Commonwealth Crier. News from the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association. President s Message

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1 Spring 2009 Commonwealth Crier News from the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association President s Message Ready or not the 2009 golfing season is here, and to use a phrase from our friends at the USGA, GO GOLF! I am excited to get this year underway and start seeing some familiar faces on the golf course. As each of us are facing tough economic conditions in our respective places of employment, I think it is in our best interest to keep our heads, keep smiling and be willing to lend a helping hand whenever possible. I have mentioned this before, but again, it is critical to properly communicate with your employers. Now that the formal Education Season is behind us, here is a recap. For the first time in many years, the USGA held a Regional Conference in Virginia, at The Country Club of Virginia. The attendance was remarkable, bringing together club officials, general managers, golf professionals and superintendents. The Richmond site is now being proposed for a two-year rotation to return in The VTC Conference was well attended in Fredericksburg. In New Orleans, the GIS attendance was low compared to years past. However, on a positive note, the attendance was higher than planned for (New Orleans is traditionally the lightest attended GIS location). Our GCSAA Social Event was a complete success, with great attendance. This year the Eastern Shore GCSA joined in with our friends from the MAAGCS. I would like to personally thank our supporters who made it possible, especially our major sponsors, Syngenta, John Deere (Finch Services), GL Cornell, Nutramax, Arysta Life Sciences, Quali-Pro, Bayer and Yamaha Golf Cars. In addition, ten companies made donations as friends of the three chapters. I would also like to take a moment and offer a huge THANK YOU to all our 2009 Partners, who are recognized inside. Partners, without your generous support during this difficult economic climate, we as an Association would not be in the position we are in now. The VGCSA is a highly regarded association among our allied golf association peers in Virginia. For those of us who are end-users of products and services, I ask that you support our Partners as they have supported us through the Partner Program. Here s an update on GCSAA activities. The GCSAA has discontinued the Chapter Hosted Seminar program. The reason for dropping the program was lack of support and attendance from the local chapters. The VGCSA held one of the last seminars of this program in Williamsburg, Managing Bentgrass in Heat Stress Environments, and while it was an excellent program, the attendance level was low. On a more positive note, we will have representation on the GCSAA Professional Development Committee, as they have invited me back to serve again this year. The primary focus will be to review, validate and approve the work of various task groups, committees and subject matter experts that have made recommended updates to the superintendent competencies. If you are unfamiliar with the term competencies, these are the statements that address what superintendents need to know to be successful in their jobs and careers. Originally developed in 1997 by member groups, they are used in the online self-assessment (the PDR) and are the foundation for GCSAA education and the external education for which we award points. Together, these statements make up a comprehensive body of knowledge about the superintendent s profession. Through the work of last year s task groups, the competencies have now been updated to ensure their relevance in the industry today and in the future. It is this committee s charge to review the final draft document from all the task groups and ultimately approve the new body of knowledge. I am honored to represent the VGCSA on the national level and look forward to the impact we can help create. I would like to wish each of you a successful 2009 season and GO GOLF!! Eric D. Spurlock President Virginia GCSA

