laxed and nonchalant way. “You get used to it.” Now given the opportunity presented, it wouldn’t be far- fetched to imagine that at least 80% of all superintendents asked the same question would have gone into a dissertation about their loathing of paperwork and red tape already mentioned, but for the current MGCSA President it was just part of the job, part of the tapestry of what has been a long and remarkable career- which isn’t surprising if you have ever been fortunate enough to talk with him. It is hard to encapsulate what it is like to talk to Stewart President Roger Stewart CGCS, without actually experiencing it. With close to a half-century An Unpretentious Professional of time spent in the golf course industry, numerous tournaments managed, four Presidencies of By Dave Kazmierczak CGCS cover shot by Seefeldt Photo local GCS chapters and experi- ence at TPC clubs in both the “Hi Dave come on in and sit shedding my winter apparel. “What envisioning a constant stream of pa- Northern and Transition Zones down, I’ll be with you in a second,” are you up to on this (frigid) day?” perwork and red tape that I associate you might expect a sense of en- Roger Stewart, CGCS said to me, “Oh just finishing the weekly with working for a management com- titlement or even arrogance. That focusing on his computer in his im- report,” he stated without so much pany as Stewart has done for decades. thought leaves you instantly the maculately kept office recently, as I as a look up. The response I got back was not ex- second you meet him. What does had dropped by for a chat. “I sure am glad I don’t have actly what I expected. enter your mind is that he is as “No Problem Rog,” I replied, that to do all the time,” I said back, “Nah,” he said in the most re- easy going and approachable as Page 20 Page 21 anybody, and then you realize he is University of Nebraska where he re- like E.F Hutton- the now defunct fi- ceived a degree in Agronomy, Crop nancial provider who’s commercials and Soil Science in 1973. became famous for the catch phrase: “By the time you get to the “When E.F. Hutton talks- people middle of your sophomore year, listen.” you are kind of feeling pressure to When Roger Stewart, CGCS decide what to do. I said what the talks- people listen. (heck), I kind of like working on the …And for good reason. Stew- golf course “ Stewart said. art started out graduating from high From there it was back to Il- school in his home town of Kanka- linois. Stewart was hired by Bob kee, Illinois. From there he enrolled Williams, a renowned area Super- in tiny Doane Collage in Crete, Ne- intendent and Past President of GC- braska trying to figure out what he SAA, as an assistant-in-training and wanted to do in life. After a couple with Williams’ help, landed his first 1978-1988. hosting several Ameritech Senior years at Doane he came to the re- Superintendent job at Midlane CC “That was a real good job. It Open events from 1990-1994. alization that he kind of liked his in Waukegan, Illinois in 1975. From was a middle-of-the-road private In 1995, Stewart came to find summer jobs spent in Illinois work- there he moved to Riverside Golf club and the members really took out that Stonebridge was going to be ing at the golf course and decided Club in North Riverside, Illinois good care of me. Moved my salary sold to the membership, and while to pursue a career in the field at the where he worked for 10 years from up every year, but I knew I was get- he had a good relationship with the ting to the max of what they could members, he had always worked pay so I started poking around, look- for the development company, and ing around a bit,” he said. was the highest paid employee at the Despite the comfort of working club. This was a recipe for unsteadi- at Riverside Stewart realized it may ness in his mind. He remembered be time to move on to bigger and an old adage he had heard about the better things, so in 1988 he pursued business that for many, stands true and landed a grow-in job at Stone- today. bridge CC that was a Tom Fazio de- “You know, there is a lot of sign surrounded by a housing devel- talk in this business about that if you opment. It was at Stonebridge that stay in a place longer than seven or Stewart got his first taste of prepar- eight years, it’s probably not in your ing for a big-time golf tournament, best interest,” Stewart said.

