SCPGA PARTNER APPRECIATION DAY
Written on March 13th, 2013
SCPGA PARTNER APPRECIATION DAY
MAY 15, 2013
THE JOURNEY AT PECHANGA
We hope that you will join us for a day of golf and fun at the Journey at Pechanga in Temecula for the annual SCPGA Partner Appreciation Day on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. We value our partnerships and know that without your support, the programs and services we provide would not be possible. We look forward to hosting you for a day on the golf course!
Invitation to follow.
Golfpreserves®, California Alliance for Golf and California Turf and Landscape Foundation Launches California Golf CarbonProject
Written on March 1st, 2013
Sacramento, California, January 7, 2013 – Golfpreserves®, the California Alliance for Golf, and the California Turf and Landscape Foundation today announces the initiation of the California Golf Carbon Project, a project that will develop a carbon emissions data collection system as well as document the carbon sequestered at participating golf courses.
The project is a partnership between Golfpreserves®, the California Alliance for Golf, and the California Turf and Landscape Foundation, and is supported by the USGA Green Section, Audubon International as well as the International Sustainability Council. Research partners participating in the development of the project include University of California Riverside and the USDA-ARS.
The project is modeled after the successful Colorado Golf Carbon Project, by representing a partnership between a diverse group of representatives within the golf industry and research entities with these objectives to accomplish:
“The California Carbon Project will provide valuable environmental information that will help shape the golf industry for the future as well as creating the funding for future research and development” says Noble Hendrix at Golfpreserves®.
The core objective of the California Carbon Project is twofold:
• To develop a carbon emission and carbon sequestration data collection system for golf courses of California. Results documenting the total carbon effects of sequestration and emissions will be published in a peer-reviewed journal publication.
• To document the sequestered carbon at California’s golf facilities on an annual basis and create marketable certificates, thus creating a self-sustaining funding mechanism for this and future projects aimed at improving conservation and environmental stewardship at golf facilities.
The creation of this project has been a joint effort spearheaded by the California Alliance for Golf, the California Turf and Landscape Foundation, the USGA Green Section and Golfpreserves®.
“California’s allied golf associations believe that resources from a diverse group of stakeholders make the California Golf Carbon Project an undertaking that will provide valuable environmental information. There is no doubt that the information generated by this project will have a lasting impact on the management of energy, water and other environmental issues encountered by golf courses and other businesses in California and throughout the United States,” says Ted Horton of the California Alliance for Golf.
“The USGA supports the group of scientists, associations, and companies that have come together to provide their time and expertise on this emerging environmental issue. This is a great project and will provide important information at a time when climate change legislation is being addressed,” says Michael P. Kenna, Ph.D. – Director, USGA Green Section Research.
The California Golf Carbon Project is also supported by Audubon International and the International Sustainability Council.
“Audubon International supports the intentions of the project as it aims to improve conservation and environmental stewardship at California’s golf facilities. We believe that this will lead to a more sustainable natural resource management on golf courses across California which clearly is in line with the goals of our education and certification programs for golf course operations”, says Ryan Aylesworth, Ph.D. – Executive Director of Audubon International.
“The ISC wholeheartedly supports the California Project and the focus that is being placed on fully understanding the total carbon dynamics of golf courses. This means that the project will not only focus on the scientifically based relevance of the ability of turfgrass to sequester carbon, but to document the total carbon emissions connected with a managed golf course,” says ISC Chairman Ron Dodson.
“We couldn’t be happier about the way that this project has been brought together. From a Golfpreserves® perspective, California is the perfect choice to establish the model successfully demonstrated in Colorado,” says William Crispin at Golfpreserves®.
Participation is ongoing and was initiated December 2012.
About Golfpreserves®
Golfpreserves® is a carbon sequestration program for the golf course industry. As an aggregator, Golfpreserves® will facilitate the assessment, quantification and confirmation and create carbon certificates that will be purchased by members of the golf course industry. The proceeds from sold carbon certificates are invested into research focusing on carbon sequestration, energy and water conservation, environmentally improved turfgrass, irrigation and pesticide usage. www.golfpreserves.com
Investing or Not
Written on January 15th, 2013
So how’s your 401K, stocks, savings account or money tucked neatly in the mattress doing these days? Hopefully, we all will do well. We all invest in one way or another to protect our future when the great day of retirement arrives. But until then, how do you invest in your career? For many successful superintendents’ it’s active involvement in GCSAA, California GCSAA or your Local Chapter. It’s one of those things, the more you invest the greater the return.
