment to a position in London. Johnson is a graduate of the turfgrass management program at Horry George- town Technical College. From 1987-‘95 he was golf course superintendent at Arcadian Shores Golf Club in Myrtle Beach. He then Bayer’s Trey Warnock, left, and Dr. John Sorochan of University of Tennessee, lead a Stomp moved to Belle Terre Golf Out Stress seminar in Hilton Head. Club where he was golf Bayer Hosts Stress Event course superintendent for more than 10 years until the More than 20 golf of University of Tennessee club was sold for real estate course maintenance profes- discussed the latest turf stress development. Since then he sionals attended a seminar management techniques and was worked as a sales as- on stress management with research. Additionally, Barba- sociate with Vereens Turf a twist at Colleton River ra Jodoin, general manager of Products. Plantation in Buffton, SC, Pinetree Country Club, Ken- Johnson can be reached recently. The seminar spon- nesaw, GA, discussed course at (704) 512-9133 or via sored by Bayer Environ- management efficiency with email at jay.johnson@smith- mental Research addressed her presentation “Managing turf.com. stress for superintendents Business Stress on the Golf on the golf course and off. Course.” Carolinas GCSA Leading university research- member, Bill Hirchert, was TETAC Seeks ers including Dr. Bruce host superintendent at Colle- Award Winner Martin of Clemson Univer- ton River for the “Stomp Out Carolinas GCSA mem- sity and Dr. John Sorochan Stress” seminar. Bill Hirchert ber superintendents have until September 15 to nominate staff members for the annual Rex Floyd award from the Turf Equipment Technicians Association of the Carolinas. TETAC invites superintendents to submit a one- or two-paragraph statement ex- plaining why their equipment technician should receive the award. The winner will be announced in November at the TETAC Conference, held in conjunction with the annual Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC.

52 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Turner Turns it On At Lake Toxaway “Waterman” Carolinas GCSA member, Steve Turner, has wants won high praise for his ef- you... forts preparing a renovated Lake Toxaway Country Club course for its grand opening. ...to call about sprinkler repair for: Golf course superintendent, ® ® Turner, was singled out for Rain Bird and Toro praise several times during Ask about reconditioned sprinklers. a recent media preview at Hard-to-find parts are our specialty. the resort in western North Carolina. We have great deals on spare parts. Turner played a lead- Shop and compare with your local Golf course superintendent, Steve Turner, left, with distributor. ing role during the shaping architect, Kris Spence. of the golf course as well as We will purchase your old sprinklers, the grow-in. “I gave them The renovation at Lake Media response on controllers, or irrigation system. the idea and they created a Toxaway is really more of a preview day was masterpiece out here,” archi- recreation. While Spence universally enthu- tect Kris Spence said. “They used much of the same foot- siastic. toughed it out against some print as the original course, Lake Toxaway heavy weather and I was he reversed the routing of is a 5,000 acre blown away on my return a number of holes which mountain commu- (800) 492-8378 visit here after a break from introduced some spectacular nity with a 640-acre www.sportsturfirrigation.com the project. Steve Turner mountain and lake views lake and a 33-room deserves a lot of credit.” that did not exist previously. luxury inn.

The award is named course, has been named a treatment plant, allowing Hasentree. after Rex Floyd, who served certified gold Audubon In- 100 percent of the golf course Native plants were as Carolinas GCSA presi- ternational signature sanc- irrigation requirements to incorporated into the dent in 2001 and acts as an tuary. Fewer than 75 com- be supplied by this treated landscaping throughout the adviser to TETAC. Floyd, munities have been awarded community and golf course, who was a golf course super- this prestigious designation and wildlife habitats were intendent for 15 years, spent nationwide, and Hasentree, created or re-established his first five years in the where Craig DeJong is golf within the boundaries of the golf business as a golf course course superintendent, is golf course. The commit- mechanic. He has since one of only five in North ment also involved develop- returned to those roots work- Carolina participating in the ing a “green building” pro- ing at North Ridge Country program. gram to educate architects, Club in Raleigh, NC. Early planning at builders and homeowners Nominations for the Hasentree included systems about the green, sustainable Rex Floyd award should to control storm water and building practices they can be mailed to TETAC, 704 erosion. Extensive waterways use when building homes in Bethesda Avenue, Aberdeen, were constructed to channel Hasentree. NC 28315 or e-mailed to storm water to designated Audubon International [email protected]. ponds, with a state-of-the- is dedicated to educating, art storm management and assisting and inspiring filtration system created to people from all walks of life Craig DeJong Hasentree Lands keep run-off from streams to protect and sustain the Audubon Gold and Falls Lake. and recycled water. Creed- land, water, wildlife and Hasentree’s developers, moor Partners also preserved natural resources around Hasentree, a luxury new Creedmoor Partners took wa- stream buffers, doubling the them. The gold program home community featuring ter recycling to a new level required 50-foot buffers to is Audubon International’s Raleigh’s only Tom Fazio- by designing and building the 100-feet on each bank of the highest level signature designed championship golf community’s own wastewater three creeks that run through program.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 53

