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"California GCSA News" Chapter Managers Meet:
2007 California Hospitality Suite Plan:
Member Profile ~ Roger Compton 
One of the oldest golf clubs in the Coachella Valley, and one of the nicest is the Thunderbird Golf and Country Club in Rancho Mirage. This gem in the desert was originally designed by John Dawson and L.M. Hughes. The course opened in 1951 to the joy of Hollywood's “in crowd” and the rich and famous of the era. The 18-hole course boasts 6,460 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 70.7 and it has a slope rating of 129 on Bermuda grass. The course was remodeled in 1980 by Ted Robinson, and has undergone several facelifts since then. Many of these improvements were undertaken by “Turfdoc00” himself, Mr. Roger Compton and his maintenance crew. “Without the leadership of Assistant Superintendent Ralph Cortez (28 years at Thunderbird), and my foreman Poncho Ruelas (25 years at Thunderbird), my life here would be a lot harder”, says Roger. Roger is starting his fourteenth year at Thunderbird, and has been tweaking the layout since May of 1993. When Roger took over the course, bentgrass greens kept him busy during the summer heat of the valley. I remember visiting Roger in the summer of ’95, and he likened having bent-grass greens to a certain STD that's hard to get rid of. So being the “turfdoc” he is, they replaced the bentgrass greens with Tifdwarf. Roger’s summers are now spent with his family, and his blood pressure has eased a bit. Roger was born along with his twin brother, in Monterey, California in 1958. ( Roger will tell you he is the good looking one). Along with two sisters, Roger and his “ugly” twin brother lived the California life enjoying fishing and hanging out at the beach. While attending high school at Pacific Grove H.S., Roger worked for Larry Lloyd at Rancho Cañada in the Carmel Valley. This is where Roger caught the Turf Bug and took an interest in course management. After working for Larry, and absorbing all he could, Roger accepted a position at Carmel Valley Country Club working for Steve Carlton. While working there, word got out that Landmark Company was going to build a course. Roger wanted to try his hand at construction so he began applying for a job on the crew. Every Tuesday and Friday, Roger would show up at the construction site and bug the supervisors for a job. Finally they actually caved in and hired Roger to do some installs and maintenance around the tennis facility since the course wasn't under way yet. In 1979, while working for Landmark, the La Quinta Resort's Mountain Course was getting under way, and Roger came to the valley to help out with the irrigation. The time came to either go back home or to stay in the Coachella Valley, and Roger saw more opportunity with golf here so he unpacked his bags for good. Roger worked for Jim Mercer for a few years and enjoyed Jim's style of tough education. Roger followed Jim to Mission Hills when Landmark purchased the property. After working at Mission Hills, the Westin courses were to be built on the property. Roger accepted the position over-seeing the second nine construction, and eventually took over the helm of both the Gary Player course and the Westin course. Roger stayed there as Superintendent until May of 1993. The opportunity to run the Thunderbird Golf Course was presented, and Roger never looked back. Since then new greens have been built, irrigation has been rebuilt and many course improvements have been completed under Roger’s guidance. Roger is looking forward to staying here until he retires. “The members have been very supportive, and let me make a fool of myself.” Roger continues, “ Since having the greens switched to bermuda-grass, its been real nice here. I overseed with about 6 pounds of Poa-triv, and 2 ½ pounds of Penncross. We don't need no stinking ryegrass,” Roger laughs. “ I never have a problem with the bent hanging on, after several years of maintaining bent, I know how to kill it off.” During those formative years, Roger met Coachella Valley legends Jack Reosinger, Carl King, Mike McGehee, Lee Hood and Pasqual Chacon. Roger respected all the “old timers” as well as many others who have had a profound influence on his development as a top notch Superintendent. Roger really enjoyed the mentoring and friendship of Cal Hardin, who kept a watchful eye on him from across the street at Morningside, as well as the camaraderie Bud Lombard shared with him during those early years. Being in the valley during those boom years, Roger says,” I've seen the business change a lot, during these years. Superintendents were more humble back then and didn't think growing grass was such a big deal.” Roger still has that common sense, laid back attitude. An easy grin and quick to change the subject to his family, assures me of his love of life's simpler things. “All it is, is managing a couple dollars, a few people, and growing grass”, Roger continues as we ride the course with his chocolate Lab, Harley. After Harley finishes his run and a swim, we head back to the shop and I enjoy some carne and beans with the crew. I've been privileged to know Roger for several years, and we talk about his wife of fourteen years Julie, as well as Kendall his thirteen year old daughter, and eleven year old Max his son. Roger loves his family, and it is evident when he speaks of fly fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors with them. It's always a pleasure to spend time with Roger Compton, and I invite those of you who haven't, to get to know him. He'll give you a fresh perspective of the importance of growing grass. 