Page 22 Page 23 anybody, and then you realize he is University of Nebraska where he re- like E.F Hutton- the now defunct fi- ceived a degree in Agronomy, Crop nancial provider who’s commercials and Soil Science in 1973. became famous for the catch phrase: “By the time you get to the “When E.F. Hutton talks- people middle of your sophomore year, listen.” you are kind of feeling pressure to When Roger Stewart, CGCS decide what to do. I said what the talks- people listen. (heck), I kind of like working on the …And for good reason. Stew- golf course “ Stewart said. art started out graduating from high From there it was back to Il- school in his home town of Kanka- linois. Stewart was hired by Bob kee, Illinois. From there he enrolled Williams, a renowned area Super- in tiny Doane Collage in Crete, Ne- intendent and Past President of GC- braska trying to figure out what he SAA, as an assistant-in-training and wanted to do in life. After a couple with Williams’ help, landed his first 1978-1988. hosting several Ameritech Senior years at Doane he came to the re- Superintendent job at Midlane CC “That was a real good job. It Open events from 1990-1994. alization that he kind of liked his in Waukegan, Illinois in 1975. From was a middle-of-the-road private In 1995, Stewart came to find summer jobs spent in Illinois work- there he moved to Riverside Golf club and the members really took out that Stonebridge was going to be ing at the golf course and decided Club in North Riverside, Illinois good care of me. Moved my salary sold to the membership, and while to pursue a career in the field at the where he worked for 10 years from up every year, but I knew I was get- he had a good relationship with the ting to the max of what they could members, he had always worked pay so I started poking around, look- for the development company, and ing around a bit,” he said. was the highest paid employee at the Despite the comfort of working club. This was a recipe for unsteadi- at Riverside Stewart realized it may ness in his mind. He remembered be time to move on to bigger and an old adage he had heard about the better things, so in 1988 he pursued business that for many, stands true and landed a grow-in job at Stone- today. bridge CC that was a Tom Fazio de- “You know, there is a lot of sign surrounded by a housing devel- talk in this business about that if you opment. It was at Stonebridge that stay in a place longer than seven or Stewart got his first taste of prepar- eight years, it’s probably not in your ing for a big-time golf tournament, best interest,” Stewart said.

Page 22 Page 23 Once again, Stewart decided to be Stewart continued to manage from Minneapolis than from Phila- what you were teaching and it re- ahead of the curve, and was hired Jasna Palona through the middle delphia.” minds you of what you need to get by Cal Roth and the PGA Tour TPC of the decade with several General That turned out to be Minneso- accomplished.” management team to grow in the Managers and Head Golf Profes- ta’s gain, New Jersey’s loss. Stewart Stewart followed up his Mid- new TPC Jasna Polana club in New sionals. That, coupled with close started in 2008 and has hosted the west service with the Presidency at Jersey in 1996. The course opened to a dozen years away from the 3M Championship as well as keep- the Chicagoland GCSA, a smaller, in 1998 and hosted one of the last Midwest got him thinking about a ing the course perfect for TPC Twin more intimate association than Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf change. He knew he wanted to re- Cities members ever since. MAGCS 1990-91. Stewart said he matches between Hale Irwin and tire back in Chicago but the closest But with Stewart, taking care of really liked the Chicagoland group, TPC course was in Moline, Illinois, his courses and running a tight ship based strictly on education and for- followed by either Cincinnati or the only scratches the surface of what mal dinner meetings. Twin Cities. A phone call inquir- he is all about and what he has ac- Naturally once he moved to ing about his assistant’s interest in complished in the industry. He first New Jersey, the call to service the vacant job at TPC Twin Cities started getting involved with the would be right away and he served led Stewart to call back the inquirer Midwest AGCS in the late 1970’s. on their board until elected Presi- and report that his assistant wasn’t Before long, he had worked his way dent in 2006. The same would hold interested but guess what? Maybe up to President in 1984. That was true for the MGCSA, as Stewart he was. With the previous twelve also about the time he teamed up joined the board in 2009, and was years at Jasna Polana, and the seven with Bruce Williams, CGCS, an- elected President for 2014. year rule once again in the back of other Chicago area Superintendent When asked to give highlights his mind, it was time for another at the time, and began teaching a and what he felt was his greatest change. seminar at the GCSAA National accomplishments while serving and “I said to my wife you know, I Show on organization and motiva- presiding on the various boards and think I have cheated the devil once tion of crews, geared for assistants. committees Stewart was not quick when I got this job working for the It is a class they still teach today with a list of great things. He gen- Tom Watson. It then hosted the In- tour, and I think I’m going to have some thirty plus years later, though erally stated that he was proud to tstinet Classic until the fateful day to cheat him again,” Stewart said. it has been condensed from a two- be involved with all the boards and of 9/11 occurred and all that went “She looked at me like (I was cra- day class to four hours. board members and felt each one away. Even in South New Jersey, the zy), and I said well hear me out- two “Early on I just tried to get accomplished a great many things. tragedy was tangible. of our kids are out of school and liv- involved in anything I could,” Stew- There was one curious answer he “You could smell it, even ing in the Chicago area, that gets me art said. “Honestly, the seminar, did relate however. where we were. It smelled like an that much closer to Chicago, and it’s the teaching has made me a better “You know while I was on the electrical fire,” he said. a hell of a lot easier to visit Chicago superintendent. You (think back) to board of the Midwest, New Jersey