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Painted Glory the subject during the Innova- tive Superintendents Panel Golf course superinten- at Conference and Show in dent, Robert Arrington, November. wowed members at Catawba “Fred might have started Country Club in Newton, something,” Arrington says. NC, with a Fourth of July gift “I’ve probably got enough on the fairway of the par five paint left to do it all over fifth hole. Without telling again.” anyone, including members Arrington says he spent of his own golf course mainte- about $350 on paint which nance staff, Arrington painted means his first flag cost about a 1,260 sq. ft. American flag $175. The job took three the night before the big day. hours to complete thanks to When members saw the result help from his wife, Denise, during Catawba’s annual and twin sons, Morgan and Fourth of July tournament, , 11. The Arrington’s Catawaba Country Club members inspect Robert Arrington’s Bryan the response was everything on-course artwork. waited until the course was Arrington hoped for, and then clear for the day then started some. the pool later in the day and Highlands Falls Country Club, work about 7pm, finishing “Everybody loved it, so it people who didn’t play in the who produced a similar wel- under the light of several golf was pretty cool,” he says. “Af- tournament made a special come for his members a year carts. Arrington chose an area ter the tournament was done trip out onto the course to see earlier. Gehrisch wrote about in a dip on the fairway that there were a lot of people who it.” that project and the business would give golfers a great view wanted to go back out as a Arrington took his of fairway painting in the of the flag as they reached group and have a photo taken. inspiration from the example May-June issue of Carolinas their drives and could see Then it became all the buzz at of Fred Gehrisch, CGCS, at Green. He will also speak on around the dogleg.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 55

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Carolinas GCSA Lands Award The Carolinas GCSA is the 2008 recipient of the David Bennett Service to Golf Award. The award is decided by the organizing committee of the annual City Tournament in Columbia, SC, which serves as a major fundraiser for the Fairway Outreach program. Fairway Outreach is a spiritual golf program for juniors that was founded by Bennett 20 years ago. Fairway Outreach leader, Bobby Foster, says the program’s mission is to “provide deserving young people and people with disabilities a unique opportunity to enjoy golf with a special focus on faith in God and the develop- From left, David Bennett, with Carolinas GCSA secretary-treasurer, Jeff Connell, Bobby Foster, and ment of valuable life and social Carolinas GCSA representatives John Gay and Larry Smith, after the award presentation at the skills that are inherent to golf.” Windermere Club. “There is not a more constraints, new environmen- leged to honor the Carolinas David Bennett is a son of the dedicated and competent group tal regulations, challenging GCSA members and staff.” late Grant Bennett, who co- of people in the game than our weather issues and changing The award was presented founded the Carolinas GCSA golf course superintendents,” workforce demographics. They at a banquet at The Wind- along with Henson Maples in Foster says. “These profession- face these challenges while ermere Club in Columbia in 1958. Both David and Grant als are usually well into their golfers like us continue to have July. It follows the association Bennett are also recipients of workday when most of us golf- high expectations for the con- winning this year’s Tom Fazio the same award. It was named ers are flipping the switch on dition of our courses. Superin- Award for Service to Golf after David Bennett last year. the morning coffee pot. Today’s tendents in the Carolinas do a from the South Carolina Golf Another son, Gary, is certified golf course superintendents are tremendous job meeting these Association. A special aspect golf course superintendent at facing ever-tightening budget expectations and we’re privi- of the latest award is that Santee National Golf Course.