Article written by Craig Hanson, Craig is with Simplot Partners
Vendor Profile ~ Bill Culbertson The California Golf Course Superintendents Association
would like to introduce Bill Culbertson, sales & service representative
for So Cal Pump & Well Drilling, Inc., as the newly appointed Southern
California Affiliate Representative to the California GCSA Board of Directors.
California GCSA Government Relations Report California GCSAA Government Relations Network Alert! I have forwarded all of you a link that will take you to the Air Resources
Control Board's Web Site http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.
The new proposed air emissions regulations for all off-road diesel equipment
in California http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/ordiesel.htm.
Equipment dealers should take note of this and get on their emailing list.
This would include all golf course
Please forward this message and link to all equipment dealers that are
not on the Network. For more info you can contact me directly.
Jim Husting, CGCS
PACE IPM Photo Contest Offers a Canon A700 Camera Prize
How do you teach your crew to recognize the symptoms of turf stress? How do you demonstrate your improved turf conditions to your club manager? And how do you explain to members the importance of the turf management practices you use on their behalf? Let a picture do the explaining for you. Good photographs can be worth much more than a thousand words. Because pictures can depict, educate and persuade so well, digital photography is one of the major innovations of the past 10 years that can really help you on the job. To encourage turfgrass professionals and students to use their digital cameras more effectively, Drs. Wendy Gelernter and Larry Stowell, research directors of PACE Turfgrass Research Institute, announce the creation of the PACE IPM Photo Contest. Photo submissions must be uploaded at www.paceturf.org between the dates of July 5 and September 15, 2006; winners will be announced October 1, 2006; and all photos submitted (winning or not) will be made available at www.paceturf.org at the PACE Photo Gallery, a digital photo library that is open to the public free of charge. Photos entered into the contest must illustrate a turf IPM topic, concept or practice. Gelernter and Stowell will judge photographs based on subject matter, their value as an educational or informational tool, and on good photography basics, such as composition, lighting, focus and clarity of image. “Even if you are new to photography, enter this contest,” Dr. Gelernter says. On the PACE website, Gelernter and Stowell have made free information available about how to take effective digital photographs. Each photographer may submit only one digital or scanned photo in jpeg (.jpg) format by registering at the PACE website at www.paceturf.org and logging in to the PACE Photo Gallery no later than September 15. Full contest instructions are also available at the PACE website. Three winners will be selected. The first-prize winner will receive a Canon Powershot A700 camera or a $300 gift certificate; second prize is a gift certificate for $200, and third prize is a $100 gift certificate, all from 47th Street Photo. All photos submitted for the PACE IPM Photo Contest will be made available at www.paceturf.org in the PACE Photo Gallery and may be used by any interested person for non-profit educational purposes. PACE Turfgrass Research Institute (PACE) is a membership organization that provides research, education and information services to the turf management community. Founded in 1993 by its research directors Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D. and Larry Stowell, Ph.D., the PACE mission is to generate and share independent and objective agronomic information among turf professionals so they may develop management programs that are effective, practical and scientifically sound. For more information, visit the PACE website atwww.paceturf.org
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GCSAA Class A Renewal
GCSAA Class A members who were assigned to the initial 3 year renewal cycle in conjunction with the implementation of the Professional Development Initiative, had until June 30, 2006 to accumulate a total of 3 points, of which 1.2 must be education points, and must provide proof of possession of a pesticide license or pass GCSAA IPM exam. In order to maintain their Class A status. GCSAA Class A members that did not accumulate the required 3 points, will be reclassified as a Superintendent Member. What happens if a member in the initial three-year renewal cycle didn’t meet the July 1 renewal deadline? All GCSAA members in the initial three-year renewal cycle who failed to meet the ongoing requirements for maintaining their Class A status will be reclassed to Superintendent Member classification. In order to regain their Class A status, the Superintendent Member must meet their initial requirements, plus an additional 5.0 points, with a minimum of 2.0 education points. At the time these requirements are met, the member will be eligible once again for Class A status. Members who actually earned points or possessed a pesticide license, but failed to get this information posted prior to the June 30th deadline, should contact GCSAA at (800) 472-7878 to learn about possible options for receiving credit for points earned prior to the deadline. To review information on your education and service points and post pesticide license information, visit the “My Member Central” tab at www.gcsaa.org or request information and affidavits by calling GCSAA’s Fax-on-Demand line at (888) 838-4419. For more information about maintaining your membership, contact R. Scott
Woodhead, senior manager of governance and member standards, at
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Sierra Nevada GCSA, July 17, 2006:
"President's
Cup Tournament & "Vendor/Affiliate's Cup" Tournament, Grizzly Ranch
Golf Course
GCSA of Central California, July
11, 2006: Monthly Meeting , Blacklake Golf Resort
GCSA of Southern California, July
18, 2006: GCSASC & Hi-Lo Desert GCSA Joint Meeting, PGA of Southern
California
GCSA of Northern California, July
26, 2006: Crew Appreciation, A's vs Red Sox
Hi-Lo Desert GCSA, July 18, 2006:
GCSASC & Hi-Lo Desert GCSA Joint Meeting, PGA of Southern California
San Diego GCSA, July 27, 2006:
Just For Fun Golf Tournament, Baja Mar, Rosarito Mexico
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Webcast will be 90 minutes long and will take place at the computer
of your choice.