Page 24 Page 25 Once again, Stewart decided to be Stewart continued to manage from Minneapolis than from Phila- what you were teaching and it re- ahead of the curve, and was hired Jasna Palona through the middle delphia.” minds you of what you need to get by Cal Roth and the PGA Tour TPC of the decade with several General That turned out to be Minneso- accomplished.” management team to grow in the Managers and Head Golf Profes- ta’s gain, New Jersey’s loss. Stewart Stewart followed up his Mid- new TPC Jasna Polana club in New sionals. That, coupled with close started in 2008 and has hosted the west service with the Presidency at Jersey in 1996. The course opened to a dozen years away from the 3M Championship as well as keep- the Chicagoland GCSA, a smaller, in 1998 and hosted one of the last Midwest got him thinking about a ing the course perfect for TPC Twin more intimate association than Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf change. He knew he wanted to re- Cities members ever since. MAGCS 1990-91. Stewart said he matches between Hale Irwin and tire back in Chicago but the closest But with Stewart, taking care of really liked the Chicagoland group, TPC course was in Moline, Illinois, his courses and running a tight ship based strictly on education and for- followed by either Cincinnati or the only scratches the surface of what mal dinner meetings. Twin Cities. A phone call inquir- he is all about and what he has ac- Naturally once he moved to ing about his assistant’s interest in complished in the industry. He first New Jersey, the call to service the vacant job at TPC Twin Cities started getting involved with the would be right away and he served led Stewart to call back the inquirer Midwest AGCS in the late 1970’s. on their board until elected Presi- and report that his assistant wasn’t Before long, he had worked his way dent in 2006. The same would hold interested but guess what? Maybe up to President in 1984. That was true for the MGCSA, as Stewart he was. With the previous twelve also about the time he teamed up joined the board in 2009, and was years at Jasna Polana, and the seven with Bruce Williams, CGCS, an- elected President for 2014. year rule once again in the back of other Chicago area Superintendent When asked to give highlights his mind, it was time for another at the time, and began teaching a and what he felt was his greatest change. seminar at the GCSAA National accomplishments while serving and “I said to my wife you know, I Show on organization and motiva- presiding on the various boards and think I have cheated the devil once tion of crews, geared for assistants. committees Stewart was not quick when I got this job working for the It is a class they still teach today with a list of great things. He gen- Tom Watson. It then hosted the In- tour, and I think I’m going to have some thirty plus years later, though erally stated that he was proud to tstinet Classic until the fateful day to cheat him again,” Stewart said. it has been condensed from a two- be involved with all the boards and of 9/11 occurred and all that went “She looked at me like (I was cra- day class to four hours. board members and felt each one away. Even in South New Jersey, the zy), and I said well hear me out- two “Early on I just tried to get accomplished a great many things. tragedy was tangible. of our kids are out of school and liv- involved in anything I could,” Stew- There was one curious answer he “You could smell it, even ing in the Chicago area, that gets me art said. “Honestly, the seminar, did relate however. where we were. It smelled like an that much closer to Chicago, and it’s the teaching has made me a better “You know while I was on the electrical fire,” he said. a hell of a lot easier to visit Chicago superintendent. You (think back) to board of the Midwest, New Jersey

Page 24 Page 25 and Minnesota they all made major at pursuing a BMP Certification for daughter Lauren, resides with her and my family and me in that it has changes to the Executive Director- Minnesota Clubs. He also had major husband Josh in Chicago, and has provided a good livelihood for us. ship, and all for the better,” he said. influence on the MGCSA’s Outreach given Roger and Susan three grand- We put three kids through college at Modesty aside, there has been quite program and Wee One support. The daughters to visit and spoil. His sec- about 80 percent or so. (The kids) a few things he has helped accom- impact of his wisdom and leader- ond daughter Anne is engaged and really never were wanting for any- plish for the MGCSA. Stewart was ship will be felt for years to come. also resides in Chicago while their thing. I remember my one daughter son Roger III resides where he grew complaining once that we never had up in the greater Philadelphia area. a summer vacation, and I said (to When asked about the demands on her) well, that’s not so bad,” Stewart family life the job imposes, Stew- said. “What you have to realize is art conceded that it was not always that they have wants and needs too. easy finding the balance, but in the You may have to work on a Satur- end his family understood the de- day, but you don’t always have to mands on him, and the benefits of work on the Sunday too. There are the job. times you have to be (at the course), “It has been a good (career) for but you have to take advantage of