2 VGCSA Announces Board Line Up for 2009 At the recent Annual Meeting, the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association elected its Board of Directors for Eric Spurlock of Hermitage Country Club returns to lead the organization as President. Jeff Berg of Goose Creek Golf Club is Vice President, and Matt Boyce of Princess Anne Country Club is Secretary-Treasurer. Michael Oates of Winchester is Past President. The Board includes five External Vice Presidents, representing their respective local associations: Peter McDonough of Keswick Club (Old Dominion GCSA), Jeff Van Fleet of Forest Greens GC (Greater Washington GCSA), Chris Petrelli of Cedar Point CC (Tidewater Turfgrass Association), Ed Eagle of Ingleside Resort (Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association) and Kim Garnett of Blacksburg CC (Virginia Turfgrass Association). Rounding out the Board are representatives in two newly added Board positions: John Libassi of Heritage Oaks CC (Assistants) and Mark Merrick, CGCS of Syngenta (Associates). The purpose of the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association is to serve its members through unified representation on a state and national level and by advancing their professional growth VGCSA Board of Directors: Front (L-R) Matt Boyce, Eric Spurlock, Jeff Berg, Mike Oates; Back (L-R) Kim Garnett, Peter McDonough, Chris Petrelli, Jeff Van Fleet, Mark Merrick, John Libassi (not pictured - Ed Eagle) 2009 VGCSA Board of Directors VGCSA Officers President Eric Spurlock Hermitage Country Club 1248 Hermitage Road Manakin-Sabot, VA Ph: / Fax Cell: erics@hermitagecountryclub.com Vice President Jeff Berg Goose Creek Golf Club Golf Club Road Leesburg, VA Ph: / Fax: Cell: jberg@kempersports.com Secretary/ Treasurer Matt Boyce Princess Anne Country Club 3800 Pacific Avenue Virginia Beach, VA Ph: / Fax: Cell: mrb206@hotmail.com Past President Michael Oates 314 Sutton Court Winchester, VA Cell: VGCSA External Vice-Presidents Old Dominion Golf Course Superintendents Association Peter McDonough The Keswick Club 701 Country Club Drive Keswick, VA Ph: / Fax: Cell: pmcdonough@keswick.com Tidewater Turfgrass Association Chris Petrelli Cedar Point Club P.O. Box 6138 Suffolk, VA Ph: / Fax: Cell: cpetrelli@cedarpointcountryclub.com Virginia Turfgrass Association Kim Garnett Blacksburg Country Club 1064 Clubhouse Road Blacksburg, VA Ph: / Fax: Cell: kim@blacksburgcc.com Greater Washington Golf Course Superintendents Association Jeff Van Fleet Forest Greens Golf Club 4500 Poa Annua Lane Triangle, VA Ph: / Fax: Cell: jefffleet@msn.com Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association Ed Eagle, CGCS Ingleside Resort 1410 Commerce Road Staunton, VA Ph: / Fax: Cell: eagleedwin@yahoo.com At-Large Board Members Assistant Superintendent John F. Libassi Heritage Oaks Golf Club 305 S. Dogwood Drive Harrisonburg, VA Ph: / Fax: Cell: johnl@ci.harrisonburg.va.us Assosiate Mark Merrick, CGCS Syngenta 609 Woodbine Terrace Towson, MD Ph: / Fax: Cell: mark.merrick@syngenta.com Staff Executive Director David Norman VGCSA Telegraph Rd., Suite A Glen Allen, VA Ph /Fax: Cell: DNorman007@aol.com General Counsel M.E. Dick Gibson, Jr. Shirley Prillaman, Legal Assistant Tremblay & Smith, LLP P.O. Box 1585 Charlottesville, VA Ph /Fax: shirley.prillaman@tremblaysmith.com 2 The Commonwealth Crier

3 Dates Announced for 2009 VGCSA Top Golfing Events Dates for the top two golf events of the year are now set. The Tollie Quinn Tournament, which includes qualifying to represent VGCSA at the 2010 GCSAA National Championship, will take place May 27th at the beautiful Spring Creek Golf Club in Gordonsville, where Brian Vincel is the superintendent. Then in the fall, the Joe Saylor Memorial moves to The Foundry Golf Club in Powhatan on October 26th. Host superintendent Scott Mauldin will showcase the newly renovated course, which opens to the membership this summer VGCSA Event Schedule Date Event Location Speaker Tues., April 14 TTA Meeting Cypress Point GC, Virginia Beach Financial Advice followed by golf Tues., April 14 VTA Meeting Hidden Valley CC, Salem Woody Outlaw (Pump Stations) Tues., April 21 SVTA/ODGCSA Meeting Greene Hills CC, Stanardsville John Moriarity, Brightleaf, LLC Tues., April 28 GWGCSA/MAAGCS Meeting Stonewall GC, Gainesville Joint Meeting with MAAGCS Tues., May 05 VTA Fundraiser Golf Tournament Pete Dye River Course at VT, Fundraiser Radford, VA Thur., May 14 SVTA Qualifier Tournament Gypsy Hill GC, Staunton Golf Event Tues., May 19 GWGCSA Meeting Mt. Vernon Country Club, Alexandria TBD Wed., May 27 Tollie Quinn Tournament Spring Creek GC, Gordonsville Golf Event and GCSAA Qualifier Tues., June 2 VTA Meeting Forest Park CC, Martinsville Vinny Stio/ Andy Mottel (sod selection) Tues., June 16 North-South Tournament Cannon Ridge GC, Fredericksburg Education & Golf (GWGCSA v. ODGCSA) Tues., June 23 GWGCSA/MAAGCS Meeting Washington Golf & CC, Arlington Joint Meeting with MAAGCS Mon., June 29 TTA Dick Cake Memorial Elizabeth Manor CC, Portsmouth Golf Event Mon., July 13 VTA Meeting Vista Links, Buena Vista Jeff Haley (PGA Agronomist) Tues., July 14 SVTA Fundraiser Golf Tournament Blue Ridge Shadows GC, Front Royal Fundraiser Tournament Wed., July 15 GWGCSA Maintenance Open Forest Greens GC, Triangle Golf Event Mon., July 27 Wee One Foundation Tournament Cypress Creek Golfers' Club, Smithfield Charity Golf Event August TBD GWGCSA Social Event TBD TBD Thur., August 27 VTA/SVTA Meeting Waynesboro CC, Waynesboro George Hirschmann WHSV TV Meteorologist Tues., September 1 GWGCSA Meeting Chantilly National G&CC, Centreville TBD Tues., September 15 VTA Meeting Goodyear GC, Danville TBD Tues., September 22 SVTA Meeting Shenvalee Resort, New Market TBD Tues., October 20 GWGCSA Meeting Springfield CC, Springfield TBD Thur., October 22 SVTA Seminar Shenandoah Valley Golf Course, Front Royal Keith Happ, Erik Ervin, Shawn Askew, et. al, TBD Mon., October 26 VGCSA Joe Saylor Memorial The Foundry Golf Club, Powhatan Golf Event Tues., October 27 VTA Annual Meeting Blacksburg Country Club, Blacksburg Keith Happ, USGA Agronomist Afternoon Golf/Year End Meeting/ Awards/ Prizes November TBA GWGCSA Annual Meeting Evergreen CC, Haymarket TBD Spring

