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Jerry Broughton, CGCS at Twin Hills Golf & Country Club in Edmond, Okla., is now the owner of two Sea-Doo GTIs and a trailer, courtesy of BASF Professional Turf and Ornamentals’ 2006 calendar sweepstakes. Broughton, a 30-year GCSAA member, correctly answered a BASF calendar quiz question and then was randomly selected from the 12 monthly first-prize winners. The giveaway was part of a promotion specifically for superintendents and company distributor sales representatives.
At the request of the TifEagle Growers Association, the
Georgia Seed Development Commission recently conducted a seminar on the viability of TifEagle bermudagrass as a no-till variety and on the no-till renovation process. GSDC is the state agency that licenses and markets TifEagle. The event, held at the Rural Development Center in Tifton, Ga., was hosted by University of Georgia professor and TifEagle breeder Wayne Hanna, Ph.D., who said that though he was an early skeptic of no-till, he ultimately changed his mind. Guest panel member Pat O’Brien, the Southeastern director for the USGA Green Section, concurred on the effectiveness of no-till. He added that clubs can expect to reduce costs from $1.50 to $2 per square foot to only 45 to 50 cents for no-till. Bob Carrow, Ph.D., a UGA professor of turfgrass science, outlined site assessment practices and also emphasized how physical, chemical and biological soil conditions affect golf course greens. GSDC officials said TifEagle is used at more than 600 facilities. For more information on the no-till TifEagle program, contact Mike Garland, director of the GSDC, at 706-542-5640, or e-mail him at mgarland@agr.state.ga.us.
The Central Illinois GCSA has formed an alliance with the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to help prevent injuries and accidents for golf course workers and landscapers. CIGCSA will work with OSHA to develop training and education programs on work-related safety issues, and the alliance also calls for information sharing regarding best practices and effective approaches. Officials from both entities will speak, exhibit and appear at conferences and events to disseminate information to Central Illinois workers.
Hayter Mowers has acquired Allen Hover mowers from APEL Holding. Hayter Mowers, which is one of the United Kingdom’s largest turf care equipment manufacturers, says in a statement that the Allen brand of hover mowers will be an appropriate fit for its current product line. Hayter, though it was purchased by Toro in 2005, retains several independent lines, the company says. Allen products will continue to be distributed in the Americas by Seago International.
The Experience at FarmLinks, a component of FarmLinks LLC, recently partnered with Tycrop Manufacturing to expand its living laboratory to include agronomic training and product demonstrations through a program called “On the Course Tour.” Tycrop has supplied its PP-180 ProPass broadcast topdresser and an MH-400 material handler to the program. These models are the company’s latest electronic hydraulic versions. FarmLinks says it hopes to bring more corporate partners on board for the On the Course program.
The Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation announces its 2006-2007 GCBAA scholarships to students
pursuing careers in golf course construction, design and management. Students were awarded one-year, $1,000 scholarships and also received two-year affiliate GCBAA memberships and mentoring opportunities. The recipients are: Jared Kalin, professional golf management, University of Nebraska; Brett Nagy, landscape architecture, Penn State University; Erick Farley, professional golf management, Methodist College; Matthew Costagua, landscape architecture, Lake City Community College; Charles Langfeldt, landscape architecture, University of Wisconsin; Daryn Soldan, graduate student in landscape architecture, Kansas State University; JD Wise, landscape horticulture with a concentration in turfgrass, Colorado State University; Doug Giannini, professional golf management, Arizona State University; Todd Harris, professional golf management, Arizona State University; Jeff Wilson, urban planning and studies, University of California, San Diego; Robert Mowry, urban planning and studies, University of California, San Diego; Paul Alan Easling, construction management, Washington State University; Jonathan Mullineaux, landscape architecture, Rutgers University; and Timothy Sibicky, plant science, turfgrass and horticulture emphasis, Rutgers University.
Agrotain, a nitrogen stabilizer from Agrotain International LLC, has won the reader’s choice award for No-Till Farmer Magazine’s Product of the Year in the fertility category for the second consecutive year. More than 100 products were nominated by readers in six no-till categories: equipment, fertility, herbicides, insecticides, seed and seed treatments. Agrotain’s John Hassell accepted the award at the 15th annual National No-Till Conference earlier this year.
