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The PULSE
THE PULSE
is designed to keep members updated on
current events related to the
industry and membership.
Members
can post
information
on "this web page"
FREE of charge. Simply email your information to
kweitzel@swassn.com
at HAGCSA. Your submission
will be posted
within
forty-eight business hours and will remain on the site for
forty-days.
For additional questions, please contact Kim Weitzel at
816-561-5323.
Disclaimer: all
submissions will be reviewed by the Public Relations
Chairman and/or HAGCSA Staff for approval
before posting.
CURRENT EVENT
GCSAA CEO SELECTION PROCESS
(posted 8-20-10)
The CEO search process began in earnest at the Summer
Board Meeting. The Board heard from three executive search firms and
afterward selected Tryon & Heideman, LLC, based in Kansas City, Mo., to
assist the association in identifying candidates and ultimately selecting a
new CEO. Tryon & Heideman specialize in CEO/executive-level and association
searches. Tryon & Heideman representatives also participated in a Board
strategic planning session Aug. 24-25 at GCSAA headquarters. The
purpose of the session was to verify the strategic direction of the
association to better identify the criteria and requirements for the CEO
position. Additional feedback will be gained through interviews by Tryon &
Heideman staff with leaders in the golf industry and GCSAA staff. The
position description and application process will be posted on the GCSAA
website and advertised in numerous publications and online resources. The
plan calls for a mid-October release of the position announcement. More
information will be provided to the membership as it becomes available. I
will also be communicating any relevant outcomes of the planning meeting in
the future.
Sygenta Business Institute
(posted 8-26-10)
Syngenta is excited to announce that for the second
year, they are inviting top golf course superintendents in the United States
to apply to attend the Syngenta Business Institute, an innovative
professional business development program developed specifically for the
industry in conjunction with Wake Forest University.
We would appreciate your help in identifying candidates for this opportunity
and either directing them to the application online (click
here) or they can email Kenna Rathai with Gardner & Gardner
Communications at
KennaRathai@gardnerandgardnercommunications.com,
or call her at 815-422-0321. Applications are due Wednesday, Sept. 8.
The unique, four-day program includes areas like
financial management, human resource management, negotiating, impact hiring
and other leadership professional development skills. The program will
supplement and complement their existing knowledge base to help them be more
productive and efficient for the golf courses they manage.
Syngenta is eager to provide a learning experience that goes well beyond the
agronomic requirements of a superintendents job. The Syngenta Business
Institute will be held Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 at Graylyn International
Conference Center on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem,
N.C.
To be able to attend, superintendents must fill out an
application, which includes a 250-word essay on why they believe they should
be selected to attend. The application is due Wednesday, Sept. 8. Only 25
superintendents will be selected to attend.
2010 PARTNERS
(post 8-13-10)
THANK YOU to our 2010 Partners. We
appreciate your commitment to HAGCSA; which helps make our events and
and association a success! Members
- support those vendors that support your association.
KC
Weather Factor, 2010; By Eric Bickel
(posted 8-13-10)
Editors Note: After reading this stellar report composed by Eric for his
Greens Committee, I couldnt help but feel that all of us should pass this
valuable information on to our ownership and decision-makers!
Extreme
heat and humidity have persisted for over four weeks. The wet conditions
this spring coupled with the heat stress have combined for peak turf loss
conditions. The cold spring and wet conditions (33 April through July) was
not conducive to healthy deep root development. The cool season grasses have
been surviving for the last six weeks off reserves in the root systems.
Those reserves and the root systems have all but run out. In addition, high
humidity has created constant high fungal disease pressure.
Dew points,
temperatures, wind speed, and soil temperature are the key climactic factors
which measure the stress associated with cool season grasses ability to
perform its basic physiological functions, (respiration, photosynthesis,
evapotranspiration). A brief
summary of these factors, their critical
values, and their occurrence follows for the period of June through Aug
11th.