4 Use your points for a worthy cause. When a GreenPartners member purchases Syngenta products, they have the option to donate their points to worthy causes or use them for membership dues at participating associations. If you haven t registered yet, just log on to and find out how rewarding GreenPartners can be. For more information, contact Steve Dorer, CGCS at , stephen.dorer@syngenta.com or Mark Merrick, CGCS at , mark.merrick@syngenta.com. Eligible organizations include: Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association Virginia Turfgrass Foundation Virginia Turfgrass Council Wee Ones Foundation and many others 2009 Syngenta. Syngenta Professional Products, Greensboro, NC GreenPartners and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. 4 The Commonwealth Crier

5 Mike Willey and Dave Hancock to Retire Mike Willey (above left) of Bayer and Dave Hancock (above right) of Smith Turf have decided to retire. The VGCSA wishes both Mike and Dave continued success in retirement and we thank them both for their many years of service to the turf industry. We know they are only a phone call away, and you truly never leave this industry anyway. The following is a reprint of a letter that came to us from Smith Turf. Hancock Retires after Years of Service to Turf Industry Dave Hancock, a long time and valuable employee of Smith Turf & Irrigation has retired after 36 years of dedicated service. Shortly after high school, growing up in beautiful Wytheville, Virginia, Dave was hired by R.P. Johnson Company in Wytheville in the late 1960s, servicing the golf course equipment which they sold locally in western Virginia. Dave was quickly promoted to sales for R.P. Johnson, and he hit the road selling and servicing and sowing the seeds for the relationships he built with so many of his customers today. In 1973, Tollie Quinn, owner of Richmond Power Equipment, recognized Dave s talents and the rapport he had with his customers and hired Dave to be the territory manager, servicing and selling Toro commercial equipment and allied product lines. Through three ownership changes, Richmond Power Equipment Co., Virginia Turf & Irrigation, Co. and Smith Turf & Irrigation Co., Dave always served his customer in a professional manner and was known for going the extra mile and always with a down home smile on his face and a fine howdy do! Dave has always been a staunch supporter of the turfgrass industry over the years. Dave has held every officer s position in the Virginia Turfgrass Association (VTA) over the years, and more than a few occasions he served terms more than twice. Dave was awarded the R.D. Cake Memorial Award in 2003, originally known as the Silver Tray Memorial Award, when this award originated in This award was presented by the Virginia Turfgrass Council, and it recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the development of the Virginia Turfgrass Industry. Dave has also been awarded the prestigious Green Blazer award by the Toro Company. This Toro award recognizes three to four salesmen per year out of a sales force of 220 individuals nationwide for attaining their sales goals, personal improvement goals and customer satisfaction goals over a three year consecutive time span. As we think of Dave playing on a golf course wearing the big fedora, Bermuda shorts and those long tube socks on those chunky legs of his, slowly taking a draw on one of those stogies he smoked we will also remember him as a spiritual man involved with his church, a caring individual for all walks of life, a man with high integrity and a determined spirit to do the right thing for his customer. Dave will still come by to visit his friends in the industry, but he is very much looking forward to doing a little more fishing and hunting and a lot less paperwork and computer reporting. Most of all, Dave is looking forward to spending more time with his high school sweetheart, best friend and love of his life, Phyllis and their two children, Todd and Kim and their beautiful grandchildren which they adore. Join us in wishing two first class guys, that did a first class job, a much deserved first class retirement. Congratulations Dave Hancock and Mike Willey! Thank you gentleman and best of luck! Horvath Accepts Position at Tennessee For the past four years, Dr. Brandon Horvath has been a valuable entity for the turf team at Virginia Tech, serving as Assistant Professor, and helping superintendents and turfgrass professionals across the Commonwealth in their daily endeavors. The Cincinnati native will be moving on to the University of Tennessee as Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences. I want to say thank you for helping me to learn first-hand the challenges of growing turf in the transition zone, said Horvath, in an open letter to turfgrass professionals in Virginia. Without your help, my learning curve would have been much steeper. (With the move) I will only be one state away, so please don t hesitate to look me up and stay in touch. Horvath is a graduate of the Ohio State University, with a Masters Degree and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. McCormicks Welcome First Child! Andrew McCormick, Superintendent at Hanover Country Club, welcomed his first new baby boy into the world recently. Liam Johnston McCormick was born Friday, February 20th at 3:32 p.m. Liam weighed in at 8 pounds even and 20.5" in length. According to Andrew, the boy has long arms and legs and thankfully does NOT have Andrew s sausage-like fingers! Congratulations and best wishes from the VGCSA! Spring

