Tuesday, March 27, 2012 meeting at DuPont Country Club, Wilmington, DE.

Pre-paid Registration $60.00, includes complimentary breakfast and luncheon.  Registration is $75.00 at the door.

8 - 9:00          Continental Breakfast – Upper Terrace

9:00               Welcome and Opening Remarks

                        Tee It Forward – Mark Peterson, Executive      Director, Golf Association of Philadelphia

 9:15               Bacterial Disease Update – Dr. Nathaniel A. Mitkowski, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology, University of Rhode Island

 10:00             Playing Defense is Not a Weakness; It is a Strength. Knowing What Not To Do Is Important -  Keith A. Happ, Sr. Agronomist, Mid-Atlantic region, Pittsburgh, PA

 10:30              BREAK

10:45            The Ten Golden Rules and Golf Course Maintenance – Darin S.      Bevard, Sr. Agronomist, Mid-Atlantic Region, Glen Mills, PA

11:15             What You Need To Know To Do Your Job Better – Stanley J. Zontek, Director, Mid-Atlantic Green Section,

Mid-Atlantic Region, Glen Mills, PA

 11:45              The Sun and The Skin – Guy Webster, MD, PhD, Hockessin, DE

12:15              LUNCHEON

 1:30              Informal Roundtable Discussions:  “All topics are on the table.”

This meeting qualifies for CEU credit for GCSAA, CMAA and PGA

Dress Code:  Business Attire – Jackets required

On-line Registration Available:  http://www.usga.org/register/            CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

For additional information please contact, Marti Zontek, mzontek@usga.org or Pat Stairiker, pstairiker@usga.org

 

The Association would like to formally announce the newly elected Directors, Tom Tipton and Bill Reil, to the ESAGCS Board of Directors. 

Tom was born and raised in Pierre, SD. After attending Northern State University, Tom started his golf course career in 1998 at The Oahe Trails. In 2000, Tom moved to Delaware and continued his career at Deerfield Golf and Tennis club over the next 5 years.  In 2005, Tom joined the staff at Fieldstone Golf Club in Greenville, Delaware, and then moved on to Talbot Country Club in 2006. Since 2008, he has been employed at Prospect Bay Country Club where he serves as Golf Course Superintendent, and is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University Turfgrass Management Program. Tom lives in Easton with his wife Allison and son’s Jaden and Brady. He enjoys coaching youth baseball and football, as well as golf, hunting and fishing.

Bill started in the industry in 1996 under ESAGCS member Steve Sweidirk in Virginia at Fairfax National  and followed him to Eisenhower Golf Course.  Steve then accepted the superintendent position at Chartwell Golf and Country Club where he so kindly invited Bill along as the first assistant in 1999.  In November 2004, Bill accepted the superintendent position at the Gibson Island Club. Bill enjoys spending time with my wife Darlene, 6 year old son Joshua and 3 year old son Nathan. 

In addition, the new officers on the Board are:

Matt Krukiel, President

Mark Ross, Vice President

Mike Salvio, CGCS Secretary/Treasurer

I would also like to recognize Matt Fauerbach, Joe Perry and Eric Snelsire for their many years of dedication to the Board.  

Upon your next meeting with each of these gentlemen, please take time to thank them for their efforts.

Thank you,

Matt Krukiel

President

Jay Nalls, golf course superintendent at Norbeck Country Club in Rockville, Md., has been selected to receive the 2012 Excellence in Government Relations (EGR) Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). ESAGCS and specifically Eric Snelsire were proud to support Jay's nomination.  Congrats!

Custom fit: Defining "firm and fast" on your course

By Christina Slape

Darin Bevard of the USGA Green Section uses a TruFirm tool to test the firmness of greens during the U.S. Open this past June.

The term "firm and fast" to describe a golf course seems straightforward on the surface. Less water means drier, firmer surfaces that allow greater ball roll off the tee shot and the approach.

But when it comes to planning and implementation, the golf industry is well aware there's no simple strategy for achieving firm conditions, and certainly not one that can be applied to all golf courses and meet all golfers' expectations.

 

 

Maryland caters to all types of golf enthusiasts, from mountainous layouts in the western part of the state to links courses dotted along the Eastern seaboard...all within a few hours drive of each other.

 

Maryland also boasts courses that rank in the Top 100 nationally, and hosted the U.S. Open Championship in 2011, which was won by Rory McIlroy, the youngest U.S. Open champion in nearly a century.

Hog Neck Golf Course was the place to be on August 23rd, as over 80 ESAGCS members and guests attended the Silent Auction and Crab Feast to raise money for several charities.  The day was great with everyone playing a round of golf and then enjoying crabs and a pig roast.  Over 70 items were included in the Silent Auction including equipment, products and a golf trip for 4 to Ocean City!  