So what am I leading to? Each level of the associations has its own unique offerings, or as I call it “Tools”. These tools are necessary in solving issues of today and with hundreds of tools available; you are now prepared to tackle almost anything. Doubt me? Just open these websites and see for yourself. You will get lost in the maze of resources, benefits, links, and more. One of the biggest benefits among the 3 associations is the behind the scene is support you (member or not) receive as a professional in the eyes of golf and public. It comes in many ways such as TV commercials, Radio announcements, Golf Commentary, or local superintendent interview to name only a few. With greater awareness of what we do, result in greater salary, benefits and recognition now and in the future.
To enhance these tools is networking. Meeting new professionals and talking shop is a great way of learning. It is also a great way to establish a connection or future best colleagueor consultant for a particular issue at some point and time. In many cases your colleaguesmay bring forth new ideas or better options to the table. Establishing these relationships becomes synergistic with continued education. Have you ever noticed that the most successful superintendentsare present at almost every event, seminar or function in golf? They understand the value and the future of this profession.
The alternative and there is always one, is to not invest in your knowledge of Golf Course Management, float along and eventually become obsolete. Remember, we are replaceable and in today’s market, many college graduates and assistant superintendents are looking at you for a spot. More importantly, your club needs you to be at the forefront of course management.
Michael Swing Sr. CGCS
President California GCSAA
Evaluation of Turfgrasses and a Ground Cover Under Drought and Extreme Deficit Irrigation
Written on December 13th, 2012
Nineteen turfgrass species/cultivars and one ground cover received irrigation
replacement of only 40% ETo during the summer of 2012. Which ones survived?
Advertising and Sponsorship Information
Written on September 24th, 2012
Download the 2013 Advertising and Sponsorship Information here!
President’s Message
Written on September 13th, 2012
As the newly elected President of the California GCSA, I can truly tell you that I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to serve our members. We have come a long way since our re-organization that started 3 years ago with the idea that we need to take the next step towards bringing value to our Chapter Members. To achieve this we conducted several Strategic Planning sessions where we defined the cornerstones of the State Association as follows:
Annual Conference and Golf Championship Committee
Chairman: Jason Green
This is our number one event for the year and it requires a lot of hard work. Providing education topics that are relevant in today’s world and a Key Note Speaker that delivers the punch, this conference becomes invaluable. And, we have been fortunate to secure great venues for our popular Golf Championship.
Government Relations Committee
Chairman: Jim Ferrin, CGCS
We have enjoyed the partnership with Capital Partners for many years now and together we have monitored pending legislation, news releases and comments made by our elected officials. This committee sifts through countless sources of information to keep us informed of what’s going on in our state and local governments that may impact our industry. Reviewing pending legislation early is a proactive means to allow input before it becomes final. Working with Capital Partners has helped us greatly and we look forward to a future partnership. We are also working on our own “California Golf Day” where representatives of each chapter and the Government Relations committee can meet in Sacramento to discuss issues facing the golf industry with our elected officials. If we don’t tell the story, who will?
Website Committee
Chairman: Jeff Couwenhoven
This committee has a daunting task since we moved from paper to electronic communication. We once had a very colorful magazine, but the cost became greater than our resources. Newsletter print also became too costly and like many organizations, website communication was our next media. We have completed phase 1 of our website development and we have many ideas for improving your source for association information.
California Hospitality Committee
Chairman: Vince Zellefrow
This popular event has always been a huge success, giving our members the opportunity to enjoy the company of all California members during the annual Golf Course Industry Show. And for me, it’s like a family reunion. Whatever it means to you, a big thanks goes out to the many commercial members who have contributed greatly to this event throughout the years.
To support these cornerstone committees we have 9 additional committees that will vary from year to year as needed and directed by the Board of Directors. As you can imagine, we have quite a bit on our plate. With 2 Directors from each chapter, each Director not only represents their chapter’s interests, but we all work towards the best interest of all the chapters that represent superintendents throughout California.