6 VGCSA ad_2009_1-2 pg. :VGCSA ad_2008_1/2 pg. 4/3/09 11:11 AM Page 1 VGCSA ad_2009_1-2 pg. :VGCSA ad_2008_1/2 pg. 4/3/09 11:11 AM Page 1 SUPPORTING VIRGINIA S... PROFESSIONAL GOLF GOLF ASSOCIATION...with 33Great Supply...Partners 4x The Power 4x of Lime The Power of Lime Protection From Tee To Cup Protection From Tee To Cup creating value...through...unique innovation... creatingand value...through...unique extra commitment! innovation... and extra commitment! The Commonwealth Crier

7 VGCSA Supports Virginia Tech Turf Club Most turf professionals would agree that networking is one of the most important keys to a successful career. One way that students in the turf program at Virginia Tech begin to expand their network is through the Virginia Tech Turf Club. The VT turf club is a social and educational club with the purpose of promoting professional, educational and social interaction among students and to encourage a better understanding of the work of turf managers and to promote cooperation with them. The Virginia Tech Turf Club brings together turf management students from a wide variety of backgrounds in the two and four year programs. The club is fortunate enough to have dedicated professional advisors in Dr. Erik Ervin, Sam Doak, Dr. Mike Goatley and Nick McKenna. A major highlight for members of the turf club is the opportunity to travel to the National STMA Conference and The Golf Industry Show each year. Teams compete in the collegiate turf bowls representing Virginia Tech at the respective conferences. The shows provide excellent networking and educational opportunities. Turf club members also help out with the annual Virginia Tech Field Days, including the golf tournament fundraiser. The VGCSA, VSTMA, and the VTC have allowed students to attend local seminars and meetings as well as provide funding for the club and scholarship opportunities. In addition, guest speakers often make presentations covering topics that include professionalism, networking, budgeting, managing bentgrass greens through summer stress, and making the transition from student to the work force. The club also invites other Virginia Tech educators like David McCall, Dr. Shawn Askew, and Dr. Rod Youngman to give training and educational lectures. A main initiative for the turf club in the coming year is to establish a community outreach program to go along with the Virginia Tech Motto Ut Prosim ( that I may serve ) The Virginia Tech Turf Club is helping to educate the future leaders of the turf industry. Turf Club competes at STMA Conference The Virginia Tech Turf Club sent nine members (below) to compete in the January 16 Student Challenge at the 2009 Sports Turf Manager s Association (STMA) Conference in San Jose, California. All teams enjoyed success in the competition. One 4-man team placed in the top ten of the 4-year student competition, and 2 teams placed in the top five of the 2-year student competition. Congratulations to all of those who competed in the Student Challenge! Many thanks need to go out to the Virginia chapter of STMA, the Virginia Turfgrass Council, and the Virginia Turfgrass Association for their significant financial support of the teams this year and to coaches, Nick McKenna and Sam Doak. STMA Team Front row, left to right: Thomas Kirsch, Dan Clayton, Jeremy Harvey, and Ryan Holbrook. Back row, left to right: Zach Chapin, Chris Webb, Logan Horne, Jeremy Atkins, and Brett Brubaker Turf Club travels to GCSAA meeting in New Orleans The Virginia Tech Turf Club sent four members to compete in the Turf Bowl at the February 6, 2009 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. This team of rookies did well placing 32nd out of 84 teams. A Purdue University team placed 1st this year, with Iowa State taking 2nd place. Many thanks need to go out to the Virginia chapter of STMA, the Virginia Turfgrass Council, and the Virginia Turfgrass Association for their significant financial support of the teams this year and to coach Dr. Erik Ervin. Virginia Tech Turf Club s 2009 GCSAA Turf Bowl Team (left to right) Derik Cataldi, Ryan McNamara, Ryan Johnson, and Andrew Desing Spring