Furman Nears Kris Spence, include new greens complexes with Opening Day Champion bermudagrass Furman University and the addition of mul- Golf Course in Greenville, tiple fairway bunkers. In SC, is just weeks away from the Donald Ross style that reopening after a summer Spence specializes in, many renovation. Golf course greenside bunkers will superintendent and Caroli- feature shallow entry points nas GCSA board member, and steep walls adjacent to Paul Brandenburg, expects the greens. the course to resume play Look for a detailed during the early part of report in Carolinas Green October. soon from Brandenburg Golf course superintendent, Paul Brandenburg, left, inspects work Highlights of the on some innovative and on the 18th green at Furman University Golf Course with Robert renovation by architect and cost-saving approaches used Sinclair, from Spence Golf. Carolinas GCSA member, during the project.

56 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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Thanks to Tri-State CORPORATE PARTNERS Carolinas GCSA executive The following director, Chuck companies deserve Borman, pres- ents a plaque of thanks for their generous appreciation to support of the 2008 Al and Janet Carolinas GCSA Conference Wilson, from Tri-State Pump and Trade Show and Controls, af- in Myrtle Beach, SC. ter the company donated an SMITH TURF & IRRIGATION irrigation system THE TORO COMPANY for landscap- TORO FINANCING ing at the new Monday Golf Championship association headquarters. TRI-STATE PUMP & CONTROLS VEREENS TURF PRODUCTS Carolinas Night at The Beach

Morgan Joins advocacy.” GOLF AGRONOMICS Morgan joins a list of PHILLIP JENNINGS TURF Golf Panel FARMS fellow Carolinas GCSA Tuesday Seminar Luncheon Max Morgan, CGCS, members who bring the director of golf course mainte- superintendent’s perspective SYNGENTA PROFESSIONAL nance operations with Myrtle to the work of the panel. PRODUCTS Beach National, is the latest su- Other members include Rhett Tuesday Evening Reception perintendent to join the South Baker, Jeff Connell, Dicky Carolina Golf Course Ratings McCarney, CGCS, Clay Du- MCPHERSONS GREENHOUSES Plant Designs Panel. Morgan was elected Bose, CGCS, Jim Knaffle, to membership on the panel CGCS, Kevin Thompkins, Corbin Turf Supply by the board of directors in George Frye. Carolinas NEW LIFE TURF July. The panel’s mission is “to GCSA programs director, Wednesday Fellowship Breakfast promote excellence in South Tim Kreger, is also a member Carolina golf course design and and Carolinas Green editor, BAYER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE operations through competitive Trent Bouts, serves on the Wednesday Buffet Luncheon rankings, education and public panel’s board of directors. Max Morgan, CGCS Sporting Clay Event

JOHN DEERE GOLF & TURF ONE SOURCE REVELS TURF AND TRACTOR Drill / Backﬁ ll Aerators GREENVILLE TURF & Contract Services and Sales TRACTOR GEORGIA TURF & TRACTOR Pond Fountains 27-Hole Challenge and Aerators Wednesday Afternoon Reception DIVOTS, INC. ™ Wednesday General Session Green Divot Fix root pruner Contract Services and Sales HARRELL’S E & S Topdressing and Refreshment Breaks Rocky Mount, NC Custom Blending QUALI-PRO and GREEN 800-942-0448 Wetting Agents RESOURCE Cyber Cafe

