here - Hudson Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association

VOL 52, NO4.
Published by Hudson Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association
September, 2015
The Links at Union Vale
Bedford Golf & Tennis Club
1
Board of Directors
President:
Matt Topazio, New York CC
Vice President:
Dan Wilber, Millbrook Golf & Tennis Club
Treasurer:
Guy Gurney, Hollow Brook GC
Secretary:
Grover Alexander, Hudson Hills GC
Past President:
Steve Whipple, West Point GC
Directors:
Kevin O’Brien, James Baird GC
The Links @ Union Vale
Bedford Golf & Tennis Club
In This Issue
President’s Message…………………..……………………..3
The Links at Union Vale........................………..…..4
Chris Dyroff, Highlands CC
Hudson Valley News of Interest.........…...………...6
Chris Kemble, McCann Memorial GC
Board of Director’s Corner………...................……..8
AF Rep:
Ernie Steinhofer, CGCS,
Metro Turf Specialists
Scholarship Recipients............................…...…....9
Recap, August Meeting at Grossinger’s...............10
Patron Directory....................................................12
Newsletter Editor & Executive Secretary:
Susan O’Dowd
Association Motto
To promote interest and good will in the
association, encourage good relations between members and the clubs they represent…. And to keep up with the current
developments in turf and related work…..
2
As the summer heat hopefully winds down, a lot of us turn to aeration. At my
course I wait until late fall, but I wish I could do it in August as long as the
heat is not too extensive. It’s absolutely a necessary process but not worth the
stress if the damage is being done mechanically. Whatever your aeration plan
is, I do know that the 50’s at night will be a big help, and it’s coming soon!
I would like to give a “Big Thank You” to Brian from Paramount Country Club for helping me out! I
had a major irrigation problem and it shut the entire system down for 3 days in early August. It
turned out to be an electrical short 8 feet under a cart path which took a considerable amount of time
to locate. I needed an excavator to do the digging and Brian was nice enough to let me borrow his
bobcat for a week. I can’t thank him enough and I know many guys that would do the same thing. It
goes to show you that the Hudson Valley GCSA is about stand up people willing to help out. Thanks
again Brian, I owe you!
On another note, we were vandalized a few nights back. A range cart was left outside and the vandal
took the cart for a joyride over 2 greens and did severe damage. It will get fixed, but boy it gets me
every time something like this happens. The police were called and did a report. Ironically, they found
a driver’s license they think belongs to the culprit in the woods next to the course, and are in the process of tracking down. Yes, we are going to press charges. I guess the moral of the story is, if you’re
going to vandalize a golf course don’t leave your driver’s license on the property.
Hope everyone can get to The Links, Sept 15th or West Hills, Oct 6th for our next meetings? We need
and appreciate your attendance.
Cheers,
Matt
Putter @ NYCC
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HVGCSA September Meeting & MET Team Qualifier
“The Links at Union Vale”
By: Kevin Collins
Our meeting site on the 15th was once a farm owned by the late Karl Ehmer, the “King of Quality Meats”. Famous for
his breakfast sausage (I thought they sucked) and his sparkling personality (Karl had the look of a man who had crippling flatulence issues, probably caused by consuming his own products), the Union Vale property had been in the
Ehmer family for decades. Legend has it that Karl is buried somewhere on the golf course in a man-sized sausage casing.
With the farm being acquired by the Irish Golf
Association (IGA) in the mid-nineties, this Stephen Kay “links” style design started construction
in 1998 under the watchful eye of the Burton F.
Clark Company. The course opened for play in
June of 2000. It’s not an easy layout to score on,
playing 6,900 yards from the championship tees.
One hundred and three bunkers dot the course
with beautiful native areas framing the distinctive
rolling fairways. There is not a lot of primary
rough and the wind blows all the time. There are
some very challenging golf holes to conquer. The
15th is a 460 yard par 4 with out-of-bounds left
and #14 is a monster par 5, measuring 603 yards
in length. Good luck!
Mein Host:
Our host, Chris Strehl, began his career at Ridgewood CC as an intern after graduating with a four
year degree in plant science from SUNY Cobleskill. When he finished his indoctrination at
the Ed Walsh Military Academy and Charm
School, Chris left for a stint at Orange County CC
to work with another Walsh alumnus, Tim Garceau. When Tim moved on to Tuxedo Club, Chris followed to serve as
his first assistant. (You’ll notice that most former graduates from the Walsh program have a pronounced facial tick.)