8 2009 Partner Program Participants Thank You! Diamond Finch Turf Equipment Harmon Turf Services, Inc. Home Field Fertilizer/ Meadowspring Turf Landscape Supply Quali-Pro Revels Tractor Smith Turf & Irrigation Syngenta Gold BASF Turf Grigg Brothers Fertilizer Harrell's Silver Arysta Life Sciences Aspen Corporation Aspire Golf Consulting Bayer Environmental Science George Golf Design G.L. Cornell Graden USA Inc. Herod Seeds Lohmann Golf Designs, Inc McDonald & Sons, Inc. Phoenix Environmental Care Precision Laboratories Scott Turf Equipment Southern States The Care of Trees Turf & Garden Bronze Aquatrols Cannon's Service Cleary Chemical Coggin Agronomic Solutions Crop Production Services (formerly UAP) Dow Agrosciences Dupont Professional Products E & S Soil Egypt Farms EZ Go Fisher & Son FMC Professional Solutions Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. Growing Solutions Growth Enhancer Turf Consultants Helena Chemical HydroDesigns VGCSA also thanks the sponsors of the GCSAA Social Event with MAAGCS and ESAGCS: Innovative Turf Services John Deere Golf Newsom Seed Novozymes Biologicals (VA) Nutraturf Synatek Tom Rash Company Trinity Turf, Inc. Turf Works, LLC Golf Hydro Solutions, Inc. JEG Corp. M&M Consulting Trunk Pump Research Chantilly Turf Farms Nonprofit USGA Green Section Virginia Turfgrass Council Presenting Sponsors G.L. Cornell, Finch Services, Nutramax, Syngenta Supporting Sponsors Arysta Life Sciences, Bayer, Quali-Pro, Yamaha Golf Cars Friends Davisson Golf, HydroDesigns, Legends Landscaping, McDonald Design, McDonald & Sons, Oakwood Sod, Sports Aggregates, Winfield Solutions 2009 VGCSA Local Association Presidents Greater Washington GCSA Mike Mueller Herndon Centennial Golf Course 1270 Old Heights Road Herndon, VA Ph: Fax: mueller68@hotmail.com Shenandoah Valley TA Kurt Fellenstein Trinity Turf P.O. Box 9 Mt. Crawford, VA Ph: Fax: Cell: kurt@trinityturf.net Virginia TA Kim Garnett Blacksburg Country Club 1064 Clubhouse Road Blacksburg, VA Ph: Fax: Cell: kim@blacksburgcc.com Old Dominion GCSA Scott Kinnan Farmington Country Club 1625 Country Club Circle Charlottesville, VA Ph: Fax: Cell: skinnan@fccva.com Tidewater TA Travis Creech Bide-A-Wee Golf Course 1 Bide-A-Wee Road Portsmouth, VA Ph: Fax: Cell: travcreech@aol.com 8 The Commonwealth Crier

9 News from Affiliated Chapters News from the GWGCSA A cold and dry winter is quickly transitioning into spring. So much for the winter break, it s go time. As everyone is busy getting programs in place for the fast approaching golf season, there is not too much information to report from the Greater Washington. I would like to take this opportunity to announce the resignation of John Burke, Vice President of the GWGCSA. I would like to thank John for the last three and a half years of service on the board. In saying that, we are looking to temporarily fill his position for the upcoming season. Please contact Mike Mueller or myself if you are interested in getting involved. News from the VTA I would like to welcome everyone to a great 2009 golfing season from the Virginia Turfgrass Association. I am grateful to serve as the president in We have a great schedule for the Virginia Turfgrass Association. Every speaker was carefully selected to give you up to date leading edge information on our industry. We encourage participation at these events. This is a great place to network with peers and get your questions answered with some one-on-one time with the speakers. I would also like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Dan Robertson, our Past President. He did a great job in leading our association and was instrumental in boosting attendance at the local meetings. This winter has treated us very well. We ve had a mild winter with zero flooding! We had a decent amount of rain to fill up the aquifers and bring water tables up to almost normal levels. As for other topics of interest, the labor pool has been better than average. We have had to I am pleased to announce the schedule for the 2009 season. April 28 May 19 June 16 June 23 July 15 August September 1 October 20 November GWGCSA Meeting Schedule Stonewall Golf Club (joint meeting w/ MAAGCS) Mount Vernon Country Club Cannon Ridge Golf Club (North-South Challenge) Washington Golf & Country Club (joint meeting w/ MAAGCS) Forest Greens Golf Club (Maintenance Open) Open Chantilly National Golf & Country Club Springfield Country Club (Superintendent/Assistant) Evergreen Country Club (Annual Meeting) Here is wishing everyone a stunning 2009 with minimal disease pressure and just a little hand watering. file several applications for future use. It is a great time to get drainage installed! The golfing members always ask, What are you working on? (see picture below) It is good for the crew to be out on the course working on a project before the budget officially gets approved. Have a great spring! Jeff Van Fleet GWGCSA External Vice President Kimberly Garnett VTA President Spring