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 57

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Jim Long Dies at 55

Members and friends of the Carolinas customer care, training and support. He was a current GCSA extend deepest sympathies to the family and advisory board member of Paetec, a national com- colleagues of Jim Long, a key staff member at Smith munications provider for broadband services. He was Turf and Irrigation for more than 20 years. James active in Cell Phones for Soldiers and established 30 Roberts Long, 55, of Charlotte, NC, died Sunday, donation sites throughout the Southeast. Through his June 22, at CMC-Pineville. Memorial services were initiative cell phones have been donated so far provid- held at Carmel Presbyterian Church followed by a ing over 1000 hours of pre-paid phone service for our private interment at Lakeland Memorial Park, Mon- soldiers overseas. roe, NC. Long was a loyal Carolina Panthers fan, attending Long was born on July 2, 1952, in Charlotte, NC, games whenever possible. He loved the water, whether son to the late Samuel Long, Jr. and Maybelle Roberts water skiing, sailing or boating. He had a passion for Long. He grew up in Monroe, and graduated from cars, old or new and was a collector of vintage Tri- Monroe High School. He attended Western Carolina umphs. Most importantly, he was a very kind, caring University and was first employed at Carmel Country and humble Christian who never took a second or Club where he worked from 1974-‘88 and became person for granted. assistant course superintendent. Through Carmel, he He loved life, his family and friends and would became acquainted with Smith Turf and Irrigation give the shirt off his back to anyone who was in need. where he spent the last 20 years as an integral part of He will be remembered for his smile, sense of humor the company. and laughter which he shared with all who knew him Starting as a salesman in 1988, he advanced and most of all for his devotion to family and friends. through the ranks to become information technology Survivors include siblings, Kathrine L. May and hus- manager for STI, a position he held from 1997 until band James Randall May, of High Point, NC, Samuel his death. He considered all his co-workers as family Long III and wife Virginia N. Long, of Charlotte, NC; and STI was a passion for him, not just a job. During nieces and nephews, Ian May of Washington, DC, the course of his career he held various offices and Morgan May, Adam May and Larkin May of High won numerous awards. In 1982 he was the president Point, NC, and Emilie Long, Brad Long, Matthew of North-South Turfgrass Association. Long and Natasha Long of Charlotte, NC. Long was the STI 1993 salesman of the year and Memorials may be made to Cell Phones for employee of the year in 1998. As a trainer for STI, Soldiers, South Shore Savings Bank, 400 Washington he was recognized by the TORO company in 1994 Street, Norwell, MA 02061 or www.cellphonesforsol- with the national service network blazer award for diers.com.

58 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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Christopher Curry, formerly with Tradition Golf Club, David M. Peek, Jr., formerly with Wildewood Country Club Charlotte, NC, is now superintendent at Highland Creek Woodcreek Farms Country Club, Columbia, SC, is now Golf Club, Charlotte, NC. superintendent at Carolina Shores/Palmetto Greens, Landon S. Gravett, formerly with Cardinal Golf and Country Longs,SC. Club, Greensboro, NC, is now at Sedgefield Country Club, David Rickenbrode, formerly with The International Golf Greensboro, NC. Club of Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, SC, is now assistant Michael T. Kirkley, formerly with Beech Creek Golf Club, superintendent at Brunswick Plantation and Golf Resort, Sumter, SC, is now superintendent at Oak Hills Golf Club, Calabash, NC. Columbia, SC. Edward J. Sealy, Jr., formerly with Island Green Country J. Daniel Knight, formerly with Meadowlands Golf Club, Club,Myrtle Beach, SC, is now superintendent at Rose Winston Salem, NC, is now superintendent at Holly Ridge hill Golf Club, Bluffton, SC. Golf Links, Sophia, NC. Allen Lee Storie, formerly with Grandfather Golf and Country George D. Mason, has been promoted to superintendent at Club, Linville, NC, is now assistant superintendent at highlands Cove Golf Course, Highlands, NC. hound Ears Club, Blowing Rock, NC. Tim Maxfield, formerly with Peninsula Golf Resort, Lancaster, ky, is now superintendent at Woodson Bend Resort, Bronston, KY.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Timothy E. Ale, Class C, assistant superintendent, Clemson Jonathan N. Turner, Class C, assistant superintendent, Legend University, Clemson, SC. Oaks Golf Club, Summerville, SC. Jerrod S. Belanger, Class C, assistant superintendent, Keith Craig Werline, Class A, superintendent, Peninsula Golf and hills Country Club, Buies Creek, NC. Country Club, Milford, DE. Jason Clark, Class C, assistant superintendent, Bonita Bay Club West, Bonita Springs, FL. Michael T. Dachowski, Class SM, superintendent, The Cliffs at keowee Falls, Salem, SC. William J. Donnelly, Class SM, superintendent, Woodlake Resort and Golf Club, Vass, NC. David S. Dykes, Class C, assistant superintendent, Woodland valley Country Club, Loris, SC. Arthur K. Gilley, Class S, student. Andrew Hagar, Class C, assistant superintendent, Island West Golf Club, Bluffton, SC. John K. Impagliatelli, Class C, assistant superintendent, Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Highlands, NC. Christopher E. Jackson, Class A, superintendent, Pinecrest Country Club, Lumberton, NC. Justin G. Lee, Class S, student. Thomas R. Nelson, Class A, superintendent, Cullasaja Club, highlands, NC. Adam G. Perry, Class C, second assistant superintendent, Gaston Country Club, Gastonia, NC. John W. Sedam, Class C, assistant superintendent, Myrtle Beach National Golf Club, Myrtle Beach, SC. Jeffrey W. Shugarts, Class C, assistant superintendent, The Landings Club, Savannah, GA. Carson W. Smith, Class S, student. Brett R. Sojack, Class C, assistant superintendent, Maggie valley Club, Maggie Valley, NC. Andrew C. Sparks, Class C, assistant superintendent, Hope valley Country Club, Durham, NC. Kevin Steinestel, Class C, assistant superintendent, Dataw Island Club, St. Helena, SC.