Days with highs of 90 or above - 37
Days with a low
temperature above 70 - 43
Days with a average dew point above 70 -
46
Days with an average wind speed of 10 mph or less - 65
Days
in which soil temperatures have been above 86 - 52
When all
five of these factors occur simultaneously at their critical values (highs &
lows above 90 & 70 respectively, dew points above 70, soil temps above 86,
and wind speed below 10), cool season grasses are in a state of full blown
decline. There is no
recover for that day. The plant can no longer
perform its basic functions normally. Metabolic activity is sustained solely
at the expense of the root system. When this occurs for extended periods of
time little can be done to alleviate the issue.
Total days in which
all five of these factors occurred simultaneously over the last 20 years,
i.e. # of severe root decline days
Year
90 91 92 93 94
95 96 97 98 99
# of days 5 8
1 3 2
14 5 10 12
17*
Year
00 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09
# of days 9 16
13 9 5
7 11 8
5 6
*1999 had the most consecutive days with
13
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Superintendents, facilities pulling out all stops to
address the challenge
Heat wreaking havoc on golf courses
nationwide
(posted 7-22-10)
Prolonged periods of high temperatures, and in some cases, excessive
rainfall, and high humidity have made life uncomfortable for golfers
and golf courses alike, with Mother Nature holding all the cards for
true relief.
"The simple fact is the cool-season turfgrasses such as bentgrass,
fescue, bluegrass, annual bluegrass (Poa
annua) and others are stressed when temperatures climb
and humidity is high," Clark Throssell, Ph.D., director of research
for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, said.
"Golf courses in many parts of the country experience this every
year, however what makes the situation so dire this year are the
high levels of extended heat and humidity, and the sizeable part of
the country affected (Midwest, Mideast, Northeast and
Mid-Atlantic)."
According to Throssell, golf facilities and those entrusted with
managing the golf course golf course superintendents are not
alone in this battle with the elements. However, the nature of their
product makes their challenge greater.
"We are certainly seeing homeowners, athletic fields and businesses
suffer turfgrass damage brought on by the conditions," Throssell
said. "What makes it more difficult for golf facilities are the
mowing heights are much lower and traffic is much heavier. That just
adds to the stress on the turfgrass."
Throssell indicates that golf course superintendents are addressing
the issue with a variety of management practices to make sure
turfgrass survives. While there may be some short-term impact on
playability of the course, the alternative is the loss of grass, the
closure of the course and the additional costs of re-establishing
playing surfaces (primarily putting greens).
He also cautioned golfers from thinking that water, whether from
rain or irrigation, is the answer to the ills. There is a difference
between heat stress and drought stress. Adequate irrigation will
alleviate drought stress. Adequate irrigation will not alleviate
heat stress. It is not only possible, but likely, for a turfgrass
plant to be adequately watered and still suffer from heat stress
under extended periods of high temperatures.
Among the practices that superintendents are implementing to manage
golf courses include:
Raising the mowing heights of playing areas, most notably putting
greens.
Alternating daily practices of mowing and rolling putting greens,
with consideration to skipping a day if the schedule of play allows.
Forgoing double mowing, topdressing, verticutting or grooming
greens.
Watering to provide adequate soil moisture, but not over watering as
saturated soil will cause the turfgrass to decline rapidly.
Hand watering as much as feasible. If a green has a dry spot or two,
superintendents will hand water the dry spots only and will not
water the entire green. When the entire green shows stress from a
lack of water, superintendents use the overhead sprinklers and water
the entire green.
Avoid aerifying using large diameter tines that penetrate deeply
into soil and remove a core of soil. If a superintendent feels the
putting surface is sealed, venting using small diameter solid tines
or other similar technique is employed.
If fertilizer is required, small amounts of fertilizer are applied
via a sprayer and observation of the response occurs before
fertilizing again.
Monitoring and adjusting golf car traffic patterns to minimize
stress to turf.
Throssell indicated that during periods such as this, it becomes
easy to compare golf course conditions and pressure decision makers
into actions that might prove detrimental to the long term health of
the playing surface.
"Communication is vital," Throssell said. "Superintendents, golf
professionals, owners, managers and others must be in constant
contact with golfers to educate them on what is happening at the
facility. But golfers must also understand that golf courses are
like snowflakes no two are alike. Some courses may be able to
withstand the challenges of Mother Nature better than others because
of better drainage and soil conditions, better air flow due to the
placement of trees, less traffic or the presence of greater
financial resources.