10 News from Affiliated Chapters ODGCSA News I hope everyone has had a good winter and is ready for this spring. I am sure many of you are either finishing aerification or gearing up for it. If you are like me, you can t wait to be done with aerifying and start to grow grass again. The past eight months have been quite a ride for all of us. It seems the world has turned 180 degrees from where it was last summer. I know this year will be one of the most challenging years we have ever had in this industry. Every year has challenges, but this year will test each of us, likely in ways we have never experienced before. As President of the ODGCSA, I would like to thank you all for electing me to serve. The ODGCSA is a made up of a great group of people. I have enjoyed the relationships I have developed through my service on the BOD and I look forward to meeting more members as the year progresses. This year s Board of Directors is comprised of the following individuals: Dave Smith, Vice-President Eric Fraizer, Sec/Treasurer Tommy Adams, Director Scott Mauldin, Director Peter McDonough, External Vice President Steve Burnette, Past President If anyone ever has questions about things happening in the Old Dominion, please feel free to contact any of these people as they are your representatives. I want to thank each of these people for taking their time to serve on the BOD. I hope you all get a chance to attend the meetings that are planned for this year. I want to thank Andrew McCormick for hosting our first event at Hanover Country Club. We also have a joint event scheduled with the SVTA in April at Greene Hills Club and the Tollie Quinn at Spring Creek in May. I know this year will be as difficult as any to be away from your course, but an afternoon spent with your fellow industry friends may be the best medicine you can get. I would also like to thank David Norman for all of his help over the past few years. Since David has become the Executive Director of the VGCSA the job of the Old Dominion BOD is much less demanding. Thanks to David for all he does. I hope all of you have a great few months. Please don t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns dealing with the ODGCSA. My office phone is and my is skinnan@fccva.com. Scott Kinnan ODGCSA President Farmington Country Club TM Know The Sign. Greater Than Or Equal To. After three seasons of using Quali-Pro products, there s no sacrifice of quality and the economy is very evident. Tom Leahy, Superintendent, Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Scarborough, New York Today, superintendents need both quality and value. And that s exactly what Quali-Pro has been delivering since day one. Proven plant protection products featuring the newest formulation technologies at an unprecedented value. Unsurpassed Quality. Outstanding Value. Get to know Quali-Pro. To learn more visit quali-pro.com or contact Terry Kallam at FarmSaver.com, LLC. Quali-Pro is a registered trademark of FarmSaver.com. Know The Sign is a trademark of FarmSaver.com. Always read and follow label directions. Professional Turf & Ornamental Products 10 The Commonwealth Crier