 

Thanks to Owen Sutherland and the staff at Hogs Neck for a great day!  More to come on the money raised for Children's House by the Sea, University of Maryland and the Wounded Warrior Project.

 Alfred R. Sonchen III "Al" passed away peacefully on Friday, July 29, 2011, at his beach house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He was 66.

Al was born in Wilmington, DE on May 25, 1945. His parents were Alfred R. Sonchen, Jr. and Anne B. Sonchen of Newport, DE. Al attended Krebs Elementary School and Conrad High School. He graduated from the University of Delaware before joining the United States Navy in 1968. After basic training and corps school at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, he spent two years at the San Diego Naval Hospital as a corpsman and pharmacy technician. He was also stationed at Naval Air Station in Agana, Guam, U.S.A. during the Vietnam War and performed many duties as both a pharmacy technician and corpsman. Flying with search and rescue teams with the Navy, he traveled to many small Pacific Islands from 1971 to 1973. Senior Chief Sonchen remained in the reserves, drilling in Wilmington, DE, Folsom, PA, and at the Philadelphia Naval Station until being reactivated with Fleet Hospital 20/15. Al served in "Desert Shield" and "Desert Storm" as Morale, Welfare and Recreation coordinator in Al-Jubayl, Saudi Arabia. On August 21, 1993 after 25 years and 5 months of Naval Services, Al retired from the United States Navy in Philadelphia.

Al was active in his community and church, serving as Chapel Hill Civic Association President and singing in St. Mark's Methodist Church Chancel Choir. He worked for many years in the "Green Industry," most recently for Murray Sod in Selbyville, DE as a salesman/consultant. Al was an avid golfer, gardener and Phillies fan. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends at the beach.

Mr. Sonchen was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Robert Sonchen, Jr. and his sister, Shirley Benson. He is survived by his wife, Doreen Woodward Sonchen, with whom he spent forty-three years of marriage; his son, Robert W. Sonchen and his wife, Christina, and grandchildren, Anna, William and Katie, of Hockessin; and his daughter, Elizabeth A. Webb, and grandchildren Sarah and Caroline of Pike Creek. Also surviving are his sister, Marlene McCauley, brother-in-law, Louis Benson, and many nieces and nephews.

Al will be remembered for his spontaneous wit that kept many occasions with his family and friends filled with laughter and gaiety. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services will be celebrated on Thursday, August 4, at 11 am, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 1700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE where family and friends may visit from 10-11 am. Interment will follow in the All Saints Cemetery, Kirkwood Hwy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Al's memory to St. Mark's United Methodist Church Music Fund or Camp Pecometh, 136 Bookers Wharf Road, Centreville, MD 21617.

Thanks to Eric Snelsire and his staff for hosting our July Meeting at Glen Riddle Golf Club on July 26th.  A fantastic lunch was provided by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and thanks to Kerri Curran, Sales Director at Ruark Golf Courses, for all her help in making the day run smoothly.

 

Be sure to check out the Golf Results section to see the days winners!

 

Our next meeting is our Silent Auction and Crab Feast being held at Hogs Neck Golf Course on August 23rd!  Register Today!

The Joint meeting between the Eastern Shore Association of GCS and the Philadelphia Association of GCS held June 28^th at White Clay Creek Country Club at Delaware Park and hosted by Cary Bailey and his staff seemed to be a big hit with just over one hundred in attendance, split nearly even between the members of both associations. Those attending listened to Steve McDonald of Turfgrass Disease Solutions and his presentation “Don’t lose your mind or your turf.” Thanks go out to Steve for making time to speak to the group and for making us feel better about the impending doom that is managing golf course turfgrass in the Mid Atlantic region!

After a great lunch and a short rain delay ninety golfers took to the rain soaked but beautifully maintained golf course for the first ever battle on the links between the members of the ESAGCS vs. those of the PAGCS. White Clay Creek was in great shape and everyone really enjoyed the layout. When the “dust” settled the PAGCS came out on top with a 10 to 6 victory in the team matches. A special thanks goes out to Todd Cowing and Jon Urbanski who put the golf program together. Better luck next year ESAGCS!

In addition to thanking Cary and his staff and the clubhouse staff at WCC, a sincere thank you goes out to the many sponsors who stepped up and made this meeting both affordable and enjoyable. It is great to have that kind of support from our suppliers. Please remember them when making your purchasing decisions! Thanks again to all who made this first ever joint meeting a success. Be sure to attend the July meeting at the Glen Riddle Golf Club in West Ocean City on July 26^th and be sure to plan now to attend the Annual Crab Feast and Silent Auction to be held at Hog Neck Golf Club in Easton MD on August 23^rd.

The Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents (ESAGCS) is proud to announce their donation of $4500 to the Wounded Warrior Project during their annual “Operation: Golf For Warriors” golf tournament held at Chartwell Country Club in Severna Park, Maryland on May 23^rd 2011. This marks the second year the ESAGCS has supported this sold out event and raises their total donations to nearly $10,000.

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded service men and women from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The WWP began when several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help others in need. What started, as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover and transition back into civilian life.

 “The Board of Directors and the 200 members of the ESAGCS have selected the WWP because they not only have a very worthy cause but they are well managed and serve a patriotic duty” says board member Joe Perry, golf course superintendent of Eagles Landing Golf Course in Ocean City, MD. “These men and women serve to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day on the golf course and in every facet of our lives, it was an easy decision to support them” Perry adds. The ESAGCS is very active with local and national charitable causes, supporting the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House by the Sea, Special Olympics of Maryland and The University of Maryland turfgrass research center among others.

 The Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents was founded in 1972 and serves Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Maryland and surrounding areas. They are a fully affiliated chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The mission of the ESAGCS is developing, supporting and advancing the professional careers of dedicated turf industry managers and doing so in the relaxed and friendly way that is indicative of life here on the Eastern Shore. Visit the ESAGCS at www.esagcs.org and to learn more about how you can support our wounded combat veterans go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Thanks to Heritage Shores Golf Club and Dave Clem, Superintendent for hosting our May Meeting.  Over 50 members attended and participated in a Roundtable Discussion on Cost Saving tips which was led by Ocean City Golf Club Superintendent, Mike Salvio, CGCS.  Be sure to visit the Golf Results section to see the winners from the day.

 

REMINDER:  Our next meeting is JUNE 28th at White Clay Creek Country Club.  REGISTER NOW!!

THE KING AND I (an excerpt from Tom’s upcoming autobiography “Balls of Balata”)

By Tom “The Golf Czar” Wojcik

Being born “inside the beltway” in Baltimore City, you’d never think that the King and I would have some things in common.

Yes, Baltimore City a Mecca for the “golf industry” and the “King”. My story starts in 1949 when my parent’s, 6 years before my birth, purchased their first home on the north end of town. As luck would have it, a “green space” was only two blocks away. A play ground to me and my many friends. Two hundred acres of creeks, ponds, sewage drains, mowed fields and a forest to build forts, catch frogs and play football on. The “green space” was Mount Pleasant Golf course on Hillen Road, Baltimore, MD, built in 1933. 

My first recollection of being at the “Mount” goes back to when I was about 4 years old. In later years at the “Mount” we would sleigh ride down number 18, a straight down hill, a tough straight up walk, 10 years later carrying two bags at one time up 18’s hill as a caddie for $5.00 per loop. My buddies and I built the coolest underground fort with a “borrowed” kerosene lantern (that’s what they used in the 60’s) off the left side of thirteen and we walked 2 miles under the roads of Baltimore climbing into a sewage drain off fourteen fairway. No computer games back then………

The “Mount” is where I “fine tuned” my average golf game, a great track with not many flat spots and long par 4’s. Before I was a teenager I started to follow the PGA and players like Hogan, Palmer, Nicklaus and Watson. I later made the Calvert Hall golf team, with the nickname of “bear”. A teenage golf addict before 14 and before a “Tiger” was around. I guess a “Tiger” trumps a “Bear” though…….

Obviously, this story doesn’t end like Francis Ouimet’s did, who lived next door to The Country Club, in Brookline Mass. Ouimet won the US Open as a amateur, beating two of the all time greats from England Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in 1913,Wojcik, was never close!

I “shagged” (not the English definition) balls for the Pro Mr. John O’Donnell to play for free. There were no mechanical ball pickers then. I also would sneak through a hole in the fence on 15 and played 3 balls in; I could hit it pretty well back then. Never thinking someone had to mow the grass and later entering University of Maryland’s  Institute of Applied Agriculture in ’73 for a Horticulture certificate.  Missed that one big time, I could have been the Superintendent at Eagle’s Landing!

THE KING COMES INTO THE STORY

  Back in the mid 50’s and early 60’s Baltimore was the host of the Eastern Open. It was held first at the “Mount” and then it moved to the newly constructed Pine Ridge and then back to the “Mount”. It had to be around ‘58 or ’59 (3 or 4 years old) and I was on my dad’s shoulders watching men named Hogan, Casper, Borous and Sneed chasing these white balls. I can remember the crowds being thick and having a great time. Gene Littler won the 1960 tournament and the total prize money was $25,000.