Boyd R. Montgomery, CSFM, CSE, of The Toro Co., recently was named the winner of the Harry C. Gill Memorial Award at the 2007 Sports Turf Managers Association Conference. The Gill Award recognizes individuals for hard work in the sports turf industry and also acknowledges dedication and service to the STMA. Montgomery has served as board member and president of the Ohio chapter’s STMA, a board member on the Foundation for Safer Athletic Field Environments, and a board member of the national STMA. Montgomery works as sports field and grounds district sales manager for Toro. He once served as the facilities maintenance director for the Sylvania Recreation Corp.
Redexim Charterhouse announces its Distributor and Salesman of the Year Awards and its Distributor Parts Department of the Year Award. Luber Brothers Inc., Dallas, won the Distributor of the Year, and Lawn & Golf Supply Co., Phoenixville, Pa., won the company’s Distributor Parts Department of the Year award. The company also announced three additional awards for distributors that reached their targeted sales figures in parts and machines, in addition to those already named. Those distributors are: E&S Soils, Rocky Mount, N.C.; Krigger & Co., Gibsonia, Pa.; and SV Moffet Co., West Henrietta, N.Y.
The Trans-Mississippi Golf Association recently named Matt Gourlay as one of two recipients of its 2006-07 turf scholarships attending Kansas State University. Gourlay is the son of David Gourlay, CGCS, the general manager and superintendent at Colbert Hills Golf Course in Manhattan, Kan., who also was a Trans-Miss scholar while he studied at Texas A&M. This makes them the first father-son duo to win the scholarship awards. David Gourlay is a 29-year member of GCSAA.
Synthetic Turf International has added two distributors to its international network. Synthetic Turf of Tucson (Ariz.) and Turf
Advantage, Hiddenite, N.C., are the newest distributors that
will help the company extend its national reach and maximize its resources, the company says.
Early results of research conducted at the University of Florida show that phosphorus in Milorganite 6-2-0 from Milorganite contributes minimally to off-site pollution in comparison to other phosphorus sources, the company says. The research, conducted by George A. O’Connor and Sarah L. Chinault, was prompted by concerns over
algae buildup in surface water and increasing regulations of fertilizers with phosphorus by state and local governments. The studies show that Milorganite released only 40 percent of its applied phosphorus under leaching conditions, whereas forms of traditional phosphorus-containing fertilizers leached 80 percent, according to a statement from the company. Details of the studies should be published this spring, it adds.
Syngenta Professional Products recently became the first Technical Member of Golf Environment Europe and the first sponsor of the group’s Environmental Innovation and Technology Network. Syngenta’s support entails providing a practical overview of the registration and approval process for pesticides in European countries, outlining the research and development required to develop a new plant protection product and collating information on integrated turf management programs on European golf courses. Syngenta also will sponsor events and produce materials for superintendents about responsible chemical use.
SoloRider, a single-rider golf car designed for disabled players, is the recipient of New Product of the Year award from the Association of Private Clubs and Directors. John Fornaro, editor and publisher of The Boardroom magazine, the association’s publication, said the SoloRider is an excellent example of technological innovation intersecting with the desire of disabled players to enjoy golf. SoloRider Management LLC, which manufactures and distributes the SoloRider, was recognized at the 80th Annual World Conference on Club Management, held in conjunction with GCSAA’s Golf Industry Show.
Dosmatic USA/International Inc. has expanded with a Latin American branch. Under the direction of Gustavo Padin, general manager, the new office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is intended to ensure a close presence in Latin America and provide support to a broad distribution network. The company says it aims to gain new markets and provide counsel in local languages and with local values. Dosmatic USA/International Inc. engineers and manufactures water-driven, non-electric injectors.
John Deere is adding its voice to a safety initiative aimed at saving lives and preventing damage to underground facilities called “Call Before You Dig.” The company has been named the national manufacturer partner for the launch of the project, which involves a new, nationwide 811 number that professionals and homeowners are urged to call before digging to prevent the chance of hitting dangerous utility lines. The new FCC-designated 811 number is designed to eliminate confusion of multiple “Call Before You Dig” phone numbers across the nation. The new number was launched to the public
May 1. Through John Deere’s partnership with the program, it will promote the new number through its industry communication channels, trade shows, magazine ads and online and printed materials. John Deere’s logo will also be included on the new
www.Call811.com Web site.
Profile Products LLC has officially become a charter member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America in its desire to show a commitment to the principles, professionalism and resources the GCBAA provides its members and the golf construction industry, the company says. Charter members support the group by making a one-time contribution of $5,000 above their annual membership dues. In a statement released by Profile Products, the company stated it was proud to be part of the group that initiates the “Sticks-for-Kids” program, college scholarships and its builder network.
