August 2010

The
Volume 45, No. 5
August 2010
Reporter
Growing Green Since 1936
Official Publication of the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association
“RMGCSA Annual Memorial Tournament”
By Rick Evelo, Superintendent- Glen Eagle Golf Club
A sunny, calm morning greeted 68 RMGCSA members as they
arrived at the Colorado Springs Country Club for the Annual
Memorial Tournament. The RMGCSA took over the Ernie Bender
Memorial Tournament a year ago. This tournament is held in
remembrance of those superintendents who have passed away,
including most recently Pete Martinez, former superintendent of
Kissing Camels Golf Club, and Terry Bolin in 2008. Terry was the
superintendent at the Colorado Springs Country Club for 12
years.
This traveling event is the main fundraiser for The Golf Foundation
of Colorado, which raises funds for various charitable projects
and scholarships. We raised more than $5,000 for the GFC through
hole sponsors and from our major event sponsor, Colorado Golf
and Turf.
Hats off to Tom Dimberio and his staff, who treated us to a great
golf course that was in first class shape. Thanks for making this an
enjoyable event.
The golf winners in individual stroke play were:
Gross winners:
1st Scott Miller - 72 - Maroon Creek Club
2nd Ed Rockett - 75 - Lone Tree Golf Course
3rd Marc Anzlovar - 78 - Desert Hawk Golf Course
Net winners:
1st John Feeney - 65 - Four Mile Ranch
2nd Joel Christensen - 71 - Inverness
3rd Jeff Elliott - 71 - Turfgrass Solutions
Those qualifying for the RMGCSA Shootout:
Longest drive - Matt Brewer - Roaring Fork
Closest to the Pin #8 - Brian McBride - Mile High Turfgrass
Closest to the Pin #12 - Gary Allen - American Pride Coop
Longest Putt - Marc Anzlovar - Desert Hawk
The RMGCSA would again like to thank Tom Dimberio, Kevin
Sanger, and the Colorado Springs Country Club for hosting
us. And, thanks to all of the RMGCSA members who attended.
Hope to see you all at The Harmony Club July 27th for the Annual
Tournament.
Thanks again to Colorado Golf & Turf for sponsoring
the event.
Thanks to the 2010 Memorial Tournament Hole
Sponsoring Companies:
American Pride Coop
Inman Interwest, Inc.
Arapahoe Pumping Sales, Inc.
Irrigation Technologies
Arkansas Valley Seed
John Deere Golf
BioLynceus, LLC
L.L. Johnson Dist. Co.
C & M Golf & Grounds
Mile High Turfgrass, LLC
Equipment
Modern Golf & Turf, LLC
Colorado Avid Golfer
Pioneer Sand Co., Inc.
Colorado Golf Association
RMGCSA
Colorado Golf & Turf
Simplot Partners
Eagle One/JRM Tines/JMI Turf
Soil Horizons, Inc.
Eco-Solutions, Inc.
Swingle Lawn, Tree, and
Estes Inc.
Landscape Care
Golf Enviro Systems, Inc.
Syngenta
Horizon
Tectonic Greens Ltd.
In this issue:
Director’s Corner...............................................................2
Technical Bulletin..............................................................3
Rules of the Game...........................................................4
2010 Sponsors....................................................................5
My Road to Lone Tree......................................................7
Governmental/Legislative...............................................8
Affiliate Angle - John Rom...............................................9
Rod Chapman Retires after 42 years...........................10
Golf Industry Show..........................................................11
Member Information - Mitch Bowers............................12
GCSAA Leadership Change.........................................13
In My Opinion..................................................................14
Keystone Superintendent Renews Certification.........14
Program Information......................................................15
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Dave Cahalane
The Club at Beardance
[email protected]
Director’s
By Lance Johnson, CGCS, Superintendent
Legacy Ridge & The Heritage Golf Courses
Corner
Looking Back
VICE PRESIDENT
John Madden called me last Friday to “remind” me that my Directors Corner
John Madden, Jr.
article was due in one week. I thanked him for the great lead time, along with
Green Gables Country Club
a couple extra adjectives, and reminded him the times his Gov/Leg article was late during my
[email protected] stint with the Reporter. After I hung up the phone I realized that this would be my last “official
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Dan Hawkins
The Club at Flying Horse
[email protected]
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Lance Johnson, CGCS
Legacy Ridge & The Heritage GC
[email protected]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gary Leeper
[email protected]
DIRECTORS
Marc Anzlovar
Desert Hawk Golf Course
[email protected]
Matt Brewer
Roaring Fork Club
[email protected]
Jordan McCormick
Broadmoor Golf Club
[email protected]
Edward Rockett
Lone Tree Golf Course
[email protected]
Steve Sarro
Vail Golf Club
[email protected]
piece” in a capacity as a member of the RMGCSA Board of Directors.
After growing in and opening two golf courses from 1993-1999, I kind of took a breather for a
number of years. I would occasionally attend a monthly meeting, take a winter seminar and
attend the GIS. I generally had things on auto pilot. In the summer of 2005 I received a call from
Joe McCleary. Joe was President of RMGCSA at the time and was looking for candidates to run
for the Board of Directors. I was a little surprised by Joe’s call. I had been a RMGCSA member
for over 10 years, did not consider myself a real “active” member of the association and never
considered running for a Board position. After a second call from Joe, he tactfully (as tactful
as Joe can be) persuaded me to run for a Board position. I made my run in the fall of 2005, got
elected by a landslide (at least that is what I tell myself), jumped onto the Executive Committee
as Secretary/Treasurer when Scott Phelps took a job in Idaho and now here I am serving my last
couple of months as Past President.