The “King”, Mr. Arnold Palmer also made it to the “Mount”, but he played a different game than I did. No forts, football and no sneaking through a hole in the fence. In 1956 he drove right down Hillen Road and walked into the same pro shop I hung around for years and won the Eastern Open. The history continues: the victory is said to be his first in the USA followed by 70 more PGA wins. The “Mount” a historical “Green Space” for Mr. Wojcik and Mr. Palmer! Pretty cool.

 His first professional win is said to have occurred in Canada, but only the win at the “Mount” matters to me. Mr. Palmer and I have another thing in common we both hooked a drive into Hillen road. Mr. Palmer’s was on his first swing of the 1956 tournament. It was reported that he told his caddie after the swing “That’s it I quit” but his playing partner Sam Snead talked him into continuing and you know the rest of the story. I have probably put 20 balls into Hillen road, but not with the success of Mr. Palmer.

Mr. Palmer after his victory said the “Mounts” number 15 was the hardest hole in golf. I remember it well. It was a long dog leg par 4 with the green tucked in front of a creek and a beautiful dogwood tree to its side. It had to be 450 yards in the 50’s. I bet I found 200 balls in that creek during my youth. It’s different hole today, because the routing had to be changed for Perring Parkway, but it is still a championship hole and course.

I still try to play the “Mount” once a year for the memories. It probably is in better shape today than when the “King” and I played it back in the day. It’s managed by the Baltimore Municipal Golf Corporation and sees tens of thousands of rounds a year, all happy customers. I wonder though how many of these players know of Mr. Palmer’s or Mr. Wojcik’s history here.

If you want to play it with me I’ll show you where the cave is off twelve. I still remember the day, as if it was yesterday, when in the dark cave a snake slithered up my pants leg only realizing it was there when I saw its tail sticking out over the top of my shoe! There also might be tear in my eyes……….

My memories of the “Mount and the King will last forever…Pretty cool to walk the same fairways with the “King” .

Our April meeting was held at Chartwell Golf and Country Club in Severna Park, MD.  This was the first meeting the ESAGCS has hosted "across the bridge" and it was well attended by members and many special guests from the MAGCS.  Thanks to Steve Sweiderk and his staff as well as Yale Moyer, Event Manager and Phil Sanisbury, Golf Pro for all their help in making the event a success.  Also thanks to Darin Bevard, USGA for speaking to the group.  Golf Results will be posted soon!

 

Don't forget to sign up for our May Meeting being held at Heritage Shores on May 24th!

Baltimore, MD – Special Olympics Maryland announced today that the Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents (ESAGCS) has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural “Heart of the Cup” Volunteer Golf Organization of the Year Award, which will be presented officially at a May 25 fundraising dinner featuring golfing legend Arnold Palmer and famed broadcaster Jim Nantz.

 The event, titled The 19^th Hole: An Intimate Evening with Arnold Palmer and Jim Nantz is intended as a celebration of not only two legendary sports figures in Palmer and Nantz, but also the incredible impact the sport of golf has had on our community and the difference it has made for non-profits of all type and size.  In keeping with that theme, the Heart of the Cup Awards have been created to celebrate both the Volunteer of the Year and the Volunteer Golf Organization of the Year.  All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Maryland.

In one of the highlights of the program, ESAGCS’ contributions as an organization will be highlighted and celebrated during the 19^th Hole, ending with the presentation of the physical award by Mr. Arnold Palmer.  The recipient of the Volunteer of the Year, Baltimore native Raymond Daue, will also be recognized and receive a special award from Palmer.

ESAGCS was selected as the all-volunteer group affiliated with golf that has most distinguished itself by its charitable or community-based activities within the framework of the game, its players, or the courses upon which it is played.

About ESAGCS (www.esagcs.org)

By definition, a superintendent’s job is to oversee the maintenance, management and operation of a public or private golf course.  Central to that role is the maintenance of the course itself.   

Therefore, as the group of people responsible for preserving the beauty and appeal of the courses upon which countless fundraising tournaments are played, Superintendents, by nature, are already integral to every charitable dollar raised through this format – one in which the participants’ experience on the course has a direct correlation to the immediate success and sustainability of a fund-raiser.  But ESAGCS has made it the mission of their organization to expand that support much further, by actively supporting their community through their own charitable work, by funding research that will better their field, and through the group’s focus on environmental stewardship.