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WHAT’S NEXT

Show Ramps Up Yet Another Notch

Five of the top 10 classes from the past two Golf Industry Shows will headline education at the Caro- linas GCSA Conference and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC, from November 17 to 20. Three of those classes will feature a strong emphasis in hands-on learning with banks of computers and microscopes putting attendees right where the action takes place. In fact the computer classes on Excel and Power Point, will be offered twice because of limited seating. Only 16 seats are available in each sitting. Each are half-day classes that will be offered first on the Monday of Conference and Show week with the same classes repeated on the Tuesday for attendees wishing to take part in the annual golf championship or sporting clay Microscopes and computers will event the day before. give attendees the ultimate hands-on The computer classes will be held off-site at experience at this year’s Conference Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Grand Strand and Trade Show. campus, about 10 minutes from the main conference center. Seating is also limited for Microscopic Identifica- tion of Turf Diseases with Drs. Alan Windham, from the University of Tennessee, and Bruce Martin, from Clemson University. This seminar, from 10am to 5pm, was the second highest-ranked at GIS and has been Future Meeting Dates timed to give attendees a better chance to travel in on the morning of the seminar. September 7-9, 2008 Other peer-recommended seminars included this Past-Presidents Meeting year are Communication Skills to Get You to the Top Banner Elk, NC and Keep You There with Mike Jousan, president, Clear Communication Company, and Tools to Make September 28-29, 2008 Change Work for You with Mark E. Esoda, CGCS, Fall Mountain Meeting from Atlanta Country Club. Esoda’s class will define Etowah Valley Golf Club change, teach superintendents how to recognize it Hendersonville, NC and how to understand and deal with it in a proactive and reactive manner. Superintendents will also learn November 17-20, 2008 tips and techniques to prepare for change, how to tear Conference and Show down roadblocks to change and how to use change to Myrtle Beach Convention Center their advantage. Myrtle Beach, SC The Carolinas GCSA is also happy to welcome Dr. Frank Rossi to the program after several years try- January 20, 2009 ing to secure his expertise. Rossi, from Cornell Univer- Winter Meeting sity, will present two half-day seminars on the Tuesday Daniel Island Club and also appear during general sessions on Wednesday. Mt. Pleasant, SC Carolinas GCSA education coordinator, Cindy Baldwin, says this year’s Conference and Show pro- March 9-10, 2009 gram is one of the best yet given the caliber of present- USGA Green Section Conference ers and the breadth of topics covered. Conference and 828.430.8833 Grandover Resort Show packets were to mail late August so be on the Greensboro, NC lookout for your materials soon. The deadline for early GREENS QUALITY TRADITIONAL CUT AND WASHED BENT GRASS SOD registration this year is October 17, exactly one month for before the show kicks off. L-93 • Crenshaw • 007 • Penncross • A-1 • Dominant Plus 60 CAROLINAS green September - October 2008

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GREENS QUALITY TRADITIONAL CUT AND WASHED BENT GRASS SOD

L-93 • Crenshaw • 007 • Penncross • A-1 • Dominant Plus

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Our experience costs you nothing - but it’s absolutely priceless.

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