During the last five years, RMGCSA membership neared almost 700, but now stands at
approximately 640, a pretty strong number considering the recent nationwide economic
collapse. I commend all of you for your continued support of RMGCSA as we are still considered
one of the strongest associations in the country. We have done our best as a Board to offer the
most value for your membership. We continue to get great venues to host our monthly meetings.
Surveys showed you wanted more education and I think we have provided many opportunities.
The second RMGCSA Legacy Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving son or daughter of one
of our members. RMGCSA was also instrumental in helping form the Golf Foundation of Colorado
last year, a non-profit organization that will help support scholarship, education and research.
We have also taken the lead nationally in participating in the Colorado Carbon Project Survey.
My story of getting involved with Board service is probably pretty similar to those who have
served before me, or who will serve in the future. To take a line from Matt Brewer’s article last
month “give back more than you take”, is the foundation of why I decided to serve on the
Board. RMGCSA provided me with many opportunities, both educational and social, and the
only way I could give back was through my own participation. I urge all of you to consider
running for a Board position some day. The success of RMGCSA depends on all our members,
if not a Board position maybe as a committee member. And the excuse of not having enough
time…..not an excuse!
Thanks to all the past and present Board members I have served with the past five years. I have
made many life long bonds with peers that may have never occurred if I had chosen not to
serve on the Board. I would also like to thank Gary Leeper and his staff for their excellent work.
We are fortunate to work in a great industry, but more importantly, an industry of great people.
Volunteer your time, serve in some capacity with RMGCSA and get to know more of your fellow
peers.
AFFILIATE LIAISONS
Travis Abitz, CSE
L.L. Johnson Distributing Co.
[email protected]
Tim Klein
Syngenta Professional Products
[email protected]
Executive Editor:
Nicole Plese
Technical Editor:
John Madden, Jr.
The Reporter Committee:
Kevin Kallas, Matt Lombardi, Chris Strange,
Fred Dickman, CGCS, Neil Tretter, Scott Ellis
The Reporter is open to all commentary. Please send your comments to John
Madden, Jr, Technical Editor, [email protected]
2
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
Technical
Bulletin
By Jay B. Folk
Arapahoe Pumping Systems
Irrigation Pumping Station Technology
VFD technology revolutionized the pump industry in the early
nineties and immediately brought large gains to golf pumping
station efficiency. It was not uncommon for courses to see their
power usage drop ten, and sometimes, twenty percent once a
modern VFD system was installed.
Finally, there is the support side of this complex business. As
with most things, the “smarter” the technology is, the more
complex it is and support for this improved “smart” technology
is absolutely critical. In fact, it is literally the difference between
a Superintendent’s decision to invest in the technology or
deciding to pass it up because of the intimidation factor. Some
might say they are simply trying to grow beautiful turf, not launch
a space shuttle. Efficiency may be the buzz word, but when
all the hoopla is gone after installation, the course now has to
make this technology pay for itself, which means it must run at
peak performance for many years. So besides creating a strong
service network for their equipment, the leading manufacturers
are investing in technology that will allow real time diagnostics
of problems and adjustments via the web, so problems can be
diagnosed and sometimes fixed in minutes, not days.
As the industry matured, large efficiency gains were not as
easy, but small incremental pump control techniques have
helped. The method in which pumps are ramped up, how they
interface with the pump system computer, how they respond
to zone transitions, and how they avoid peak demand periods
for the power company, are control nuances that add up to
incremental efficiency gains that make a difference over the life
of a pump system. More efficient components play a part in this
as well. The use of highly efficient turbine pumps and premium
efficient motors can also slightly increase the efficiency of the
system.
So where are we today? Diminishing budgets and resources
can only be recovered through increased efficiencies and we
can only maintain or increase our efficiencies by using the latest
technology available. In addition, a regular and comprehensive
preventive maintenance program is essential in assuring
maximum efficiencies and lowest possible power costs with any
pumping station, and as we all know, players’ expectations for
the golf course are continually increasing and we are expected
to achieve the same or better results, often with reduced
budgets.
Ultimately, the pump system can only do so much to remain
efficient and still keep up with the demand as required by the
irrigation system. This is where “integration” comes into play.
Manufacturers are now honing in on the concept of managing
the pump system and irrigation system as a single system. As one
example, the NEXUS pumping station software tied into the LYNX
irrigation controller system can anticipate irrigation demand
before it comes in order to pre-flush filtration systems and increase
ramp up speeds so as to better respond when the irrigation
cycle begins. New software systems can also re-apportion
water automatically if a main pump should go down. Installed
power monitoring hardware allows for the Superintendent
to set up irrigation schedules based on how much electrical
power he wants to use. Wireless moisture monitoring sensors
that feed their information back to the Superintendent provide
better information as to how much water should be applied in
different areas. So now, the pumping station communicates
with the irrigation controller and they work together to serve
the Superintendent in his quest to use less power and water, but
deliver the same results.
Arapahoe Pumping Systems
Pumping Stations:
Wetting Agent Products:
Nutrient Injection Systems: Turf
Feeding Systems, Inc.
Great products and professional service to meet your requirements.