11 News from Affiliated Chapters TTA Update Well, I kind of predicted correctly in the winter issue that we would have some snow this winter. We did get a little bit in early March but we missed a couple of other opportunities to get more significant storms. Overall, it was a pretty cold winter and we are all looking forward to spring temperatures returning. The TTA board has been working hard to put finalize our schedule for the year and I will give all the details that we have so far. Our first event will be on April 14th at Cypress Point Golf Club in Virginia Beach. There will be an education session and golf afterward. With all the upheaval in the financial world, we thought it would be appropriate to have a financial advisor give some investment options and information. I want to thank Mark McCaughan and Herrod Seed for putting the event together and sponsoring it. Something we are trying this year that we hope will take off is having informal golf and social events. Once a month, usually on Thursday s, we will have 9 holes of golf and then go to a restaurant in that area for drinks. With all of our budgets being cut or constrained, there is a greater need to catch up with our peers and friends and see what is working out there. I think everyone can find the time for a little bit of golf and fun. Be on the lookout for notifications about upcoming dates as we are still putting together the locations. We had our first one in March at Elizabeth Manor but cold weather hampered attendance. A staple event for the TTA has been the Dick Cake Memorial. This year it will continue at Elizabeth Manor Golf Club and will be on June 29th. I want to thank Bert Walton and Turf and Garden for their continued sponsorship of the event. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of sponsors for our events and for those that are part of the partner program with the VGCSA. It is a difficult time for many of these companies with the economy struggling, yet they continue to support us. I encourage all superintendents to thank those companies that continue to help us out with their sponsorship of events. We are still putting together a May event but when we have all the details, we will get the information to everyone. Warm weather is not far away and that is something we can all be excited about. Chris Petrelli TTA President Cedar Point Country Club SVTA Update Currently, spring and the golf season have begun, as we start a new season full of hope and expectations. This year I am serving as External Vice-President to the VGCSA. The two committees that I chair are the First Tee and Certification. I look forward to helping or serving in any way that I can. I believe that attendance at the meetings will be better this year with a nice variety of meeting venues. The SVTA officers have done a great job with the meetings and speakers. We have joint meetings scheduled with the VTA and Old Dominion GCSA. I hope everyone has a great spring. Edwin Eagle, CGCS SVTA External Vice President SVTA Meeting Schedule April 21 Greene Hills CC with ODGCSA May 14 Gypsy Hill GC (SVTA Qualifier) July 14 VTF Fundraiser Blue Ridge Shadows GC August 27 Waynesboro CC with VTA September 22 Shenvalee Resort October 22 Shenandoah Valley GC GCSAA Needs Your Input on Energy Survey The GCSAA needs your help on the energy use and environmental practices survey. The deadline has been extended to May 19, The survey can be accessed at GCSAA will award 0.25 service points for a completed survey. In addition, those who submit their survey will be entered into prize drawings for GCSAA gift certificates. Any questions may be addressed to Mark Johnson, GCSAA Senior Manager of Environmental Programs at mjohnson@gcsaa.org. Spring

12 Virginian Contingent has Strong Showing at GCSAA National Championships Miami Shores Country Club Superintendent Repeats as Champion Seth Strickland, GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent at Miami Shores (Fla.) Country Club, fired a final-round 1-over-par 73 to earn his second consecutive GCSAA National Championship, and third overall, at Kiva Dunes Golf Club in Gulf Shores, Ala. Meanwhile VGCSA members took three of the top 11 places Chester Guzcek in fourth, with Jeff Whitmire and Bobby Friend tying for 11th. VGCSA Team member Scott Kinnan rounded out the Commonwealth scoring with a 57th place finish amongst a large field of superintendents. Strickland survived a rocky finish to wrap up a three-day total of 11-overpar 227 and record a two-shot victory over Tim Scott, GCSAA certified golf course superintendent at Stony Creek Golf Course in Orland Park, Ill., who shot a 2-over-par 74 Tuesday to finish the tournament at 229. Strickland, who won both the 2005 and 2008 tournaments, entered the final round five shots behind secondround leaders Richard Pavlasek of Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Chester Guzek of Lake of the Woods in Spotsylvania, Va. But he quickly took charge and made the turn at 3-under-par, which pushed him into the lead. His advantage was five shots by the time he came to the par-3 17th, and he ultimately would need almost all of that. Playing into the teeth of a stiff wind, Strickland pushed his shot right of the green and then three-putted for a double bogey. On the par-4 18th, he drove into a fairway bunker on the right side of the hole, then sent his approach over the back of the green. He rolled his third shot about 10 feet past the hole and missed the comeback putt before tapping in for the victory and a huge sigh of relief champion Jason Regan from Selma (Ala.) Country Club finished in third place, shooting a 75 on Tuesday to cap a three-day total of 14-over-par 230. A group of six players were a shot behind that in a tie for fourth place, including Guzcek. In the team competition, the VGCSA Team finished fifth out of 57 entries. The MAGCS finished first. The event was contested at stableford. The GCSAA National Championship and Golf Classic presented in partnership with The Toro Co. was held in conjunction with the GCSAA Education Conference (Feb. 2-7) and Member Profile: Mark Hill Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club Virginia Beach, VA Golf holes at your facility: 18 Years at your current golf club: 33 Years as a golf course superintendent: 35 Favorite hobbies: Hunting, fishing, golf Favorite professional golfer: Arnold Palmer Favorite sports team(s): Virginia Tech Hokies Biggest role model as a professional: Father he worked hard his entire life at one point working three jobs in order to make ends meet. Golf Industry Show (Feb. 5-7), at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. The 2010 GCSAA National Championship Lake of the Woods Chester Guzcek placed 4th at and Golf Classic presented in the 2009 GCSAA National partnership with Championship. The Toro Co. will be played in Palm Springs, Calif. How did you get your start in the golf maintenance profession? I started working on a golf course when I was 15 years old and fell in love with the work. I attended Virginia Tech for Business, but after one year switched my major to Agronomy. The rest is history. What has been, to date, the most rewarding part of being a golf course superintendent? Being able to get up each day and want to go to work and being outdoors. What would be one thing, if you could, change about the golf course superintendent profession? For the golfing public to be educated more in the superintendent s role and what is involved with the position. In the next five to ten years, what are the biggest challenges we face as golf course superintendents? The economy is our biggest challenge facing superintendents. Having to provide more while receiving less will be a difficult road to travel. 12 The Commonwealth Crier