In 1998, Chris was hired by the IGA to grow in the “Links”. 2015 marks Chris’s 17 th year at the course. Despite the challenges of the current economy and a tight budget, Chris manages to keep the “Links” in great shape. Like many of his
Lower Hudson Valley peers, Chris had to deal with his share of winter kill on his greens and fairways this past spring.
An aggressive re-sodding effort and the installation of additional drainage on greens 2 & 7 plus an extensive fairway
overseeding program has the course looking and playing the way it was meant to. Despite having only a crew of six to
care for this huge property, Chris carries on with a fearsome determination. That’s just the way Chris rolls, he just
keeps plugging away and moving forward.
The best thing that ever happened in Chris’ life is his soulmate Debbie. Debbie and Chris tied the knot in 2004. Together, they have built quite a life. The Strehl clan includes Jack 9, Anna 8, and Joseph 6, and of course, River, the
family’s rambunctious black lab.
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The Links at Union Vale
153 N Parliman Rd, Lagrangeville, NY 12540
SEPTEMBER MEETING
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Host:
Chris Strehl
Registration:
10:00
Lunch:
11:00
Golf:
12:00 - Shotgun
Individual Stroke Play “Met Team Qualifier”
*We need handicaps upon sign up*
Dress Code:
Proper Golf Attire
Social:
Buffet Dinner & Awards to follow.
Fees:
$110.00 Golf & Dinner
$ 50.00 Dinner
Deadline: September 11, 2015
To Register: Email Susan - sodowd@mgagolf.org or call (914) 909-4843
You can pay on-site with check. To pay with a credit card, please call our office.
Upcoming Meetings & Events!
September 15th........................................................The Links at Union Vale - Host, Chris Strehl
October 6th - Worthington Cup/Elections..........West Hills Country Club - Host, Brad Sparta
October 20th - Met Team Championship.............Quaker Ridge Golf Club - Host, Tom Ashfield
October 17th - Social Event....................................Tail Gate @ West Point
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By: Kevin Collins
Our good friend, Metro’s Ernie Steinhofer, suffered yet another setback recovering from his recent horse ankle
replacement surgery. Ernie has developed a slight touch of Laminitis in his left hoof. Laminitis is the deterioration of the hoof’s coffin bone caused, in part, by a high carb diet. The good news, according to Ernie’s surgeon,
is that Ernie’s eating more fruits and vegetables and the Laminitis seems to be slowly improving. It’s more
than likely that Ernie will not have to be euthanized.
Hayworth CC superintendent Tim Garceau was a recent last minute “no show” to this year’s Sullivan County
Challenge. Tim told his fellow golfers that a flat tire on the way up to Grossinger CC was the reason he couldn’t make the tournament. Cell phone records, however, told a different story with Tim’s actual location being a
Hillary Clinton fundraiser in Princeton, NJ. Despite his tough talk and supposed right wing views, the rumor is
that Tim has been a “closet” liberal for years. Current Hayworth CC GM and Garceau confidant, Mr. Lee, was
reportedly crushed by this news.
If you thought that the “Links” Chris Strehl had it tough, he has nothing on Hudson Hill’s superintendent,
Grover “Ley” Alexander, when it comes to a manpower shortage. Grover on many days has no staff. Grover
commented, “It’s not such a big deal. We’ve reduced our fairway acreage from 35 to 10. We only maintain the
landing areas off the tees and have turned the rest into native area. We mow greens once a week, never rake
the bunkers, never cut the rough or greens surrounds, and we change the cups once a month. My Primo budget is $150,000 a year. We market it as “old school turn of the century golf”, like it was before when horses used
to pull gang mowers to mow the course. The golfers love it.”
Dan Madar’s old hip sockets will be used as ceremonial tee markers on the first tee at the upcoming “Links”
meeting.
Rockland CC’s Matt Ceplo was recently lauded in a Gannett Journal News article for his many environmental
leadership awards and the stewardship Matt has brought at the club in establishing native areas where wildlife
and insects can co-exist and thrive alongside the golf members. What wasn’t mentioned in the article was that
bee stings, bobcat and coyote attacks, and a rabies outbreak have decimated the membership. Matt had no
comment at press time.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Michael McNamara,
2015 NYSTA Friend of the Green Industry Award Recipient
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After dealing first hand with the ugly side of Mother Nature
this spring, I can say that I have grown as a superintendent.