(303) 794-8344
Jason Aerni - (970) 231-5632
Gary Tewmey - (303) 710-2831
Denton Kurtz - (970) 230-0450
John Rom - (720) 490-1389
4195 Oneida St., Unit H
Denver, Colorado 80216
www.simplotpartners.com
3
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
Rules of the Game
By Ed Mate, CGA Executive Director
Colorado Golf Association
Pebble Beach a Dramatic Stage on Which to
Crown a U.S. Open Champion
My recent trip to Pebble Beach for
the 110th U.S. Open was certainly an
experience I will not soon forget. Being
a part of a national championship is
exciting in and of itself but when you
add in the drama of Pebble Beach it
takes it to a whole new level.
differences between
three players who
made the cut (Kuchar went on to finish
in the top 10) and three whose U.S.
Open week ended early. My only Rules
question during the round came from
Matt Kuchar who pointed out a bunker
that was covered with bird footprints.
He wanted to know whether or not his
caddie should rake the entire bunker
to smooth these footprints. I told him
that every bunker on the course had
similar footprints and that they were
simply part of the hazards at Pebble Beach. Animal footprints in
bunkers are not abnormal ground conditions and are part of the
challenge of these hazards.
My assignment for the first day was with
the 9:12 starting time off of the 10th tee.
The three players were all qualifiers,
Trent Hampshire, Dan McCarthy
and recent Stanford graduate, Joe
Bramlett. The players played well but over the course of 18 holes
each encountered the rough, the sand and the tiny and slick
Pebble Beach greens. There were not many birdies and the
bogeys accumulated like snow in the Foothills of Denver. When
it was all said and done each player found themselves with a
hole to play and a shot or two from the dreaded snowman-80. The only ruling I was asked to make was whether or not a
player was permitted to use one of the dropping zones on the
18th hole for a ball that trickled onto the beach. Since the ball
did not cross within the designated area where the dropping
zones were allowed I advised the player that he would have to
use one of his other options under the water hazard rule—in this
case he simply dropped within two club lengths.
Seeing a U.S. Open golf course up close gave me great
appreciation for the qualities that make the U.S. Open the
greatest test in golf. Unlike Bethpage Black in 2009 (where the
rain created course conditions that tied the USGA’s hands),
Pebble Beach played exactly as the USGA intended. All four
days featured just the right firmness of turf, height of rough and
inherent challenges at Pebble Beach to bring out the shotmaking,
course management and emotional control that separate a U.S.
Open champion from the rest of the field.
For the second round I was assigned to a bit higher profile
group—Justin Leonard, Scott Verplank and Matt Kuchar. One
of the great things about the U.S. Open is the great diversity of
players who qualify to compete. Because it is truly an “open”
event everyone from a club professional and 16-year old kid (see
Derek Tolan and Tom Glissmeyer) to the top players in the world
share the stage. To a casual observer these seasoned veterans
made their way around the classic 1919 Pebble Beach layout in
similar fashion—but unlike the group who had to qualify for the
championship, they were able to minimize their bogeys and add
enough birdies to stay close to even par. Their ability to manage
the golf course, leave themselves the “right” putts and get the
ball up and down from the deep greenside rough were the key
Bentgrass
Grown on USGA spec sand:
Arapahoe Pumping Systems
• Penncross
• Dominant Xtreme
• T-1
Pumping Stations:
Wetting Agent Products:
GTF Low Mow Bluegrass
Nutrient Injection Systems: Turf
Feeding Systems, Inc.
We do renovations!
Great products and professional service to meet your requirements.
Call Doug Fisher today! 970-441-0240
800-280-TURF
(303) 794-8344
www.GraffsTurfFarms.com
4
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
Please Support Our 2010 Sponsors
ACC Golf Inc.
JMI Turf
American Pride Coop
John Deere Golf
American Pride Fertilizer and Chemical
L.L. Johnson Distributing Co.
Aqua Engineering
Landscapes Unlimited
Arapahoe Pumping Sales, Inc.
Larry Rodgers Design Group
Arkansas Valley Seed
Mile High Turfgrass, LLC
BioLynceus, LLC
Modern Golf & Turf LLC
C & M Golf and Grounds Equipment
Mountain High Water
Colorado AvidGolfer
Pawnee Buttes Seed Inc.
Colorado Golf Association
Permagreen
Colorado Golf and Turf
Phelps-Atkinson Golf Design
DryJect of Colorado
Pioneer Sand Co., Inc.
Eco-Solutions, Inc.
Profile Products
Estes, Inc.
Sharp Bros. Seed Co.
Golf & Sport Solutions
Simplot Professional Products
Golf Enviro Systems, Inc.
Soil Horizons, Inc.
Graff’s Turf Farms
Southwestern Petroleum Corp.
Green Valley Turf Company
Standard Golf Company
Horizon
Swingle Lawn, Tree and Landscape
Inman Inter West, Inc.
Syngenta Professional Products
Irrigation Technologies
Tectonic Greens Ltd.
5
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
Why Horizon?
Horizon is the only professional distributor to offer:
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Rain Bird Golf products*
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Complete line of professional fertilizers and soil
amendment products
Pond solution products from Becker Underwood and
Bioverse
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Full selection of chemicals including post patent
products
Ready-to-deliver allied products, including pipe,
fittings and wire
n
Knowledgeable, experienced team of sales
professionals with the skills to carry you from
construction through renovation
n
800.PVC.TURF
n
Greens-grade seed from Seed Research of Oregon
and greens-grade organic fertilizer from Sanctuary
n
Quality soil surfactant products from Aquatrols
For more information, contact Nick DiLorenzo at
303.598.4728 or
[email protected]
*Rain Bird Golf products offered in specific counties in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
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6
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
My Road to Lone Tree
By Brian Temple - Assistant Superintendent, Lone Tree Golf Club
Fifty percent of this business is getting our
tired butts out of bed every weekday and
every other weekend to make sure Lone
Tree Golf Club is an amazing experience
for everyone who goes there. So much
of what we as superintendents are able
to do depends on our guys being there
and being there on time. I can’t count
how many times I’ve come in the morning
and had to completely rearrange my
day board because someone was late
or didn’t show up at all. That being said,
I truly love my job, and I have had an
interesting road to my current employer,
Lone Tree Golf Club.