"We know the weather conditions will become more agreeable. What is
important right now is to manage the golf course in a manner so that
turf can be kept alive until that point."
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,
Kan., 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 their
profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the
game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization,
The
Environmental Institute for Golf,
works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural
environment through research grants, support for education programs
and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at
www.gcsaa.org.
For more information contact:
Clark Throssell, Ph.D., GCSAA director of research,
800-472-7878
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Reinders, Inc. Counter Days, July 19-23
(posted: 6-22-10)
Reinders,
Inc. announced its Counter Days event will be held July 19-23 at its Olathe,
KS store, 19942 W. 162nd
St. #D.
Many festivities are planned during the week
including free lunch cookouts, refreshments, product specials, prizes and a
wide variety of educational seminars.
There will also be an opportunity to meet with
manufacturer representatives and learn about their latest products.
Seminars
include:
Overseeding, Fertilizer Tips, Disease/Insect
Tips, Landscape Lighting, Aquatic Management , Residential/Commercial
Irrigation Tips, Drainage Tips, Ice Control Management and Holiday Lighting.
Reinders store is conveniently
located off I-35 and Highway 169 just south of the Great Mall.
The company is a proud member and supporter of
the Heart of America Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Kansas
Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Mid-America Green Industry
Council and the MO-KAN Sports Turf Managers Association.
For a Counter Days schedule and
more information call:
Dennis Whiteford, 913-238-0869
Scott Wilcox, 816-977-9853
Mike McMillin, 913-397-0080
Bill Norris, 913-904-6843
Ed Stegall, 816-213-0041
KSU Field Day
(posted 7-12-10)
Date: July
29, 2010
Time: 1:00pm -
8:00pm
Location:
Olathe Horticulture Research Center
To Register and for more
Information: Click Here
MOKAN Field Day
(posted 6-28-10)
Date: July
13, 2010
Time: 7:30am/Registration; 8:30am/Session
Location: Turf Reserach Center of South Farms
GCSAA CEUs: .50
To Register and for more
Information: Click Here
GCSAA
- Mark Woodward Resigns
(posted 6-22-10)
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June 22, 2010
Dear Chapter Executives, Presidents, Delegates,
Editors:
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James R. Fitzroy, CGCS
GCSAA President
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We 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.
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.
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 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,
Jim Fitzroy, CGCS
GCSAA President
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Equipment For
Sale
(posted
5-12-10)
Meadowbrook Country Club
Toro Flex 21
attachments (4) front brush kits, (4) light kits, (4) smooth front rollers
I have the above attachments for
sale from our Flex 21s that just went off-lease.
We had purchased all the attachments separately
and have switched brands, so they are all for sale.
The brushes are a genuine Toro part and are the
kind that can fold down in front of the reel or up out of the way when you
dont want to use them.
They cost approx. $400 each new.
The light kits have a Toro voltage regulator,
but the wiring, switch and lights were done in-house with OReilly parts and
work well.
The light kits have about $150 in parts in them
each.
The (4) smooth front rollers are aftermarket but were
never used and cost approximately $150 each new.
I would like to get $150 each out of the brush
kits, and $75 each out of the light kits and smooth front rollers.
If interested, contact:
Steve Wilson, CGCSA
Golf
Course Superintendent
Meadowbrook Country Club
9101 Nall Ave.
Prairie Village, KS 66207
913-642-2338
swilson@meadowbrookcc.org
Benefit
for Hope Haven (posted
4-22-10)
I'm a member of Cass Lodge 147 Masonic lodge,
and we organizing a golf tournament. The tournament will be held
at Hoot Hollow CG in Pleasant Hill, MO on June 26 to benefit the children of
Hope Haven, our local shelter for abused woman and children. The
tournament will be followed by a full fledged hog roast and awards ceremony.
At only $65.00 per golfer Im sure you will agree this one of the most
affordable tournaments in the area. For more information or if
interested in participating in the tournament, please register on our
website
www.hackersandhogs.com.