Michael Swing, CGCS
President, California GCSAA
UC Turfgrass and Landscape Research Field Day, Sept. 13, 2012
Written on August 7th, 2012
UC Turfgrass and Landscape Research Field Day, Sept. 13, 2012
Turfgrass Research Facility, UC Riverside
Riverside, California
Greetings!
Register NOW to participate in the 2012 UC Turfgrass and Landscape Research Field Day to be held on Thursday, September 13, 2012.
New this year, under the tents! Exhibitors will be on hand to share the latest on their products and services with participants.
Laws and Regulations Continuing Education Credits have been applied for with the CA Dept. of Pesticide Regulation. Continuing Education credits have also been applied for with the Certified Crop Advisor Program, the Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the Professional Golfers Association.
Exhibitors: Register for exhibit space ASAP, view the , or contact the ANR Program Support Unit for more information.
Sponsors: If you are interested in sponsoring, register online or contact the ANR Program Support Unit for more information.
Sincerely,
Jim Baird
Turfgrass Specialist, University of California
Turfgrass and Landscape Research Field Day is co-sponsored by:
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
and
UC Riverside
Election Results
Written on March 8th, 2012
Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, was elected GCSAA vice president March 2, 2012, at the association’s annual meeting in Las Vegas. He also serves as a member of the board of trustees for The Environmental Institute for Golf (the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA).
Finlen has been director of golf course maintenance operations at The Olympic Club in San Francisco since 2002. Finlen and The Olympic Club will host the 2012 U.S. Open. Previously, he served as director of golf course maintenance at Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside, Calif., golf course and grounds manager at Quivira Lake and Country Club in Lake Quivira, Kan., and superintendent at Cypress Point Country Club in Virginia Beach, Va. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Mo.
A GCSAA member for 27 years, Finlen is a member and past president of both the California GCSA and the GCSA of Northern California. He is also a past president of the Heart of America GCSA.
A native of Washington, D.C., he and his wife, Denise, currently reside in Half Moon Bay, Calif., and have a daughter, Jennifer, and a son, Nick.
Rafael Barajas, CGCS, was elected to the GCSAA Board of Directors March 2, 2012, at the association’s annual meeting in Las Vegas. Barajas was appointed a GCSAA director at the annual meeting in 2001 in Orlando.
Barajas has been the superintendent at Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights, Calif., since 1995. Previously, he served as the superintendent at Palm Desert (Calif.) Country Club, the director of golf course maintenance at Desert Lakes Golf Club in Fort Mohave, Ariz., and as a superintendent at various courses for American Golf Corp. He has a certificate in turfgrass management from the University of California, Riverside.
A 26-year GCSAA member, Barajas has served on a number of association committees and task groups. He has also been a representative for the GCSA of Southern California at the chapter delegates meetings.
Barajas is a member of the Hi-Lo Desert GCSA, a member and the current president of the GCSA of Southern California, and the current vice president of the California GCSA. He resides in La Habra Heights, Calif., with his wife, Yolanda, their daughter, Veronica, and three sons, Daniel, Rafael Jr. and Marco Antonio.
ACTION ALERT: 2010 ADA Regulations for Recreational Facilities
Written on February 22nd, 2012
California GCSA
Government Relations Committee
For Immediate Release, February 21, 2012
Attention Golf Course Superintendents,
2010 ADA Standards for Recreational Facilities
As the Governmental Relations Committee has been forewarning golf course superintendent’s and general managers the new 2010 ADA Regulations for Recreational Facilities goes into effect on March 15, 2012. This may impact your golf facility.
This new 2010 law covers the following golf facilities:
Title II covers golf course facilities overseen or operated by a governmental body (city, state, or federal). A transition ADA compliance plan should already be in effect at these facilities.
Title III covers privately owned or private country club golf facilities that are accessible to the public (private clubs who host outside golf tournaments or social functions fall into this category). A work plan should be in effect before March 15, 2012 or as soon as possible after the law goes into effect.
If you are a completely private club (no public access) such as California Golf Club or Cypress Point Club then you do not need to meet the new 2010 ADA Regulations. Their status protects them from having to comply with the law. However Augusta National Golf Club (home of the Masters) has to because they host an outside golf tournament every spring.