I was a punk 21-year old who was great at
what I did...if I could only get to work on
time. I’m pretty sure I was late every day
that summer, and come August, Phil had
to let me go.
Born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, I developed a passion for
golf at a very early age thanks to my grandparents. While my
parents knew almost nothing about golf, my grandparents were
members at Arrowhead way back when it was a private country
club, and then became members of what was then called
Willow Springs (now Red Rocks Country Club).
That winter, I delivered pizza for Pudge
Bros., which was not where I wanted to be
to say the least. I missed golf. Unbelievably,
that spring I got a call from Phil wondering
if I wanted one more chance. Of course
I did, but there was one condition: I had
to be on time. That has been the hardest
part of this job for me. But because of my
love of the game, I accepted Phil’s offer, working my way up the
ranks. I went to turf school to get my associates degree in urban
horticulture and became Phil’s assistant when I was 24. What an
experience! In 1998, we completed the grow-in of the back nine
of what is now Littleton Golf Course. I worked with Phil and some
really good guys, who I miss a lot, until 2008, when I made my
big move to Lone Tree. It was time to move on and have new
experiences, and I have no regrets. Miss you guys, Bill and Mike.
I loved to golf but couldn’t afford to play very often, so my
grandmother suggested I apply for the cart staff at Arrowhead.
She explained to me that the job didn’t pay much, but that
I would have the benefit of playing golf for free. So in 1992, I
applied and was hired.
I worked at Arrowhead for two summers until I graduated high
school, growing to love golf more every year. When it was time
to figure my life out at age 18, I was far too smart to listen to
my parents and take them up on their offer to pay for me to
go to college. I had seen the maintenance guys working at
Arrowhead and thought that might be a fun job. So in 1995,
I applied at another American Golf Course - Applewood.
I worked at Applewood for two summers, but each summer
ended with no perennial job offer. I really needed to find a
course that would keep me on year round. Enter Centennial Golf
Course in Littleton.
Not only had I found a full-time job close to home, I received
a “huge raise” to $6 an hour. I swear it seems like I had more
money then than I do now! Centennial was in the midst of hiring
a new super when I began to work there, and Phil Jacobsen,
an extremely driven, smart and hard worker, was hired in 1997.
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“The only whole in the green should have a flag in it.”
7
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
Governmental/Legislative News
Courtesy of the Colorado Groundwater Advisory Committee
EPA Proposes New Permit Requirements for Pesticide Discharges
Action would reduce amount of pesticides discharged and protect America’s waters
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
is proposing a new permit requirement that would decrease
the amount of pesticides discharged to our nation’s waters
and protect human health and the environment. This action
is in response to an April 9, 2009 court decision that found
that pesticide discharges to U.S. waters were pollutants, thus
requiring a permit.
The proposed permit, released for public comment and
developed in collaboration with states, would require all
operators to reduce pesticide discharges by using the lowest
effective amount of pesticide, prevent leaks and spills, calibrate
equipment and monitor for and report adverse incidents.
Additional controls, such as integrated pest management
practices, are built into the permit for operators who exceed
an annual treatment area threshold.
“EPA believes this draft permit strikes a balance between using
pesticides to control pests and protecting human health and
water quality,” said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for
EPA’s Office of Water.
EPA estimates that the pesticide general permit will affect
approximately 35,000 pesticide applicators nationally that
perform approximately half a million pesticide applications
annually. The agency’s draft permit covers the following
pesticide uses:
(1) mosquito and other flying insect pest control;
(2) aquatic weed and algae control;
(3) aquatic nuisance animal control; and
(4) forest canopy pest control.
It does not cover terrestrial applications to control pests on
agricultural crops or forest floors. EPA is soliciting public comment
on whether additional use patterns should be covered by this
general permit.
The agency plans to finalize the permit in December 2010. It will
take effect April 9, 2011. Once finalized, the pesticide general
permit will be used in states, territories, tribal lands, and federal
facilities where EPA is the authorized permitting authority. In
the remaining 44 states, states will issue the pesticide general
permits. EPA has been working closely with these states to
concurrently develop their permits.
EPA will hold three public meetings, a public hearing and a
webcast on the draft general permit to present the proposed
requirements of the permit, the basis for those requirements
and to answer questions. EPA will accept written comments
on the draft permit for 45 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
More information on the draft permit: http://www.epa.gov/
npdes
Water pollution degrades surface waters making them
unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As
authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls
water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge
pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are
discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches.
Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system,
use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do
not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and
other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly
to surface waters. In most cases, the NPDES permit program
is administered by authorized states. Since its introduction in
1972, the NPDES permit program is responsible for significant
improvements to our Nation’s water quality.
CORRECTION:
Our apologies to Tom Dimberio, Superintendent at Colorado Springs Country Club for the misspelling of his first
name in the July Issue.