“ESAGCS’ commitment to making their communities a better place to live surfaced again and again and again as the selection committee evaluated the nominees,” said Tom Schniedwind, Exec. VP – Sports Marketing for Special Olympics Maryland.  “What continuously jumped out and set this organization apart was the community service ethos that is evident on a year-round, long-term basis.  They are not an organization that dabbles in charitable work when they have the time – instead, their focus on making an impact is an important guiding principle, so much so that it has become part of the fabric of the ESAGCS’ overall mission and philosophy.”

It all began fifteen years ago, when the leadership team of the ESAGCS decided that they needed to do some work outside of their own trade, stressing that they wanted to create meaningful projects or initiatives that would offer a greater benefit to the community.

At that time, Joe Perry, current Secretary/Treasurer for the organization and a Certified Golf Course Superintendent with Eagles Landing Golf Course in Berlin, MD, had read an article about how the local Grant-A-Wish Chapter was building a house at the beach for children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.  So ESAGCS did what they know best – golf, or at least the grounds it’s played on.   “We are the guys who grow the grass, not the guys who hit the ball,” said Perry.

The organization started a small golf tournament that, 15 years later, has raised more than $100,000 for what is now called the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House by the Sea on 66^th Street in Ocean City, MD.

Two years ago, wanting to spread the community benefit a little further, they added Wounded Warriors to their list of charitable partners.  They also fund several student scholarships, and regularly assist individuals in need, particularly if the need is from within their own membership.  Most recently, they raised $3,000 at one meeting to help defray medical expenses for the son of a fellow golf course superintendent who was seriously injured.

The bulk of their charitable dollars continue to be raised through their annual golf tournament, which is held at Hog Neck Golf Course in Easton.  Since its inception, the tournament has grown to include an auction, sponsorship opportunities, and other revenue streams.

Just as important to the ESAGCS members as their charitable work are their environmental concerns.  “Every Superintendent is a steward of a particular very large property,” said Perry.  “As such, we take into account the impact of everything we do, and do everything we can to minimize it.”  This includes using new technologies, as well as requiring that members are constantly educating themselves.  They also work cooperatively with the Maryland legislature and the Chesapeake Bay Commission to craft reasonable legislation as it relates to protecting the watershed.

They stress the education piece as another of their core philosophies.  “As professionals, superintendents are probably the most highly educated group in the industry.  Continuing education – both voluntary and mandatory – are part of their trade,” said Perry.

To that end, ESAGCS has a regular monthly meeting, participates in an annual turf conference, and supports research that will help all Superintendents do their jobs better.  They also fund research through University of Maryland’s Turfgrass Program.

Founded in 1972, the ESAGCS is comprised of dedicated turf industry managers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and in Delaware.  As a professional organization, ESAGCS is actively supporting and advancing the careers of its members by encouraging continuing education, funding research and advances in their field and encouraging the relaxed, friendly atmosphere that is indicative of life on the Shore.

The 19^th Hole is set for Wed., May 25 at Martin’s West in Baltimore, MD.  Approximately 1500 people are expected to attend the festivities, which most notably includes the “fireside chat” between Arnold Palmer and Jim Nantz.  Following this intimate sound portrait of one of golf’s greatest stars, Nantz will moderate a Q&A where audience members will be able to ask questions of Palmer.  Full details available at www.19thHoleMD.com, including online ticket sales.  Both general admission ($175 each) and VIP ($500) tickets are available.  All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Maryland.

Links to the Bay Needs You!

 

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and one of the most productive in the world. The watershed that feeds the Bay is home to more than 3,600 species of plants and animals and more than 16.6 million people. Starting in south-central New York State and including the waters collected in six states, the Chesapeake Bay watershed is an ideal setting for finding new ways to have human activity better balanced with environmental goals.  While much of the Bay, its tributaries, and the lands making up the watershed region are cleaner now than they were a decade ago, many environmental challenges remain. The future sustainability of the region depends on the choices made every day by the people who live within the Bay watershed.

 

Through the Links to the Bay project, partners are working to inspire a new group of citizenry within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to take active steps in the landscapes where they live, work, and recreate to better manage water and other natural resources.  All of the Links to the Bay partners are committed to make this happen through training, seminars, membership in on-the-ground environmental assistance programs, financial and in-kind support, and a dedication to long-term environmental education.

Thanks to everyone that came out for our first meeting of 2011 at Chester River Yacht and Country Club on March 22nd!  Matt Krukiel and his staff did a wonderful job organizing our meeting, lunch and golf.  Thanks to Barbara Esmond, the Club Manager and Jaime Childs, the Head Pro for handling all the details.

 

Thanks to Dean Graves for updating everyone on the many Legislative Matters happening in our industry.  For additional articles and updates, be sure to check our new tab on the home page!  