Patrick Zans
YRC Logistics
913-906-6846
*post request by GCSAA
Reinders, Inc. - Opens New Location
(posted 4-22-10)
Reinders, Inc. has announced the opening of its newest store in Olathe, KS.
The 9,000 square foot store, located at 19942 W. 162nd
St., is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A grand opening celebration will
take place all month long in June.
Im looking forward to
serving our customers in the Olathe and Kansas City areas, said Mike
McMillin, store manager. We
stock grass seed, fertilizer, weed control products, edging, hand tools,
drainage supplies, low voltage lighting, ice melt products and much more.
Depending upon where a particular job site is in the area, contractors,
superintendents, lawn care companies and other industry professionals will
find our convenient location off I-35 and Highway 169 just south of the
Great Mall provides quick and easy access.
The store features
an overhead door for easy loading of trucks, a self-serve showroom,
extensive product selection, wide shopping aisles, and well lit displays.
McMillin said customers can take advantage of product specials and
enjoy prize drawings, snacks and refreshments during the June grand opening
celebration. To find out more,
contact the store, 913-397-0080.
Reinders is a proud member and supporter of the Heart of America Golf
Course Superintendents Association, the Kansas Golf Course Superintendents
Association, the Mid-America Green Industry Council and the MO-KAN Sports
Turf Managers Association. Established in 1866, the company is the
Midwests largest full service distributor of commercial turf equipment,
irrigation products, landscape supplies, seasonal lighting and ice melt
products. Reinders also has six locations across Wisconsin, three in
Illinois and two in Minnesota. The company is the official supplier of
turf equipment to the Milwaukee Brewers.
For More
Information call:
Dennis Whiteford
913-238-0869
Scott Wilcox
816-977-9853
Mike McMillin
913-397-0080
Bill Norris
913-904-6843
Golfers to Chip in to Help Those in Need
(posted 4-6-10)
Catholic Charities
Foundation of Northeast Kansas will host the 29th Annual Golf Classic
founded by the Ben and Betty Zarda Family and presented by the Ronald
D. Deffenbaugh Foundation on Monday, May 10, 2010 at Shawnee
Golf and Country Club. Proceeds from this tournament will
support Catholic Charities programs and services that benefit more than
85,000 people of all faiths in need annually. More than 150 golfers
will enjoy a picnic lunch, golf tournament, dinner, live auction and
awards.
We are very grateful to the Ben and Betty Zarda family for their continued
dedication to the Golf Classic. With their support, we will be able to
provide help to those in need, Jan Lewis, Catholic Charities of
Northeast Kansas President and CEO, said. One individual entry fee will
provide utilities to a family of four for three months and provide five
weeks of rent to a person who would otherwise sleep in their car. One
Support Sponsorship will open the door to the only mens homeless
shelter in Wyandotte County to 25 men for two weeks. For more
information about the Golf Classic, please visit
www.catholiccharitiesgolfclassic.org.
About
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
Founded in 1956, Catholic
Charities of Northeast Kansas is a nonprofit health and human services
agency that assists annually more than 85,000 people of all faiths. Catholic
Charities serves 21 counties in northeast Kansas with service site
locations in Emporia, Leavenworth, North Johnson County, South Johnson
County, Topeka and Wyandotte County. The goal is to offer help and hope
and to move families from a situation of poverty and anxiety to one of
self-sufficiency and stability. Catholic Charities provides a
wide range of programs including: Emergency Assistance and Case
Management, Early Child Care and Education, Support for Refugees, Children
and Families
Services, and Hospice Care.
Reinders, Inc. - News
Release
(posted 2-16-10)
Reinders is proud to announce that Scott Wilcox will join us with our
expansion into Kansas and Missouri. Scott brings 14 years of experience in
the green industry and has most recently worked directly with many golf
course superintendents, servicing their agronomic and maintenance needs. We
are excited about adding his professional talents to the Reinders
Kansas/Missouri Sales Team. Scott is available to service your immediate and
future needs and answer any questions you may have about Reinders products
and services.