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8
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
Affiliate Angle
John Rom - Turf Sales Representative
Simplot Partners
Born in Texas, raised in a small town outside of Oklahoma City
I spent 95% of my childhood playing baseball, fishing or playing
more baseball. Growing up my father was a GM at a couple
of private clubs in the OKC metro, so once I was old enough to
work I was sent to the maintenance department to be one of
the crew. It was great; it taught me the meaning of work and still
allowed me to play baseball very night in the summer throughout
high school and into college.
Upon graduating high school I was on my way to THE UNIVERSITY
OF OKLAHOMA to play baseball. However, after six knee
surgeries (yes, I was a catcher) and one torn hamstring it became
very clear that my baseball career was coming to a quick end.
Hence I was back working as a member of the crew at Jimmy
Austin, then the Trails CC and trying to figure out what I was going
to do. Many friends tried to get me to transfer to Oklahoma State
University and enter their turf program. However, I simply couldn’t
change my colors. So I ended up getting a degree in Marketing
with a minor Botany.
During the national show in 2007, Mike Stafford and Kevin
Gallagher approached me about possibly joining them at UAP.
So for the next three years I covered the mountains and most
everything south of I-70 for UAP. During that time I averaged
almost 60,000 miles a year, went through three company names
(UAP, CPS, AAT), Stafford & Gallagher leaving the company,
three different locations, and my wife and I had our first child!
AAT as it is currently known was a great learning experience into
corporate big business and gave me the opportunity to make
many friends across the country.
One day after work I decided to tee it up with a couple members.
One of the members guest Bob Ward was the owner of a small
chemical distribution company. Long story short after a couple
more rounds he convinced me to join his company as a sales
representative for the Golf and Sports turf market and I became
a member of the “Dark Side”. I soon realized that I truly enjoyed
the challenges of sales and knew this was the direction I wanted
my career to follow. After a couple years, I was moved into
the sales manager position and loved working with my reps in
Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, and Missouri. It was a great
learning experience and I am thankful for my time there.
In February of 2010 I began my venture with Simplot Partners, and
I must say in my 10 years in sales I have never seen a stronger
support staff for myself, Jason, Denton and Gary. With Simplot
I will continue to service many of my golf courses, sports complexes
and lawn care customers throughout the state and into New
Mexico.
In 2003, my wife was presented an opportunity to work at the
Children’s Hospital in Denver, which was one of the top three
places she could work. She is a speech-language therapist,
specializing in pre-K children. So we packed our house and
she came, while I stayed behind working. Through a family
connection I was introduced to Colorado Golf & Turf and it so
happened John Deere was starting up the OneSource Program
and Colorado Golf & Turf needed someone to head it up. It
was a fun and trying three years, being new to this market and
adjusting to the Colorado way of life.
When not working, which my wife Jamie says is always. I can
be found hanging out with her and my two year old daughter
Chloe, tournament fishing for bass, coaching baseball, watching
OU football and playing golf. I look forward to seeing everyone
in the future at a RMGCSA event or in my travels!
9
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
Chapman Retires after 42 years of service to the City of Loveland
By Steve Southard, CGCS, Golf Operation Manager - City of Loveland
Rod Chapman began his career with the City of Loveland in 1968
at The Olde Course, the year Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther
King were assassinated. Going by the original plan, the working
career of Rod Chapman in Loveland should have resembled a
boomerang - a gentle swing up the road from suburban Denver,
and then a quick return in pursuit of other lucrative steps up
the ladder. Rod entered the business before the term “upscale
public” golf course had been coined. In his early years, the
men’s club was summoned to help lay sod and chip-in on course
improvements. Sensing Chapman’s savvy, the city hired him to
the post of Parks superintendent in 1979, where he gladly oversaw
“everything green and growing.” By 1990, he was manager of the
city’s golf division. As times changed, the Loveland golf program
grew to include three golf courses and developed an excellent
youth program. Cattail Creek was opened for play in 1991,
followed by Mariana Butte in 1992. Major remodeling took place
at the Olde Course is 2002.
“Chapman helped put Loveland golf on the map”
As golfers looked for more special touches and desired experience
like other courses around, Chapman and his staff brought to
life the Golf Enterprise Fund in 1983 that improved layouts while
making sure taxpayers didn’t have to lay out any of their own
cash.
Caittail Creek
The Olde Course
Many golf managers around the state may know Rod as a diver.
He also operated a successful golf ball retrieval company for
many years. In the heat of the season, Rod loved to escape to
the murky depths of the lakes and ponds of other golf courses.
Rod plans to keep busy in his retirement years. First, traveling to
Europe for an extended vacation and then fulfilling a mission trip
through his church.
Mariana Butte
10
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
About the Golf Industry Show
February 7-10, 2011
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
The Golf Industry Show is an innovative trade show designed for
owners and operators of golf facilities and golf facilities and golf
course management professionals. Featuring the largest exhibit
floor in the industry, the event combines education, networking
and solutions for golf course superintendents, owners/operators,
general managers, chief operating officers, architects and
builders.
of 23,109 was an all-time high and surpassed the 2006 figure in
Atlanta by more than 4,000. Officials were pleased with the final
statistics and reviews, given that the West Coast traditionally
attracts fewer attendees and exhibitors.
In 2008, The Orlando show set records in a variety of categories.
Overall attendance fell just shy of 26,000 at 25,737 to surpass
the previous high established in Anaheim. In terms of qualified
buyers 10,553 walked the floor, eclipsing the mark set in Anaheim.
The trade show itself was the largest ever with 965 companies
represented with exhibits covering 300,900 square feet.