 

Close to 50 members and guests attended and 27 stayed for a great afternoon of golf.  Check out the winners from the day on our Golf Shots tab, Golf Results!

 

Look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting, April 26 at Chartwell Country Club.

SAVE THE DATE!  The ESAGCS 5th Annual Golf Turf Conference will be held November 9-11 at the Clarion in Ocean City MD! 

 

Details coming soon! 

We are proud to announce our 2011 ESAGCS Board of Directors.

 

President-Matt Fauerbach, Billy Casper Golf Management

 

Vice President- Matt Krukiel, Chester River Yacht and Golf Club

 

Secretary/Treasurer- Joe Perry, CGCS, Eagles Landing Golf Course

 

Director- Mike Salvio, CGCS, Nutter's Crossing Golf Course

 

Director-Mark Ross, CGCS, River Marsh Golf Club

 

Director- Scott Reeside, Caroline Country Club 

Thanks so much to all our members and sponsors that contributed to our 50/50 Raffle to benefit Matt Krukiel's family. Matt is the Superintendent at Chester River Yacht and CC. His son was injured in October and has gone through several surgeries at John Hopkins the past few weeks.  During our turf conference, we held a raffle to raise money for his medical expenses.  Tom Cassat was the winner of the Raffle, and he donated the money back to the family and also put some of the money into another raffle for the chance to win WaWa gift cards!  Thanks to Fisher and Sons, Grigg Brothers, Davisson Golf and John Deere Golf for also making special donations.   

Please note that we have a new mailing address:

 

PO Box 708

Berlin MD  21811

Tom List, CGCS of Ocean City Golf Club received this year's Distinguished Service Award. 

Thanks to Hog Neck Golf Course for hosting our Annual Crab Feast and Silent Auction.  Hosts Owen Sutherland and Mike Kaminskas hosted 90 ESAGCS members and guests to a round of golf and crabfeast immediately following.  Big thanks to Donnie for cooking the pig and supplying the crabs for everyone.  Bob Clements, from GL Cornell provided beverages on the course and helped with coordinating the event.  And thanks to Charity Whaley of Fisher and Son for her assistance during the Silent Auction.

 

Stay tuned to find out how much $$ was raised for our 3 charities:  Believe in Tomorrow Foundation, University of MD Turfgrass Research and Wounded Warrior Project!

Congrats to Patrick Riebe, the recipient of the Drew Smith Scholarship.  Pat works at Rum Pointe Golf Course under Superintendent Joel McTavish and is attending Delaware Tech Community College.

 

Patrick Forrest is the recipient of the DE State Golf Assocation scholarship and the Founders Scholarship.  Patrick is currently working at Biderman under Jon Urbanski, ESAGCS Member.  He is attending Penn State University.

 

 

The Founders Scholarship is dedicated to those founding members of our association who had the vision to create an association based on the free exchange of knowledge and experiences in the field of golf course management, all in a relaxed and friendly way that is indicative of life here on the Eastern Shore. The Drew Smith Scholarship is in memory of Drew Smith, an ESAGCS member, who was driven by his love and passion for the game and the golf industry. 

 

 

 

SAVE THE DATE!  The 2010 Turf Conference will be held at the Clarion in Ocean City Maryland November 15-17.  Planning is under way and we hope to see everyone in the Fall. 

Thanks to all the members and guests that attended the May Joint Meeting with MAAGCS at Prospect Bay Country Club on May 25th!  We had over 90 attend.  Everyone enjoyed a presentation by Dave Madaras of Chesapeake Safety Council and a great lunch provided by the staff of the course.  Thanks to Tom Tipton and his staff for all their hard work.  Special thanks to Theresa Baria for her help with organizing the joint meeting and all the MAAGCS members that joined us!   We look forward to seeing everyone at our June Meeting on June 22nd at Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club hosted by Glen MacDonald.

Thanks to Tom List and his staff at OC Golf Club for a wonderful April membership meeting!  We had 50 attend our meeting/lunch and 36 stay for a fantastic round of golf.  Check out the photo gallery for some pictures from the day!

 

Our May Membership meeting is on May 25th at Prospect Bay Country Club hosted by Tom Tipton.  This is a combined meeting with the MAAGCS, so we are encouraging everyone to attend!  Our speaker for the day will be Dave Madaras from Chesapeake Safety Council. 

 

The meeting schedule will be different! 

 

9:30 a.m.- Registration

10-11:00- Speaker

11:00-12 noon- Lunch/Warm Up

12 noon- Shotgun Start

 

You can register now for the meeting.  Call, Email, or Register online! 