Member price: $30 Education points: 0.2 09/27/06 An Easy Approach to Working with Local Media 2:00 PM. For Details; visit the GCSAA Web Address: http://www.gcsaa.org/education/webcast/webcast.aspx Or call Kyle Kreighbaum 800-472-7878 x5167 "Webcast upgrade on the way" GCSAA is upgrading its Web cast system this summer to bring improved
audio quality, compatibility with Macintosh computers,
a simplified user interface and new tools for interactivity to the e-learning
offerings.
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A link to the weather pattern at the site can be found at the PACE website
here:
From the GLS index (max daytime temp + max RH) - you can see that the index surpassed 140 for three periods since the beginning of June. These may have been three periods that allowed for infection and it took three cycles until damage was noticeable. If your location's index is over 140, make sure to scout for the pathogen
- wilted and damaged ryegrass or kikuyugrass with yellow lesions or yellow
lesions surrounded by a dark halo and or twisting and flagging are plants
to be on the lookout for. If you place the samples onto a moister paper
towel in a plastic bag or other sealed container; examine the plants the
next day with a hand lens. You should be able to see whait-gray sporulation
that looks like this:
more GLS images are available at PACE:
Since Bipolaris and Dreschlera Leaf Spots and Rhizoctonia are also active
right now - they may also appear at the same time after incubation .
Rhizoctonia will be just mycelia with no spores. Gray Leaf Spot Golden Ham Awards
Frank P. Wong
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We need your help. GCSAA Director of Research The Environmental Institute for Golf is funding a research project that will benefit us all, “A Critical Review of Water Quality Impacts by Golf Courses: Update and Trends.” The USGA is cosponsoring this effort, which is a continuation of a previous national assessment published in Golf Course Management (November, 1997) and the Journal of Environmental Quality. This project is intended to acquire as much data as possible from golf courses that are conducting surface and/or ground water monitoring projects. The intent of the study, conducted by Environmental & Turf Services, Inc., Wheaton, MD, with Dr. Stuart Cohen as principal investigator, is to publish a critical review of the quality of surface and ground water as affected by golf courses. Such data are very important to accurately assess the ecological implications of land use planning regarding the construction and maintenance of golf course facilities. This information can also have implications for pesticide registration decisions. Most important, the results of this study will give important feedback to superintendents who not only manage their courses, but who live in the environment. Target analytes are pesticides, pesticide metabolites, nitrate, and phosphorus. We need your help. If your golf course is conducting surface and/or ground water monitoring projects or have in the past and you are willing to share the data, please contact Juleen Lam at: Juleen Lam
We would like to have the water quality data
as soon as possible but no later than September 30, 2006.
Soil Testing Methods for Sand-based Putting Greens Rodney St. John and Nick Christians
Sand-based putting greens have limited nutrient holding capacity. Therefore, understanding the nutritional status of the rootzone media is essential to proper turfgrass management. This research is focused on basic cation (calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.) nutrition of sand-based greens. Specifically, we were looking at different soil testing techniques for measuring exchangeable basic cations and cation exchange capacity (CEC). This study's findings were: · The presence of CaCO3 (calcareous sands) can greatly affect the results of various soil testing techniques. · Of the procedures examined in this research, the ammonium acetate at pH 8.1 appears to be the best extractant for measuring exchangeable cations from calcareous sand samples. · The ammonium acetate at pH 8.1 technique had the lowest rates of dissolution of CaCO3, but it still dissolved appreciable quantities of CaCO3. Therefore, calculating an ECEC (estimated cation exchange capacity) by summation of exchangeable cations measured from any of the procedures evaluated in this research, including ammonium acetate at pH 8.1, is not advised for samples from calcareous sands and a double extraction technique should be used when extremely accurate tests are needed. St. John, R., and N. Christians. 2006.