The Golf Industry Show is presented by the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the
National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), along with
supporting organizations, the Golf Course Builders Association
of America (GCBAA), the American Society of Golf Course
Architects (ASGCA), the National Golf Foundation (NGF) and the
United States Golf Association (USGA).
The 2009 show in New Orleans welcomed 17,151 total attendees,
including 7,012 qualified buyers, as well as 765 exhibitors covering
257,900 square feet of the New Orleans Morial Convention
Center’s trade show floor.
A brief history...
The United States Golf Association (USGA) joined the Golf Industry
Show as a participating partner in 2010. The San Diego event
drew 7,029 industry professionals involved in purchasing decisions,
surpassing the number of qualified buyers who attended the
previous year. A total of 657 exhibiting companies accounted for
204,000 square feet of exhibition space. Prior to the show, CMAA
announced it would not be continuing its partnership after 2010.
The Golf Industry Show is a combination of the GCSAA International
Show and the NGCOA Trade Show. GCSAA and NGCOA merged
their trade shows into the annual Golf Industry Show, beginning in
2005 in Orlando. That inaugural event was ranked the 82nd largest
trade show in North America that year by Tradeshow Week 200.
Hurricane Katrina forced the 2006 Golf Industry Show to move
from New Orleans to Houston the September before and then
because of scheduling conflict the organizers moved it again to
Atlanta less then four months out. Attendance for the event was
18,900, down from the 22,723 that were in Orlando in 2005, but
up from the 18,146 that were in Atlanta in 2003 for the show’s
predecessor, the GCSAA International Golf Course Conference
and Show.
CMAA joined the Golf Industry Show in 2007, helping set the
attendance record during the event at the Anaheim Convention
Center in Anaheim, Calif. A three-year best number of 9,697
qualified buyers (those who are part of the purchase process) in
attendance were greeted by a record 981 exhibitors covering a
record 291,250 square feet of exhibit space. The total attendance
Golf Course Renovation
Irrigation Installation
Project Management
Consulting
Greg Martin
Mobile: (303) 887-5718
[email protected]
www.moderngolf.biz
Fax: (303) 659-3129
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1130
Brighton, CO 80601
11
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
Member Information
Superintendent Profile - Mitch Bowers
The Harmony Club
My golf maintenance career started fresh out of high school
in 1987 at Southridge in Fort Collins, CO. I worked a seasonal
position for four years. While there I gathered as much information
possible about the industry. In the fall of 1992 I began to seek
out a different experience, so I set out for San Diego. I worked
for American Golf at Mission Trails for the rest of that winter. Sam
Samuelson, the superintendent at Mission Trails made me an offer
I could not refuse. American Golf had a brand new golf course
construction job back in Denver, Colorado at Thorncreek. It was
something I had been waiting for in the golf industry; a chance
to move up and learn something new. I started as the irrigation
tech for the grow-in, and after three years I was offered the 2nd
assistant position. During my time at Thorncreek I was inspired
to finally go back to school and get a degree. These were the
years where I started to sacrifice sleep. Eventually I avoided the
commute between Ft. Collins and Denver.
Springs, CO. I was there for
four years before taking the
Construction Superintendent
job, at Harmony Club in
2005. At the Harmony Club,
I am allowed the freedom
to establish practices in soil
building
while
continuing
efforts in pursuing the environment. My most recent endeavor
was the experience of working, once again under Chris Dalhamer
now the superintendent of Pebble Beach, at the 2010 US Open.
Through all of my diverse experience and travels I have always
had my wife Katy at my side to support me and encourage me
to try new and different things. I know that with out her support
I would not be in the position that I am in today. I thrive on my two
kids a son six and daughter three to take me out of the stress that
can occur on a daily basis. My other hobbies that take me away
from the daily grind include 25 years of Rugby, listening to music
and spending time outdoors doing just about anything, along
with my boarder collie.
I returned to Southridge as the Equipment Manager, while working
and attending school full time. In the fall of 1996 I graduated from
Front Range Community College where I received an Associates
Degree in Applied Science with an emphasis on turf grass and soil
management.
I have met a lot of interesting people in my twenty plus year
career and learned new and creative ways to farm turf grass.
I can only hope to continue to learn, inspire and seek out new
challenges that keep me interested in the golf industry.
In 1998 I accepted a job during a new construction with
Landscapes Unlimited as an Irrigation Foreman at the Broadlands
in Broomfield, CO. That same year I was referred to a position
at The Ridge in Auburn, CA. I was hired as the assistant, to
superintendent Steve Fackler, in the aid of yet another golf
course construction, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. While at
The Ridge, we practiced a natural approach to building soils with
progressive outlook to the environment.
In 1999, I moved to explore the golf mecca of the Monterey
peninsula. I was hired as the assistant, to superintendent Chris
Dalhamer, at Carmel Valley Ranch Resort. I learned the private
side to the golf industry there. While in Monterey, I had the
opportunity to work at Pebble Beach during 1999/2000 ATT Pro
Am and the 2000 US Open. The last year I was at Carmel Valley
Ranch, Troon came in to manage the golf course at the resort.
In 2001 Troon then offered to move me back to Colorado and
be the Construction Superintendent at Ironbridge in Glenwood
A Supporter of the Rocky Mountain
Golf Course Superintendents
Association.
12
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
GCSAA Leadership Change
On Behalf of GCSAA President Jim Fitzroy
GCSAA would like to alert you to a
leadership change for the association.