 

Hope to see everyone on May 25th!

 

 

 

Home Course Advantage Helps Spear Cruise to Victory

 

 

A little home cooking helped the team of host superintendent, Kyle Spear and Guy McDonald (The Beach Club) cruise to victory at the season opening ESAGCS meeting at The Easton Club, in Easton, Maryland. Spear and McDonald bested the team of Jim McHenry and Dan Schlegel by one shot. The opening day weather was a little chilly and blustery but a  great time was had by all as everyone was anxious to get out and play after the snowy conditions we all experienced last winter. Thanks again to Kyle Spear and his crew for getting the course ready for us and to Danny Greaves, Head Professional for organizing the golf and scoring.

 

April’s tour date moves to the Newport Bay Golf Course at Ocean City Golf Club to kick off the Eastern Swing. Tom List will be the host superintendent and Buddy Sass the host professional. As always, we look forward to our visit at Tom’s course.

 

As mentioned at our last meeting, the May meeting is the deadline for official USGA Handicaps to be submitted for verification and filed with the ESAGCS. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of any net prizes won.

 

A list of all the winners from March’s meeting is below. Enjoy watching the Masters this month and remember to always……

 

Respect the Game!

 

Todd Cowing

ESAGCS Golf Chairman

 

2010 March Florida Scramble   The Easton Club, Easton, Maryland

 

1st Place: Spear, McDonald - 59

2nd Place: McHenry, Schlegel - 60

3rd Place: Dypsky, Fufaro - 61

4th Place: Hutchinson, List - 62

5th Place: Anderes, Brandt – 62

 

CLOSEST TO PINS:

#7-Jim Prucnal, 13' 7"

#11-Tom Wojcik, 14' 10"

#13-Ed Gasper, 7' 9"

#16-Jason Neal, 22"

 

LONG DRIVE: Nick Brandt

 

Congratulations to All!

 

 

 

The March Membership Meeting was held on Tuesday, March 23rd at the Easton Club.  A big thanks to Kyle Spear, Golf Course Superintendent, Danny Greaves, Head Pro, and Kari Rider, F & B Manager for a great day. 

 

Matt Fauerbach, President of ESAGCS this year, opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and introducing the days speakers.  Mark Schlossberg, the President of ProLawnPlus in Baltimore, MD reviewed proposed legislation in Maryland for the year.  Ed Crow from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section reviewed the laws, regulations and violations for Maryland.

 

Over 45 members attended the meeting, enjoying lunch as well as a great round of golf, organized by Todd Cowing. 

 

We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting being held at OC Golf Club hosted by Tom List, CGCS on April 27th.

Check out the November 2009 issue of the GCSAA's Golf Course Management on page 34 for a real nice feature on the ESAGCS.

The ESAGCS August pig roast and crab picnic was once again a big hit with our biggest turnout ever. Nearly one hundred members and guests enjoyed the food and drinks at Hog Neck Golf Course this year. The support for our silent auction to benefit The Children’s House By the Sea and the University of Maryland Turfgrass Research Department was also good (could have been better) and we hope to have our best year ever supporting those worthy causes. Stay tuned for a press release soon. The golf course was in great shape with brand new Bermudagrass fairways just lovin’ the hot sunshine. Everything else was in great shape as well. Congratulations go out to Owen Sutherland and his staff. Also special thanks to Donnie Sherwood for cooking the pig and lining up the crabs, Mike Kaminskas Golf Professional, and Bob Clements Professional drink cart operator! Also special thinks go out to all who supported the event, those who gave and to those who purchased. Without you the event cannot be a success

Golf and the Environment

Joe Perry CGCS

Eagle’s Landing Golf Course

April 7, 2009

A lot has been said about the relationship of golf courses, their management and the environment, almost to the point of sensory overload. Oftentimes it can be hard to distinguish what might just be marketing hyperbole and what are in fact the true impacts of golf course management to the environment. Who are we to believe? Do we, as golfers really care? How does this affect my golf game? These are good questions. As a golf course superintendent with over 25 years of experience in all facets of the industry, I would like to ask you, for the good of the game, to think about those questions some time soon. Try to become more aware and educated about your surroundings while on the course. I think in time, you will develop a new appreciation of the golf course and it’s stewardship by those who manage it.