To comply with the 2010 American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design and Recreational Access as well as California’s Code of Regulations (Title 24) and avoid the possibility of a complaint driven lawsuit from a disabled person or advocacy group trying to access your golf facility each Title II and Title III golf facility must provide a defined continuous path of travel throughout their entire facility: parking lot, practice areas, buildings, golf course and on-course amenities. If there are barriers to a continuous path of travel they must be removed, or a plan to remove them (Title II Transition Plan and Title III Work Plan) Each barrier poses the possibility of a lawsuit. There is a monetary value for each violation. There are also new regulations in effect for new construction at golf facilities that you must comply with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
There is no grandfathered “in” clause.
40% of the federal ADA lawsuits originate in California (San Diego and the Bay Area are hot beds for ADA litigation). Since the ADA is a complaint driven law “drive by” litigation can take place without your knowledge. If you do not meet the ADA requirements of a sink, drinking fountain, ball washer, or access to a teeing ground on your golf course, or aisle width, counter height, dressing room bench height in your pro shop (just to mention a few of the regulations) you could be subject to a law suit.
What can you do? You can access the 2010 ADA Recreational Guidelines at ada.gov/regs2010 and see where your facility may be in violation. The GCSAA, Access Board and USGA Green Section also have produced information on becoming ADA compliant. You can use this information to audit your own facility.
In many instance golf facilities are using ADA golf course consultants to produce Transition and Work Plans to meet ADA regulations. Contact Jim Alwine Governmental Relations Co-Chairman, sgccturf@sbcglobal.net, for some referrals to these services. Make sure they are advocates for you.
In regards to the necessity of providing an adaptive golf car at your golf facility it might be a good idea to begin planning to do so. This is not part of the current 2010 ADA law as of yet but is currently being discussed by the Department of Justice and a decision is due out soon.
Jim Ferrin, CGCS
Meet the Candidates
Written on February 2nd, 2012
Check out the candidates at http://www.gcsaa.tv/candidates/
Climate Change Summary Newsletter and Commentary
Written on July 8th, 2011
Check out the latest Climate Change Summary Newsletter and Commentary:
Letter from California GCSA President Rafael Barajas, CGCS
Written on July 5th, 2011
It is an honor and a true privilege to lead this association for the next twelve months. I would like to thank my fellow board members for their vote of confidence and for trusting me with this awesome responsibility. I promise to work hard on your behalf to ensure our association remains strong and prospers into the future.
In May, we had the opportunity to take part in a strategic planning session, facilitated by GCSAA staff members Steve Randall and Richard Pavlasek. The session is always energizing! Hearing input from the entire board to build on our strengths and understand areas our chapter can improve helps create a road map for success and helps us to move forward.
I would like to share a few outcomes from that session and goals for the coming year. First, the strength of the California GCSA is working on your behalf to represent our members in Sacramento. All of us understand the impact legislation may have in our profession. To capture the essence of our work in this area, we will launch communication titled “California Capitol News,” or as our board called it CCN in the coming weeks.
The purpose of this message is to not only provide updates on legislative issues, but to highlight the work done in this area. Our government relations chairs, Jim Ferrin and Jim Alwine, are working to inform and advocate on behalf of the membership. The California GCSA needs to tout our efforts in this area and we see CCN as a way to deliver the message directly to our members.
As we move forward during these tough economic times, we must remain focused on issues that impact our industry. To no surprise, water is at the top of the list even though the drought is supposedly over. We need to work very closely with water agencies and local government, focusing on two primary initiatives. First, we will endeavor to create an open line of communication with the appropriate agencies with the objective of affording superintendents a voice as it relates to the type of water restrictions that would be reasonable and appropriate for golf course properties. Secondly, we hope to get as many golf course superintendents as possible involved in a public relations campaign aimed at communicating and educating the local government and water agencies as to the kind of proactive and voluntary water conservation efforts already initiated and implemented throughout our industry. Our efforts to conserve water shall be for naught if not communicated and brought to the forefront. Our Government Relations Committee will
continue to monitor the approximately 40 initiatives on CGRC’s “radar.” These initiatives are in the areas of water conservation, pesticide regulations, and labor. The State of California is broken, but this doesn’t stop them from bringing new bills to the table that could have a direct impact on our business.