Mark Woodward, CGCS, has resigned to
pursue other career interests, effective
immediately. Mark has done a solid job
managing the organization during one of
the worst economic climates in our nation’s
history. His leadership also served to position
GCSAA prominently for its research,
programs and education regarding golf’s
relationship with the environment. We wish
him success in his future endeavors.
remain committed to our valuable partnership. We appreciate
your collaboration and support in strengthening the game and
business of golf.
We will keep you posted on the status of our leadership change
and any ongoing projects. If you have questions at any time,
please do not hesitate to contact me at jfitzroy@presidentsgc.
com, or via phone at 617-328-1776 or cell at 617-733-4438.
We appreciate your support during this process.
Thank you,
Rest assured, our staff will continue to serve our members and
partners, as well as the association’s mission of advancing
the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The
GCSAA Board of Directors remains committed to providing the
leadership and focus that will ensure the continued success of
the organization.
Jim Fitzroy, CGCS
GCSAA President
Effective immediately, GCSAA will launch a comprehensive
national search to hire Mark’s successor. We are focused on
identifying a CEO who will continue to uphold our mission and
provide excellent service to our members and value to our
partners. During this interim time, GCSAA Chief Operating Officer
Rhett Evans has agreed to lead the organization until a permanent
replacement is named.
During this time of transition, please know we recognize and
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100760_44847_45355.indd 1
E-Mail: [email protected] 13
5/28/10 9:24:25 AM
www.rmgcsa.org
In My Opinion
By Dennis Lyon, CGCS, Manager of Golf - Aurora Golf Courses
IN SEARCH OF A ROUND PEG:
tanked.” Vice President Randquist chimes in, “Mark we know
none of these things are your fault. Golf nationwide has taken
By now you have all heard that Mark a significant hit and everyone is hurting. Trade shows in general
Woodward, CGCS resigned as the CEO of have seen a dramatic decline in attendance and revenue
GCSAA, “to pursue other career interests.” generation.” President Fitzroy continues, “Mark I believe the
This resignation was “effective immediately.” situation we have before us is, when you were hired, we were
The date was June 22 as I recall. I have looking for a square peg to fit a square hole. You were a great
no inside knowledge of what happened fit. Unfortunately the world and our association have changed
when President Fitzroy and Vice President dramatically during the past two years. We, as a board, have
Randquist flew into Lawrence to meet with decided that you have become a square peg in a new round
CEO Woodward, regarding his tenure at GCSAA. I can, however, hole. You do not have the skill set we are looking for to put
picture a conversation that went something like this.
our association back on track.” Mark Woodward, gentleman
that he is, responds, “would you like for me to resign, effectively
As the three men are seated around the second floor executive immediately to pursue other interests?” The other two men nod
conference table at GCSAA Headquarters, President Fitzroy in the affirmative. And that’s how it could have gone down.
begins with, “Mark you have done an excellent job for our
Association these past two years. In fact, we have weathered I of course have no way of knowing what really happened. What
some tough times together haven’t we?” Woodward nods in I do know is this. Former CEO Mark Woodward, President Fitzroy,
agreement. He continues, “Mark when we hired you as our first Vice President Randquist and the rest of the GCSAA Board are
Superintendent CEO, you were exactly what we were looking for. outstanding gentlemen and are concerned with doing only
As a past president, you are one of us. Mark you are articulate, what is best for our association and profession.
competent and have strong management skills. You are a strong
leader, you are very good with staff, you have an ability to work So as the GCSAA Board scours the nation looking for the most
well with the board and are someone who understands and qualified new Association CEO, the perfect round peg to fit into
completely bought into our performance management system.” the new round hole, we should give them all our unqualified
Vice President Randquist nods in agreement. President Fitzroy support. At least that’s my opinion.
continues. “Mark, unfortunately the world has changed since Sincerely,
we hired you. Attendance at the trade show has plummeted.
Dennis
There have been a significant decline in the number of “qualified
Dennis Lyon CGCS
buyers” at the trade show, and our association revenues have
GCSAA Past President
Keystone superintendent renews professional certification
By Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Sr. Director, Marketing and Communications
Brett J. Lockard, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance
at Keystone Resort, Keystone, Colorado, has completed
the renewal process for maintaining his status as a Certified
Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) with the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Lockard has
been at Keystone Resort since 2007. A 19-year GCSAA member,
he initially achieved his certification in 2005. Approximately 1,800
golf course superintendents worldwide currently hold “CGCS”
status.
competency-based certification program, a candidate
must have at least three years experience as a golf course
superintendent, be employed in that capacity and meet
post-secondary educational requirements and/or continuing
education points. The candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities
are validated through the development of a portfolio consisting
of their responses to skill statements, case-study scenarios and
submission of work samples; an on-site inspection of their golf
facility; and a rigorous six-hour examination covering: equipment,
irrigation systems, regulatory and programmatic systems, crisis
management, project management and ethics and values.
According to GCSAA President, James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, “Twentyfive percent of GCSAA’s Class A members have elected to
earn the highest level of recognition through the professional
designation “CGCS” by completion of the GCSAA Certification
Program. This program requires their demonstration of a higher
set of competencies in golf course management through testing
and practical application. Employers can feel confident they
employ a career professional who will increase their chances of
having consistently superior course conditions.”
Maintaining certified status requires renewal every five years
after the initial date of certification. To fulfill certification renewal
requirements, a candidate must participate in 150 hours of
continuing education and professional development.
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf
course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top
professional association for the men and women who manage
golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its
headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas, the association provides
education, information and representation to more than 20,000
members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its
members, advance the profession and enhance the enjoyment,
growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association’s
philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute of Golf,
works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural
environment through research grants, support for education
programs and outreach efforts.