Audubon International, a leading advocate of environmental stewardship for the golf course industry states, “when properly sited, designed, constructed, and managed, golf courses can be an environmental asset to a community.  By their very nature, golf courses can provide significant open space and opportunities to provide needed wildlife habitat in increasingly urbanized communities across North America.  With nearly 80% of all of the 15,000-plus golf courses in the United States located in urban or suburban areas, opportunities abound for golf courses to provide ecosystem services such as storm water retention, runoff filtration, urban wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors, heat island effect reduction, etc.” They went on to include “like most other businesses, golf courses must also work to address the environmental challenges of water use, water quality, habitat and biodiversity loss, chemical use, waste, energy use, etc” It is hard to argue particularly in the urban setting, golf courses, as a land use, are better than most if not all other uses.

Here at Eagles Landing Golf Course in West Ocean City, Maryland a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, we have a very diverse ecosystem. I truly believe the golf course has improved the land particularly in the areas of plant and animal habitat, stormwater management, biodiversity and economic impact to the area over the previous uses of poultry production and farming. Eagle’s Landing has been recognized several times for its environmental stewardship by the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America (GCSAA), Audubon International, USGA and other industry leaders. We have even partnered with county and state agencies to create guidelines for the development of environmentally sound golf course construction and maintenance practices.  As golf course management professionals, superintendents seek out resources in the industry to help us in this effort. Audubon International “works with golf courses to help them provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species and preserve our rich natural heritage by protecting existing habitats and landscaping primarily with native plants.  Collaborative projects between members and local resource agencies or wildlife organizations are encouraged.  The result is tens of thousands of acres of natural habitats and hundreds of species of birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other wildlife conserved on golf courses across North America and, increasingly, around the world.” 

A lot more can be learned by visiting the GCSAA’s Environmental Institute for Golf at www.eifg.org, Audubon International on the web at www.golfandenvironment.org, the GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org and coming soon your own Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents at www.esagcs.org. Drop us a line or visit your friendly golf course superintendent at your local links next time out, to learn more about golf and the environment.

Ecologically Friendly Golf Courses

By:  Mike Salvio, CGCS

  We decided to follow up on last month’s article about golf and the environment with some additional information discussing the misconceptions people often have about golf courses and pesticides. While many people may think that too many pesticides are being used on golf courses, the truth is that golf courses provide great benefits to their local communities and ecosystems that often get overlooked. 

    Golf courses are community green spaces that not only provide recreational opportunities, but also provide and enhance wildlife habitats. Many golf courses are leaving dead trees, building bird boxes and habitat for birds, implement ‘no-mow’ natural areas that act as habitat for wildlife, and create buffer areas to further enhance runoff filtration from surrounding communities.  Golf courses also act as ‘air conditioners’, providing vast amounts of oxygen.  Healthy turfgrass is an excellent filter that traps and sifts out pollutants.  Many golf courses are recycling water and are perfect sites to dispose of reclaimed effluent or wastewater created by neighboring communities and businesses. For example, here at the GlenRiddle Golf Club, we irrigate a portion of the golf course with effluent water from the residential community. Using this water is reducing our demand of ground water by roughly 50%. Numerous other ecologically friendly and best management practices are being used by almost all golf courses, resulting in LESS pesticide usage, LESS pesticide exposure, and ENHANCING the local environment.

     Modern pesticides and fertilizers are a highly regulated business and must be used to maintain healthy golf course turf. These products have been thoroughly tested and are considered safe when used according to their labeled directions.  A pesticide product used today typically has undergone countless studies at an average R&D cost of $50 million before it is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Many of the products used today on our golf courses are derived from mushrooms and other natural plants.  Unlike the old DDT days, today’s synthetic pyrethoid insecticides and chemicals are made from derivatives of chrysanthemums and have extremely low toxicity levels. Many of the current use rates are extremely low, with some products being applied as low as 4 ounces per acre.  

 Golf course superintendents are environmental stewards and are leading the way when it comes to protecting the environment.  Every golf course employs at least one state licensed pesticide applicator who is trained in environmentally sound pesticide use.  Most of today’s superintendents have college degrees, substantial continuing education requirements, and can earn certification by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).   The GCSAA has made environmental education a major focus in all of its educational programs. 

However, much of the environmental criticism of golf courses seems to be linked to local opposition to community growth. The next time you tee up, remember golf courses are providing and maintaining an ecosystem in a conscientious way. Play Golf Delmarva, and take time to enjoy not only the game, but also the surroundings.

      If you have further questions or desire additional information visit,   the Environmental Institute for Golf (www.eifg.org), the GCSAA Web site (www.gcsaa.org), the USGA Web site (www.usga.org), or the Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents (www.esagcs.org) .

GCSAA Highlights the ESAGCS in the chapter outreach section of the Chapter Connections web newsletter. Check out the article that features the ESAGCS being the first association to access chapter outreach funds from the GCSAA. Go to the following link.

 

Golf to the Golf Results page for the complete article and a new golf trivia contest.