Reinders is a family owned distribution company established in Milwaukee, WI
in 1866. We are focused on
working with commercial green industry professionals - golf course
superintendents, landscape contractors, lawn maintenance firms, sports turf
managers, municipalities, etc.
We serve the WI, IL, MN, IA, MO, KS and Upper Peninsula MI markets through
our 11 store locations and two distribution centers.
As one of the Midwests largest full service distributors, you can
turn to us for many of your product requirements.
We carry quality product lines including fertilizer, grass seed,
fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, ice melters, equipment, tools and much
more.
Weve been providing Solutions & Supplies for the Green Industry for more
than 140 years and are committed to giving you the best products and service
to help with your turf care needs.
Our philosophy is ensuring your success, determines our success.
Scott and all of us at Reinders are looking forward to working with you in
2010.
Please visit our website at
www.reinders.com.
Scott can be reached at 816-977-9853 or swilcox@reinders.com.
NORBY Receives High Marks
Download Article: Here
Supreme Turf Products – Annual Seminar (posted 1-14-10)
Title: New Product Update
Date: Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Time: 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Place: Meadowbrook Country Club (9101 Nall Ave.)
We will begin promptly at 8:00 AM.
Registration and coffee will begin at 7:30 AM.
You and your assistant are both invited.
Our speakers are as follows:
Joel Simons—Earthworks
Scott Dunham—Becker Underwood
Scott Parker—Dupont
Dave Maubach—B.A.S.F
Since you will be our guest for lunch, please R.S.V.P. to Mike at 913-208-5268, John at 816-210-0071 or call our corporate office at (800) 875-6004.
Sincerely,
Supreme Turf Products, Inc.
Green Symopsium (1-5-10)
Date: January 28, 2010
Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Johnson County Community College
Cost: $60
CEUs: Available
Sponsored by: Ryan Tree & Lawn and JCCC Department of Ag
Download: Registration Form
Doug Melchior, HAGCSA President, Selected for Unique Education Program
December 22, 2009
Congratulations to Doug Melchior, who was selected as one of 25 golf course superintendents across the country to participate
in the Syngenta Business Institute, a unique, educational program.
The Syngenta Business Institute is sponsored by Syngenta in conjunction with Wake Forest University’s graduate school of business and took place Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 in Winston-Salem, N.C. The role of the golf course superintendent involves not only agronomic
but also business manager responsibilities. Syngenta worked with Wake Forest to develop a program that focused on business management in the areas of financial management, leadership and effective communications, and negotiation skills. Superintendents from across the country were nominated by either their state GCS associations or the Syngenta Golf Advisory
Team. Doug was selected from a talented pool of superintendents based on an application process that reviewed their educational background, industry achievements and an essay. Doug is the golf course superintendent at Overland Park Golf Club in
Overland Park.
Heart of America GCSA donates to The Institute
 The Heart of America Golf Course Superintendents Association continues its longtime support of The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), with a $5,000 donation toward research and education to enhance golf’s relationship with the environment.
"This is the 16th year that the Heart of America GCSA has donated at least $5,000 to The Environmental Institute for Golf," said World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman, Institute trustee and chairman of its Advisory Council. "This support is vital as we focus on continual improvement in regards to stewardship of golf courses."
The Heart of America GCSA is recognized at the Governor's Club level in The Institute's cumulative giving program, which recognizes organizations that have contributed between $50,000 and $99,999 since 1987. An affiliate chapter of GCSAA, the Heart of America GCSA also has attained Platinum Tee Club status again. The Platinum Tee Club is the giving club for organizations that contribute a minimum of $5,000 annually (Heart of America GCSA has given $5,000 for 16 years). The Heart of America GCSA is composed of members from the metropolitan Kansas City region.
"The Heart of America GCSA is pleased to continue its support of The Institute," said Heart of America GCSA President Doug Melchior, GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent at Overland Park (Kan.) Golf Club. "We believe Institute programs such as education, research and outreach are worth investing in because of the benefit they provide to our members."
The Environmental Institute for Golf is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.
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, Kan., 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 their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
For more information contact:
Teri Harris, EIFG managing director, development, 800-472-7878
Doug Melchior, Heart of America GCSA president, 913-897-3805
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