We also need to continue to enhance our web site. We feel the site has taken great strides over the past year. We view our web site as a key communication tool and we want you to visit the site on a regular basis. Content and messaging will be relevant and timely for your needs!
Soon, you will see information outlining our annual conference and chapter golf championship. This will be a great opportunity for affordable education, networking and communication. Not only is this a large endeavor, but also our board continually looks for ways to enhance the value of your membership. The board has also discussed bolstering programs for research, pursing an allied relationship with the California Turfgrass Landscape Foundation and will consider working jointly with our local chapters to promote our profession.
A great team leads the California GCSA. Irene Cline and Kim Milne have assumed the chapter executives role and are a great asset with our day-to-day operations. I would also like to thank immediate past president Kevin Friesen, CGCS and incoming vice president Mike Swing, CGCS from Visalia Country Club and newly elected secretary-treasurer Jason Green from San Jose Country Club for their continued leadership, and the rest of the board members current and newly elected for their support.
Great individuals work together to form an effective team. Our team looks forward to working with you.
Is “Attractive Traffic Control” an Oxymoron?
Written on May 4th, 2011
Free Video: Is “Attractive Traffic Control” an Oxymoron? Not at Shady Canyon Golf Club.
Shady Canyon Golf Club is gently carved into the scenic, rugged, unspoiled beauty of Irvine, California’s Shady Canyon. Its layout is dramatic. But the narrow entrance and exit areas of many of its fairways can invite wear and tear, presenting a clear traffic management challenge. Superintendent David Major, CGCS, has developed an efficient, effective and elegant solution to directing golf cart traffic. His approach is illustrated in PACE Turf’s new video: “Traffic Control at Shady Canyon Golf Club,” which is now available on YouTube.
“Premiere golfing conditions always require some level of traffic control,” said Dr. Larry Stowell, director of PACE Turf. “The challenge is to give golfers clear guidance while at the same time not interfering with the aesthetics of the golf course. David’s approach at Shady Canyon has been particularly successful, and he was happy to share it with the turf management community through this video.”
Like other PACE Turf videos, this one is practical, to the point, and contains information that can be put to immediate use. “Our videos have been one of PACE Turf’s most popular member benefits,” Dr. Stowell said. “We’re pleased we can share some of them with the turf management community free of charge.”
PACE Turf videos can be placed on superintendent association websites or golf course websites by clicking on the “Share” button that appears underneath the video on YouTube. PACE Turf’s other golfer education and superintendent education videos can be viewed on the PACE Turf YouTube Channel or http://www.youtube.com/user/paceturf.
PACE Turf is a membership organization that provides breaking research news, information and expert advice on its website www.paceturf.org. The mission of PACE Turf is to generate and share independent and objective agronomic information for turf professionals, so they may develop management programs that are effective, practical and scientifically sound.
Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.) Control In Non-Overseeded Bermudagrass Turf
Written on March 18th, 2011
Down the University of California, Riverside’s Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.) Control In Non-Overseeded Bermudagrass Turf 2010-11 Report.
This report is was prepared by Jim Baird, Alea Miehls, Brent Barnes, and Vanessa Ferrel Department of Botany and Plant Sciences department.
2011 Golf Industry Show Photos
Written on February 24th, 2011
2011 California Room Photos
Written on February 24th, 2011
RECENT LEGISLATION – NEW!
Written on February 24th, 2011
Due to changes in the governing statutes, claims for gasoline purchased prior to July 1st, 2010 will be refunded at a rate of $0.18 cents per gallon, and claims for gasoline purchased on or after July 1st, 2010 will be refunded at a rate of $0.353 cents per gallon. Additionally, each new fiscal year the Board of Equalization may adjust the rate of the motor vehicle fuel excise tax.