13 Recent Renovations and Scheduled Openings Around the Commonwealth Ballyhack Golf Club located in southwest Virginia will open its doors this summer. It will be another one of Virginia's great golf destinations for discriminating members and their guests. Billy Bobbitt serves as Golf Course Superintendent at Ballyhack Golf Club. Most recently Billy served as Superintendent at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. The course at Ballyhack will be nothing short of spectacular. The 190-acre Lester George-designed 18-hole championship course is a classic Scottish highland-type design incorporating the dramatic topography of the property. Featuring 50- to 70-foot elevation changes, fairways as wide as 150 yards, and old-style, gouged-out, roughed-out bunkers the course will set new benchmarks in modern golf course design. For more information visit their website at yard, par 71 layout features three tee stations, winding fairways with strategically placed bunkers, ponds, creeks and trees, which provide a variety of golf challenges. The Goose's wellknown layout recently went through a 14-month one million dollar renovation by architect Rick Jacobson. The clubhouse also went through an extensive renovation as well. Jeff Berg, the club s General Manager and Superintendent, oversaw the project. All 18-holes have now been reopened for play in For more information visit their website at Established in 1990, The Foundry Golf Club in Powhatan, VA, was designed to uphold and maintain the great traditions of the game. The Foundry is located in rural Powhatan County along the banks of the Fine Creek Falls; the stone clubhouse was first built in the early 19th century. Scott Mauldin serves as the Golf Course Superintendent. Scott and The Foundry Golf Club recently undertook a year-long golf course renovation project, the scope of which included restoring green complexes to their original shape and contour, re-grassing fairways and rough lines, reshaping bunkers, and laser leveling all tee boxes. The Foundry Golf Club will reopen this summer to its members. The classic Goose Creek Golf Club, located in historic Leesburg, has been home to Northern Virginia's golfers for over half a century. Goose Creek rekindles the spirit of days past, with the great Ben Hogan holding the club s course record at 59. The 18-hole, 6,410 Hole #15 at Ballyhack Golf Club. The Lester George design will open this summer. New green #3 with #4 tees in background at Goose Creek Golf Club. The course is now reopened for play. Spring

14 USGA Regional Conference Held at The Country Club of Virginia Richmond, VA For the first time in many years, the USGA Green Section held a Regional Conference in Virginia, at The Country Club of Virginia. USGA Agronomist Keith Happ coordinated the event, which was originally scheduled for Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh. The event was a smashing success, with 220 attendees, including GMs, Superintendents, PGA pros, Golf Committee Chairs and special guests. The USGA hopes to return to Virginia in two years. A large crowd of over 200 gathered for the USGA Conference. USGA s Darin Bevard visits with Richard Cromwell of The Country Club of Virginia Fredericksburg area guests Chester Guzcek, Carl Koons and Ron Barley enjoyed the event. Cutler Robinson of Bayville Golf Club and Peter McDonough of The Keswick Club. Architect Lester George vists with the USGA s Stan Zontek. 14 The Commonwealth Crier

15 Guests enjoy the hospitality of CCV and the VGCSA at the USGA Conference. Scott Mauldin, Superintendent at The Foundry, visits with PGA member Jason Baile. VGCSA President Eric Spurlock chats with USGA Green Section s San Zontek. GCSAA Social Event in New Orleans Draws Over 200 Attendees New Orleans, LA It was standing room only for a while at the GCSAA Social Event, co-sponsored by the VGCSA, Mid-Atlantic AGCS and the Eastern Shore AGCS. The Astor Crowne Plaza, located in a prime spot at the corner of Bourbon and Canal Streets, played host to a fabulous night of fun, food and camaraderie. Special thanks go to presenting sponsors Finch Services, G.L. Cornell, Syngenta and Nutramax Laboratories, as well as supporting sponsors Arysta Life Sciences, Bayer, Quali-Pro and Yamaha Golf Cars of Virginia. GCSAA Social Event Hosts (L-R): Eric Spurlock, VGCSA President; Theresa Bana, MAAGCS Executive Director; Mark Kingora, MAAGCS President; Eric Snelsire, ESGCSA President; and David Norman, VGCSA Executive Director. Spring

16 REVELS TURF AND TRACTOR FINCH SERVICES, INC.