Besides the obvious skills of agronomy there are many aspects to our profession that we must succeed at.
Communications being one of the biggest! It has helped me
come through a spring of severe winter kill. As soon as we
felt there was a chance of turf loss I passed that information
onto upper management. This was something that was done
on a weekly basis until we finally opened the course in June
and through the first few weeks of our operating season. I
would send updates with pictures of conditions and the
steps we were taking at least once a week to my superiors
who were located 2 hours away. This helped them understand what and why certain things where happening to the
course, and it allowed me to keep the course closed until the
turf was healthy enough to withstand traffic. Also, we placed updates of the course conditions on our website
and at the course itself.
One of the most important things we did was an article in the local paper to educate golfers on what was happening at our course and other local courses that were experiencing the same issues. This helped our patrons
understand what had happened and what to expect in the coming weeks. Without these steps, we would have
had many surprised and upset golfers looking to take their business elsewhere.
The communications with other superintendents who were dealing with the wrath of winter was huge for our
recovery and my own sanity. We were able to let each other know what was and wasn't working at our courses.
Having other superintendents that were going through the exact same thing under the same weather conditions available to vent to, made it easier to deal with knowing you weren't alone.
Kevin O’Brien
James Baird Golf Course
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Congratulations!
THANK YOU NOTES!
2015 Scholarship Recipients
Dear Hudson Valley Golf Course Superintendent’s
Association,
I wanted to convey my gratitude for being
awarded the HVGCSA Legacy Scholarship. Your continued support throughout my academic endeavors has
been greatly appreciated by my family and myself.
Your financial support takes some of the stress out of
pursuing my Masters degree just after finishing my
undergraduate studies. I will forever be grateful to the
HVGCSA for believing in my dreams and me.
Legacy Winner: William Heintz with his mom Linda and
his dad Will. William has been accepted to Lewis & Clark
College where he will be studying Molecular Biology.
Sincerely,
Tim Luthin
Legacy Winner: Timothy Luthin with his dad Bill. A post
graduate student at Stanford University, where he was
recently selected for a highly competitive Earth Systems
Program.
Dear HVGCSA Board of Directors,
Thank you so much for choosing me as a
recipient of your scholarship. It is an honor,
and my family and I are very grateful,
Sincerely,
Will Heintz III
Bill Smart Winner: David Madar. Accepted to Rutgers
Turf Management Program.
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Last Meeting at Grossinger’s
Speaking of McNamara's, both Mom Betty and long time
super, Dad Ray were in attendance as well, congratulations
to them as they just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Betty also volunteers for this event by manning the
hole in one par three, she has done this for many years but
never seems to give any cars away. Emily's Sister Nancy was
also on the course trying to give money away to anyone who
could land the ball on the green (par 3 hole) a job once held
by Ernie's daughter, Ellysa. Many thanks to the NYSTA gal
& guys who always show up – Beth Semi, Mike Maffai, Tom
Wright, Owen Regan, and Greg Chorvas. Many thanks to
the beverage gals, who always knew when they were needed, thanks to Mr. Willys for the great food, thanks to Kenny
and the pro shop staff (which includes Emily Mac), and
many thanks to Ernie Steinhofer for all the time he put in to
help and for the great emcee job he is renown for.
Our last meeting was the 16th Annual Steve Smith Memorial
Sullivan County Challenge hosted by Mike McNamara at the
Grossingers GC. This was the biggest fundraiser of the year
for NYSTA and the one event everyone looks forward too
without fail. We had over 130 players this year. Mike and his
staff had the place shining! I swear it’s magic, with limited
staff and resources there is no way this place should look so
good, a great layout in great condition and great weather to
boot! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
Mike has announced that this was Grossinger's last year
hosting this event. All I can say is, ONE MORE YEAR! ONE
MORE YEAR! ONE MORE YEAR! ONE MORE YEAR! ONE
MORE YEAR!
Golf Awards
Other news just in! Guy Gurney has just broke his ankle
playing Ghosts in the Graveyard with his kids, I’ve never
heard of the game, but it must be dangerous. Get well soon!