Kubota Corp. has expanded its Kubota Manufacturing of America plant in Gainesville, Ga., to accommodate an additional production line for its RTV utility vehicles. The company invested $20 million in the Georgia facility for future production capabilities, it says. The Kubota RTV1100 utility vehicle, the latest addition to the line, will arrive later this spring, the company adds.
People news
Bill Reilly, former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, has joined the board of directors of AgraQuest Inc., a bioscience company that develops plant protection products.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. has named Jan Valentic as its senior vice president of marketing. In the newly created position, Valentic will lead the company’s new media, consumer insights, consumer services and interactive marketing functions. New to the golf course industry, she previously held senior-level positions with Ford Motor Co. and brand marketing agencies.
KemperSports has named Jeff Perry as the general manager of The Crossings at Carlsbad (Calif.), a new championship golf course located 30 minutes from San Diego. Perry will prepare the facility for its summer debut and will oversee its daily operations upon its opening. A 12-year veteran in resort and daily-fee management operations, Perry previously served as general manager for Trilogy GC in La Quinta, Calif., which hosted the PGA Tour’s LG Skins Game for four years.
FarmLinks LLC has appointed John Trawick as its director of golf at the championship FarmLinks Golf Club in Sylacauga, Ala. Trawick will oversee day-to-day operations at the facility and develop new golf programs for the 18-hole course. Trawick worked for Pinehurst Resort and Country Club during the 1999 U.S. Open; at Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope, Ala.; and most recently as director of golf for Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham, Ala.
Chris Farrell has joined Bayer Environmental Science as its field sales representative for Ohio’s golf market. Farrell will cover northern and south central Ohio. Farrell previously worked as a contract employee for Bayer conducting field trials on new compounds.
Troy Price recently filled a newly created position of vice president of sales for the New Holland North American sales organization. Price is charged with promoting sales growth, increasing profitability in the North America market and directly managing the sales team.
For the fifth consecutive year, Bayer Environmental Science and The Environmental Institute for Golf sponsored grants to send five superintendents to the 2007 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show in Anaheim. Those recipients are: Jeremy Hreben, Kings Gate GC, Port Charlotte, Fla.; Kraig Stolhammer, Hibbing (Minn.) Municipal GC; Henry Falgout, Chamberlyne CC, Danville, Ark.; Ron Randall, Willow Creek, Big Flats, N.Y.; and Richard Jenson, Crooked River Ranch (Ore.) GC. The grants included airfare, hotel, conference registration, two education seminars and two tickets to the President’s Celebration.
Jeanne Houser, vice president and general manager of McFarland Landscape Services, has been installed as chair of the Tree Care Industry Association. Houser will serve a one-year term. A member of the TCIA since 1969, she first started working with McFarland Landscapes in 1981.
Scott Ramsay, CGCS, a 24-year GCSAA member, has been named the 2006 Superintendent of the Year by Golfweek’s SuperNews, an award sponsored by Club Car. Ramsay, who oversaw the rebirth of the Yale GC in New Haven, Conn., was selected out of 80 superintendents nationwide. As part of the honor, he received a Club Car Carryall Turf 252 utility vehicle during an awards ceremony held in Anaheim at the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show.
Kathleen Harley has been hired as the regional sales representative supporting Northern California for Rain Master Inc., manufacturer and designer of irrigation controllers and other products. Harley’s responsibilities include promoting and facilitating sales with specifiers, municipals, contractors and distributors while also providing technical customer support and training for all product lines. She previously worked as a drip specifications manager for Rain Bird Corp.
David Behrmann is the new global marketing manager for Rain Bird Corp.’s golf business unit. Behrmann will develop strategic and operational direction for the golf division and establish marketing activities for the company’s brands. He previously worked with Intel Corp.
Golf briefs
Sunday River Golf Resort near Bethel, Maine, was named one of the top 10 new courses in 2006 by Golf Digest magazine. Owned and operated by Harris Golf Group, Sunday River is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design on a 350-acre site across the Sunday River Valley. A 7,130-yard, par-72 course, Sunday River also includes a driving range, a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse and 57 housing lots. David D’Andrea, a 15-year Class A GCSAA member, is superintendent.
Several of Nicklaus Design’s golf courses received accolades recently, including its Sarasota, Fla.-based The Concession, which was named the Best New Private Course in America by Golf Digest in the magazine’s 2006 Best New Courses listing. The Concession also made Travel & Leisure Golf’s list of America’s Top 100 Golf Communities. The Nicklaus-designed May River GC at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C., took the No. 2 spot in Travel & Leisure Golf’s honors.
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