instrumental as Chairman of the Despite all that he has accom- Research Committee in driving the plished, and all the time spent at MGCSA member supported re- the course and in the board rooms, search at the University of Minne- Stewart is at heart, a family man. He sota. He was also instrumental along married Susan, his wife of 43 years with Scottie Hines, CGCS and Paul in 1971. Being a native of the Chi- Diegnau, CGCS in the formation cago area, she helped lead Stewart of the Environmental Stewardship back to Chicago where he started Committee that is still working hard his Superintendent journey. His

Page 26 Page 27 and Minnesota they all made major at pursuing a BMP Certification for daughter Lauren, resides with her and my family and me in that it has changes to the Executive Director- Minnesota Clubs. He also had major husband Josh in Chicago, and has provided a good livelihood for us. ship, and all for the better,” he said. influence on the MGCSA’s Outreach given Roger and Susan three grand- We put three kids through college at Modesty aside, there has been quite program and Wee One support. The daughters to visit and spoil. His sec- about 80 percent or so. (The kids) a few things he has helped accom- impact of his wisdom and leader- ond daughter Anne is engaged and really never were wanting for any- plish for the MGCSA. Stewart was ship will be felt for years to come. also resides in Chicago while their thing. I remember my one daughter son Roger III resides where he grew complaining once that we never had up in the greater Philadelphia area. a summer vacation, and I said (to When asked about the demands on her) well, that’s not so bad,” Stewart family life the job imposes, Stew- said. “What you have to realize is art conceded that it was not always that they have wants and needs too. easy finding the balance, but in the You may have to work on a Satur- end his family understood the de- day, but you don’t always have to mands on him, and the benefits of work on the Sunday too. There are the job. times you have to be (at the course), “It has been a good (career) for but you have to take advantage of

instrumental as Chairman of the Despite all that he has accom- Research Committee in driving the plished, and all the time spent at MGCSA member supported re- the course and in the board rooms, search at the University of Minne- Stewart is at heart, a family man. He sota. He was also instrumental along married Susan, his wife of 43 years with Scottie Hines, CGCS and Paul in 1971. Being a native of the Chi- Diegnau, CGCS in the formation cago area, she helped lead Stewart of the Environmental Stewardship back to Chicago where he started Committee that is still working hard his Superintendent journey. His

Page 26 Page 27

Applicators License and Use Categories the days that are not high stress said. By Corinne du Preez, Agricultural Advisor/ACI times (and be with the family then). When we were done with our In the end, all my kids have done chat I donned my coat and hat, brac- November 2014 (Bulletin 6 of 6) very well and are successful in their ing for the mid-afternoon chill as Do you have the right licenses to apply pesticides at your golf course?

own right and you can’t ask for Roger escorted me to the door. I Use Categories more than that.” glanced across the room and noticed Since 2002, only licensed pesticide applicators can apply General Use (GU) or Restricted Use So what has been the key for a very elegant trophy of marble and Pesticides (RUP) to grounds, water or golf course structures. Licenses Stewart’s longevity? When asked, gold lettering. The GCSAA letter- he really didn’t have a definite an- ing stood out first followed by 2013 Commercial Applicators License: Required for pesticide applicators that charge for their service or are for hire. swer. Certainly working within the Environmental Stewardship Award. Non-Commercial Applicators License: Required for applicators to apply GU and RUP TPC Network management system “Oh wow,” I said. “I complete- pesticides on a golf course as part of their job on property owned or contracted by their has presented a steady structure on ly forgot about your national award employer. how to accomplish goals. Stewart last year.” Licensees must pass at least two (2) certification exams: Core and one or more other category. Here are the most likely categories for golf courses: related he thought he was working “Huh? Oh yea, that was quite a for one of the best companies out surprise,” Stewart said in his unas- A. Core: Basic principles of pesticide regulation and application; required for all license categories. there. He cautioned that working for suming way. a management company is not for Like Stewart, the trophy and the E. Turf and Ornamentals: For pesticide application to non-agricultural or ornamental areas including lawns, parks, athletic fields, golf courses, nurseries and greenhouse. everyone. It takes a certain skill set honor, to be admired and respected to handle the structure and require- but never to be thrust to the fore- F. Aquatic: For pesticide application to water areas or surface water to control aquatic pest organisms and plants. ments, but he seems to have adapted front or trumpeted in any way. P. Vertebrate Pest Control: For pesticide applications to control vertebrate pests. well to the business model. As for That pretty much sums up the 2014 Examples include the liquid fence, dried pigs blood, geese, rabbit, or deer repellants; in the job of Superintendent itself? MGCSA President. addition to underground animals like gopher and mole. This license does not include traps, “Don’t let the job consume you,” he unless poison bait is used in the trap. In some cases golf courses may need to be licensed in other categories.