1st Place: Team Falkirk GC- again! Pete Schmidt, captain.
Steve Luty is looking for a publisher for his new book titled
"Another Chapter in the Book." The first 12 chapters involve
his near death experiences in cars and the last 12 chapters
involve all his other near death experiences. We don't know
if the book will ever get finished since he keeps on adding
new chapters.
nd
2
Place:Team Stephen Kay Golf Architects, Stephen Kay,
captain.
3rd Place: Team Grass Roots, Ryan Batz, captain.
Closest to Pin: Long time childhood friend and Pro at Old
Tappan GC, Doug Meeks.
The McNamara Memorial Golf Tournament:
The McNamara Clan is hosting the Annual McNamara Memorial Golf Tournament at Tarrybrae GC on September 19,
2015. Portions of the proceeds will go to Sullivan County
Veteran's Coalition. Cost $85.00 - 4 man scramble, lunch,
dinner, and beer (of course beer!).
Longest Drive: A perennial winner here at Grossinger's,
Nancy Fowx.
This event has always been special to all of us involved with
NYSTA and the Hudson Valley GCSA, but this years event
was extra special for Mike McNamara, he received the
“NYSTA Friend of the Green Industry Award.” This is an
annual award usually presented at the Rochester Conference,
but NYSTA President, Tim Hahn, came down and made the
presentation to a packed house. Very cool and well deserving. Mike has been involved with Grossingers GC for about
40 years, he has served on the boards of the Hudson Valley
GCSA and NYSTA, and has hosted the Steve Smith Sullivan
County Challenge for the past 16 years. A very emotional day
for Mike, especially when daughter Kelly made a surprise trip
from Texas to join Mom Emily and Sister Brittany in sharing
Mike's award and tribute. Mike's heartfelt speech afterwards
was outstanding. Great Job!
Call Terry McNamara for more info 845-985-0270.
Also keep friend Kevin Trotta in your prayers. He’s been
suffering with ALS for the past few years, it’s a very debilitating disease . If you know Kevin, you know he is hot stuff
and I am sure he would enjoy an email from old friends
turfipmguy@aol.com.
Next meeting is at Chris Strehl's, The Links @ Union Vale,
always a fun venue. Hope to see you there!
Bill Luthin
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Nominations
2016 Board
HVGCSA Tailgate Party
It is that time of year when we reach out to all
members, seeking volunteers for the Board for the
coming year. We’re always seeking new ideas and
fresh perspectives so we can remain current with
our members.
Below are the Board and Committee positions.
Board
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Committee
Advertising
Education
Government
HV Cup
Membership
Newsletter
Scholarships
Tournament/Sites
Research
Social
Website
Army Black Knights vs. Bucknell Bisons
Saturday, October 17th @ Michie Stadium
Kick Off - 12:00 Noon
If you are interested in getting involved, or know
someone whose expertise might be beneficial,
please contact the Nominating Chairman, Steve
Whipple. steven.whipple@usma.edu
All Members, Friends, and Family are Welcome!
Food will be compliments of the HVGCSA
Please bring your own beverages, chairs
and pop up tents if you have one.
To purchase your tickets go to: goarmywestpoint.com
Condolences
Our condolences to Al Seebach and his family
on the passing of his beloved wife Norma.
July 21, 2015
We’ll meet at Steve’s maintenance shop @ 8:30 am
and caravan in together for tailgating.
To register: Call or email Steve so we can plan on the amount of
food.
Work 845-938-4623 ~ Cell 845-629-9717
Email steven.whipple@usma.edu
Donations can be made to the Lustgarten
Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer in memory of
Norma.