The National Turfgrass Research Initiative (NTRI) The National Turfgrass Research Initiative (NTRI) is an ambitious, $32 million effort to take the turf industry to new heights. NTRI will solve problems related to environmental issues surrounding turf such as affecting water use and water use efficiency and improving pest resistance and management strategies. So what can you do to help? First, learn more about the National Turfgrass Research Initiative at: www.turfresearch.orgor www.turfinitiative.org Next contact your senators and representatives in Congress to let them
know the importance of federal funding for turf grass research by USDA,
ARS. Ask them to support funding for the National Turfgrass Research Initiative.
Morris, K. N. 2006.
UC Riverside Weekly Turf Disease Update: For the latest Weekly Turf Diseases found in California, visit: http://www.californiagcsa.org/turf_research.htm
PACE Turfgrass Research PACE TURF MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST FOR SUMMER
For more information, Call 858-272-9897, Email gelernt@paceturf.org OR visit the PACE web site www.paceturf.org |
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FALLS CHURCH, Va. (Feb. 22, 2006) — The Irrigation Association has named July Smart Irrigation Month to raise awareness of the importance of using irrigation efficiently. "Our mission is to promote efficient and effective irrigation worldwide," said IA Executive Director Tom Kimmell. "Smart Irrigation Month is a way for the industry to highlight irrigation equipment and practices that make the most of our most precious resource." "While the irrigation industry is bringing increasingly efficient technology to the marketplace, irrigation consumers have an important role in choosing efficient technology and using it effectively," Kimmell said. IA members in every segment of the industry will be asked to display the Smart Irrigation Month logo and share tips for efficient irrigation with their customers in July while highlighting products and services that promote efficient irrigation. The Irrigation Association's Turf and Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices recognize that an efficient automatic irrigation system requires quality parts and design, accurate installation, proper maintenance and effective management. American agriculture becomes more efficient every year, with statistics showing irrigated farms are moving to more efficient modern irrigation practices allowing growers to produce more on less land with less water. Watch for the Smart Irrigation Month logo, information about efficient irrigation and opportunities to participate. Since 1949, Irrigation Association members have led the advance in water-use efficiencies to create smarter solutions for agricultural, residential and commercial landscape irrigation. The IA is comprised of industry professionals from both public and private sectors — researchers, technicians, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, system designers, consultants and contractors — all dedicated to developing the irrigation industry and effectively utilizing our most vital resource.
Smart Irrigation Systems:
If you’re a typical homeowner, you probably put your automatic sprinkler system into the same category as your home’s heating and cooling system. You expect it to work reliably and efficiently with minimum fuss. The latest technology offers just that--and more. A sprinkler system is one area of your home where a little knowledge can go a long way to conserve water while maintaining a healthy yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood. In conjunction with Smart Irrigation Month in July, the Irrigation Association® is offering information about efficient irrigation technology and tips. Since it’s a peak month for water usage, July is a good time to learn more about making the most of water resources. The new generation of “smart” sprinkler systems can be viewed as sophisticated communications systems that happen to dispense water, rather than a network of underground valves, pipes and pop-ups controlled by a wall-mounted timer. Thanks to advances in electronics and communications, sprinkler systems can monitor data, such as climate, site conditions, or soil moisture, and automatically adjust your sprinkler’s watering schedule. Smart systems keep your grass green while saving your “green.” The secret to smart systems is the controller. Smart controllers use either weather and/or site data to automatically determine when and how long to water. Then your sprinklers apply just enough water at exactly the right time in each zone of your yard. Here are highlights of the substantial benefits that smart controllers offer: Saves Water
Saves Money
Saves Time
Adds Convenience
Upgrading your current controller may be an option. Some new components are designed as easy add-ons to an existing controller, eliminating the need to replace your system’s “brains.” So keep the green where it belongs--on your lawn and in your wallet--with a smart irrigation system. Learn more at www.irrigation.org/smartmonth.htm. Irrigation Association® • www.irrigation.org
The California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) provides info and tools to estimate daily water needs, http://wwwcimis.water.ca.gov |
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Also check the
CGCSA Web Site Golf Products Directory
For information on advertising in this newsletter, please contact:
Email:
Bob Tillema, CGCS
For questions concerning delivery of this newsletter,
please contact the California GCSA at: Toll Free: (866) 643-8707
California GCSA
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