If you have questions you can contact:
Michael Swing, CGCS
California GCSA Sec/Treas
Visalia Country Club
Cell: 661-301-9889
Office: 559-732-2047
Fax: 559-732-2220
The iStimp App for the iPhone
Written on February 3rd, 2011
A Video Review from the Experts at PACE Turf
SETUP: A golfer approaches his first green of the day. He whips out an iPhone and launches his new iStimp application to determine the green speed. The players one hole behind cluster at the tee box. They see the golfer get on his knees, prop a golf ball on the phone, tip the ball off the phone, measure the distance it rolls, and repeat the actions three more times. The players behind begin to yell as the delay in their play continues.
REVIEW: In a new video from PACE Turf, Dr. Larry Stowell reviews the iStimp application, made by iGolfApps, and the interesting problems it could pose for golfers and golf course superintendents.
“Just imagine the pace of play when golfers start stimping every green with the iStimp,” says Dr. Stowell, director of PACE Turf. “Based upon my evaluation, it takes approximately two minutes to obtain a single reading and the iStimp instructions
recommend four readings. That’s eight minutes total.”
The video, “The iStimp: For Better or Worse,” is available free of charge on YouTube and is the latest in a series of educational videos that PACE Turf offers at no charge to the turf management community. The videos offer clear, concise and science-based explanations of topics that affect golf course turf.
The PACE Turf video is suitable for viewing at greens committee meetings, in club houses or other areas frequented by golf patrons. The video can also be placed on superintendent association websites or golf course websites by clicking on the “embed” button that appears underneath the video on YouTube. PACE Turf’s other golfer education and superintendent education videos can be viewed on the PACE Turf YouTube Channel or http://www.youtube.com/user/paceturf.
PACE Turf is a membership organization that provides breaking research news, information and expert advice on its website www.paceturf.org. The mission of PACE Turf is to generate and share independent and objective agronomic information for turf professionals, so they may develop management programs that are effective, practical and scientifically sound.
Bidding now open on silent auction items
Written on February 3rd, 2011
Bidding is officially open for Golf Industry Show Silent Auction – let your members know how they can impact their bottom line through this special event.
Items are rolling in daily and bidding is open. Each year, the Silent Auction gives the golf industry the opportunity to save money on personal items and products that benefit facilities, while also contributing to a worthy charity. Items up for bid include autographed memorabilia, soil amendments, fertilizers, software and equipment.
Visit our new auction site http://auction.golfindustryshow.com to register and bid.
If you’re attending the 2011 Golf Industry Show, be sure to stop by the Silent Auction area on the trade show floor (booth #2719) to continue bidding and learn more about the products available.
GCSAATV clip with Kevin Breen and Lahontan
Written on December 5th, 2010
Let your voice be heard
Written on December 5th, 2010
Member Needs Assessment reminder All GCSAA members were sent the Member Needs Assessment survey via email on November 16. If you missed it, check your spam filter in case it mistakenly was sent there. Your feedback is important to ensure we are meeting members’ needs for career and golf course facility success. If you didn’t receive the email, contact Greg Stacey, GCSAA’s senior manager of market research at gstacey@gcsaa.org. The survey deadline is Dec. 7th.
State Tournament Results
Written on November 21st, 2010
State Golf Championship Results
Babe Zaharias Course @ Industry Hills
SUPERINTENDENT GROSS
- 1st: Mike Stieler, 37 points
- 2nd: David Buckles, 31 points
- 3rd: Robert Hertzing, 28 points
SUPERINTENDENT NET
- 1st: Arturo Fuertes, + 2 points
- 2nd: Doug Martin, + 2 points
- 3rd: Todd Shank, – 1 point
- 4th: Rudy Cardenas, - 1 point
AFFILIATE GROSS
- 1st: John Grund, 33 points
- 2nd: Brian Carson, 30 points
- 3rd: Mark Cantrell, 29 points
AFFILIATE NET
- 1st: m.e.s., + 2 points
- 2nd: James Culley, + 2 points
- 3rd: Ben Koehler, + 2 points
SKINS
- # 5: Junior Valdivia
- # 7: Bob Ferre
- # 8: Mike Stieler
FUN EVENTS
- Longest Putt: Phil Brown
- Longest Drive: John Hardin
- Accurate Drive: Junior Valdivia
- Closest to Pin: #7, Bob Ferre
- Closest to Pin: #13, Rick Ransburg
- Closest to Pin: #14, Kevin Neal
- Closest to Pin: #17, Larry Conkings