www.lustgarten.org
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THE FOREGROUND - PATRON DIRECTORY
A.G. Enterprises
Staff Uniforms
www.agenterprisesonline.com
Rick Gordon
merrick160@gmail.com
201-488-1276 (F) 201-489-5830
Leggette, Brashear & Graham, Inc
Professional Groundwater & Environmental
Engineering Services
Farmington, CT
Rob Good: 860-678-0404
Storr Tractor Company
3191 Highway 22
Branchburg, NJ 08876
Steve Bradley / Rick Krok
908-722-9830 / 908-413-5640 / 908-413-3403
Aquatrols Corp. of America
1273 Imperial Way, Paulsboro, NJ 08066
Kevin P. Collins, Mid Atlantic/NE TM
609-841-2077
Metro Turf Specialists
“Customers, Our Top Priority”
Ernie Steinhofer, CGCS: (C) 914-760-6112
(O) 203-748– GOLF (4653)
ernie.steinhofer@metroturfspecialists.com
www.metroturfspecialists.com
Synergy Turf Supply
Bobby Steinman, CGCS
Cell: 860-488-2822
bobby777@aol.com
BASF
« We Create Chemistry »
Pete Jacobson: 919-530-9062
peter.jacobson@basf.com
www.betterturf.basf.us
Bayer
311 Carriage Drive
Kensington, CT 06037
Dave Sylvester
860-841-3173
Blue Ridge Peat Farms
133 Peat Moss Road
White Haven, PA 18661
Gene Evans & Chuck Evans
570-443-9596 or 570-947-5888
DryJect NE/Turf Pounders
37 Oneonta Road, Carmel, NY 10512
Kevin Collins: 914-525-3681
Steve Jordan: 914-602-2857
Grass Roots Turf Products, Inc.
www.GRIturf.com
sales@griturf.com
Ryan Batz: 973-252-6634
Grassland Equipt. & Irrigation Corp.
“Celebrating 54 Years”
Chris Pogge (C) 518-857-0197
cpogge@grasslandcorp.com
Harrell’s
“Growing a Better World
Partner for Success”
Scott Tretera: 914-262-8638
stretera@harrells.com
James Carriere & Sons Inc.
U.S. Silica Top Dressing & Bunker Sands,
Partac Heat Treated Top Dressing
XGD & Root Zone Mixes
Bill Carriere: 914-937-2136
MONTCO PRODUCTS CORP.
SURFSIDE WETTING AGENTS
ZAP! Defoamer
Bob Oechsle & Ben Poole
(O) 800-401-0411
(F) 570-235-6204
ben@montcoproducts.com
Plant Food Company, Inc.
38 Hightstown-Cranbury Station Rd
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Dick Neufeld: 973-945-6318
Tom Weinert: 914-262-0111
Dave Conrad: 914-263-3244
Red Wing Sand & Gravel
675 Leetown Road
Stormville, NY 12582
John Balducci (C) 914-475-7890
(O) 845-221-2224
Saratoga Sod Farm
1670 Route 4
Stillwater, NY 12170
Laurie Griffen
(O) 518-664-5038 (C) 518-265-0160
Syngenta
Manufacture of Plant Protection Products
Daconil Action, Acelepryn, Ference, Secure
Lee A. Kozsey: 215-796-0409
www.greencastonline.com
The Care of Trees
458 Lexington Ave
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
Greg Gutter
(O) 914-241-8110 (C) 914-490-3830
Valley Green, Inc
205 Wilson Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854
Gregory Moran
845-901-1358
Westchester Tractor, Inc.
60 International Boulevard
Brewster, NY 10509
John Apple - George Risley
845-278-7766
www.wtractor.com
Westchester Turf Supply, Inc.
“Serving the HVGCSA for 39 Years”
Bob Lippman: 914-447-6257
Dave Lippman: 914-447-5192
info@westchesterturf.com
Satch Sales, Inc
Club Car Golf & Utility Vehicles
Red Max Power Equipment
63 Broadway, Menands, NY 12204
Bernie Jorgensen
518-281-4371 / 518-426-5002
Wickes Arborists
11 McNamara Road
Spring Valley, NY 10977
John Wickes
845-354-3400 / 914-906-3264
Seeton Turf Warehouse, LLC
25 Roland Avenue
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Brian Bontemps: 845-239-7959
Brian Gjelsvik: 973-670-7139
Wilfred MacDonald Inc.
Turf Equipment Specialists
Bill Luthin (C) 201-214-5901
(O) 888-831-0891 (F) 201-931-1730
billy@wilfredmacdonald.com
Soil Solutions, LLC
Aerification Professionals
7 Whittmore Pl, Rye Brook, NY 10573
Anthony & John DeCicco
(O) 914-393-0659 (F) 914-939-5010
Winfield Solutions, LLC
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“Service, Solutions, Insight”
Eric Bresky, CGCS: 845-849-8640
Mike DiLorenzo, CGCS: 518-428-8625
www.winfieldpro.com