License Categories Thank You http://www.mda.state.mn.us/licensing/licensetypes/pesticideapplicator/catdefinitions.aspx

Financial Penalties Roger Stewart CGCS Due to potential human and environmental risks from lack of proper applicator license and use categories, be advised that documented non-compliance will result in a Notice of Violation ORDER and may include additional enforcement or financial penalties. for your outstanding support as Statutory authority Follow the link below to read Minnesota Statute 18B.345 Pesticide application on Golf Courses. President of the MGCSA https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=18B.345

Page 28 Page 29

Applicators License and Use Categories the days that are not high stress said. By Corinne du Preez, Agricultural Advisor/ACI times (and be with the family then). When we were done with our In the end, all my kids have done chat I donned my coat and hat, brac- November 2014 (Bulletin 6 of 6) very well and are successful in their ing for the mid-afternoon chill as Do you have the right licenses to apply pesticides at your golf course?

own right and you can’t ask for Roger escorted me to the door. I Use Categories more than that.” glanced across the room and noticed Since 2002, only licensed pesticide applicators can apply General Use (GU) or Restricted Use So what has been the key for a very elegant trophy of marble and Pesticides (RUP) to grounds, water or golf course structures. Licenses Stewart’s longevity? When asked, gold lettering. The GCSAA letter- he really didn’t have a definite an- ing stood out first followed by 2013 Commercial Applicators License: Required for pesticide applicators that charge for their service or are for hire. swer. Certainly working within the Environmental Stewardship Award. Non-Commercial Applicators License: Required for applicators to apply GU and RUP TPC Network management system “Oh wow,” I said. “I complete- pesticides on a golf course as part of their job on property owned or contracted by their has presented a steady structure on ly forgot about your national award employer. how to accomplish goals. Stewart last year.” Licensees must pass at least two (2) certification exams: Core and one or more other category. Here are the most likely categories for golf courses: related he thought he was working “Huh? Oh yea, that was quite a for one of the best companies out surprise,” Stewart said in his unas- A. Core: Basic principles of pesticide regulation and application; required for all license categories. there. He cautioned that working for suming way. a management company is not for Like Stewart, the trophy and the E. Turf and Ornamentals: For pesticide application to non-agricultural or ornamental areas including lawns, parks, athletic fields, golf courses, nurseries and greenhouse. everyone. It takes a certain skill set honor, to be admired and respected to handle the structure and require- but never to be thrust to the fore- F. Aquatic: For pesticide application to water areas or surface water to control aquatic pest organisms and plants. ments, but he seems to have adapted front or trumpeted in any way. P. Vertebrate Pest Control: For pesticide applications to control vertebrate pests. well to the business model. As for That pretty much sums up the 2014 Examples include the liquid fence, dried pigs blood, geese, rabbit, or deer repellants; in the job of Superintendent itself? MGCSA President. addition to underground animals like gopher and mole. This license does not include traps, “Don’t let the job consume you,” he unless poison bait is used in the trap. In some cases golf courses may need to be licensed in other categories.

License Categories Thank You http://www.mda.state.mn.us/licensing/licensetypes/pesticideapplicator/catdefinitions.aspx

Financial Penalties Roger Stewart CGCS Due to potential human and environmental risks from lack of proper applicator license and use categories, be advised that documented non-compliance will result in a Notice of Violation ORDER and may include additional enforcement or financial penalties. for your outstanding support as Statutory authority Follow the link below to read Minnesota Statute 18B.345 Pesticide application on Golf Courses. President of the MGCSA https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=18B.345

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