GCSAA was among the first associations to institute a professional
certification program, establishing its program in 1971 to
recognize outstanding and progressive superintendents. In 2005,
GCSAA completed a restructuring of its certification program in
order to raise the level of documented professionalism through
comprehensive continuing education. The restructured program
was recognized by the National Certification Commission as
“one of the most extensive and comprehensive certification
programs for any profession.” To qualify for GCSAA’s new
14
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
Program Information
“Renewable Energy Resources”
Once the focus of a small, dedicated group of environmentalists,
renewable energy and energy efficiency have gone mainstream.
Everywhere you turn, everything has gone “green,” “renewable,”
and “sustainable.” In this presentation, we’ll look at how golf courses
can optimize their energy usage, convert to solar or wind energy,
and make a positive difference to the bottom line. Renewable
energy resources are a great way to promote being ‘green’ in any
business. Our business is all about green, so why not explore options
for electric power that are produced from renewable resources?
Mr. Steve Mudd will provide information regarding these types of
energy sources and how to tap into them.
Steve Mudd, Manager of Windsource - Xcel Energy
Steve Mudd is the manager of Windsource from Xcel Energy, one
of the largest voluntary renewable energy programs in the country.
Mudd has worked with Xcel Energy for eight years managing
several consumer and business products working in marketing
strategy and planning. Prior to Xcel Energy, Mudd held various
marketing, finance and IT roles and broadband provider Level 3
Communications and marketer The Product Line. He also wrote,
directed, and produced the feature film “Seclusion,” now available
on DVD. Mudd holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from the
University of Wyoming.
Golf: Keystone Ranch Golf Course
1239 Keystone Ranch Rd. | Keystone, CO 80435
Superintendent: Pam Brown
Opened: 1980
Staff: Philip Tobias, Golf Professional
Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Greens Grass Type: Penncross Creeping Bentgrass/Poa Annua
Fairways Grass Type: Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Ryegrass/Poa Annua
Challenge yourself and take your game to a higher level on this
classic mountain golf course. Winding through ledgepole pines,
around sage meadows and across a nine-acre lake, this par-72
golf course features slight elevation changes and many bunkers.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Keystone Ranch Golf Course
follows the legendary links-style of a Scottish course on the front
nine, while the back nine presents a traditional mountain valley
layout. Total yardage is 5,582 - 7,090.
Details:
8 a.m. Check-in | 8:30 a.m. Shot-gun Start
1:00 p.m. Meeting
Format: Scramble
(Affiliates will have the opportunity to create a team of
RMGCSA members and compete against other affiliate lead teams. If participants
do not have a handicap, they must submit average score and a handicap will be
estimated. Each team will be allocated 60% of the total team handicap and will require
two drives from each player be utilized. For those individuals that are not on a team, you
can still play individual stroke for low gross and net prizes, or you can ask to be placed
on a team of available.)
Directions: Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Exit 205
(Dillon/Silverthorne). Continue approx. 6 miles east on U.S. Hwy. 6 to
Keystone Resort. Keystone Ranch is located off of Keystone Ranch
Rd. Turn right at the Keystone stop light and follow the signs to the
course.
You will need to make your reservation by August 18, 2010. No exceptions. No walk-ins permitted. Because of golf course policies
there will be no “after the deadline” reservations accommodated. A wait list will be in place for those that wish to play but missed the
deadline. We will call you to confirm that you have made the tournament once we are notified of a cancellation. Slots made available
by cancellation will be filled only from the wait list on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration form must be received by August 18, 2010 (Mail, fax or register online)
q Scramble Team $320 q Members/Member Guests $80 q Non-members $110 q Meeting Only $25
*All fields need to be filled out in order to process registration*
Employer: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________
Name/GHIN/Handicap/Average Score: __________________________________________________________________________________
Name/GHIN/Handicap/Average Score: __________________________________________________________________________________
Name/GHIN/Handicap/Average Score: __________________________________________________________________________________
Name/GHIN/Handicap/Average Score: __________________________________________________________________________________
AMEX/VISA/MASTERCARD #: _____________________________________________________ CVC code: ____ Exp. __/__ Total $ _______
Exact Billing Address of Credit Card: __________________________________________________ City: _________ State: ___ Zip: ________
Signature: _____________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________
Return to: RMGCSA, 3030 W. 81st Ave., Westminster, CO 80031 - NO REFUNDS AFTER August 18th
Phone: 888-576-4272 or 303-255-9611 | Fax: 303-458-0002 | [email protected] | www.rmgcsa.org
15
E-Mail: [email protected] www.rmgcsa.org
RMGCSA
3030 West 81st Avenue
Westminster, CO 80031
Phone: 303-255-9611
The Reporter
Official Publication of the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association
Calendar of Events
July 27, 2010
Annual Tournament - The Harmony Club
August 25, 2010
Affiliate Cup Scramble - Keystone Ranch Golf Course
September 22, 2010
Golf Outing and Educational Event - Hyland Hills Golf Courses
October 11, 2010
Annual Meeting - Blackstone Country Club
December 7-9, 2010
RMRTA Conference & Trade Show - Crowne Plaza DIA
February 7-10, 2011
Golf Industry Show - Orange County Convention Center | Orlando, FL
Mission Statement
Unite and advance the Rocky Mountain area Golf Course Superintendents by sharing
knowledge, providing education and improving golf course management practices.